Creating Your Own Classic Lara Croft Halloween Costume

Guest blogger Sara from laracroftcosplay.com returns with help building the perfect Lara Croft costume. 

Halloween is upon us once again, and you're wondering what you will get dressed as. Or maybe you already have an idea. But whatever it is, it can't be as cool as the Tomb Raider herself: Lara Croft!

You might think that getting the outfit together is difficult but I assure you, it's not....

This is your list for the standard classic Lara croft costume, which according to our statistics is the most cosplayed costume of hers:

• Green sleeveless shirt: Go to thrift stores and eBay.com to find that shirt. If it has sleeves, it's OK. Just cut them off. If you don't know how, ask mommy or someone who can do it.
• Brown backpack: This is a bit tricky if you want to be accurate. Most first-time cosplayers just use any old backpack and it's enough, but if you want to be accurate, you can do what I'm doing. I am using a cardboard box that's 12 x 16 x 5 inches and covering it with brown leather, and making the rest of the accessories like the clasps. But that's not really necessary if it's just for Halloween.
• Black round glasses (optional): Can be found at many local stores. If not don't bother. It is not mandatory, as Lara doesn't wear them the entire game.
• Black gloves: These are extremely easy to find, just look at this eBay link.
• Brown short shorts: If you find shorts great! if they're pants, cut them and hem them. You might even find an old pair of pants you don't really need anymore that would be perfect!
• Metallic grey guns: Every country has its own rules about guns, so if you can have Airsoft guns and it's alright with local law go to speedytoys.com (highly recommended by laracroftcosplay.com). If not, do what I did when used to live in England: I spray painted toy guns and that was enough to do the trick.
• Classic belt and holsters: There is a very detailed tutorial on how to make all Tomb Raider holsters on laracroftcosplay.com in the "how to make" section.
• Brown boots with red laces: Use your own if you have brown lace-up boots and get red laces. If you don't have any brown boots, be resourceful, try to borrow them, if no luck you can go to local thrift stores where they are very cheap.
• Thick white socks: Just regular socks will be fine, but make sure they are long enough to show above the boots.
• Clip-on braid (if your hair is short): eBay, local wig shop, practically can be found anywhere.

Get started with a reference photo—like the picture of Lara model Rhona Mitra above—and have fun!

One last note: If you're just starting to assemble your costume and plan on shopping on the web, be sure to check delivery times before ordering to make sure everything will arrive in time. Most sellers offer expedited shipping for Halloween, but it may cost extra.

Hopefully this was helpful to all of you aspiring tomb raider cosplayers. If you need more detailed help and tutorials—or if you want help making another Lara Croft outfit, like the new 'Survivor' version—you can go to laracroftcosplay.com or tombraidercosplay.net. Have a very Happy Halloween!