You know who always has the BEST costumes at Halloween? Cosplay kids. In case you're not familiar, Cosplay is a kind of role-playing subculture in which people dress up like certain characters. It's short for "costume play," in fact. Comic book characters, superheroes, anime, and manga characters feature prominently. You'll see them at Comic-Con and at your local botanic garden's annual cherry blossom festival (because Japan?).
I know if my much-cooler son were reading this he would be rolling his eyes right now and reminding me that Cosplay costumes aren't Halloween costumes. But that doesn't mean we can't take some inspiration from them, right? Here are 10 amazing Cosplay costumes moms might actually wear. Look below and then tell us:
What costume would YOU wear?
Image via © Gavin Hellier/JAI/Corbis
Mystique from X-Men
Move over, Jennifer Lawrence! Here comes the real Mystique from the movie X-Men — YOU! All you need is this costume and a whole lot of blue body paint. (Mystique costume, $140 from Rakuten)
Totoro
Ooh, it's the adorable giant rabbit-like creature Totoro from one of my favorite children's movies, Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. He's a sweet, gentle giant. This is worth the investment because after Halloween you can wear it as pajamas. This is a thing I am doing. (Totoro pajamas, $20 from Amazon, or there's this Totoro cape.)
Princess Peach From 'Super Mario'
If you're familiar with Nintendo's Super Mario games you know who Princess Peach is. You'll want to accessorize with a blond wig, wee golden crown, and a pink parasol. (Princess Peach costume, $115 from Bonanza)
More from The Stir: 8 Sexy Halloween Costumes for Moms That Won't Embarrass the Kids
Meetso the Uglydoll
I have to wade through a 3-foot snowdrift of Ugly Dolls to get through my son's bedroom. You, too? Well, if you can't beat them, join them by impersonating your child's favorite plushie. Creepy! I think this is supposed to be Meetso. (Ugly Doll costume, $10 from Party City.)
Maka Albarn From 'Soul Eater'
I only know about the manga series Soul Eater because of my kid. Maka is the main femal protagonis, and does magic or something. It's complicated. Anyway, you will need to wear your hair in grey pigtails and you'll have to figure out those big, chunky boots. But basically it's a frock coat over a Catholic school girl uniform. (Maka costume, $61 from Azure.)
Effie Trinket From 'Hunger Games'
Everyone else is going as Katniss Everdeen. And let's face it, you're not a bow-and-arrow kind of gal anyway. Do this instead! Effie Trinket from the first reapening. Also, if you wear this to the next PTA meeting you will DOMINATE. Just saying. (Effie Trinket costume, $136 from Sky Costume)
Daenerys From 'Game of Thrones'
Oh here's familiar territory: Daenerys from Game of Thrones. You don't have to get naked to be one of your favorite characters from the HBO series. Here is a nice blue dress suitable to wear in public in front of children. (I'm KIDDING, I know the female characters are fully dressed, like, almost most of the time.) Just add a long, white-blond wig and a horn necklace. (Daenerys blue dress, $160 from Etsy)
Toothless Dragon from 'How to Train Your Dragon'
Dragons are very Cosplay. I think? Anyway, this particular dragon from the movie How to Train Your Dragon — sequel out now! — is especially cute. Those eyes, right? But at this price you may want to try making your own. (Toothless dragon costume, $245 from Etsy)
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is (kinda sorta) an incarnation of the manga character Princess Serenity. And that is totally you, right? That's what I thought! You will also need this $30 yellow wig. It's essential. (Sailor Moon costume, $110 from Milanoo)
Wonder Woman
Is it still Cosplay if it's not skimpy? I don't know. But I found the ONE non-T&A Wonder Woman costume that won't leave you feeling over-exposed. (Wonder Woman costume, $20 from Costume Express)
