The Devil is in the Details

The amount of detail that goes into a characters costume varies from player to player.  Some will wear the same outfit over and over again no matter what character they're playing while others will have a single identifying prop to help distinguish between them.  I fall on the other end of the spectrum, among those players who incorporate details into a costume even though they may go largely unnoticed.  Part of it is simply the fun of pulling a costume together, but also, at least for me, it helps bring a character to life making it easier to slip into their personality for a game.

The Clothes:
Just like in everyday life clothes are what help us make our first impression.  Slacks and a nice blouse are great for a job interview, they convey a professional and well-maintained appearance but you wouldn't necessarily wear the same outfit when you went out with friends.  This is no different in the game setting.  If you have a character that is supposed to be an extremely serious and shrewd business man then you're not likely to be taken seriously if you show up in ripped up jeans and a cut up t-shirt even if you have a pin that says "Armani Suit" clipped to you.  Now, I wouldn't expect someone to actually buy an Armani suit to wear for a fictional character.  I would think most of us don't have the money...also it's a fictional character.  But it's a lot easier to suspend disbelief if you're wearing slacks and a button up shirt versus cargo shorts and a hoodie.

So how do you figure out what look will work for a character?  Start with the basics.  For the most part every character is built off a starting concept.  Are you playing a business man, party girl, artist?  Do they have money or are they just scraping by? This should give you a good template to begin building your character.  If you're character is from another time then consider the fashion sensibilities were back then.  A lady from the Victorian era is likely to be more conservative than one from the 20s.  Google and Wikipedia are both great resources for light historical research.  If you have a particular character inspiration search images on Google or browse DeviantArt.  Pinterest is also a great place to get ideas for outfits.  Most importantly, look in your own closet.  If you do have to buy something check out Ross, Goodwill or clearance sections at department stores.  Even one piece can be enough to make a character.

The Makeup:
Makeup is one of my favorite things about getting into character.  There is so much you can do with it and how you use it can completely transform the way you look.  This can certainly be considered one of the more subtle ways to add to the overall look of a character.  The color/angle of the blush you wear or the heaviness of the eyeliner can all make a huge difference.  You can go simple creating a natural look, dark and more drastic for a sultry affect or even fantastic for a unique and otherworldly image.  Take a look at these examples:

                                 Doe Deere

As you can see each of these is a startling contrast to the next.  Even with every day make-up items you can create unique looks that can really add a whole new dimension to your character.  My approach to make-up has always been lighthearted.  I hardly ever wear it on a daily basis and even when I do it's because I think it's fun.  It's just so versatile!

And it's not just your face.  You can even add darling little details to your nails.  For instance I just got myself a set of Bundle Monster nail plates.  They let you stamp images onto your fingernails for a bit of added flair.  I got this particular set because they had a snakeskin pattern which is just so perfect for my Setite that I couldn't pass it up.  I also see myself using them for the everyday.  Take a look-see!

 

 And guys don't think you're excluded.  Make-up can be used to create hollow cheeks and eyes, more rigid facial features, etc.

The Hair:

I've always found hair to be a little challenging.  Local games are held at a myriad of places and sometimes it's hard, even impossible, to be able to curl/flatten/up-do your hair.  Still that doesn't mean that you shouldn't take your hair into consideration.  If you're wearing a sharp and professional out-fit then loose, tousled hair can really hurt the effect.  Instead pull your hair up into a simple pony-tail or even of twist or a bun.  These are great ways to wear your hair that don't take much time or effort but will still help maintain the look your trying to create.  Pinterest.com also has some great tutorials on simple yet elegant looks.   

Another option: wigs.  I love wigs.  They allow you to do different hair colors, lengths and styles without actually having to do anything to your own hair.  It also makes things a lot more simple when you're at an event where you may be playing 2 or 3 characters a day.  They are also great for helping distinguish between characters.  For the most part you can find a decent wig for between $30-50 dollars.  You can do anything from a "normal" hairstyle like short brown hair or blonde curls, to something funky like baby pink dreadlocks or a blue bob.  Look for a local wig shop in your area.  You should be able to try on a few styles.  I've also shopped www.lightinthebox.com.

Jewelry:
Jewelry can be expensive, even just costume jewelry.  To start I usually chose a specific piece for a character.  Maybe your character keeps a picture of her dead husband in a locket, or that ring your businessman wears is actually an occult relic.  It's easy to create a story for where a piece comes from and it is great for adding depth to a character.  Who knows, maybe some one will even ask you about it!