Carbon Costume Movies
Melina Vostokoff from Black Widow
Mother figure or Red Room mentor, it can be hard to tell where Melina Vostokoff’s loyalties lie until the very end. Played by the enchanting Rachel Weisz, it’s hard not to like her even when you’re not sure if she has Natasha’s best interests at heart. It all works out in the end, of course. Widows, after all, have to stick together.
For Melina’s look you want to start with a long brown wig that can be braided using tutorials from YouTube. A costume rifle also gives you her weapon of choice. If you want to go with her widow look, you’ll want a white Widow Suit. For her home look, a black canvas jacket, black cargo pants, black boots, and a dark blue long sleeve shirt are great options that can also transition into other cosplays. The pet pig is, of course, optional.
Gawain from The Green Knight
Gawain and the Green Knight is a classic Arthurian tale. And like Arthur himself, the knights have been gaining new audiences as their tales are once again retold. Written for the screen by David Lowery and starring the incredible Dev Patel, the movie is billed as a fantasy retelling of an already fantastical tale. And one can only hope Gawain fares is well in the adaptation as in the original, green sash and all.
Gawain has a yellow cloak that can be reproduced with golden fabric, or a white capelet and Rit dye. Because this movie is stylized and not aimed at perfect historical accuracy, a set of fold-top leather boots (which are great in other cosplays) are also perfect for the costume, as well as a pair of black pants, a chain mail shirt, and a black tunic. A sword and scabbard can be slid into a a medieval belt and you’re ready for your own Arthurian adventure.
Merida from Wreck-It Ralph 2
In Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, Vanellope Von Schweetz encounters her fellow Disney princesses. Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly MacDonald) wears pajamas for the slumber party featuring flannel, a bear t-shirt that says “Mum,” and khaki shorts. The other princesses can hardly understand her Scottish accent! Additionally, the joke of her being from another studio references Pixar. You can find a guide for her dress here and for her mother, Queen Elinor, here.
Sherri “Cherry” Valance from The Outsiders
Sherri “Cherry” Valance (played by Diane Lane) is a character in the film The Outsiders, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Unlike Ponyboy and Two-Bit, who are Greasers, Cherry is an extremely popular girl and a member of the Socs, though she is much nicer than many of her peers. Cherry has long, red hair and her clothing appeals to her social status, with clean lines and preppy colors.
Queen Elsa from Wreck-It Ralph 2
In Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, Vanellope Von Schweetz encounters her fellow Disney princesses. Queen Elsa (voiced by Indina Menzel) wears pajamas for the slumber party with a “Just Let It Go” fleece and sparkly leggings. Pair this casual outfit with a strawberry milkshake as seen here. You can find her classic snow dress here, and the comfy outfit her sister, Anna, here.
Princess Aurora from Wreck-It Ralph 2
In Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, Vanellope Von Schweetz encounters her fellow Disney princesses. Princess Aurora (voiced by Kate Higgins) wears pajamas for the slumber party with a “Nap Queen” fleece, a white tank top, and leggings. Pair this casual outfit with a can of Sprite, and be sure to stay awake! You can find guides for her peasant dress here and her formal dress here.
Tammy Faye Bakker from The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Tammy Faye Bakker (played by Jessica Chastain) is the infamous wife of Jim Bakker in the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye. The film follows the rise and fall of the controversial couple from young children’s show hosts to rich and powerful televangelists. Tammy Faye’s costuming throughout the film offers an array of options, whether portraying her younger self with chic ’60s style or the more commonly known version with bright blue eye shadow, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces to recreate her looks. For instance, layering a puff-sleeved blouse over a camisole and combining it with a skirt can help evoke the same look of Tammy’s white brocade dress, which can be hard to duplicate.
Nina Rosario from In the Heights
Nina Rosario (Leslie Grace) is a character in the movie musical, In The Heights. An adventurous and intelligent girl, she is the first in her family to attend college, namely Stanford University. Everyone in the barrio cheers her on, as she “made it out.” But when Nina returns for the summer, she announces she dropped out. Her solo, “Breathe,” is about her struggle to tell the truth, because she feels like a failure. She becomes frustrated with her father’s overprotective nature and his refusal to accept Benny as her lover.
Piragua Guy from In The Heights
Piragua Guy or Piragüero is a character in the movie musical, In The Heights. He sells colorful shaved ice (piragua) to children in the barrio. He’s portrayed by none other than Lin Manuel-Miranda, who both wrote the musical and originated the role of Usnavi on Broadway. The song “Piragua” was going to be cut from the movie adaptation until Lin stepped in to play the role. His competition is the Mister Softee truck, where Christopher Jackson, who originated the role of Benny, as well as George Washington in Hamilton, portrays the ice cream man.
Benny from In The Heights
Benny (Corey Hawkins) is a character in the movie musical, In The Heights. He works at the dispatch for Kevin Rosario’s taxi service, and falls in love with his daughter, Nina. His friends include Usnavi and Sonny. One day, Benny dreams of opening his own business. He is the only person in the movie who does not speak Spanish. Fun Fact: Christopher Jackson, who made a cameo as the ice cream man, played Benny in the original Broadway musical.
