Lara Croft and Indiana Jones are one of the easiest duos I style, because both characters are built from real clothing rather than spandex and foam. Lara is a fitted tank, cargo bottoms, boots, a belt and that long braid. Indy is a fedora, a khaki shirt, a brown leather jacket and a canvas satchel. Put the two side by side and the shared earth tones tie you together while the hat and the braid keep you apart. Nearly everything can come from a closet or a thrift rack, so the 30 versions below range from screen-classic to thrifted, kid-sized, rain-proof and office-safe.
The Hat and the Braid Do Most of the Work
When people tell me their Indy looks like a party guest in a hat, the problem is nearly always the fedora. Cheap costume fedoras come with a flat, stiff brim and a perfectly round crown. I hold the hat over steam from a kettle for a few seconds, then pinch the front of the crown with my fingers and turn the front of the brim down and the back up. Let it cool in that shape. It instantly looks lived in, and it sits lower on the head the way his does.
Lara's braid is the other half of the pair. If your own hair is long enough, a single tight braid finished with a clear elastic and a little hairspray will hold all night. If not, a clip-in braid extension is easier than a full wig and far cooler on the head.
- Clip the extension under a small ponytail of your own hair so the join hides.
- Wrap a thin strip of hair around the base and pin it to cover the clip.
- Synthetic braids frizz near heat, so keep them away from curling tongs and candles.
- Tuck the end of the braid into a jacket or bag strap if you'll be in a crowd; it swings and catches.
1. Classic Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
This is the pairing most people picture, so I keep it close to the source. Lara gets a teal fitted tank, brown high-waisted shorts, a black utility belt, fingerless gloves and lace-up combat boots, plus a long brown braid and a small canvas backpack. Indy wears a light khaki safari shirt, brown trousers, a worn leather-look jacket, dark brown boots, a wide-brim brown fedora and a satchel with a rolled map sticking out. I dust both outfits lightly with a matte brown powder so they look like they came off a dig. The teal is doing a lot of work here: it is the one colour that stops Lara from blending into Indy's browns.
2. Jungle Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Jungle versions are where I push lighter fabrics, because people wearing them are usually somewhere warm and crowded. Lara wears an olive ribbed tank, dark brown cargo shorts, a webbed belt, crew socks and breathable hiking boots, with a sleek braid and a little faux dirt across the cheekbones over bronzed makeup. Indy swaps to a short-sleeve tan field shirt and lightweight khaki trousers, keeps the fedora and adds a canvas crossbody, a compass, binoculars and a folded map. Roll both sets of sleeves and don't iron anything. A crisp crease is the fastest way to make an explorer look like he has never left the house.
3. Desert Temple Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
For a desert-temple look I take the whole palette toward sand. Lara wears a cream fitted tank, tan cargo pants, a brown belt, fingerless gloves and sand-coloured boots, and I wrap a few leather-look cords around her braid for texture. Warm bronze makeup and a weathered canvas backpack finish her side. Indy goes pale beige shirt, stone trousers, dark brown boots, fedora and a light brown jacket, carrying a satchel, canteen, map case and a battered notebook. I brush washable tan costume powder onto knees, cuffs and boot toes, the places real dust collects. The one thing to watch: with this much cream and tan, give each person one darker anchor piece or you'll read as matching uniforms.
4. Winter Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
If the night is cold, I build the costume on real insulation and let the character pieces sit on top. Lara wears a burgundy thermal under a brown shearling-look jacket, fitted cargo pants, thick gloves and fur-trimmed hiking boots, with a practical braid and a bit of rosy colour on the cheeks. Indy layers a tan field shirt under a brown sweater and his leather-look jacket, then wool trousers, weatherproof boots and a felt fedora, with a satchel, scarf, journal and a vintage-style torch. Thermal leggings and a base layer go under everything. Neither character looks wrong in a heavy jacket, which makes this duo a gift for outdoor trick-or-treating.
5. Rainforest Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Rainforest means darker greens and fabrics that look like they've been damp for a week. Lara wears a forest green tank, black cargo pants, a slim utility belt, fingerless gloves and boots you don't mind getting muddy, with a textured braid and waterproof makeup that has a sun-touched finish. Indy goes olive safari shirt, brown field pants, a light jacket and dark trail boots. I'd pick a soft, slightly crushed fedora for him here rather than a stiff one. Tie a few faux vines loosely to both backpacks, never glue them, because they snag in doorways and you'll want to pull them off by midnight.
6. Tomb Explorer Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Charcoal and stone grey give you an underground, tomb-crawling mood without anything gory. Lara wears a charcoal tank, olive cargo pants, a brown utility harness and black combat boots, with taupe eye makeup, fingerless gloves and a torch clipped to her belt. Indy dresses in a sand safari shirt, dark brown trousers, a distressed jacket, fedora and lace-up boots, carrying a satchel, rolled map, notebook and a light faux relic. Grey and tan powder dusted over both outfits ties them together. I'd use battery lanterns rather than anything with a flame, and stand against a stone wall or brick if you want photos that look like a set.
7. Professor Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
The scholarly take is my go-to for offices, classrooms and indoor parties where cargo shorts feel wrong. Lara wears a fitted cream blouse tucked into high-waisted brown trousers, a tailored vest, loafers and a slim belt, with a neat braid, round glasses and an archaeology notebook. Indy is in lecture-hall mode: pale button-down, brown tweed jacket, pleated trousers, lace-up shoes and the fedora. Fill his satchel with rolled maps so it sits full and slightly heavy, which looks far more convincing than a flat empty bag. A compass necklace on Lara and lightly worn cuffs on Indy hint that both are ready to walk out of class onto a dig.
8. Retro Video Game Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
The retro game version is about colour blocking, not realism. Lara wears a bright turquoise tank, high-waisted brown shorts, a wide belt, white crew socks and chunky brown boots, with an exaggerated braid made from a long brown extension and sharp, angular makeup. Square cardboard accessories nod to those blocky early graphics. Indy keeps his usual tan shirt, brown trousers, jacket, fedora, satchel and boots, but carries a pixel-style paper map or a blocky foam relic. Skip the weathering entirely here. Clean flat colour is what sells the old-school look, and dirt makes it read as a regular Lara instead.
9. Survivor Lara Croft And Weathered Indiana Jones Costume
A survival-themed pair should look like it has had a rough week, but only lightly. Lara wears a grey fitted tank, dark olive cargo pants, a burgundy zip hoodie, fingerless gloves and brown hiking boots, with a loose ponytail instead of a tidy braid and smudged brown makeup. A compact backpack with rope and a torch strapped on finishes her. Indy gets a rumpled khaki shirt, dark field trousers, a weathered brown jacket, lace-up boots and a battered fedora, plus a worn satchel, journal and compass. I fray edges with a little sandpaper on seams and cuffs, never in the middle of a panel, so the clothes look used rather than torn.
10. Modern Tactical Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Modern tactical is the version I suggest for people who'll be on their feet all day at a convention. Lara wears a black performance top, olive cargo pants, a streamlined utility vest, knee pads, fingerless gloves and black hiking boots, with a high braided ponytail, matte makeup, a compact backpack and a clipped torch. Indy trades cotton for a moisture-wicking tan field shirt, technical brown trousers, a light bomber and trail boots. Keep his fedora and canvas satchel no matter what else changes, because without them he's just a man in hiking gear. A digital watch, canteen and weatherproof notebook add the update without losing him.
11. Black Tactical Lara Croft And Temple Indiana Jones Costume
Putting Lara in black and Indy in warm browns gives you the strongest contrast on this list. She wears a black racerback tank, fitted cargo pants, a utility belt, wrist guards and lace-up combat boots, with a sleek dark braid, smoky brown eyes and a small black backpack. He wears a tan button-down, dark brown trousers, a vintage-style leather-look jacket, fedora and rugged boots, with a worn satchel, notebook, compass and a rolled temple map. I match the metal hardware on both belts and bags, bronze on both, which is a quiet way to say you belong together. Full-length trousers on both also help on a cold night or at a venue with modest dress rules.
12. Croft Manor Lara And Professor Indiana Jones Costume
Picture both of them in a private library before the trip, and dress accordingly. Lara wears a fitted white blouse, chocolate brown riding pants, a tailored olive vest and knee-high flat boots, with a polished braid, small stud earrings and a leather-look document case. Indy wears a cream shirt, brown tweed blazer, pleated trousers and oxfords, carrying the fedora in one hand rather than wearing it indoors, plus round glasses, a satchel and rolled maps. An old hardback or a faux museum catalogue gives each of you something to hold. This is the version I'd send to a dressier party where boots and dust would feel out of place.
13. Evening Lara Croft And White Jacket Indiana Jones Costume
For a formal evening, I keep one signature piece per character and let the rest be eveningwear. Lara wears a long black sleeveless dress with a high neckline, flat ankle boots, a slim belt with a utility feel and a small structured bag, with her braid smooth and glossy and a compass pendant at the neck. Indy wears a white dinner jacket over a light shirt, black trousers, polished brown shoes and a burgundy bow tie, with the fedora carried or set on the table and a satchel and folded map nearby. Flat boots under a long dress matter more than you'd think on a long reception night. It reads as cinematic without tipping into fancy dress.
14. Young Adventurer Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Younger adventurers usually want something they can throw on and move in. Lara wears a turquoise baby tee, brown cargo shorts, tall socks, trail sneakers and a small belt bag, with a high braided ponytail, fresh minimal makeup and a few washable dirt smudges. Indy wears a short-sleeve khaki shirt, brown chinos, lace-up boots and a lightweight bomber, plus the fedora, a crossbody canvas bag, a notebook and a colourful trail map. Roll the sleeves and keep the canvas textures, and nobody will think you bought it in a bag. I find teens and college students like this one because it costs very little and nothing on it looks like a costume shop.
15. Gender-Swapped Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Swapping the characters works best when each person keeps the signature colours and dresses for their own body. A man playing Lara can wear a fitted teal athletic top, brown cargo shorts or trousers, a utility belt, hiking boots, fingerless gloves and a braided brown wig or a clip-in braid. A woman playing Indy can wear a khaki safari shirt, high-waisted brown trousers, a cropped leather-look jacket, lace-up boots and a wide-brim fedora. Give Lara the backpack and torch and Indy the satchel, map and field journal. Dusty, natural makeup suits both. I'd keep the fit honest rather than exaggerated: the braid and the hat already tell the joke, and the costume looks smarter for it.
16. Plus Size Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
In extended sizes, stretch and adjustability matter more than any single costume piece. Lara wears a teal moisture-wicking tank or tee, brown cargo pants, an adjustable utility belt, fingerless gloves and wide-fit hiking boots, with a long braid, bronzed makeup and a backpack with padded straps. Indy wears a relaxed khaki field shirt, stretch-waist brown trousers, a roomy faux-leather jacket, wide-fit boots and an adjustable fedora, plus a long-strap satchel, notebook, compass and map. I steer people away from stiff packaged costume fabric here, because it traps heat and pulls across the shoulders when you raise an arm. Breathable separates that skim the body look more like the characters anyway.
17. Maternity Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
For a pregnant Lara, the rule I follow is simple: nothing should press on the waist. Choose a stretchy teal maternity tank with soft brown cargo joggers or black leggings, an open lightweight utility vest and supportive ankle boots. Wear a loose accessory belt above or below the bump only if it feels fine after twenty minutes, not just in the mirror. Add a side braid and natural makeup, and let the Indy partner carry the backpack. He wears his tan shirt, brown trousers, jacket, boots, fedora and satchel. Keep props to light maps and notebooks, and choose flat, stable boots, since a long night of standing for photos is harder than it sounds.
18. Kids Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
For kids, I build this pairing from soft clothes they'll actually keep on. Young Lara wears a turquoise T-shirt, brown pull-on shorts or joggers, a fabric utility belt, crew socks and comfortable sneakers, with a braided ponytail, washable face makeup and a small backpack. Young Indy wears a tan button-down, soft brown trousers, a light jacket, sneakers or boots and a flexible foam fedora that won't hurt if it gets sat on. A canvas pouch, a drawn map and a toy compass finish him. Leave off tiny detachable pieces and heavy bags. A strip of reflective tape inside a bag flap or on the heel of each shoe helps drivers see them after dark.
19. Teen Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Teens usually want a costume that looks cool first and in character second, and this pair allows both. Lara wears a fitted teal tee, high-waisted cargo pants, a web belt, fingerless gloves and platform hiking boots or trail sneakers, with a long braid, soft brown eyeliner and a smudge of washable dirt. Indy pairs a khaki overshirt over a plain tee with straight-leg brown trousers, a faux-leather jacket and rugged sneakers, plus the fedora, a canvas messenger bag, compass and map. Slip plain canvas sleeves over water bottles so they don't break the look. The proportions feel current, and the colours still say exactly who you are.
20. Last-Minute Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
With an hour to go, I stop thinking about outfits and think about three things: colour, shape and two props each. Lara is a teal tank or fitted tee with brown shorts, black leggings or cargo pants, a belt, boots and a fast braided ponytail. Cut the fingertips off cheap knit gloves and you have hers. Indy is a beige button-down, brown trousers, any dark jacket and brown shoes, plus a thrifted fedora and a plain crossbody bag. Crumple clean brown paper, flatten it, and draw a route in marker for a map. A brush of matte bronzer gives you the dirt. No sewing, and it all goes back in the wardrobe afterwards.
21. Thrift Store Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Thrift racks are full of explorer clothes if you know which sections to search. For Lara, look for a teal or olive tank, brown utility shorts or cargo trousers, a woven belt, a small backpack and boots that are already broken in. Old knit gloves become fingerless gloves, and the braid can be your own hair or a cheap extension. For Indy, go through the men's button-down rack for a tan shirt with chest pockets, then find brown trousers, a faux-leather jacket, a fedora, boots and a canvas messenger bag. Wash everything before you wear it. Keep the palette strict and mismatched secondhand pieces start to look deliberate, which is the whole trick.
22. Budget Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
On a tight budget, I spend only on the pieces that identify the character and borrow the rest. Lara's base is a teal athletic top, brown shorts or trousers and boots you already own, with a basic belt carrying small fabric pouches, fingerless gloves cut from old black gloves and a braided ponytail. Indy needs a tan shirt, brown trousers, a dark jacket and sturdy shoes. If the fedora is your one purchase, steam a cheap costume hat over a kettle and pinch the crown with your fingers so it stops looking brand new. A plain messenger bag stands in for the satchel. Matte brown makeup rubbed into the same spots on both outfits makes ordinary clothes look like one expedition's kit.
23. No-Sew Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
You can skip sewing completely with belts, clips, fabric tape and safety pins. Lara wears a turquoise tank, brown cargo shorts with bike shorts underneath, a webbed belt, fingerless gloves and combat boots. Clip small zip pouches onto the belt and pin loose straps from the inside so nothing flaps. A braided wig or ponytail extension and simple bronzed makeup finish her. Indy wears a khaki work shirt, brown chinos, a faux-leather jacket, fedora and boots, and a canvas messenger bag becomes his satchel once you hang a couple of luggage tags from it. Fabric tape holds a stray hem for an evening but tends to let go after a wash, so treat it as temporary.
24. Warm Weather Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Hot climates and packed indoor parties call for the lightest version you can get away with. Lara wears a light turquoise athletic tank, relaxed brown cargo shorts, a ventilated belt bag, ankle socks and supportive trail sneakers, with a braid that keeps hair off the neck and sweat-resistant natural makeup. Indy wears a short-sleeve linen-blend field shirt, light brown trousers, breathable boots or walking shoes and a straw-look brown fedora. Leave his jacket at home or carry a thin one over a shoulder. I always tell people that the hat, the satchel and the braid carry the recognition, so the heavy layers are the first thing you can drop.
25. Cold Weather Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
This is the cold-weather version for people who actually plan to be outside for hours. Lara wears a burgundy thermal, olive insulated trousers, a brown shearling-style jacket, knit gloves and waterproof hiking boots, with her braid, a small backpack and a neutral scarf tucked close to the neck. Indy layers a tan flannel shirt under a brown sweater and leather-look coat, with lined trousers, wool socks, sturdy boots and a felt fedora. His satchel is a handy place for hand warmers. Keep makeup simple, because cold wind and a running nose undo anything elaborate. The brown outerwear links the two of you, while Lara's burgundy and Indy's hat keep you distinct.
26. Rainy Weather Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Rain is the one weather that ruins costumes fastest, so I plan for it rather than hope. Lara wears a teal performance top under an olive rain shell, dark cargo pants, water-resistant hiking boots and a waterproof waist pack, with her braid secured by several elastics and minimal waterproof makeup. Indy layers a tan shirt under a matte brown rain jacket, weatherproof trousers, trail boots and a water-resistant fedora. Line his satchel with a zip bag for phones. Laminated maps, a sealed notebook and battery lanterns survive a downpour where paper props turn to pulp. Darker hems hide the splashes and look weathered in the right way.
27. School-Friendly Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
For school, I keep both costumes modest, easy to sit in and free of anything that looks like a weapon. Lara wears a teal crew-neck T-shirt, brown cargo pants, a woven utility belt, sneakers and a small backpack, with a neat braid, light makeup if the school allows it and a paper compass badge. Indy wears a tan button-down, brown chinos, a cardigan or light jacket, comfortable shoes and a soft-brim fedora, plus a canvas book bag, a geography textbook, a field journal and a rolled map. Leave the holsters and the whip at home. Everyday clothes like these also suit spirit days and book events, and they can be worn again the next week.
28. Work-Friendly Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
At the office, explorer details sit on top of smart casual clothes. Lara wears an olive blouse tucked into tailored brown trousers, a slim belt with a utility feel, loafers or flat ankle boots and a structured canvas tote, with a clean braid, understated makeup and a small compass necklace. Indy wears a pale khaki shirt, brown dress trousers, a tweed blazer, oxfords and his fedora, with a professional messenger bag in place of the rugged satchel and a notebook and rolled paper under his arm. I'd keep fake dirt off work clothes entirely. You'll be recognised the moment you walk in together, which is half the fun of an office contest.
29. Glam Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Glam is where I let the materials shine but hold the colour story steady. Lara wears a fitted teal satin top, high-waisted brown faux-leather trousers, a structured utility belt, heeled combat boots and gold-toned cuffs, with a sleek extra-long braid, luminous bronze makeup and a polished mini backpack. Indy wears a crisp tan shirt, tailored chocolate trousers, a fitted brown jacket, polished boots and a well-shaped fedora, plus a satchel with clean leather-look trim and a gold-toned compass or map case. Faux leather trousers get hot under party lights, so I'd only pick them for a cooler room. Keep the gold to accents and you stay adventurous rather than flashy.
30. Vintage Adventure Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Costume
Lara's athletic shape next to Indy's old-fashioned expedition wardrobe makes a lovely vintage pairing. Lara wears a cream short-sleeve blouse, high-waisted brown shorts, suspenders, tall lace-up boots and a compact canvas backpack, with a long braid, matte neutral makeup, a neck scarf and an old-style field camera on a strap. Indy wears a khaki safari shirt, pleated brown trousers, a leather-look jacket, fedora and rugged boots, carrying a satchel, pocket notebook and a sepia-toned map. Slightly faded fabric helps a lot here; a pale khaki that has been through the wash many times looks far more period than a crisp new one. The shared colours connect you, and the hat and braid keep you separate.
Holsters, Whips and the Door Policy
Both characters are famous for gear that venues and schools tend to refuse: Lara's twin thigh holsters and Indy's bullwhip. I'd check the event's prop rules before building either. Many conventions and most schools ban realistic-looking weapons, and a coiled whip can be treated the same way.
My usual workaround is to keep the shape and lose the threat. An empty pair of thigh holsters, with no prop inside, still reads as Lara from across a room. For Indy, a coil of soft rope looped on the belt gives the outline of a whip without anything that cracks. If props are allowed, keep them light and bright enough that nobody mistakes them, and never point anything at another guest for a photo.
Dirt That Washes Out of a Borrowed Shirt
Weathering is what makes these two look like explorers rather than shoppers, but most people are wearing clothes they want back. I use matte brown eyeshadow or bronzer and a large fluffy brush, and I only put it where dust actually lands: knees, cuffs, the lower edge of a jacket, boot toes and the bottom of the satchel. Tap off the brush first, because a heavy hand leaves greasy streaks rather than dust.
- Test a small inside seam first, as some pale cottons hold onto pigment.
- Shake and brush the clothes outdoors the next morning before washing.
- Skip any powder with glitter or shimmer; it looks like party makeup, not dirt.
- Leave leather and suede alone, or use a dry brush only, because powders can stain them.
Two Explorers, One Dusty Palette
Every version on this list comes down to the same handful of pieces. Lara needs a teal or earth-toned top, practical cargo bottoms, boots and a braid. Indy needs a khaki shirt, brown trousers, a jacket, the fedora and a canvas satchel. Everything else, from tactical to glam, kids to maternity, is just adjusting those pieces for the weather, the venue and the people wearing them. If I were starting tonight, I'd find the hat and sort out the braid first, keep props light and family-friendly, and dirty both outfits in the same places so you look like you've just come back from the same dig.
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