Stranger Things is a gift for anyone styling a costume on a budget, because almost every character dresses like a real 1980s teenager or parent. Plaid shirts, corduroy, track jackets, tube socks and big hair carry most of these looks, and the thrift rack is full of all of them. I'd never chase a screen-perfect replica here. Get the colours right, get the hair right, add the right shoes and one prop, and people will name the character before you say a word. Below are thirty versions, from Eleven's pink dress to Eddie's metalhead layers, with what I'd actually do to build each one.
Building Hawkins From a Thrift Store Rack
Most of these costumes are sitting in a secondhand shop right now, just not labelled as costumes. When I shop for a Stranger Things group, I go in with a colour list for each character instead of a shopping list, because a rust corduroy jacket or a mustard plaid shirt is easier to spot by colour than by style.
- Check the men's section for oversized shirts, track jackets and corduroy. Sizes ran bigger in that decade, and a loose fit looks more period than a modern slim cut.
- Look for natural fibres first. Cotton and wool flannel breathe in a warm room, and polyester shirts can feel sticky after a few hours.
- Turn every jacket inside out. Broken zips and torn linings are the usual reasons something ends up on the rack, and a zip is fiddly to replace.
- Buy tube socks and high-tops new. Old sneakers often have hard, cracked soles that hurt after an hour of standing.
Wash everything before you wear it, and press the collars. A crisp collar on a tired old shirt is often the difference between looking like a costume and looking like someone who found a shirt in a bin.
1. Eleven Pink Dress Cosplay
This is the Eleven most people picture, so it reads fast in a crowd. Look for a pale pink knee-length dress with a rounded white collar; if the collar is missing, a white Peter Pan collar cut from cotton and tacked on with a few hand stitches does the job. The navy bomber over the top is what sells it, so don't skip it. Striped tube socks and white sneakers go underneath, with a short brown wig or a close crop. I keep the face bare apart from brushed brows. The little red mark under the nose is optional, and I leave it off for school events. Carry an empty waffle box rather than real waffles, which go soggy and greasy within an hour.
2. Eleven Punk Makeover Cosplay
Eleven's punk phase is all about the eyes, so I spend my time there and keep the clothes plain. A fitted black top, a black or charcoal jacket, slim black trousers and lace-up boots make the base. Add a wide belt and a couple of bracelets, then stop. The wig gets slicked back with gel or a strong pomade, and you want it rough at the crown rather than neat. Smudge dark grey shadow all round the eye with black liner on top, and set it with a little powder so it doesn't slide by midnight. The outstretched-hand pose does the rest of the work in photos, which means you don't need a single prop.
3. Eleven Starcourt Romper Cosplay
The Starcourt romper is a warm-weather costume, and it's the one I'd suggest for an indoor party rather than a cold street. Hunt for a short-sleeve romper in a busy geometric print with yellow, teal, pink and black in it. If you can't find one, a patterned shirt and matching shorts in the same print give the same effect from a few feet away. White crew socks and white sneakers keep it simple. A shoulder-length brown wig with loose waves and a side part matches the later Eleven. Pink blush and a bit of blue shadow nod to the decade without turning it into a full makeup look. A bright shopping bag is the easiest prop to carry all night.
4. Eleven Lab Outfit Cosplay
The lab look is the cheapest Eleven to put together, and it's honestly a smart pick for someone who hates fussing with a costume. An oversized cream or pale grey T-shirt dress that hits around the knee is the whole outfit, with shorts underneath for coverage. Plain white ankle socks and slip-on canvas shoes finish the base. The very short hair is what makes it read; a buzz-cut wig or a wig cap with a thin layer of brown hair works if you'd rather not cut your own. Skin stays almost bare. A clipboard or a card printed with an ID number is all the prop you need, and a grey sweatshirt can go over it when the evening gets cold.
5. Eleven Training Outfit Cosplay
I like this later training look because it's the warmest Eleven on the list. A light sweatshirt goes over relaxed grey sweatpants, and the red athletic shorts pulled over the sweatpants are the detail that makes people do a double take. It feels odd to wear shorts over trousers, so choose shorts a size up so they don't dig in. White crew socks and high-tops with a little red or blue trim suit it. A wavy shoulder-length brown wig and fresh skin keep the focus on the layers. A digital watch and a water bottle are practical props you'll actually use. Roll the sleeves once so the bulk doesn't bunch at your wrists.
6. Max Blue Jacket Cosplay
Max's blue track jacket is easy to find secondhand, and it's the anchor of the whole costume. Wear it zipped halfway over a grey or white tee, with dark jeans and sneakers in red, white or navy. Red hair is the hard part. A long red wig with a centre part is my usual answer, because washable copper spray tends to rub onto collars and pillowcases. Draw freckles with a brown brow pencil, then tap them with a fingertip so they look like skin rather than dots. The cassette player and headphones matter more than anything else, and an old non-working player is fine. Bring the skateboard only if the venue allows it.
7. Max Arcade Cosplay
Early-season Max is built around a striped tee in orange, yellow, green and brown, and that stripe pattern is worth hunting for because it carries the costume. Put a rust or red track jacket over it, straight-leg jeans underneath and low-top sneakers on your feet. The copper-red wig should have a centre part and slightly feathered ends; a few minutes with a round brush and a cool hairdryer setting gets synthetic fibre to flick without melting. Freckles and brown mascara are enough makeup. Arcade tokens in a pouch or a homemade score card are lighter than a skateboard. On her own, Max is subtle, so she's at her best when the rest of the party shows up next to her.
8. Mike California Cosplay
Mike's California outfit is basically a real outfit, which is why I'd steer someone who feels awkward in costumes toward it. Find a pale button-front shirt with colourful vertical stripes and wear it open over a plain tee. Tan trousers or dark straight jeans and canvas sneakers go with it, plus a cheap digital watch. A shaggy black wig with long bangs does all the character work, so trim the fringe to your own eyebrow line before the night. Size up on the shirt for that loose 1980s fit. A folded letter or a small bunch of fake flowers points to the storyline without anything bulky to hold.
9. Dustin Camp Know Where Cosplay
Dustin falls apart without the cap, so I start there and build down. The green-and-yellow trucker cap over a curly brown wig is the whole silhouette; pin the wig to a wig cap at the temples so the hat doesn't push it off when you look down. A yellow camp tee or a green tee with a simple science emblem goes on top, over a long-sleeve shirt if it's cold. Khaki shorts or relaxed jeans with white socks and neutral sneakers keep it easy. Pencil in a few freckles. A toy walkie-talkie is the best prop, and a backpack with a couple of iron-on science patches gives your hands a rest.
10. Dustin Hellfire Club Cosplay
Later Dustin swaps the camp colours for the Hellfire Club, so the shirt carries this version. You want a white raglan with black three-quarter sleeves and a red fantasy graphic on the chest. If you're making your own, freezer-paper stencils and fabric paint give cleaner edges than iron-on transfers, which can crack after a wash. A red zip hoodie goes over it, with camouflage trousers and white or grey sneakers below. The curly wig returns, this time under a red, white and blue trucker cap. Foam dice or a binder labelled for a campaign are easy to carry, and a walkie-talkie on the belt adds one more clue.
11. Lucas Basketball Cosplay
Lucas in his basketball kit is breathable and simple, which matters if you'll be in a hot room. A white jersey with green-and-gold trim goes over a white tee, with matching knee-length shorts, tall white socks and vintage-style basketball shoes. Numbers are where people get stuck. I cut them from felt and baste them on so they come off afterwards, because felt glued to a polyester jersey tends to peel at the corners within a few hours. A short black wig in a neat shape and fresh skin keep it clean. A foam basketball or a green warm-up jacket over one shoulder, plus a wrist sweatband, finishes it.
12. Will Byers Season One Cosplay
Will is all about the bowl cut. Without it he's just a kid in plaid, so I put the budget into a smooth dark brown wig with rounded bangs and tuck the sides neatly behind the ears. The rest comes from any thrift rack: a plaid button-down in brown, green or mustard under a rust vest or light corduroy jacket, dark straight jeans and plain lace-up sneakers. Leave the face nearly bare, or use a slightly cool foundation if you want that pale look. A sketchbook filled with your own fantasy drawings is a lovely personal touch, and a walkie-talkie clipped at the waist ties him to the rest of the party.
13. Steve Scoops Ahoy Cosplay
The Scoops Ahoy uniform is one of the most fun costumes here, and it's lightweight enough for a crowded room. Find or sew a blue short-sleeve sailor-style top with a white chest panel, add a red necktie and navy shorts, then white crew socks and white sneakers. Steve's hair is the hard bit. Tease the roots of a thick brown wig at the front with a fine comb, then hold the swept-back shape with a light hairspray; heavy spray makes synthetic fibre look wet. The white sailor cap goes on last. An empty ice cream cup or a plastic scoop is far kinder to the carpet than real ice cream, and Robin next to you makes the joke land.
14. Steve Babysitter Cosplay
Babysitter Steve is a good costume if you'd rather wear your own clothes. A dark grey sweatshirt or fitted long-sleeve shirt goes under a medium-wash denim jacket, with slim jeans, a brown belt and neutral sneakers. The hair is high at the front and swept back, so give the wig the same teasing and light spray as the Scoops version. Strong brows and a little contour are plenty. I swap his famous weapon for a flashlight or a dish towel over the shoulder, which keeps it friendly for kids and venues. Work gloves stuffed into a back pocket add a small detail, and Dustin's cap and radio beside you completes the pair.
15. Robin Scoops Ahoy Cosplay
Robin wears the same sailor uniform as Steve, so the difference has to come from her hair and her attitude. The blue top with white panels, red trim and a red necktie goes with matching shorts, white crew socks and white low-tops. Her wig is short, softly curled and light brown with wispy bangs, and the sailor cap sits further back than his. Peach blush and brown mascara keep the face fresh. An order pad or a small whiteboard covered in made-up code symbols is a clever nod to her story. A cardstock name tag pinned to the chest helps strangers place her, and it's a five-minute job.
16. Robin Season Four Cosplay
Season four Robin is my favourite thrift-store costume on this list, because nearly every piece already exists on the rails. A striped or patterned button-front shirt goes under a tan utility jacket, with high-waisted pleated trousers in brown or khaki. White socks with burgundy loafers or lace-up shoes finish the outfit. The wig is short, wavy and a little messy at the bangs, so don't over-style it. Minimal makeup suits her. A big flashlight or a library notebook hints at the investigation scenes, and a narrow belt and simple watch keep the period shape. Put her next to Nancy, Steve and Eddie and the season-four group makes sense.
17. Eddie Munson Hellfire Cosplay
Eddie's Hellfire look depends on layers stacked in the right order. The white-and-black raglan with a red creature graphic goes first, then a black faux-leather jacket, and the light-wash denim vest goes over the jacket, not under it. That order is the detail people miss. Distressed black jeans, a chain clipped at the hip and worn white high-tops finish the base. The long curly wig needs volume, and finger-combing a curly synthetic wig keeps the curls defined, where a brush turns them into frizz. A bit of smudged liner and some silver-tone rings are enough. Foam dice or a red guitar prop are light, and a plastic chain is safer than metal in a crowd.
18. Eddie Upside Down Concert Cosplay
The concert version of Eddie trades the club shirt for a plain black graphic tee and puts the guitar in the middle of everything. A faded denim vest goes on top, with the faux-leather jacket only if the weather calls for it. Ripped black jeans, a soft studded-look belt and well-worn white high-tops keep the rocker feel. Let the curly wig frame your face and move. Blend charcoal shadow close to the lash line and powder the face so it stays matte under lights. A red foam or lightweight costume guitar on a wide strap is the prop; a thin strap cuts into the shoulder within an hour. Strike the onstage pose for photos.
19. Nancy Field Jacket Cosplay
Nancy's investigation outfit is the one I'd hand to someone who wants a costume they can wear again on a normal day. A striped blouse or plain button-front shirt goes under a fitted tan or olive jacket. High-waisted straight-leg jeans and a narrow brown belt give the 1980s shape, and sturdy ankle boots keep you comfortable on your feet. Her hair needs soft waves, side-swept bangs and a little lift at the crown; set the wig on a foam head overnight with a few large rollers if you can. Rosy blush and a berry lip suit her. A notebook, a folded map or a vintage-style camera keeps the focus on her reporting side rather than the fighting.
20. Jonathan Byers Photographer Cosplay
Jonathan is the easiest dark costume to thrift. Start with a neutral tee or a patterned button-front shirt, then add an oversized dark brown corduroy jacket, faded straight jeans and worn boots. Corduroy is easy to spot on a rail by feel alone, so shop with your hands. The shaggy dark brown wig should have long bangs falling across the forehead. A touch of cool grey-brown shadow under the eyes gives him that tired look; go easy, since it can tip into bruise territory fast. A vintage-style camera on a neck strap is his prop, and I'd tape the strap clasp so it can't open in a crowd. A messenger bag holds everything else.
21. Hopper Sheriff Cosplay
Hopper's sheriff uniform reads at a glance because people know the hat. A tan short-sleeve uniform shirt with brown pocket flaps and a generic sheriff-style patch goes with matching tan trousers, a dark brown belt and work boots. Add the wide-brim tan hat and aviator sunglasses. A short dark wig with greying sides and a trimmed costume beard give the early-season face; apply the beard with a skin-safe spirit gum or adhesive and test it on your arm the day before. A little contour along the jaw helps. Skip anything that looks like real police kit. A coffee cup or a toy radio is far more Hopper anyway.
22. Hopper Hawaiian Shirt Cosplay
The season three Hopper is a whole different costume, and it's easier because the shirt does the talking. Find a short-sleeve button-front with bold tropical leaves in pink, green, black and yellow. Light khaki trousers, a brown belt and brown loafers or work shoes go with it. A short dark wig, a thick costume mustache and tinted aviators complete his face. Don't pile on accessories; the print is loud enough. A wristwatch and a key ring are believable extras, and a paper cup or a folded mall map gives your hands something to hold. Pair him with Joyce and the duo explains itself.
23. Joyce Alphabet Wall Cosplay
Joyce's costume lives or dies on the alphabet wall prop, so that's where I'd spend the effort. Her clothes are simple: a red-and-navy striped tee or a checked shirt under an olive utility jacket, with straight jeans and brown sneakers. The short, tousled dark wig with wispy bangs is easy to style; rough it up with your fingers. Keep makeup light with a slightly pale base. For the prop, paint the letters on a lightweight foam board rather than cardboard, which bends after a few hours of handling, then tape a strand of battery fairy lights around the edge. Hold the board instead of wearing the lights. A toy phone receiver adds a second clue for photos.
24. Barb Pool Party Cosplay
Barb is a modest, cosy costume that suits school events and office parties without any adjustment. A high-neck plaid blouse with ruffles or a bow at the collar goes with a knee-length pleated skirt in navy, burgundy or grey. Opaque tights and loafers or low heels finish the outfit, and a cropped cardigan adds warmth. The short reddish-brown curled bob with full bangs is essential, and so are the big square glasses; pop the lenses out of a cheap pair if they bother your eyes. Pale blue shadow, pink blush and a muted rose lip match the era. A school notebook or an empty soda cup is plenty.
25. Chrissy Cheerleader Cosplay
Chrissy's cheer uniform is bright and easy to move in, and it's a great match for Lucas in his basketball kit. Look for a green-and-white long-sleeve cheer top with gold trim and a matching knee-length pleated skirt. White ankle socks and white sneakers go with it. A high ponytail with soft curls, either your own hair or a strawberry-blonde wig, plus a green ribbon tied around it, matches her neat style. Peach blush, brown mascara, a touch of blue shadow and a glossy pink lip finish the face. Metallic pom-poms or a school pennant are the props. I keep it upbeat and leave her darker scenes out of it.
26. Billy Lifeguard Cosplay
Billy's lifeguard look is a warm-room costume only. A red sleeveless tank with a white lifeguard emblem, fitted red shorts, white sneakers and crew socks make the base, so you'll be cold anywhere outdoors in late October. A whistle on a fabric lanyard and mirrored sunglasses add the attitude, and a foam rescue float is light to carry. The blond-brown mullet wig needs curls at the back and height on top. Bronzer, defined brows and a costume mustache finish the face; trim the mustache to your lip line before you glue it. A white towel round the neck or tucked into the waistband is the last detail.
27. Erica Mall Mission Cosplay
Erica's mall mission outfit is great for a younger cosplayer because the clothes are comfortable and the props are fun. A bright yellow or patterned top goes under blue denim overalls, with striped socks and high-tops in yellow, white or red. Braids in natural hair, or a braided wig, sit under a yellow safety-style helmet. If you add lights to the helmet, use small battery LEDs, which stay cool, and fix them with strong tape rather than hot glue, since hot glue lets go in cold air. Lip balm and a touch of blush are enough. Knee pads over the overalls and a flashlight or a rolled-up plan make her look ready for the vents.
28. Argyle Pizza Driver Cosplay
Argyle brings the humour to a group, and the colour does most of the job. A turquoise or teal short-sleeve work shirt goes over a white tee, with turquoise shorts, white crew socks and black skate sneakers. A long straight black wig with a centre part completes his look. Make your own pizza-shop patch from felt with a made-up name rather than copying a real brand. An empty pizza box decorated with your own graphics is the obvious prop, and you can flatten it in a bag between photos. A woven bracelet and a canvas backpack are the finishing touches. Put him next to Mike, Jonathan and Will and the California storyline makes sense.
29. Family-Friendly Vecna Cosplay
Vecna can be suggested rather than recreated, and I think that's the better choice for a family party. Start with a fitted brown or dark grey bodysuit and build vines on top with soft cord, flexible tubing or painted craft foam in muted red, brown and charcoal. Craft foam is light and bends easily, but it tears if you stretch it, so glue it to the bodysuit only where the fabric doesn't flex much, like the chest and upper arms. Use flexible boots or fabric boot covers below. A bald cap or a textured hood shapes the head. Blend burgundy, grey and brown face paint into branching lines and keep away from anything that looks like wounds. A foam antique clock face is his signature prop.
30. Playful Demogorgon Cosplay
A playful Demogorgon is the most ambitious build here, and the headpiece takes most of the time. Wear a fitted grey bodysuit, or a long-sleeve top and leggings, then add textured fabric panels in taupe and charcoal. The open flower hood with five flexible petals is the part people recognise. I'd cut the petals from craft foam, glue a length of thin wire along the back of each so they hold their shape, and paint the insides muted pink and cream. Keep your face visible through the centre so you can see where you're walking. Grey face makeup around the open area blends you into the hood. Foam claw shoe covers and long gloves with rounded foam tips finish the creature.
Wigs for Steve, Eddie and the Other Big Hair Characters
Hair carries more of this show than clothing does, and a cheap wig straight out of the bag rarely looks right. Synthetic wigs come flattened from the packaging, shed at the seams and tangle quickly, so I always give them a little work before the day.
Taming a Cheap Wig
- Shake it out, then let it hang on a foam head or a bottle overnight so the fibres relax.
- Run a wide-tooth comb from the ends upward, a section at a time, to stop the fibres knotting at the nape.
- Trim fringes like Mike's, Will's and Robin's to your own brow line; a fringe left too long hides the eyes in every photo.
- Keep curling irons and hairdryers on low, or skip them. Most budget wigs are not heat-friendly and the fibre singes fast.
Keeping It On All Night
A wig cap and two or three bobby pins at the temples and nape hold most wigs through a long evening. For caps and hats over the top, like Dustin's trucker cap, pin through the wig into the cap so they move together. When you get home, stand the wig back on its form rather than throwing it in a bag, and it will be ready for the next party.
Hair First, Prop Second, Clothes Last
If I had to give one piece of advice for every costume above, it would be to work in that order. A good wig and one prop identify the character; the clothing is often the easiest thing to find. Thrift racks are packed with plaid shirts, denim jackets, athletic shorts and utility coats, and foam or cardboard can stand in for anything heavy. Wear the shoes around the house before the night, and do a dress rehearsal with the wig and props so you find the itchy seam or the loose strap early. Pick Eleven, Eddie, Max, Steve or a creature, and the same simple plan gets you there.
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