Lara Croft has been redesigned so many times, across games, films and animation, that a couple can borrow from almost any era of her wardrobe. The constants are practical adventure clothes, brown boots, a small backpack, fingerless gloves and long brunette hair. Around those, different versions add winter layers, a biker jacket, an evening gown, a wetsuit or tactical gear. The partner is where you get to have fun: another explorer, a rival, a curator, a mummy, even the treasure itself. Below are 30 pairings, and in every one I've swapped realistic weapons for maps, torches, compasses, rope and foam relics, because those are what get you through a venue door.
Decide Which Lara You Are Before You Shop
Half of the confusing costumes I see come from mixing eras. Lara has three broad looks, and each one wants different clothes, hair and makeup. Pick one and let your partner follow from it.
- Classic game Lara: teal tank, brown shorts, white socks, chunky boots, a small backpack and a long tidy braid. Bright, clean and easy to spot.
- Early film Lara: darker and sleeker, often black or charcoal, with fitted trousers or shorts, knee boots and smoky makeup.
- Survivor-era Lara: grey or muted tank, cargo trousers, a loose ponytail, dirt on the face and clothes that look like they've had a hard week.
Once you know which Lara you are, the partner choice gets easier. A classic Lara looks right beside pulp explorers, mummies and pixel jokes. A survivor-era Lara suits the teammates from those games and anything rugged. The darker film Lara pairs well with suits, rivals and evening wear.
1. Lara Croft And Indiana Jones Couple Costume
Two archaeologists from two franchises make the easiest pairing on this list to read at a glance. Lara wears a fitted teal tank, brown utility shorts, tall white socks, brown lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a small backpack, with a long braid and bronzed, natural makeup. A compass and a rolled map take the place of her pistols. Indy needs the brown fedora, a weathered leather-look jacket, a beige button-down, brown trousers and sturdy boots, plus a canvas satchel, a notebook and a coil of soft rope at the hip. Keep both of you in the same browns and khakis. A light brush of washable brown powder on knees and cuffs makes it look like you've both just climbed out of the same ruin.
2. Classic Lara Croft Matching Couple Costume
Twin Laras are more fun than people expect, and they're simple to coordinate. Each of you wears a teal tank, brown shorts, a wide utility belt, white crew socks, brown combat-style boots, fingerless gloves and a mini backpack. Both can wear long braided brunette wigs, or one partner can go with a short brown wig and a narrow clip-in braid. Keep makeup clean and athletic: defined brows, warm contour, neutral lips. I like to vary one thing per person, the teal shade or the shorts length, so you look like two Laras rather than one costume bought twice. Hand one of you the map and the other a foam artifact.
3. Survivor Lara Croft And Expedition Partner Costume
If neither of you wants anything theatrical, the survival pairing is mostly outdoor clothing. Lara wears a charcoal tank, fitted brown cargo trousers, a weathered utility belt, lace-up hiking boots and a green pendant, with a loose, textured ponytail and soft brown smudges at the cheeks and temples. Her partner wears an olive henley, tan cargo trousers, a canvas field jacket, hiking boots and a practical backpack. Share the gear between you: a map case, a torch, a canteen and binoculars. For weathering, I water brown fabric paint right down and dab it on with a sponge, then let it dry fully before anyone sits on a light sofa. Roll the sleeves on both and you're done.
4. Movie Lara Croft And Lu Ren Couple Costume
The more recent film version of Lara is plain and practical, which makes it one of the cheapest to put together. She wears a grey fitted tank, dark olive cargo trousers, brown boots, wrist wraps and a small worn backpack, with a messy ponytail and loose pieces around the face. Natural makeup, soft brows and a small green pendant finish her. Lu Ren wears a faded neutral tee, dark cargo trousers, a light utility jacket and worn lace-up boots, with a canvas shoulder bag and a nautical compass that hints at his life on the water. I'd tear one paper map in two and give each of you half. Matching dirt makeup and muted colours link you without dressing you alike.
5. Lara Croft And Alex West Couple Costume
The early-2000s film pairing is sleeker and darker than the game classics. Lara wears a fitted black tank, black or charcoal shorts, a wide utility belt, fingerless gloves and knee-high flat boots, with a long brunette braid, defined brows, smoky neutral eyes and a compact backpack. Alex West wears a dark fitted tee under a light black field jacket, straight cargo trousers and rugged boots, with a leather-look satchel, a torch and an old-looking notebook. Give Lara a metallic foam relic so it looks like you're competing for the same find. Silver hardware and a mostly monochrome palette suit an evening event, and flat boots keep the night comfortable.
6. Lara Croft And Terry Sheridan Couple Costume
This pairing swaps the tank and shorts for something closer to a mission briefing. Lara wears a fitted silver-grey long-sleeve jumpsuit, or a matching athletic top and leggings, under a black utility vest, with black motorcycle-style boots, fingerless gloves and a long, tight braid. Cool silver eye makeup and a neutral lip keep her polished. Terry wears a black long-sleeve shirt, dark tactical-style trousers, a light vest and black boots. Leave every pouch empty, and carry a torch, a map tube and a headset instead of anything combat-related. Lara holds a silver foam orb. A jumpsuit is warm and hard to get out of in a hurry, so I'd only choose it for an indoor night with an accessible bathroom.
7. Lara Croft And Kurtis Trent Couple Costume
Lara and Kurtis Trent give you an edgier, darker couple. Lara wears a black cropped jacket over a fitted charcoal tank, olive cargo trousers, a utility belt and black ankle boots, with a braid that lets a few strands fall around the face, smoky brown eyes, defined brows and fingerless gloves. Kurtis wears a plain dark tee, distressed jeans, a brown leather-look jacket and heavy boots, with hair swept back and a little messy, plus a backpack or crossbody bag. A symbol necklace and a round foam artifact give him his supernatural edge without a weapon. Keep the palette to black, brown and olive and it hangs together without effort.
8. Lara Croft And Amanda Evert Couple Costume
Light against dark is the whole point of putting Lara next to Amanda Evert. Lara wears a fitted brown short-sleeve top, khaki shorts, brown boots, fingerless gloves and a mini backpack, with a long ponytail, warm neutral makeup and a compass necklace. Amanda wears a layered black top, fitted black trousers, knee-high boots, silver jewellery and a dark cropped jacket, with a pale blonde bob or shoulder-length wig, cool grey eyeshadow and deep plum lipstick. Give Lara the map and Amanda a smoky translucent crystal. A cheap blonde wig sheds and tangles fast, so I brush it out with a wide-tooth comb and a little detangling spray before the night, not during it.
9. Lara Croft And Doppelganger Couple Costume
The doppelganger couple gets a lot of impact from very few changes. One of you is classic Lara: teal fitted tank, brown shorts, white socks, dark brown boots, fingerless gloves, a tiny backpack, a long brunette braid, warm skin and a neutral lip. The double copies the silhouette exactly but goes black or charcoal on top, black shorts or fitted trousers and black boots, with a dark red or auburn braid and cooler makeup. Sharp brows and burgundy shadow make the double read as a little sinister without turning scary. Split a light foam medallion between you, and stand in mirror poses for photos so people get the joke straight away.
10. Winter Lara Croft And Jonah Couple Costume
For a cold night, the reboot pair of Lara and Jonah is already dressed for it. Lara wears a rust-red insulated jacket over a grey thermal, slim brown cargo trousers, snow-ready lace-up boots and knitted gloves, with a messy ponytail, a burgundy scarf and a green pendant. Jonah wears an olive parka over a thick henley, dark cargo trousers, sturdy boots, gloves and a beanie, carrying a big canvas backpack, binoculars and a rolled map. If you want faux snow, spray it only on the shoulders and test it on an inside hem first. The different jacket colours tell people who's who, and you'll both actually be warm walking between houses.
11. Tactical Lara Croft And Jonah Couple Costume
This is the same pair moved somewhere hot and humid. Lara wears a dark blue tank, olive cargo trousers, brown hiking boots, fingerless gloves and a compact utility backpack, with a textured low ponytail, bronzed makeup and a little brown smudging on the face. Jonah wears a beige utility shirt with rolled sleeves, forest green cargo trousers, suspenders and rugged boots, with a canvas rucksack, canteen, field notebook and binoculars. Lara carries the compass and a coil of rope. I'd stay with cotton and light canvas here, since thick costume polyester gets clammy within the first hour. A little mud-coloured powder at knees, cuffs and boots ties you together.
12. Lara Croft And Sam Nishimura Couple Costume
Lara and Sam are a friendship pairing, and the contrast between them is what makes it work. Lara wears a grey tank, brown cargo trousers, lace-up boots, wrist wraps and a small backpack, with a messy ponytail and soft brown smudges. Sam wears a bright yellow or mustard jacket over a patterned top, dark skinny jeans and ankle boots, with a camera on a neck strap, a colourful scarf and a crossbody bag for her filmmaking side. Her dark hair stays loose and straight, makeup fresh. I'd add matching friendship bracelets and split a paper map between you. That yellow jacket is the one item worth hunting for, because it carries her whole character.
13. Lara Croft And Carter Bell Couple Costume
Pairing Lara with treasure hunter Carter Bell gives you a pulp-adventure, vintage feel. Lara wears a fitted teal tank, tan shorts, brown boots, tall socks, fingerless gloves and her mini backpack, with a brunette braid, defined brows and sun-warmed makeup. Carter wears a cream henley, brown trousers, leather-look suspenders, lace-up boots and a weathered aviator jacket, plus a tan scarf, a satchel, a compass and goggles pushed up on his forehead. Lara holds a golden foam medallion; Carter holds a notebook of hand-drawn symbols. Brass buckles on both outfits help the tan and brown palette look planned. Pick faux leather that bends, or the jacket will creak and crease every time he lifts an arm.
14. Lara Croft And Rival Archaeologist Couple Costume
A rival archaeologist lets the partner invent a character while the theme stays obvious. Lara wears a teal tank, brown shorts, tall white socks, brown boots, fingerless gloves and a braided brunette wig. The rival wears a burgundy button-down, khaki cargo trousers, a fitted field vest, hiking boots and a brimmed explorer hat. Lara gets the compact backpack and compass; the rival gets a bigger satchel, a magnifying glass and an artifact notebook. Natural makeup on both, with light brown weathering at cuffs and knees. A small gold relic that you pass back and forth all night tells the story better than any costume detail. Most of this is already sitting in a closet or on a thrift rack.
15. Lara Croft And Museum Curator Couple Costume
The curator pairing is the one I suggest when one partner doesn't want to look like an action hero at a work party. Lara wears a dark olive tank, fitted brown cargo trousers, hiking boots, fingerless gloves and a utility backpack, with a long ponytail and warm, understated makeup. The curator wears a tweed blazer over a cream shirt, tailored trousers, loafers and round glasses, with white cotton gloves, an ID badge and a leather-look document case. Lara holds a foam relic; the curator holds a small display label or archive notebook. Match the brown accessories on both of you and the very different outfits read as one idea. It's comfortable, clever, and needs no makeup beyond the everyday.
16. Lara Croft And Tuxedo Explorer Couple Costume
Lara's evening-gown look turns the rugged theme into a black-tie couple. She wears a sleek black gown with a side slit, black ankle boots hidden under the hem, delicate gloves and a small metallic clutch, with a polished braid or smooth ponytail, smoky eyes, sculpted brows and berry lipstick. Her partner wears a black tuxedo, white shirt, bow tie, polished shoes and a vintage-style watch, with a slim map case, an invitation card and a decorative artifact so the explorer idea stays clear. A narrow belt with a utility feel over Lara's dress is the quiet character nod. Hiding boots under the gown is my favourite trick here, because it keeps her in character and saves her feet.
17. Biker Lara Croft And Mechanic Couple Costume
Leather-look layers and denim give you an action look that you can still sit and dance in. Lara wears a red motorcycle-style jacket over a fitted black top, dark jeans, black riding boots and fingerless gloves, with a high ponytail, soft smoky makeup and a natural lip. Her mechanic ties the sleeves of navy coveralls at the waist over a grey tee, add black work boots, goggles on the head, clean gloves, a bandanna and a light foam wrench. Lara carries a folded road map and a small black backpack. A red patch or scarf on the mechanic links you visually. I'd leave real tools at home; a steel wrench in a back pocket gets heavy and isn't welcome in most venues.
18. Wetsuit Lara Croft And Dive Partner Costume
The dive pairing is sleek, and it belongs indoors. Lara wears a full-coverage silver or black long-sleeve athletic bodysuit, with shorts over it if you like, water shoes and a narrow utility belt, plus a tight braid and neutral makeup with a dewy finish. Her partner wears a black rash guard, athletic leggings, water shoes and a bright blue or yellow dive vest, with empty air-hose tubing, goggles pushed up on the forehead and fins carried rather than worn. Shell-shaped foam artifacts or an underwater map tube give you both something to hold. Water shoes have thin soles, so I'd only pick this for a party where you'll mostly be standing on carpet.
19. Antarctica Lara Croft And Polar Explorer Costume
This is the costume to choose if you'll be outside on a properly cold night. Lara wears an orange or red insulated parka, fitted black snow trousers, lace-up winter boots, gloves and a small backpack, with her long braid pulled forward over one shoulder so it stays visible against the coat. Rosy cheeks and cool-toned makeup suit the snow theme. The polar explorer wears a navy parka, beige snow trousers, winter boots, a knit hat and goggles on the forehead, with a rolled chart, binoculars and an insulated canteen. White scarves tie you together. If the party is indoors, swap to light puffers, or you'll overheat in ten minutes.
20. Area 51 Lara Croft And Secret Agent Costume
Lara's desert-base mission makes a fun sci-fi pairing with a suited agent. She wears a blue-grey fitted top, camouflage cargo trousers, black combat-style boots, fingerless gloves and a compact black backpack, with a long braid and practical makeup. The agent wears a black suit, white shirt, narrow tie, dark sunglasses and polished black shoes, with an ID badge, an earpiece, a silver document case and a small torch. Lara holds a map covered in strange symbols; the agent holds a bright green foam evidence crystal. Keep it funny rather than menacing. Sunglasses indoors at night are hard to see through, so I'd let the agent push them up on his head between photos.
21. South Pacific Lara Croft And Photographer Costume
Brighter colours set this tropical pairing apart from the darker ones above. Lara wears a turquoise tank, forest green shorts, white socks, brown hiking boots, fingerless gloves and a mini backpack, with a long braid and fresh, sun-warmed makeup. Her photographer wears a breathable beige field shirt, khaki shorts or trousers, hiking shoes and a canvas vest, with a bucket hat, a camera, a map pouch and binoculars. Tuck faux greenery into backpack straps for texture, and keep away from borrowing anyone's cultural dress. Lara can carry a carved-stone prop made from painted foam. Cushioned shoes matter more than anything here, because this pair is built to walk.
22. London Catsuit Lara Croft And Security Guard Costume
The black catsuit look is dramatic and needs very few accessories. Lara wears a full-coverage black jumpsuit, or a fitted long-sleeve top and matching trousers, with black ankle boots, fingerless gloves, a narrow utility belt and a smooth braid, cool smoky eyes and a neutral lip. The security guard wears a white or pale blue shirt, black trousers, a dark tie, comfortable dress shoes and a costume badge, with a torch, a key ring and a radio prop. Lara stashes a silver foam artifact in a small black backpack. Keep both outfits clean and sharp rather than distressed. That white shirt beside all-black Lara is what makes the roles read across a dark room.
23. Tibet Lara Croft And Mountaineer Couple Costume
Lara's bomber-jacket look pairs naturally with a mountaineer in flannel. She wears a brown shearling-style aviator jacket over a teal tank, tan shorts over opaque tights, white socks and sturdy brown boots, with fingerless gloves, a small backpack, a long braid, rosy cheeks and a natural lip. The mountaineer wears a quilted vest over a red flannel shirt, olive hiking trousers, heavy boots, gloves and a knit beanie, plus a coiled rope, a compass and a rolled trail map. Lara carries binoculars or a foam artifact. Opaque tights under shorts are the detail I'd never skip in late October; they keep the classic shape and make the cold bearable.
24. Young Explorer Lara Croft Couple Costume
This academy look is meant for adults styled as two explorers just starting out. Lara wears a cream button-down, a green sweater vest, knee-length khaki shorts, tall socks, brown lace-up boots and a small satchel, with a neat braid and soft makeup. Her fellow student wears a white shirt, a burgundy sweater vest, tan trousers, suspenders and brown brogues or boots. Give both of you notebooks, magnifying glasses, compasses and rolled maps. Attach matching school-style patches to the vests with removable fabric tape so the vests go back to normal afterwards. It's modest, comfortable, and the coordinated vintage clothes say archaeology student without anyone needing to ask.
25. Steampunk Lara Croft Couple Costume
Steampunk Lara is an alternate-universe version where brass and Victorian layers take over. She wears a teal corset-style vest over a high-neck cream blouse, brown fitted trousers, lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a mini leather-look backpack. I'd choose a soft laced vest rather than real boning; it gives the shape without making it hard to breathe or sit. Add a long braid, bronze eyeshadow and goggles above the forehead. Her partner wears a brown waistcoat, white shirt, dark trousers, tall boots and a long explorer coat. Gear jewellery, maps, compasses and foam mechanical relics finish both. Repeating teal, brown and antique gold keeps it tied to Lara's familiar colours.
26. Lara Croft And Mummy Couple Costume
A gentle mummy gives you a tomb story with no gore at all. Lara wears her classic teal tank, brown utility shorts, tall white socks, lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a small backpack, with a long braid, bronzed makeup and a rolled map. The mummy wears beige sweatpants and a matching long-sleeve top, with cream gauze strips tacked loosely on. I stitch or safety-pin the strips at a few points each instead of wrapping tightly, because tight gauze slides down and unravels the moment you move. Leave the face mostly clear with soft sandy eyeshadow, and pick beige sneakers. A gold foam medallion in the mummy's hands suggests Lara woke its guardian.
27. Lara Croft And Dinosaur Couple Costume
A dinosaur partner is pure comedy, and it's easy on whoever wears it. Lara wears a teal tank, brown shorts, tall socks, brown boots, fingerless gloves, a utility belt and a mini backpack, with a secure braid and warm explorer makeup. The other partner wears a green hooded dinosaur jumpsuit with a soft tail, fabric scales and claw shoe covers. I'd pick a fitted or lightly padded suit over an inflatable one if you plan to dance or move through a crowd; inflatables knock drinks off tables and need a battery fan. Lara carries binoculars and a map marked with tracks, the dinosaur a leafy foam branch. Green and teal look great together in photos.
28. Lara Croft And Golden Relic Couple Costume
One of you is Lara and the other is the treasure she found. Lara wears a teal tank, brown shorts, white socks, lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a small backpack, with a braid, defined brows and golden-bronze eye makeup. The relic wears a gold long-sleeve top and trousers or a comfortable gold jumpsuit, metallic sneakers and a wide geometric collar cut from light craft foam. Add foam wrist cuffs, a medallion symbol and a touch of gold face shimmer, with hair pulled neatly back. Lara carries a map and a magnifying glass. Cut the collar so it sits on the shoulders and clears the jaw, or it rubs every time the relic turns their head.
29. Pixel Lara Croft Matching Couple Costume
Pixel Lara for two is a love letter to early game graphics. Both of you wear teal sleeveless tops, brown shorts over opaque leggings, tall white socks, brown boots, fingerless gloves and square cardboard backpacks wrapped in brown paper. I make the angular braids from fabric tubes stuffed lightly or from linked foam sections, which are far lighter than a wig and keep that blocky shape. Draw brows and contour in hard, straight lines, and carry oversized foam compasses, square map tiles and cube-shaped gold relics. One of you takes a lighter teal, the other a darker, shadowed version, like two player colours. Keep the cardboard small enough to fit through doorways.
30. Last-Minute Lara Croft And Archaeologist Costume
Short on time? This one comes straight out of two wardrobes. Lara is any teal or dark grey tank, brown shorts or cargo trousers, hiking boots, fingerless workout gloves and a small brown backpack, with a braid or ponytail, neutral makeup and bronzed cheeks. The archaeologist is a beige button-down, khaki trousers, brown shoes and a canvas crossbody bag. A brimmed hat is optional, but it does a lot of the explaining. Draw an aged map, carry a notebook and pick up a couple of cheap plastic compasses. Roll the sleeves on both of you and match your brown belts. Even without replicas, the colours, boots, braid and props tell the story.
A Foam Relic That Survives Being Passed Around
So many of these pairings rely on a relic, medallion or crystal, and it usually gets handed back and forth all night. Here is how I make one that stays in one piece.
- Cut the shape from EVA foam, the dense kind sold in floor mats or craft sheets, rather than thin craft foam, which dents the first time it's squeezed.
- Warm it with a hair dryer and press it over a bowl or your knee to give it a slight curve; it holds that shape once it cools.
- Carve or press details in with a ballpoint pen while the foam is still warm.
- Seal it before painting. Foam drinks paint, so two or three coats of thinned PVA glue or a flexible primer give you a smooth surface.
- Paint a dark base, then dry-brush gold or bronze over the raised parts so the edges catch light like worn metal.
- Thread a cord through it so it can hang from a wrist or a belt when your hands are full.
When Only One of You Loves Dressing Up
It's very common for one partner to want the full Lara and the other to want something they can wear in ten minutes. Several of the partners above are built for exactly that. The curator, the secret agent, the security guard and the last-minute archaeologist are all ordinary clothes plus one or two props. Let the keen partner carry the detail and the reluctant one carry the joke, and you'll still look like a planned couple.
Who Stands Next to Lara Changes Everything
Every pairing above starts the same way: get Lara's braid, fitted top, earth-toned bottoms, boots, gloves and backpack right, then pick a partner who adds to her story. That might be a second adventurer, a rival, a teammate from the games, a creature, or the relic itself. Maps, compasses, cameras, binoculars and light foam artifacts will take you further than any realistic prop, and they won't be stopped at the door. Adjust coverage, shoes and layers for your venue and the weather. My own pick would be the one where the partner's outfit tells a joke Lara can react to, because that's what makes people stop you for a photo.
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