Cosplay should be fun, not financially overwhelming. Whether you’re stepping into your first convention or just starting online, this guide is packed with easy, beginner-friendly ideas to help you look amazing without draining your wallet.
From affordable colored contacts and DIY beauty tricks to reusing everyday clothes for iconic looks, we’ve rounded up smart tips to help you cosplay confidently on a budget. You’ll learn how to focus on the right details, find great lenses, and level up your costume game.
Ready to start? Check out Finallure's cosplay lenses for budget-friendly essentials that bring any character to life.
What Makes a Cosplay Beginner- and Budget-Friendly?
Getting started with cosplay doesn’t have to mean complex builds or high costs. A great starter cosplay and can keep it wallet-friendly while still making an impact.
Beginner-Friendly Cosplay Means:
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Minimal Crafting Required: Choose characters with simple, iconic looks that don’t require armor-making or advanced sewing.
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Easy to Recognize: Pick popular characters with standout features, like Ash Ketchum’s cap or Sailor Moon’s sailor outfit, so people instantly get the reference.
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Low Cost: Focus on characters you can recreate using items you already own or can buy affordably.
Tips to Keep Cosplay Costs Down:
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Shop Your Closet First: Your T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, jacket, and hat can all serve as cosplay basics.
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Thrift and Second-Hand Stores: Find vintage or unique pieces that can be modified easily, and way cheaper than buying new.
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High-Impact Add-ons: Accessories like colored contact lenses, press-on nails, or a good wig can instantly elevate your look without a full costume overhaul.
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DIY Where You Can: Hot glue, fabric paint, and a little creativity can go a long way in turning ordinary items into cosplay gold.
1. Luffy from One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy’s look is one of the most recognizable in anime, and luckily, also one of the easiest to recreate on a budget. With just a few everyday items and minimal styling, you can become the King of the Pirates without spending a treasure chest of gold.
What You’ll Need:
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Red sleeveless shirt or button-up
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Denim shorts or cut-off jeans
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Straw hat (Luffy’s signature item)
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Brown sandals or flip-flops
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Black wig or use your natural hair if short and tousled
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Scar under the left eye (draw it with brown or black eyeliner)
Budget Styling Tips:
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Check your closet for basics like the red top and denim.
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A cheap straw hat from a dollar store or garden shop can do the trick and add a red ribbon for accuracy.
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Use eyeliner to draw Luffy’s scar under the eye. It’s simple but instantly makes your cosplay recognizable.
Budget Upgrade Idea:
Complete the anime-inspired look with a pair of red or warm brown circle lenses from Finallure. They enhance your eyes with that bold, adventurous energy Luffy is known for, without overdoing it.
2. Ash Ketchum from Pokémon
Ash is one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture, and his outfit is as simple as it is iconic. With just a few pieces you likely already own (or can thrift), you can instantly transform into the ultimate Pokémon trainer without breaking the bank.
What You’ll Need:
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Blue vest or short-sleeve jacket (layer over a white or green T-shirt)
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Straight-leg jeans or dark blue pants
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Baseball cap (red and white is best, bonus if it has a green logo)
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Green gloves (fingerless), it’s optional, but adds flair
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Sneakers
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A wig is optional if your hair is short and dark
Budget Styling Tips:
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Borrow or thrift the vest and jeans; there is no need for a perfect match, as long as the colors are right.
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DIY Ash’s gloves by cutting the fingers off a cheap pair of green gloves.
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Draw or print Ash’s cap logo if you don’t have an official one.
Budget Upgrade Idea:
Want to go from casual trainer to anime-accurate Ash? Pop in a pair of warm brown lenses from Finallure to give your eyes that sharp, animated look. It’s a subtle detail that makes a big impact, especially in photos.
Ash’s charm is his energy and enthusiasm, so keep your makeup light and fresh. A little bronzer and a touch of red on the cheeks (Pokémon battle flush!) can add playful personality to your cosplay.
3. Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s look is effortlessly charming, easy to recreate, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for first-time cosplayers. With just a few staple items and one bold accessory, you’ll capture her whimsical, witchy aesthetic in no time.
What You’ll Need:
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A simple knee-length or midi black dress of any flowy style will do
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Bright red bow or headband
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Black flats or low shoes
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Optional: A broomstick
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Optional: A plush black cat (Jiji!) as the perfect prop
Styling Tips:
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Look through your own closet or thrift stores for a plain black dress—no need for anything fancy.
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You can make Kiki’s red bow using ribbon and a basic hair clip.
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For extra fun, carry a brown satchel or messenger bag like Kiki’s delivery bag.
Budget Upgrade Idea:
Add a soft, natural pop to your look with hazel lenses from Finallure. They’ll brighten your eyes while staying true to Kiki’s innocent and warm-hearted charm, perfect for up-close cosplay photos or TikToks.
Light blush and a pink lip tint can give you that youthful, animated glow that captures Kiki’s friendly, can-do spirit. Keep it natural and fresh!
4. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
Naruto is an anime legend, and luckily, his outfit is just as beginner-friendly as it is iconic. With bold colors and a few signature accessories, you can channel the energy of Konoha’s most determined ninja without diving into complex crafting.
What You’ll Need:
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Orange pants or leggings
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Black or orange zip-up jacket (a color-blocked hoodie works great too)
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Ninja headband (absolutely essential!)
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Black sandals or any open-toe shoes
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Face makeup: Draw on Naruto’s signature whisker marks with eyeliner or face paint
Styling Tips:
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No wig? No worries. If your hair is short and light-colored, a little spiking with gel can do the trick. Otherwise, a simple yellow wig adds instant anime flair.
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For added detail, carry a foam kunai or scroll prop, they’re cheap and great for photos!
Budget Upgrade Idea:
Complete your ninja transformation with Sage Mode eye lenses from Finallure. They’ll subtly highlight your eyes and bring out that classic shonen intensity Naruto’s known for.
Want to go Sage Mode? Add red eyeliner beneath the eyes and a confident grin—it’s all about the attitude!
FAQs for Beginner Cosplayers
What is the easiest cosplay for beginners?
The easiest cosplay for beginners usually involves characters with simple, recognizable outfits and minimal crafting, like Luffy from One Piece, Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, or Ash Ketchum from Pokémon. These looks can often be created using everyday clothes and a few low-cost accessories.
How do I cosplay with no money?
Start with what you already have! Use items from your closet, borrow pieces from friends, or shop second-hand. DIY props from cardboard or foam, and focus on iconic details like wigs, accessories, or makeup to sell the look without spending much.
Can I cosplay with clothes I already own?
Absolutely. Many beginner-friendly cosplays can be built from closet staples like jeans, T-shirts, and jackets. Characters like Naruto, Luffy, and Ash are perfect examples. Add a few key accessories, like cosmetic contacts, a straw hat, a ninja headband, or a red ribbon, and you're good to go.
Are contact lenses safe for cosplay?
Yes, cosplay contact lenses are safe, as long as you purchase from reputable sellers and follow proper hygiene. Always get your lenses from trusted sites like Finallure, and never wear them longer than recommended.
Conclusion: Cosplay on a Budget Is Possible
Cosplay doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming to get started. With a little creativity, a few closet staples, and a dash of DIY spirit, you can bring your favorite characters to life without breaking the bank.
Whether you're stepping into the shoes of Luffy, Ash, Kiki, or Naruto, these beginner-friendly ideas prove that style and impact don’t have to come with a high price tag.
Ready to take your cosplay to the next level? Add an authentic finishing touch with affordable, high-quality cosplay contact lenses from Finallure!
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