Hey guys! Are you a fan of Hunter x Hunter and totally dig Shizuku Murasaki? Want to rock her look at the next con or just for fun? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is all about nailing that Shizuku cosplay, from her iconic vacuum cleaner, Blinky, to her overall cool and collected vibe. We're going to break down every aspect, so you can create a cosplay that's both accurate and totally you.

Understanding Shizuku Murasaki

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the costume, let's take a moment to really understand Shizuku. She's a member of the Phantom Troupe, a group of notorious thieves with incredible Nen abilities. Shizuku is known for her forgetfulness and her Nen ability, Blinky, a vacuum cleaner that can suck up anything… literally anything! Her personality is calm and almost aloof, which contrasts with the rather dangerous nature of her work. When creating your Shizuku Murasaki cosplay, channeling her personality is just as important as getting the costume right. Think about her calm demeanor, her occasional cluelessness, and the underlying strength she possesses as a member of the Phantom Troupe. A good Shizuku cosplay captures not just the look but also the essence of the character, portraying her quiet intensity and subtle quirks. Consider practicing some of her signature expressions, like her slightly blank stare or her moments of genuine surprise when she forgets something important. These small details can make a huge difference in bringing your cosplay to life and making it truly recognizable as Shizuku Murasaki. Remember that cosplay is not just about wearing a costume; it's about embodying a character. Understanding Shizuku's motivations, her relationships with other characters, and her role within the Phantom Troupe will all contribute to a more authentic and compelling portrayal. This will help you to connect with other fans and elevate your cosplay from a simple costume to a performance that truly captures the spirit of Shizuku Murasaki. Plus, the better you understand the character, the more fun you'll have bringing her to life!

Essential Elements of Shizuku's Costume

Okay, let's get down to the basics of Shizuku Murasaki's outfit. It's relatively simple, which is great for those of us who don't have a ton of time or sewing experience. But simple doesn't mean you can skimp on the details! Her standard attire includes: A long-sleeved black turtleneck sweater, often depicted as slightly oversized and comfortable-looking. A short, dark purple (almost black) skirt. Black stockings or leggings. Simple black shoes or boots. And, of course, the most important accessory: Blinky, her vacuum cleaner! Let's dive deeper into each of these elements to ensure your cosplay is on point. For the turtleneck, focus on finding a comfortable fabric that drapes well. The oversized look is key, so consider sizing up or altering a larger sweater to achieve the desired effect. The skirt should be a dark purple, almost black, and short enough to be stylish but not so short that it's impractical. Pay attention to the fabric here as well – a material that holds its shape nicely will look more polished. The black stockings or leggings are fairly straightforward, but make sure they're opaque and free of any runs or snags. As for the shoes, simple black boots or flats will work perfectly. Comfort is key here, as you'll likely be wearing them for extended periods. Now, for the star of the show: Blinky! This is where you can really get creative. You can find pre-made Blinky props online, or you can build your own using craft materials. Consider using a real vacuum cleaner toy for a more realistic look, or create a lightweight version out of foam or cardboard. The most important thing is to make sure it's recognizable as Blinky, so pay attention to the shape and details. With attention to these essential elements, your Shizuku Murasaki cosplay will be instantly recognizable and ready to impress!

Finding or Making the Perfect Costume Pieces

Now, let's talk about where to find these pieces, or if you're feeling crafty, how to make them yourself! For those who prefer the convenience of buying, online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialized cosplay shops are your best friends. Search for "black turtleneck sweater," "dark purple skirt," and "black stockings" to find suitable options. When buying online, be sure to check the sizing charts carefully and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product. Cosplay-specific websites often offer pre-made Shizuku costumes, which can save you a lot of time and effort. However, be prepared to pay a bit more for these options. If you're on a budget, consider thrifting! You might be surprised at what you can find at your local thrift store. Look for a black turtleneck that's slightly oversized, and with a little creativity, you can transform a plain purple skirt into Shizuku's signature look. For the DIY enthusiasts, making your own costume pieces can be a fun and rewarding experience. If you have basic sewing skills, you can easily create the skirt and even alter a turtleneck sweater to achieve the desired fit and style. There are tons of tutorials online that can guide you through the process. When it comes to Blinky, the vacuum cleaner, you have a few options. You can purchase a toy vacuum cleaner and modify it to resemble Blinky, or you can build one from scratch using craft foam, cardboard, and other materials. There are many tutorials available online that offer step-by-step instructions for creating a Blinky prop. Remember, the key to a successful DIY cosplay is patience and attention to detail. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, have fun with it! Whether you choose to buy or make your costume pieces, the goal is to create a Shizuku Murasaki cosplay that you're proud of and that accurately represents the character.

Mastering Shizuku's Hair and Makeup

Alright, let's move on to Shizuku's hair and makeup, which are crucial for completing the look. Her hairstyle is relatively simple: short, black, and slightly choppy. If you already have short black hair, awesome! You might just need to style it a bit to get the right look. If not, you'll need a wig. When choosing a wig, look for one that's specifically designed for cosplay, as these tend to be higher quality and more realistic-looking. Make sure the wig is the correct length and color, and that it can be styled to match Shizuku's hairstyle. You can find cosplay wigs online or at specialized costume shops. Once you have your wig, it's time to style it. Use a wig brush and some styling products to create the choppy, slightly messy look that's characteristic of Shizuku's hair. You can also use hairspray to keep the style in place. For makeup, Shizuku's look is fairly natural. She doesn't wear a lot of makeup, so the goal is to enhance your features without going overboard. Start with a clean and moisturized face. Apply a light foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone. Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. For the eyes, apply a neutral eyeshadow, such as a light brown or taupe. Line your upper lash line with black eyeliner, keeping the line thin and close to the lashes. Apply a coat or two of mascara to your upper lashes. For the lips, use a natural-looking lip color, such as a nude or light pink. You can also apply a clear lip gloss for a subtle shine. Remember, the key to Shizuku's makeup look is simplicity. You want to look like yourself, but with a slightly more polished and refined appearance. Practice your hair and makeup look before the day of your cosplay event to ensure you're happy with the results. And don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for you.

Don't Forget Blinky!

We can't forget Blinky, Shizuku's trusty vacuum cleaner! This is arguably the most recognizable part of her entire ensemble. As mentioned earlier, you have a few options here: buy a pre-made prop, modify a toy vacuum, or build one from scratch. If you're buying a pre-made prop, make sure it looks accurate to the source material. Pay attention to the size, shape, and color of the vacuum. Read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product that will hold up well. If you're modifying a toy vacuum, choose one that's similar in shape and size to Blinky. You can then paint it to match the character's color scheme and add any necessary details, such as the hose and nozzle. If you're building one from scratch, use craft foam, cardboard, or other lightweight materials. You can find templates and tutorials online that will guide you through the process. Be sure to pay attention to the details, such as the shape of the vacuum, the placement of the hose, and the overall design. No matter which method you choose, make sure your Blinky prop is lightweight and easy to carry around. You don't want to be lugging around a heavy vacuum cleaner all day at a convention! Consider adding a strap or handle to make it easier to carry. And don't forget to add some personal touches to your Blinky prop to make it your own. You can add stickers, paint designs, or even attach some fabric scraps to give it a unique look. After all, cosplay is all about expressing your creativity and having fun!

Channeling Shizuku's Personality

Okay, you've got the costume, the hair, the makeup, and even Blinky. But cosplay isn't just about looking the part; it's about embodying the character. So, how do you channel Shizuku Murasaki's personality? First, remember that Shizuku is calm and collected, even in the face of danger. She rarely shows strong emotions, and she tends to speak in a quiet, even tone. Try to adopt this demeanor when you're in character. Avoid being overly expressive or loud, and focus on maintaining a sense of composure. Second, Shizuku is known for her forgetfulness. She often forgets things, even important things, which can lead to some humorous situations. You can incorporate this into your cosplay by occasionally forgetting things or asking people to remind you of something. Just don't overdo it, or you'll come across as annoying rather than endearing. Third, Shizuku is a member of the Phantom Troupe, a group of notorious thieves. While she may not be actively involved in their criminal activities, she's still a part of the group, and she's loyal to her comrades. You can reflect this in your cosplay by interacting with other Phantom Troupe cosplayers or by making subtle references to the group's activities. Finally, remember that Shizuku is a complex character with many layers. She's not just a forgetful airhead; she's also a skilled fighter and a valuable member of the Phantom Troupe. Try to capture this complexity in your cosplay by showcasing both her strengths and her weaknesses. By paying attention to these details, you can create a Shizuku Murasaki cosplay that's not only visually accurate but also emotionally resonant. And that's what cosplay is all about!

Posing and Photography Tips

Now that you've put together an amazing Shizuku Murasaki cosplay and you're channeling her personality, it's time to capture some awesome photos! Here are a few posing and photography tips to help you get the perfect shots: Research Shizuku's signature poses. Look for images of her in the anime or manga and try to recreate those poses. This will help you to capture her character and personality in your photos. Experiment with different angles and compositions. Don't just stand there and smile; try different poses, angles, and compositions to create visually interesting photos. Use Blinky to your advantage. Blinky is a key part of Shizuku's character, so be sure to incorporate him into your photos. You can pose with him, use him as a prop, or even pretend to suck something up with him. Find a suitable location. The location of your photoshoot can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your photos. Look for a location that complements Shizuku's character and costume. Consider the lighting. Good lighting is essential for taking great photos. Try to shoot in natural light whenever possible, and avoid harsh shadows or bright sunlight. Bring a friend to help you. Having a friend to help you with your photoshoot can be a huge advantage. They can help you with posing, adjusting your costume, and taking photos from different angles. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! Cosplay is all about expressing your creativity and having a good time. So, don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different poses, angles, and compositions. And most importantly, have fun! With these tips in mind, you're sure to capture some amazing photos of your Shizuku Murasaki cosplay. So, go out there, strike a pose, and show the world your amazing cosplay skills!

With all these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating an amazing Shizuku Murasaki cosplay. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express your love for the character. Good luck, and happy cosplaying!