COSTUME HELP!
We can understand how seeing a rule like “everyone must be in themed costumes/clothes” can be intimidating. Trust us, it’s easier than you think! The big thing is, we don’t want to break the fully immersive feel of Neotropolis. So, everyone (attendees, staff, performers, volunteers, vendors, and even press and media) needs to be wearing something you’d see in a cyberpunk/science-fiction inspired desert location.
Our emphasis for this event is ORIGINAL creations and characters. We don’t want any recognizable costumes, characters, or Factions from things like “Star Wars,” “The Expanse,” “Halo,” whatever your favorite anime is, “Tron,” “Star Trek,” “Dune,” or “Blade Runner.”
Also, for the safety of our attendees, unless you are on duty for us in an official capacity, do not wear any insignia that might cause confusion between you and someone from our medical or security teams. For example, do NOT wear a prominent red cross (especially on an armband), or something with the word “security,” “medic,” or “staff” on it. While something like “NEO medic” might sound like a cool costume, the last thing we want is for an attendee to turn to the wrong person in the case of an emergency.
If you’re having trouble with inspiration, ideas, or even where to find some pieces for your outfit, joining our official community group on Facebook, Neotropolis Central, is a good place to start. We even have an official buy/trade/sell group too, Neotropolis Cyber Megamall (Official).
The video game “Arc Raiders” has some great outfit inspiration. Check out the color combos, accessories, and variations of the base pieces. Obviously, we don’t want direct copies of any of these spacesuits or outfits, but there’s plenty in this video to inspire your OWN version.
There are several ways to think about your outfit for Neotropolis; functionality (this is a desert environment after all, and temperatures can differ from very high to very low all in the same day), fashion-forward (avant garde, couture, think futuristic “Project Runway”), character-driven (the personality you want to present), or just plain looking like you belong at the event.
Our official on-site vendors will have some accessories (and maybe even full costumes!) at our event, too. Previous years’ vendors included GrayStarInnovations (who offered masks and helmets) and Starside Armory (who had jewelry and accessories).
We will also have our Neo Body Shop to provide a variety of complimentary themed makeup and hair services for attendees. They’ll be located in the NEO Megamall.
What about aliens and robots?
Aliens, robots, and clones are TOTALLY in theme for a cyberpunk science-fiction world.
But that said, avoid costumes that resemble team mascots, large or oversized cartoon heads, most fantasy-looking wings, full colorful fur suits, colorful furry ears or tails, and all non thematically appropriate costumes. (More details on that here.)
After all, Neotropolis isn’t an anime or fandom convention.
Also, if you’re planning on doing any kind of special makeup- applying things to your skin, or something you don’t normally do (like contacts or teeth)- we highly suggest you do at least one test run at home (including removal!) before trying to do it at our event.
NEO Basic: A Starting point
(with links!)
Basic isn’t bad, it’s just the beginning!
This can be something as simple as a jumpsuit, coveralls, or pants/jacket combination with a neat patch, some cool colors, or even an accessory like a mask, helmet, or special prop. Try to avoid plain t-shirts unless you’re pairing it with something like a jacket, harness, or other accessory.
Examples of basic pieces, layered with things like hoods, jackets, sunglasses/goggles, and snazzy boots.
There are many sources for buying some “cyber basics” online, and here are just a few we’ve found (these are not official vendors for this year and these links do not imply any kind of endorsement):
Illumicyberwear is well-known source for light-up LED visors.
NeuroLab Apparel (get 15% off with code NEOTROPOLIS at checkout!)
dustrial, (get 10% off with code Neo10)
XYXIONGMAO on Amazon
Neo4ic
Wasted Couture (longtime vendors at Wasteland Weekend)
Ambcol - Another brand available on Amazon
Frankly, if you spend some time browsing with search terms like retrowave, techwear, streetwear, cyberwear, and even Y2K fashion, you’ll find some good results.
We tend to prefer smaller makers (like our official vendors), other sites on this page, and some of the shops we’ve seen on Etsy:
DominicElvinDesign (beautiful cyber jewelry and wearable pieces)
Again, there are MANY more Etsy (and eBay) sellers but these links should give you a good starting point if you have no idea what to look for.
Graphic T-shirts, active wear / techwear jackets, and some awesome shades make for the perfect NEO Basic look.
FACTION LOOKS:
We have several Factions, which are groups/camps that share a common theme or look. While you don’t have to join a Faction to attend or enjoy NEO, it may help to see what themes are out there. Here are some costume examples from our community:
Starting to get a little more complicated with tech upgrades! If you’re doing any kind of special makeup, applying things to your skin, or something you don’t normally do, we highly suggest you do a test at home before trying to do it at our event.
Lots of details- patches, colors, maybe something that lights up!
More Corporate meets tech examples.
This one is RIIIIIGHT on the edge of being super advanced due to accessories, but a great example of NEO Basic with the other elements.
Another example of how a makeup appliance can make techwear basic pieces look more cyberpunk and sci-fi.
Accessories can really boost a look, this member of the Helix Allegiance.
While more complicated, you can see how a jumpsuit/pair of coveralls is a great starting point! Build a space suit, a faction uniform, or just a good base for attaching patches, greebles, and other things.
Puffy and fitted jackets are huge in cyberpunk and sci-fi! Not only are they a stylish choice, but they’ll keep you warm.
Have a monitor laying around? Why not turn it into a helmet!
Applying makeup is another great way to level up your look! This use of layers, straps, harnesses and hood is another good example of how to build a look.
More complicated/advanced looks:
Costume Contest:
If you’re wanting to take it up a notch, here are some examples of contestants from the official Costume Contest over the years. By no means are we expecting everyone to have full LEDs on their outfits, or functional spacesuits or anything.
[But we can all agree it’s super cool, right?]
