Browse through Stranger Things character costume and cosplay guides from all the seasons appearing on Netflix. The award-winning science fiction horror series created by the Duffer Brothers is a flashback to 80s pop culture. No need to travel to Hawkins, Indiana to cosplay each of the series characters. In season one debut, Will Byers mysteriously disappears one evening, and his friends Mike Wheeler, Lucas Sinclair, and Dustin Henderson discover Eleven who helps find their missing friend in the Upside Down. And that’s just the beginning of the supernatural series. See how to look like every Stranger Things character with step-by-step DIY cosplay guides.
Weird things start happening in Hawkins, Indiana and at the same time, a young girl named Eleven mysteriously appears. When Will Byers goes missing, a group of young boys believes that Eleven, played by Millie Bobby, is the one who can find their lost friend. El isn’t telling the boys all the experiments she endured at Hawkins National Laboratory, and that their friend Will is likely trapped in the same place. Eleven’s outfit has since become one of the most popular costumes. Now you can cosplay her by following the Eleven step-by-step costume guide as seen in Netflix’s Stranger Things season 1.
Chief Jim Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, goes above and beyond to find Joyce Byers’ son. When Will goes missing in Stranger Things season 1, something sparks in Hopper that makes him realize the case is much more twisted than anyone imagines. Suited up in his Hawkins police uniform, Jim heads into the Hawkins National Laboratory to lead an investigation that is about to turn his world upside down. Continuing into season 2, Jim Hopper takes Eleven into his home and does his best to raise her as his own. Though the over protective “father” in turn pushes Eleven away.
The debut of Stranger Things in 2016 took everyone by surprise with its widespread popularity and relatable characters. The Duffer brothers took us back in time and recreated familiar nostalgia and pop-culture from the 80’s. Recreating each character’s trendy outfits for a costume party or Halloween event can be so much fun! There’s nothing like jumping back a couple of decades for the day to cosplay a familiar character—especially when 80s pop culture is involved!
Most of the outfits as seen on the show can be easily put together by digging through your closet or by visiting a local thrift shop for the essential costume items and accessories. Take a look at each DIY cosplay guide to determine the exact costume pieces you and your friends need to look like specific characters appearing in Netflix’s Stranger Things like Barbara Holland, Joyce Byers, Steve Harrington, Max Mayfield, Robin, and others.
Venture into the Upside Down with our Stranger Things FAQ section. Whether you’re a fan of the thrilling Netflix series or new to the town of Hawkins, we’re here to answer your questions about creating costumes, exploring trivia, and celebrating the supernatural world of Stranger Things.
Some recognizable costumes for Stranger Things characters include Eleven’s pink dress and blonde wig with a box of Eggo waffles, Dustin’s trucker hat and Camp Know Where T-shirt, Mike’s 80s-style jacket and walkie-talkie, Joyce Byers’ striped shirt and Christmas lights, and Hopper’s sheriff uniform. For a spookier option, consider dressing up as a Demogorgon or the Mind Flayer.
Some lesser-known facts about Stranger Things include that the show was originally titled “Montauk” and was set in Long Island, New York, before being changed to Hawkins, Indiana. Additionally, the character of Eleven was initially intended to have very few lines, but Millie Bobby Brown’s performance led to the character’s expansion.
To create an Eleven costume from Season 1, start with a pink dress, a white collar, and a navy blue jacket. Add knee-high socks, white sneakers, and a blonde wig with a green hair tie. Complete the look with a smudge of fake blood under one nostril to represent Eleven’s nosebleeds, and carry a box of Eggo waffles as a prop.
Some memorable episodes or scenes from Stranger Things that can inspire a costume or party theme include the kids’ Dungeons & Dragons game, the Snow Ball dance, the Starcourt Mall from Season 3, and the Halloween party in Season 2. Recreate elements from these scenes, such as 80s-themed decorations, arcade games, or a spooky Upside Down atmosphere.
Incorporating memorable quotes from Stranger Things into your costume or interactions can add an extra layer of authenticity and fun. Some fan-favorite quotes include:
“Friends don’t lie.” – Eleven
“She’s our friend and she’s crazy!” – Dustin
“We never would’ve upset you if we knew you had superpowers.” – Mike
“Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.” – Chief Hopper
“The world is full of monsters with friendly faces.” – Dr. Owens
A sci-fi drama created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things is mainly focused on the pop culture of the 1980s. Set in the fictitious city of Hawkins, Indiana, a boy mysteriously disappears while the town begins experiencing strange supernatural occurrences. One of which is the appearance of a psychokinetic girl named Eleven who is portrayed by actress Millie Bobby Brown.
All the mysterious events stem from the local Hawkins National Laboratory. The lab, initially intended for research for the U.S. Department of Energy, begins paranormal experiments on children. Joyce Byers, portrayed by Winona Ryder, the mother of the missing boy, Will Byers, involves Sheriff Jim Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, in the investigation. As the search grows, they uncover even more mysteries that unravel in subsequent seasons. First debuted by Netflix in 2016, the series received several industry awards and nominations in its first season.
