I did Stargate as my first costume and this is an easy costume to do.  Go to the military surplus store and get a BDU, boots, hat.  A vest that holds a lot of crap if you want.  I did.

Then I got my MP5 online but you can probably get those on ebay.  Besides, Stargate used PS3s at the end anyway.  I also got a beretta, since that is what they originally wore before they got the Zat guns.  So  you have to get a holster for either/or.  

And I got a vest and a lot of stuff to stow in it even though I'd never use any of it (although I'd probably have gotten thrown out of Dragon Con if they knew what I had in those pockets).  I should probably go check it in case of a zombie infection.

Boots:  DO NOT GET REGULATION BOOTS.  My ex was specifically told to get regulation boots (he was in the army) because they look more "professional".  But they hurt like hell.  I've gotten them, and I've gotten the more comfy ones which are also sold, and which also are "regulation".  Get Magnums.  They're terrific if you want military boots but also want to walk or stand around all day, like you have to do at Dragon Con.

Also, the patches for Stargate are easily available online on a search.  So are dog tags, which you can make say anything you want.  I got those on ebay.

Not saying go do Stargate, just saying here's how I went about my costume.  Others go much, much further with their costumes. (See Val :glance2)

Sidetrack:

You can also get Storm Trooper uniforms on ebay.  They're in the hundreds of dollars though.  And then you need the black body suit, and there is a guy who custom designs the white boots.  And then you have to put the whole thing together.  It takes hours.  I watched Pitch Black and ate pizza while a group of people did this in my house, including Vader Painter and Sith Vixen (look them up) who was trying to paint her Maul skull and failing.

Re: My first costume

There's a lot of crap out there on fleabay like people passing off Rubie's armor as acceptable, but the people at the 501st's stormtrooper forum, whitearmor.net , can direct you to much more reputable sources like ATA.

That's two names I haven't heard in a while. :glance  Think she's in Canada these days.

Oh and agree big time about the boots.  The first ones I had for my GI Joe Russian sniper chick costume, regulation boots,  killllllled my poor feet.

Re: My first costume

Thanks, I was hoping I'd get some costumer responses.  Feel free to start your own threads. It doesn't have to be Star Wars.  You might want to expand on "Rubie's armor" because I and others might not know what that means.

Re: My first costume

Rubie's is a company that has a license from Lucasfilm (as well as other companies) to produce and sell costumes and accessories.  A lot of the costumes you see in stores around Halloween are made by them.  They are fun for that purpose, but if you want a quality costume…not so much. :p

The "danger" is that less than scrupulous sellers on ebay and such will try and sell someone looking for clone or stormtrooper or heck any kind of costume their less than exemplary products while telling them it's 501st or Rebel Legion approved (if the person's goal is to join either organization) and people end up wasting their money.

If it's Star Wars costumes you're interested in (either purchasing or making your own) the 501st.com is the best place to check for the Imperial side of things.  There are sub-sites for pretty much any Impy costume you can think of, all the types of troopers, Sith Lords, Bounty Hunters, Tuskens, EU characters, you name it.  For the "good guys" side the rebellegion.com is the place.  Both organizations also have local garrisons and bases respectively that have members who are willing to answer questions and many hold armor parties where people get together and help each other with projects.  There is also the Mandalorian Mercs group for those who love to craft their own costum Mando gear.
 


The Dented Helmet is another great resource for Bounty Hunter as well as other costuming help.  And the www.therpf.com is fantastic for pretty much any movie, tv, comic, whatever costume or prop you want to recreate.  There are some crazy talented members there who love sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Whatever you're interest is though, you can pretty much find a group online to network with.

Re: My first costume

Thanks for the links Mischa! I would absolutely love to put something really good together, but I think it may be a gradual over-the-years thing. But now I know where to start.

Re: My first costume

You're welcome!  It's definitely an investment in time, but that's the best way to do it.  

Oh and I forgot to include Alley Cat Scratch's site for those interested in Middle Earth costuming.  Remembered it this morning since I am planning one myself.

Re: My first costume

Wow, you're really an expert.

Re: My first costume

MIDDLE EARTH!! Yes.