Creating Fem Austria Cosplay: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to cosplay as Nyo (or Fem) Austria from Hetalia, you might be wondering how to put together a historically accurate costume. One option is to wear a low-cut black vest, a white shirt, and a black skirt, but if you're looking for something less revealing, you might want to consider a longer skirt that falls below the thigh. If you're short on time, you could also opt for a modern take on Nyo Austria's style, choosing something that she would wear but isn't her actual clothes from the period.

Modern vs. traditional

When it comes to cosplaying as Nyo (or Fem) Austria, there are a few things to consider when deciding between a modern or traditional look. The traditional look for Fem Austria is based on a historical time period with specific fashion characteristics. However, if you are short on time or prefer a more contemporary style, you can opt for a modern interpretation of the character's attire.

For a traditional Fem Austria cosplay, it is important to research the character's historical clothing style. This may involve studying reference images, concept art, or even fashion trends from the era that inspire the character's design. The goal is to recreate the aesthetic of the time period faithfully, paying attention to the cut, fabric, and styling of the garments. This may require more time and effort in sourcing or creating the individual pieces of the costume.

Traditionally, Fem Austria's attire consists of a combination of a white shirt, a vest, and a skirt. The skirt, in particular, is a distinctive feature, typically falling halfway down the thigh. However, cosplayers may encounter a challenge when interpreting this traditional skirt length, as it may be considered too short for their comfort or practicality. In such cases, they can opt for a longer skirt that still captures the essence of the character's style while aligning with their personal preferences.

In contrast, a modern Fem Austria cosplay offers more flexibility in interpreting the character's style. This approach adapts the character's aesthetic to contemporary fashion trends, allowing for greater creativity and personal expression. Cosplayers can draw inspiration from modern clothing while still incorporating key elements that evoke the character's essence. This blend of modern and traditional aspects can result in a unique and updated interpretation of the character.

When considering a modern take on Fem Austria, one idea is to focus on casual wear. This could involve pairing a low-cut black vest with a white shirt, creating a stylish and relaxed ensemble. This combination captures the character's essence while remaining accessible and comfortable for the cosplayer. By opting for modern clothing, cosplayers can more easily source or assemble their costume, especially if they are working within time constraints.

Top and bottoms

For the top, you can wear a low-cut black vest with a white shirt underneath. If you want to add a more feminine touch, consider wearing a white blouse instead of a shirt, which will also help to capture the historical feel of the character. Alternatively, you could wear a black dress with a white collar, which would eliminate the need for a separate top and bottom.

For the bottoms, a black skirt could work, but it should be of appropriate length, falling just below the knee. If you are set on wearing a skirt, you could try wearing black trousers or shorts underneath to preserve modesty. Alternatively, you could wear black trousers or shorts as your bottom piece, which would be more accurate to the time period and provide more coverage.

Shoes

For the shoes component of your Fem Austria cosplay, you could opt for a pair of elegant, heeled boots in black. The heel adds a touch of femininity while also providing stability and comfort, which is essential if you plan to wear the costume for extended periods. Alternatively, Victorian-style lace-up boots in black or dark brown would also work well and be in keeping with the historical theme. These could be paired with tights or stockings in a complementary colour.

If you prefer a more modern interpretation, a pair of black or dark grey ankle boots with a low heel could be a good choice. These would be more versatile and easier to source, offering a comfortable option that could be worn again with other costumes or everyday outfits.

For a summer event or warmer climate, consider a pair of black or dark brown Mary Jane shoes with a small heel. These would be more breathable and lighter to wear, while still maintaining the elegance and sophistication of the character. Adding a pair of lace or ruffled socks in a complementary colour could also be a nice touch, providing an opportunity to add a pop of colour or pattern that reflects the character's personality.

Lastly, don't forget to consider your own comfort and the setting of the event. If you will be standing or walking for long periods, opt for a lower heel or flat shoe to ensure your comfort throughout the day. Similarly, if the event is outdoors, particularly on grass or uneven terrain, a thicker heel or sole may be preferable to avoid sinking into the ground.

Accessories

As the Fem Austria cosplay is based on clothing from a different time period, you may want to consider the following accessories to enhance the accuracy and authenticity of your costume.

Firstly, a pair of long white gloves can be a great addition, reflecting the formal attire of the time. These gloves can be made from a lightweight fabric such as cotton or polyester, ensuring comfort during wear. The gloves should extend beyond the elbow, creating an elegant and refined appearance.

Secondly, a wide-brimmed hat or a sophisticated fascinator can be a stylish accessory, adding a touch of glamour to your costume. Look for something with feathers, veils, or other decorative accents that evoke the fashion of the era. If you're feeling crafty, you can even decorate a plain hat base with feathers, beads, and lace to create a unique and personalized accessory.

A statement necklace, preferably with a vintage or antique feel, can be a wonderful way to draw attention to your costume. Look for pieces that feature intricate details, such as filigree work, or opt for a necklace with a large pendant or statement-making design. Additionally, consider adding a pair of drop earrings or clip-ons if your ears aren't pierced. These can be simple pearl studs or more ornate designs featuring crystals or gemstones.

Lastly, don't forget the power of a good pair of shoes to complete your look. For a Fem Austria cosplay, you might want to consider a pair of elegant heels or pumps, preferably in a dark colour such as black or navy. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a small, decorative buckle or ribbon to the shoes for an extra touch of sophistication.

Remember, the key to successful accessorizing is to choose pieces that complement your costume without overwhelming it. Keep in mind the overall colour scheme and style of your Fem Austria cosplay, and select accessories that enhance the period-appropriate feel of your outfit.

Wig and makeup

For the wig, you will want to look for a short, white wig with a side fringe. You can style it by cutting and shaping it to frame your face. If you are unable to find a pre-made wig, you can make one by sewing wefts of hair onto a wig cap and styling it to your liking.

For the makeup, you will want to start by creating a clean base. Use a light foundation and concealer to even out your skin tone and cover any blemishes. Set this with a translucent powder to ensure it lasts all day.

Next, define your brows. Shape and fill them in with a brow pencil or powder to create a bold and defined look.

For the eyes, start by applying a light shade of eyeshadow, such as a soft beige or cream colour, all over the lid up to the brow bone. This will brighten the eyes. Then, take a medium brown shade and apply it to the outer corner, blending it into the crease. You can add more depth by using a darker brown or black eyeshadow along the upper lash line. Finish with mascara and, if you want, false lashes.

A soft pink or peach blush on the apples of your cheeks will add a natural flush.

Finally, for the lips, opt for a light pink or nude lipstick or lip gloss.

Frequently asked questions