- Difficulty: 3/10 Finding the right dress and styling the wig are the main challenges. Everything else is fairly straightforward.
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe: If you own a simple, flowy dress in a blue tone, you're halfway there. However, a wig and a few accessories will likely be necessary.
- Scare factor: 0/10 - Missandei is a beloved and compassionate character, not scary at all!
- Cost: $$$$$ Here's a rough breakdown:
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- Basic (from your wardrobe or thrifted): ~$15 - $40 (This assumes you need to buy a wig and possibly a belt)
- Mid-range (mix of new and pre-owned items): ~$30 - $80 (If you need to purchase a new dress, wig, and accessories)
- High-End (replica pieces): ~$100+ (If you want an exact replica dress or a high-quality custom wig)
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Missandei, the wise and loyal advisor to Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is a beloved figure known for her quiet strength and unwavering devotion. This costume guide will help you recreate Missandei's iconic look with detailed instructions, helping you channel her graceful presence. I'll provide insights and resources to ensure your Missandei costume is both authentic and impressive. Plus, we'll discuss options for group costumes and dive deeper into Missandei's personality for a truly transformative experience.
Missandei Costume Essentials
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Original Look
You will need the following items for your Missandei Halloween costume:
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Season 8 Look
You will need the following items for your Missandei season 8 Halloween costume:
How to Recreate Missandei's Iconic Look
Missandei's style is defined by its flowing simplicity and earthy tones. With a few key pieces, you'll easily capture her essence and radiate the quiet dignity she embodies. Let's break down her look, element by element.
The Flowing Dress
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What You Need:
- Light blue, floor-length dress (cotton, linen, or similar breathable fabric)
- Wide, brown belt (leather or faux leather)
- Optional: Gold-tone buckle or embellishment for belt
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How to Do It:
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Source the Dress: Look for a simple, sleeveless dress in a pale blue shade. Maxi dresses, sundresses, or even bridesmaid dresses can provide the perfect base. Avoid busy patterns, lace, or heavy fabrics.
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The Belt: A wide brown belt cinches the waist, adding visual interest and echoing Missandei's desert origins.
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Accessorize the Belt (Optional): If the belt feels too plain, adding a gold buckle or a simple jeweled embellishment will make your Missandei costume extra special.
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Bonus Tips:
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Thrifting: Check thrift stores or secondhand websites for affordable dresses and belts. These are great places to find unique pieces.
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Dye It: If you can't find the right shade of blue, consider dyeing a white dress. Remember to follow fabric dye instructions carefully!
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Comfort First: Missandei often works in warm climates. Choose lightweight fabrics for a comfortable and authentic feel.
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The Hairstyle
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What You Need:
- Short, tightly-curled black wig (afro-textured)
- Bobby pins
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How to Do It:
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Find the Wig: Look for a short afro wig online or at costume shops. Opt for a tighter curl pattern to match Missandei's look.
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Style and Secure: Gently shape the wig to your preference. Use bobby pins discreetly to keep it in place.
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Bonus Tips:
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Your Natural Hair: If you have short, tightly-curled hair, embrace it! Missandei is about authenticity, and owning your natural hair is a powerful statement.
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Styling Tips: Check online tutorials for afro-hair styling and wig fitting advice.
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The Accessories
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What You Need:
- Dragon brooch or pendant (optional)
- Simple sandals (brown or neutral tones)
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How to Do It:
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The Dragon Symbol: Missandei often wears accessories referencing Daenerys. Find a dragon brooch or pendant in antique gold or silver tones.
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Footwear: Keep it simple with flat, strappy sandals. Brown or neutral colors are best.
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Bonus Tip:
- Repurpose Jewelry: Look through your existing jewelry for pieces with dragons or serpents. A little creativity can go a long way!
With these essential elements, you've captured the core of Missandei's iconic look. Next, we'll delve into how to embody her calm demeanor and determined spirit for a truly complete Missandei costume!
Missandei Cosplay
Now that you look like Missandei, it's time to inhabit her calm strength and quiet wisdom. Let's explore some key aspects of her personality that will make your Missandei costume truly come alive.
Graceful Posture
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What to Do: Missandei carries herself with poise and dignity, even in difficult circumstances.
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How to Do It:
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Stand Tall: Straighten your spine and keep your shoulders back. Don't slouch!
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Measured Movements: Walk with deliberate steps, avoiding fidgeting or appearing rushed.
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Stillness: Practice moments of stillness. Hold your gaze and maintain a quiet composure.
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Bonus Tips:
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Inspiration: Watch scenes with Missandei, paying close attention to her posture and how she moves.
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Remember Her Strength: Missandei's posture reflects her inner resilience and unwavering loyalty. Channel this when you stand as her.
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Soft But Firm Voice
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What to Do: Missandei's voice is gentle yet unwavering. She speaks with clarity and conviction.
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How to Do It
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Volume: Speak at a moderate volume. Avoid shouting or whispering excessively.
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Enunciation: Pronounce words clearly. Don't mumble or rush your speech.
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Intention: Even when kind, Missandei delivers her words with purpose.
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Bonus Tips:
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Practice: Read passages from the books or scripts aloud, focusing on Missandei's lines.
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Emotion: Subtle changes in tone can convey determination or empathy.
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Observant and Thoughtful
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What to Do: Missandei is a keen observer, often taking in information before speaking.
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How to Do It:
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Attentive Gaze: Maintain eye contact when interacting with others.
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Considered Pauses: Briefly pause before responding, as if weighing your words carefully.
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Thoughtful Gestures – Subtle touches, like bringing a hand to your chin, can enhance the impression of contemplation.
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Bonus Tips
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Situational Awareness: Imagine yourself as Missandei, assessing a situation before taking action.
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Don't Overplay: Missandei is subtle. Avoid exaggerated expressions or gestures.
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Unwavering Loyalty
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What to Do: Missandei's devotion to Daenerys is a core part of her character.
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How to Do It
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Supportive Presence: Position yourself near your "Daenerys" in group photos or at parties.
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Protective Gestures: Subtly shield "Daenerys" from unwanted attention.
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Verbal Affirmation: Use phrases like "My Queen" or "I will follow you always" (but use these sparingly!).
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Bonus Tips:
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Subtlety is Key: Loud displays might be out of character for Missandei. Choose nuanced actions.
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Know Your Limits: Remember, Missandei is loyal, not subservient. Maintain her dignity even when showing devotion.
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By combining these elements – graceful posture, a measured voice, observant presence, and hints of unwavering loyalty – you'll begin to embody the quiet power of Missandei. Next, let's explore how to make your Missandei costume shine in group or family settings.
Couple, Group, and Family Costume Ideas
Take your Missandei costume to a whole new level by incorporating friends and family. Get inspired with these fun and creative ideas inspired by Missandei's world and beyond:
Couple Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: Missandei and Daenerys Targaryen (Difficulty: Easy). This one is my favorite couple costume idea for female couples. Highlight the deep bond between Missandei and her queen. Daenerys's flowing white dresses and iconic braids complement Missandei's simple elegance perfectly.
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Idea 2: Missandei and Grey Worm (Difficulty: Moderate). This costume showcases the touching romance between the translator and the Unsullied commander. Coordinate with simple tunics and belts, focusing on conveying their unwavering loyalty and quiet strength.
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Idea 3: Missandei and Tyrion Lannister (Difficulty: Moderate). This pairing highlights Missandei's role as a trusted advisor and Tyrion's shrewd intellect. Channel their intellectual rapport and shared devotion to Daenerys.
Group Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: Daenerys' Inner Circle (Difficulty: Moderate). Gather your friends as Daenerys Targaryen, Missandei, Grey Worm, Tyrion Lannister, and Jorah Mormont. This core group embodies loyalty, strategy, and the quest for power.
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Idea 2: Queens and Advisors (Difficulty: Moderate). Form a regal ensemble with characters like Missandei, Sansa Stark, Cersei Lannister, Margaery Tyrell, and their trusted advisors. Emphasize the different leadership styles and elaborate costumes.
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Idea 3: Translators and Interpreters (Difficulty: Challenging). A unique concept! Pair Missandei with other fictional interpreters like C-3PO (Star Wars), Hodor (Game of Thrones), or even Spock (Star Trek). Showcase their vital role in bridging cultures.
Family Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: House Targaryen (Difficulty: Varies). A classic choice! Dress as Daenerys, Khal Drogo, Missandei, and even Rhaenys, Rhaenyra, Daemon, King Viserys, and perhaps even include a few adorable baby dragons! Make sure everyone in your group feels comfortable and excited about their chosen character!
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Idea 2: Women of Westeros (Difficulty: Varies). A powerful theme featuring characters like Missandei, Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, Lyanna Stark, or Brienne of Tarth. Celebrate the diverse female characters and their strength in a harsh world.
About Missandei
Missandei is so much more than just Daenerys's handmaiden. She is a symbol of quiet resilience, unwavering loyalty, and a testament to the power of knowledge. Let's explore her character, her role in the epic Game of Thrones saga, and her enduring impact on viewers.
Character Overview
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Role in Game of Thrones: Translator, advisor, and confidante to Daenerys Targaryen. A voice of reason and compassion throughout the quest for the Iron Throne.
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Played By: Nathalie Emmanuel
Background and Personality Traits
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Personality: Intelligent, compassionate, reserved yet fiercely loyal. Possesses strength of character far exceeding her gentle demeanor.
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Appearance: Petite, with dark skin reflecting her heritage from the island of Naath. Short, tightly-curled black hair and deep, expressive eyes. Often wears simple, flowing dresses.
Role in the Story
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Breaking Chains: Missandei's journey from slave to trusted advisor mirrors Daenerys's fight against oppression.
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Voice of Reason: She frequently counsels Daenerys towards diplomacy and mercy, tempering the fiery Targaryen ambition.
Cultural Impact
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Fan Favorite: Missandei is beloved for her quiet strength and unwavering kindness in a brutal world.
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Representation Matters: As a woman of color in a major role, Missandei offers important representation within the fantasy genre.
With this deeper understanding of Missandei, you're well-equipped to bring her to life—whether through your costume or by channeling her captivating spirit.
Further Reading:
Conclusion
With the flowing dress, the perfect hairstyle, and an understanding of Missandei's quiet strength and loyalty, you have everything you need for an authentic transformation. This guide has provided step-by-step instructions and insights into her character. Now, it's your turn to embrace the role! Whether you're attending a costume party or simply channeling her spirit, let your Missandei shine!