Suzie Costume Guide

Suzie's sweetly nerdy style and modest Mormon upbringing might make you think her look is hard to replicate, but fear not! With a bit of resourcefulness, we'll transform you into this brainy sweetheart of Hawkins. We've already covered ready-to-wear options, so this section is all about crafting a budget-friendly Suzie costume from scratch.

The Floral Nightgown

Suzie's most distinctive feature is her long-sleeved, vibrantly patterned nightgown.

• What You Need:

  • A vintage floral nightgown with long sleeves (thrift stores are your friend!)
  • Fabric dye in similar colors to the nightgown (if needed)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread

• How To Do It

  1. Find the Base Nightgown: Prioritize nightgowns with long sleeves or sleeves you can easily lengthen. Don't worry if the color isn't a perfect match, as we can adjust that!
  2. Dye if Necessary: If your nightgown lacks the bright, '80s-inspired colors, a quick fabric dye will add the right vibrancy. Follow the dye instructions carefully.
  3. Alter for Fit: Take in the waistline if needed to create a more fitted look. If the sleeves are too short, add extensions with fabric from the nightgown hem for a seamless style.

• Bonus Tips:

  • I've successfully sourced nightgowns like this from both thrift stores and online vintage clothing retailers. Keep an eye out for sales!
  • If precise color matching is important to you, consider visiting a fabric store with a photo of Suzie to find materials for sleeve extensions or accents.

The Pink Hair Bow

A large pink bow is essential for that touch of youthful charm that Suzie embodies.

• What You Need:

  • Wide satin ribbon in bright pink
  • Needle and thread (matching the ribbon color)
  • Hair tie or barrette

• How to Do It:

  1. Cut and Shape: Cut a long length of ribbon, at least 12 inches. Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and sew or glue the long edges together.
  2. The Bow: Create loops with the ribbon, making a figure-eight shape. Pinch the center of the figure-eight tightly and secure it with a few stitches.
  3. Attach to Hair Accessory: Wrap a smaller piece of ribbon around the center of the bow and attach it to your chosen hair tie or barrette.

• Bonus Tips:

  • If you struggle with the bow, consider hot-gluing the loops in place for stability. Just be careful not to burn yourself!

The Pink Coil Cord Bracelet

Suzie's pink coil bracelet isn't just an accessory; it reflects her love of technology.

• What You Need:

  • A pink telephone coil cord (try online vintage tech shops or craft stores)

• How to Do It:

  1. Size and Secure: Carefully uncoil the cord and test the length around your wrist. Cut to the desired size, leaving enough room for a comfortable fit.
  2. Finishing Touches: Melt the ends slightly with a lighter or candle to prevent fraying. Be extremely careful not to burn the cord excessively.

• Bonus Tips:

  • If melting the ends feels too risky, a small dab of superglue can help secure the shape of the bracelet.

The Glasses

Suzie's round, thick-framed glasses are synonymous with her smart, quirky image.

• What You Need:

  • Inexpensive round reading glasses (check drugstores and dollar stores)
  • Acrylic paint in the desired frame color (if needed)
  • Small paintbrush

• How To Do It:

  1. Color Match: If the frames aren't the right color, carefully apply a thin layer of acrylic paint. Let it dry completely before adding a second coat if needed.

• Bonus Tips:

  • I often customize glasses like this! Removing the lenses before painting makes the process easier, and you can always pop them back in later.

With a bit of creativity, you've transformed ordinary items into the foundation of Suzie's adorable look! Next up, we'll learn how to channel her bright personality and endearing presence to truly become Dustin's "Dusty-Bun".