One Character, Different Costumes: Elsa

There's a lot to love about cosplay, but one of my most favorite aspects is that it doesn't matter if someone's already worn a costume you wanted to make. If you want to dress like Indiana Jones, do it and don't worry about the fact that 5,000 other people have done it before you. You can and should use their experiences to learn and research, but at the end of the day, the Indiana Jones costume you wear will be different because of the person in it. This applies even if you buy a screen accurate replica - no one else can wear the costume like you because in this case, you're a mostly special snowflake.

To that end, I thought it would be fun to take a single character each week and look at how different cosplayers tackle it. It's all about Queen Elsa from Frozen this week, and I've rounded up several different mash-up style versions of her costume. Creativity, guys - get ready to see some:

Battle Elsa by MimiruCosplayDiary, photo by Zach Nieland. This is an Elsa who has matured and is ready to protect the citizens of Arendelle.

Fire Elsa by Elle-Cosplay, photo by Amaleigh Photography. This Elsa has left the snow and ice behind for warmer climates.

Mermaid Elsa by TorihimeCosplay, photo by Otaku Haven. Elsa's made friends with Ariel and decided to take to the sea.

Sith Elsa by Ami-Yumi-Productions, photo by Short Fuse Pinups. Elsa's gone intentionally evil in this cosplay inspired by fan art.

Another Sith Elsa via WickedLover010 who is dressed as Jedi Anna.

Sailor Scout Elsa by Chelphie Cosplay. She's ready to transform and save the day along with a whole bunch of other Sailor Scout Disney princesses.

Kimono version of Elsa's dress by EvilQueenCosplay, photo by Olivine Cosplay and Photography. This outfit looks warm but also really comfortable.

Another Battle Elsa, photo by Lucy0566. This was spotted at Otakon and could be a mash-up with an anime or video game character I don't know. Anyone recognize the look?

Next week we'll look at various cosplayers wearing the same exact costume. If you have suggestions about which character to focus on, please let me know in the comments.