What You’ll Need
Ponytail Wig
Elf Ears
Gold Chain Necklace
Light Purple Button Down Shirt
Purple Formal Vest
Black Wrist Cuffs
Black Belt
Black Sash Belt
Purple Dress Pants
Black Dress Shoes
Lute Prop
Scanlan Shorthalt is the legendary gnome bard of Vox Machina who loves music and witty jokes.
He is famous for his incredible wit and powerful music that often saves the entire party.
His style is just as loud as his personality and features many bright shades of purple.
Dressing as Scanlan is a great choice for beginners looking for a fun and colorful project.
This guide shows you how to build the look using simple pieces from your favorite stores.
Prepare yourself for a journey into gnome fashion that will impress every Critical Role fan.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The core of Scanlan’s look is the vibrant color purple which represents his bardic magical energy.
You need a light purple button-down shirt first to serve as the base for the outfit.
Make sure the shirt fits well so it looks clean and professional for your photoshoot events.
Next, find a matching purple formal vest to wear over the shirt for a regal appearance.
Match these with a pair of purple dress pants that allow for easy movement during conventions.
The monochrome purple look is Scanlan’s iconic trademark that every fan will recognize instantly today.
A black leather belt provides a necessary visual break between the vest and the dress pants.
Add a black sash belt for a more nomadic feel that suggests his life as an adventurer.
Accessories & Details
Small details make the gnome stand out in a crowd of larger fantasy characters at conventions.
A ponytail wig is essential for his signature hair and should be a natural brown shade.
Style the ponytail so it sits high on the head to match his youthful gnome appearance.
Elf ears are the most important gnome feature here to distinguish him from a human bard.
They should be pointed and securely attached to your head using high-quality cosmetic grade adhesive.
A gold chain necklace shows off Scanlan’s love for gold and his successful career as a performer.
Black wrist cuffs add a touch of adventure gear to the wrists for a rugged look.
The final touch is always the musical lute prop which serves as his primary magical focus.
Cosplay Tips
Start by gathering all your materials early in the week to avoid any shipping delays later.
Try on the full outfit to check the overall fit and make sure everything is comfortable.
Use high-quality spirit gum for the prosthetic elf ears so they stay in place all day.
Style the ponytail wig with a bit of hairspray to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Carry a small repair kit for your lute prop in case it gets damaged at the con.
Practice your bardic poses in front of a mirror to find your best angles for photos.
Confidence is the best accessory for any Scanlan cosplayer who wants to truly embody the character.
Bring a small bag for your phone and wallet that matches the colors of the outfit.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Scanlan is defined by his massive ego and his incredible talent for performance and magical music.
He is a performer who loves being the center of attention in every single room he enters.
Move with purpose and a bit of a strut to show off your bardic confidence today.
Your facial expressions should be lively and expressive to match his high-energy and witty personality.
Think about the spells he casts like Bigby’s Hand when you are posing for your photos.
The vibe should be charming rogue at all times to capture his unique place in the team.
Scanlan is a character who thrives on social interaction and making people laugh with his jokes.
Embrace the chaotic energy that he brings to the team and have fun with your portrayal.
Final Thoughts
You are now ready to hit the stage as the most famous gnome bard in all Exandria.
This DIY guide makes the process simple and fast for anyone looking to start their journey.
Purple is definitely your color for this epic project and you will look absolutely fantastic today.
Vox Machina always needs their favorite gnome bard to keep the team motivated and moving forward.
Remember that cosplaying is all about having fun and expressing your love for your favorite characters.
We can’t wait to see your Scanlan Shorthalt transformation at the next big fan convention event.
