Are you looking for a cozy and fun cartoon cosplay project to start? Shari from Wayside School is a perfect choice for beginners to try. This sleeping student always wears a very simple and iconic purple outfit. You can easily put this entire look together in just one single afternoon. This is a budget-friendly project that will look absolutely amazing on camera.
You do not need advanced crafting skills to create this simple cartoon character. Let us walk through all the simple steps to build your custom DIY costume. With a few basic pieces, you will look like you just walked out of the classroom. Follow this guide to capture her sleepy charm and iconic cartoon style.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The core of this outfit is a matching violet or purple hoodie sweatshirt. Look for a vibrant shade of violet to match the original animated version. Ensure the hoodie has a functional hood that you can pull up easily during your event. A soft fleece fabric will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the day.
Pair your cozy hoodie with a matching purple skirt to complete the main outfit. A simple A-line or skater skirt works perfectly for this cartoon look. Try to match the color of the skirt to your hoodie as closely as possible. Pleated skirts also add a nice schoolgirl detail to the overall silhouette.
Select bright purple shoes to keep the monochrome theme of the outfit consistent. Classic purple canvas sneakers or simple slip-ons are your best footwear options. This smart choice ensures you stay completely comfortable during long hours of walking. Make sure to wear matching purple socks to complete the footwear look.
Accessories & Details
Recreate Shari’s signature colorful hair with a bright, high-quality purple wig. Choose a style with straight bangs that frame your face really nicely. Tuck the rest of the wig under your hood to mimic her animated style. You can trim the bangs slightly if they cover your eyes too much.
Add fun props like a soft sleeping mask or a small pillow. These fun items represent Shari’s famous habit of sleeping through all her classes. Holding a prop gives you something to do in photos and adds character. You can easily attach a shoulder strap to the pillow for convenient carrying.
Cosplay Tips
Try purchasing your hoodie and skirt from the same brand if possible. This helps you get a perfectly matching shade of purple. Varying shades of purple can distract from the clean, monochrome cartoon look. Be sure to compare the fabrics in natural light before finalizing your outfit.
This cozy, warm costume is excellent for cool autumn conventions and outdoor shoots. If the convention venue is warm, select a lightweight cotton hoodie instead. Layering a purple t-shirt underneath allows you to cool down when needed. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out to your next event.
Use simple bobby pins to secure your hood to the purple wig properly. This prevents the heavy hood from falling off during your cosplay photoshoots. This keeps your styling completely intact without needing constant manual adjustments. You can also use double-sided tape for extra security on the forehead.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Shari is best known for her sleepy attitude and relaxed, quiet personality. Try to capture this calm, sleepy energy in all of your poses. Yawning or pretending to fall asleep makes for great and authentic cosplay photos. Look for quiet corners in the convention hall for fun sleeping poses.
Keep your makeup minimal and fresh to suit a school-age cartoon character. Focus on a clean, simple look that requires very little maintenance during the day. You want to look completely ready for a nap at any given moment. A touch of lip balm and light blush is all you need.
Encourage your close friends to cosplay other students from the Wayside School. Group costumes are always highly popular and bring back great childhood memories. Characters like Todd or Maurecia make excellent companion choices for a Shari group. You can recreate funny scenes from the book for amazing group photos.
Final Thoughts
This DIY Shari cosplay is a nostalgic project that is simple to create. It is the perfect choice for casual convention days and quick shoots. You will instantly stand out to fans of the classic book series. It is a wonderful and comfortable way to celebrate a beloved childhood story.
Gather your purple items, find a comfortable pillow, and start crafting today. You are now ready to bring the wacky Wayside School to life. Enjoy your cozy day of cosplaying this beloved and classic book character. Have fun sharing your love for Wayside School with other nostalgic fans.
