I knew a couple of my costumes I’ve worn the most, but when I actually counted I was surprised by some of the other “top 5.”
To be fair, I didn’t count the times I wore something to a local 501st/RL troop; if I had, Leia would be at #1. The only reason I didn’t count them was because I simply can’t remember them all. I did include photoshoots, however.
But anyway, here’s my top 5 most worn costumes.
5. Mara Jade – 9 times
I knew I’d worn Mara Jade a lot, but I was surprised to find it in my top 5. It helped that I wore it to every event in 2005, and had 2 separate photoshoots with it. (And secretly I’d like to do another white backdrop shoot with it without a wig, since I don’t need the wig anymore!)
4. Hermione Granger – Sorcerer’s Stone version – 10 times
Getting worn to every movie & book release up until late 2004 (when it was replaced with my newer version) pushed my old Hermione costume to spot four. This costume probably went through more revisions than any other costume of mine; patch upgrades, tie upgrades, sock and shoe updates, and scarves. The picture I picked was it’s final incarnation before being retired.
3. Hermione Granger – Prisoner of Azkaban version – 11 times
Nudging out the old version with 1 more wearing was my 2004 version of Hermione, with the later style robe, sweater and skirt. Besides every book and movie release post-2004, it was also worn to a handful of conventions and was my go-to Halloween-day costume for several years, so it was easy enough to work in.
2. Belle’s Ballgown – 12 times
I was surprised that Belle was in the top five, also; if I’d estimated off the top of my head I would have said I’d worn it around six or seven times. But multiple Dragoncons and Halloween and Princess/Disney events pushed it up to 12.
1. Leia’s Metal Bikini – 15 times
I already knew this one was my most worn costume; but I think it’s hilarious that it is, when, as close to four months before I debuted it, I was telling people the one costume I’d never do is Slave Leia. But it’s surprisingly comfortable, easily recognizable, and I had a lot of fun doing upgrades to it over the years (multiple hair pieces, new chains, 2 sets of skirts, 2 sets of boots, 3 sets of boot toppers and multiple accessories). Pretty much the only reason I stopped wearing it was because of the massive influx of Slave Leias at cons.