The classic Lara Croft look is one of the easiest costumes to read from across a room: a fitted blue tank, brown bottoms, boots and a belt full of straps. That's also why it adapts so well. Once the blue-and-brown palette is in place, you can push it toward an accurate cosplay or pull it back into something you'd wear on a hike or a festival weekend. Below are 25 ways to do it, mostly with pieces you may already own, plus notes on fit, footwear and how to survive a long day in them.
Teal, Turquoise or Navy Under Convention Lights
The blue is what people recognize first, so it's worth choosing carefully. The original reads as a mid teal-turquoise, and that shade is the one I'd pick for an accurate costume. Navy looks more modern and wearable but loses some of the instant recognition. Bright royal blue tends to look like a sports kit.
Check the tank in two kinds of light before the event. Convention halls often have cool overhead lighting that can make teal look green, and a camera flash will exaggerate any shine. Matte cotton or cotton rib photographs better than shiny athletic fabric. Blue cotton also shows sweat as darker patches, so if the day will be hot, bring a spare tank or pick a wicking fabric in a darker blue.
Making Thigh Straps and a Belt From Ordinary Pieces
You don't need a costume kit to get the strapped look. A wide brown belt worn low on the hips carries most of it. For thigh straps, I use brown nylon webbing or old belts with buckles cut to fit around each thigh, then link them to the main belt with a short vertical strap on each side so they don't slide down when you walk.
- Fasten thigh straps snug but not tight; you should fit two fingers under them, or they'll cut in when you sit.
- A small pouch on the belt is far more useful than a fake holster, and holds a phone and card.
- If you plan to carry any prop, check the event's prop and weapon rules first. Many conventions ban realistic replicas or require them to be checked at the door.
1. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Cargo Shorts
This is the version people recognize instantly, so it's where I'd start for a convention. The tank needs to be properly fitted; a loose one loses the silhouette completely. High-rise brown cargo shorts with real pockets look right and let you carry a phone. A wide brown belt, tall white socks and lace-up combat boots finish the shape, along with fingerless gloves and a small canvas backpack. A long braid is the detail that sells it. If the shorts feel too short for a day of sitting on convention floors, a longer inseam or bike shorts underneath fix it.
2. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Khaki Cargo Pants
Khaki cargo pants are what I suggest when the event is indoors with heavy air conditioning or the weather's cool. A ribbed blue tank and a wide brown belt keep the character clear. Hiking boots ground the look, and a belt pouch beats a handbag because it keeps your hands free. Roll the hems a turn or two so the boots show; full-length cargos over boots can look like you just came from work. Stretch cotton is worth seeking out. Rigid twill gets uncomfortable after hours of standing and crouching for photos.
3. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With High-Waisted Shorts
Not everyone wants low-rise costume shorts, and high-waisted chocolate-brown shorts are the fix. Tuck a teal tank in fully so the waistband shows. The higher rise gives more coverage and holds a belt better, because a belt on low-rise shorts tends to slide down onto the hips. Cream ribbed socks and lace-up ankle boots fit the look. A cropped utility vest is optional. Relaxed, straight or softly pleated cuts all work, so choose by what sits comfortably on your hips rather than what matches the reference picture.
4. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Black Utility Pants
Swap the brown for black utility pants and the blue tank suddenly looks sharp and modern. A deep turquoise or faded navy tank stands out clearly against black. Black webbing belt, black combat boots, and a utility jacket tied around the waist make it streamlined. This is the variant I'd recommend if you want to wear the pieces again after the event, since black cargos and a blue tank are just good separates. A silver chain adds a little polish for a concert or a night out.
5. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Bike Shorts
Brown bike shorts make the look sporty and easy to move in. Choose a thick, opaque fabric; thin bike shorts go see-through when you bend, which matters at a busy event. A longline tank covers the waistband. Tie a khaki utility shirt around the waist for texture. Crew socks under boots or hiking sneakers stop rubbing. If you want a looser tank, a relaxed racerback works, but pair it with a supportive sports bra underneath because the armholes are deeper and the bra will show.
6. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Hiking Shorts
If you actually plan to hike in the outfit, function comes first and the costume second. A moisture-wicking blue tank dries far faster than cotton and won't sit damp against your back. Brown hiking shorts with zip pockets, cushioned trail shoes and real hiking socks do the rest. A cap and polarized sunglasses help in sun. Skip decorative straps; they catch on branches. Pack a rain shell in a small daypack. Sunscreen and water matter more than any costume detail on a trail.
7. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Utility Vest
An open utility vest adds pockets and depth to a plain tank. Tan or olive looks right with brown shorts. The length is what I watch: a vest that ends at the waist keeps your legs looking long, while one that hangs past the hips shortens them, especially with shorts. Don't stuff the pockets; a heavy phone and wallet drag the front down and bulge. Cream boot socks, dark boots and a canvas backpack finish it. In heat, pick a thin cotton or nylon vest.
8. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Cargo Skirt
A brown cargo skirt keeps the utility details but changes the shape. Patch pockets and strong topstitching are what tie it back to the original costume, so look for those. A structured skirt works; a flowing one loses the rugged feel. Wear fitted shorts underneath; you'll sit on floors and climb stairs all day at a convention. Lace-up combat boots, ribbed socks and a wide belt keep the mood. Straight or A-line both work, and camel or dark khaki keeps the palette right.
9. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Parachute Pants
Parachute pants bring streetwear to the color scheme. A cropped or waist-length blue tank balances their volume; a long, loose top with loose pants turns into a shapeless blur. Adjustable cords at the ankle are the useful detail, because you can cinch them above chunky hiking sneakers so the fabric doesn't pool and get stepped on. A belt bag and a sport watch suit the look. These pants are light and breathable, which makes them a good pick for travel days and long festival weekends.
10. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Denim Shorts
Denim shorts make the look easier to wear on an ordinary day. Brown, tan or dark-wash denim reads closer to the original than light blue, which can clash with the tank. A braided leather belt and brown ankle boots keep the explorer feel. If you want extra coverage, an unbuttoned khaki shirt over the tank works. A clean hem looks tidy; a frayed edge looks more rugged. It's the least costume-like option here, and it suits sightseeing.
11. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Leather Jacket
A brown leather or faux leather moto jacket toughens the outfit for cold weather or evening. Keep it cropped and open, because the flash of blue tank is what keeps the character recognizable. Black cargos or dark brown utility trousers and lace-up combat boots suit it. I'd choose a soft, flexible jacket for a full day; a stiff one rides up at the shoulders every time you raise your arms for a photo. A low braid and small silver earrings finish it.
12. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Khaki Overshirt
An overshirt is the most useful layer for a day with changing weather. Wear an open khaki button-down with rolled sleeves over the blue tank, then tie it around the waist when it gets warm. That knot also adds some shape at the waist. Brown cargo shorts, a leather belt and hiking boots keep the theme. Cotton, linen blend or lightweight twill all breathe well. A slightly oversized shirt is fine, but the shoulder seams shouldn't slide halfway down your arm.
13. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Cropped Cargo Pants
Cropped cargo pants sit between shorts and full trousers. Ending just above the ankle, they show off lace-up boots and keep the outfit light. If the pants already have lots of pockets, keep accessories to a belt, gloves and a small backpack; more than that and it looks cluttered. Shorter women usually look best in a tapered cut, which keeps the leg line clean. A straight crop gives more room through the thighs. Good for convention halls where it's cold inside and warm outside.
14. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Joggers
Joggers turn the look into something you could wear all day without thinking about it. Put a fitted blue racerback tank with tapered brown cargo joggers and hiking sneakers. A belt bag around the waist stands in for the utility belt. Choose joggers with flat pockets, since big flaps add width at the thigh. A partial tuck at the front shows the waist while staying relaxed. A high braided ponytail keeps hair off your neck in a hot hall. I'd wear this one for a theme park or a long travel day.
15. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Tactical Leggings
Black tactical leggings with side pockets and reinforced seams make a sleek base. The thing I always check is opacity: do a deep squat in front of a mirror in good light. Brown hiking boots link it back to the earthy palette. A cropped tan utility jacket and black fingerless gloves complete it. If the tank is short, layer a longer black athletic top underneath. The leggings already have seams and panels, so keep straps to a minimum.
16. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Bermuda Shorts
Brown Bermuda shorts that end just above the knee give more thigh coverage and still look right. A tucked ribbed tank and medium-width leather belt shape the waist. Lace-up ankle boots supply the rugged contrast. An olive vest adds pockets if you want them. I'd avoid very wide shorts; they make the fitted top look small and the legs look short. A straight or gently tapered leg keeps the silhouette clean.
17. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Overalls
Brown overalls are the playful version. Undo one strap so more of the blue tank shows, and roll the hems above combat boots with cream socks peeking out. Overalls can look shapeless, so I look for a pair with side tabs or a defined waist. Pick lightweight cotton; heavy denim overalls over a tank get hot fast. Camel, chocolate or faded khaki all sit nicely next to turquoise. A braided ponytail finishes it.
18. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
Wide-leg cargo pants make the look feel current. Tuck the fitted tank smoothly into the waistband so the waist shows; with this much volume below, a loose top would swallow your shape. Flat side pockets beat bulky ones. Wide hems need shoes with some weight, such as platform hiking sneakers or combat boots, or the pants look like they're wearing you. Tall frames carry them easily. Petite women can too, with a high rise and the hem cut to just brush the shoe.
19. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Flannel Shirt
A brown and olive flannel softens the rugged base. Wear it open over the turquoise tank or tie it at the waist. Black cargo jeans, dark brown hiking boots and crew socks keep it practical. Pick a medium-scale plaid in muted colors; a bold red check pulls attention away from the blue. A braided ponytail hints at the character without a full costume, which suits fall festivals and casual weekends.
20. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Utility Jumpsuit
An open utility jumpsuit is the unexpected one. Pull the brown jumpsuit on to the waist, fold the top down and tie the sleeves or use a belt to hold it, so the blue tank shows above. That folded top adds bulk at the waist, so the legs should be straight or tapered to balance it. Lace-up combat boots, cream socks and gloves finish it. If the fold is too fiddly, wear the jumpsuit normally and leave the zip half open over the tank. Be ready for bathroom breaks; jumpsuits make those slower.
21. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Pleated Khaki Shorts
Pleated khaki shorts give the look a tailored feel. Tuck a navy or turquoise tank into a high-waisted pair, and add a dark brown belt and polished lace-up boots. Keep accessories restrained so the pleats and waist stay visible. Make sure the shorts have enough room through the hips; pleats that pull open flat across the front look tight and unflattering. A longer inseam looks more polished. It goes from a themed event to sightseeing easily.
22. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Hiking Skort
A hiking skort gives a skirt shape with shorts built in, which makes it the most practical skirt for running around a convention or park. Choose a quick-dry fabric and a waistband that sits flat without pinching, since you'll wear it for hours. A blue athletic tank keeps the color story. Trail sneakers and cushioned socks look right. A tan cap and sunglasses suit outdoor days and walking tours.
23. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Denim Jacket
A denim jacket helps the tank into spring or early autumn. Two blues can fight, so I'd choose faded black or charcoal denim before medium wash. Keep the jacket cropped and open so the tank and waist stay visible; a long jacket over cargo pants makes the whole outfit look heavy. Brown cargo pants, a leather belt and ankle boots give the adventurous base. A low ponytail finishes it.
24. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Corduroy Pants
Brown corduroy adds texture in colder months. Pair a fitted cotton tank with high-rise corduroy pants, straight or gently flared. Fine-wale cord looks smoother and slimmer; wide-wale looks more vintage and adds a bit of bulk. Note that corduroy wears flat at the knees and seat with heavy use, so I'd avoid kneeling on rough convention floors in a favorite pair. Leather ankle boots and a tan utility jacket keep the explorer link. This is the most "inspired by" and least "cosplay" option.
25. Lara Croft Blue Tank Top With Brown Cargo Capris
Brown cargo capris are a warm-day option with more coverage than shorts. The tank should reach the waistband to keep the line smooth. Below the knee or mid-calf both work; the shorter you are, the more a mid-calf crop can cut the leg, so try them with your boots on. Tapered hems sit neatly over boots; straight hems suit sneakers. A light utility vest and belt pouch finish the explorer look for travel and outdoor days.
Lasting a Full Day in Boots, Straps and a Tank
This costume looks rugged, but a long event is still hard on feet and skin. A few things make the difference between enjoying the day and limping home.
- Break in new boots for at least a few days before the event. Brand-new stiff boots on a full day of standing are the most common reason people change shoes by lunch.
- Wear proper cushioned socks, not thin costume socks. Pack a spare pair.
- Shorts and straps rub at the inner thigh. An anti-chafe balm or bike shorts underneath prevents it.
- Keep a thin overshirt or flannel in your bag. Halls swing from cold to hot, and a bare-armed tank isn't comfortable in air conditioning for hours.
- Loosen belts and thigh straps when you sit down to eat, then tighten them again before photos.
Finally, set your braid well. A long braid gets pulled by backpack straps all day, so secure the end with a strong elastic and smooth a little gel over the top to keep flyaways down in photos.
Three Pieces Do Most of the Work Here
Once the fitted blue tank, earth-tone bottoms and solid footwear are in place, the character is already there. Cargo shorts and hiking boots get you closest to the original. Joggers, leggings, skorts and wide-leg pants take it somewhere more modern. You don't need every holster and strap. Wear what fits, suits the weather and lets you move, and build up the details only if the event calls for them.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply