7 of the best Doctor Who cosplay looks – and how to get them

Doctor Who, the legendary BBC British science fiction television series, has been enthralling audiences worldwide for more than five decades. The show’s fascinating storylines and intriguing characters, combined with its exploration of time and space, have made it a staple of pop culture and a beloved favourite among fans of all ages across the globe.

One of the most enduring aspects of Doctor Who is the Doctor’s ability to regenerate, allowing multiple actors from William Hartnell and Tom Baker to David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa to take on the iconic role of the enigmatic Time Lord. Each regeneration brings not only a new face and a distinct personality – but also a new visual style, resulting in a myriad of unforgettable costumes – costumes that fans want to imitate and celebrate.

In addition to the various incarnations of the Doctor, the show has introduced a host of memorable companions and recurring characters, each with their own unique fashion sense and personal style. These diverse and iconic characters have inspired countless cosplayers to emulate their favourite Doctor, companion, or even villain, adding their own creative twists and personal touches to the original designs. The world of Doctor Who cosplay is vast and ever-changing, much like the show itself, offering endless opportunities for fans to express their love for the series and connect with fellow Whovians.

In this article, we will delve into the captivating realm of Doctor Who cosplay, highlighting seven of the best and most popular character looks from the show’s rich history. We will also provide some (hopefully) helpful tips and suggestions on how to recreate these iconic outfits, ensuring that you can step into the shoes (literally) of your favourite Time Lord or companion with confidence and style.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer who already attends fan conventions and events or a newcomer to the world of costume play, prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through time and space as we explore the best Doctor Who cosplay looks and how to bring them to life…

Ready, lets have some adventures in space, time and the wardrobe…

The Fourth Doctor (played by Tom Baker)

Arguably the most iconic Doctor Who costume, Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is renowned for his long, multicoloured scarf, wide-brimmed hat, and bohemian style. To achieve this classic look which has been celebrated time and again for decades, you’ll need:

• A long coat or frock coat, preferably in brown or burgundy
• A wide-brimmed fedora-style hat
• A multicoloured scarf, the longer, the better
• A waistcoat or sweater vest
• Dress shirt
• High-waisted, loose-fitting trousers
• Tall boots

To truly capture the essence of the Fourth Doctor, don’t forget to add a touch of whimsy and eccentricity to your demeanour. Now you’re ready to rock that cosplay like a true pro.

The Tenth Doctor (played by David Tennant)

David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor is known for his modern, yet quirky style. He remains one of the most popular Doctor’s of the modern era, and is returning to the show as the Fourteenth Doctor for the 60th anniversary specials in 2023. To cosplay as the Tenth Doctor, gather the following items and you should be fine:

• A fitted pinstripe suit, preferably in brown or blue
• A dress shirt, in a colour that matches the suit’s pinstripes
• A solid-coloured, skinny tie
• A long trench coat, ideally with a deep red or blue lining
• Trainers or canvas shoes, such as Converse

Complete the look with a confident attitude and a dash of cheeky charm and people will be calling you a Time Lord in no time flat!

The Eleventh Doctor (played by Matt Smith)

Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor embraces a vintage aesthetic with his tweed jackets, braces, and signature bow tie (oh yeah, they’re cool again!). To recreate the look of the magnificent Eleventh Doctor, you’ll need:

• A tweed jacket or blazer
• A dress shirt
• A bow tie, preferably in red, blue, or a pattern that complements the jacket
• Braces, either matching or contrasting the bow tie
• Slim-fitting trousers
• Leather dress shoes or ankle boots

Remember to exude the Eleventh Doctor’s playful energy and penchant for adventure to ensure your attitude fits the clothes you’re wearing.

The Thirteenth Doctor (played by Jodie Whittaker)

Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor brings a fresh, modern, and colourful style to the role. To cosplay as the first female Doctor (and it’s argued by some the most stylish), assemble the following pieces from your wardrobe (or borrow them from friends!):

• A light-coloured, long trench coat with a hood
• A colourful striped shirt or sweater – preferably with a rainbow styling
• High-waisted trousers, preferably in a bright colour or with a subtle pattern
• Braces (or suspenders if you’re in the US)
• Leather lace-up ankle boots

Embrace the Thirteenth Doctor’s enthusiasm and warmth as you don this iconic outfit and you will immediately be having adventures in space and time when you arrive at the Halloween party.

Rose Tyler (played by Billie Piper)

As one of the most beloved companions, Rose Tyler’s fashion-forward style is perfect for cosplayers who want to portray a character from the Doctor Who universe. To capture one of Rose’s looks, consider these clothing items:

• A fitted leather or faux-leather jacket
• A fitted T-shirt or tank top (perhaps the famous Union Jack flag top?)
• Bootcut jeans or trousers
• Ankle boots or sneakers

Accessorise this strong look with hoop earrings and a warm, approachable smile.

Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman)

Captain Jack Harkness, the charming and enigmatic time-traveler, has a distinctive and dashing style. To cosplay as Captain Jack, you’ll need:

• A navy-blue military-style coat with red accents
• A light-coloured dress shirt
• A dark vest or waistcoat
• Dark trousers
• Tall black leather boots
• Braces (optional)

Complete the look with confidence and a flirtatious smirk, and you’ll be ready to take on any intergalactic adventure in space and time.

Clara Oswald (played by Jenna Coleman)

Clara Oswald, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, is known for her chic and fashionable outfits – perhaps some of the best in the series. To recreate one of Clara’s strong looks from her time in the sci-fi show, you’ll need:

• A red dress with a flared skirt and long sleeves
• Black tights or leggings
• Ankle boots, preferably in black or brown
• A gold or brass leaf-shaped pendant necklace

Embody Clara’s wit and resourcefulness as you don this stylish ensemble and you will be a star at any party you attend.

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