Momo Ayase's school uniform looks like the most straightforward cosplay you could pick, and mostly it is. But three details stand between a cute uniform and someone who actually looks like Momo: the wig bangs, the green earrings, and that exact shade of pink on the sweater.

This is a great beginner build. I have seen too many first-timers pick a complex armor build and burn out by week two. Momo is different. If you can shop, style a wig, and sculpt two earrings, you can pull this off. The hardest part is the wig, and hardest is not really hard, it is just precise. You cut the bangs longer than you think and trim up slowly.

Sort the sweater first, because finding or dyeing that pastel pink takes the longest. Target hex around F4C2C2, a soft bubblegum shade between baby pink and rose. Thrift a white or light pink cardigan and hit it with pastel pink RIT dye if you need to. Most off-the-rack pink sweaters run too hot pink or too dusty, and I have made both mistakes.

While the sweater is sorted, buy the wig and start testing. You want a short brown bob, nothing fancy, in the $25 to $40 range. Heat-style a test strand to confirm it takes shape before you cut anything. When you cut the bangs, keep them to the right side of your face like her reference, long enough to tuck behind your ear on the opposite side. Work in small snips. Got2b Glued holds the curve, let it set overnight on a stand.

The earrings are the piece everyone notices. I sculpted my first pair from green polymer clay and it took about an hour, baking included. The oblong shape is very specific, so use reference photos right next to your work station. Paint with a bright alien green, not dark or olive, and seal with gloss varnish so they catch light like the anime frames. If you really do not want to DIY, GCosplay sells pre-made ones for about $10, but the DIY route lets you get the shape exactly right.

Everything else is shopping. Navy pleated skirt, white collared shirt, a red bow tie you sew yourself from soft satin (pre-tied ones look too stiff), black choker with a circular charm, white slouchy socks, and black loafers. The bow tie is worth making. A stiff pre-tied bow kills the school uniform vibe. Thrift all of it and you are under $100.

One mistake I see every time: the sweater fabric. A stiff acrylic knit looks and feels wrong. Find something soft with drape, cotton or a cotton blend. You will wear this for 8-plus hours at a con and the fabric choice makes the difference between a comfortable day and wanting to change by lunch.

Budget runs about $85 to $225 depending on thrift luck and whether you buy a quality wig. Give yourself three weeks if you need to dye the sweater and practice the wig. Start with the earrings this weekend, they are quick and satisfying.