This cosplay was inspired specifically by Bulma from the original Dragon Ball, not Dragon Ball Z. I really wanted to capture that early version of her character, where she has that adventurous, slightly chaotic energy mixed with a very playful and stylish design. Her look in this version is bright, functional, and surprisingly comfortable, which made it a really fun costume to wear at a convention.
The Look
This outfit is one of Bulma’s more recognizable early designs, featuring:
- A pink dress as the base
- A belt with a holster detail
- A single glove for that asymmetrical look
- A purple or lavender bandana
- Matching lavender leg warmers
- Bright aqua high-top sneakers
Everything about this design feels very “on the go,” like she’s ready for an adventure at any moment, which fits her character perfectly.
Comfort and Wearability
One of the best parts of this cosplay was how comfortable it was. The high-top sneakers made walking around the convention much easier compared to wearing heels. That alone made a huge difference in energy levels throughout the day. That said, most high-top sneakers do not come with great support, so adding gel insoles is something I highly recommend. It helps significantly when you are on your feet all day.
Wig Experience
This was one of those moments where I really understood the appeal of a “wig helmet.” The wig I used was not perfect, especially in photos. When I later saw pictures of myself during the convention, it was noticeable that the styling could have been better. At the same time, conventions are not always about perfection. Sometimes it is about showing up, enjoying the character, and being part of the experience. Because this was a shorter wig, it also gave me a chance to practice working with shorter styles, which is a different skill compared to long wigs.
Contact Lens Experiment
This was also the first time I tried anime-style contacts with exaggerated highlights. They were very opaque and definitely gave that cartoon-like look, which I liked in theory. However, they had a tendency to shift throughout the day. When they moved, the highlight effect no longer looked intentional and instead resembled a cloudy spot in the eye. It is a very cool concept visually, but I would recommend choosing a different style that stays more stable.
Opaque Tights Tip
One of the biggest takeaways from this cosplay is how effective opaque or ice skater tights are.
They:
- Help create a smoother, more polished look in photos
- Provide extra coverage and confidence
- Keep you warmer during cooler conventions
- Can be layered without looking bulky
They are one of those small details that make a big difference overall, especially when photographed.
Convention Experience
This cosplay is tied to a really memorable convention experience. This was the one time I chose to do a VIP experience, and it was absolutely worth it. Being able to spend more time in that space with other fans created a really welcoming and shared environment. Everyone there genuinely loved Dragon Ball, and it showed in how people interacted and supported each other.
Meeting Mark Britten
One of the standout moments was meeting Mark Britten. When it came time to choose a character for the signature, we both landed on Korin the cat, which felt like the perfect choice. Watching him bring that character to life while signing was such a unique experience. Someone nearby captured photos of that moment, which made it even more special, even if it also meant the wig imperfections were documented.
Unexpected Crossover Moment
Another highlight was purchasing my Skeksis piece from The Dark Crystal, which was officially done by Bill Diamond. It was one of those surreal moments where two completely different worlds overlapped. Bulma standing there next to something from The Dark Crystal felt unexpected, but also strangely fitting. Both series explore unique worlds and creatures, so in a way, it worked.
Why This Cosplay Stands Out
This cosplay may not have been the most technically complex, but it succeeded in other ways.
It was:
- Comfortable
- Recognizable
- Fun to wear
- Easy to revisit
Sometimes those are the cosplays that end up being the most enjoyable.
Future Thoughts
If I revisit this cosplay, I might:
- Restyle or upgrade the wig
- Experiment with different contacts
- Refine small details for photography
At the same time, there is something nice about leaving it as is and letting it represent a specific moment in time.
Current Condition
All pieces of this cosplay are still in storage and in good condition. It remains a reliable and easy option to wear again, especially for conventions where comfort is a priority.
