La Roux Costume

How-to create a costume based on Elly Jackson, synth-pop princess from La Roux.

  • Add Note x

Last year on the MAKE YouTube channel, commenters started saying I looked like the singer from the English synth-pop duo La Roux. Here's how to get the Mondrian jacket look from the video for their song Bulletproof. You can also make your own "neo cameo" necklace with a laser cutter and these files on Thingiverse.

Find more photos in my La Roux costume Flickr set.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 1 — La Roux Costume  ¶ 

  • Find a plain white blazer or jacket to start. Try thrift stores or Etsy vintage.

  • Remove pockets (if it has any) from the jacket with a seam ripper.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Create a pattern from one of the pockets by tracing it onto paper.

  • Use a ruler to "square off" the corners.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Cut pockets from a thick folded layer of each colored fabric.

  • Make sure the fold is at the top edge of the pocket.

  • The yellow and green pockets are rectangular, so I squared up my pattern before cutting the square red and blue ones.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Cut and iron a ton of 3/4" wide black binding. If I had to do it over, I'd probably order some black bias tape.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Pin binding around 3 raw sides of pockets, leaving the layered fold at the top.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Straighten the front flaps of the jacket by opening up the seam with a seam ripper.

  • Cut off the excess fabric and use an iron to press in a new, straighter flap. Sew with white thread.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Pin and sew binding to jacket around the front edges, inside of collar, and cuffs.

  • Because the bottom front corners of my jacket weren't square, I fudged it by extending the binding out past the edge.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Pin and sew on pockets!

  • There's a bit of binding detailing over the shoulders and on the sides as well.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Sew on five black buttons. Don't worry about buttonholes, you'll wear the jacket open!

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

first image

Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Pair with a long black tank top or short dress and some leggings.

  • Plain white or striped sneakers complete the look.

  • Don't forget the signature hair and Bowie eye makeup!

  • Find more photos in my La Roux costume Flickr set.

For more information, check out the Halloween category page.

Did you successfully follow this guide?

This guide has been completed 1 time.

Comments Add Note Comments are onturn off

No comments.