Unleash Your Inner Dragon: A Complete Guide to Cosplaying Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, is one of the most iconic characters from Game of Thrones. Her journey from an exiled princess to a powerful queen is reflected in her bold costumes and intricate hairstyles, making her a popular choice for cosplayers around the world. Whether you’re aiming for her rugged Dothraki look, her ethereal Qarth gown, her powerful Dragon Queen armor, or her final Winter Queen attire, Daenerys offers a variety of memorable looks that reflect her transformation throughout the series. This guide will walk you through the essentials of capturing Daenerys’s iconic style and embodying her powerful presence.

Why Daenerys Targaryen is a Popular Cosplay Choice

Daenerys’s character is complex and multifaceted, which is what makes her such an appealing character to portray. Her fierce independence, compassion for others, and gradual rise to power create a compelling story that resonates with fans. Each of Daenerys’s outfits is carefully crafted to reflect the evolution of her character, from her Dothraki days to her rise as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Cosplaying Daenerys allows fans to explore these different aspects of her journey and showcase her strength, resilience, and undeniable presence.

Choosing Your Daenerys Look

Daenerys wears many iconic outfits throughout Game of Thrones, each representing different phases in her journey. Selecting the right look depends on which part of her story you want to portray. Here’s a breakdown of her most memorable looks:

1. Dothraki Nomadic Look: Early in her journey, Daenerys adopts the rugged, practical attire of the Dothraki people. This look features earthy colors, leather textures, and a warrior-like aesthetic, symbolizing her resilience and adaptability.

2. Qarth Gown: While in Qarth, Daenerys’s style becomes more exotic and luxurious, featuring light, flowing fabrics with intricate detailing. This gown symbolizes her budding confidence and the allure of her heritage.

3. Dragon Queen Armor: As she becomes the Mother of Dragons and leader, her outfits take on a more powerful, structured design. Her armor-inspired dresses and dragon-scale textures reflect her authority and determination.

4. Winter Queen Look: During her final campaign in the North, Daenerys’s style shifts to heavier, fur-lined coats and darker colors to withstand the cold climate. This look conveys both her strength and her acceptance of her role in the larger battle.

Each look captures a unique aspect of Daenerys’s character, allowing cosplayers to explore different parts of her journey.

Costume Components

Dothraki Nomadic Look

To capture Daenerys’s early days with the Dothraki, start with a rough-hewn brown or gray top and skirt or pants made of rugged fabric or distressed leather. The materials should look weathered to match the nomadic, warrior-like aesthetic of the Dothraki. Adding texture is key, so opt for suede or leather-like fabrics that can be easily distressed for authenticity. Accessorize with belts, ropes, and arm wraps to give the outfit a nomadic feel. Small cuts, frayed edges, and layering with belts or sashes can give the costume a lived-in look that matches Daenerys’s character during this phase.

Qarth Gown

Daenerys’s gown from her time in Qarth is ethereal and exotic, embodying the elegance of this foreign city. Choose a gown in light, flowing fabrics like silk or chiffon in colors such as soft blue or lavender. Look for designs that incorporate cut-out sections or draped fabrics, which reflect the luxurious and slightly sensual style of Qarth. Gold jewelry or shoulder pieces add the necessary touch of opulence. You might consider ornate brooches, intricate necklaces, or metallic arm cuffs that enhance the look without overpowering the dress’s soft, flowing lines.

Dragon Queen Armor

As Daenerys solidifies her role as a queen and military leader, her clothing becomes more structured and powerful. A dark-colored dress (typically black, dark gray, or red) with dragon-scale textures and a high collar gives her an intimidating yet regal appearance. Faux leather or textured fabric that mimics scales can help capture this dragon-inspired design. Look for metal clasps or armored elements to enhance the look. Draped shoulder pieces or capes can add an air of authority, while keeping the costume sleek and streamlined.

Winter Queen Look

In the final season, Daenerys dons a winter-inspired look suitable for the North’s harsh climate. This outfit consists of heavy, fur-lined coats and dresses in muted colors such as white, gray, or dark red. To achieve this look, use thick fabrics like wool or velvet for warmth and texture. Faux fur capes or scarves can complete the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication and practicality for the Northern setting. Braided belts or leather accents can help structure the outfit and tie the whole look together.

Accessories

Daenerys’s accessories help emphasize her connection to dragons and her status as a queen. For many of her outfits, dragon-themed jewelry—such as rings, necklaces, or brooches shaped like dragon heads or claws—reinforces her identity as the Mother of Dragons. Look for pieces in antique silver or brass to capture the rugged elegance of her jewelry.

Another key accessory is her belts and chains, especially in her Qarth and Dragon Queen looks. These belts often have intricate designs, sometimes featuring dragon motifs, that cinch her waist and add structure to her flowing gowns. For her Dothraki look, keep accessories more rustic with leather cuffs, belts, or arm wraps that match the warrior aesthetic.

Makeup

Daenerys’s makeup style varies slightly depending on her location, but it’s usually natural and understated. Begin with a light foundation to create a smooth, even base. A soft blush in a natural peach or pink adds warmth to the cheeks without overpowering her natural beauty. For the eyes, use earthy tones like browns and taupes. A subtle eyeliner and light mascara will enhance the eyes without making them look too dramatic.

For her more intense Dragon Queen look, you can add a smoky effect around the eyes using darker browns or grays to convey her growing power and intensity. Keep the lips soft and neutral with a pink or nude lipstick. The overall look should be polished yet natural, allowing Daenerys’s inner strength to shine through.

Hairstyle and Wig

One of the most iconic aspects of Daenerys’s look is her platinum blonde hair. To capture this, invest in a high-quality wig in a silver-blonde shade. Her hairstyles evolve along with her character, so you have multiple braiding options depending on the look you choose.

For her Dothraki look, style the wig with simple braids pulled back from the face, allowing loose waves to fall naturally. Her Qarth and Dragon Queen looks are more intricate, featuring multiple braids that weave into a half-up style, creating a more elaborate and queenly appearance. For her Winter Queen look, combine braids with loose waves cascading down her back, giving her an ethereal, yet strong, appearance. Use small elastics and bobby pins to secure the braids, and consider watching tutorials to achieve the more complex braided styles.

Cosplay Contacts

Daenerys has iconic violet eyes in George R.R. Martin’s original books, which can add an extra layer of authenticity to your cosplay. Look for violet or lavender contacts to complete the look. If violet isn’t available or doesn’t match your vision, light blue contacts can also capture the ethereal quality of her gaze. Be sure to choose high-quality, comfortable contacts and practice wearing them beforehand to ensure comfort throughout the day.

Props

Adding a few key props can bring your Daenerys cosplay to life. A dragon egg replica is a popular choice, symbolizing her heritage as the Mother of Dragons. You can find replicas online or create a custom version using paint and textured materials. A small dragon figurine or toy can also be a great addition, especially if you attach it to your shoulder or arm as a companion piece.

For her Dothraki look, consider a faux sword or dagger, which adds to her warrior image. Daenerys is a multifaceted character, and these props will enhance whichever part of her journey you’re portraying.

Poses and Characterization

Daenerys’s journey from a vulnerable princess to a powerful queen is one of empowerment and resilience. When posing as Daenerys, embody her calm strength and regal bearing. Maintain a strong, upright posture with a confident gaze. She often stands with her hands on her waist, arms crossed, or holding a dragon egg close to her heart, symbolizing her connection to her heritage.

For group photos or dramatic shots, try reaching out as if calling to a dragon, gazing off into the distance, or holding a sword to capture her fierceness. Her powerful, calm demeanor speaks volumes, so keep expressions thoughtful and focused.

Buying vs. DIY

For those who prefer convenience, many cosplay stores offer high-quality Daenerys costumes. Look for pieces that use textured or high-quality fabrics like faux leather, silk, or velvet to achieve a realistic appearance. These costumes often come with accessories like belts and jewelry, saving you time.

If you’re creating your own costume, start with base pieces that match Daenerys’s look, such as fitted tops and skirts for her Dothraki days or long gowns for her later appearances. Add layers and embellishments using fabric paint, faux leather, or metal clasps to create an authentic and personalized look. You can find wigs, dragon accessories, and other props online to add the final touches.

Final Tips for a Successful Cosplay

Comfort is essential when cosplaying Daenerys, especially if you’ll be wearing the costume for an extended period. Make sure everything fits well, and carry essentials for touch-ups on your makeup or wig. Daenerys’s character is all about confidence, strength, and resilience, so let these traits shine through in your cosplay.

Conclusion

Daenerys Targaryen is a compelling and complex character whose journey is beautifully reflected in her iconic costumes. Whether you’re wearing her rugged Dothraki attire, her exotic Qarth gown, or her powerful Dragon Queen armor, remember that Daenerys’s true strength comes from within. By capturing her regal poise, fierce spirit, and distinct style, you’ll bring one of Game of Thrones’ most beloved characters to life. So step into the world of Westeros, unleash your inner dragon, and embody the power of Daenerys Targaryen at your next cosplay event!