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­ ­­ For a lot of fans, science fiction conventions are a great place to show off. Devotees try to outdo each other with obscure trivia about old TV shows. They compare their collections of comic books and collectibles. And others spend months -- or years -- recreating popular characters' costumes or designing original costumes of their own.

Dragon*Con is no exception -- some people spend almost every minute of the four-day convention in costumes instead of "regular clothes." But how do people make these amazing costumes? What does it take to make a costume that looks authentic but doesn't break the bank?

Sir Didymus
Elizabeth Cameron as Sir Didymus from "Labyrinth."

In this article, we'll look at costumes from Dragon*Con 2005 and cover the basics of building a great costume, whether it's for Halloween, Mardi Gras or a costume contest. You'll also learn what it takes to do well in costume competitions.