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If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” then you know that Steve Zissou’s signature blue outfit and red beanie are essential to the character. Luckily, cosplaying as Steve Zissou is relatively easy and can be done on a budget.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make your own Steve Zissou costume using readily available materials at most craft stores. So grab your fabulously eccentric red beanie, and let’s get started! (You’ll be ready to flaunt this iconic look at your next sea-themed cosplay event.)


How to Dress Like Steve Zissou from The Life Aquatic

Beanie

The first thing you’ll need for your Steve Zissou costume is a red beanie. You can find these at most craft stores or online.

Beard

Zissou has a bushy white beard, which can be tricky to replicate if you don’t already have one. If you’re not blessed with a natural beard, you can try using a fake beard or facial hair adhesive.

Uniform

The key to recreating Steve Zissou’s signature look is his blue outfit. You can find a similar shirt and pants at most craft stores or online. Remember to wear a white undershirt to be as authentic as possible to the Life Aquatic unform.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Costume Halloween Uniform (Large) Blue


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Horace Small Men's Big and Tall Classic Short Sleeve Security Shirt, Medium Blue, X-Large


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Men's 5.2 oz Hanes HEAVYWEIGHT Short Sleeve T-shirt , White, Medium


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Shoes

Steve Zissou wears a pair of white Adidas shoes with blue stripes. These pieces can be worn comfortably when you aren’t doing Zissou cosplay. The great thing about grabbing these for the costume is that you can use them for running long-term. That’s what I love about this costume.

PUMA Men's Caven Sneaker, White-Gray Violet, 10.5


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Pistol

No Steve Zissou costume would be complete without his trusty pistol. You can find these at most toy stores or online.

UTG Elite Tactical Leg Holster,Black (Right Handed)


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Cosplay Examples

About Steve Zissou’s Look

Like Ahab in Moby Dick, Steve Zissou, the oceanographer in Wes Anderson’s ‘The Life Aquatic,’ is driven by a need for vengeance. He sets out on a journey to find the shark that killed his partner, Esteban.

Along the way, he is joined by a team of eccentric crewmates who help him to come to terms with his grief and learn to live again. Director Wes Anderson has cited the French oceanographer and explorer Jean Jaques Costeau as an inspiration for the cult classic character of Steve Zissou.

Wrapping Up

Even if you don’t have the time (or funds) to go all out and buy a Steve Zissou costume, there are still ways to dress like your favorite quirky oceanographer. By using some key pieces and accessories, you can easily create a look that will make you stand out at any cosplay event.

Now that you know how to put together a Steve Zissou costume, it’s time to get out there and explore the open seas in search of the Jaguar Shark!

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