Ghostbusters 2016 cosplay: Jillian Holtzmann, Abby Yates, Patty Tolan, Erin Gilbert

Hello neglected cosplay blog! What can I say, I've been posting to Mad Madam Missy Cosplay on facebook. But I'm working on a Ghostbusters cosplay, and I thought I'd post a blog about sources for things. Though looks wise I'll probably end up pursuing a Yates look, I, like so many, have also got a soft spot in my heart for Holtzmann, so expect quite a few links to specific items for that.

First, the coverall. I've looked all over and the best info I've found indicates that the coveralls were custom made by the costumer. Sorry kids. But hey, if you decide you're not going to make it, feel freed from the burden of finding THE screen accurate one. Let's be honest, commercially available coveralls are not designed for women's bodies. Which brings me to my next point: commercially available coveralls are not designed for women's bodies. This means you'll be doing some guesswork as to your size. The men's suits (aka all suits) are done by chest size. This might be okay for the slimmer amongst us, but for those of us who *ahem* may have measurements that exceed our bust, buyer beware. You might want to find a store to try things on before ordering something online sight unseen. And for goodness' sake, try to sit in it. Some suits fit fine for standing cosplay purposes but heaven help you if you want to attend a panel or take a load off.
Search terms to use when searching for a suit: flight suit (particularly good for classic Ghostbusters, but it's a rounder collar, not the notched lapels of the new film), coverall, boiler suit. I find coverall to be the best approach. Bear in mind (at least on Amazon) the prices on these vary quite a bit by size, so when checking out the links, make sure to change it to what you believe your size to be before comparing prices.
Dickies was the first brand to come to mind. They make a lightweight cotton coverall with lapels. Add a couple pockets on the legs, and flaps to the existing pockets and you'd get darn close. Per reviews (always good to read that stuff!), there are slits on the sides of the coverall that allow you to reach your interior pockets. I view this as a large hip liability, but consider they could either be sewn shut with a little seam tape behind, or have a pocket interior added so you can skip layering. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B6EB616/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3G95P41TUE85V
Here's another coverall offered by a company named Walls (?) The downside here is the upper pockets are zippered, but depending on your plans, maybe you can work with it. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037RSSA2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2P5I4NW0QQAX1
So the main adjustments you'd be looking at would be: will you add pockets/flaps. Note the shape of the pockets, with pleats, if you want to get really detailed. Also, if the coverall is wide in the waist, you can add (screen accurate) elastic to the sides of the waist. Now, the more obvious alterations: Orange and gray reflective tape/ribbon across the chest, arms, and legs. Two stripes each, front and back so buy accordingly. I have found two options on Amazon. You may want to check your local hardware store to see if you can beat it.
Option #1: iron-on reflective tape. I have no opinion as to durability, but for those not in possession of a sewing machine, a good option. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOAQNZY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Option #2: sew-on reflective tape. Cheaper, durable, requires sewing (obviously) https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F8UGG2C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2LBFUKITQIB7
Note: if you have someone cosplaying a Kevin, remember that his stripes are wrong, and are only 1" (ish) wide orange, no reflective strip.
Now, you need patches. Or do you? For much of the film, they have no patches (you may recall the struggle to settle on a logo?).

But later in the film, they add a shoulder patch and a name patch. So if you want to add the name patch, plan on adding the Ghostbusters logo patch to your upper arm as well:

As far as I can tell, the Ghostbusters logo patch goes on the upper right arm, while the name patch goes on the upper left chest, above the pocket. (Before attaching, check its position with a backpack on, to be sure it can be seen still)
So yes, backpack. Well, proton pack. With backpack straps and hip belt. In orange. With what appears to be really dark gray fittings.
Boots: The boots are interesting. At first I thought they were simple black rain boots with the reflective strip added up the front. Turns out there's a whole lot more to it, but for the look, I think black rain boots with reflective strip should do the trick. Alternatively, you could perhaps make gaiters to go over boots/shoes you already own. In thin EVA/craft foam, you could probably recreate the texture, add the tops of bolts, etc. Cover the foam in gesso or primer, then paint black, you could recreate the bolts/studs with a bump of hot glue, googly eyes, etc. painted silver. I've recently discovered the wonders of Rub n Buff for making things look actually metallic. A stickler for detail could pursue that.

Gloves: another later-in-the-film accessory. I don't have a source for these but if you go this route, note the fingerless nature of them. I would start by searching fingerless biker gloves. If you are cosplaying the earlier style (no patches), you don't need the gloves.

Individual accessories:
Jillian Holtzmann: Screw U necklace (try etsy or shapeways), Yellow goggles: Hamist RAF aviator goggles (around $15-$30), yellow sunglasses with side shields: O'riginals Trading Company Sterling Spectre glasses - first run sold out but they are taking preorders ($87) for the next run, to be delivered in November.
Abby Yates: black framed glasses with clear yellow arms
Patty Tolan: Gold "Patty" name necklace
Erin Gilbert: In this case it may be more important to get the hair right, with a wig if necessary, as her accessories are not very significant. But she does wear a pendant on a thin gold chain, and a red watch with a square face.
I hope this post forms a good jumping off point for your own cosplay. If I ever get around to making a proton pack, I'll try to post a tutorial. See what you can whip up! Just remember to give it orange shoulder straps and hip belt!