Sherlock Holmes — BBC SHERLOCK / MODERN SHERLOCK HOLMES

The look

Benedict Cumberbatch's BBC Sherlock completely relocates Holmes into contemporary London. The Victorian silhouette is replaced by modern slim tailoring, while the character retains the intellectual, severe, monochromatic appearance associated with Holmes. The Conan Doyle Estate recognizes Cumberbatch's BBC portrayal as one of the major adaptations of the character, and the BFI describes the series as a contemporary makeover of the classic Holmes concept.

Base costume

1. 01White fitted dress shirt.
2. 02Slim dark trousers.
3. 03Dark tailored jacket or suit.
4. 04Long black or charcoal coat.
5. 05Dark leather shoes or boots.
6. 06Optional dark scarf.
7. 07Modern smartphone.
8. 08Optional slim suit and tie for formal scenes.

Character details

• The silhouette should be narrow and contemporary. • The long dark coat is more important than a deerstalker. • The clothing should look expensive but restrained, with very little decorative detail. • This version should feel like a modern London consulting detective rather than a Victorian gentleman.

Hair / face / makeup

• Thick dark curly hair.
• Medium length.
• Natural volume.
• Pale complexion.
• Strong eyebrows.
• Clean-shaven face.
• Minimal makeup.
• Intense, observant eyes.
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Props

• Smartphone.
• Magnifying glass.
• Laptop.
• Case files.
• Violin.
• Nicotine patches.
• Modern forensic equipment.
• Baker Street-related accessories.

What makes the cosplay read as Sherlock Holmes

Curly dark hair + long dark coat + white shirt + pale complexion + smartphone + modern minimalist tailoring. The coat and hair are the strongest identifiers.