Can you cosplay from Black Panther if you're white?

Black Panther is out and white cosplayers are asking, "How can I cosplay from Black Panther?" and I'm over here like..."We gave you two characters. Pick one - buff white dude or skinny white dude...I mean...let me be helpful."

After watching the movie, I definitely see every single last cosplay that I want to do. I want to do everything from Angela Basset's white dress we see her in when T'Challa returns to Wakanda to Killmonger's jean jacket and Timberland boots. I just want to cosplay the whole movie and I can't be the only one who feels this way especially my fellow white cosplayers.

I'm not saying white cosplayers can't cosplay from Black Panther - that would make me no better than the trolls who comment "You're too dark to cosplay Mizore!" - but there is a respectful way to go about cosplaying from Black Panther when you aren't black. Black Panther isn't the first and definitely not the last movie to be heavily influenced by African culture and clothing, but BP went out of their way to incorporate specific African designs, tribal markings and hairstyles. Unknowingly, if you just throw on a Black Panther cosplay - tribal markings and all - you could be mistaken for a classic case of appropriation.

To avoid any mistaken identity as a just another "appropriating white person" follow these tips on how to cosplay from Black Panther respectfully and still have fun.