Agrabah is one of the easiest worlds to dress for because almost every character is defined by a colour block you can see from across a room: Aladdin's purple vest, Jasmine's turquoise, Genie's blue, Jafar's black and red. Below are thirty ways to wear it, from the street-rat hero and the princess to Abu, Rajah, the Sultan, the carpet and even the Cave of Wonders, plus couples, kids, a family set and a pet. I've written each one with the hair, makeup, prop and shoes I'd actually pair with it. My one firm rule for this theme: lean on the characters' palettes and props, and never on darkening your skin or borrowing real cultural dress as a gag.
Three Agrabah Pieces I Make Instead of Buy
Almost every look below shares the same handful of pieces, so it pays to make them once and well. These are the three I'd build myself, because the shop versions are usually the weakest part of a bought costume.
A lamp that survives being passed around
A plastic lamp from a party shop is fine, but its gold paint chips the first time it's dropped. I prefer a light plastic gravy jug or watering can from a thrift shop, a spout built up from rolled card and masking tape, and two coats of gold spray paint over a primer. Seal it with a clear coat so hands don't rub it back to plastic. Keep it hollow and light; this prop gets passed around for photos all night.
A sash that stays tied
Aladdin, Genie, the Sultan and half the group looks use a wide sash. Cut a strip of satin or cotton about a body width and a half long and twice as deep as you want it to look, fold it lengthwise and press it. Wrap, tie, then pin through the knot from the inside. Satin slides more than cotton, so if you choose satin, add a second pin at the side.
A headband jewel with a proper base
Jasmine's blue jewel and the turban gems all need a backing. Glue the stone onto a small felt circle first, then stitch the felt to the headband or turban. A gem glued straight onto fabric pops off as soon as the fabric flexes.
1. Classic Aladdin Costume With Purple Vest
The purple vest does almost all the work here, so I spend my effort getting that colour right and keep everything else plain: loose white pants, a wide red sash, and an ivory shirt or tank underneath if you want coverage. The sash is where this costume usually fails. A single knot slips by the second hour, so I tie it, then put one safety pin through the knot from the inside. Tousled natural hair or a short black wig, defined brows and a little warm bronzer that matches your own complexion are enough. A light gold lamp and a small plush monkey give your hands something to do in photos, a red felt fez is optional, and tan slip-ons or soft brown flats will carry you through a long party.
2. Prince Ali Costume With White Cape
Prince Ali is the version for people who want to make an entrance. The base is a white tunic with matching harem-style pants and a sweeping white or cream cape, and the royal effect comes almost entirely from trim: gold braid, a red edge and a few imitation gems. That makes it far easier than it looks, since trim can be glued or tacked onto ready-made pieces. The headpiece is the part I'd test at home. A tall white turban with a purple feather and a faux jewel gets top-heavy, so build it on a snug base and pin it through your hair. Keep the makeup polished, carry a gold lamp or a light jewelled staff, and wear white or gold pointed flats. It reads best on a stage or in a parade, where the cape has room to move.
3. Live-Action Aladdin Costume With Striped Shirt
The live-action Aladdin is all about texture rather than flat colour. I'd start with a cream striped shirt and a fitted rust vest, then relaxed tan pants, a patterned burgundy sash and a fabric belt that looks a bit worn. The dark red scarf at the neck is the detail that stops it reading as an everyday outfit, so don't skip it. If you want new pieces to look lived in, a quick soak in strong tea dulls bright cream fabric nicely. Short textured black hair or a lightly tousled wig, brow definition and soft contour, a weathered lamp and a drawstring pouch finish it. Brown ankle boots beat thin costume slippers for anything outdoors.
4. Easy DIY Aladdin Costume With Closet Basics
This is the one I point people to the night before a party. Loose cream pajama pants, a plain white tank and a thrifted purple shirt with the sleeves cut off become Aladdin in about twenty minutes. Cut the armholes a little wider than you think, because knit fabric curls inward as it settles. A red scarf wrapped at the waist is your sash. Natural tousled hair is fine, or add a short dark wig, and a soft brown liner with tidy brows is plenty of makeup. For the lamp, a clean plastic bottle with a cardboard spout and gold paint does the job, or carry a bought one. Tan flats, loafers or slip-ons finish an outfit that costs very little and is comfortable all night.
5. Princess Jasmine Costume With Turquoise Pants
Jasmine's classic look starts with a turquoise top and matching full-length harem pants, and you can choose the coverage that suits you, from a fitted long-sleeve top to a cropped overlay or a modest jumpsuit. The gold trim at the neckline and waist is what makes it royal, so I'd put money into a good metallic braid before anything else. Her hair matters as much as the outfit: a long low bubble ponytail with turquoise bands, or a smooth black wig. Defined liner, rosy cheeks and a soft berry lip, gold earrings, a blue jewelled headband and a small lamp round it out. Pointed gold flats are far kinder than heels, and the turquoise carries the character on almost any age or body shape.
6. Purple Princess Jasmine Costume With Long Dress
If you'd rather not wear two pieces, the purple Jasmine gown is the answer. Look for lilac or violet with long sleeves, a fitted waist and a skirt that drapes rather than puffs, then add a sheer cape or light shoulder scarf so there's movement when you walk. The ponytail can echo the dress with lavender ribbons tied between each bubble. Eyeliner, a luminous cheek and a mauve lip keep the makeup royal without tipping into stage makeup. Gold earrings, stacked bracelets and a small jewelled headband are enough jewellery. I'd hem the dress to just clear your shoes, because a floor-length skirt picks up every step and drink at a party. Purple or gold ballet flats and a flower or miniature lamp as a prop finish it.
7. Red Princess Jasmine Costume With Gold Details
The red Jasmine is the bolder variation, and it stays family friendly as long as you keep the coverage of a red jumpsuit or a long-sleeve top with full harem pants. Gold edging at the neck, cuffs and waistband makes it look intentional instead of just red, and a sheer red overskirt adds depth. Red is the colour I warn people about at night. Under warm party lighting it can turn muddy, so a strong red lip and winged liner matter more here than with the turquoise version. The bubble ponytail, a gold headband with a red gem, gold earrings, cuffs and a light lamp come next, and red or gold flats keep it walkable. It shines at evening parties and in groups where someone else has the turquoise.
8. Pink Princess Jasmine Costume With Flowing Skirt
Soft pink layers bring in Jasmine's more formal wardrobe. Start with a rose fitted tunic or long-sleeve top over a floor-length flowing skirt, and clip a matching chiffon cape at the shoulders with gold clips. Chiffon slides off a shoulder all evening unless the clips grip something, so I sew a small loop of ribbon inside the top for each clip to bite into. Loose waves or a half-up ponytail with gold combs suit this softer look better than the bubble ponytail. Rose-gold shadow, liner, pink blush and a gloss, delicate earrings, stacked bracelets and a small crown-style headband keep it refined. Embellished pink flats can hide under the hem, and one prop, a faux flower or ornate lamp, is plenty.
9. Disguised Jasmine Costume With Brown Hooded Cape
The marketplace disguise is the quiet option, and it only reads as Jasmine when it stands next to an Aladdin, so I suggest it for couples. Loose teal pants, a simple cream blouse and a long brown hooded cape are the base. Make the cape from something light, like a brushed cotton or thin suede-look knit, so you can push the hood back indoors without it dragging at your neck. A wide fabric belt ties the neutral outer layer to the colour underneath. Wear your hair in a low braid or tuck it under the hood, with brown liner, warm blush and a tinted balm. A woven pouch, a faux bread roll and simple gold earrings add the story, and brown boots or flat lace-ups let you walk all night.
10. Classic Genie Costume With Blue Jumpsuit
For a classic Genie, a bright blue long-sleeve jumpsuit or a matching blue shirt and pants is the base, with a wide red sash, gold wrist cuffs and curled gold shoe covers. A padded top gives you his broad chest without any body paint. If you use blue face makeup, keep it to the face and the backs of the hands and set it with translucent powder, because cream blue rubs onto every collar and cuff it touches. Patch-test it on the inside of your wrist the day before. A small black topknot or a short blue-and-black wig and a curled costume beard on skin-safe adhesive make the head, a light gold lamp is essential, and supportive sneakers can hide under the loose legs.
11. Human Genie Costume With Blue Vest
Human Genie gives you his colours with none of the blue skin. Cream harem pants, a royal blue shirt and a long patterned blue vest edged in gold are the core, with a wide red sash and gold cuffs. A neat ponytail or short swept-back hair keeps the head tidy. The makeup can stay light: a blue liner and a touch of gold on the lid nod to the magic without any face paint to manage. My favourite trick is a few curls of pale blue tulle tucked into the lamp's spout so it looks like smoke. Brown or gold boots finish it. This is the version I'd pick for a crowded indoor party or a family event where you'll be hugging people all evening.
12. Glam Genie Costume With Blue Cape
The glam Genie swaps the cartoon shape for a cobalt jumpsuit, a long sheer blue cape, a gold belt and big wrist cuffs. Choose wide legs and a secure neckline, since you'll be moving a lot in this one. A high ponytail with a curled front piece, or a long electric-blue wig, is the head. Cheap bright wigs tangle at the nape where they rub a cape, so I brush that section with a little leave-in conditioner spray before I go out. Metallic blue liner, gold shadow, a glowing cheek and a neutral lip, a lamp-shaped purse and gold platform sneakers or low block boots finish it. Because there's no body makeup, it comes off in minutes and every piece can be worn again.
13. Jafar Costume With Black And Red Robe
Jafar is about a tall, narrow line. A floor-length black robe under a red-and-black cape gives you that, and gold trim along the shoulders, opening and cuffs keeps the dark costume from disappearing in photos. The tall red headpiece with a black wrap and a central jewel finishes the outline; I build it on a stiff interfaced base so it doesn't fold forward. A straight black wig or slicked-back hair, angular brows, dark liner, light contour and a deep red lip or tinted balm give the face. Carry a cobra staff made from foam rather than anything that looks like a real weapon, because many venues and schools will ask you to leave hard props at the door. Black pointed shoes or boots vanish under the robe.
14. Royal Jafar Costume With White Suit
The royal Jafar turns the palette around: a structured white tunic, matching trousers and a long white cape trimmed in gold, with a broad gold belt. Keep a little black and red at the collar so people still connect it to him. White shows every mark, so I'd keep makeup well away from the collar and bring a stain wipe in your pocket. Smooth black hair under a tall white headpiece with a red jewel, defined brows, precise liner and soft cheek contour carry his sharp expression. An ornate gold lamp or a light foam staff and white ankle boots with gold covers complete it. This one suits stage shows and groups that already have a classic Jafar and want something people haven't seen.
15. Iago Costume With Red Feather Cape
You can play Iago without climbing into a bulky bird suit. A red long-sleeve top and pants are the base, with a feather-shaped fabric cape in red, blue and purple and blue cuffs at the ankles. The hood is the face of this costume: soft red with big cartoon eyes and a yellow fabric beak. I cut the feathers from felt because it doesn't fray, and stitch rather than glue them, since glued felt peels off a moving cape fast. Tuck your hair inside the hood or wear a short red wig, keep red and blue eye makeup to the outer corners, and carry a faux cracker or a perch prop for the joke. Yellow sneakers or bird-foot shoe covers finish him, and he's at his funniest standing beside a Jafar.
16. Abu Costume With Brown Vest
Abu works as a brown jumpsuit, matching leggings and top, or a soft monkey onesie, with a small burgundy vest and a tiny purple felt hat on elastic. The tail is where I see trouble. Sew it high on the back and keep it light, or it drags on the floor and gets stepped on within an hour. A neat bun under a hood with rounded ears keeps hair out of the way. Brown liner, a softly shaded nose and a few curved cheek marks say monkey without covering the whole face. A plush jewel, a toy apple or a small pouch is his mischief prop, and brown sneakers or soft boots keep the colour unbroken. It's comfortable enough for adults, kids and family groups alike.
17. Rajah Costume With Tiger Stripes
Rajah becomes wearable as an orange jumpsuit or a sweatshirt with joggers, plus black felt stripes and a white belly panel. I attach the stripes with removable fabric tape so the sweatshirt survives Halloween, though tape loses grip after a wash, so test it before the night. A soft headband with rounded tiger ears gives the outline without a hot mask. Wear loose textured hair or an orange hood with black markings, and draw a small nose, whiskers and a few stripes at the temples in black liner. An orange fabric tail and a turquoise collar tie him to Jasmine's palette, and orange sneakers or black slip-ons finish it. Put him next to a Jasmine and nobody has to ask who you are.
18. Sultan Costume With Cream Robe
The Sultan should look soft, round and a little silly. A long cream robe or tunic over loose white pants, a wide gold sash and a burgundy sleeveless outer layer build the shape, and a rounded cream headpiece with a red feather and a jewel sits on top. Keep that headpiece light; anything heavy on a rounded turban slides back as the night goes on. A short white wig and a curled costume beard are what make him read as the Sultan, so they matter more than the robe. Rosy cheeks, soft brows and little eye makeup, a scroll, decorative key or plush palace prop, and gold slip-ons or cream flats finish him. It's a strong group role for an adult who wants warmth and coverage.
19. Magic Carpet Costume With Purple Tunic
The flying carpet is one of my favourite group roles because it's clever and simple. Make a rectangular purple tunic printed or painted with colourful geometric patterns, with front and back panels falling to about the knee and joined at the shoulders so your arms stay free. Wear a fitted purple shirt and leggings underneath so the carpet print is the star. Gold tassels go on each corner, but keep them short; long ones swing into your knees and trip you on stairs. Hair goes neatly back, with purple liner and small gold accents for the face. A light cloud cutout or simply posing beside Aladdin and Jasmine tells the story, and purple sneakers or flats finish it. It's at its best in family and group photos.
20. Cave Of Wonders Costume With Golden Lion Hood
The Cave of Wonders is the ambitious one, worn as a golden lion. A sand jumpsuit or matching top and pants is the base, with a textured gold vest layered over it. The large lion hood, with rounded ears, sculpted brows and a wide fabric mouth framing your face, has to be light, so I'd build it from foam sheet and fabric rather than anything rigid, and check that the mouth opening leaves your side vision clear. Gold and brown makeup around the eyes suggests carved stone while leaving your features visible. Sparkly fabric panels on the sleeves stand in for the treasure. Carry a gold lamp on a small cushion, wear tan boots or sneakers, and you've given a big group a character nobody else will bring.
21. Aladdin And Jasmine Couple Costume
This is the pairing everyone gets at a glance because the purple and turquoise sit so well together. One of you wears white harem pants, the purple vest, a red sash and tan flats, with tousled dark hair and a gold lamp. The other wears a turquoise jumpsuit or matching top and pants, gold flats, statement earrings and the long bubble ponytail with blue bands. Let the makeup stay individual: natural definition for him, winged liner and a rosy lip for her. A folded patterned blanket or a light purple rug makes a shared prop for photos. Choose breathable fabric, because two people standing close all night get warm fast, and pin both sashes before you leave home.
22. Aladdin And Genie Best Friend Costume
Aladdin and Genie is the duo for friends who want to match without looking like a romantic couple. Aladdin wears loose white pants, a purple vest, a red sash and brown slip-ons with tousled hair and little makeup. Genie wears a blue jumpsuit, red sash, gold cuffs and blue sneakers, with a topknot, a curled costume beard and washable blue colour only where it feels comfortable. Share one light gold lamp so Genie can pose as if pouring out of it, and tuck pale blue tulle into the spout for smoke. I'd plan those poses before you go, since this pair gets asked for photos constantly and a practised one looks far better than a fumbled one.
23. Jafar And Iago Duo Costume
Jafar and Iago give you the strongest contrast in the film: tall and dark beside small and loud. Jafar wears a long black robe, red cape, gold trim, the tall headpiece and black shoes, with sharp brows, dark liner and a foam cobra staff. Iago wears a red jumpsuit under a colourful feather cape, yellow shoes and a soft bird hood with a fabric beak, with red and blue eye makeup instead of full paint. Swap the props for fun poses, a faux cracker for Iago and a gold lamp for Jafar. Two capes in one doorway catch on each other, so keep both lengths above the ankle. Friends, siblings or a couple can wear these, and they stay comfortable for a family celebration.
24. Jasmine And Rajah Duo Costume
Jasmine and Rajah is a royal duo that feels sweet rather than romantic, which makes it a favourite for a parent and child or two siblings. Jasmine wears turquoise harem pants, a matching long-sleeve top, gold flats and a jewelled blue headband, with the bubble ponytail, winged liner, pink blush and a berry lip. Rajah wears an orange jumpsuit with removable black stripes, a white belly panel, tiger-ear headband, turquoise collar and orange sneakers, with a small nose, whiskers and temple stripes drawn on. Jasmine carries the gold lamp and Rajah has a soft fabric tail. The turquoise collar is the small thing that makes them read as a pair, so make sure it's the same shade as her outfit.
25. Aladdin Family Costume For Three
A family of three falls naturally into Aladdin, Jasmine and Abu, with the smallest person as the monkey. Aladdin needs white pants, a purple vest, a red sash, tousled hair and tan shoes. Jasmine wears a turquoise jumpsuit, gold jewellery, the bubble ponytail, soft liner and gold flats. The little one gets a brown monkey onesie with a burgundy vest, purple felt hat, rounded ears and soft brown booties, plus a plush lamp or apple to hold. The two adults can share a light magic-carpet blanket for photos. Everything should be soft and easy to take off, because a toddler who's too warm will have the hat off before you've found the camera.
26. Aladdin Group Costume With Main Characters
Five friends can cover the whole cast: Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Jafar and Iago. Give each person their own main colour, purple, turquoise, blue, black-and-red and bright red, so nobody blurs into the next person. Each costume needs its own hair, makeup, shoes and one signature item: Aladdin's lamp, Jasmine's jewelled headband, Genie's gold cuffs, Jafar's foam staff and Iago's feather cape. The trick that makes a mixed homemade and bought group look like one set is matching the finish of the gold. If one person's trim is shiny and another's is matte, it shows in every photo. Wear flats, sneakers or boots so you can stay together, and for pictures put Genie in the middle with the others spread evenly on each side.
27. Kids Aladdin Costume With Soft Vest
With children, comfort comes first, because a costume that pinches will be half off before the first doorbell. Use loose white cotton pants, a soft purple vest and a red sash that fastens with snaps or hook-and-loop tape instead of a knot that comes loose. A white T-shirt under the vest adds warmth and coverage. Leave the hair natural and tousled and skip the wig. A red felt hat is lovely for photos and fine to pocket afterwards. Makeup is optional, a little brow definition at most. Swap hard props for a plush gold lamp and a small stuffed monkey, and choose tan sneakers over costume slippers. It holds up for school parades, parties and a full trick-or-treat route.
28. Kids Princess Jasmine Costume With Turquoise Jumpsuit
For a little Jasmine I'd go with a soft turquoise jumpsuit with long pants and an elastic waist, since it moves with a child and doesn't ride up. A sheer overskirt or a detachable shoulder cape adds the royal touch without getting in the way. A low segmented ponytail with blue elastics, or a clip-in braid, is better than a heavy wig that makes a child's head itch. A padded headband with a large blue jewel is the signature piece. Keep makeup to a sparkly child-safe eyeshadow and a tinted lip balm. Light gold cuffs and clip-on earrings only if she's happy with them, a plush lamp or stuffed tiger as the prop, and gold sneakers or flexible ballet flats for running between houses.
29. Baby Abu Costume With Monkey Onesie
A baby Abu should be warm and very simple. Start with a soft brown footed onesie with a pale belly panel and rounded monkey ears. Layer a light burgundy vest on top, and check it has no loose beads, buttons or long ties, since anything that can come off will end up in a mouth. The tiny purple felt hat goes on a wide, soft headband for supervised photos only, then comes off. No face makeup at all; the hood does the job. If you add a short padded tail, sew it on firmly and place it where it won't press when the baby sits or crawls. Soft brown booties and a plush apple for the photo, and that's the whole costume.
30. Pet Abu Costume With Purple Hat
A calm dog or a relaxed cat can join in as Abu. A light burgundy harness-style vest that fastens around the chest is all most pets need, and it must not limit how they move. Add a soft brown ear hood only if your pet happily accepts something on its head; many don't, and a purple felt hat clipped to the vest looks just as good in photos. Leave out face paint, dangling jewellery, tight elastic and anything chewable. A removable padded tail is fine while you're watching. Keep the paws bare so they can grip the floor. Stand the pet beside an Aladdin and a Jasmine, with a plush apple or a soft lamp nearby, and the picture explains itself.
Jasmine's Ponytail on Short or Fine Hair
The bubble ponytail is how most people recognise Jasmine, even before they see the turquoise, so it's worth getting right without a full wig. If your hair is shoulder length or longer, make a low ponytail, then add elastics every few inches and gently pull each section wider with your fingers. Backcomb the inside of each bubble slightly so it holds its shape.
For short or fine hair, a long clip-in ponytail in a matching shade does the job. Clip it at the nape, wrap a small strand around the base to hide the clip, then section it the same way. Fabric-covered elastics grip a synthetic piece better than plain rubber ones, which slide down within an hour. A child can wear a soft fabric ponytail sewn onto a headband instead, which comes off in one pull when she's had enough.
Wearing Desert Colours on a Cold October Night
Agrabah is a desert, and most of these costumes are loose cotton, chiffon and bare arms. If you're trick-or-treating or going to an outdoor party, plan the warmth before the night.
- Wear thin thermal leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top under harem pants and vests. Pick skin-tone or matching colours so they disappear under sheer layers.
- Turn the cape into your coat. A Prince Ali, Jafar or disguised Jasmine cape lined with a light fleece looks the same and feels completely different.
- Swap flats for boots outdoors. Pointed shoe covers fit over a plain ankle boot, and nobody looks at your feet once you're under a streetlight.
- Set face makeup with powder if it's damp. Cold rain and a warm face make cream colour run toward the collar faster than anything.
Start With a Colour, Then Add the Lamp
Every costume here, from a solo Genie to a family of three with a monkey baby, starts the same way: get the character's colour right first, then add the hair, makeup, one prop and shoes you can walk in. Bought pieces save time, and thrifted clothes, felt, trim and removable decorations keep a homemade version cheap. Whichever character you choose, play the fictional palette and accessories, not anyone's skin tone or real cultural dress. My last piece of advice is the one people skip: wear the whole thing around the house for half an hour, sitting, bending and walking stairs, before the night itself.
Related posts:
