Gotham has more strong women in it than most people remember at a costume party, and that gives you a lot of room. You can go as a heroine, a villain, or your own take on a character usually played by a man. The familiar picks are Batgirl, Batwoman, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Huntress, but further down the list are characters that almost nobody else at the party will be wearing. For each one I've covered the clothing, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes, and I've kept most of them buildable from thrifted separates, a few handmade details and layers you can actually walk around in. Use them for Halloween, a cosplay meet-up or a themed night in.
Building a Gotham Character From Thrifted Separates
Most of the women in this list are recognized by color before anything else: purple and yellow for Batgirl, black and red for Batwoman, green with red hair for Ivy, the red and black split for Harley. That means you can build most of them from separates rather than a boxed costume, and the result usually fits and moves better. When I put one together, I work in this order.
- Pick the one or two colors the character can't live without and find the biggest pieces in them first: a jumpsuit, a dress, a blazer, a jacket.
- Hold every new piece next to the first one in daylight. Costume purples and greens vary wildly, and two shades that nearly match look worse than two that clearly contrast.
- Add the signature detail next, whether that's the emblem, the ears, the hood or the wig. This is where to spend money or time.
- Only then add the small things: gloves, belt, jewelry, a prop. Stop when the character is clear, because five extra accessories rarely make it clearer.
Felt emblems and appliqués are easy to cut, but they peel off stretch fabric if you only glue them. Use removable fashion tape for a one-night wear, or a few hand stitches around the edge if you want the costume to last. Both come off cleanly, so the clothes can go back into your wardrobe.
1. Classic Purple Batgirl Costume
Purple and yellow is the Batgirl palette people know, and as long as those two colors are right, the rest can be forgiving. Begin with a long-sleeve purple jumpsuit, or a fitted purple top with matching leggings, then add a yellow belt, yellow bat emblem, purple gloves and a purple cape lined in yellow. A fitted cowl with pointed ears gives the silhouette. Tuck your hair under the mask or let soft red waves fall behind the shoulders. Keep makeup fresh: neutral foundation, defined lashes, berry lipstick. Yellow knee-high boots give the strongest finish, and yellow rain boots are a surprisingly good stand-in. Carry a foam bat or a small pouch rather than anything sharp. Match the purples in daylight before you buy; two purples that look alike in a store can clash badly in photos.
2. Black And Yellow Batgirl Costume
The black-and-yellow Batgirl is the modern, sportier version, and it's built from separates that feel like normal clothes. Wear a black mock-neck top with black leggings or a streamlined jumpsuit, then add a bright yellow bat emblem, yellow belt, fingerless gloves and a scalloped black cape. A black eye mask or soft cowl keeps the character clear without covering your whole face. A high ponytail stays out of the cape better than loose waves. Go for a subtle smoky eye, defined brows and a natural lip. Black combat boots with yellow laces, or removable yellow boot covers, finish the feet. A belt pouch and a light foam communicator leave your hands free all evening.
3. Casual DIY Batgirl Costume
Need something from the closet tonight? The casual Batgirl is everyday black with a few bright superhero details. Start with a black long-sleeve T-shirt, black jeans and a yellow belt, and attach a felt bat emblem with removable fashion tape so the shirt goes back into your wardrobe afterwards. A short black cape from cheap fabric and a simple craft-store eye mask follow. Wear your natural hair in a ponytail or braid. Black eyeliner with a sweep of yellow shadow is easy even if you rarely wear makeup. Black sneakers or ankle boots with yellow socks finish it. A mini backpack with removable bat shapes holds your things and counts as part of the costume.
4. Batwoman Costume With Red Wig
Red is what separates Batwoman from every other masked woman in Gotham. Choose a black jumpsuit, a fitted top and pants, or a modest black dress over opaque tights, then add a red bat emblem, red belt, black gloves and a black cape lined in red. The bright red wavy wig is the signature, worn under a black pointed cowl so the hair falls visibly down the back. I always try the wig and cowl on together before the night, since a cowl pulled over a full wig can sit high and look like a helmet. Black liner, cool-toned shadow and red lipstick do the face. Black knee-high boots, trimmed with removable red ribbon or cuffs if you like, plus a belt pouch and red wrist details, finish a costume that holds together on two colors alone.
5. Sleek Black Catwoman Costume
The sleek black Catwoman is the right call when you want a streamlined look from very few pieces. Wear a black long-sleeve jumpsuit, or a fitted black top with coated pants, and add a zip-front jacket, black gloves and either a cat-ear headband or a soft fitted hood. A black eye mask gives the mystery and is far easier to wear for hours than a full cowl. A low ponytail or hair tucked under the hood keeps the line clean. Winged liner, softly contoured cheeks and neutral lipstick give the feline face. Choose flat knee-high boots or heeled ankle boots you've actually walked in before. Coated pants don't breathe, so on a warm night I'd swap to matte stretch leggings; nobody can tell from across the room. A black belt with pouches and a drawstring jewel sack make a playful prop.
6. Stitched Catwoman Costume
The stitched Catwoman looks handmade on purpose, and the stitches are the whole costume. Begin with a matte black jumpsuit, unitard or fitted top and leggings, and draw uneven stitch lines across it in white fabric paint or carefully sewn ribbon. Test the paint on a scrap first: on stretch fabric, thick paint cracks the first time you bend your knee, while a thin, flexible fabric paint moves with it. Add a cat-eared hood, black gloves with soft silver fingertip caps and a slim belt. Hide your hair in the hood or wear a short dark wig. Sharp winged liner, sculpted brows and deep rose lipstick suit the edge of this version. Platform or sturdy ankle boots ground it. Carry a faux gem in a soft pouch, and skip loose cords that snag on furniture or other costumes.
7. Purple Catwoman Costume
Purple Catwoman comes from the comics and gives you a change from all that black. Choose a fitted purple jumpsuit, or a purple mock-neck top with leggings, then add black gloves, a black belt, tall black boots and a purple cat-eared cowl. A long black braid or dark wavy wig sits nicely against the color. Draw a smooth cat-eye and finish with plum lipstick. A couple of small gold touches at the belt or neckline add depth without fuss. Carry a soft purple drawstring bag. I'd pick this one for brightly lit rooms, where black costumes go flat and the purple and black stay clear in every photo.
8. Classic Harley Quinn Jester Costume
The classic jester Harley is a red-and-black split from head to toe, and the split needs to line up. Start with a long-sleeve jumpsuit in contrasting red and black panels, then add white cuffs, a ruffled collar, diamond patches and a soft two-point jester hood. When I make one, I pin the jumpsuit on the wearer and mark the center line on the body; a split that drifts off center looks like a mistake. Tuck your hair inside the hood or wear a smooth blonde wig under it. Pale foundation, black liner and red lipstick give the theatrical face. One red glove and one black glove carry the mismatch to the hands. Flat red-and-black boots or lace-ups are fine. A small hyena plush or a jester handbag is easier to take anywhere than a weapon-like prop.
9. Red And Blue Harley Quinn Costume
The red and blue Harley is the high-energy modern version, and it's mostly separates. Wear a sporty red-and-blue jacket over a white T-shirt with shorts over opaque tights, or fitted pants if you'd rather. Style a blonde wig in two high ponytails and color the ends red and blue with washable hair color. Pink and blue shadow, smudged black liner and bright red lipstick do the face. Studded cuffs, a playful choker and a small belt add character. Red-and-blue high-tops beat tall heels for a long night. A plush hyena, a bright mini backpack or a sheet of novelty stickers makes a harmless prop. Keep it playful and tidy; the distressed version is harder to pull off than it looks.
10. Red And Black Harley Quinn Dress Costume
The Harley dress is the party version, no jumpsuit required. Choose a knee-length skater dress with one red side and one black side, or layer a red jacket over a black dress. Add diamond appliqués, striped tights, mismatched gloves and a small ruffled collar, plus a blonde wig in pigtails tied with red and black ribbon. Graphic winged liner, red lipstick and a single red shadow accent keep the face bold. Black ankle boots with red laces balance it. A jester handbag, soft wrist cuffs and a tiny plush companion finish it. Iron-on diamond appliqués lift at the corners on stretch fabric, so I tack each point with a stitch. This is also the easiest Harley to throw a black coat over on a cold night.
11. Classic Poison Ivy Costume
Green fabric, leaves and red hair: that's Poison Ivy, and the contrast between the last two is what people read first. Wear a green jumpsuit, a fitted dress over opaque tights, or a green top with leggings, then attach artificial ivy around the neckline, waist, gloves and shoulders. Hand stitching holds far better than glue, which lets go of stretch fabric as soon as it's pulled. A long red wavy wig gives the strongest contrast. Soft green shadow, defined lashes and berry-red lipstick work for the face. Green ankle boots or leafy shoe clips carry the palette down. A small potted artificial plant or a vine-wrapped bottle makes a harmless prop. Use light leaves and flexible vines so you can sit without crushing them.
12. Glam Poison Ivy Costume With Leaf Cape
The glam Ivy turns the leaves into a flowing cape. Begin with an emerald maxi dress or a green jumpsuit with a defined waist, and drape a sheer green cape from the shoulders with artificial ivy along its edges. Leaf earrings, vine bracelets and a leafy headpiece carry the theme to the face. Wear a long red wig in soft waves or sweep natural red hair to one side. Blend green and gold shadow over the lid, with rosy blush and deep red lipstick. Choose green block heels or flats depending on how long you'll stand. A flower-covered clutch and an artificial rose finish it. Keep the cape and vines short enough not to trip you, or anyone else, in a crowded room.
13. Huntress Costume With Purple Cape
Huntress is dark tactical clothing with sharp purple accents. Wear a black long-sleeve top and black utility pants with a structured purple vest or fitted overlay, then add a short purple cape, black gloves and a purple eye mask with pointed outer edges. Long dark waves or a straight black wig suit her. Plum shadow, defined brows and muted berry lipstick sit well with the mask. Sturdy black knee-high or flat combat boots handle a full night. A purple belt, shoulder straps and compact binoculars give practical detail. The character is usually drawn with a crossbow, but most venues won't allow anything that looks like a weapon, so binoculars and straps tell the story better.
14. Black Canary Costume With Leather Jacket
Black Canary can come almost entirely from your own closet. Layer a black faux-leather jacket over a black bodysuit, romper, or fitted top and shorts with opaque tights, then add a wide black belt, fingerless gloves and tall black boots. The long, loose blonde hair is what makes it Canary; a wig works, or give naturally blonde hair extra volume with rollers. A smoky eye, defined lashes and soft pink lipstick do the face. In place of wide fishnets, patterned tights with a smaller weave give more coverage and don't dig in. A silver choker and a tiny microphone clipped to the jacket finish it. Because it's built around a jacket, it adapts to cold weather better than anything else here.
15. Oracle Costume With Green Glasses
Oracle needs no cape or bodysuit, which makes her one of the most comfortable characters in Gotham to wear. Choose a green or purple blouse with black pants and a light jacket. Bright green glasses, fingerless tech gloves and a headset carry the character. Red hair in a shoulder-length bob, ponytail or loose waves completes the recognition. Polished makeup, with defined brows, brown liner and rose lipstick, keeps it grounded. Shoes can be whatever is comfortable to sit or stand in: black sneakers, loafers or low ankle boots. Carry a tablet case or laptop sleeve decorated with removable green symbols. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, green ribbon or removable decals tie it into the costume, keeping every working part clear.
16. Spoiler Costume With Purple Hood
The purple hood is what tells people you're Spoiler, so everything else can stay simple. Start with a black long-sleeve top and black leggings or fitted utility pants, then add a sleeveless purple tunic, purple belt, black gloves and a short hooded cape. A full or half-face purple mask should let you see clearly and breathe easily; try it on and read something small across a room before deciding. Wear blonde hair loose under the hood, or a straight blonde wig. Lilac shadow, natural foundation and pink lipstick for the face. Black combat boots with purple laces fit the look. Light wrist guards and a few small pouches add detail, sewn or clipped on firmly so they don't swing or pull.
17. Orphan Costume With Black Mask
Orphan is nearly all black, so texture does the work color can't. Wear a black long-sleeve jumpsuit, or a breathable athletic top with black cargo pants, and add a sleeveless black vest, padded-look fabric panels, fitted gloves and a smooth full-face mask with white eye shapes. Mixing matte jersey with a slightly shiny or quilted fabric on the panels keeps the outfit from reading as one flat shape. Hair goes into a low bun or under a close-fitting hood. With the face mostly covered, skip heavy makeup and use waterproof liner around the visible eyes. Light black combat boots or high-tops finish it, with soft wrist wraps and a narrow belt. Check the mask's eye openings and ventilation for a full hour at home, because a full-face mask gets hot and fogs up faster than people expect.
18. Bluebird Costume With Blue Mohawk
Electric blue makes Bluebird pop among Gotham's many black outfits. Start with black utility pants, a dark fitted top and a black faux-leather or denim vest, then add bright blue stripes, a blue bird emblem, fingerless gloves and a compact belt. The blue mohawk is the signature; a wig is simpler than color, but washable hair color works if you have the length. Metallic blue liner, brushed brows and neutral lipstick tie the face to the hair. Black lace-up boots with blue laces finish it. Blue-tinted safety glasses and a pouch of foam or plastic tools fit her tinkerer side. Keep every tool light and plainly fake so nobody at the door looks twice.
19. Renee Montoya Detective Costume
Renee Montoya is the realistic choice, and it's the costume most likely to get past a strict school or office rule. Wear a crisp button-down with dark trousers, a brown or black belt and a tailored trench coat. A detective badge made from foam or laminated paper should look obviously fictional. Dark hair goes in a low ponytail, practical bun or shoulder-length waves. Natural makeup is enough: light foundation, defined brows, mascara and neutral lipstick. Black loafers, lace-up boots or low supportive heels suit it. Carry a notebook, a pen and a folder labeled with an invented case number, with a shoulder bag for your things. Most of these clothes go back into normal rotation the next day, which is part of the appeal.
20. Talia Al Ghul Costume With Green Dress
Talia al Ghul is about elegance, green and gold, and how you carry yourself. Choose a long-sleeve emerald dress, a fitted green tunic with black pants, or a floor-length gown you can walk in. Add a wide gold belt, structured shoulder details and fine gold cuffs. Long dark hair in polished waves, a low braid or a sleek ponytail suits her. Bronze shadow, sharp liner, warm blush and a soft red lip finish the face. Black or gold ankle boots are steadier than narrow heels and still look refined. A decorative green ring, a small scroll case or a gold-trimmed clutch is enough. Leave combat props out; with this character the posture and the rich palette say everything.
21. Phantasm Costume With Gray Cape
Phantasm builds its menace out of layered gray fabric, not gore. Start with black pants, a fitted black top and tall black boots, then add a long gray cloak with a deep hood, structured shoulders and a cape that stops safely above the floor. A smooth silver-gray mask with clear eye openings and hair hidden completely under the hood give the mystery. Charcoal shadow around the visible eyes, neutral makeup elsewhere. Gray gloves and a wide belt connect the layers. A deep hood collapses flat unless it's supported, so I sew a strip of stiff interfacing around the opening to hold its shape. Swap the character's blade for a gray lantern-style prop or a small case, which keeps the costume dramatic and welcome at a public event.
22. Roxy Rocket Costume With Flight Jacket
Roxy Rocket is retro aviation with a bit of daredevil swagger. Wear a fitted red or brown flight jacket over a cream top, with high-waisted pants, or a knee-length skirt over opaque tights. An aviator cap, soft goggles, fingerless gloves and a wide utility belt carry the theme. Style dark hair in rolled waves or tuck it into the cap. Winged liner, rosy cheeks and a classic red lip suit the vintage feel. Brown lace-up or low riding boots finish it. Carry a light map, a compass-style accessory or a small cardboard rocket painted bright. Leather-look flight jackets are easy to find secondhand, and that one thrift find does most of the costume for you.
23. Calendar Girl Costume With Red Dress
A dramatic red dress is the base for this tasteful Calendar Girl. Pick a structured midi dress with long gloves, opaque tights and a cropped cape or wrap. The headpiece is a sculpted mask styled like a calendar page, cut from lightweight white foam and marked with bold black numbers. Auburn or dark red hair in polished waves sits under it. Classic liner, softly defined cheeks and a matching red lip complete the face. Red or black block heels give you something secure to walk in. Carry a small planner or a rolled paper calendar with made-up dates. I keep this one on the vintage-glamour side, with seasonal symbols and theatrical accessories, and leave out the scarred, distressed details of her grimmer versions so it suits a mixed crowd.
24. Baby Doll Costume With Blue Dress
Baby Doll uses a vintage blue dress, and the styling has to stay clearly adult. Choose a knee-length blue dress with a white collar, puff sleeves and a gently flared skirt, then add opaque white tights, a large hair bow and a small structured handbag. Blonde shoulder-length curls, natural or a wig with neat bangs, give the doll look. Rosy blush, defined lashes and pink lipstick are enough; skip anything that exaggerates childlike features. Black Mary Jane flats or low block heels finish it. A vintage autograph book or a soft doll-shaped purse makes the prop. The fit matters more here than anywhere else: a dress that fits you properly at the waist and hem reads as a costume, while an oversized one reads as something else entirely.
25. Magpie Costume In Black And White
Magpie is pure black-and-white contrast, which makes her one of the most graphic costumes on this list. Wear a black jumpsuit, a fitted dress over leggings, or a matching top and pants, and add asymmetrical white panels, feather-shaped shoulder pieces, a white belt and black gloves. The hair can be split, one side black and one white, or white streaks through dark waves. Silver shadow, black winged liner and plum lipstick for the face. Black knee-high boots with removable white cuffs finish the color-blocking. Carry a small silver handbag stuffed with oversized plastic gems for her magpie habit. Real feathers shed constantly, so I glue feather shapes cut from felt or foam onto the shoulders instead, and they stay tidy all night.
26. White Rabbit Costume With Red Jacket
White Rabbit mixes a tailored red jacket with classic rabbit pieces, and the tailoring is what lifts it above a basic animal costume. Start with a white blouse and fitted white pants or a knee-length white skirt over opaque tights, then add a red tailcoat-style jacket, black waist belt, white gloves and a rabbit-ear headband. A long white wig in loose waves, or light hair under the ears, completes the head. Red liner, defined lashes, rosy cheeks and berry lipstick do the face. Black ankle boots balance all that white. A big costume pocket watch, a striped bow tie and a small red handbag finish it. White pants show every mark, so carry a stain wipe in that red bag.
27. Lady Shiva Costume With Red Sash
Lady Shiva is clean lines and one strong red accent. Wear a black high-neck tunic with fitted black pants and light arm guards, then wrap a wide red sash around the waist with just a short, secure end hanging at one side. Black gloves and subtle red shoulder trim follow. Long dark hair in a sleek ponytail or a tight braid suits her control. Precise liner, softly sculpted cheeks and a muted red lip complete the face. Flat black martial arts shoes or flexible ankle boots let you move. A decorative wrist cuff and a red fabric headband finish it. Wrap the sash over a flat belt so it stays put, and leave the combat gear at home; posture does more for this character than any prop.
28. Female Riddler Costume With Green Suit
A tailored green suit makes a sharp female Riddler. Wear a green blazer with matching trousers, a black blouse and a purple tie or bow tie, and attach removable question marks to the cuffs, lapels or trouser legs. Purple gloves, a green eye mask and a small bowler hat follow. Hair can go into polished curls, a sleek bob or a high ponytail. Purple shadow, graphic green liner and berry lipstick bring the palette to the face. Purple loafers, low heels or green ankle boots finish it. Swap the cane for a little notebook of original riddles you can actually ask people, which is more fun at a party anyway, plus a question-mark handbag. A green suit is easy to find secondhand; have the sleeves and hem shortened if needed, because a sloppy fit undoes the sharpness.
29. Female Penguin Costume With Tuxedo
The female Penguin turns formalwear into a quirky Gotham disguise. Start with a black tuxedo jacket, white button-down, black trousers and a purple or burgundy vest, then add a wide bow tie, white gloves and a short top hat with a removable feather. Dark hair in a low bun, sleek bob or vintage waves sits under the hat. Cool-toned shadow, defined brows, rosy blush and deep berry lipstick suit it. Black lace-ups, loafers or block heels finish the tailoring. Carry a closed decorative umbrella with a rounded plastic handle, and check it against the event's prop rules. A purple pocket square and a monocle-style accessory add the last theatrical touch. A slightly roomy jacket helps here, since the Penguin's shape is round rather than sleek.
30. Female Batman Costume With Black Cape
The female Batman is the most direct take on the theme: black and gray, cape and cowl. Wear a gray long-sleeve jumpsuit or a fitted gray top with black leggings, then add a black bat emblem, scalloped cape, gloves, belt and pointed cowl. Tuck your hair under the mask or let a neat ponytail come out the back. Charcoal shadow around the eye openings, defined brows and neutral lipstick for the face. Black knee-high or sturdy combat boots finish it. A small flashlight, a few pouches and a foam communicator make practical props. Spend your effort on a cape that hangs well and a clean, well-shaped emblem rather than on armor; that's what makes this a good first costume to make.
Red, Blonde and White Wigs Under a Hood or Cowl
A lot of these characters depend on a wig, and a lot of them also wear a cowl or hood over it, which is where things go wrong. A wig pulled under a tight cowl gets pushed back off the hairline, and a full wig makes the cowl sit too high. My fix is to wear a wig cap, pin the wig through the cap in at least four places, and let the cowl hold only the top of the head while the length falls out the back. Try them on together at least once before the night.
- Most party wigs are synthetic. Keep them away from curling irons and candles, since many melt or frizz with heat.
- Brush a synthetic wig gently from the ends upwards with a wide-tooth comb, never from the root; it tangles and sheds less that way.
- Bright red and platinum wigs can look shiny in flash photos. A light dusting of dry shampoo or face powder takes the shine down.
- If you'd rather not wear a wig at all, washable color sprays work on the ends of light hair, but they rub off on collars and capes, so test them on a dark piece of fabric first.
Eye Masks, Liner and Getting It All Off
Eye masks and cowls press on the skin around the eyes for hours, and that is exactly where cream makeup creases and smears. I set eyeliner and any cream color under a mask with a little translucent powder, and I patch-test anything new, including mask adhesive, on the inside of the wrist a day ahead. At the end of the night, take bold colors off with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water before washing your face, rather than scrubbing; red lipstick and green or purple shadow stain less that way. Wash the inside of the mask, too, before you pack it away.
Two Colors and One Signature Detail
Every character above, from purple Batgirl to the female Penguin, comes down to a consistent palette, a clear silhouette, shoes you can stand in, and two or three signature accessories. That's true at every budget. Handmade emblems, removable appliqués, thrifted jackets, a wig and simple makeup can turn ordinary clothing into a Gotham character without buying a boxed costume. Before the event, test the mask, the cape, the shoes and anything you've attached. You should be able to see clearly, walk easily, sit down and enjoy the evening, and still look like the character when you get up.
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