If you have red hair, you're already carrying the hardest part of a lot of costumes. The character is half there; what's left is clothing, and most of that clothing is simpler to sew, alter or thrift than people expect. Below are thirty red-haired characters and two original looks, from animated heroines and comic characters to sitcom icons and a fox. Copper, auburn, ginger and cherry red all have a place, and a temporary colour product or a wig opens every one of them to anyone. For each I've said what I'd make, what I'd buy, and where the build usually goes wrong.
A Thrift Store List for Red-Haired Characters
Before buying anything costume-branded, I go to a thrift store with a list of shapes, not characters. Many of the looks below share the same few base garments, so one good find can cover two or three costumes.
- A long full skirt or maxi dress in green, teal or blue covers Ariel, Merida, Fiona, Anna and the autumn fairy.
- A fit-and-flare dress with a fitted waist becomes Lucy Ricardo, Ms. Frizzle, Annie or Joan with a collar or decorations added.
- A plain jumpsuit or athletic top and leggings is the base for Black Widow, Elastigirl, Jean Grey, Starfire and Poison Ivy.
- A pinafore over a blouse handles Anne Shirley, Raggedy Ann and Anna.
Check the fibre label while you're there. Cotton and linen take fabric paint, dye and stitched-on appliqué easily. Polyester satin and sequin fabrics look good but resist most home dyes and fray when cut, so buy them in the colour you need. Turn every garment inside out: a sound zip and intact seams matter more than a perfect outer fabric, because you can cover a small mark with an appliqué, but a failed zip ends the night.
If a dress is a size too big, it's usually fixable. Taking in side seams is a simple alteration, while letting out a dress that's too small rarely works because there isn't enough seam allowance. Buy the bigger size.
1. Ariel Mermaid Costume
For Ariel, I'd sew or thrift a sea-green maxi skirt with a slight fishtail hem rather than a true tail. A fishtail cut that flares from the knee gives the mermaid line, and you can still walk, sit and climb a step. The fitted lavender top is easy to find. Sweep long red waves over one shoulder, or wear a bright crimson wig. Pearl earrings, a shell bag and a small toy fork are the props fans love. Lavender lids and glossy pink lips, with green ballet flats hidden under the hem.
2. Merida Princess Costume
Merida needs wild copper curls more than any other character here, so naturally curly hair should be left big and defined with mousse; otherwise reach for a voluminous orange-red wig with loose ringlets. The dress is a floor-length dark teal with long sleeves, a fitted waist and a little gold trim at the neckline. When I make this one, I set the sleeves slightly loose at the upper arm so you can actually lift your arms, since her real sleeves are fitted all the way down and that tends to rip at the underarm seam. A brown belt with a fabric pouch, light freckles and a plush bear or tartan sash. Brown lace-up boots stay visible and steady under the long skirt.
3. Poison Ivy Costume
Poison Ivy starts with a dark green jumpsuit, a fitted midi dress or a long-sleeve top with leggings. The ivy is the sewing job. Fabric leaves attached with a few loose stitches stay put; fashion tape is fine for an hour but the edges start lifting once the fabric stretches over your elbows. Glamorous red waves or a high ponytail, emerald shadow, winged liner and a berry lip, with tiny leaf accents at the temples. Green gloves and a vine headband make her readable at a distance. A small faux plant is a harmless prop, and green ankle boots, or black boots wrapped with removable garland, finish her.
4. Jessica Rabbit Costume
Jessica Rabbit is one red gown, so spend your budget there. A strapless or off-the-shoulder dress in sequins or satin works; if it's strapless, I add clear elastic or a little boning at the top edge so it isn't sliding down every time you raise your arms. Long purple gloves and sparkly earrings. Deep red hair goes in smooth side-parted waves that fall over one eye, pinned well, or wear a long auburn wig. Purple shadow, full lashes and glossy red lips. A small gold clutch, and block heels or embellished flats for a long, crowded party.
5. Daphne Blake Costume
Daphne comes straight out of a wardrobe: a long-sleeve purple mini dress, a darker purple headband and a bright green scarf at the neck. If the dress is too short for your event, opaque lavender tights or a knee-length shift dress fix it. Red or strawberry-blonde hair gets flipped ends and lift at the crown; a smooth shoulder-length wig gives a more cartoon finish. Lilac shadow, mascara and a soft pink lip. The headband is the one piece I'd make if you can't find the right shade, because a padded headband is just a strip of fabric over wadding and a plastic band. A magnifying glass and lavender Mary Janes finish her.
6. Kim Possible Costume
Kim Possible is the costume I suggest when someone wants to be comfortable. Olive cargo pants and a fitted black mock-neck shirt or long-sleeve crop top, a brown utility belt and a small crossbody pouch. Long, slightly tousled red layers with a deep side part; if your hair is short, a dark auburn wig does it. Natural skin, soft brown liner and a neutral lip. Black gloves add one more clue. Chunky lace-up boots or supportive combat-style shoes mean you can walk a whole evening, dance or stand outside without thinking about it.
7. Princess Fiona Costume
Fiona here is the ogre version, which means green skin, so plan the makeup before the dress. Use a water-activated or cream face makeup made for skin, apply it thinly across the face and down the neck, and set it with translucent powder; skip the neck and you'll see a clear line where the green stops. The dress is a long emerald medieval style with full sleeves, a fitted bodice and gold ribbon trim, which is a straightforward sew from a basic pattern. A gold crown, rounded green ears on a soft headband, and red hair in a low braided bun. Brown flats under the hem, and a plush donkey if you want the joke.
8. Anna Princess Costume
Anna's costume is mostly a black embroidered vest, and it's the vest I'd make. Machine or hand embroidery in a simple flower pattern on black felt or cotton reads well from a distance, and it doesn't have to be detailed. Wear it over a pale blue blouse and a full royal-blue skirt, with a deep magenta cape outdoors or a light capelet inside. Two loose red braids, with a lighter streak drawn in with washable hair chalk if you want it. Freckles, peach blush and pink lips. Black ankle boots with painted flowers, and warm tights for trick-or-treating.
9. Lucy Ricardo Costume
Lucy Ricardo is a 1950s fit-and-flare polka-dot dress in navy, black or red, with a white collar and a matching belt. Add a short apron for the kitchen-sitcom version. Her hair is bright red rolled bangs and a tidy curled updo; if you don't do pin curls, a short curly ginger wig gets there. Arched brows, black liner and a classic red lip. Pearl clip-on earrings and a small vintage bag. Carry a faux microphone or a candy box, and wear low pumps or saddle shoes. A detachable collar is a nice small sewing project if your dress doesn't have one.
10. Anne Shirley Costume
Anne Shirley is easy to thrift and suits natural ginger hair. A high-neck white blouse under a brown, olive or blue pinafore that falls below the knee, cream knee socks and a straw hat with a narrow ribbon. Two long braids tied with simple bows. If you're buying a wig, I'd choose a natural copper with a centre part; a bright, shiny red reads as a different character entirely. Light freckles and tinted balm. A stack of old books or a fabric travel bag, and brown lace-up ankle boots. A pinafore is also one of the easiest garments to sew if you can't find one.
11. Annie Orphan Costume
Annie depends on bouncy red curls and a bold red dress. A knee-length dress with short puffed sleeves, a white collar and a defined waist, white tights and a heart locket. Short brushed-out curls on natural hair, or a round copper-red wig with plenty of volume; brushing out a curly synthetic wig makes it frizz, so separate the curls with fingers instead. Rosy cheeks, a few freckles and red-tinted balm. A plush dog or a small bucket. Black patent Mary Janes or cushioned flats. The colours carry the whole costume, so there's no need for elaborate makeup.
12. Ms. Frizzle Costume
Ms. Frizzle is a printed dress you make yourself. Start with a navy or royal-blue fit-and-flare dress and attach felt planets, stars, moons or science symbols; I tack them with a few stitches at the centre of each shape so they move with the skirt instead of curling at the edges like glued felt does. Layer a white collared shirt under it for more coverage. Copper curls go in a loose high bun with a planet clip. Blue shadow and bright blush. A small globe or plush lizard, mismatched space earrings and comfortable flats, and she's ready for a classroom or school event.
13. Wilma Flintstone Costume
Wilma's one-colour base is easy to sew, thrift or buy: a white one-shoulder midi dress with an uneven hem. Finish the jagged edge with a narrow rolled hem or a zigzag stitch, or it will fray by the end of the night. A big white bead necklace, made from lightweight foam beads if real ones feel heavy around the neck. Red hair in a tall twisted bun pinned firmly, or a copper updo wig. Sharp black liner, peach blush and a bright red lip. A grey felt stone-pattern clutch and white sandals or low block heels.
14. Misty Trainer Costume
Misty is quick: a yellow tank top, high-waisted denim shorts and red suspenders, with a fitted white T-shirt underneath if you want warmth. Short orange-red hair goes into a high side ponytail with the ends fanned out. Longer hair can be folded and pinned into a short ponytail, but a short ginger wig is less fiddly. Warm blush, freckles and a coral lip. A red-and-white ball accessory or a yellow plush companion, white crew socks and red low-top sneakers. A small backpack holds your phone and keys and suits the character.
15. Jessie Cowgirl Costume
Jessie is a proper sewing project. The white shirt needs yellow shoulder panels, red decorative stitching and wide cuffs, and I'd sew the panels on rather than use iron-on, which tends to lift at the edges on a shirt that bends at the shoulder all evening. Jeans or denim shorts over cow-print leggings, a large red hat and a brown belt with a big costume buckle. One long red braid tied with a yellow ribbon, or a braided auburn wig. Warm bronzer and freckles. A soft rope made from light cord, and brown or red Western boots with a low heel.
16. Elastigirl Superhero Costume
Elastigirl suits anyone who doesn't want to carry anything. A red long-sleeve jumpsuit, or an athletic top and leggings, with black gloves, black shorts or a hip panel and a yellow belt. The eye mask is the safety point: make sure it sits close to the face and doesn't narrow your side vision, especially if you're walking with kids at night. Auburn hair in a smooth shoulder-length bob with flipped ends. Matte skin and a muted red lip. Flat black knee boots or supportive sneakers keep it practical for trick-or-treating.
17. Black Widow Superhero Costume
Deep auburn hair stands out against Black Widow's all-black base, so wear it loose or in a long braided ponytail rather than tucked away. A fitted black jumpsuit, zip-front athletic suit, or long-sleeve top with cargo pants. A wide utility belt, fingerless gloves and red hourglass details at the waist, cut from red stretch fabric and stitched flat so they don't bunch. Smoky taupe eyes and a neutral rose lip. Skip the combat props and carry a compact black crossbody bag. Knee-high or lace-up ankle boots with a low heel.
18. Starfire Superhero Costume
Starfire is purple from head to toe. A metallic purple mini dress over opaque tights, or a fitted purple top with a skirt or leggings. Silver cuffs, a wide silver belt and green gem details made from felt or light plastic. Metallic fabrics fray badly and some melt under a hot iron, so I press them through a cloth on a low setting and seal cut edges. Long, straight red hair with extra volume, and optional orange or magenta temporary colour on the ends. Lavender shadow and green liner. A glowing foam orb, silver ankle boots, and a cropped purple jacket for outside.
19. Leeloo Sci-Fi Costume
Leeloo's orange-red bob is the whole identity of this costume. A white fitted tank top, gold or mustard slim pants and white fabric straps over the top for the harness. I'd sew the straps from white elastic or stretch binding so they hold their position without cutting in when you move. A short choppy bob on natural hair, or an orange wig with textured bangs. Clean skin, defined brows and a warm nude lip. A painted cardboard pass as a prop, and white chunky sneakers. It's one of the least layered costumes here, which suits a warm venue.
20. Jean Grey Superhero Costume
Jean Grey is green and gold against copper hair. A fitted green jumpsuit, or a long-sleeve top with leggings, plus a wide gold sash, gold wrist cuffs and a bird emblem cut from metallic fabric and stitched or fused on. Large brushed waves with a centre or side part, kept glossy. Gold shadow, winged liner and a brick-red lip. A light gold cape is nice for photos but optional, and I'd keep it short. The colour blocking does the work, so skip action props. Gold ankle boots, or green boots with removable metallic covers.
21. Mary Jane Watson Costume
Mary Jane is the red-haired costume that looks like everyday clothes. A fitted black tank or green sweater with dark jeans and a brown leather-look jacket, or a black graphic tee with a red midi skirt and a cropped denim jacket for a more comic-book version. Long, smooth red waves with a clean side part. Natural makeup with defined lashes and a rose lip. A small camera or press pass in hand. Ankle boots, white sneakers or red flats. Almost nothing here needs sewing, which makes her a good last-minute pick.
22. April O’Neil Reporter Costume
April O'Neil is bright yellow, and yellow is easy to spot in a group. A yellow utility jumpsuit, a jacket-and-trousers set, or a yellow button-down tucked into matching trousers, with a white belt and a press badge near the collar. Auburn hair in a smooth shoulder-length bob. Warm neutral shadow and coral blush. A light microphone with a generic news symbol, or a reporter's notebook. White high-tops or white ankle boots. A secondhand coverall dyed yellow is a good shortcut if you can't find the right colour, though polyester won't take most home dyes, so check the fibre content first.
23. Dana Scully Agent Costume
Dana Scully is a dark pantsuit and a smooth copper bob, which makes her very workplace-friendly. A navy or charcoal blazer with matching trousers, a light blue blouse and a black belt. The bob should be chin to shoulder length with curved ends. Office-appropriate makeup: matte skin, defined brows and a muted berry lip. Clip a homemade badge to the blazer and carry a plain folder with a case number. Keep a small flashlight in your bag rather than in your hand. Low pumps, loafers or polished ankle boots, and the suit is back in your closet on Monday.
24. Joan Holloway Retro Costume
Joan Holloway is 1960s office fashion. A jewel-toned sheath dress in emerald, royal blue or deep purple, ideally with a boat neck and a hem below the knee. That shape relies on fit, so if a thrifted sheath is loose, take it in at the side seams and waist darts before anything else. A small brooch, a gold pendant, a structured handbag and a slim belt. Auburn hair in a smooth bouffant with curled sections at the back. Shaped brows, black winged liner and a rich berry lip. Sheer tights and closed-toe pumps, or pointed flats in the same colour.
25. Max Mayfield Retro Costume
Max Mayfield is relaxed 1980s clothing that you can wear again. A striped short-sleeve shirt, blue athletic shorts and a light zip-front track jacket, with striped crew socks, a digital watch and big retro headphones around the neck. Long red hair loose, centre-parted and slightly tousled. Tinted moisturiser and freckles are enough. Only carry a skateboard if the venue allows it; a cassette player or bright backpack works anywhere. Red or white high-tops. In cold weather, switch to straight-leg jeans and keep the striped top showing.
26. Cheryl Blossom Costume
Cheryl Blossom is coordinated red. A fitted red sweater, a black plaid skirt, opaque tights and a tailored red coat, with a gold brooch or spider pin for a darker note. Long red hair in glossy waves with a precise centre part; the colour should look rich and even, so if you're using temporary colour, apply it in thin, even passes. Full brows and a deep cherry lip. A small red handbag or school notebook. Black knee boots or polished loafers. Reds from different shops rarely match exactly, so I'd hold the pieces together in daylight before committing.
27. Beth Harmon Chess Costume
Beth Harmon is graphic black and white around a neat ginger bob. A checkered mini dress, or a fitted black turtleneck with a white A-line skirt, plus a narrow headband, a structured coat and a small top-handle bag. A smooth chin-length bob with curled-under ends, so a wig if your hair is long. Pale matte skin, precise black liner and a muted coral lip. Carry a light chessboard or one oversized foam chess piece. White ankle socks and Mary Janes, or low black pumps for an adult party. The checks photograph clearly even in low light.
28. Raggedy Ann Doll Costume
Raggedy Ann is a sewing project I enjoy, because nothing has to be perfect. A blue floral prairie dress under a white ruffled pinafore, red-and-white striped tights, an oversized white collar and a small fabric heart stitched or safety-pinned near the chest. Natural red hair in two full braids, or a soft red yarn wig sewn into a white bonnet so the two stay together. Painted lower lashes, round freckles, rosy cheek circles and a curved red smile. A cloth doll or patchwork bag, and black Mary Janes. Keep every piece soft so it's comfortable for walking.
29. Copper Fox Costume
Why hide natural copper hair when it can become the colour of a fox? A rust-orange sweater dress or long-sleeve top with matching leggings, a white faux-fur chest panel and triangular ears on a headband. The tail is where these costumes fail; a tail pinned to the back of leggings drags them down. I sew mine onto a separate belt of wide elastic and stuff it lightly with polyester fibre so it has shape without weight. Loose, textured red hair or a high ponytail. Orange and brown shadow, a small painted nose and white highlights on the cheeks. A woodland basket, and brown ankle boots for outdoor parties.
30. Autumn Fairy Costume
An autumn fairy suits every shade of red, from strawberry to deep auburn. A flowing rust midi dress, or a fitted velvet top with a layered skirt of leaf-shaped panels. Translucent wings decorated with artificial maple leaves, kept compact enough to turn in a doorway. Red hair in loose curls, small braids or a braided crown threaded with gold ribbon and faux leaves. Copper shadow, delicate leaf details at the temples and a berry lip. A basket of fabric leaves or pinecones, and brown lace-up boots or gold flats. Without a character to match, you can build it entirely from what's in your fabric bin.
Ears, Tails and Wings That Stay Put in a Crowd
Several of these costumes rely on an attached piece: Fiona's ears, the fox tail and ears, the fairy wings, Starfire's gems, Jessie's pull-string. These are the parts that fall off or break, and how you attach them matters more than how you make them.
Headbands and ears
Hot glue holds felt or foam ears to a plastic headband at room temperature, but it turns brittle in cold air and lets go when the band flexes. I wrap the band in fabric first, then stitch the ears through the fabric, or use a strong flexible fabric glue and let it cure overnight. A headband that pinches behind the ears will be off your head within an hour, so try it on for twenty minutes at home.
Tails and wings
Anything hanging from the back needs its own support, not the waistband of your leggings. Sew the tail to a separate elastic belt, and attach wings with elastic loops that go over both shoulders like a backpack rather than pinning them to the dress, which drags the neckline backwards. Keep wings narrower than your shoulders if you'll be indoors, and fold them flat to sit in a car. Before you leave, bend, sit, and hug someone; whatever falls off then would have fallen off at the party.
Your Wardrobe Probably Holds Three of These Already
A red-haired costume works when the hair is treated as part of the outfit rather than the whole idea. Natural auburn curls can be shown off, copper can be pushed brighter with temporary colour, and a good wig takes anyone the rest of the way. The characters become convincing when the signature clothing, hairstyle, makeup, accessories and shoes agree with each other. The fox and the autumn fairy give the most freedom if you'd rather not match a character. Whatever you pick, try on the wig, test the face makeup, walk in the shoes and tug every attached piece a week before Halloween.
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