There's a reason so many redheads end up as the same few characters every October: the hair is already doing the identifying. Animated heroines, comic-book women, sitcom stars and storybook girls all lean on red, and you can play any of them with natural copper, auburn or ginger, or with a wig or a night of temporary colour. For each of the thirty below I've covered the clothes, face, accessories and shoes, with notes on what to make and what to skip. A few are glamorous, plenty can be pulled from a closet the night before, and a handful are softly spooky.
Matching Your Own Shade to a Character
Red hair isn't one colour, and some characters sit more naturally on certain shades. If you're wearing your own hair rather than a wig, this is roughly how I'd sort the list.
- Bright orange and copper: Pippi, Wilma, Leeloo and Annie were drawn or styled in loud, warm orange, so a vivid shade is exactly right for them.
- Deep auburn: Scarlet Witch and Cheryl Blossom look richer with darker hair, and their burgundy clothes pick up the colour.
- Strawberry blonde and light ginger: Anna, Anne Shirley and Ginny suit softer red, especially if you have freckles to show off.
- Curls of any shade: Merida, Miss Frizzle, Annie and the Hatter are built on curls, so you can leave the straightener in the drawer.
If your shade is a little off for the character you love, don't worry about it. People read the whole palette at once, and when the clothes are right, a slightly different red on top rarely matters. Change the hair only if the character is defined by a cut, like Leeloo's bob or Annie's tight curls.
1. Ariel Mermaid Costume
For an Ariel you can sit down in, use a sea-green maxi skirt with a fitted lavender top. Sequins or a scale print give the mermaid hint, but check that a sequinned skirt is lined, because unlined sequins scratch bare legs by the end of the evening. Brushed-out waves are the hair; reach for a red wig only if you want more length or a brighter shade than your own. Shimmery aqua lids, rosy cheeks and glossy pink lips. Shell hair clips, pearl earrings and a small stuffed fish, with green ballet flats under the hem. You keep her colours and lose the tail, which matters a lot at a parade.
2. Merida Princess Costume
Natural curls are the whole point of Merida, so don't tame them. Leave them full and a bit wild; if anything, scrunch in a little mousse and let them dry untouched. The dress is long dark teal or forest green with bell sleeves and simple gold trim, a brown belt at the waist and a narrow tartan sash over one shoulder. Freckles, peach blush and soft brows. Leave the bow at home and carry a small bear plush, a nod to her mother's story, or pin a Celtic-style brooch to the sash. Brown lace-up ankle boots. If your curls are the thing you want people to notice, this is your character.
3. Poison Ivy Costume
Poison Ivy is red hair against layered greens, and mixing a few different greens is what makes it look intentional rather than one flat colour. Wear a green jumpsuit, a fitted midi dress or a long-sleeve top with leggings, depending on how much coverage you want. Artificial ivy goes around the neckline, shoulders, waist and cuffs with safety pins or removable fabric tape. I snip the plastic stems short, because long ones scratch the inside of your arm all night. Big waves or a high ponytail with leafy clips. Green shadow, winged liner and a berry lip, with no full face paint needed. Forest-green boots, vine earrings and a small potted faux plant, on flat or block heels if you'll be standing for hours.
4. Kim Possible Costume
Kim Possible needs nothing you can't find in a normal wardrobe. A fitted black mock-neck, loose olive cargo pants and a brown utility belt. The hair is long smooth layers with a hard side part and one piece falling forward. Sporty makeup: a light base, lashes, peach blush and nude balm. Clip a toy communicator to the belt and pull on black gloves. Chunky combat boots or supportive lace-ups. Green and black next to copper hair is a strong contrast, so it reads from across a street at any age.
5. Daphne Blake Costume
Daphne is a costume of colour blocks, and that's why she reads across a crowded room. A long-sleeve purple dress, mini or knee-length, with a lighter purple headband and matching tights. The lime-green scarf is the essential contrast. Tie it at the side of the neck and tack the knot with one stitch so it doesn't creep round to the back. Smooth the hair into a flipped style with volume at the crown, using a round brush or large velcro rollers. Lavender shadow, clean liner, peach blush and pink lipstick. A magnifying glass or notebook is plenty. Purple flats or loafers, and a matching purple coat on top if it's cold.
6. Jessica Rabbit Costume
Jessica Rabbit comes down to a floor-length red gown, long purple gloves and that wave. Sequins or satin both work, but sequins catch the light and forgive a less-than-perfect fit, while satin shows every pull and seam. Choose a neckline that stays put and gives you the coverage you want. Side-part the hair and sweep most of it over one shoulder. Lilac shadow, black winged liner, defined brows and a classic red lip. Sparkly earrings and a small vintage microphone. Red or purple block-heel pumps are far steadier than stilettos and still look like eveningwear. You won't need much else.
7. Black Widow Costume
Black Widow relies on clean lines, not props. A long-sleeve black jumpsuit, or a fitted black top with comfortable utility pants. On a wide belt, add a red hourglass emblem; I'd cut it from red craft foam or felt rather than paper, which creases the first time you sit down. Black wrist cuffs and fingerless gloves. Her hair varies across the screen versions, so a curled chin-length bob, a shoulder-length blowout or a loose braid all count. Neutral makeup, defined liner and a muted red lip. Black combat boots with grippy soles, and a small earpiece or clipped-on ID badge as the prop. Thin red piping in removable fabric tape breaks up all that black.
8. Scarlet Witch Costume
Burgundy makes auburn hair glow, which is why Scarlet Witch suits darker reds so well. A dark red fitted top, black trousers, a layered burgundy coat and knee-high black boots. The headpiece is the one piece to make. Cut it from flexible craft foam, warm it gently with a hairdryer and bend it into a curve so it sits behind the hairline instead of digging in. Long loose waves with a centre part. Berry and brown shadow, soft contour and a muted crimson lip. Red fingerless gloves and a translucent plastic orb. Pick stretch fabrics so the layers don't feel stiff indoors, and nearly all of it can be worn again after Halloween.
9. Jean Grey Costume
This Jean Grey uses her green-and-gold scheme. A green long-sleeve bodysuit over opaque tights, or a fitted green jumpsuit for easier coverage, with a gold sash at the waist and gold gloves. Boot covers are the cheap trick here: gold fabric sewn into a tube with elastic at the top, slipped over shoes you already walk well in. Green or gold ankle boots work too. Long hair with soft volume, swept off the face. Warm brown shadow, lashes, coral blush and a rose lip. Cut a gold bird emblem from craft foam and pin it to the chest. Against all that green, copper, ginger or bright red hair stays the centrepiece.
10. Anna Adventure Costume
Anna's winter layers make her one of the warmest characters here, so I steer cold-weather trick-or-treaters her way. A long blue skirt, a black vest with an embroidered look over a pale blue blouse, and a magenta cape fastened with a gold-tone clasp at the neck. Two braids, with one pale temporary extension clipped into the front for her streak. Rosy cheeks, faux freckles, soft mascara and pink lips. A small stuffed snowman is the prop everyone gets straight away. Black tights and low black boots with painted florals. Everything layers over a thermal top without anyone noticing.
11. Ginny Weasley Costume
Ginny is comfortable school clothes plus house colours. A white button-down, a grey V-neck sweater, a dark pleated skirt or tailored trousers and a black robe. The burgundy-and-gold tie or scarf does the identifying. Hair loose, in a low ponytail or half up. Freckles, blush and tinted balm. I make the spellbook by covering an old notebook in brown paper and scuffing the corners with a little brown eyeshadow. Some venues don't allow wand-shaped props, and a school satchel says the same thing. Knee socks and black loafers or flat ankle boots.
12. Jessie Cowgirl Costume
Jessie starts with a white button-down and blue jeans. Yellow fabric panels go at the shoulders and cuffs, outlined in red ribbon or washable fabric marker. For the legs, put cow-print fabric over the front of the jeans or wear proper cow-print chaps that fasten securely; chaps held on with flimsy ties slide down around the knees as you walk. One long braid under a bright red cowgirl hat. Rosy cheeks, faux freckles, black mascara and a pink lip. A big belt buckle, a small stuffed horse and brown cowboy boots. A stretch shirt and relaxed jeans let you dance and climb onto things for group photos.
13. Wilma Flintstone Costume
Wilma is a white dress and a big necklace. Choose a knee-length one-shoulder dress and cut the hem into uneven points, or make a removable jagged overlay from white felt, which doesn't fray and leaves the dress wearable. The high rounded bun needs plenty of pins and a hair net in a matching shade to keep its shape. String the oversized necklace from lightweight craft balls rather than real beads, which drag on the neck after an hour. Blue shadow, winged liner, coral blush and red lipstick. A grey felt stone-pattern bag, white flats or low sandals, and a white cardigan if it's chilly.
14. Princess Fiona Costume
Princess Fiona is a long ginger braid and rich green fabric. A floor-length emerald or moss dress with long sleeves, a square neckline and gold ribbon trim. One thick braid down the back, with clip-in extensions in a matching shade if your hair is fine. Pin a small gold tiara at the crown so it can't slide. You can go human Fiona with natural makeup and rosy lips, or ogre Fiona in green face makeup across the face, neck and every bit of visible skin, ears and backs of the hands included. A plush donkey, and brown flats or short boots under the hem. It's modest and warm enough to wear outdoors.
15. Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Strawberry Shortcake is cheerful without being fiddly. A pink pinafore over a red-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt, with green-and-white striped tights. Loose curls or two low pigtails under a pink cap decorated with strawberries. I cut the berries from red felt and add tiny seed dots with a white fabric pen, which lasts far longer than paint. Rosy blush swept across the cheeks and nose, a few freckles and pink gloss. A berry basket filled with artificial strawberries or wrapped treats. Pink sneakers or red Mary Janes, and a white cardigan under the pinafore for warmth. Pink, red, green and white together show up well in photos.
16. Pippi Longstocking Costume
Pippi's braids are the costume, and they're simpler than they look. Thread flexible craft wire through each braid, fold the ends over and cover them with an elastic so nothing sharp sits near the face. A patchwork pinafore or an oversized dress over a striped shirt, with mismatched knee-high socks. Wear two different flat shoes, or cover an old pair with removable fabric panels. Freckles, blush and a lip tint. A stuffed monkey or a light suitcase. Mismatched is the brief, but I repeat two or three colours so it still looks planned. Loose, soft layers make it one of the best picks for an active child.
17. Annie Orphan Costume
Short tight curls make Annie, natural or from a rounded ginger wig. Her red dress has a white Peter Pan collar, puffed sleeves and a matching sash, with a heart locket and white ankle socks. Keep makeup young: peach blush, painted freckles, mascara and pink balm. A stuffed dog or a small vintage suitcase. Black Mary Janes, or red ballet flats if you want more colour. On a cold night, swap the socks for white tights and add a red cardigan. Curly synthetic wigs flatten when squashed in a bag, so carry yours loosely in a box until you put it on.
18. Miss Frizzle Costume
Miss Frizzle is an ordinary blue or purple dress that you turn into a lesson. Felt planets, stars, numbers, leaves or sea creatures go on with removable fabric tape, and I sort them by subject, so a maths teacher gets numbers and a science teacher gets planets. Curly red hair in a loose high bun with a few spirals left out. Blue shadow, bright blush and a berry lip. Novelty earrings that don't match, plus a globe or a toy school bus. Colourful tights with ankle boots or low pumps. If you add a cardigan, choose a fitted one that stops short of the felt shapes.
19. Anne Shirley Costume
Anne Shirley is a softer historical look, and fabric texture matters more than you'd expect. Cotton, a linen-look weave or corduroy reads as old-fashioned, while shiny polyester looks like it came out of a costume bag. A high-neck white blouse and a long brown or olive skirt with a simple pinafore over the top. A straw hat trimmed with ribbon and small artificial flowers. Centre-part the hair into two neat braids and leave a few flyaways. Freckles go on boldly for Anne, with rosy cheeks and tinted balm. Old books or a carpet bag, dark lace-up boots and cream knee socks. It suits fall festivals and daytime events.
20. Lucy Ricardo Costume
Lucy Ricardo is fifties grooming with a comic wink. A polka-dot fit-and-flare or a button-front house dress with a full skirt, a contrasting belt, and a white apron for the homemaker version. Set short red hair in structured curls with foam rollers the night before, then tie a scarf around the crown or add a small retro hat. Arched brows, winged liner, pink blush and a bright red lip. Carry a chocolate box for the famous factory scene, or a vintage handbag. Low pumps, sheer stockings and pearl clip-on earrings. It's comfortable and fits nearly any party.
21. Mary Jane Watson Costume
Mary Jane Watson is the costume for someone who wants to look dressed up but not in costume. A fitted black or purple top, blue jeans, a cropped jacket and red ankle boots; or a green jacket over a black dress for a dressier take. Long glossy waves with a clean centre part. Neutral shadow, mascara, peach blush and a soft red lip. A camera, a newspaper or a theatre script suggests her world, and a scarf with a subtle web print makes the reference clear. Because the outfit works as normal clothing, the red hair and the props carry all the identifying.
22. Cheryl Blossom Costume
Cheryl Blossom is preppy and very red. A fitted red sweater, a black plaid skirt and knee-high socks, with a tailored red coat or varsity-style jacket for colder weather. Smooth auburn waves with one side pinned back. Defined brows, black liner, light contour and a cherry-red lip. A spider brooch or a structured bag, and black loafers or ankle boots. The one thing I'd change from most versions: don't buy every red piece in the same shade. Burgundy, crimson and cherry side by side give depth, while identical reds go flat in photos. Most of it is already hanging in plenty of closets.
23. Leeloo Orange Suspender Costume
Leeloo's orange suspenders are easy to make. Cut two lengths of wide orange elastic, cross them at the back and stitch or clip them to the waistband, then try sitting and reaching up before you call it done. Under them go metallic gold or mustard leggings and a fitted white crop top over a longer white tank for coverage. The choppy orange bob with short bangs is where a wig earns its keep, unless you're happy to cut and colour. Minimal makeup: lashes, warm blush, a neutral lip. A futuristic ID card or a metallic wrist cuff, and white lace-up combat boots.
24. Mystique Costume
I'd always do Mystique with a blue bodysuit rather than full-body paint. Full-body paint takes hours, transfers onto every chair and needs a long scrub to remove. A long-sleeve blue bodysuit with matching opaque leggings gives you the colour, and textured scales cut from flexible craft foam along the shoulders, sleeves and sides give the texture. Slick red hair straight back with gel so the face is clear. Paint the face blue evenly, then add darker blue at the temples and cheekbones for shape. Skip yellow contact lenses; gold shadow around the eye gives the effect safely. Blue gloves and flat boots, and you stay covered and comfortable for hours.
25. Sally Patchwork Costume
Sally is long straight red hair and a patchwork dress in blue, pink, yellow and black panels. If sewing panels isn't practical, put irregular felt patches on a plain blue dress with removable tape. Hair loose over the shoulders. Pale blue face makeup goes on lightly, then thin curved stitch lines drawn with skin-safe eyeliner rather than anything that looks like a wound. Lavender shadow and a berry lip. Black-and-white striped tights, black flats, and a fabric flower or rag doll. It's spooky in the gentlest way, so it's fine at a public celebration.
26. Chucky Doll Costume
This Chucky skips the gore and keeps the toy. A striped long-sleeve shirt in red, blue, green and white under denim bib overalls with bright patches. A tousled red bob or a short ginger wig with uneven layers. Freckles, rosy cheeks and a few clean doll lines in brown liner. Colourful high-tops, overall cuffs rolled up to show striped socks, and an empty toy box or a giant building block to carry. Leave any knife-shaped prop at home. Children recognise the stripes and overalls long before anything else.
27. Pennywise Clown Costume
A Pennywise clown can be eerie and still friendly. A cream jumpsuit or long-sleeve dress with puffed shoulders and three soft red pom-poms down the front, a layered white neck ruff, silver trim and red ribbon at the cuffs and ankles. Short, voluminous red hair swept back off the forehead. White face makeup, grey shadow, a red nose and thin red lines rising from the corners of the smile, without sharp teeth or distressed effects. White cream paint is the hardest colour to keep clean, so set it well with powder and keep a tissue tucked inside the ruff. Red ankle boots and one red balloon on a short ribbon.
28. Queen Elizabeth I Costume
Elizabeth I is the most formal look here and the heaviest to wear, so plan for comfort from the start. A floor-length gown in ivory, gold or deep red with puffed sleeves and a structured overskirt, a wide lace ruff, pearls, jewelled rings and a brooch at the waist. Curly red hair in a rounded updo with pearls and a small light crown. Pale foundation, softly arched brows, pink blush and a muted red lip, without whitening the whole face. A folding fan or rolled parchment. Low gold flats or comfortable boots hide under the gown. Choose a lightweight fabric; heavy brocade and a ruff together get hot fast in a warm room.
29. Mad Hatter Costume
The Hatter suits short copper curls, an orange bob or a big red wig. A colourful tailcoat over a patterned vest, white shirt and cropped trousers, mismatched socks, a large bow tie and a tall top hat wrapped with ribbon and a paper price tag. A strip of foam inside the hatband makes an oversized hat sit snugly and feel lighter. Pink and purple shadow, peach blush, light mascara and tinted brows. An empty teacup and saucer or a small teapot, and brown or burgundy lace-ups. Mix patterns freely, but pull the accessory colours from the coat so the whole thing hangs together.
30. Starfire Superhero Costume
Starfire closes the list with red-magenta hair against purple and silver. A modest purple dress, tunic or long-sleeve bodysuit over matching opaque tights. Silver foam panels at the collar, waist, wrists and boot tops give an armoured look without weight. Spray-painted craft foam tends to flake where it bends, so I'd buy silver-surfaced foam or cover the pieces in silver fabric. Straight long hair with volume, or a magenta-red wig for the animated shade. Lavender shadow, black liner, rosy blush and a bright pink lip. Green gem pieces on the belt and cuffs, purple knee-high boots or boot covers, and a translucent green orb.
Full-Face Colour for Fiona, Mystique, Sally and Pennywise
Four looks on this list put colour across the whole face. It's very doable at home, as long as you know that water-activated and cream paints behave differently.
Putting it on
- Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist a day ahead, and start on clean, lightly moisturised skin.
- Water-activated paint goes on in thin layers with a damp sponge. Let each layer dry before the next, or it streaks.
- Cream paint gives deeper colour. Press it on rather than wiping, then set it with plenty of translucent powder and tap off the excess.
- Colour the ears, neck and backs of the hands too. A blue or green face above a pale neck looks unfinished.
- Put a wig on only after the paint has set, so the colour doesn't stain the fibres at the hairline.
Getting it off
Massage in an oil cleanser or a gentle makeup remover, wipe with a soft cloth, then wash as usual. Wear a dark top while you do it, because the colour runs. Green and blue can leave a faint tint along the hairline and in the brows, which usually fades after the next wash or two.
Let the Hair Pick the Character
Every character above treats red hair as essential, not as something to hide under a hat. Heroines, cartoons, superheroes and storybook girls all come with colour palettes that suit ginger, copper, auburn or bright red. Start with a look that fits your comfort, the clothes you already own and where you're going. Then get the familiar colours, the hairstyle, the face and one easy prop right. Thrifted clothes, a bit of felt and a few accessories are plenty.
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