Purple hair does half the costume work for you, which is why I reach for it so often. A lot of characters, cartoons and fantasy looks are identified by that hair before anything else, so once the color is right, the clothes can be simple. The ideas below mix named characters, classic Halloween themes and easy DIY looks, and each one covers clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes. You can get there with dyed hair, a temporary spray, clip-in pieces or a wig, and I go through which is worth it further down. As a rough rule, lavender suits soft magical looks, bright violet suits cartoons, and deep plum suits villains.
Wig, Spray or Clip-Ins for a One-Night Purple
Most people asking about these costumes don't have purple hair and don't want to commit to dye. You have four honest options, and each has its own catch.
- A synthetic wig is what I recommend for most characters, because the cut matters as much as the color. A bob, pixie or blunt fringe is nearly impossible to fake with your own hair. The catch is heat: most synthetic fibers frizz or melt near curling irons, candles and oven doors unless the label says heat-friendly.
- Temporary color spray is quick and cheap, and fine for light hair. On dark hair it barely shows, and it rubs off on collars, hats, car seats and pillows. In rain it can streak down your neck, so I'd never use it under a white top.
- Clip-in pieces work for streaks and ombre looks like Juleka, Twilight Sparkle or a fairy. Clip them under a section of your own hair so the clips don't show.
- Semi-permanent dye gives the richest color on pre-lightened hair, but lavender fades within a few washes and violet can stain your bathroom. Only go here if you'd happily keep purple for a while.
On very dark hair with no bleaching, a wig is honestly the only way to get lavender or pastel violet. Deep plum is the one shade that sometimes shows on dark hair with a color wax.
1. Raven Costume With Purple Bob Wig
Raven from Teen Titans is a good first choice if you like dark costumes and don't want much makeup. A long-sleeve black leotard or fitted top over black shorts or leggings is the base, with a rich purple hooded cape, a red gem-style belt and craft-foam wrist cuffs. The short violet bob is the giveaway, and naturally purple hair can be straightened and tucked behind the ears instead. I keep the face to soft gray shadow, defined brows and a deep plum lip. Black tights add warmth, and comfortable black ankle boots finish it. Stick the small red forehead gem on with skin-safe adhesive, not craft glue.
2. Hit-Girl Costume With Purple Wig
Hit-Girl is mostly about the wig, so spend your money there. A straight purple bob with heavy blunt bangs carries the character, and cheap wigs often have thin, see-through fringes, so I check the bangs before anything else. Wear a black faux-leather jacket over a fitted purple top, a purple plaid pleated skirt and opaque black leggings. A simple black eye mask, rosy cheeks and a berry lip are enough for the face. Purple gloves and a utility-style belt add detail. Leave the character's weapons at home and carry a comic-print treat bag, with lace-up black combat boots for walking.
3. Mal Costume With Purple Leather Jacket
Mal from Descendants is a villain who reads as fashion rather than fright, which makes her a favorite with teens. Build it around a cropped purple faux-leather jacket with green stitching, studs or painted details, over a dark purple top and slim black or plum pants. A long wavy violet wig works, or loose curls with a deep side part if your hair is already purple. Green and purple shadow, sharp liner and a mauve lip echo her colors. Fingerless gloves, a spell-book purse and black lace-up ankle boots or flat combat boots finish the outfit. She's also an easy anchor for a group of fairytale villains.
4. Leela Costume With Purple Ponytail
Leela from Futurama is one of the easiest builds here: a white fitted tank, black leggings or stretch pants and chunky black boots. Pull purple hair into a high ponytail, or clip a violet ponytail extension over your own hair tied tight. For the single eye, I'd use a light white eye mask printed with one big cartoon eye, worn up on the forehead while walking and pulled down only for photos, because anything over your eyes cuts your vision badly. A gray wrist device from craft foam or a decorated cuff, plus lavender shadow, pink blush and a neutral lip, is all the rest.
5. Ramona Flowers Costume With Purple Hair
Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim looks like a real outfit, so it's the one I suggest to people who hate feeling in costume. Start with a black fitted top, dark shorts and opaque tights, then add an olive utility jacket or a navy hooded coat depending on which version you prefer. The hair is a choppy bob with side-swept bangs; a short violet wig with a slightly messy finish is easier than cutting your own. Keep the makeup to smudged liner and a muted berry lip. The round crossbody bag matters, and it holds your phone. Black lace-up boots finish it, and on a cold night swap the shorts for a pleated skirt or pants.
6. Amethyst Costume With Lavender Hair
Amethyst from Steven Universe is all about volume. A long, big lavender wig is essential, and if your hair is naturally purple, curl it, tease it gently at the roots and brush it heavy to one side. Wear a black tank with a hand-painted purple star, and dark gray leggings with lavender patches or stars. You don't have to paint your skin lavender; purple shadow, a bit of shimmer and a deep violet lip get the idea across without the mess. Add black wristbands, a gem-style piece at the neckline and white sneakers or low boots with purple accents. Teased wigs tangle fast, so I bring a wide-tooth comb in my bag.
7. Trunks Costume With Lavender Hair
Trunks from Dragon Ball suits anyone who likes anime styling, and the lavender hair is what people spot. Wear a cropped blue denim jacket over a fitted black tank, with loose dark pants and a bright belt. A short lavender wig with a center part and lifted front pieces gives the hairstyle; I use a little styling wax rubbed between my fingers to separate the strands, never hairspray, which makes synthetic fibers stiff and sticky. Keep the face natural with defined brows and light contour. A capsule-logo patch on the jacket is a nice detail. Yellow or tan lace-up boots, or work boots with boot covers, finish it, and it needs no weapon prop.
8. Shinobu Costume With Purple-Tipped Hair
Shinobu from Demon Slayer is one of the more detailed looks here, and the hair is the tricky part. You want a dark wig that fades into purple tips, secured in a low bun with a butterfly clip, and ombre wigs vary a lot, so check the fade is gradual rather than a hard line. Wear a black buttoned top and wide-leg pants with a white butterfly-print cape over the shoulders. Lavender shadow, fine liner and soft pink lips suit her. White leg wraps or knee socks add contrast below the pants. Swap the sword for a purple butterfly fan or a floral drawstring bag, and wear white sandals over dark socks or flat boots.
9. Kanao Costume With Purple Ponytail
Kanao is the simpler Demon Slayer option. A dark button-front uniform dress, or a fitted black top with a knee-length pleated skirt, gets a white cape fastened at the collar and a slim white belt. Dark purple hair goes into a side ponytail, or wear a black-violet wig with a butterfly clip. Keep the makeup soft: pink blush, lavender shadow and tidy lashes. White knee socks and simple sandals finish the outline, and a floral coin purse or butterfly fan replaces the weapon. Thermal tights fit under the skirt without showing, which helps on a cold night outside.
10. Kyoka Jiro Costume With Purple Bob
Kyoka Jiro from My Hero Academia is a casual costume that hangs on a short purple cut. Choose a black faux-leather jacket, a coral or dusty pink T-shirt, dark skinny jeans and sturdy ankle boots. A chin-length plum wig with angled side pieces gives the shape; if your own purple hair is already short, a flat iron on low and a little paste will sharpen the ends. For her earphone-jack earlobes, I'd fix lightweight cord to clip-on earrings so they come off the moment they annoy you. Purple liner, a rosy lip, fingerless gloves and a small guitar-shaped purse round it out. It's comfortable enough for a full night or a workday.
11. Juleka Costume With Black And Purple Hair
Juleka from Miraculous Ladybug gives you a gothic outfit that still suits younger wearers. Wear a black lace-sleeve top with dark ripped jeans or patterned leggings, a cropped purple jacket, fingerless gloves and a light chain-style belt. Long black hair with bright violet sections is central, so use a two-tone wig or purple clip-ins. Sweep the bangs across one eye for photos, but pin them back while walking, because a curtain of hair over one eye kills your depth perception on steps. Smoky purple shadow, black liner and a muted plum lip suit her. A small bass-guitar bag or music-note necklace and flat black combat boots finish it.
12. Spectra Vondergeist Costume With Purple Hair
Spectra Vondergeist from Monster High is a ghost done glamorous. Begin with a black or deep purple mini dress over opaque tights, then add sheer violet sleeves, silver chain details and a metallic ribbon belt. Her long purple hair with darker roots can come from a wig or temporary extensions; a wig with a darker root is much more convincing than a flat one-color fiber. Use pale lavender shadow, shimmer, dramatic lashes and a berry lip. Silver earrings and a translucent clutch support the ghostly theme, and a long chiffon overskirt gives coverage and floats as you walk. Silver flats or purple ankle boots finish it.
13. Tecna Costume With Purple Pixie Hair
Tecna from Winx Club works for anyone who likes futuristic fairy looks. A metallic lavender sleeveless top and matching skirt over fitted shorts is the base, with bright green accents in the belt, arm cuffs and geometric boot covers. The short purple pixie wig should be smooth at the sides with lift at the crown; short wigs are the easiest kind to wear all night because nothing tangles. Pink and violet shadow, silver liner and a glossy rose lip finish the face. Make the wings from iridescent cellophane over bendable wire, and keep them narrower than your shoulders so you can get through doorways. Comfortable platform sneakers or low lavender boots beat heels.
14. Twilight Sparkle Costume With Purple Hair
A human-style Twilight Sparkle turns into an easy school-style outfit. Wear a pale blue button-down with a purple pleated skirt and a dark violet cardigan, plus knee socks with small stars and black Mary Janes or purple sneakers. Her hair is long navy-purple with pink and violet streaks, and clip-in streaks over a darker base give you that without permanent color. A headband with a soft fabric horn adds the magic, and small lavender wings make the princess version. Purple mascara, pink blush and a tiny star by one eye are plenty. I'd carry a stack of light notebooks or a book-shaped bag rather than anything heavy.
15. Rarity Costume With Curled Purple Hair
Rarity is all about the curls, and they take the most time of anything in this costume. Start with a crisp white blouse and a full royal-blue or purple skirt, with a sparkly belt, three blue gem appliqués and white gloves. Style purple hair in big glossy curls with one sculpted curl framing the face. A pre-curled violet wig saves hours and spares textured hair from a lot of heat, and if you curl a synthetic wig yourself, check that it's labeled heat-friendly first. Silver-blue shadow, winged liner and a rosy lip suit her. A fabric horn on a jeweled headband plus a measuring tape and sketchbook nod to her dressmaking. Blue flats or low block heels finish it.
16. Fairy Godmother Costume With Lavender Updo
The Fairy Godmother from Shrek is funny and grand at the same time, and it rests entirely on a tall lavender updo. Wear a shimmering pale blue gown, or a satin blouse with a long matching skirt, plus sheer wing-shaped sleeves, a silver belt and a short sparkly cape if it's cool. Tall wig styles pull backwards as the night goes on, so I pin the updo through to a wig grip band and add a couple of extra pins at the back. Icy blue shadow, pink blush, lashes and gloss suit her. Make the star wand from foam, ribbon and a painted dowel with rounded ends, and wear silver flats or low pumps.
17. Madam Mim Costume With Messy Purple Hair
Madam Mim from The Sword in the Stone is a cheerful witch built on loud pink and purple. Layer a magenta long-sleeve shirt under a cropped purple top and add a full hot-pink skirt, with purple or pink tights for warmth and extra color. Her hair is meant to look a mess, so a short lavender wig tousled with your fingers is ideal, and it's a forgiving one to wear all night. Purple shadow, high arched brows, rosy cheeks and bright pink lips. Skip dark occult details and carry an oversized spell-book bag and a foam star wand. Purple ankle boots finish it, and almost all of it can come from a thrift store.
18. Purple Minion Costume With Wild Hair
A purple minion is funny, comfortable and an easy pick for a family or a group. Wear a long-sleeve purple shirt with black overalls, black gloves and sturdy boots. The wild hair can be a spiky purple wig, or purple yarn sewn in tufts onto a soft beanie, which I actually prefer for kids because it doesn't slip or itch. The oversized silver goggles are what people recognize, and you want clear lenses so you can see. Use purple face paint lightly on the forehead and cheeks, or just bright violet shadow. Put the white costume teeth on a handheld photo prop instead of in your mouth.
19. Psylocke Costume With Long Purple Hair
Psylocke is a sleek superhero look that depends on long, straight hair staying put. Choose a fitted purple long-sleeve jumpsuit, or a purple athletic top with matching leggings, with black panels in fabric tape and a wide red sash tied firmly at the waist. A long straight purple wig is her shape, and long synthetic hair rubs against a jumpsuit collar and frizzes at the ends, so I give it a light spray of wig conditioner and use a wig grip. Violet shadow, black liner, defined brows and a neutral lip. Stretch-fabric arm cuffs and boot covers are cheap to sew. Carry a purple light-up bracelet instead of a weapon, and wear flat black boots.
20. Sailor Saturn Costume With Purple Bob
Sailor Saturn from Sailor Moon is about two things: the dark sailor uniform and the short violet bob. Start with a white fitted top with a dark purple sailor collar and chest bow, then a pleated plum skirt with a magenta waist bow. Add elbow-length white gloves, a dark choker and a small star brooch. A smooth purple bob wig with full bangs finishes the head, and I'd trim the bangs to sit just above your lashes, since uncut wig fringes usually poke your eyes. Lavender shadow, fine liner, pink blush and rose gloss. Swap her long staff for a star purse or a planet accessory, with knee-high boots or ankle boots and tall socks.
21. Purple Witch Costume With Violet Braids
A classic witch gets a lot fresher once the hair is violet. Wear a long black dress with a fitted bodice, flowing sleeves and a layered plum overskirt, plus striped tights and black buckled ankle boots. Braid the hair into two loose plaits; with a long wig, I braid it before putting it on, which saves tangling and keeps the length from catching on the hat brim. A wide-brim pointed hat trimmed with lavender ribbon and fabric flowers sits on top. Purple smoky shadow, small star accents and a berry lip. Carry a small decorative broom and a crescent-shaped bag.
22. Purple Fairy Costume With Lavender Curls
Soft lavender curls are the center of this fairy. Choose a lilac dress with a fitted top and layered knee-length tulle skirt, with fitted shorts underneath. Wings should sit high on the back and stay inside your shoulder line, otherwise they catch on every door frame and coat. Style the hair in loose curls with two small braids pinned near the crown, and add a headband of purple silk flowers and silver leaves. Pastel violet shadow, pearly highlighter, pink blush and a few small face gems. A flower purse and a ribbon wand are the props, with lavender ballet flats or decorated sneakers on your feet.
23. Purple Mermaid Costume With Wavy Hair
You don't need a restrictive tail for a mermaid to read. I'd go with an iridescent lavender top and a high-waisted scale-print maxi skirt that flares below the knee, checking first that you can take a full step and climb a stair in it. Scale-print leggings are the easier option if you'll be walking. Long violet hair in loose waves, with pearl clips or small shell pieces, finishes the head. Blue-purple shadow, highlighter, gloss and a few faint scale marks at the temples. A shell bag and organza wrist cuffs add detail, with silver sandals, lavender flats or low ankle boots hidden under the skirt.
24. Purple Alien Costume With Space Buns
This alien isn't any particular character, which gives you room to play. Wear a silver mock-neck top with a holographic mini skirt or reflective joggers, plus purple tights, a clear vinyl belt and metallic sneakers. Split violet hair into two high space buns with a few curled pieces left loose at the face; buns hold best if you braid the ponytail first and then wrap it. Add a headband with round purple antennae. Lavender shadow, silver liner, shimmer and a few symmetrical face gems. A clear mini backpack filled with glow sticks is the prop, and the metallic pieces pick up party lights well.
25. Purple Dragon Costume With Braided Hair
The dragon is comfortable separates with fantasy details. Start with a plum hoodie or fitted long-sleeve top with soft fabric spikes sewn down the back, and pair it with black leggings or wide purple pants. Compact purple wings of fabric over bendable supports should fold flat when you're squeezed in a crowd. Braid the violet hair into a thick side plait and add small foam horns on a headband. Purple and silver shadow with a faint scale stencil at the temples. Fingerless gloves with soft fabric claws keep your hands usable. A scale-textured belt bag and black combat boots or purple high-tops finish it.
26. Purple Butterfly Costume With Ombre Hair
A butterfly is a bright change from darker Halloween themes. Start with a black fitted jumpsuit, unitard, or long-sleeve top and leggings, then add large but light wings patterned in lavender, violet, white and black. I attach them at the shoulders and wrists so they open when you lift your arms and fold back when you lower them. Purple ombre hair in soft waves or a half-up ponytail suits it. Add a delicate antenna headband, violet liner, pink blush and symmetrical wing-shaped accents at the eyes. Black ballet flats or low ankle boots and a small flower bag finish it.
27. Purple Unicorn Costume With Rainbow Skirt
The unicorn is the one kids ask for most. Wear a white fitted top with a layered rainbow tulle skirt over opaque lavender tights, and tie a pastel belt or satin ribbon at the waist. Curl the long violet hair, then weave narrow pink, blue and silver ribbons through a few sections. A padded horn headband with soft ears is the centerpiece; padded headbands also hurt less behind the ears than hard plastic ones over a long night. Lilac shimmer shadow, pearly highlighter, pink lipstick and small stars by the eyes. A removable rainbow tulle tail at the back and white sneakers with pastel laces finish it.
28. Purple Ghost Costume With Lavender Wig
A purple ghost can be pretty instead of scary. Begin with a flowing lavender maxi dress with sheer sleeves or layered chiffon panels, plus pale purple tights and silver flats or low ankle boots. A long lavender wig in loose waves takes a light dusting of cosmetic-grade hair glitter. Be warned that glitter migrates onto everything you touch for days. Use lilac shadow, pearly highlighter, soft gray liner and a cool pink lip. A sheer lavender cape floats behind you without hiding the dress. Carry a clear handbag or a light lantern prop with battery lights, and add silver chain jewelry and moon hair clips.
29. Purple Cat Costume With High Ponytail
The purple cat is my go-to last-minute suggestion because nearly everything is in a closet already. Wear a fitted plum top with black leggings, or a purple velvet jumpsuit. Sew or clip the fabric tail to a belt rather than pinning it to your clothes, since a pinned tail drags the waistband down every time you sit. Pull violet hair into a high ponytail and put a purple cat-ear headband just in front of it. Draw a small black nose and fine whiskers with eyeliner, then lavender shadow and berry gloss. Fingerless paw gloves leave your fingers free, and a fish-shaped crossbody bag holds your things.
30. Purple Pop Star Costume With Glittery Hair
The pop star is built for dancing and photos. Wear a sequined violet bomber over a silver top with high-waisted black pants or a pleated metallic skirt, adding opaque tights with the skirt. Purple hair goes into a sleek high ponytail or glossy waves, with hair-safe glitter gel along the part. Bright lavender shadow, winged liner, highlighter and a glossy pink lip suit the stage feel. A toy microphone covered in rhinestone stickers is the prop. Star earrings and a small belt bag for essentials are enough jewelry. Metallic platform sneakers or low block-heel boots last longer on a dance floor than stilettos.
31. Purple Disco Costume With Curly Afro
Disco is about shine, flare and big hair. Choose a violet bell-sleeve jumpsuit with flared legs, or a shimmery purple wrap top with high-waisted silver flares. The rounded curly Afro can be a full wig or your own curls with temporary color; with natural curls, I'd use a color wax or gel rather than a spray, which dries curls out and flakes. Sparkly lavender shadow, graphic liner, warm blush and glossy lips. Big star earrings, tinted round glasses and a silver belt add the 70s feel, and a mini mirror-ball purse is the prop. Platform boots are classic, but metallic sneakers are kinder for a long night, and wrap and stretch pieces fit most bodies.
32. Purple Cyberpunk Costume With Braided Ponytail
For anyone who prefers pants, the cyberpunk look keeps purple hair as the brightest thing on you. Layer a black fitted top under a cropped reflective vest, with cargo pants carrying violet straps and silver hardware. Braid the purple hair into a high ponytail, working metallic cord or reflective ribbon into the plait. Sharp lavender liner, silver accents and a neutral lip keep the face clean. Add fingerless gloves, a clear mini backpack and light foam wrist panels. Battery purple light strips can go on the vest, as long as the wiring is covered and taped down. Chunky black sneakers or flat combat boots finish it.
33. Purple Jellyfish Costume With Light-Up Umbrella
The jellyfish is all about the umbrella. Wear a lavender top with wide purple pants or a layered chiffon dress, and decorate loose violet waves with pearl pins. Turn a clear umbrella into the bell by attaching lavender ribbons, iridescent streamers and fabric tentacles round the edge, with battery lights inside for a glow. Keep every strand short enough that it can't wrap round your ankles or anyone else's, roughly no lower than your knees. Shimmery blue-purple shadow, highlighter and a glossy lip suit it, with silver sneakers or lavender flats. It looks best outdoors; close the umbrella indoors and in doorways.
34. Grape Costume With Purple Curly Hair
A grape is a silly costume that happens to suit purple hair. Wear a green long-sleeve shirt with purple leggings and comfortable sneakers. Tie clusters of purple balloons to a light vest rather than your clothes, keeping your arms and lower legs clear; smaller balloons are easier to live with. Balloons do pop when you sit or hug, so I'd bring a few spares. Style the hair in tight curls or wear a curly violet wig topped with a green felt leaf headband. Lavender shadow, rosy cheeks and a berry lip are plenty, and a green belt bag holds your things. For a packed party, sew soft purple felt circles onto a tunic instead.
35. Violet Beauregarde Costume With Purple Hair
Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka is a funny nostalgic pick that suits bold purple hair. Wear a blue tracksuit, zip-front jacket, or a collared dress with a wide white belt. Style the hair as a neat bob or a curled ponytail, depending on the version. Blend violet face paint across the cheeks and forehead in thin layers, keeping it off the eyelids and lips, and patch-test on your wrist first, since bright purples can leave a faint stain on fair skin. Purple blush is the gentler version. Carry a big handmade gum wrapper or a round purple purse, with white sneakers.
Getting a Cheap Purple Wig Through the Whole Night
Bright purple wigs out of a bag usually look shiny, flat and slightly too full. A few minutes of work makes them look far more like hair, and keeps them on your head.
- Shake it out and let it hang for a day before you wear it. Packing creases relax on their own.
- Comb from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, never from the roots down. Long wigs shed a bit the first time; that's normal.
- Dust a little dry shampoo or translucent powder through the top to knock back the plastic shine.
- Pull your own hair flat in pin curls or a low braid, cover it with a wig cap, and pin the wig through the cap at the temples and nape.
- Trim the fringe gradually with point cuts, holding scissors vertically. Cutting straight across leaves a hard line that looks fake.
Keeping it for next year
Wash a synthetic wig in cool water with a little shampoo, swish rather than rub, rinse, then soak for a few minutes with conditioner and let it air-dry on a stand or a tall bottle. Store it in a hairnet inside a bag, out of sunlight, because purple fades in a bright window faster than most colors. A wig that's looked after usually lasts several Halloweens.
Start With the Purple You Can Get Tonight
Purple hair covers far more ground than people expect: cartoon characters, superheroes, magical creatures, food costumes, futuristic looks and classic Halloween themes. Pick by how long you'll wear it and how much fuss you can tolerate, then build from clothes you'd actually enjoy wearing. Try the wig, the makeup, any lights and handmade props at home for an hour before the night, keep props light and shoes walkable, and the purple will do the rest.
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