Charli xcx is a good Halloween choice because almost everything she wears can be thrifted, worn again and made your own. The pieces that read as her are consistent: messy dark hair, smudged liner, tiny sunglasses, fitted basics, leather, denim and that sharp brat green. Lately she has added sheer layers, lingerie-style details, distressed finishes and a lot of early-2000s club attitude. You don't need a designer copy. I'd choose one era or one video, dress it properly, then make the reference obvious with a handmade prop like an album-cover sign, a toy mic or a backstage pass. The ideas below run from a ten-minute closet costume to full music-video builds.
That Exact Lime Green, and the Hair to Match
Most brat looks fail on the green. It's a sharp, slightly acid lime, and anything leaning toward kelly or mint reads as a different color in photos. I hold fabric up to a phone screen showing the album cover in daylight before I buy. If you can't find a match, a neon yellow-green is closer than a true green.
The hair matters almost as much. Her signature is long, dark and imperfect, so if yours is short or light, a long black wig is the quickest fix. Rough it up with your fingers and a little dry shampoo instead of brushing it smooth; a perfectly sleek wig looks like a doll rather than like her.
- Iron-on vinyl holds letters on stretch fabric far better than felt and glue.
- Small rectangle sunglasses are worth buying; big ones read as a different celebrity.
- A matte liner smudges better than a liquid one for that lived-in eye.
1. Brat Album Cover Costume
The brat cover is a flat lime square with one lowercase word, so the costume is really about getting that green and that lettering right. A bright green T-shirt dress, or a green top over black shorts, is the base. Cut the letters from black felt and stitch them on, or use iron-on vinyl; felt glued to a polyester tee peels at the corners within hours. Make the letters a little soft and stretched rather than crisp, since the cover type is deliberately blurry. Combat boots, tousled dark hair, smudged liner and tiny black sunglasses finish it.
2. 360 Music Video Costume
The 360 look is a white fitted tank and a black mini skirt or shorts, which is why it's one of the easiest to pull together. Sheer black tights give more coverage, and pointed ankle boots or chunky knee boots both suit it. The hair should be long, black and a little messy, with a relaxed part. Smoky gray shadow and blurred liner give the after-hours face; I smudge the liner with a fingertip so it looks slept in rather than drawn. A faux backstage pass or a 360 phone case makes the reference clear, and a cropped black jacket covers you when it gets cold.
3. Von Dutch Music Video Costume
Von Dutch is chaotic and distressed, but it can still be comfortable and family-friendly. Slash a white long-sleeve shirt and wear it over an opaque black tank, with black shorts, dark tights and sturdy boots. Make the cuts before you put the shirt on and stay well clear of the seams; a slit that touches a seam will run open as you move. A black trucker hat, narrow sunglasses and silver jewelry carry the look. Windblown dark hair and a smoky eye do the face. A small rolling suitcase or a handmade airport pass nods to the video's travel setting.
4. Guess Music Video Costume
Guess has a playful fashion theme, and you can get there without anything revealing. Layer a fitted black camisole over a plain black tee or mesh top, add a ruffled black mini, opaque tights and tall black boots. Silver chains, stacked bracelets and a little black shoulder bag give it texture. A laundry basket of colorful fabric or paper clothing tags on a tote plays on the song. Write "Guess?" on a small sign; with an all-black outfit, the sign is what saves people from guessing wrong.
5. Sweat Tour Stage Costume
The Sweat Tour wardrobe is stripped back: a white crop top, black dance shorts and an oversized leather-look jacket. For more coverage, put a fitted black tank under the crop top and swap the shorts for a mini skort. Choose knee boots with a stable block heel, since you'll be standing at a party all night. The hair should look damp and tousled, not curled; a little texture spray on dry hair does it. A toy mic, a laminated tour pass and a lime-green wristband tie it back to brat while the outfit stays monochrome.
6. Brat T-Shirt And Jeans Costume
A green brat shirt and jeans is the costume I'd send anyone short on time. Wear a lime tee with the word printed on, or pinned on with felt letters, over low-rise baggy jeans and a black grommet belt. A fitted black long sleeve underneath keeps you warm and doesn't hide the shirt. Uneven, lived-in dark hair and smudged liner are all the beauty work it needs. A green CD case or wired headphones make a good prop, and the whole outfit is fine for a school event or an outdoor party.
7. Brat Party Girl Costume
For a dressier brat, put a lime-green camisole over a fitted black mesh top and add a black mini skort, semi-opaque tights and square-toe knee boots. A cropped faux-leather jacket keeps you warm and keeps the late-night feel. Mesh snags on jewelry and rings, so I put the top on last and take bracelets off first. Long tousled black hair with face-framing pieces, charcoal liner and a touch of silver at the inner corners give the face. A laminated club pass that says brat is the clear signal.
8. Grammy Red Carpet Gown Costume
The gray Grammy look is a corset-style top over a fitted camisole, with a long tiered skirt in gray tulle, chiffon or thrifted ruffles. Get the skirt to skim the floor in the shoes you'll wear, not barefoot; silver platforms add a couple of inches and change the hem completely. Big brushed-out waves and a smoky eye suit it. A gold-painted cardboard award is the identifying prop, and long gray gloves make it feel more formal. This is the one to choose for a dressy party where you won't be dancing hard.
9. Grammy Denim Performance Costume
Her denim performance look is far easier to wear than a gown. A structured denim crop top over a black tank, high-waisted denim shorts and a cropped denim jacket in a close wash make the base. Sheer black tights and black knee boots balance all that blue. If the washes don't match, I'd lean into it and unify them with iron-on silver stars or rhinestones along the seams. A low silver chain belt, rhinestone earrings, narrow sunglasses and a toy mic finish it.
10. Met Gala White Dress Costume
The white Met Gala look is the most crafted costume here. Start with a plain white maxi dress, or a white skirt and fitted top, and layer strips of white cotton, ribbon or scraps over it in different directions. I tack each strip at the top with a few hand stitches; safety pins work for a night but pull holes in thin cotton. Keep the lowest strips above your ankle so you can't step on them. Polished black waves, a smoky eye and silver drop earrings keep it formal. It should look sculpted, so stop adding strips while it still looks deliberate.
11. Black Tailored Met Gala Costume
The black tailored gala look is the sophisticated option. An oversized black tuxedo jacket goes over a fitted opaque bodysuit, with tailored black shorts, semi-opaque tights and pointed boots. A white collar or a narrow white insert at the neck breaks up all the black so it shows in photos. Brushed waves with a little wet-look gel at the roots, smoked liner and a muted berry lip give the face. A faux invitation or a velvet rope prop makes the context obvious, and the jacket means you're warm on a cold night.
12. Crash Album Red Costume
Crash is red from head to toe. Choose a red long-sleeve catsuit, a fitted jumpsuit or a red top with flared pants, in an opaque stretch fabric that won't go sheer when you bend. Red platform ankle boots and a cropped red faux-fur or vinyl jacket finish the body. Long black waves against all that red is the contrast that makes her recognizable. A handmade Crash sign or a cardboard steering wheel works as a prop; I'd skip anything that mimics real wreckage. Silver hoops and a metallic mini bag add the shine.
13. Crash Tour Black Jumpsuit Costume
If red isn't your color, the black Crash Tour look gives you the same era. An opaque black jumpsuit, or a fitted top with black flares, goes with a wide silver belt, black platforms and a cropped faux-leather jacket. Mesh panels add a stage feel; layer them over a full black camisole so you aren't relying on the mesh for coverage. Voluminous waves, strong winged liner and silver shadow suit it. A headset-style toy mic and a small red Crash patch on the jacket make the era clear.
14. Good Ones Black Pop Star Costume
Good Ones is sleek and controlled, the opposite of the messy brat hair. A fitted long-sleeve black mini dress, or a black mock-neck top with a matching skort, goes with opaque tights and over-the-knee boots. A structured faux-leather waist belt gives it shape. Use a flat iron and a smoothing cream for glossy, set waves. Cat-eye liner, black gloves and a rhinestone microphone finish the look, and a small card with the song title stops an all-black outfit from reading as just a nice night out.
15. Boom Clap School Dance Costume
Boom Clap gets a school-dance treatment here, kept age-appropriate. A white short-sleeve blouse under a fitted black sweater vest goes with a red-and-black plaid pleated skirt. Pleated skirts fly up when you dance, so I always add built-in shorts or bike shorts underneath. Knee socks and chunky lace-up shoes, side-parted waves and simple winged liner finish it. A toy mic or a handmade Boom Clap ticket is the prop, and nearly every piece goes back into your closet afterward.
16. Break The Rules School Uniform Costume
Break the Rules is the rebellious school-uniform look. A white button-down with a loosened collar goes over a black tank, with a black-and-red plaid skirt, opaque tights and chunky lace-ups. A cropped black blazer covered in removable pins or paper patches gives it the pop-punk edge. Make sure everything is properly secured, so the outfit stays fine for school events and public spaces. A notebook marked Rules with a line struck through it is the gag, and a small backpack keeps your hands free.
17. 1999 Y2K Pop Costume
1999 is pure Y2K and one of the easiest to thrift. A white baby tee over a black tank, baggy blue jeans and a silver chain belt make the base, with chunky white sneakers and a cropped metallic puffer. Two small front sections clipped back with colorful barrettes is the detail that dates it right. Frosted silver shadow and glossy lips are the makeup. A cardboard CD labeled 1999 or removable numbers on your bag make the reference clear to anyone who knows her catalog.
18. Vroom Vroom Racing Costume
Vroom Vroom is sharp, black and racy. A black zip-front jumpsuit, or a racing-style jacket with black cargo pants, is the base. White checkered tape down the sleeves and legs reads as racing from across a room, but press it down hard and round the corners, or the ends lift by midnight. A small silver Vroom Vroom patch on the chest finishes the front. Straight hair with a center part, angular liner, driving gloves and a light cardboard steering wheel complete it. I'd skip real racing logos.
19. Speed Drive Pink Racing Costume
Speed Drive is the pink version of the racing idea. Start with a hot-pink fitted tee and a matching skort or track pants, then add a cropped white racing jacket with removable pink stripes and patches. White platform sneakers and pink socks keep you steady. A high ponytail with loose face-framing pieces and pink graphic liner give the face. For the prop, make a checkered flag from fabric on a short dowel rather than a long rigid pole, which is awkward in a crowd.
20. Sucker Pink Punk Costume
Sucker is pink-and-black punk, colorful rather than polished. Tuck a bright pink graphic tee into a black pleated skort, and layer a cropped faux-leather jacket covered in heart and star patches. Striped tights and combat boots finish the body. High pigtails tied with pink ribbon suit teens especially. Make the swirl lollipop from painted cardboard with rounded edges; a sharp cardboard corner is the first thing to poke someone at a crowded party. A pink mini backpack holds your essentials.
21. True Romance Tartan Costume
True Romance takes you back to her early alternative-pop look. A black fitted top goes under a red tartan pinafore, or with a tartan mini skort, plus opaque tights, lace-up ankle boots and an oversized black denim jacket. Leave the hair loose and a little frizzy; this is the one era where you want it unpolished. Smudged black liner with a hint of plum suits the red plaid. A faux mixtape labeled True Romance is the prop, and everything here is easy to find second-hand.
22. Pop 2 Silver Futuristic Costume
Pop 2 is silver and digital. A metallic long-sleeve top with black cargo pants, or a black skort over tights, sits under a cropped holographic jacket and silver ankle boots. Too much metallic in one outfit turns into glare in photos, so I break it up with black basics. Sleek straight hair with two silver clips at the temples, graphic liner and pearly highlighter give the face. A cardboard Pop 2 disc or a mic wrapped in silver craft paper finishes it.
23. Number 1 Angel White Costume
Number 1 Angel references the title without real wings, which are a nuisance at a party. A white satin midi over an opaque fitted top, or a white camisole with wide-leg pants, goes with a cropped white faux-fur jacket and silver platforms. Satin shows every crease, so steam it on the hanger rather than ironing directly. Soft waves with pearl clips, silver shadow and a subtle silver halo headband keep it angelic. A sign reading Number 1 Angel gives the context, and the result reads as a pop outfit, not a classic angel.
24. How I’m Feeling Now DIY Costume
How I'm Feeling Now was made at home, which is exactly why it makes a good DIY costume. A pale blue tank over a white tee, loose gray jeans and white sneakers are the base. Write words, hearts and scribbles on the tank with fabric markers, and test each marker on the inside hem first, because some bleed into cotton. Loose textured hair with colorful snap clips and flushed cheeks finish the face. A cardboard laptop or a doodled poster is the prop, and the rough finish is the point.
25. Claws Neon Cyber Costume
Claws is neon and online. Start with a neon-pink or electric-blue fitted top, black cargo pants and a cropped mesh shirt over the top, with reflective straps or silver ribbon at the waist. I hold the palette to two neon shades plus black; a third neon starts to look like a random rave outfit. Two high ponytails with clip-in neon extensions, graphic liner and a few face gems by the outer eye give the face. A toy keyboard and a clear mini backpack keep the cyber theme.
26. Used To Know Me Sequin Costume
Used to Know Me is the sparkling black performance look. A long-sleeve black sequin mini, or a sequin top with a black skort and opaque tights, goes with a cropped black blazer and knee-high platforms. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms and the underarms, so wear a soft fitted tank underneath. Glamorous waves with volume at the ends, sharp winged liner and silver shimmer suit it. A glittering toy mic and a small card with the song title make the reference clear.
27. White Tank And Leather Pants Costume
Sometimes the most convincing Charli is her simplest formula: a white ribbed tank, black faux-leather pants and a cropped biker jacket. I'd choose pants with a stretch waistband, since faux leather has no give and gets uncomfortable sitting down. Pointed ankle boots, uneven waves with a center part and smoked-out liner finish it. A green album-cover card or a handmade XCX pass is what separates this from a regular night out. It suits cold weather and anyone who'd rather wear pants.
28. Green Apple Brat Costume
The green apple is a playful reference that doesn't need a specific outfit. A lime-green mini dress, or a green top with a skater skirt, goes over a fitted black long sleeve if you need warmth, with white socks and chunky black loafers. A green bow in loose black waves and green liner tie the hair and face in. Carry a foam apple or a round green purse with a felt leaf and a removable Apple label. Tiny black sunglasses and silver jewelry keep the fruit idea tough rather than cute.
29. Charli And Troye Sweat Tour Couple Costume
A Charli and Troye pair gives two friends coordinated looks that aren't identical. The Charli side is a white crop top over a fitted tank, black skort, sheer tights, knee boots, tousled black hair and a toy mic. The Troye side is a fitted white sleeveless tee, loose black trousers, a black belt, sneakers and short hair with a damp finish. Matching lime wristbands and handmade tour passes connect them, and matching black jackets pull the duo together when it's cold. It adapts easily to any genders and body types.
30. Brat Remix Album Group Costume
A brat remix group works because everyone coordinates colors instead of wearing the same thing. One person wears a lime T-shirt dress, one a white tank and black pants, one a silver top with cargos and one a black sequin dress with tights. Everyone adds black shoes, narrow sunglasses and one small green piece. Mixing long wigs, sleek ponytails and messy waves keeps each person distinct. Give each a cardboard square with a different song title, then line the squares up for photos like a remix album grid.
Platform Boots, Sheer Layers and a Long Night Out
A lot of these looks lean on knee boots, mesh and short hems, which look great standing still and get uncomfortable by hour three. A few small choices keep you dancing instead of adjusting.
Shoes
Platforms with a chunky block heel are steadier than stilettos, and a gel insole slipped in the night before helps more than you'd expect. Wear new boots around the house for an evening first so any rubbing spot shows itself early.
Coverage and Dress Codes
If the costume is for work or school, layer a fitted black tank or bodysuit under anything sheer and swap mini skirts for skorts or bike shorts. The look still reads as Charli, because her style comes from the colors, the hair and the attitude far more than from how much skin shows.
An Era, a Color and One Prop
None of these needs an expensive copy. What makes a Charli costume read is a clear era, its color and one prop that names it. Lime green says brat, denim says her performance wardrobe, red says Crash and silver says Pop 2. Long dark hair, lived-in liner and sturdy shoes tie almost any version together. Put your effort into secure layers and a prop light enough to carry all night, and the rest of the outfit can come straight from your closet.
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