Scary Spice comes down to three things people spot straight away: leopard print, big curls and platform soles. Mel B's leopard catsuit at the 1997 Brit Awards is the image most people carry in their heads, but she wore animal print, crop tops and earthy colours constantly, so you have plenty of room beyond an exact copy. A stretchy jumpsuit, thrifted separates or a party dress can all carry the character. Gold hoops and a toy microphone do the rest. One rule I hold to: celebrate the clothes and the confidence, and never change your skin tone. Below are classic, casual, last-minute and family versions, plus options for different bodies.
Getting Big 90s Curls Without Dye or Heat Damage
Hair carries this character more than the print does, and I hear the same worry each year: how do I get that volume without frying my hair or buying an expensive wig? There are three honest routes, and the right one depends on your own hair.
Working with natural curls
If your hair already curls, refresh it the morning of the party with water and a leave-in, then pick out the roots for height. Two high buns need a little extra hold, so I tie them with soft scrunchies rather than thin elastics, which snap and snag curls.
Straight or fine hair
Braid damp hair into several plaits the night before and sleep on it; unbraided in the morning it gives a crimped wave with no heat at all. For the buns, wrap the hair around a foam bun donut so they look full.
Choosing a curly wig
A curly wig is the quickest route and suits anyone who doesn't want to change their own hair. Pick a dark brown or black shade, comb it with your fingers only, since a brush turns synthetic curls into frizz, and keep it away from heat sources. Clip-in curly ponytail pieces are a lighter alternative that stay on more securely.
1. Classic Scary Spice Leopard Catsuit Costume
The full leopard catsuit is the one everyone pictures, and it's worth getting the fit right. I look for a stretchy jumpsuit with a lining, then sit down and squat in it at home, because cheap catsuits often pull tight across the hips or ride down at the neckline once you move. Volume in the hair matters more than any accessory: your own curls, or a curly dark brown wig twisted into two high buns. Warm bronze shadow, liner and a glossy neutral lip, then hoops and gold bangles. Chunky black platform sneakers give the height without the wobble of narrow heels. A cropped black jacket adds warmth and leaves the print showing.
2. Scary Spice Leopard Crop Top And Leggings Costume
A leopard crop top and leggings is the easiest route when a matching catsuit isn't available in your size. The two pieces rarely come from the same set, so I lay them side by side in daylight and only pair prints whose brown and tan tones match; a cold-toned leggings print next to a warm top looks like an accident. High-waisted leggings give comfortable coverage. Two curly space buns with a few loose spirals at the face, bronze makeup, winged liner and a couple of gold face gems finish the look. Oversized hoops, a black belt bag and a toy microphone are enough. Platform sneakers or chunky boots keep you dancing.
3. Scary Spice Leopard Mini Dress Costume
For a party where you want something a little more dressed up, a leopard mini dress does it. Choose one with wide straps, short sleeves or a high neck so you aren't adjusting it all night. I always add opaque black tights or bike shorts underneath; platforms and a short hem plus a dance floor need them. Big natural curls or a textured curly wig give the shape. Copper shadow, mascara, warm blush and a glossy brown lip suit the warm print. Keep accessories to hoops, a few bangles and a small black shoulder bag. Black platform ankle boots with a wide heel feel far steadier than a narrow one.
4. Scary Spice Leopard Two-Piece Costume
A matching two-piece gives you the catsuit look with easier sizing, since you can buy the top and trousers in different sizes. A fitted sleeveless top with high-waisted flares in the same print is the combination I'd choose. If the prints don't line up exactly, a wide black belt at the waist breaks them apart so the mismatch disappears. A high curly ponytail, or a ponytail extension matched to your hair, gives height. Golden shadow, smudged liner and gloss for the face. Platform boots under flares make the classic 90s line, but hem the trousers to the boots, not to bare feet, or you'll step on them.
5. Scary Spice Leopard Bodysuit And Cargo Pants Costume
The bodysuit and cargo pants version is the most relaxed of the leopard looks, and the pockets are a real bonus at a party. A fitted leopard bodysuit tucked into loose high-waisted black cargos keeps the print where people look. I prefer a bodysuit with snaps over a tucked top here, because tops untuck every time you raise your arms to dance. Two high puffs or a big ponytail for the hair, warm brown eyes, sharp liner and gold highlighter for the face. A chunky chain and oversized hoops add the street edge. Leave a cropped bomber open if you need a layer.
6. Scary Spice Leopard Jacket And Black Catsuit Costume
A leopard jacket over a plain black catsuit is clever if you already own the black base. A black jumpsuit, or a black tank bodysuit with matching leggings, makes the sleek layer; a cropped leopard faux-fur jacket worn open goes over it. Faux-fur jackets are warm, so I'd plan to take it off indoors and make sure the outfit still reads without it, perhaps with a leopard hair tie. Big curls or two round buns balance the jacket's bulk. Bronze shadow, thick lashes and a caramel gloss suit it, and tinted rectangular sunglasses add a fun 90s touch. Choose boots or sneakers by how far you'll walk.
7. Scary Spice Sheer Overlay Dress Costume
This sheer overlay idea layers a long black see-through dress over a fully lined leopard mini or romper. The overlay moves beautifully when you walk in, while the opaque base keeps it suitable for a public event. I check the base by standing in front of a bright window: if you can see through the lining, add bike shorts. Long sleeves or a flowing skirt on the overlay give the best entrance. Wear curls loose and full. Bronze smoky eyes and glossy lips suit the more glamorous mood. Make sure the overlay ends above the floor in your platform boots, so it can't catch under a heel.
8. Scary Spice Silver Catsuit Costume
Scary Spice didn't always wear leopard, and a silver catsuit is a fun futuristic 90s option. Choose stretch metallic fabric with a soft knit backing; stiff foil-style metallics crack at the knees and feel clammy against the skin. A narrow leopard belt or animal-print wrist cuffs tie it back to her style so people still get the reference. A big curly ponytail with two spirals framing the face. Silver and bronze shadow, liner and highlighter for a bright face. White or silver platform sneakers keep things light. Silver shows every crease, so hang it up the night before.
9. Scary Spice Gold Sequin And Leopard Coat Costume
Gold sequins with an open leopard coat is the maximum-glamour version. Wear a gold sequin mini dress, or a fitted top with gold leggings, and throw a lightweight leopard coat over it. Sequins are scratchy on the inside of the arms, so I'd pick a dress with a lining or wear a thin layer underneath. Big loose curls suit the shine. Bronze shadow, defined lashes and clear gloss keep the face from competing with the sequins. Black platform boots balance the bright outfit. A short sequin dress rides up when you dance, so add opaque tights or fitted shorts.
10. Scary Spice Lime Green Mini Dress Costume
Lime green gives the look a bright 90s shot of colour. A fitted lime mini dress with wide straps carries it, with leopard brought in through a belt, a cropped jacket or a small bag. I'd keep the leopard to one piece here; two leopard pieces fight the green. Style curls high and wide, or into two buns with lime scrunchies. Bronze eyes, black liner and shiny neutral lips keep the makeup warm. A toy microphone or a mini boombox makes the prop. Black platform sneakers ground the bright dress, and black bike shorts underneath add coverage without stealing attention.
11. Scary Spice Red Leopard Jumpsuit Costume
Red leopard print updates the classic brown catsuit while keeping the pattern clear. Look for a jumpsuit mixing red, black and muted tan; an all-red print loses the leopard rosettes from a distance. A high neck or zip front feels secure for dancing. Loose curls or a tall ponytail tied with a red ribbon for the hair. Red-brown shadow, winged liner and a soft brick lip. Black hoops make a nice change from gold here. Black platform combat boots complete the colour story. If the red feels too loud on its own, an open black moto jacket calms it down.
12. Scary Spice Zebra Print Costume
Zebra is a fresh take that still feels fierce. A zebra-print bodysuit with high-waisted black flares, or a full striped jumpsuit, is the base. A slim leopard belt gives a quiet nod to the original. Black and white can look flat in photos, so I lean on gold hoops and metallic cuffs to bring warmth back in. Full curls, a high ponytail or two puffs give the volume. Smoky black and bronze eyes with glossy nude lips suit the monochrome. White platform sneakers or black platform boots both work; pick a sole with real support if you'll dance.
13. Scary Spice Tiger Stripe Costume
Tiger stripes are as bold as leopard and a little less expected. An orange, tan and black striped catsuit, or a tiger-print crop top with fitted black trousers, works. Party lights get hot, so I choose breathable stretch cotton over shiny polyester for this one. Two high curly buns with loose tendrils at the face. Copper shadow, bold lashes and caramel gloss pick up the warm stripes. Wrap the toy microphone in removable orange ribbon to tie it in. A cropped black vest breaks up a busy all-over pattern without hiding the stripes.
14. Scary Spice Faux-Fur Vest Costume
A plush leopard faux-fur vest gets the impact without a full printed outfit. Layer it over a fitted black bodysuit with high-waisted brown or black flares. Sleeveless means your arms stay cool while you dance, which matters once the party warms up. A big curly ponytail high on the crown. Keep the makeup warm and wearable with bronze shadow and smudged liner. A chunky belt with a metallic buckle adds structure. I check flare length with the platforms on, so the hems sit just above the floor. Choose faux fur, never real.
15. Scary Spice Platform Sneaker Costume
Built around chunky platform sneakers, this one is for a long night on your feet. Leopard leggings, a fitted black crop top and a cropped leopard jacket make the outfit. It moves more freely than a dress or heeled boots. Two space buns with black scrunchies for volume. I'd wear the sneakers around the house for a couple of evenings first; even comfortable platforms change how you walk, and a new stiff sole rubs at the heel. White sneakers give contrast, black ones look sleeker. A black bodysuit under the crop top adds coverage and support.
16. Scary Spice Fringe Stage Costume
Fringe is all about movement, so this is a dance-floor costume. A fitted leopard romper or bodysuit with a black fringed vest or cropped jacket on top. Keep the fringe to the shoulders and sleeves and short enough that it can't tangle in your fingers or your bracelets. High-waisted black shorts or leggings underneath. A high curly ponytail swings with the fringe and keeps hair off your face. Bronze smoky eyes and glossy lips. I always do a test dance in the full outfit, boots on, to check nothing catches.
17. Scary Spice Rhinestone Bodysuit Costume
A rhinestone bodysuit turns the idea into a proper stage costume. Look for a black or bronze bodysuit with crystals that are stitched or set firmly; glued-on stones shed on the dance floor. Wear it with black leggings or opaque tights and add a leopard belt, shrug or hip scarf for the character link. Style curls into a tall ponytail. Metallic bronze shadow and glossy brown lips suit the sparkle. Rhinestones catch on knitwear and hair, so I keep the hair up and skip fuzzy jackets. A smooth tank underneath helps if the stones scratch.
18. Scary Spice Black Leather-Look Costume
Black faux leather brings out the tougher side of her style. Faux-leather leggings with a fitted leopard top and a cropped black moto jacket make the outfit. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so I choose leggings with stretch and plan for a warm room. Wear curls loose and full, or a high ponytail with two front tendrils. Smoky brown eyes and bold liner suit the edge. Hoops, cuffs and a leopard belt keep all that black from looking generic. A gold toy microphone gives a bright focal point. Leave the jacket unzipped so the print shows in photos.
19. Scary Spice Velvet Leopard Costume
Velvet gives leopard print a rich, soft texture that suits an indoor party, since it gets warm outside of that. Choose a velvet animal-print mini dress, jumpsuit, or crop top with flares. Stretch velvet moves well; non-stretch velvet bunches at the waist and crushes when you sit. Half-up curls with the rest full around the shoulders. Soft bronze eyes, fluttery lashes and a glossy cocoa lip. A slim choker and metallic bangles finish it. Black velvet platform boots match without fighting the pattern, and opaque tights under a short dress add warmth.
20. Scary Spice Track Pants Costume
Leopard track pants with a fitted black crop top and a matching printed zip jacket give a relaxed, sporty 90s look. Leave the jacket half open so both layers show. A black bodysuit can stand in for the crop top if you'd like more coverage. Two high puffs or a full ponytail with thick scrunchies. I like this version for trick-or-treating with kids or an outdoor party, because track pants are warm and forgiving. Chunky white platform sneakers with visible crew socks finish it, plus wristbands and a toy microphone.
21. Scary Spice Denim And Leopard Costume
Denim makes the most affordable Scary Spice, much of it already in your wardrobe. High-waisted jeans, a leopard crop top and a cropped denim jacket, with a black belt and gold buckle. Any jean cut works, though flares give the strongest 90s shape. Loose curls or two high buns. Warm brown shadow, winged liner and peach blush. I add gold star pins to the jacket for sparkle, since they come out cleanly afterwards and don't leave holes the way glued studs leave marks. Black platform sneakers keep it walkable.
22. Scary Spice Disco Costume
Disco shine works well with this character. Gold or bronze high-waisted bell-bottoms with a fitted leopard halter or sleeveless bodysuit, and a cropped sequin jacket over the top. Metallic trousers show every wrinkle, so I steam them flat and avoid sitting in the car on the way. A high, wide ponytail with a metallic band. Gold shadow, dramatic lashes and glossy brown lips. Wear black or gold platform boots under the flares and check the hems clear the floor. It's a costume for a party where you plan to dance most of the night.
23. Scary Spice Colorful Pop Star Costume
Saturated colour blocking is the playful option: a purple crop top, lime green high-waisted pants and a cropped leopard jacket. Keep each piece fitted so the mix looks planned rather than grabbed at random. Two high buns with colourful scrunchies. Bronze shadow with purple liner ties the face to the outfit. Gold hoops and bangles help unify the shades. If three colours feel like too much, I repeat purple or lime once more in a small bag, a sock or a hair tie, which pulls the whole look together. Black platform sneakers ground it.
24. Plus-Size Scary Spice Jumpsuit Costume
A leopard jumpsuit for a curvy body should give definition without pinching. Look for stretch fabric, wide straps, and a waist seam or removable belt you can adjust. A zip front makes dressing easier, and wide legs leave room through the hips and thighs. I always suggest anti-chafe shorts underneath for a night of dancing; a jumpsuit lining rarely prevents rubbing. Big natural curls or a light curly ponytail extension. Bronze shadow, softly winged liner and gloss. Supportive platform sneakers or wide-fit block-heel boots finish it, plus a cropped black jacket if needed.
25. Maternity Scary Spice Costume
A maternity version should feel soft and roomy. A leopard maxi dress with an empire waist works well, or stretchy leopard maternity leggings with a long black tunic and printed jacket. If you add a belt, it sits above the bump and stays loose; nothing should press on the body. A high ponytail or two loose buns that won't need fixing all night. Light hoops and flexible bangles are kinder than heavy jewellery. I'd skip true platforms and choose cushioned sneakers with a low, stable sole, since balance shifts during pregnancy. A small crossbody bag keeps your hands free.
26. Men’s Scary Spice Costume
A masculine take keeps the attitude through animal print, bold accessories and strong 90s shapes. Leopard trousers with a fitted black tank or tee and an open leopard vest or cropped jacket. Style your natural curls with volume, try two small buns, or wear a curly wig, without changing your complexion. Bronze shadow and liner are optional but add a stage finish. Clip-on hoops work if your ears aren't pierced. Mixed prints can look busy on a broader frame, so I'd use a wide black belt to separate them. Platform sneakers or chunky combat boots give a stable base.
27. Kids Scary Spice Costume
For kids, I keep it soft and easy to move in, because children pull off anything itchy or tight within the first hour. Leopard leggings, a long black tee and a soft printed zip hoodie or vest. Skip catsuits, heavy jewellery and tall platforms. Two gentle puffs, or light clip-in curly ponytail pieces. Gold-tone clip-on earrings, soft wristbands and a foam microphone. A little washable shimmer gives the stage feel without real makeup. Flat cushioned sneakers are safest. Add reflective tape to the jacket or bag if they'll be trick-or-treating after dark.
28. Last-Minute Scary Spice Costume
When the party is in a few hours, you can pull this together from what's in the wardrobe. Black leggings or flares with an animal-print tank, blouse or scarf tied over a fitted top. Add a black jacket and a wide belt. Two high buns, fluffed out or bulked with curly scrunchie extensions. I make the microphone from a cardboard tube wrapped in foil or silver paper, with a ball of scrunched foil taped on top. Big hoops and several bracelets do a lot. The one thing not to skip is visible animal print near the face or torso.
29. DIY No-Sew Scary Spice Costume
No sewing machine needed. Start with a plain black tank and leggings, then attach leopard fabric panels on the inside with fashion tape or safety pins. Fashion tape holds on smooth fabric but lets go on stretchy knits once you move, so I back it up with a pin at each corner. Tie a leopard scarf as a belt and another strip around a high curly ponytail, or go with two space buns. Copper shadow and gold highlighter for the face. A homemade microphone covered in metallic paper finishes it. Bend, sit and stretch at home before you leave.
30. Scary Spice Group Costume Look
In a five-person Spice Girls group, the job is to be the clearest Scary so the others stand out too. Wear the brown-and-black leopard catsuit or a matching crop top with flares, and keep the hair in two high buns or a big ponytail. Avoid pieces that belong to another member, like a Union Jack or sporty tracksuit. Bronze eyes and glossy lips. I'd agree on sparkle level and platform height together beforehand, so the group looks like one band in photos. Your leopard should stay the loudest thing you wear.
Platform Soles You Can Still Dance In
Nearly every look here finishes with platforms, and they're where most night-long discomfort comes from. A few checks before buying save a lot of grief.
- Look at the sole from the side. A flat or gently rising platform is far easier than a high heel stacked on a thick front.
- Bend the shoe. If it doesn't flex at all at the ball of the foot, you'll be walking like a robot by midnight.
- Wear them indoors for a few evenings with the socks or tights you'll actually wear, and put a blister plaster on the heel before the party, not after.
- Check the ankle. Lace-up or strapped platforms keep your foot from twisting on a sticky dance floor; slip-ons are riskier.
For kids, pregnant wearers or anyone who'll walk a long way, I'd skip real platforms entirely and choose chunky-looking flat sneakers. From across a room, they read the same.
The Leopard Look I Would Dance In
A good Scary Spice costume pairs bold animal print with pieces you can wear comfortably all night. The leopard catsuit is the classic, but dresses, cargos, metallic flares and roomy jumpsuits carry the character just as well. Curls, bronze makeup, gold hoops, platforms and a light microphone pull any of them together. I'd adjust coverage, fabric and shoe height to your own body and event. You never need to change your skin tone or copy anyone's natural features to celebrate the fashion. Pick the version you'll actually dance in.
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