Red hair does a lot of the work in a costume. From across a dark room, people read hair colour before they read anything else, so a copper braid or a sweep of auburn waves tells them half the story straight away. If you're a natural redhead, you get to build around what you already have. Everyone else can borrow the effect with a wig or a temporary spray, and I'll be honest about which of those I'd use for which character. The hair alone won't carry it, though. I always pick two or three signature pieces of clothing that finish the character, then keep the rest comfortable. Below are thirty characters, from cartoon princesses to comic heroes and a couple of proper Halloween frights, with notes on how I'd put each one together.
Which Red Belongs to Which Character
Not every red reads as the same character. Cartoon redheads are mostly bright orange or copper, while live-action and comic characters lean deeper, into auburn and wine. If you're a natural redhead, look at the list with your own shade in mind first; a strawberry blonde makes a lovely Anne Shirley and a less convincing Jessica Rabbit.
- Bright orange and copper: Merida, Pippi, Misty, Leeloo, Wilma, the Mad Hatter.
- Warm auburn: Anne, Ginny, Anna, Sansa, Ygritte, Mary Jane.
- Deep cherry or crimson: Jessica Rabbit, Poison Ivy, Starfire, Scarlet Witch, Cheryl Blossom.
Spray, wig or your own hair
Temporary colour sprays are fine on light hair and nearly invisible on dark hair, which is the part the can never tells you. They also rub off on collars, pillows and car headrests, and a rain shower sends red streaks down your neck. I only suggest spray for a short evening indoors, on blonde or light brown hair, with a dark top. For anyone else, a wig gives a truer colour and comes off at the end of the night. A wig cap underneath keeps your own hair flat and stops the wig sliding.
1. Ariel Mermaid Costume With Red Hair
Ariel lives or dies on volume, so I start with the hair, not the skirt. A fitted lavender top and a long sea-green skirt in satin or sequins does the rest, but please pick a skirt you can actually walk in; a true tail-shaped hem turns every staircase into a negotiation. Loose, big waves in natural hair or a vivid red wig. Lavender shadow, a pearly highlighter and a glossy pink lip keep the face in the same palette. Shell earrings, a little starfish clip and a fork poking out of a drawstring bag are the small jokes fans spot. Green flats or a low block heel, and a turquoise cardigan if the night is cold, since it sits inside her colours instead of fighting them.
2. Merida Princess Costume With Red Hair
Merida's curls are famous, but a straight wig in the right shade won't fool anyone, so this is one character where I'd buy the thickest curly copper wig you can find if your own hair is smooth. The dress is a long forest-green gown with long sleeves, a fitted waist and gold trim at the neckline. A brown belt, a tartan sash and a small faux-leather pouch add texture without fuss. Keep the face fresh: flushed cheeks, freckles, plain lips. I'd carry a rolled map or a compass rather than a bow, because a bow catches on doorframes and some venues won't let one in. Brown lace-up boots, and thermal leggings under the skirt with a green cloak on top for an outdoor night.
3. Poison Ivy Costume With Red Hair
For Poison Ivy, the leaves are the costume. I start with a dark green base, a dress, a fitted jumpsuit or a top and leggings in matching shades, then add artificial ivy around the neckline, waist and shoulders. Hand stitching holds far better than glue here: hot glue on stretch fabric pops off the first time you lift your arms. Long red waves with a leafy headband or a few vine clips, green shadow, strong brows and a berry lip. Opaque green tights and green ankle boots. A velvet cape or a long cardigan makes it warmer and more covered for a public event, and the cape hides the stitching on the back too.
4. Daphne Blake Costume With Red Hair
Daphne is my go-to suggestion for shoulder-length red hair, because that length already matches her. The base is a purple dress, mini or knee length, with long sleeves and a plain A-line shape. Pink tights, purple flats or low boots and the green scarf tied neatly at the throat. The scarf is the detail people clock first, so get the green bright. Soft curled ends held back with a wide lavender headband. Rosy blush, a touch of purple shadow, mascara and a pale pink lip. A magnifying glass or a flashlight hints at the mystery-solving. A cropped purple jacket keeps you warm without hiding her colours, and you can pull most of this from an ordinary wardrobe.
5. Kim Possible Costume With Red Hair
If you'll be on your feet all night, walking, dancing or answering the door, Kim Possible is the easy pick. Her outfit is basically workwear: a fitted black mock-neck top, olive cargo pants and a brown utility belt. Black combat boots give the right shape and support your ankles at the same time. Long straight red hair with a clean side part, or a copper wig with the ends flicked out. Natural makeup, peach blush, defined lashes. Black gloves, a crossbody bag and a toy communicator cut from cardboard and painted. I'd resist hanging ten gadgets off the belt; it drags the waistband down and rattles. The black, olive and red together are what people recognise.
6. Jessica Rabbit Costume With Red Hair
Jessica Rabbit is all about the dress and the hair, and both can be done with more coverage than the cartoon. I look for a red sequin gown with a sweetheart or off-shoulder neckline and a side slit you can sit down in. Check the slit before you buy; sequin fabric doesn't stretch, so a short slit means tiny steps all night. Long purple gloves, low heels and sparkly earrings. The hair is deep red, smooth and swept to one side, with one wave curving over the brow. Pin that wave with a hidden clip or it drops within the hour. Winged liner, mauve shadow and a red lip. A small purple wrap adds warmth and repeats the glove colour. Carry a clutch, not a big bag, so the outline stays sleek.
7. Anne Shirley Costume With Red Hair
Anne Shirley suits anyone with long auburn hair that braids well, and a long red wig braids surprisingly nicely too. The clothes are simple: a high-neck white blouse under a brown, grey or sage pinafore. Knitted tights, lace-up ankle boots and a straw hat with a plain ribbon. Two neat braids with a few wisps loose at the face look more like her than perfect plaits. Freckles, rosy cheeks and tinted balm are all the makeup she needs. A strap of old books or a carpet bag. Add a cream cardigan for warmth. Everything is soft and flat-soled, which is why I suggest this one so often for school days and office parties.
8. Pippi Longstocking Costume With Red Hair
Pippi needs her braids sticking straight out, and that is the one tricky part. I thread a length of flexible craft wire through each braid, bend the ends back on themselves and wrap them with thread so nothing sharp touches the face. A bright orange-red wig is easier if you'd rather not braid wire into your own hair. The clothes are fun to thrift: a patchwork pinafore or bright overall dress over a striped long-sleeve top, odd knee socks and clunky lace-up boots in two colours. Freckles, rosy blush and a pink lip. A small fabric suitcase or a plush toy to carry. The more mismatched the pieces, the better it reads.
9. Jessie Cowgirl Costume With Red Hair
Jessie is a bright one to build. The shirt is white with yellow shoulder panels and red trim; I usually buy a plain white shirt and sew the yellow yokes on, since glued felt peels off cotton after a few hours of arm-waving. High-waisted jeans or denim shorts over opaque tights, then cow-print chaps cut from light felt. A low braid under a wide red hat. Freckles, peach blush, mascara and a rosy lip. A yellow ribbon, a brown belt and a rope bracelet. Western boots you have already broken in, because new cowboy boots are stiff at the heel. A toy sheriff badge finishes it.
10. Wilma Flintstone Costume With Red Hair
Wilma is a graphic costume that rewards short red hair. The dress is a one-shoulder white shift with a jagged hem, and I'd finish that hem properly with a narrow fold or a zigzag stitch, because raw cuts in jersey roll up and look tired by midnight. Knee length keeps it family-friendly. A chunky white bead necklace is the piece people spot first, so go big. White clip-on earrings and flat white or beige sandals. Natural red hair pinned into a smooth high bun, or a short updo wig. Blue shadow, mascara, coral blush and an orange-red lip. A faux-stone bag made from painted cardboard or grey felt. On a cold night, wear skin-tone tights and a fitted white long-sleeve layer under the dress.
11. Princess Fiona Costume With Red Hair
Princess Fiona comes in two versions, and you decide which before you shop. Both start with a long emerald dress with fitted sleeves, a square neck and a little gold trim, plus a belt, a small crown and a green velvet cape. Her hair is one thick braid with a narrow green ribbon woven down it. The ogre version needs green face makeup, and a water-activated paint goes on more evenly than cream if you work it in thin layers with a damp sponge. It also stains a white collar, so dress first and paint last. Brown shadow, a rosy lip, soft brows. Flats or low boots, and a hem that clears the floor so it doesn't soak up every puddle.
12. Anna Princess Costume With Red Hair
Anna's outfit is layered, so it is a rare princess you can wear on a properly cold night. A black or navy fitted bodice over a pale blue blouse, a full royal-blue skirt with painted or embroidered flowers, a magenta cape, warm tights and black ankle boots. Two braids, plus a pale streak near the face. A clip-in streak is easier than lightening a strand of your own hair and comes out at bedtime. Rosy cheeks, light freckles and a pink lip. A small satchel or a snowflake ornament to carry. A thermal top under the blouse and a lined cape keep you warm without changing her shape.
13. Ginny Weasley Costume With Red Hair
Ginny is a costume you can mostly find in a school-uniform shop or your own drawers: a white collared shirt, a grey V-neck jumper and a pleated grey or black skirt. The house tie and scarf in burgundy and gold do the real identifying, so spend your effort there. Long red hair, straight or loosely waved. Very little makeup. A notebook dressed as a spellbook, a feather quill or a satchel. Dark knee socks and black loafers. The black robe is dramatic but optional; I'd leave it off for a school day where it would catch on chairs and desks.
14. Scarlet Witch Costume With Red Hair
Scarlet Witch looks powerful mostly because of the long red coat, so if the budget only stretches to one good piece, make it that. Under it goes a burgundy long-sleeve top or bodysuit with black leggings or a dark red midi skirt. Red gloves, and a pointed headpiece cut from foam. I heat-shape EVA foam for that crown because it holds a curve, while thin craft foam flops forward after an hour. Auburn hair in long, slightly messy waves, centre part. Red-brown shadow blended round the eye, strong lashes, a muted berry lip. Sheer red fabric wrapped loosely around the wrists hints at her magic. Black knee-high boots, and breathable layers underneath, because a long coat gets hot fast indoors.
15. Black Widow Costume With Red Hair
Black Widow is sleek, and she doesn't need prop weapons to read. I'd choose a matte black jumpsuit or a black zip jacket with stretch leggings; shiny catsuit fabric looks great in photos but traps heat and shows every crease. A wide utility belt, fingerless gloves and flat black boots. Shoulder-length wavy red hair, or a deep copper bob wig. Neutral shadow, defined lashes, light contour and a muted rose lip. Red hourglass shapes cut from felt and stitched to the belt buckle or cuffs give the logo. A small black backpack holds your phone and keys. It is simple to layer if the night turns cold.
16. Elastigirl Costume With Red Hair
Elastigirl wants short red hair and strong colour blocking. A red long-sleeve athletic top with red leggings, black briefs-style shorts or a short black overskirt, black gloves, a yellow belt and black boot covers. For the mask, I use soft elastic over the ears or a skin-safe adhesive, and I always patch-test the adhesive on the inner wrist the day before. A short auburn bob wig with the ends flipped out. Light foundation and mascara under the mask, peach blush, a neutral lip. A felt letter emblem stitched, not glued, to the chest, since stretch fabric shrugs glue off. Flat boots or sneakers, because you'll be chasing kids or dancing in this one.
17. Starfire Costume With Red Hair
Starfire's hair is extremely long, and no natural length will match it, so this is a wig costume for almost everyone. Look for a crimson wig at least waist length and brush it out slowly from the ends up; long synthetic fibre tangles at the nape the moment you put a coat on. A purple fitted dress, a skater skirt set or a jumpsuit with silver panels at the neck and waist. Purple tights, silver arm cuffs and boots or boot covers. Lavender shadow, strong mascara and a small green gem above the brows. I'd skip coloured lenses unless an optician fitted them. A green acrylic orb or glowing bracelets for her energy, and a cropped purple jacket for warmth.
18. Bloom Fairy Costume With Red Hair
Bloom is a fairy who travels light. A bright blue sleeveless dress, a top and skirt set or a blue jumpsuit, pale blue tights and blue or white ankle boots. Long, straight orange-red hair, or a layered copper wig with a side fringe. The wings are where most fairy costumes go wrong: cheap ones hang off a single loop and swing sideways. I add a second soft elastic strap that crosses the chest, which keeps them upright. Shimmery blue shadow, peach blush, a glossy pink lip and a very small amount of face glitter, because glitter travels to everything you touch. A blue ribbon choker, star bracelets and a small pouch.
19. Leeloo Costume With Red Hair
Leeloo hinges on the haircut: a choppy orange chin-length bob with short bangs. Unless you're happy to cut and colour, a vivid orange wig is the honest answer, and trimming the fringe a little shorter than it comes out of the bag makes it look far less like a wig. A fitted white ribbed top with strappy detail, metallic gold leggings or slim orange pants, a black utility belt, white arm bands and white high-tops. Groomed brows, mascara, peach blush and a neutral lip. A laminated futuristic pass is a neat prop. Stretch leggings and flat shoes mean you can dance in it.
20. Misty Trainer Costume With Red Hair
Misty is quick to put together and good for short red or orange hair. A fitted yellow tank, with a white base layer under it if you'd like more coverage, high-waisted denim shorts, red suspenders and white sneakers with red accents. Her hair goes in a high side ponytail with a blue elastic. If your hair or wig is too short for a ponytail, a small clip-in piece fills it out. Freckles, coral blush, defined lashes, pink balm. Carry a red-and-white ball, a small backpack or a plush sea creature. For a cold night, skin-tone tights and a cropped yellow jacket. Her primary colours carry the look even from the end of the street.
21. Mary Jane Watson Costume With Red Hair
Mary Jane is the costume for people who don't really want to wear a costume. Her comic look is a fitted black top, dark jeans and a cropped red jacket, or a green sweater with a purple skirt and ankle boots. Long auburn hair in glossy waves with a side part. Brown shadow, rosy blush, mascara and a red-pink lip. A small camera or a theatre programme suggests her work. Red flats or black heeled boots. She has worn so many outfits over the years that the hair and that red, green and purple palette are what tell people who you are, so keep those colours clear.
22. Cheryl Blossom Costume With Red Hair
Cheryl Blossom is all polish, so the hair has to be smooth and the parting sharp. A fitted red sweater with a black plaid skirt and opaque tights, then a red cape, a tailored coat or a cropped blazer on top. Long red curls, set the night before if you can. A heat tool on a synthetic wig will melt the fibre, so curl a wig with hot rollers on a low setting or buy one already styled. Strong brows, clean liner, light contour and a bold red lip. A spider brooch, pearl earrings and a structured handbag. Knee-high boots or loafers. Keep the prints to the one plaid; a second pattern muddles her red story.
23. Sansa Stark Costume With Red Hair
Sansa's look is mostly about the braids. A floor-length dress in charcoal, navy or muted blue with long sleeves and a high neck, and a faux-fur shoulder wrap or cape over it. The hair goes half up, with several thin braids crossing at the back of the head and the rest falling in waves. I'd braid those the afternoon before and pin them with bobby pins that match your hair, because silver pins glint in photos. Pale foundation, cool blush, taupe shadow and a rose lip. A silver chain, a brooch and an embroidered belt. Dark flat boots under the skirt. Thermal layers hide easily under that much fabric on a cold night.
24. Ygritte Wildling Costume With Red Hair
Ygritte is a winter costume by design, which makes her one of my favourite answers for an outdoor Halloween. A charcoal tunic, dark leggings and a wide brown belt, then a heavy faux-fur vest or cloak, arm wraps and worn brown boots. Long red hair loose and a bit wild, or an auburn wig with uneven waves and a few small braids tucked in. Smudge brown shadow softly around the eyes and add cool pink blush for a cold-wind look. Age the seams with a dry brush of watered-down fabric paint; it looks like wear and doesn't wash out. A rolled map or a small pouch beats a bow for an evening out.
25. Queen Of Hearts Costume With Red Hair
The Queen of Hearts and bright red hair is a clever match, because the hair becomes part of her card colours. A red-and-black dress with a full skirt, a structured bodice and a white collar. Heart-print tights, black ankle boots and a light gold crown. The hair goes into a high heart-shaped updo or big polished curls. A heart updo needs a foam doughnut or a wire frame underneath and a lot of pins, so try it once before the night. Pale or natural base, sharp brows, red shadow and a heart-shaped red lip, kept neat and theatrical rather than scary. A folding heart fan. Keep the skirt at a length that clears the pavement if you'll be outside.
26. Mad Hatter Costume With Red Hair
The Mad Hatter is a chance to mix patterns, but the trick is to stop sooner than you want to. A jewel-toned blazer over a patterned waistcoat and a white ruffled shirt, cropped trousers or a knee-length skirt, striped socks and sturdy lace-up shoes. A frizzy orange-red wig under an oversized hat with ribbons, fabric flowers and the paper price tag. A big hat slides on a slippery wig, so I sew a comb into the inside of the band. Pink blush, mismatched shadow, a pale lip and drawn lower lashes. A teacup or a small clock to carry, fingerless gloves and a large bow tie. Repeat two or three colours across every piece and it holds together.
27. Raggedy Ann Costume With Red Hair
Raggedy Ann rests on that yarn hair, and a red yarn wig really is the best route. A long-sleeve floral dress, a white ruffled pinafore apron, red-and-white striped tights and black Mary Janes or flat boots. If you'd rather use your own hair, two low braids tied with blue ribbons work. Round rosy cheeks, freckles and a small red smile. I'd use a cream blush for the cheek circles and press powder over them, or they smudge into a pink cloud by the second hour. Bloomers or white shorts under the dress. Blue bows and visible stitching add the handmade touch.
28. Chucky Doll Costume With Red Hair
Chucky can be more silly than scary. Striped overalls over a rainbow-striped long-sleeve shirt, red sneakers and striped socks. A short orange-red wig roughed up into messy layers, or texture spray in natural red hair. Freckles, rosy cheeks, a little smudged brown shadow and a wide painted grin. Washable makeup only, since the grin sits right where you eat and drink. A cardboard toy box or a big plastic building block is a fun prop, and patches can go on the overalls with fabric glue, which holds fine on cotton denim. Keep the clothes loose; the whole point is that he moves like a toddler.
29. Pennywise Clown Costume With Red Hair
Pennywise can stay theatrical rather than gory, and I think he reads better that way. A pale grey or white jumpsuit with puffed sleeves, red pom-poms and layered ruffles at the neck and cuffs. White tights and grey ankle boots with red laces. A short, fluffy orange-red wig that sticks out at the sides; tease it with a comb rather than heat. Light base, grey shadow, a small red nose and thin red lines running up from the corners of the mouth. White cream paint creases on a warm night, so set it with a translucent powder and blot rather than rub. One red balloon on a wrist ribbon. Silver trim and soft pleats give the jumpsuit depth.
30. Lucille Ball Costume With Red Hair
Lucille Ball is a cheerful one to end on, and she suits short curled red hair. A 1950s polka-dot midi dress with a fitted waist and full skirt, a white apron, pearl earrings and low red pumps or ballet flats. Bright copper hair in a curled updo with rolls at the front, held with a patterned scarf. Pin curls set overnight hold better than anything done with a hot iron an hour before. Winged liner, arched brows, rosy cheeks and a classic red lip. A retro microphone or an empty candy box as a comic prop. A cropped cardigan for warmth. It suits almost any age and any kind of party.
Taming a Cheap Red Wig the Night Before
Budget red wigs come out of the bag flat, shiny and full of static, and they look it. A little work the evening before the party changes them more than paying double would.
- Shake it out and put it on a head form, or a balloon in a mug if you don't have one.
- Detangle from the ends upwards with a wide-tooth comb. Never brush from the root down on synthetic fibre; it stretches and frizzes.
- Mist it with water mixed with a little fabric softener to calm static, then let it dry.
- Dust a bit of dry shampoo or translucent powder near the parting. It takes the plastic shine off and makes the colour look more like real hair.
- Trim the fringe slightly on the wearer, cutting into it vertically rather than straight across, so it looks softer.
- Pin it at four points through the wig cap: both temples and both sides at the nape.
Keep synthetic wigs away from candles, ovens and the hot-air vent in the car. The fibre singes and goes crispy, and that damage can't be brushed out. After the night, wash it in cool water with a gentle shampoo, dry it on the stand and store it in a hairnet so it's ready for next year, or for a different character with the same red.
Let the Shade Pick the Character
Red hair isn't an extra here, it's the anchor. Start with the shade you have or the wig you'd enjoy wearing, then pick the character whose palette agrees with it: copper for Merida or Pippi, deep auburn for Sansa or Jessica Rabbit, a bright orange for Leeloo or Misty. After that, three or four signature details are plenty. Add tights, a cardigan or flat shoes wherever the night calls for them, because a costume you can stay in all evening beats a perfect one you take off at ten.
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