Red hair is a head start at Halloween. A long list of characters are defined by it, and when the hair is already yours, the rest of the costume can be simpler. I've gathered thirty of them here: animated princesses, TV classics, a few historical figures, superheroes and some easy original ideas like a pumpkin fairy and a fox. Each one comes with the clothes, the hairstyle, the makeup, a prop and shoes you can walk in. Natural redheads can skip the wig entirely. If your hair is another colour, a copper wig or a temporary spray will get you there, and I explain below which one I'd pick for which look.
Natural Red, a Wig or Colour Spray?
If your hair is already red, you're set for most of these. If it isn't, there are two ways to fake it, and they suit different nights.
Temporary colour spray
Spray works on light hair and barely shows on dark brown or black. It leaves hair stiff and slightly sticky, and it transfers onto collars, pillows and hands, so it's a poor match for white blouses like Anne's or a cream fox chest. Rain makes it run. I use it for a short party with dark clothes, sprayed outdoors with a towel round the shoulders, and washed out the same night.
A copper or auburn wig
A wig is the better choice when the character has a set shape: Annie's curls, Wilma's updo, Chuckie's spikes or Raggedy Ann's yarn. Check the shade in daylight before buying, because cheap red wigs often come out a flat orange. A wig that is slightly darker than the picture looks more natural than one that's too bright. Tuck your own hair into a wig cap, pin through the cap at the temples and nape, and finger-comb rather than brush so the fibre doesn't frizz.
1. Merida Costume With Green Dress
Merida's hair is the costume, so I'd spend the effort there before anything else. Brush natural curls out until they're full, or choose a long curly copper wig with plenty of volume; a thin wig never gets close to her shape. A long forest-green dress with loose sleeves and a modest neckline goes over a cream undershirt, and a plain medieval-style dress from a costume shop is fine. Freckles, flushed cheeks and a soft pink lip keep the face young. I leave the bow and arrows at home and use a brown belt, a tartan sash and a small leather-look pouch instead. Flat brown lace-up boots finish it. Green is about the best colour you can put next to red hair, which is why her look works so well.
2. Ariel Costume With Purple Top And Green Skirt
This Ariel is made for walking on land. Pair a fitted purple top with a shimmering green maxi skirt or wide-leg pants. A fabric with a faint scale texture says mermaid without the fishtail, and you can still climb stairs. Wear the hair in long loose waves pushed over one shoulder. Pearly highlighter, aqua liner and coral lips give an ocean feel. Add shell earrings, a small flower clip, and a plush fish or a seashell for the prop. Nude flats, green ballet shoes or low block heels are all easy. Shell-shaped bra tops look great in pictures but dig in after an hour, so I'd choose a smooth purple top over anything moulded.
3. Kim Possible Costume With Cargo Pants
Kim Possible is the costume I suggest most often to redheads who don't want to buy anything. Wear olive-green cargo pants with a fitted black mock-neck or long-sleeve top, and add a brown utility belt with a couple of small pouches. Her hair is long with a deep side part and smooth layers round the face, so blow it straight and let the part do the work. Keep the makeup to brows, a little mascara and a neutral lip. Black fingerless gloves and a toy communicator, or just a phone in a chunky case, are the props. Chunky black combat boots with cushioned socks handle a long night. Check the cargo pants sit at the hip, not the waist, because that low cartoon line is part of how she reads.
4. Daphne Blake Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne starts with a purple mini or knee-length dress, ideally a long-sleeve shift. Add a pale green neck scarf and a matching headband, and wear pink or lavender opaque tights if it's cool. Her hair is smooth and full with flipped ends and a wide side part. Real hair holds that flip best when it's set on large rollers while still slightly damp, then sprayed; a copper wig gives the exaggerated cartoon shape without the effort. Lavender shadow, winged liner, rosy blush and pink lips suit her retro look. Carry a magnifying glass or a notebook, and wear purple flats or low boots. A green scarf tied too tight slips round to the back all night, so knot it loosely and pin it to the dress at the side.
5. Jessie Costume With Cow Print Chaps
Jessie is built from pieces most people already own. Start with dark jeans and a white button-down, and add yellow felt panels at the cuffs and shoulders. Pin the felt or stitch it lightly, since glued felt peels off cotton once you start moving. Cow-print chaps go over the jeans with a wide brown belt. Pull the hair into a low braid and set a bright red cowgirl hat on top; tilt the hat back slightly so the braid shows at the nape, because the braid is what makes her Jessie rather than any cowgirl. Freckles, peach blush and rosy lips keep the face natural. A coiled costume rope or a plush horse is the prop, with brown western boots or stitched booties.
6. Princess Fiona Costume With Green Gown
Princess Fiona needs two things: an emerald gown and a long red braid. Choose velvet, satin or jersey with medieval sleeves and gold trim at the neckline, and add a slim metallic belt at the waist. Jersey is the comfortable choice if you'll be sitting through a party. Braid the hair thickly over one shoulder, and if your hair is shoulder length, plait a matching copper extension into it for length. A small gold tiara and soft pointed ears add her details. Pick either natural makeup or her ogre side in green; if you go green, set it with powder so it doesn't rub off on the gown. Carry a fake sunflower or a storybook, and wear gold flats or low brown boots.
7. Princess Anna Costume With Blue Skirt
Anna's palette is easy to put together from separates. Wear a black embroidered vest over a pale blue blouse, a full royal-blue midi or maxi skirt, and a deep magenta cape on top for warmth. Her hair goes into two neat braids with soft bangs or loose pieces at the forehead, so this suits medium to long hair. A streak of pale temporary colour adds the white strand from the first film if you want it. Keep the makeup young: freckles, berry blush and pink balm. A fake sunflower or a snowflake accessory is enough of a prop. Black ankle boots with painted or stitched details finish it. Braids stay tidy all night under a cape hood, which loose waves won't.
8. Wilma Flintstone Costume With White Dress
Wilma is mostly a white dress and an updo, which makes her quick to put together. Choose a one-shoulder white shift and cut the hem into soft points, keeping it at a length you're comfortable in; jersey won't fray when you cut it. The oversized necklace is easy to make from lightweight craft balls strung on cord. The hair is the real work: a high rounded updo built over a bun insert or a sock bun so it holds the height. Spray it as you go. Blue shadow, black liner, peach blush and red lips give a cartoon face. Carry a stone-print bag or a grey foam tablet, and wear white flats or low wedges. With so little else going on, her orange-red hair gets all the attention.
9. Jessica Rabbit Costume With Red Gown
Jessica Rabbit is glamorous, so the gown has to fit. Choose a floor-length red sequin or satin dress with a secure neckline and a slit you can walk in, then add long purple gloves and crystal earrings. Sequins scratch the inner arm through a long night, which is why I like satin for this one if you'll be dancing. The hair is one long, polished side-swept wave falling over one eye; set it with large rollers and pin the front section in place. Purple shadow, a winged liner, full lashes and a classic red lip finish the face. A silver retro microphone works as a prop you can set down. Purple or red block heels, or pointed flats, keep you steady.
10. Annie Costume With Red Dress
Annie is a red dress and a head of curls. Choose a knee-length red dress with a white collar, puffed sleeves and a flared skirt, add a white sash at the waist and opaque tights if it's cold. Her hair is a short, round mass of curls. Natural curls can be pinned under to fake the length, but long straight hair won't get there, so a short copper curly wig is the honest choice. Freckles, pink cheeks and tinted balm keep it sweet. A small stuffed dog, for Sandy, or a locket is the prop. Black Mary Janes finish the look. It suits school events and family parties, and it's one of the few here that works for any age from toddler up.
11. Pippi Longstocking Costume With Patchwork Dress
Pippi's braids are the whole joke, and they need help to stick out. Part the hair into two braids and run flexible craft wire through each one before you plait, then bend them outward; cap the wire ends with tape so nothing pokes the scalp. A patchwork pinafore or an oversized print dress goes over a striped long-sleeve shirt, with mismatched knee socks or colourful tights and a patched apron. Dot freckles generously across the cheeks and nose. A plush monkey or a small suitcase is the prop. Different-coloured lace-up boots finish it. Everything here is supposed to clash, which makes it one of the best costumes in the list to build from a thrift shop bin.
12. Anne Of Green Gables Costume With Pinafore
Anne Shirley wears plain country layers, so the braids and freckles carry the character. Put a high-neck cream blouse under a brown, navy or sage pinafore, and add a knitted cardigan or an apron. Part the hair in the centre and plait two long braids tied with plain ribbon. A light brown brow pencil makes freckles that look real; dot it, then press each dot with a fingertip to soften it. Carry an old-looking book, a small slate or a basket of fake flowers. Brown lace-up boots and knitted socks keep you warm. A straw hat suits her, but wear it far back on the head, because the red braids are what people recognise first.
13. Ms. Frizzle Costume With Space Dress
Ms. Frizzle is a favourite with teachers, and her dress is the part to get right. A dark blue fit-and-flare dress in a planet or star print is ideal. If you can't find one, cut planets from felt and fix them with removable fabric tape or safety pins so the dress goes back to normal afterwards. Pile the hair into a loose high bun with curls bouncing round the face; curly hair suits her best. Bright blue liner, rosy cheeks and a pink lip keep it cheerful. Planet earrings, a lizard clip for Liz, and a toy school bus are the accessories. Add star tights if it's cool, and wear blue flats or clean sneakers for a day on your feet.
14. Ginger Spice Costume With Flag Dress
Ginger Spice needs that flag mini dress, so look for a sleeveless red, white and blue one, or add removable blue and white fabric panels to a plain red dress. Bike shorts and sheer tights underneath give cover for dancing. Her hair is big, with soft waves and two pale streaks at the front. Clip-in blonde extensions give the streaks without bleaching. A brown smoky eye, warm bronzer and glossy red lips complete the face. Carry a toy microphone and wear a metallic cuff. Red platform sneakers or chunky ankle boots are far easier to dance in than her real platforms. She's at her best as one of five friends dressed as the whole group.
15. Lucy Ricardo Costume With Polka Dot Dress
Lucy Ricardo's polka-dot shirtwaist dress is easy to find in navy, black or red. Look for a fitted waist and a modest midi hem, then add a white apron for a kitchen scene or pearl earrings for her stage look. The hair takes the longest: curl it into a 1950s updo with rolled bangs and tie a scarf behind the head. I pin the bangs roll over a finger, then spray it before taking the finger out, which keeps the shape all night. Black liner, peach blush and a sharply drawn red lip give her face. A vintage chocolate box, a nod to the famous conveyor-belt scene, makes a funny prop. Low black pumps or red flats finish it.
16. Sansa Stark Costume With Fur Cape
Sansa's later costumes are the easiest to recreate for long auburn hair. Start with a floor-length blue, grey or burgundy gown with a high neck and fitted sleeves, then add a faux-fur shoulder cape. Choose a light faux fur, because heavy fur pulls the gown back at the neck and gets hot indoors. Wear the hair half up with small twists or braids gathered at the back of the head. Understated makeup suits her: defined brows, cool pink cheeks and a muted berry lip. A silver chain, a metal-look brooch and a small scroll are the accessories. Flat brown or black boots disappear under the skirt. This is a good choice for a cold outdoor evening.
17. Ygritte Costume With Faux Fur Layers
Ygritte suits anyone who'd rather not wear a dress. Start with black leggings or slim brown pants, then layer a charcoal tunic, a textured vest and a weathered faux-fur cape, with a wide fabric belt and fingerless gloves. Leave the hair loose and a little messy, with small uneven braids near the temples; don't brush it smooth, since she lives outdoors. Wind-flushed blush, soft brown liner and a matte rose lip are enough makeup. Carry a rolled map or a fur-trimmed satchel instead of a bow. Sturdy brown lace-up boots and thick socks finish it. All those layers look deliberate and also keep you warm on a chilly October night.
18. Queen Elizabeth I Costume With Gold Gown
Elizabeth I is the most dramatic look here, and her copper hair was part of her image. Choose a long gold, ivory or rust gown with puffed sleeves and trim. The ruff is the piece people notice: pleat a long strip of stiff fabric or layered paper, gather it onto a ribbon, and tie it at the back loosely enough that you can turn your head. Pile the hair into a high rounded updo dressed with pearls, gold ribbon and a small jewelled crown. A light pale foundation, rosy cheeks, defined brows and a muted red lip suit her. Carry a folding fan or a hand mirror. Gold ballet flats hide under the skirt and are far kinder than period heels.
19. Mary Jane Watson Costume With Red Top
Mary Jane Watson is a red-hair costume made from ordinary clothes. Pair a fitted red top or turtleneck with dark jeans, a black mini skirt or tailored pants, and add a cropped black jacket. Wear the hair long and smooth with movement at the shoulders. Warm brown liner, peach blush and a glossy berry lip finish the face. The prop tells people who you are: a camera, a fashion portfolio or a theatre programme for her acting. Black ankle boots, loafers or sneakers all fit. On its own this look can read as a well-dressed redhead, so hold the prop in photos, or go as a pair with someone in a Spider-Man suit.
20. Bloom Fairy Costume With Blue Dress
Blue clothes make red hair look brighter, and Bloom from Winx Club is a fun way to use that. Choose a fitted blue top with a knee-length skirt, a skort or wide-leg pants. Attach pale blue and silver wings with soft elastic straps across the shoulders; wings that hang from a single loop tilt forward and pull at the neck by the end of the night. Wear the hair in long waves with two small sections clipped back. Turquoise shimmer shadow, pearly highlighter, pink blush and gloss give the fairy face. A crystal pendant and a small glitter wand are enough. Blue ankle boots or silver flats finish it. The look adjusts easily for kids or for more coverage.
21. Misty Costume With Yellow Top And Shorts
Misty from Pokémon works best with shorter hair. Wear a bright yellow tank over a fitted red undershirt and add high-waisted denim shorts, or cuffed jeans and red leggings for more cover. Her hair is a high side ponytail. If yours is too long, fold the ponytail under and pin it so it looks short, or use a short copper wig. Freckles, waterproof mascara and peach balm are all the makeup she needs. Red suspenders and a red-and-white ball for the prop finish the character. A small yellow backpack holds your things. Red high-tops with white crew socks keep it comfortable, and it's light enough for a warm Halloween evening.
22. Blossom Costume With Pink Dress
Blossom is a simple shape with one big accessory. Start with a sleeveless pink fit-and-flare dress with a bold black stripe at the waist, layering a white blouse underneath if it's cold. Wear the hair long and straight, then set an oversized red bow at the crown. A bow that size needs a stiff interfacing inside or it flops forward by mid-evening; I wire the loops on mine. Soft pink shadow, a black wing, round rosy cheeks and pink gloss make the cartoon face. Carry a heart purse or a small city skyline sign. White tights and black Mary Janes finish it. With two friends in blue and green versions, you have all three Powerpuff Girls.
23. Eliza Thornberry Costume With Yellow Dress
Eliza Thornberry is all about the glasses and the pigtails. Choose a mustard-yellow T-shirt dress or an oversized tunic, add small animal-print details on the pockets or hem, and wear bike shorts underneath so you can move freely. Part the hair in the middle into two low, slightly messy pigtails. Oversized round glasses are essential; buy them big, bigger than feels right, because cartoon proportions look odd when shrunk to real size. Freckles, flushed cheeks and plain balm are plenty. A nature journal, a toy camera or a stuffed chimp for Darwin makes the prop. White crew socks and sturdy brown shoes finish it. It's one of the most relaxed costumes here.
24. Chuckie Finster Costume With Blue Shirt
Chuckie Finster works for adults and kids, and the hair is the fun part. Wear a blue T-shirt with a yellow planet painted or printed on it, green shorts with zigzag details, and red leggings underneath if it's cold. Short ginger hair can be pulled into messy spikes with a strong-hold gel or wax; long hair won't do it, so pick a tousled short copper wig. Big purple glasses are the detail people spot first. Add a few drawn freckles and rosy cheeks. A plush dinosaur is the prop, a nod to his Reptar toys. Red sneakers and yellow socks keep it practical. Fabric paint on the shirt needs a night to dry and a press with a dry iron to last.
25. Strawberry Shortcake Costume With Pink Dress
Strawberry Shortcake is sweet and suits red hair naturally. Wear a pink or red fit-and-flare dress with a white apron over it, and add green-and-white striped tights for her contrast. Curl the hair softly or split it into two low pigtails, then top it with a pink cap decorated with fabric strawberries. Felt strawberries sewn on with a few stitches stay put; glued ones come off the first time someone tugs your hat. Rosy blush, faux freckles, pink shadow and berry gloss suit the look. Carry a small wicker basket of fake strawberries or felt fruit. Pink Mary Janes, red flats or sneakers finish it. It's a natural fit for a family group of her friends.
26. Raggedy Ann Costume With Blue Pinafore
Raggedy Ann is mostly handmade, which suits a sewist. Layer a blue floral pinafore over a white blouse with puffed sleeves and a ruffled collar, and tie a white apron in a big bow at the back. Red-and-white striped tights add colour and warmth. Natural curly hair can be fluffed into a bob, but her real hair is red yarn. A yarn wig, made by stitching loops of red acrylic yarn to a stretchy cap, gives that texture and doesn't tangle like synthetic fibre. Draw neat freckles, round pink cheeks and a small red mouth. Carry a fabric heart or a tiny rag doll. Black Mary Janes keep it traditional, and it works for almost any age.
27. Sally Costume With Patchwork Dress
Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween look that isn't frightening. Choose a knee-length patchwork dress in teal, pink, yellow and black panels, with pale blue tights or leggings underneath. Wear long red hair straight with a centre part, or use a deep red wig. The makeup takes the time: apply light blue face paint thinly with a damp sponge, set it with translucent powder, then draw her seams with a fine black liner and short crossing stitches. Rounded stitch lines look like the film; gory wound effects don't. Purple shadow and muted berry lips finish it. Carry a small basket of fake leaves or sewing things. Black ankle boots or flats make it practical for walking.
28. Jean Grey Costume With Green And Gold Outfit
Jean Grey in green and gold suits big, wavy red hair. Wear a fitted long-sleeve green jumpsuit, or green leggings with a matching athletic top, and add a wide gold belt and metallic gloves. Gold boot covers in stretch fabric go over flat ankle boots or supportive sneakers, which lets you walk normally. Let the hair move freely in volume at the shoulders; use a light texturising spray rather than a heavy one so it doesn't go stiff. Gold shadow, black liner, warm blush and a neutral lip suit her. A lightweight gold bird emblem on the chest, cut from craft foam and painted, is the detail that says Phoenix. No mask, no armour, nothing heavy.
29. Pumpkin Fairy Costume With Orange Dress
A pumpkin fairy is an original idea, so you can make it however you like. Choose an orange skater dress or a layered tulle midi, then add a green belt shaped like curling vines. Lightweight orange-and-green wings on comfortable shoulder straps finish the shape. Style copper hair in loose curls and tuck in a few small fake leaves and tiny pumpkins with bobby pins. Peach shadow, gold highlighter, freckles and coral gloss suit the warm colours. Carry a pumpkin-shaped bag or a basket of fake leaves. Green tights add warmth if you need it, with brown ankle boots or green flats. Tulle sheds and catches on everything, so a jersey skater dress is the easier choice for kids.
30. Ginger Fox Costume With Rust Outfit
A fox makes red hair part of the animal. Wear rust pants or leggings with a matching long-sleeve top, and layer a cream vest or sweater over it for the pale chest. Add a soft tail and a pointed ear headband in orange and white. Sew the tail to a belt rather than pinning it to the leggings, which sag under even a light tail. Style the hair in a loose braid, tousled waves or a high ponytail that keeps the ears visible. Copper shadow, a small black nose, white cheek accents and neat whiskers make a friendly fox face. Carry a little satchel of fake leaves. Brown boots or rust sneakers finish a costume that suits parties, parades and outdoor fall events.
Matching Costume Colours to Your Exact Shade of Red
Not all red hair suits the same colours. When I'm styling a redhead, I look at whether the hair leans orange, copper or deep auburn, and I let that steer the outfit.
- Bright orange or copper. Forest green, royal blue and purple make it glow. Merida, Anna, Daphne and Bloom all suit it. Orange-on-orange, like the pumpkin fairy, can blend together, so add a green belt or black boots to separate hair from dress.
- Deep auburn. Burgundy, grey, navy and gold read richer next to it. Sansa, Elizabeth I and Jessica Rabbit are good fits.
- Strawberry blonde. Soft pinks and pale blues keep it from looking washed out. Strawberry Shortcake and Blossom suit it, and a little extra blush helps.
Red clothes next to red hair is the one combination I treat carefully. It works for Annie and Jessica Rabbit because the characters are built that way, but if the shades are slightly off, the hair can look faded. Hold the garment up to your face in daylight before you buy it.
Freckles add to almost every look on this list. A brown brow pencil or a freckle pen gives softer dots than eyeliner. Press each one with a fingertip, then dust on a little powder, and they'll last until you take them off.
Let Your Hair Do Half the Work
The costumes that work best for redheads use the hair as a piece of the character, not a coincidence. Copper curls, auburn waves or orange braids do half the job before you've put on a single item. Start with clothes you can move in, then add the hairstyle, the makeup, one prop and shoes that will last the night. Many of these can be put together from thrifted clothes, a little felt and what's already in your wardrobe. Pick the character whose hair is closest to yours, and you'll have the least to fake.
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