Strawberry blonde, copper, bright orange or deep auburn, red hair already does a big part of a Halloween costume for you. The characters below all have it, so your own hair becomes the most recognisable thing about the look. There are cartoon heroines, comic-book characters, a few TV classics, glamorous icons and two original ideas, an autumn fairy and a fox, for anyone who'd rather not play a character. Most can be put together from ordinary clothes, thrift finds and a bit of craft foam. Each one lists the clothes, the hair, accessories, makeup and shoes, because hair colour alone rarely tells people who you are.
Making Your Own Red Hair Hold a Style Until Midnight
Natural hair is the big advantage here, but it also behaves like hair: curls drop, braids loosen and volume goes flat in a warm room. I plan the style around the night ahead, not the mirror at six o'clock.
- Curls. Set them while the hair is cool, not hot. Pin each curl up in a loop after the iron and let it cool fully before you release it. That is what makes curls last.
- Waves for Jessica Rabbit, Sansa or Scarlet Witch. Use a light-hold spray before styling and a flexible one after. Heavy hairspray turns red hair dull in photos.
- Braids and updos. Second-day hair grips pins far better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is fine, a little dry shampoo at the roots gives it the same grip.
- Height for Wilma or the Queen of Hearts. Build over a padding piece in your hair colour and cross the bobby pins in an X so the weight is held both ways.
Carry four or five spare bobby pins and a small elastic. They fix almost any styling failure in a bathroom mirror. Avoid heat tools on the night if your costume includes clip-in extensions, since many synthetic pieces melt or frizz at curling-iron heat.
1. Ariel Mermaid Costume
For a land-friendly Ariel, wear a fitted purple top with a long green scale-print skirt or a shimmering green maxi. I'd pick a skirt with room to stride; a fitted mermaid tail looks great standing still and turns every step into a shuffle. Sweep the hair into big side waves and add pearl clips or a small starfish barrette. Lavender shadow, rosy blush and glossy pink lips keep it bright. A shell purse or a clean fork, her famous dinglehopper, is a funny prop that fans spot at once. Green flats, pearl sandals or low heels sit hidden under the hem. Scale prints in stretch fabric are the comfortable choice for a party where you'll be sitting.
2. Merida Archer Princess Costume
Merida's curls should look a little wild, so don't smooth them. Brush natural curls into a full shape, or if your hair is straight, set it in loose braids or rag curls overnight and separate the curls gently with your fingers in the morning. A long dark teal or forest-green dress with long sleeves and gold trim is the base, with a slim brown belt and a light cape if the night is cold. Skip the bow; a plaid sash, a bear-shaped purse for her mum, or a small crown makes a safer prop. Freckles, peach blush and a muted rose lip suit her. Brown lace-up ankle boots keep it practical for walking.
3. Kim Possible Costume
Kim Possible needs straight or softly layered hair and an outfit you probably own. Pair a fitted black mock-neck top with loose olive cargo pants and a utility belt. Black gloves, a small belt pouch and a toy communicator, or a phone in a bright case, add her details without bulk. Wear the hair long and smooth with a side part and a few pieces at the face. Clean makeup is right here: groomed brows, brown liner and a soft pink lip. Black combat boots give support for a long night out. The midriff gap between top and pants is part of her look, but a black camisole underneath keeps you warm without losing the outline.
4. Daphne Blake Costume
Daphne is a polished look, and a long-sleeved purple mini dress with a lavender headband and a bright green neck scarf covers the whole character. Opaque purple tights or fitted shorts underneath add cover. The hair should be smooth with flipped ends and volume at the crown. I set the ends on large velcro rollers for twenty minutes while doing makeup, then break up the curl with a wide comb so it flips rather than curls. Lilac shadow, a winged liner, rosy blush and a soft berry lip give the retro finish. A magnifying glass or a vintage handbag works as a prop. Purple ankle boots or low pumps finish it, and she's easy to slot into a Scooby-Doo group.
5. Jessie Cowgirl Costume
Jessie's details sit on the shirt, so start there. Take a white button-down and add yellow felt shoulder panels, red stitching lines drawn in fabric paint, and oversized cuffs. Wear high-waisted jeans or denim shorts over cow-print leggings. Braid the hair long and tie the end with a yellow ribbon, then put on a wide red cowgirl hat. A hat that size slides back off a braid, so pin it through the crown with two bobby pins or add a thin elastic under the hair at the back. Painted freckles, peach blush and red lips keep the cartoon feel. A soft cord rope is a harmless prop. Brown or red western boots finish it.
6. Princess Fiona Costume
Fiona's emerald gown should have long sleeves, a square neckline and a little gold trim; moss green works too. Braid the hair loosely and add a small gold tiara or a velvet band at the crown. You can stay in human form or go green for her ogre side. If you paint, choose a water-activated cake paint, blend it down the neck and over the ears, and set it with powder so the square neckline stays clean. Soft brown shadow suits either version. A tiny plush donkey or a storybook makes a light prop. Brown flats or low boots keep a floor-length dress safe on stairs, and you can wear it indoors or out.
7. Poison Ivy Costume
Poison Ivy puts copper and auburn hair against a wall of green. Build a tasteful version from a fitted green jumpsuit, a long-sleeved bodysuit with leggings, or a structured green mini dress over opaque tights. Attach artificial ivy at the neckline, waist and cuffs. Hot glue on stretch fabric pops off as soon as you move, so I tack each leaf with a few stitches or use safety pins hidden under the leaves. Weave a few small leaves into one side of the hair. Green and gold shadow, defined brows and a deep rose lip finish the face. Carry a vine-wrapped clutch or a tiny potted plant. Green ankle boots complete the colour, and keep leaves away from your eyes and mouth.
8. Scarlet Witch Costume
Scarlet Witch suits deep auburn hair. Wear a burgundy corset-style top over a fitted long-sleeved shirt, with black leggings or a layered red skirt, and add a sweeping crimson coat or cape. The cape is what makes her look powerful in photos, so choose a fabric with some weight, like a cotton twill rather than thin satin. Centre-part the hair in soft waves and add a light red crown cut from craft foam, heat-curved with a hairdryer so it sits on the head. Smoky berry eyes, black mascara and a muted red lip keep it dramatic but family-friendly. Glowing red bracelets or acrylic spheres suggest her magic. Black knee-high boots ground the colours.
9. Black Widow Costume
Black Widow is easy to wear and easy to rewear. Choose a fitted black utility jumpsuit, or a long-sleeved black top with cargo leggings, then add a gold or metallic belt, fingerless gloves and light wrist cuffs. Leave the realistic weapons at home; an earpiece or a badge holder says spy just as well. Style the hair in a smooth bob, loose waves or a low ponytail, whatever your length allows. Her red hair against all that black is the main contrast, so keep makeup neutral with a soft smoky eye and a rose lip. Supportive black combat boots handle a long night. Matte black fabric shows lint and pet hair badly, so I always tuck a small lint roller in the bag.
10. Ginger Spice Costume
Ginger Spice's look is that flag mini dress. Find a red mini with a red, white and blue graphic print, or add removable fabric panels to a plain red shift. Platform white sneakers or chunky ankle boots give height and are steadier than real platform heels. Wear the hair long in straight layers or loose waves, or pin two front sections back. Blue liner, rosy cheeks and a glossy neutral lip suit the era. A painted cardboard or light plastic microphone completes it. She's best with four friends as the full group, though the dress and the hair carry her on their own. Bike shorts under a mini dress make dancing much easier.
11. Miss Frizzle Costume
Miss Frizzle is whimsical rather than theatrical, which suits teachers. Pick a navy, purple or cobalt fit-and-flare dress and decorate it with removable felt planets, stars, dinosaurs or weather symbols. Removable is the point: safety pins or fabric tape let the dress go back to normal. Pile curls into a high messy bun held with colourful pencils or a themed clip. Add star earrings, patterned tights and a small lizard plush pinned to your shoulder. Peach blush, freckles, mascara and coral lips keep the face cheerful. Carry a small globe, a science book or a handmade bus-shaped bag. Blue or purple flats make it fine for a full school day.
12. Pippi Longstocking Costume
Pippi's braids should stand out sideways, and wire is how they do it. Thread flexible craft wire into each braid as you plait, bend the braids outward, then wrap the wire ends in tape or a small pompom so nothing scratches. Wear a mismatched patchwork dress or an oversized pinafore over a striped long-sleeved shirt, with knee socks that don't match each other. Draw freckles with a brown liner and soften them with a fingertip, then add pink blush and lip balm. A small stuffed monkey, a fabric-covered suitcase or a toy horse fits her. Sturdy lace-up boots finish it. Buy the clothes a size big; the loose fit is part of the storybook feel and lets you move.
13. Anne Shirley Costume
Anne Shirley needs two copper braids and a plain country outfit. Put a white blouse with puffed sleeves under a brown, grey or sage pinafore. A high neck and a modest hem set the late 1800s feel without a real period costume. Plait two neat braids and tie them with simple ribbons. Add a straw hat for outdoor events, pushed back so the braids show. Her freckles matter more than any other makeup, so let your own show or add a few with a brow pencil, then finish with peach blush and tinted balm. A vintage-looking book, a woven basket or a slate is the prop. Brown lace-up boots and ribbed socks suit autumn weather.
14. Annie Orphan Costume
Short curls suit Annie best. If your hair is longer, pin it under at the nape into a faux bob with a few hidden bobby pins. Wear a bright red knee-length dress with a white Peter Pan collar and waistband, white tights and black Mary Janes or low flats. The heart locket is her signature accessory, and a mop bucket or a small stuffed dog makes a funny prop. Define the curls with a light styling cream and scrunch them; heavy gel turns them crunchy and they lose the round shape. Rosy blush, freckles, mascara and a soft red lip finish it. Keep everything red, white and black, which is the palette people know.
15. Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Strawberry Shortcake turns red hair into part of a pink-and-red outfit. Wear a pale pink dress, a striped top with a pink skirt, or overalls over a red-and-white striped shirt. Green-and-white striped tights and red Mary Janes finish the base. Curl the hair loosely or tie it in two low pigtails under a strawberry-print bonnet or a soft pink cap. Rosy blush, faux freckles and pink gloss are enough makeup. Carry a berry-shaped bag or a small basket of fake strawberries. Strawberry-scented sprays are tempting for this costume, but skip them at crowded parties, where strong scents bother people. It suits nearly any age.
16. Wilma Flintstone Costume
Wilma is one of the simplest costumes here, so the hair and necklace have to do the work. Choose a one-shoulder white shift, or cut a jagged hem into a cheap white tunic; jersey and knits won't fray at the cut edge. Add an oversized white bead necklace and matching clip-on earrings. Sweep the hair into a tall twisted updo with a small curved section at the front. Height needs support, so build it over a padded bun or a rolled sock and pin it in a criss-cross. Warm neutral shadow, a winged liner, peach blush and coral lips keep the face clean. A stone-print clutch or a foam tablet is the prop, with white flats or low wedges.
17. Jessica Rabbit Costume
A tasteful Jessica Rabbit means a floor-length red gown that fits well, not one that reveals a lot. Look for a fitted sequin dress with a modest side slit and a secure strapless or off-the-shoulder neckline. Fashion tape along the neckline and a well-fitted strapless bra keep it in place all night. Style the hair in smooth side-parted waves that fall over one eye. Purple opera gloves, sparkly studs and a compact silver clutch are the accessories. Lavender shadow, strong liner, full lashes and a deep red lip finish the vintage cartoon face. A retro microphone stand makes a fun photo spot if the venue has one. Red or purple block heels are easier than stilettos.
18. Starfire Costume
Starfire's hair is very long, very straight and orange-red. If yours is shorter, I'd clip in temporary orange extensions for the length rather than colouring your hair. Pair a high-neck purple top with a matching skater skirt, opaque purple tights or leggings. Silver craft-foam trim at the collar, waist, wrists and boot tops gives the space-age feel; seal the foam with a coat of flexible glue before painting so the silver doesn't crack when it bends. Lavender shadow, bright green liner for her green eyes and a pink lip are clean and wearable. Green gems or glow bracelets suggest her starbolts. Purple boots or ankle boots with foam cuffs finish it.
19. Misty Trainer Costume
Misty's outfit works on a warm night and adapts easily to a cold one. Wear a yellow cropped tank over a fitted undershirt, high-waisted denim shorts and red suspenders; swap to straight jeans or add opaque tights if it's chilly. Pull the hair into a high side ponytail with a blue tie. On long hair, a side pony pulls the head sideways after a few hours, so anchor it with two pins under the elastic. Waterproof mascara, peach blush, freckles and tinted balm keep it sporty. A red-and-white ball or a little water-type plush is the prop. Red high-tops and white crew socks finish it.
20. Princess Anna Costume
Anna's two braids suit red hair naturally. Layer a black embroidered vest over a pale blue blouse, then a long royal-blue skirt and a deep magenta cape. If you can't find an embroidered vest, iron-on floral patches or fabric paint on a plain black one get close; test the iron on the hem first, because many vests are polyester and scorch. Add a pale streak with temporary hair chalk if you like. Light foundation, freckles, rosy cheeks and a berry lip give her wintry face. A plush snowman, for Olaf, or a travel satchel is the prop. Black low-heeled ankle boots finish it, and the cape keeps you warm for trick-or-treating.
21. Eliza Thornberry Costume
Eliza Thornberry is a last-minute costume most people can pull from home. Wear an oversized yellow T-shirt or tunic dress over olive cargo shorts, bike shorts or utility pants, with red socks and brown hiking boots. Centre-part the hair, keep its natural texture, and tuck the sides behind your ears so the big round glasses stay visible. Her braces are part of the cartoon too, but I'd leave them out rather than put anything craft-made in your mouth. Keep makeup almost bare: sunscreen, freckles, tinted balm. A small animal plush, a field notebook or a toy camera is the prop. If the yellow top hangs like a sack, gather it at the back with a hidden clip.
22. Sansa Stark Costume
Sansa's look rewards careful hair more than heavy makeup. Choose a floor-length blue-grey, plum or charcoal dress with long sleeves and a high neck, and layer a faux-fur shoulder wrap or a structured cape over it. Wave the hair smoothly, then twist several sections back into half-up braids. I do the twists on dry, second-day hair, which grips the pins better than freshly washed hair. A delicate metal necklace or a simple chain is the only jewellery. Cool taupe shadow, defined brows, muted pink blush and a berry lip suit her. A small embroidered pouch or rolled parchment is enough of a prop. Flat lace-up boots hide under the hem.
23. Ginny Weasley Costume
Ginny Weasley is a uniform costume, and it's a warm one. Wear a white button-down under a grey V-neck sweater, with a black pleated skirt or tailored trousers, then add a striped red-and-gold tie and a plain black robe. A graduation gown from a thrift shop makes a good robe once the sleeves are shortened. Wear the hair straight, softly waved or half up. Brown mascara, peach blush, freckles and a neutral lip keep it understated. A stack of old-looking books, a satchel or a feather quill is the prop. Black loafers, oxfords or flat ankle boots finish it. The layers make it one of the better choices for a cold Halloween.
24. Jean Grey Costume
This Jean Grey uses her classic green and yellow. Wear a fitted green jumpsuit, or a long-sleeved green top with matching leggings, then add a yellow belt, gloves and knee-high boot covers. A yellow V-shaped panel across the chest, cut from felt or stretch fabric and held with fabric tape, gives the comic look. Wave the hair smoothly with volume. Copper shadow, precise black liner, glowing highlighter and a muted red lip suit her. Orange acrylic shapes or small LED bracelets hint at her powers without bulk. Yellow ankle boots, or black boots under yellow covers, finish it. Keep every attached piece flexible so you can sit down without anything buckling.
25. Mary Jane Watson Costume
Mary Jane Watson suits anyone who wants an understated costume. Wear a black fitted top with dark jeans and a cropped red jacket, or a sleeveless black dress with red ankle boots. Style the hair in glossy side-parted waves with lots of movement. A drop of hair oil on the ends gives the shine that makes her red hair look like a comic panel. Soft brown shadow, defined lashes, peach blush and a classic red lip finish the face. A small camera, a theatre programme or a faux press pass is the prop that tells people who you are. A delicate pendant and a structured black bag round it out, and you can wear every piece again after Halloween.
26. Sally Rag Doll Costume
Sally can be whimsical rather than scary. Wear a knee-length patchwork dress in teal, mustard, pink and black panels over a fitted long-sleeved top and opaque tights. Leave long red hair straight with a centre part, or use a temporary burgundy spray for a deeper shade, keeping in mind that spray rubs off on a pale collar. Apply pale blue face makeup thinly, then draw neat stitch lines with skin-safe liner along the cheeks and arms. I check the stitch lines in a mirror from a few steps back; clean graphic stitches look like her, wound-like effects don't. A black cat plush or a fabric spool is a friendly prop. Black lace-up ankle boots finish it. Jersey patches keep the dress flexible for walking and sitting.
27. Queen Of Hearts Costume
The Queen of Hearts gives red hair a royal job. Pick a red-and-black dress with a fitted bodice, a full skirt and a white collar, and add removable heart appliqués to the skirt, plus striped tights. Pile the hair into a high heart-shaped updo or a big curled bun under a small gold crown. A heart shape needs two buns pinned side by side and pulled into a point at the front, so practise it once before the night. Pale foundation, arched brows, red lips drawn into a small heart and soft red shadow finish the face. A light cardboard sceptre with a heart top or a small red fan is the prop. Keep the skirt at knee or midi length for crowded rooms.
28. Lucy Ricardo Costume
Lucy Ricardo brings 1950s TV glamour. Wear a polka-dot fit-and-flare dress with a white collar, a fitted waist and a full knee-length skirt, then add a white apron for her kitchen scenes or pearl earrings for her nights out. Set short hair in pin curls the night before, or roll longer hair under into a faux vintage bob. A winged liner, arched brows, rosy blush and a red lip set the era. A vintage handbag, a recipe card or an empty candy box is the prop. Low black pumps or Mary Janes finish it. A petticoat adds volume, but pick a soft one; stiff net petticoats scratch and make sitting difficult.
29. Autumn Fairy Costume
Not into characters? An autumn fairy uses copper hair as part of the season. Wear a rust, moss or golden-brown chiffon dress over opaque tights or fitted leggings. Add translucent wings decorated with fake maple leaves, and keep them narrow enough to fit through doorways. Weave tiny leaves and gold clips into loose waves or a textured half-up braid. Copper shadow, freckles, soft highlighter and a berry lip make the face. Carry a mini basket of fake acorns and leaves. Brown lace-up boots or gold flats finish it. Skip loose glitter, which ends up on every surface you touch for weeks; metallic cream makeup gives the same glow and stays put.
30. Fox Costume
A fox is a simple animal costume that matches red hair. Start with a rust-orange sweater dress, a matching jumpsuit, or an orange top with brown leggings. Add a cream faux-fur collar or chest panel and a soft orange tail fixed firmly at the waist. Twisting the hair into two high buns makes ears out of your own hair, with a small felt-ear headband behind them. Use orange and brown face makeup for defined brows, a black nose tip and whisker dots without covering the whole face. An acorn purse or a woodland basket is the prop. Brown ankle boots and thick socks finish it. I'd choose light faux fur here, which stays breathable in a heated room; heavy fur gets hot fast.
Boot Covers, Foam Trim and Other Superhero Shortcuts
Poison Ivy, Scarlet Witch, Starfire and Jean Grey all look harder to make than they are. Most of the work is in three small pieces that turn regular clothes into a hero outfit.
Stretch boot covers
Wrap a piece of four-way stretch fabric round your leg over the shoe you'll wear, pin it snugly, and mark a seam up the back. Stitch it with a stretch or zigzag stitch and cut a strap to go under the sole. They take an hour, they let you wear comfortable flat boots, and they come off for the drive home. Straight stitching on stretch fabric snaps when you bend your knee, so use the zigzag.
Craft foam trim and crowns
Thin craft foam curves with a hairdryer and holds the shape when it cools, which is how a flat strip becomes Scarlet Witch's crown or Starfire's collar. Seal it with flexible glue or a primer made for foam before painting, or metallic paint flakes off at every bend. Contact cement holds foam better than hot glue, which lets go in cold night air.
Chest emblems
Cut emblems from felt or stretch vinyl and attach them with fabric tape or a few stitches. Iron-on vinyl on a polyester jumpsuit can scorch the fabric, so test on an inside seam first. Keep emblems flat and flexible so the costume still moves when you sit down.
Plan the Outfit Around the Red, Not the Other Way
Red hair works best in a costume when the whole outfit is planned around it. Go as a familiar character, a comic-book look or something seasonal like the autumn fairy or the fox. Start with clothes you can move in, then build the character through the hairstyle, colours, makeup, shoes and one clear prop. Natural red hair rarely needs changing, though extensions or a washable colour can help match a specific shade. With sensible shoes and a hairstyle pinned to last, your hair ends up being the detail people remember.
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