Harley Quinn has worn more versions of herself than almost any other character I style, and that is good news if you want a costume that is yours rather than a copy. She started in a red-and-black jester suit with a white face and a black domino mask, then moved through movie outfits, cartoon redesigns, video-game armour and endless fan versions. What ties all of them together is short: her colours, two-sided pigtails, a graphic eye or a small heart, and a prop that says "mischief" without being a weapon. Below are thirty ways to wear her, from full builds to closet costumes, each with the detail I'd fuss over first and the shoes I'd actually walk in.
Two-Tone Pigtails Without Bleach or Dye
Her hair is the one detail people check first, and you don't need to colour your real hair to get it. On light hair, hair chalk or a coloured hair spray on the last few inches gives the pink-and-blue or red-and-black ends; spray outside or over a towel, because the mist drifts onto skin and collars. On dark hair, those products barely show, so I'd clip in coloured extensions or tie long ribbons into each pigtail instead.
A synthetic wig is the cleanest option if you want true platinum. Brush it with a wide-tooth comb before you style it, keep it away from curling irons, ovens and candles, since synthetic fibres frizz or melt with heat, and pin it to a wig cap so the pigtails don't drag the whole thing backwards.
- Place the pigtails high and slightly forward; low ones read as a schoolgirl rather than Harley.
- Use a clear elastic first, then hide it with the ribbon so the bunch doesn't slip.
- Sleep on an old pillowcase afterwards, because chalk and spray colour transfer.
1. Classic Harley Quinn Jester Costume
The original jester suit only works if the colour split is clean. I map it on the body before buying anything: one leg red and one black, then the top reversed, so the diagonals cross at the waist. A two-piece of leggings and a long-sleeve top is far easier to get right than hunting for a split jumpsuit. White cuffs, a plain white collar and a hood with soft, stuffed points finish the shape, while a black domino mask and red lipstick give you her face with no paint at all. Wear ankle boots with real cushioning, and carry oversized playing cards or a small diamond-print bag.
2. Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Costume
This is the version most people will name first, so the hair matters more than the clothes. Two high pigtails with one end pink and one blue are the signature; I'd colour only the last few inches so the effect reads from across a room. Red-and-blue satin shorts, fishnets, a white tee with your own playful slogan instead of the film's wording, and a shiny bomber jacket do the rest. Pale foundation, smudged shadow, red lips and a tiny heart under one eye finish the face. Swap the bat for a pom-pom wand or a giant playing card, and wear sneakers or lace-up ankle boots, because satin shorts and cold nights do not mix well with heels.
3. Birds Of Prey Fringe Jacket Costume
Fringe is the whole point of this one, and fringe is only fun if it moves. I cut strips from plastic tablecloth or ribbon and tape them on in rows across a clear or metallic jacket so they swing when you walk, then peel them off afterwards. Under it go a pink cropped tank, striped shorts and pink suspenders. Keep the pigtails a little tousled with pale pink and blue ends, add shimmer on the lids, a heart under one eye, and white ankle boots or platform sneakers to calm the busy top half. It's the easiest version to build almost entirely from thrift-store finds.
4. The Suicide Squad Red Dress Costume
A layered red dress is the dressiest film look in the list, and the skirt is where I spend the effort. Look for a fitted bodice with an uneven, soft skirt that moves; a stiff, even hem looks like a prom dress rather than Harley. Black lace-up boots, fingerless gloves and a wide black belt pull it back toward the character. Let blonde hair fall in loose waves or a low messy ponytail with darker roots showing. Matte red lips, blended black shadow and one small black heart do the makeup, and a red-and-black diamond clutch replaces any weapon. Add black tights on a cold night; nobody will notice them.
5. Red And Black Leather Harley Quinn Costume
Faux leather gives Harley structure, but it also traps heat, so I only suggest this one for cool evenings or parties where you can shed the jacket. Red faux-leather pants with a black fitted top and a cropped moto jacket with red sleeves make the base. A wide utility belt, fingerless gloves and diamond patches on removable tape add the comic detail. Tie the pigtails with red and black ribbons, keep the liner sharp, and powder the skin so the red lip stands out. Combat boots and a playing-card pouch across the body finish it, with nothing scary in the makeup or the accessories.
6. Arkham City Harley Quinn Costume
The game version is built from layers, and the trick is lacing that looks like a corset without being one. I thread red ribbon through eyelets on a plain black vest worn over a red top, which gives the shape while still letting you breathe and sit down. A short red-and-black jacket, striped arm warmers and a wide belt add the game's busy layering over black leggings or slim pants. Pigtails get deep red colour on one side and black ribbon on the other. Blend red and charcoal shadow but keep it clean, add red lips and a small beauty mark, and choose buckled knee-high boots with a low heel. A diamond-print notebook or card-shaped purse is a prop you'll actually use.
7. Arkham Asylum Nurse Harley Quinn Costume
The nurse version can tip into something you wouldn't wear in front of your neighbours, so I keep the hem at the knee and leave medical symbols off entirely. A white dress or tunic over black leggings, a red corset-style belt and a cropped red cardigan carry it. Black diamond patches on the dress, held with removable tape, say Harley rather than hospital. Messy pigtails with red and black ribbon, pale skin, a smoky eye, red lips and a little heart under one eye give her expression without any fake wounds. Lace-up boots beat heels here. A red clipboard covered in playing-card stickers is a funny, harmless prop.
8. Animated Series Harley Quinn Costume
Cartoon Harley is about flat colour and clean edges, so the less texture the better. A red long-sleeve top with one black sleeve, two-tone leggings, a soft white collar, white cuffs and a few fabric diamonds give you those simple proportions. The close-fitting jester hood is the piece that really sells it; if you can't find one, a two-tone beanie is a comfortable stand-in. Black eye mask, smooth pale base and bright red lips. Flat boots or dance shoes keep the silhouette sleek, and a foam playing card makes a light prop. A beginner can put this together with fabric glue and a few straight seams.
9. Harley Quinn Animated Show Costume
The newer animated Harley dresses more like a person running errands, which makes her one of the easiest to pull from your own wardrobe. Red high-waisted shorts over black tights, a white top under a cropped red-and-black jacket, and a black belt with a craft-foam diamond buckle cover it. If you want more coverage, a longer shirt hides the waistband without losing the look. Pigtails get red at one end and black or blue at the other. Winged liner, blush, red lips and a tiny heart for the face. High-top sneakers or combat boots let you stay out all night, and a cartoon-style diamond purse with stacked bracelets adds colour.
10. Roller Derby Harley Quinn Costume
I like the roller derby version for anyone who'll be on their feet a lot, because it's built from sportswear. Red athletic shorts over black leggings, a fitted jersey with your own nickname or number, and a red-and-black varsity jacket for warmth. High pigtails with mismatched ribbons and temporary red and blue ends. Waterproof liner and a dusting of powder keep the face from sliding off if you sweat. Knee pads and wrist guards become part of the costume, a red helmet with removable diamond stickers goes under your arm, and flat high-tops stand in for skates so you're not rolling through a crowd.
11. New 52 Harley Quinn Costume
The New 52 look is sharper and more colour-blocked than the classic, so I'd buy stretch fabric for every fitted piece; stiff red pants in a tight cut will fight you all night. Fitted red pants, a black-and-red corset-style top over a thin black shirt, a cropped jacket, wide belt, striped arm warmers and removable diamond appliqués build the shape. Pigtails go red on one side and blue or black on the other. Pale base, defined brows, smoky shadow and deep red lips. Red laces in black boots tie the top and bottom together, and a deck-of-cards crossbody bag or a foam diamond sign finishes it for a long convention day.
12. Injustice Harley Quinn Costume
Injustice Harley has an armoured feel, and the mistake I see most is building that armour too heavy. Thin, flexible craft foam shoulder panels give the look and still let you lift your arms; anything rigid will bite into your neck within an hour. Put them over a red fitted top, black slim pants and a cropped jacket, then add a utility belt with diamond shapes. Weave red and black ribbon through the pigtail ends. Strong liner, burgundy lips, pale powder and a small heart under one eye, plus knee-high or combat boots. A card case or a soft foam joker card keeps the prop friendly.
13. Gotham Knights Harley Quinn Costume
Gotham Knights gives Harley a circus ringmaster edge, and it's all in the tailoring. A fitted red tunic over black leggings, a structured longline vest, puffed sleeves, striped cuffs, a diamond-print belt and a short peplum in light fabric create that exaggerated outline. Big red-and-black bows on two large pigtails echo the volume. Go easy on the white face powder; a light layer looks stagey, a heavy one cracks. Arched brows, bold liner and red lips do the rest. Choose platform boots with a secure sole over tall stilettos, and carry a fan patterned with playing cards. It's a better pick for indoor contests than a long walk outdoors.
14. Harley Quinn School Outfit Costume
This is the version I steer teens toward, since it passes most school costume rules without much fuss. A red pleated skirt with black bike shorts under it, a white button-front shirt and a black cardigan trimmed in red ribbon make the base. A striped tie and diamond pins carry the theme. Two neat pigtails, one tied red and one black or blue. Keep the makeup light: winged liner, pink blush, a red lip tint and a heart sticker. Knee socks, loafers, a notebook covered in card suits and a small backpack, and you're done.
15. Harley Quinn Prom Dress Costume
A prom dress version needs one rule: the colour story has to read as Harley, not as a red dress. A split red-and-black dress at knee or tea length does that on its own. If you only have a solid red dress, I'd add black ribbon at the waist, a few diamond appliqués and a dark tulle underskirt peeking from the hem. Polished pigtails or a curled half-up style with red and black clips keep it dressy. Sharp liner, a neutral shimmer, rosy cheeks and classic red lips. Block heels or embellished flats will survive a dance floor, and a heart clutch with a paper-flower playing-card corsage finishes the joke nicely.
16. Harley Quinn Tutu Costume
No sewing, and it moves well, which is why the tutu version is a favourite for dancing. A black fitted top with one red sleeve (or two shirts layered for the split) goes over a knee-length red-and-black tulle skirt with opaque leggings or bike shorts underneath. White cuffs, a small ruffled collar and fabric diamonds dress the bodice. Bouncy pigtails with red and blue ribbon streamers, a black eye mask, red lips and a heart sticker. Flats or sneakers, plus a matching ribbon wand. Cheap tulle can scratch bare legs, so I always put leggings under it, especially for kids in a family group.
17. Harley Quinn Cheerleader Costume
Cheer Harley is comfortable from the start because the skirt has shorts built in. A red-and-black pleated skirt, a matching top with your own diamond emblem, and a white fitted shirt underneath if you want warmth or coverage. Oversized red and blue bows on high pigtails, crisp winged liner, red lips and a little black heart below one eye. White high-tops give you support for actual jumping. Tissue-strip or soft plastic pom-poms are light enough to carry all evening. I'd leave real school logos off; a colour-blocked design you invent says the character clearly and works well in a group.
18. Harley Quinn Baseball Costume
Swapping the bat for a glove is the clever part of the baseball version: it keeps the sporty reference without anything that looks like a weapon. White baseball pants with one red and one blue stripe, a red-and-black button jersey, and a diamond number on the back. Layer a white fitted shirt under it if the night turns cold. Pull low pigtails through the back of a two-tone cap. Red lips, black liner, a heart sticker and a hint of pink and blue shadow. Athletic sneakers and striped socks, and a glove full of oversized playing cards or pom-poms, make it a good fit for outdoor events or a team costume.
19. Harley Quinn Pajama Costume
On a night when comfort is all you care about, pajama Harley is the honest answer. Diamond-print pajama pants, a long-sleeve colour-blocked top and a red robe trimmed in black; a hooded onesie is warmer if you'll be outside. Soft scrunchies hold the pigtails better than stiff clips if you're lounging. Lip balm, mascara, a touch of blush and a removable heart sticker. Slippers indoors, cushioned sneakers outside. A heart-shaped pillow or a plush playing card works as the prop for a movie night or a dorm party.
20. Harley Quinn Office Costume
Most offices want a costume that still looks like work clothes, and this one is built that way. A red blazer, black tailored pants and a white blouse with a small ruffled collar; a diamond-print scarf or split-colour tie does the character work. Indoors, a fitted vest can replace the blazer. I'd style a sleek low ponytail with red and blue ribbon wound around the base rather than full pigtails. Thin liner, red lips, neutral shadow, and a tiny heart pin instead of anything painted on your face. Loafers or low block heels, a structured red bag and a clipboard with a few card stickers finish it for a daytime party.
21. Harley Quinn Winter Costume
Outdoor events in cold weather are where most Harley costumes fall apart, so this version starts with warmth and adds the character on top. Thermal leggings, a red knit sweater and a colour-blocked puffer jacket. A diamond-patterned scarf, red gloves and a black beanie with two soft fabric points sewn on as a mini jester hat. Hair can stay loose under the hat or go into two low braids with red and blue ribbons. Waterproof mascara, red lip tint and a heart sticker hold up in wind. Insulated boots with grip and red laces, plus a red-and-black thermos, will see you through a parade or a long neighbourhood walk.
22. Harley Quinn 1950s Costume
The fifties version is my pick when you want people to do a double take. A red swing dress with a fitted waist, a black petticoat for volume and removable diamond appliqués around the skirt, then a black cropped cardigan over the shoulders. Curled pigtails or a polished ponytail tied with a dotted scarf. Winged liner, soft brows, red lips and the heart placed near one cheek like a beauty mark. Saddle shoes or low Mary Janes, and a record-shaped purse decorated with card suits. It isn't any screen look, which is exactly the fun of it.
23. Harley Quinn 1980s Costume
Eighties Harley is all sportswear, so it's warm and very easy to move in. Black leggings under red running shorts, an oversized colour-blocked sweatshirt with rolled sleeves, a red-and-blue windbreaker and a wide black belt. High side ponytails with big scrunchies and temporary pink and blue streaks. Bright shadow, graphic liner, pink blush and glossy red lips. White high-tops and striped leg warmers, and a cassette-shaped bag with diamond stickers. Neon is tempting, but I keep red and black dominant so she still reads as Harley and not just a decade costume.
24. Harley Quinn Punk Costume
The punk version gets its edge from texture, not hardware. I'd use clips and ribbon rather than real safety pins or metal studs in a crowd, because sharp bits catch on other people's clothes and skin. Ripped black jeans over opaque tights, a red graphic tank and a cropped plaid jacket with diamond patches and mismatched clips. Messy pigtails with coloured ends and a few small braids. Smudge the liner on purpose, then add deep red lips, pale powder and the heart. Combat boots, striped socks, a soft stud-look belt and a patched crossbody bag hold up well at a concert or a crowded party.
25. Harley Quinn Glam Costume
Sequins change everything about how Harley's colours behave, so I keep the rest of the outfit simple. Red sequin pants with a black fitted top and a cropped jacket trimmed in crystal-style diamonds, or a split jumpsuit with a defined waist and modest neckline. Smooth high pigtails with subtle pink and blue extensions at the ends. Silver shadow, sharp liner, a luminous base, red lips and a small rhinestone heart stuck on with an adhesive made for skin. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so a jacket with a lining helps. Block-heel boots and a metallic heart clutch suit a dressier party that wants sparkle over grunge.
26. Easy DIY Harley Quinn Costume
If you have an hour and an ordinary closet, this is the one. Black jeans, a red tee and a white or black jacket with red and blue ribbon taped on. Cut diamonds from paper or felt and attach them with fabric-safe tape, which peels off cleanly afterwards. Pigtails with washable hair chalk on the ends, or, on darker hair, coloured ribbons tied in so you can skip blonde altogether. Liner, red lips and a heart drawn with a cosmetic pencil. Sneakers or ankle boots, a standard deck of cards in a heart-shaped purse, and you're out the door.
27. Plus Size Harley Quinn Costume
For a plus-size Harley, I start with fabric that stretches in both directions and pieces that layer, because a fixed-size bodysuit is the first thing to pinch or ride up. A red-and-black stretch jumpsuit works, but high-waisted leggings with a long colour-blocked tunic give you more control over where the colour lines fall. A cropped jacket or fitted vest marks the waist without squeezing it. Blonde pigtails with red and blue ends, or matching extensions on your natural colour. Red lips, winged liner and a small heart. Wide-fit combat boots or supportive high-tops, a diamond crossbody bag and a light card prop finish a costume you can adjust as the night goes.
28. Modest Harley Quinn Costume
Full coverage takes nothing away from her; the colours do all the work. A long red-and-black tunic over opaque leggings with a high neck and long sleeves, plus a white ruffled collar and cuffs. A knee-length split skirt can replace the tunic if you like layers. Wear the jester hood, or low pigtails with coordinating ribbons. A black eye mask, red lips, a little blush and a heart pin keep the makeup light. Flat knee-high boots and a crossbody bag with fabric diamonds make it easy for a school event or a family gathering where you want more covered.
29. Kids Harley Quinn Costume
With children, everything soft and everything attached is my rule. Red-and-black leggings, a long-sleeve colour-blocked shirt and a light tulle skirt or soft shorts. Sew the felt diamonds and white collar on, or use strong fabric glue, because little hands pick at anything loose. A fabric jester hat is kinder than a tight wig, or tie two pigtails with washable red and blue ribbon. Skip pale base and heavy eye makeup; a skin-safe heart sticker and tinted lip balm are enough. Sneakers for running around, an oversized foam card or a plush heart for the prop, and nothing long enough to trip on or small enough to swallow.
30. Harley Quinn Mashup Costume
A mashup lets you take the piece you love from each version and drop the rest. Classic jester leggings, a fringed jacket and a corset-style belt make an easy starting trio, tied together with a white ruffled collar, diamond patches and striped cuffs. I keep the hair the most mixed part: pigtails tipped in pink, blue, red and black. Pair a domino-mask shape with red lips, a touch of shimmer and a single heart. Black boots with mismatched laces and a heart-shaped card purse that carries your phone finish a costume nobody else at the party will be wearing.
Diamonds That Stay On Stretch Fabric
The diamond pattern is where most homemade Harleys come undone, usually halfway through the night. Felt stuck to leggings with hot glue pops off the moment the fabric stretches over a knee, and it lets go even faster in cold air. On anything stretchy, I use flexible fabric glue and let it cure overnight, or I add a few hand stitches at each point of the diamond, which takes minutes and survives dancing.
If you want to keep the clothes for everyday wear, double-sided fabric tape or small safety pins inside the garment are the removable route. Tape grips best on smooth woven fabric like a jacket, less well on knits. Cut the diamonds from felt or craft foam, not paper, if they'll be anywhere you sit or bend.
Red Lips and a Small Heart That Last All Night
Red lipstick is the one makeup step every version shares, and it's the one that ends up on your cup and your collar. I line the lips first, apply the colour, blot, and apply again; a long-wear liquid lipstick holds better still. The heart under the eye is easiest drawn with a black or red eyeliner pencil, then tapped with a little translucent powder so it doesn't smudge when you laugh.
- Patch-test any new face paint or skin adhesive on your inner arm the day before.
- Set pale foundation with powder at the jaw so it doesn't mark a white collar.
- Take it all off with an oil or balm cleanser before bed rather than scrubbing.
Red, Black and a Pair of Boots You Can Walk In
Every Harley in this list shares the same few signals: red and black (with pink and blue for the film looks), two-sided pigtails, a mask or a small heart, and a harmless prop. Get those right and the clothes can be anything from a prom dress to pajamas. I'd decide the version first, then make the hair, makeup and shoes agree with it, rather than collecting random Harley pieces. And whatever you build, plan for your feet and the temperature, because those are what end a costume night early.
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