Poison Ivy comes down to two things people spot from across a room: green leaves and bright red hair. Get those right and the clothing underneath can be almost anything, which is why the ideas below go well past the usual green bodysuit. There are gowns, jumpsuits, vintage dresses, a punk jacket, cold-weather layers, modest options and a few looks you can pull from your own closet, each with hair, makeup, props and shoes worked out. I'll say it once here because it applies to every one: use artificial ivy, never real plants, and only skin-safe adhesive on your face. Some lean on comic-book glamour, others on a garden twist of your own, and there's a version for whatever coverage you're comfortable with.
Turning Fake Ivy Garland Into Costume Trim
Almost every look below starts with the same supply: a few strands of artificial ivy garland. It's made for mantels, not for wearing, so a little prep stops it scratching, shedding and pulling your clothes out of shape.
- Feel the leaves before you buy. Soft fabric leaves bend and take a needle easily; glossy hard plastic ones stay stiff and catch on everything.
- Take the strand apart. Most garland is leaves clipped onto a wire or plastic stem, so slide off what you need and cover any cut wire ends with a dot of glue or tape so they can't poke through.
- Lay the vines on the garment while it's on a hanger or a dress form and pin them in place. Trails look natural when they curve and break, not when they run in a straight line.
- Stitch each leaf at its base with matching thread, or sew the vine down every few inches. Fabric glue holds on denim, cotton and faux leather, but stretch and sheer fabrics need stitches.
- Try the outfit on and sit down. Leaves at the back of the waist and under the arms get crushed first, so move them a little forward.
Buy more garland than you think you need. A single strand covers far less of a bodysuit than it seems to on the shelf, and I'd rather have half a strand left over than run short at midnight the night before.
1. Classic Poison Ivy Costume With Green Bodysuit
The classic version starts with a fitted green bodysuit over opaque green tights. Sew or glue artificial ivy around the neckline, waist, hips and outer legs in loose trails rather than covering every inch; bare stretches of green are what make the vines read as vines. On a bodysuit I hand-stitch each leaf at its stem only, so the fabric can still stretch underneath. Elbow-length green gloves and leafy ankle cuffs extend the theme. A long, wavy red wig gives the character her contrast, with emerald shadow, black liner, rosy cheeks and berry lipstick. Carry one oversized artificial rose or a short trailing vine. Green ankle boots or low block heels keep attention on the leaves, and it's an easy base to adjust for any body type.
2. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Corset And Skirt
A green corset with a layered tulle skirt gives you a romantic Ivy that moves when you walk. Pick a knee-length or full-length skirt in forest green and scatter ivy along the corset seams, the waistband and the top of the skirt. Tulle doesn't take glue well, since it soaks through the holes and stiffens a patch, so I tack leaves on with a few stitches instead. Green tights underneath add warmth and coverage. Loose red curls with two light vine strands woven through like a crown, shimmering green shadow, soft brows and deep rose lipstick handle the face. Leaf earrings and long green gloves add detail without crowding. A small bouquet of artificial greenery tied with ribbon, and green ballet flats or steady block heels, finish it.
3. Easy DIY Poison Ivy Costume With Green Dress
When time is short, a plain green dress does most of the work. A fitted midi, skater or wrap dress gives a clean shape before anything is added. Pin or stitch ivy around one shoulder, across the waist and down one side of the skirt; keeping it to one side looks deliberate and needs fewer vines. Wear a red wig, or color your own hair for the night with red hair wax, then add a leafy headband. Hair wax marks pillowcases and pale collars, so pair it with a dark neckline. Green liner, mascara, a glowing blush and berry lips make quick makeup. A small watering can full of artificial flowers is a cheerful prop, and green flats, loafers or ankle boots keep it practical for a school event or last-minute plans.
4. Glam Poison Ivy Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
An emerald sequin jumpsuit already does plenty, so go light on the ivy. Pick a long-sleeve or sleeveless style you can sit in, then place leaves only around the shoulders, beltline, wrists and ankles. Sequins are hard to sew through, so I slide the needle between them or attach the vines to a ribbon band that ties on. A voluminous red wig with brushed-out waves and a slim vine headpiece, plus metallic green shadow, sharp winged liner, luminous skin and raspberry lipstick, gives you the glam face. Carry a glittering artificial flower or a leaf-trimmed green clutch. Emerald platforms or block-heel ankle boots keep the color running head to toe, and it suits anyone who wants drama without a leotard or dress.
5. Modest Poison Ivy Costume With Green Maxi Dress
A long green maxi dress makes a modest Ivy that still reads clearly. Look for a high neckline, long sleeves and a flowing skirt in emerald, olive or forest green. Drape vines over the shoulders and around the waist, and let one strand run diagonally toward the hem. A wide leafy belt shapes the waist without losing coverage. Wear a shoulder-length red wig, or put longer red hair in a low braided crown, with soft green shadow, mascara, natural blush and a muted berry lip. Long skirts drag their lowest leaves along the floor, so stop that diagonal vine a few inches above the hem. Leaf earrings, a small artificial arrangement and green flats or closed-toe boots finish a version that fits family events and workplaces.
6. Poison Ivy Costume With Cape And Leotard
A sweeping cape adds movement to the leotard version. Build the base with a green leotard over opaque tights or leggings and add leaves around the neckline, waist and leg openings. The cape can be sheer green, lace or lightweight velvet falling below the knee, with leafy clusters on the shoulders. Weight matters here: heavy clusters drag a cape backward against your throat, so keep the shoulder leaves small and stitch them close to the neckline. Style a bright red wig in big waves under a thin vine crown, with emerald shadow, defined lashes and a berry lip. Green opera gloves add drama, a large artificial bloom is a light prop, and green knee-high boots or supportive ankle boots finish it. The cape adds coverage and swings nicely in pictures.
7. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Pantsuit
A tailored pantsuit swaps the fantasy shape for something sharp. Wear an emerald blazer and matching trousers over a green camisole, fitted tee or bodysuit, and wind ivy around one lapel, across a shoulder and down the opposite trouser leg. Leave the rest clean so the vine stands out. If it's a suit you want to keep, I'd sew the vine to the lapel with long loose stitches that snip out afterward. A sleek red bob wig, a green smoky eye and berry lipstick give it a modern face. Leaf earrings, green gloves and a structured bag with a small vine add detail, and a botanical notebook or plant specimen makes a good prop. Pointed green flats, loafers or block heels keep it office-party ready.
8. Poison Ivy Costume With Velvet Mini Dress
Green velvet gives the look depth without any tricky construction. Pick a long-sleeve velvet mini dress, or layer a sleeveless one over a fitted green top, with opaque tights. Place ivy around the neckline, cuffs, waist and hem, plus a few burgundy artificial flowers for contrast. Velvet crushes under an iron and marks wherever glue soaks in, so stitch every leaf and never press it. Style a dark red wig with soft curls and pin small leaves near one temple. Blend olive and emerald shadow, add a little highlighter and finish with deep raspberry lips. A miniature topiary or vine-wrapped clutch makes a simple prop, and green knee-high boots balance the short hem on a cool autumn night.
9. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Tutu
The tutu version is pure fun. Pair a fitted green top with a full green tutu and matching tights, lightly cover the top with leaves, and set larger leaves around the tutu waistband so they look like an overskirt. Leave plenty of tulle showing; once leaves cover it, it loses its bounce. A curly red wig in a high ponytail with an ivy-covered hair tie, bright green shadow, pink blush and glossy berry lipstick suit the mood. Add leafy wrist cuffs and a light flower wand with no sharp edges. Green sneakers or ballet flats beat heels for dancing and walking. It adapts easily for teens and children, though for little ones I'd keep loose leaves away from the face, since kids tug at anything that tickles.
10. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Trench Coat
Cold weather doesn't have to hide your costume when the coat is the costume. Wrap artificial vines around the collar, shoulder tabs, belt and cuffs of a green trench, with a green turtleneck and matching leggings underneath so it still matches when the coat falls open. A long red wig with loose waves and a few leaves tucked behind one ear, plus green liner, softly smoked shadow and berry lipstick, means no face paint. Leaf earrings and a vine-wrapped umbrella, carried only for show, add detail, and forest-green knee-high boots ground it. I tie the vines onto a trench with thin green wire rather than sewing, so it goes back to being a raincoat in November. Every layer keeps you warm on a trick-or-treat route.
11. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Overalls
Green overalls make a casual garden Ivy you can thrift. Wear them over a fitted emerald long-sleeve shirt and trim the bib, straps, pockets and one leg with ivy. Roll the hems to show striped green socks or leafy ankle cuffs. Two loose red braids with small leaves tucked along them, green liner, freckles, rosy cheeks and a berry lip balm keep the face friendly. A light watering can filled with artificial flowers is a family-friendly prop, and gardening gloves trimmed with fabric leaves suit the outfit. Green or brown lace-up boots finish it. Denim is the easiest fabric on this list to sew leaves onto, so it's a good first project if you're new to a needle.
12. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Ball Gown
A green ball gown with a fitted bodice and sweeping skirt gives you the grand entrance. Attach ivy around the neckline and waist, then trail several vines down the skirt in uneven vertical lines, with a few fabric roses or dimensional leaves near the hem. Uneven is the point; vines hung in neat parallel lines look like stripes. A long red wig in polished waves suits an ornate leaf crown, with shimmering emerald shadow, soft lashes, luminous cheeks and rich berry lipstick. Long green gloves and leaf earrings match the scale of the dress. Carry a compact bouquet rather than a large prop, and hide comfortable green or metallic flats under the skirt for a costume ball or a portrait session.
13. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Sweater Dress
A sweater dress turns Ivy into something cozy. Choose a ribbed, cable-knit or plain knee-length style with opaque tights, then stitch ivy around the neckline, one sleeve and the opposite side of the hem for a balanced diagonal. Knit stretches as you move, so I sew leaves with a loose stitch and leave a little slack in the thread, or the fabric puckers. A wide green belt trimmed with leaves defines the waist. Style a copper-red wig in loose curls under a soft leafy headband, with olive shadow, brown liner, rosy blush and berry lipstick to suit the warm texture. A vine-wrapped plant book or a small basket of greenery, plus green or brown knee-high boots, keeps it recognizable without looking theatrical.
14. Poison Ivy Costume With Floral Green Romper
A romper is a simple one-piece base that's easy to decorate. Pick a tailored or flowy style with secure coverage and add ivy to the shoulders, waist and shorts hems, mixing in a handful of red fabric flowers to echo the hair. Opaque tights add coverage or warmth. Style a bright red wig half-up with vines wrapped around the gathered section, plus green graphic liner, soft gold shimmer and a satin berry lip. Leaf cuffs and a small terrarium make the accessories, and plastic beats glass for a terrarium you'll carry all night. Green ankle boots or platform sneakers let you dance and walk between events.
15. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Catsuit
A green catsuit is a bold base that covers more than a bodysuit and tights. Pick an opaque, long-sleeve style you can move in, then run vines along the shoulders, sides, wrists and calves. A leaf-covered belt breaks up the solid green and gives the eye a center. Check the catsuit's opacity in daylight before adding anything, because thin green stretch fabric often turns sheer at the seat and knees. A long red wig in smooth waves or a high ponytail, green shadow blended out toward the temples, defined black liner and glossy berry lips handle the face. Leaf ear cuffs and long gloves add texture, a small artificial orchid makes a light prop, and green combat boots or flexible ankle boots keep your footing.
16. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Leather Jacket
A green faux-leather jacket with a black top and fitted green pants gives the character an edge. Decorate the lapels, shoulders and back panel with ivy and leave the sleeves mostly bare so you can move your arms. Faux leather keeps every needle hole, so I glue the leaves on with a flexible fabric glue here instead of sewing. A leafy belt and green fingerless gloves link the separates, and a tousled side-parted red wig suits the rebellious shape. Dark green smoky shadow, strong liner, sculpted cheeks and burgundy lipstick finish the face. Pin a 'Leaf Me Alone' message to a tote for a joke prop that leaves the jacket untouched. Black or green combat boots suit anyone who'd rather wear streetwear they can stand in all night.
17. Poison Ivy Costume With Crochet Green Set
Crochet puts texture front and center. Wear a green crochet top and skirt over a fully lined green camisole and shorts or a fitted slip, because open stitches show everything underneath. Sew leaves around the neckline, waist and one side of the skirt, and let a few vine strands dangle so they swing as you walk. Crochet is the easiest base here for adding leaves, since you can push a wire stem straight through a stitch and twist it closed. Style a copper-red wig in loose beachy waves with tiny leaves near the crown, plus sage shimmer, fluttery lashes, peach blush and raspberry lipstick. A woven handbag wrapped in vines, and green lace-up sandals or closed-toe flats depending on the weather, finish it.
18. Poison Ivy Costume With Green High-Low Dress
A high-low dress moves well and keeps your shoes on show. Choose green chiffon or satin with a shorter front and longer back, trim the neckline, waist and trailing hem with ivy, and wear green shorts or tights underneath. Chiffon snags and pulls easily, so pick light fabric-leaf vines; heavy plastic garland drags chiffon out of shape. A long red wig with one side braided back keeps the hair from fighting the skirt. Emerald shadow, luminous highlighter, defined lashes and a classic berry lip suit it. Add a leafy upper-arm cuff, small vine earrings and one oversized flower with a ribbon-wrapped stem. Since the short front shows them off, green lace-up boots or decorated block heels deserve some attention.
19. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Peplum Top
A structured green peplum top with slim matching pants gives a defined shape and full coverage. The flared peplum already looks like layered foliage, so it needs less decoration: small leaves along the neckline and peplum edge, and one vine down a trouser leg. A shoulder-length red wig with polished curls and a side-swept front, green shadow along the lash line, soft blush and cranberry lipstick keep it clean. Elbow-length gloves with leaf appliques and a small potted artificial plant in a light container suit it. Green pointed flats or low block heels keep it tailored. I find this the easiest outfit here to wear again, since the leaves come off the peplum edge with a few snips.
20. Poison Ivy Costume With Leafy Green Cloak
A hooded cloak turns simple base layers into a forest costume. Wear a fitted green tunic, leggings and ankle boots, then cover the cloak's shoulders, hood and front edges with mixed artificial leaves in several shades of green so the surface looks dimensional rather than flat. A hood covered in leaves gets heavy and slides back, so I keep them to the hood's edge and add a hidden snap at the front. Let a wavy red wig spill out from under the hood with a small braid on one side. Mossy shadow, soft liner, berry blush and muted red lipstick suit the woods. Leaf brooches fasten the cloak, a vine-wrapped journal is a practical prop, and flat green or brown boots keep you steady while the cloak keeps you warm.
21. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Flared Pants
Emerald flared pants and a fitted green mock-neck top give Ivy a retro update. Put ivy around the neckline, cuffs, waistband and the outer seams of the pants, and add a cropped green vest with a few larger leaves if you want another layer. Keep leaves off the lower flare itself, because they catch on each other and on your shoes as the hems swing. A long red wig with brushed-out waves and a center part, sparkling green shadow, soft winged liner, peach blush and glossy berry lips suit the era. Oversized leaf earrings and a round green bag wrapped with a thin vine add detail. Platform boots in green, tan or gold balance the wide hems, and the whole outfit is easy to dance in.
22. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Utility Jumpsuit
A green utility jumpsuit gives Ivy a modern plant-research angle. Choose a belted style and attach ivy to the collar, shoulders, pockets and one ankle, plus embroidered flower patches or removable leaf pins. Iron-on patches peel away from a jumpsuit that gets washed often, so stitch around their edges if you plan to keep them. Roll the sleeves and wear green gloves with fabric leaves at the cuffs. A red high ponytail with a thin vine wrapped around the base keeps hair out of your way, and green liner, neutral shadow, natural blush and berry lipstick keep the face fresh. A light field notebook, magnifying glass or labeled plant sample is a harmless prop, and hiking-style boots or sturdy sneakers handle a long event.
23. Poison Ivy Costume With Pink And Green Dress
Swapping to a pink dress changes the palette while the green vines keep it clearly Ivy. Choose a dusty rose, berry or bright pink midi dress and arrange ivy around the shoulders, waist and skirt, with several pink fabric flowers among the leaves so the contrast looks planned. A vivid red wig in loose waves with a green leafy crown suits it. Keep pink and green shadow on separate parts of the lid; blended together they turn a muddy brown, which is why I leave a clean edge between them. Rosy blush and berry lipstick finish the face. Carry pink artificial roses with trailing greenery, and anchor it with green block heels or ankle boots.
24. Poison Ivy Costume With Black And Green Outfit
Black clothing makes green leaves pop, and black separates are easier to find than green ones. Start with a black long-sleeve bodysuit or fitted top and black pants, then run sweeping lines of ivy across the torso, arms, hips and legs. A green corset-style belt or fitted vest sets the main color. Dark green on black disappears in dim light, so pick a brighter, more yellow-green vine for this version and save it for a well-lit room. A deep red wig with textured waves and a narrow leaf crown, dark emerald shadow, crisp liner, subtle highlight and burgundy lipstick look dramatic but family-friendly. A black clutch with a cluster of vines, green gloves and green ankle boots keep the black from taking over.
25. Poison Ivy Costume With White Botanical Dress
A white dress is an unexpected canvas for green vines and colorful flowers. Choose a modest fit-and-flare or long-sleeve midi, then trail ivy from one shoulder across the waist and down the skirt, with green leaves at the cuffs and hem and a few red fabric roses. Test your vines on a white scrap first, since cheaply dyed leaves can bleed green onto white fabric if they get damp. A copper-red wig in a soft braided updo with tiny leaves woven in, pale green shadow, rosy cheeks and cranberry lipstick keep it luminous. A leafy waist sash and a white basket of greenery suit it, and green ballet flats or low heels ground the pale dress for a fresh greenhouse take that keeps the red hair and vines.
26. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Shorts And Tights
High-waisted green shorts, opaque tights and a fitted long-sleeve top make an easy outfit to move in. Put leaves around the top's neckline and shoulders and add vine details to the shorts pockets and the outer legs of the tights. Tights ladder when you sew through them, so I glue those leaves to a strip of green ribbon and pin the ribbon at the waistband instead. A green capelet or short leafy shoulder piece adds coverage. Wear a curly red wig half-up with an ivy clip, plus emerald liner, soft green shadow, rosy blush and berry gloss. A small vine-wrapped purse holds your things and doubles as the prop, and green combat boots or flat ankle boots handle a crowded party or an outdoor event.
27. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Pencil Dress
A fitted green pencil dress gives a sleek, polished base. Choose a knee-length style with some stretch, then attach ivy around the neckline, one shoulder and one side seam, continuing the vine toward the hem to lengthen the line. Keep that vine flat to the dress; anything that sticks out from a pencil skirt catches on chair backs. A smooth red wig in structured waves with a small leaf clip above one ear, precise green liner, neutral shimmer, soft contour and rich berry lips suit it. Long gloves with leafy cuffs and a structured green handbag with one artificial flower finish the accessories, and green pointed flats or low block heels keep it right for an office party.
28. Poison Ivy Costume With Hooded Green Dress
A hooded green dress mixes fantasy with comfortable coverage. Pick a long-sleeve skater or maxi style with a soft hood and stitch ivy along the hood's edge, the shoulders, waist and hem, with a braided green belt trailing leaves. Let long red curls frame your face from under the hood, and keep the crown of the wig smooth so the fabric sits naturally. Pin the wig firmly at the nape, or the hood drags it backward every time you turn your head. Sage and emerald shadow, soft lashes, a glowing blush and raspberry lipstick suit it. Leaf earrings, a small basket of artificial herbs and green lace-up or flat knee-high boots make it a good choice for outdoor events and cold evenings.
29. Poison Ivy Costume With Green Blazer Dress
A green blazer dress gives the character a confident, modern edge. Choose a knee-length style, or layer a long blazer over fitted green shorts and opaque tights. Attach vines to one lapel, both cuffs, the waist and one side of the hem, with a leaf-covered belt to hold the shape and add coverage. Blazer dresses gape at the front when you sit, so I'd sew a hidden snap between the buttons. A sleek red ponytail or long straight red wig contrasts with the tailoring. Graphic green liner, brushed brows, glowing skin and a bold berry lip finish the face, and a structured mini bag with ivy plus small leaf earrings keep it consistent. Green knee-high or pointed ankle boots suit a stylish indoor party.
30. Plus Size Poison Ivy Costume With Wrap Dress
A green wrap dress adjusts to your body as the night goes on, which makes it my first suggestion for a plus-size Ivy. Choose a midi or maxi length with secure coverage and trim the neckline, sleeves and skirt edge with ivy, adding leaves only to the ends of the waist tie so you can still retie it. Run the vines in long diagonal lines that follow the wrap; bunched clusters add bulk where you may not want it. Style a long red wig in soft face-framing waves with a flexible leaf crown, and blend emerald shadow with warm neutrals, defined lashes, glowing blush and berry lipstick. Leaf earrings, green gloves and a vine-wrapped clutch suit it, with supportive block heels, ankle boots or dressy flats, whichever feels best.
Can You Stick Leaves Straight Onto Your Skin?
Yes, with the right adhesive and a test first. Several of these looks put small leaves at the temple, along the cheekbone or across the collarbone, and that's exactly where costume plans tend to end in a red, itchy patch.
- Use an adhesive made for skin: a cosmetic lash glue for tiny leaves, or a costume-grade skin adhesive for larger ones. Craft glue and hot glue never go on skin.
- Patch-test the adhesive on the inside of your wrist a day ahead and check for redness before you commit to your face.
- Trim leaves small for the face. Big ones lift at the edges as soon as you smile or talk.
- Take them off slowly with the remover made for that adhesive, or an oil cleanser for lash glue. Never peel a leaf off dry.
Stopping the red wig and the vines from tangling
Synthetic red wigs and vine crowns fight each other if you simply push one onto the other. Leaf stems snag the fibers, and by the end of the night there's a knot at the crown. I wrap the base of a crown in ribbon so no bare wire touches the wig, then pin it through the wig cap rather than through the hair. Detangle only with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upward, and keep the wig away from candles and heaters, since synthetic fiber frizzes and can melt near heat.
Every Version Starts With Green and Red
Each look here begins with a green base and builds the character through red hair, artificial vines, a few botanical accessories, makeup and shoes you can walk in. The theme moves easily from a bodysuit to a ball gown, a sweater dress, a suit, overalls or a wrap dress, so go with the one that fits the event, the weather and how much coverage you want. Stitch or tie every leaf securely, patch-test any makeup or adhesive before the day, and stick to clean artificial foliage. Then make sure you can walk, sit and enjoy the night in it, because a costume you keep fixing is the one you remember for the wrong reasons.
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