Katherine Pierce is one of the easiest characters to dress for Halloween, because she lives in fitted black clothes and lets her hair and attitude do the rest. Her wardrobe is leather jackets, close-cut dresses, heeled boots, big brunette curls and polished vampire makeup, with the black lace masquerade dress and the 1864 gowns as the fan favorites. I build most of her looks from thrift-store finds and closet basics, then spend the effort on curls, a vintage-looking ring and one good mask. Each idea below covers clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and a prop. Some are full nineteenth-century drama; most are modern and easy to wear for hours.
Her Curls Have to Last Longer Than the Party
Every look on this list leans on the same hair: long, glossy brunette curls with lift at the crown and polish through the ends. Clothes vary; the hair doesn't. The trouble is that big curls drop within an hour on fine or straight hair, and then the costume just looks like a black dress.
- Start on dry hair with a light mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths.
- Curl in fairly large sections with a wand or barrel, all in the same direction, away from the face.
- Pin each curl up in a loop while it's still warm and let it cool completely. This cooling step is what makes curls hold.
- Release, then brush through with a paddle or boar-bristle brush so the spirals melt into her soft, full waves.
- Tease a little at the crown, smooth the top layer over it, and finish with a flexible-hold spray.
If your hair won't hold a curl or isn't dark, a long wavy brunette wig is the safer bet. Most synthetic fiber can't take a curling iron, so buy one already waved, brush it from the ends up, and dust it with dry shampoo to cut the plastic shine. Pin it well at the nape and behind the ears so it survives dancing.
1. Katherine Pierce Masquerade Outfit
The masquerade look is the one most fans recognize first. Start with a fitted black lace cocktail dress at or above the knee, sheer black tights and pointed pumps or comfortable block heels. The mask is what makes it hers, so I'd pick a delicate black filigree one and test it before the night; metal filigree masks press on the bridge of the nose, and a strip of felt glued inside the nose curve fixes that. Brush big curls out for volume at the crown. Charcoal smoky eyes, defined brows and a deep berry lip, with a vintage-looking ring on one hand. Carry a single silk rose or an antique-style clutch rather than anything gory.
2. Katherine Pierce 1864 Burgundy Gown Outfit
Burgundy is the warmest of her 1864 colors, dramatic without going full black. A floor-length Victorian-style gown with a fitted bodice, modest neckline, full skirt and black lace trim is the goal. A thrifted formal dress gets surprisingly close over a petticoat, with a wide satin ribbon at the waist to fake the period waistline. Brunette curls go half-up, with ringlets left at the shoulders. Rosy cheeks, brown liner and a muted berry lip read as period makeup. Black or burgundy ankle boots, a cameo, lace gloves and a folding fan finish it. Full skirts take up space, so this suits an indoor party where you can move without a crowd.
3. Katherine Pierce 1864 Blue Floral Gown Outfit
The dusty blue floral gown is her softest historical look. Find a maxi with a structured bodice, puffed sleeves and a wide skirt; small florals, lace edging and ribbon details sell the nineteenth century far better than a big modern print. A light hoop or layered petticoat adds volume. Hoops swing out further than you think, so I check the hem clears my boots when walking and that I can still get through a doorway. Pin the top of the curls back with a blue ribbon. Luminous skin, softly lined eyes and rose lips, with buttoned ankle boots, pearl drops, a cameo brooch and a small parasol or fabric-covered journal.
4. Katherine Pierce 1864 Cream Carriage Dress Outfit
Cream and champagne make an elegant version of her arrival-era clothes. Begin with a floor-length cream dress with long sleeves, a fitted waist and a tiered or gathered skirt. If you're making it yourself, brown or black ribbon trim sewn along the tiers turns a plain vintage gown into something period. Cream marks easily at the hem, so I pin it an inch higher than I'd like for a modern dress. A short velvet capelet adds depth and warmth in October. Full barrel curls with two front pieces pulled back loosely, natural skin, warm brown shadow and a satin rose lip. Low lace-up boots, a pendant, small gloves and an old-fashioned travel bag.
5. Katherine Pierce Black Victorian Gown Outfit
The black Victorian gown is her moodiest historical costume. Look for a full-length gown with fitted sleeves and a sweeping skirt, ideally with lace panels, covered buttons or a high neck. A black corset belt gives a shapeless dress the structure it's missing. I'd lace a corset belt firm but not tight; you should be able to sit and eat with it on. Long curls go loosely half-up. Smoky brown eyes, strong lashes, contour and a dark plum lip give vampire drama without fake blood. Lace-up boots, a velvet choker, drop earrings and lace gloves. Because it's all one color, pieces from different shops still match.
6. Katherine Pierce Leather Jacket Outfit
A cropped black leather jacket, dark skinny jeans and tall heeled boots say modern Katherine faster than anything else. Underneath, wear a black lace-trim camisole or a fitted scoop-neck top. Her curls are always polished, never beachy, so I set them and brush them out rather than scrunching. Charcoal shadow, winged liner, sculpted cheeks and berry lipstick. A vintage-style ring and simple pendant are the character details people look for, and a small black bag or an antique-looking key makes an easy prop. Block heels if you'll walk; flat knee boots keep the same line if your feet come first.
7. Katherine Pierce Black Corset And Pants Outfit
The black corset and pants combination is bold and still easy to dance in. Choose a structured corset-style top with lace or satin panels, then add high-waisted black trousers or stretch skinny pants. A cropped leather jacket goes over the top once the evening cools. Curl from mid-length down and lightly tease the crown so the volume sits high. Smoky eyes, sculpted cheeks and a deep red lip. Pointed ankle boots or sturdy platforms. I check a corset top in a seated position before buying, since many dig into the ribs the moment you sit. Carry a small masquerade mask so people place the character without a gown.
8. Katherine Pierce Red Corset And Black Skirt Outfit
Red and black bring the vampire energy straight away. Start with a dark red corset-style top, ideally with black lace edging or a brocade texture, and pair it with a high-waisted black midi skirt that moves but isn't too full. Sheer tights and fitted ankle boots. Glossy curls with one side pinned back in a vintage barrette. Black liner, a muted red shadow and a wine lip that matches the top. I keep red lipstick close in tone to the corset, because two clashing reds look like a mistake in photos. A black velvet choker, an ornate ring and a lace fan or mask. Skip theatrical extras and let the shape and color do the work.
9. Katherine Pierce Leather And Silk Dress Outfit
Her leather-and-silk dress mixes a sleek leather bodice with a softer skirt. Look for a black mini or knee-length dress with a faux-leather top and a chiffon, satin or crepe skirt. If you can't find one, a cropped faux-leather bustier over a simple black slip dress works well. Faux leather is heavy and the slip is slippery, so I add a couple of hand stitches at the side seams to keep the bustier from riding up. Glossy curls with a deep side part, taupe smoky eyes and a plum lip. Pointed pumps or heeled ankle boots, a statement ring, a fine pendant and an envelope clutch or mask.
10. Katherine Pierce Black Blazer Outfit
Need a Katherine look that passes for real clothes? Wear a fitted black blazer over a satin camisole with slim black pants. The blazer should nip in at the waist; a boxy one loses her shape completely. Pointed pumps, heeled boots or polished loafers, whatever you can walk in. Controlled curls with extra volume at the face, brown-black smoky shadow, sharp liner and berry lipstick. A vintage ring, a small pendant and a black clutch, then a removable lace mask for photos. This is the one I'd choose for a work party or a restaurant, where a corset or full gown would feel too much.
11. Katherine Pierce Black Lace Top Outfit
A fitted black lace top becomes a full Katherine costume with the right pieces around it. Wear it over a lined camisole, so the lace reads as texture rather than skin, with high-waisted black skinny jeans or tailored trousers. A short faux-leather jacket adds the modern vampire edge, and pointed heeled boots keep it sleek. Curl hair into big spirals and brush them gently into soft waves. Smoky gray eyes, precise liner and dark berry lips. A black stone pendant, an ornate ring and small hoops, with a fan or envelope clutch. Keep everything else plain and black so the lace stays the focus.
12. Katherine Pierce Black Mini Dress Outfit
A simple black mini dress turns into Katherine through hair, makeup and accessories. Pick one with long sleeves, lace detail or a structured neckline, then add sheer tights and knee-high boots with a heel you can manage. The curls want real crown volume, so I back-comb the roots a little at the crown before pinning in the shape. Charcoal and brown smoky eyes, sculpted cheeks and wine lipstick. A vintage ring, a fine necklace and small earrings, plus an ornate black mask to hold up for photos. Throw on a cropped leather jacket outdoors.
13. Katherine Pierce Purple Corset Outfit
Deep purple is a colorful change from her usual black while keeping the vampire mood. Choose a plum corset-style top with lace trim, worn with fitted black pants or a long black skirt, and add a cropped velvet jacket if you want warmth. Defined, bouncy curls with a few face-framing pieces. Blend plum and charcoal shadow, but keep the edges soft; purple shadow turns bruise-like if it isn't blended out well. Berry lips, contour and dark lashes. Black heeled boots, an antique pendant and an ornate ring, with a lace fan or mask. Purple stands apart in a room full of black costumes.
14. Katherine Pierce Blue Fitted Dress Outfit
A fitted dark blue dress shows Katherine's glamorous side without the all-black uniform. Go for a body-skimming knee-length or midi with lace sleeves, ruching or a structured neckline. A cropped leather jacket and black pointed pumps bring back her sharper edge. Loose, glossy curls with plenty of volume. Navy or charcoal shadow, black liner, rosy blush and a muted berry lip. An antique pendant, a decorative ring and a small black clutch, with a lace mask to carry. Navy can look black at night, so I pick a brighter dark blue that still reads as blue under party lighting. It suits a semi-formal party where an obvious costume would feel out of place.
15. Katherine Pierce White Blouse And Black Pants Outfit
A white blouse is a crisp contrast to her dark wardrobe. Choose a fitted button-front with puffed sleeves, lace cuffs or a soft ruffle at the neck, tucked into high-waisted black trousers with a slim belt or corset belt. Pointed ankle boots with a stable heel. Without the right hair and makeup, this outfit is just office wear, so the curls, smoky eyes, berry lips and sculpted cheeks matter more here than in any other look. A cameo brooch at the collar, an ornate ring and small drops, with an antique-style journal or folded fan. It mixes historical and modern pieces and is simple to thrift.
16. Katherine Pierce Denim Jacket And Black Dress Outfit
For a relaxed gathering, pair a short black dress with a fitted dark-wash denim jacket. It keeps her sleek outline but feels less formal than leather and lace. A scoop-neck, wrap or long-sleeve dress all work, with opaque tights for warmth and heeled ankle boots or tall flat boots. The denim should be dark and fitted; a faded, oversized jacket pulls the whole look toward casual weekend clothes. Polished full curls, smoky brown eyes, defined brows and a deep rose lip. A vintage pendant, an ornate ring and a black shoulder bag, plus a small lace mask for photos. Every piece goes back into your wardrobe after Halloween.
17. Katherine Pierce Elena Impersonation Red Top Outfit
Katherine sometimes passes herself off as Elena, and a doppelganger disguise makes a clever costume. Wear a fitted burgundy or dark red long-sleeve top with dark skinny jeans and a black jacket, plus practical black boots. The joke is that she can't quite give up her own look, so I keep the curls big and the makeup polished: dark liner, soft smoky shadow, contour and berry lips. An antique pendant and ornate ring give her away. A small handwritten tag that flips between Elena and Katherine explains it without any other props. Keep the rest simple and let the gap between plain clothes and vampire glamour land the joke.
18. Katherine Pierce Elena Impersonation Tank Top Outfit
This version of the impersonation starts with a fitted jewel-tone tank, dark straight-leg jeans and a light black cardigan or casual jacket. The clothes borrow Elena's practical style, but the beauty stays Katherine. Curl the hair into big smooth waves with volume through the lengths. Smoky liner, defined lashes, bronzed cheeks and a dark rose lip. Low-heeled black ankle boots keep you comfortable for a long party. A tank in October is cold outside, so I'd add a fitted long-sleeve layer under the cardigan. An ornate ring, a delicate pendant and a lace mask or doppelganger name card make the reference clear.
19. Katherine Pierce Black Turtleneck And Leather Pants Outfit
On a cold October night, this is the Katherine with the most coverage. A fitted black turtleneck, high-waisted faux-leather pants and a cropped black moto jacket, with knee-high or heeled ankle boots. Big hair against a high neckline can look crowded, so I keep most of the curl volume below the shoulders. Graphite smoky eyes, black liner, sculpted cheeks and dark plum lips. Wear a pendant over the turtleneck with an ornate ring and quiet earrings, and carry a structured mini bag or mask. Mixing knit, leather and metal stops all that black from looking flat, and you'll stay warm at an outdoor party or parade.
20. Katherine Pierce Burgundy Velvet Dress Outfit
Velvet gives a modern dress the richness of a historical costume. Choose a fitted burgundy velvet midi with long sleeves, a square neckline or soft ruching, plus sheer black tights and lace-up ankle boots. Soft curls go into a half-up twist with a black ribbon or antique-style clip. Warm smoky eyes, defined lashes, contour and deep berry lips. A velvet choker, an ornate ring and small drops, with a lace fan or vintage clutch. Velvet marks where you press it and gathers lint, so I hang it in a steamy bathroom before dressing and keep a lint roller in my bag. The pile catches light well in photos.
21. Katherine Pierce Black Peplum Top Outfit
A structured peplum top gives you Katherine's sharp waist. Choose black lace, satin or faux leather and pair it with slim black trousers, pointed pumps or heeled ankle boots, and a cropped jacket if needed. Peplums only work when the waist seam sits at your natural waist; too low and it reads as a tunic, so check that first. Glossy curls with a deep side part, smoky eyes, precise liner and a cranberry lip. An ornate ring, a dark pendant and small studs, with a filigree mask or compact clutch. The peplum already makes the shape, so leave everything else unembellished.
22. Katherine Pierce Black Sequin Dress Outfit
Black sequins make a party version of her little black dress. Pick a fitted mini or knee-length style with long sleeves or a modest neckline and let the shine provide the drama. Sheer tights and simple black pumps keep it tidy. Large glam curls with smooth crown volume. Balance the sequins with smoky brown eyes, black mascara, contour and a satin berry lip; glitter shadow on top of sequins is too much. A vintage ring and a quiet pendant rather than big jewelry, with a delicate black masquerade mask. I check the inside of sequin sleeves for scratchy seams, and add gel insoles to the pumps for a long night.
23. Katherine Pierce Lace Bodysuit And Pants Outfit
A lined black lace bodysuit with high-waisted trousers is a streamlined Katherine that never needs tucking in. Choose long sleeves and enough coverage, then tailored pants or stretch cigarette trousers with a wide black belt and pointed boots. Check the snap closure before you buy, since flimsy snaps pop open when you dance. Soft curls with one side pinned behind the ear, a charcoal smoky eye, strong lashes and plum lipstick. An antique pendant, an ornate ring and small earrings, plus a cropped leather jacket for warmth. A lace mask or vintage journal makes the prop. The fitted layers stay put, which makes this good for an active party.
24. Katherine Pierce Faux Fur Coat Outfit
A black faux fur coat gives a modern Katherine some old-world luxury. Wear it over a fitted black midi or a lace camisole with slim trousers, plus opaque tights and heeled ankle boots. Pick a coat that stops at the hip or knee so the outfit still shows. Faux fur sheds onto black clothes, so I give the coat a good shake outdoors and a lint roll before wearing it over anything dark. Loose curls around the shoulders with a smooth side part, taupe smoky eyes, defined liner and dark berry lips. A vintage brooch, an ornate ring, a small black bag and a folding fan as a quiet historical nod. Best for outdoor October events.
25. Katherine Pierce Black Jumpsuit Outfit
A black jumpsuit is a one-piece base for modern Katherine. Choose a fitted style with a defined waist, tapered legs and a lace, satin or wrap-front bodice, then add a cropped leather jacket and pointed heeled boots. Torso length is the thing to check: if the crotch hangs low or pulls up, the jumpsuit won't sit right all night. Soft spiral curls brushed out for volume, smoky eyes, winged liner and a berry-red lip. An ornate ring, a pendant and small hoops, with a filigree mask or structured mini bag. No coordinating separates, and it's easy to switch to flats if your feet complain.
26. Katherine Pierce Victorian Riding Outfit
The Victorian riding look is the practical way into her historical wardrobe. A fitted black or deep burgundy jacket over a high-neck cream blouse, a long A-line skirt to the ankle and low-heeled black lace-up boots. A slim velvet ribbon or corset belt marks the waist. Structured curls with the top half pinned under a small decorative riding hat. I secure small hats with two long hat pins crossed through a pinned section of hair, since elastic alone lets them tip. Softly smoky eyes, rosy cheeks and a muted berry lip. Fitted gloves, a cameo brooch and an ornate ring, with a fan instead of riding gear. It's far easier to sit and walk in than a ball gown.
27. Katherine Pierce Dark Green Victorian Gown Outfit
Dark green is an unexpected jewel tone for her 1864 wardrobe. Look for a floor-length gown with a fitted bodice, full skirt and black lace or velvet trim. For a modern formal dress, add a petticoat, a ribbon belt and removable lace sleeves to push the shape toward the period. Long curls half-up with a velvet bow at the back. Brown smoky shadow, defined lashes, gentle blush and a deep rose lip. Black buttoned boots, a cameo necklace, drop earrings and lace gloves, with an antique-style book or fan. Green stands apart from all the black costumes at a party, and it pairs well with a burgundy friend.
28. Katherine Pierce Lavender Victorian Gown Outfit
Lavender gives a romantic, softer historical Katherine. Begin with a floor-length lavender or mauve gown with a fitted waist, modest neckline and layered skirt, then add cream lace trim, a satin sash and a light petticoat. Pastel satin water-spots, so I keep drinks well away from the skirt. Polished ringlets with the top pinned back in pearl clips. Soft plum shadow, thin liner, rosy blush and a berry-pink lip. Cream or brown lace-up boots, pearl drops, an ornate ring and a cameo pendant, with a lace fan or drawstring purse. The pale gown keeps it gentle; the dark curls and strong makeup keep it Katherine.
29. Katherine Pierce Last-Minute Closet Outfit
When Halloween arrives faster than expected, her costume is already in your closet. A fitted black top, dark skinny jeans, a black jacket and your sleekest ankle boots. They don't need to match perfectly, only to fit close and stay dark. Curl your hair or use a dark wavy wig with real volume, then add smoky liner, brows, contour and deep berry lips. Dig out a vintage-looking pendant and a statement ring. I cut a quick mask from black cardstock, back it with felt so the edges don't scratch, and tie it on with ribbon. The hair, makeup and mask turn ordinary black clothes into a deliberate Katherine.
30. Katherine Pierce Red Dress Outfit
The red dress is her most confident modern look. Choose a fitted crimson, wine or deep cherry dress with long sleeves, lace panels or a structured bodice, at knee or midi length. Black tights and pointed pumps or lace-up ankle boots. Large curls with polished crown volume, charcoal liner, soft shadow, sculpted cheeks and a dark red lip that matches the dress. A black velvet choker, an antique pendant, an ornate ring and a small black clutch. Carry a black lace mask to tie it back to the masquerade. Red and black photograph clearly, and nothing needs constructing.
Turning a Thrifted Formal Into an 1864 Gown
Several of her historical looks can start from a secondhand prom or bridesmaid dress. On the rack, I look past the color and judge the bones: a fitted bodice, a full skirt and enough length to reach the ankle. Modern details can be covered; a too-short hem can't be fixed.
- Petticoat first. A layered net petticoat or a small hoop under the skirt changes the whole silhouette and makes a plain formal look period at a glance.
- Cover a strapless or low neckline with a lace modesty panel or a chemise top underneath. Her gowns sit higher than most modern formals.
- Add sleeves that tie or snap in at the armhole, cut from lace or sheer fabric. Removable sleeves let the dress go back to normal afterward.
- Sew trim, never glue it. Lace and velvet ribbon tacked with a running stitch along tiers or the hem stays flat, while glue stiffens the fabric and peels.
- Mark the waist with a wide satin sash or velvet ribbon tied at the back. It hides a modern waist seam.
Walking, Sitting and Stairs in a Full Skirt
Try the finished gown with the boots you'll wear and walk up a flight of stairs. Hold the skirt at the sides when you climb, and pin the hem up if your toe catches it. A full skirt also flattens when you sit unless you lift it slightly behind you first, which takes a bit of practice. Keep candles and space heaters in mind, because net petticoats and lace go up fast.
Curls, a Ring and a Black Lace Mask
Katherine comes down to sleek clothes and a few finishing details she never skips. Voluminous brunette curls, smoky eyes, berry lipstick, vintage jewelry and confident posture can turn simple black basics into her. The masquerade dress is still the clearest pick, but leather jackets, corset tops, velvet and the 1864 gowns give you plenty of room. Get the outline right first, then choose shoes for the event, not the photo. Sleeve and skirt length, layering and heel height can all change to suit you without losing her, whether you thrift a historical gown or pull a last-minute look from your closet.
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