Penelope Eckart is the heroine of Villains Are Destined to Die, also published under a few related English titles, and her look rests on three anchors: vivid magenta hair, dramatic noble gowns and jewelry that never looks accidental. Her wardrobe gives you a lot to work with, from the black-and-burgundy dresses fans know on sight to hunting clothes and banquet gowns. I've written up each idea below with the dress, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes together, because a gown with the wrong wig just reads as a generic princess. Some are canon-inspired, others are fan-made variations you can put together from thrifted formalwear, fabric trim and costume jewelry, so pick by your sewing skill and how many hours you'll be on your feet.
Getting a Magenta Wig Through a Long Day
Every look below depends on the wig, so I sort it out before buying any fabric. Magenta varies a lot from wig to wig. Some lean hot pink, others lean purple, and both shift under indoor lighting. I check a new wig by a window in daylight and again under ordinary indoor bulbs, holding the main dress fabric next to it each time. If the pink fights the burgundy, the costume looks off even when the gown is perfect.
- Buy heat-resistant fiber if you plan to curl or straighten it. Standard synthetic fiber can frizz or melt near a hot tool, so test a hidden strand on low heat first.
- Long wigs tangle at the nape, where they rub against collars and capes. A low braid or a few pins there helps more than any spray.
- Detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, never from the root, and do it before and after each wear.
- A wig cap and a few bobby pins crossed in an X keep the wig from shifting, which matters most under a tiara or circlet.
- Store it on a wig head or loosely in a hairnet. Stuffed into a bag, the curls flatten and the fibers kink.
1. Penelope Cosplay With Black Striped Dress
This is the dress most people picture, so it's the one I'd make first. Look for a floor-length black dress with striped skirt panels, a fitted square-neck bodice and white ruffled trim, then run burgundy velvet down the center front; velvet gives the richness of embroidery without the hours. Attach a large bow at the back and a smaller one at the neckline, and tack both with a few hand stitches rather than glue, because a back bow gets leaned on every time you sit. A long magenta wig in loose waves, rosy blush and muted berry lipstick keep the face soft. Add a black ribbon choker, gemstone earrings and low-heeled Victorian-style boots, and carry a folding fan or an imitation game menu card so people place the character from across a hall.
2. Penelope Cosplay With Red Off-Shoulder Gown
Red is the easiest Penelope gown to find secondhand, since off-the-shoulder ball gowns with fitted waists and gathered skirts turn up constantly on formalwear racks. I add black lace accents and velvet ribbon around the neckline and waist, which pulls a prom dress toward her noble wardrobe. The thing I check first is the off-shoulder band: if it relies on its own elastic it will creep down all day, so I sew silicone gripper tape inside. Gather the wig in soft curls over one shoulder with gold hairpins, and keep the makeup to softly smoky eyes and deep rose lips. Black opera gloves, a ruby-style necklace, a small evening bag and black block heels you can walk in go with it. A calm, watchful expression does more for her guarded personality than any prop.
3. Penelope Cosplay With Black Birthday Gown
The black birthday gown is the most dramatic version here and also the hardest to wear. You want a full-length dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, layered skirt and fitted corset-style bodice, dressed with burgundy roses, black lace appliqués and a little gold trim at the waist. I'd honestly take a layered petticoat over a hoop for this one. A hoop gives the better silhouette, but in a crowded venue it swings into people and won't fold into a chair. Style the wig in polished waves under a small black-and-gold tiara, with softly defined eyes and wine-colored lips. A jeweled choker, drop earrings, black gloves and closed-toe heels suit it, and a wrapped gift box or birthday invitation beats anything oversized.
4. Penelope Cosplay With Burgundy Hunting Outfit
If you want to move freely, build the hunting look. It reads clearly without weapon-shaped props, which also spares you the prop rules many events have. Layer a high-neck cream blouse under a fitted burgundy riding jacket, then add slim black trousers or a divided riding skirt and knee-high brown boots. Gold buttons and shoulder trim are what make the jacket look aristocratic rather than off-the-peg equestrian, so spend your effort there. I pull the wig into a high ponytail tied with black ribbon and keep the makeup natural, with defined brows and a subtle liner that won't melt outdoors. Brown gloves, a narrow belt, a small leather map case and a competition ribbon pinned to the jacket give the hunting-event reference.
5. Penelope Cosplay With Yellow Floral Gown
Yellow is tricky next to magenta hair, so I keep this dress in a deeper marigold or golden yellow; a pale lemon makes both colors look harsh. Look for puff sleeves, a fitted bodice and a flowing floor-length skirt, then add black lace at the neckline and floral appliqués down one side of the skirt. The burgundy sash is the piece I wouldn't skip, because it ties a bright dress back to her darker palette. Wear the wig in loose curls with two twisted sections pinned behind the head, with warm gold shadow, peach blush and berry-pink lips. A black cameo necklace, small gold earrings and burgundy flats or low heels go with it. A folded letter closed with a decorative seal hints at the dangerous choices around her.
6. Penelope Cosplay With Emerald Green Dress
Emerald and magenta sit almost opposite each other on the color wheel, which is why this fan-made gown looks so vivid next to the wig. Start with a long medieval-inspired dress with a square neckline, fitted sleeves and a gently flared skirt, then add black velvet panels on the bodice and gold ribbon at the cuffs. If you want a train, make it detachable with hooks or snaps. You'll want it for photos and nowhere else, since a train gets stepped on in every queue. Smooth waves, a jeweled gold comb above one ear, crisp liner and a berry lip keep the face balanced. Black pointed flats, an antique-style pendant and a small embroidered handkerchief or closed book are all this beginner-friendly build needs.
7. Penelope Cosplay With White And Silver Gown
White and silver give Penelope an almost ethereal look, a nice contrast with how calculating she is. Choose an ivory floor-length gown with sheer sleeves, silver floral embroidery and a structured waist. The pale gray underskirt matters more than it sounds: without it an ivory gown reads as bridalwear, and with it the skirt gains depth. Pin the wig half-up with curls down the back, using silver leaves or crystal pins instead of a crown. Cool-toned shadow, luminous skin and mauve lipstick suit the palette, along with a silver choker and ivory low heels. Carry a silver-trimmed invitation or hand mirror, and keep a lint roller in your bag, because shed magenta wig fibers show on white fabric all day.
8. Penelope Cosplay With Navy Trial Dress
This one is for her tense court and trial scenes, and it relies on posture as much as fabric. A high-neck Victorian gown in dark navy with long sleeves, fitted cuffs and a full skirt is the base, with black velvet panels on the bodice, silver buttons and a narrow burgundy ribbon at the throat. I keep the wig sleek and partly pinned back here, since soft ballroom curls would undercut the controlled feeling. Defined liner, muted blush and a cool berry lip suit it. Black gloves, a silver brooch, a slim document folder and comfortable lace-up boots under the skirt finish the outfit. Stand straight, hold the folder firmly and keep your face calm, as if she's ready to defend herself.
9. Penelope Cosplay With Purple Velvet Gown
Purple velvet catches light in a way flat fabrics can't, so this gown reads rich even under harsh hall lighting. Pick a plum dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, pointed waist and layered skirt. If you're sewing it, use velvet on the bodice only and satin or taffeta below. A full velvet skirt is heavy and hot, and the pile creeps under the machine foot when you hem it. Trim the neckline with black lace, tiny gold beads or removable floral appliqués. Brush the wig into big waves pinned on one side with a jeweled comb, with smoky plum shadow and berry lips. A black velvet choker, gold drop earrings, low black heels and a dark folding fan round out a costume with nothing fragile to transport.
10. Penelope Cosplay With Pink Rose Banquet Dress
Dusty rose is a fun contrast with Penelope's guarded personality, and it still fits her extravagant wardrobe. Look for a ball gown with a corset-style bodice, short puff sleeves and a wide layered skirt, then add burgundy roses along the neckline and trailing down one hip. The black ribbon at the waist keeps it from turning into a sweet princess dress, so don't leave it out. Curl the wig half-up with tiny rose hairpins, and wear rosy shadow, fluttery lashes and a deep rose lip. A black gemstone necklace, matching earrings and burgundy low heels suit it, with a small embroidered fan or invitation card. I'd save this one for indoor and formal events, because fabric roses crush fast in a crowd.
11. Penelope Cosplay With Blue Crystal Dress
Sapphire blue gives the magenta wig room to stand out and lends Penelope a wintery feel. Choose a long dress with a wide neckline, fitted bodice and lightly gathered skirt, and add crystal-style trim at the neckline, cuffs and waist. I keep that trim light on purpose. Heavy rhinestone banding drags a thin neckline down and scratches the inside of your arms by the afternoon. A sheer blue capelet adds movement without hiding the gown's shape. Neat curls with a silver headband, silver-gray shadow, black liner and berry lipstick suit the cool palette, along with crystal earrings and navy block heels. A small blue book or decorative envelope is an easy prop to hold.
12. Penelope Cosplay With Black And Red Banquet Dress
Black with red keeps this banquet look tight and recognizable without any oversized props. Look for a floor-length black dress with deep red side panels, a square neckline and gently puffed sleeves, then add red velvet ribbon at the waist and black lace across the upper bodice. A removable bustle or overskirt adds volume for photos; I attach mine with skirt hooks so it comes off before I sit down to eat. Pull the front of the wig back with dark jeweled pins and let the rest fall in glossy waves. Sharp liner, soft contour and rich berry lipstick go with a red gemstone necklace, black gloves and closed-toe block heels, plus a formal invitation or small fan in hand.
13. Penelope Cosplay With Ivory And Gold Dress
For cosplayers who prefer lighter colors, ivory and gold give a refined noble look. Begin with an empire or medieval-inspired ivory gown with long sheer sleeves and a gently fitted waist, and run gold braid around the neckline, cuffs and hem. Sew that braid on by hand or with a narrow zigzag; fabric glue stiffens and shows through sheer fabric as a dark line. A champagne cape held at the shoulders with small brooches makes the silhouette more regal. Let the wig fall in loose waves under a delicate gold circlet, keep the makeup soft with champagne shadow and muted rose lips, and wear cream flats. A rolled proclamation tied with burgundy ribbon suits both an indoor event and an outdoor fantasy shoot.
14. Penelope Cosplay With Teal Evening Gown
Teal flatters a pale complexion and the bright wig at the same time. Choose an evening gown with a wide neckline, fitted velvet bodice and flowing satin skirt, then add black beaded trim at the sleeves and a burgundy ribbon belt for contrast. The short shoulder cape is the clever part: fixed with gold clips, it comes off when the room heats up, and busy event halls always do. Side-parted waves with a small gold comb suit it. Go easy on the teal-gray shadow, since too much of it beside magenta hair looks costume-shop; mascara, rosy cheeks and berry lips do the rest. Gold drop earrings, a dark pendant, black low heels and a closed gold-detailed fan finish a gown that's far simpler to assemble than a layered ball gown.
15. Penelope Cosplay With Lavender Tea Dress
The lavender tea dress is a softer, daytime Penelope that still has enough detail to read as cosplay. A mid-calf or ankle-length dress with puff sleeves, a fitted waist and lace layers is the base; add black velvet ribbon at the neckline and burgundy floral appliqués near the hem. I like this length for long days because you never step on your own skirt on stairs or escalators. Curl the wig loosely and pin it half-up with a lavender bow or jeweled barrette. Lilac shadow, thin liner and raspberry lipstick suit it, with a cameo necklace, lace gloves and black or burgundy Mary Janes. A teacup prop or a small bundle of letters gives your hands something to do in poses.
16. Penelope Cosplay With Winter Cape And Gown
If your event is outdoors in cold weather, build warmth into the costume instead of throwing a coat over it. Wear a long burgundy velvet gown with fitted sleeves and a black waist panel, then layer a floor-length charcoal cape with a faux-fur collar and hidden arm openings. Those arm slits are the detail I'd insist on. Without them you spend the day holding the cape closed and never have a free hand. A low braided style or loose waves won't tangle under the cape. Cool brown shadow and deep rose lips, plus black gloves, a silver pendant and sturdy lace-up boots, suit the season. A small velvet pouch holds your phone and fits the setting, and the cape comes off once you're indoors.
17. Penelope Cosplay With Black Riding Outfit
This riding outfit is the one I'd suggest to anyone who dislikes big skirts. Pair a white high-collar blouse with a structured black riding jacket with burgundy lapels and gold buttons, then add black trousers or a long split riding skirt and knee-high brown boots. A thrifted black blazer converts well if you cover the lapels in burgundy fabric; fusible web holds it for a day, but stitch the edges if you want it to survive the wash. Tie the wig in a low ponytail with velvet ribbon, and keep the makeup to defined brows, subtle liner and berry lip stain. Brown riding gloves, a slim belt, a small crossbody satchel and a burgundy rosette pinned to the jacket bring in the storybook detail.
18. Penelope Cosplay With Green Garden Dress
Picture Penelope walking a palace garden and this sage or moss-green gown follows naturally. Choose a dress with a square neckline, short puff sleeves and an ankle-length skirt, then add burgundy flower appliqués, black lace edging and a dark velvet waist ribbon. Ankle length is the right call for shoots on grass, where a floor-length hem picks up damp and stains within minutes. Wear the wig in long curls with a few small braids pinned at the back and gold leaf clips for a garden touch. Fresh makeup with berry-pink lips, gold earrings, a cameo pendant and brown or black low heels keep it polished. A small flower basket or folded garden invitation is the prop.
19. Penelope Cosplay With Burgundy Library Dress
The library dress suits Penelope's careful, observant side, and it's one of the comfiest gowns here for sitting through panels. Start with a long burgundy dress with a high neckline, narrow sleeves and a black fitted waistcoat, then add antique-style buttons and cream lace at the collar and cuffs. A low bun with soft curls around the face keeps the long wig out of the way. That matters with a high lace collar, because loose synthetic hair rubs against lace and tangles fast. Matte foundation, brown shadow, crisp liner and muted berry lips suit the scholarly mood. A gold brooch and black lace-up ankle boots go with a closed vintage-style book, bookmark ribbons or handwritten notes.
20. Penelope Cosplay With Fantasy Academy Uniform
A fantasy academy uniform is the most wearable Penelope on the list, and easy to build from pieces you may already own. Combine a white blouse with a burgundy ribbon tie, a fitted black vest and a pleated knee-length skirt, then add a structured charcoal jacket trimmed with gold piping and a crest-shaped brooch. I buy ready-made piping and stitch it along the jacket edges by hand, because it looks tailored where glued trim looks crafty. Opaque black tights and lace-up ankle boots give full coverage and are easy to walk in. A smooth high ponytail or long waves, simple liner and berry lip tint keep it casual. Carry a leather-look satchel for notebooks and a small repair kit, and hold onto her serious expression; that's what makes it Penelope rather than any schoolgirl.
21. Penelope Cosplay With Casual Manor Dress
Not every Penelope needs satin and a big petticoat. For a relaxed manor-house look, choose a burgundy ankle-length dress with a square neckline, three-quarter sleeves and a softly gathered skirt, and define the waist with a black underbust belt. Cream lace at the cuffs is all the trim it needs. A loose side braid tied with black ribbon is also the kindest way to wear a long synthetic wig all day, since braiding stops the ends from matting. Keep the makeup fresh with soft brown liner and tinted berry balm, and wear a small pendant, studs and black ballet flats. A fabric sewing pouch, folded handkerchief or sealed letter makes a quiet character reference for beginners and long schedules.
22. Penelope Cosplay With Gold Coronation Gown
This coronation gown imagines Penelope fully in power, so it can be grander than her canon looks. Choose champagne satin with a fitted bodice, long draped sleeves and a wide floor-length skirt, with black velvet at the waist and burgundy gemstone trim at the neckline. A detachable red cape with gold edging makes the silhouette commanding. Keep the crown lightweight. The braided updo underneath already pulls on the wig cap, and a heavy metal crown starts sliding back as the hours go by. Luminous foundation, gold shadow, precise liner and rich rose lips suit it, with drop earrings, a jeweled necklace and gold or cream low heels. Carry a rolled decree rather than a large royal prop.
23. Penelope Cosplay With Burgundy Masquerade Gown
A masquerade gown is made for formal cosplay balls and evening events. Choose a burgundy dress with black lace sleeves, a fitted bodice and a layered high-low overskirt over a full black skirt, with gold beadwork at the waist and neckline. Voluminous curls pinned to one side with a jeweled comb leave the other side of your face open for the mask. I always suggest a mask on a handle rather than one with ties, because ties drag through the wig and smudge eye makeup every time you adjust them. Smoky eyes, rose blush and burgundy lipstick go with gold earrings, a velvet choker, black gloves and block heels. Keep the mask elegant rather than frightening so the look stays fine for family-friendly events.
24. Penelope Cosplay With Blue Ballroom Dress
Powder blue is a fan-made color for Penelope, so the darker accents have to keep it hers. Choose a dress with a fitted bodice, small puff sleeves and a full tulle or organza skirt, then add burgundy ribbon at the waist and black floral appliqués around the neckline. Tulle snags on hook-and-loop fasteners, rough benches and other people's armor, so I carry a few safety pins for quick fixes. Smooth curls with the top section pinned back by crystal clips, cool neutral shadow, dark lashes and a berry lip suit the pale dress. A silver pendant, delicate earrings and pale blue block heels go with a dance card or folded fan for posing.
25. Penelope Cosplay With Travel Cloak
This travel look is the most practical one here: it has pockets, layers and nothing that drags. Start with a cream blouse, fitted burgundy vest and long charcoal skirt, and add a dark green or black hooded cloak fastened with a gold brooch. A brooch pin can tear a heavy cloak over a day of movement, so I sew a small square of felt behind the spot where it goes. Wear the wig in a low braid so it stays tidy under the hood, with natural makeup and berry lip stain. Leather-look gloves, a waist pouch and sturdy brown ankle boots handle uneven ground, and a rolled map or travel journal is a harmless prop. If you weather the hem with fabric-safe powder, keep it light, because Penelope never looks scruffy.
26. Penelope Cosplay With Modern Burgundy Suit
A modern alternate-universe Penelope swaps the gown for a sharply tailored burgundy suit. Wear a fitted blazer over a black satin blouse with matching wide-leg trousers and pointed black shoes, and use gold buttons or a decorative chain for a hint of nobility. With no gown, the hair and the palette carry all the recognition, so the wig has to be right: sleek and straight, or a polished high ponytail. Precise liner, soft contour and berry-red lipstick, a black gemstone pendant and a structured handbag suit it. A tablet-sized portfolio with printed game-inspired symbols makes a clever prop. The bonus is that every suit piece goes straight back into your everyday wardrobe afterward.
27. Penelope Cosplay With Gothic Lolita Dress
A gothic Lolita take leans into her villainess side with a shorter, heavily detailed silhouette. Choose a knee-length black jumper dress with burgundy panels and white ruffles, worn over a full petticoat and a high-neck white blouse with puff sleeves. The petticoat makes or breaks this style; without one the skirt hangs flat and the whole shape is lost. Add opaque black tights and burgundy Mary Janes, and style the wig in twin low curls or long waves with a black bow headband. Doll-like lashes and soft berry lips are enough without going theatrical. A cameo choker, lace wrist cuffs and a small structured handbag finish a modest outfit that's much easier to move in than a floor-length gown.
28. Penelope Cosplay With Cottage Garden Dress
A cottage garden dress is the easiest gown on this list to find off the rack. Wear a burgundy floral maxi dress with a fitted bodice, square neckline and softly puffed sleeves, then add a black waist ribbon and cream lace around the neckline. The risk with this one is drifting into generic cottagecore, so I keep the jewelry polished and the silhouette structured. A thick side braid with tiny fabric flowers, soft brown shadow and berry lip balm suit it, along with a delicate pendant, a woven basket bag and brown lace-up boots. Carry artificial flowers or a fabric-covered notebook for posing. It's a friendly starting point for outdoor festivals and for beginners working from ordinary dresses.
29. Penelope Cosplay With Royal Portrait Dress
A royal portrait gown has to look formal from every side, because people photograph you from behind too. Choose a deep plum gown with a pointed waist, wide neckline and long draped sleeves, then add gold embroidery or iron-on appliqués on the bodice and black velvet along the skirt opening. Test iron-on appliqués on a scrap first, since many need more heat than polyester satin can take without puckering or going shiny. Large smooth curls over both shoulders and a jeweled circlet sit much lighter than a crown. Smoky brown shadow, structured brows and berry lipstick go with gold drop earrings, a statement necklace and black low heels. Hold a closed fan or rest one hand on a chair back and let your posture do the rest.
30. Easy DIY Penelope Cosplay
The DIY version proves you don't need a pattern to be recognizable, as long as the key details are coordinated. Start with a thrifted black maxi dress and run burgundy ribbon vertically down the bodice and skirt to suggest her striped panels. Removable fabric tape holds white lace at the neckline and cuffs, though I add a few hand stitches at the corners, where tape always peels first. A budget magenta wig improves a lot if you trim the front into soft face-framing pieces; cut slowly and take less than you think. Everyday foundation, black liner and berry lipstick, costume jewelry, a black ribbon choker and comfortable ankle boots finish it, with a decorative letter or small fan in hand.
Turning a Thrifted Formal Dress Into a Noble Gown
Most of these gowns can start life as a prom or bridesmaid dress. The trick is to change the parts that read modern and leave the rest alone.
- Check the seams, zipper and lining before you buy. A missing bead is easy to fix; a split zipper in a fitted bodice is not.
- Hide a modern back zipper under a lacing panel or a strip of velvet ribbon so it disappears in photos.
- Add volume from underneath. A petticoat under a limp skirt changes the period feel more than any trim can.
- Spend your trim where people look: neckline, waist and cuffs. Trim on the hem of a floor-length skirt barely shows.
- Hand-stitch heavy pieces like bows and fabric roses. Hot glue sets hard on satin and pops off as the fabric flexes.
Hems, Hoops and Stairs in a Full Skirt
A floor-length gown is lovely until the first escalator. I hem these skirts with the actual shoes on, so the front clears the floor by a finger's width; the back can brush a little. If you choose a hoop, get a collapsible one that folds up when you sit, and practise lifting the front of the skirt before you climb stairs. Think about the bathroom too. A skirt you can gather in one arm is far easier than layers that all need lifting at once, and it's the main reason I steer first-timers toward a petticoat.
The Black Striped Dress Is Still Her Best Entry Point
Penelope reads from across a room when three things line up: the magenta hair, an aristocratic silhouette and a composed attitude. The birthday gown, the hunting outfit, the banquet dresses and the alternate-universe looks all follow that same rule. Small details like velvet ribbon, lace trim, gemstone jewelry and one well-chosen prop are what make an inexpensive costume look finished. Whatever you build, put your effort into shoes you can walk in, light accessories and a securely pinned wig, then pick the version that matches your sewing skills and how long you'll wear it. Beginners and experienced makers can both get a polished head-to-toe Penelope out of this list.
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