A red devil is the costume I recommend most to people who decide on the afternoon of the party. Three things tell everyone what you are: something red, a pair of horns and a pointed tail. Everything else is up to you, which is why this list stretches from the classic horn-and-tail dress to sequin jumpsuits, vintage dresses, cosy kids' versions, sharp men's suits and quick DIY builds. Each one is planned from clothes to hair, makeup, accessories and shoes you can walk in. Most start from pieces already in your wardrobe, plus a few cheap extras like horns, wings, a cape or a tail. Cute, glamorous, sporty or family-friendly, there's a version below for you.
Sewing Felt Horns and a Tail in One Evening
Shop-bought horns are fine, but homemade ones fit better and cost almost nothing. Here's how I make a pair, plus a tail, from felt and a plain headband.
- Draw a curved horn about the length of your thumb onto paper, add a small tab at the base and cut four felt pieces from it, two per horn.
- Stitch each pair together around the curve, leaving the base open. A small running stitch by hand is enough; you don't need a machine.
- Stuff the horns firmly with polyester filling, pushing it right into the tip with a pencil. Loose stuffing makes droopy horns.
- Wrap the headband in a strip of felt or ribbon first, so it grips your hair, then stitch the horn tabs to it. Glue alone tends to let go.
- For the tail, sew a long tube of red fabric, turn it right side out and stuff it, with a felt arrowhead stitched to the tip. A pipe cleaner run inside lets you bend it into a curve.
Felt pills where it rubs, so I avoid the very cheapest acrylic felt for horns that will sit against hair all night. And if the costume is for a small child, skip the wire and pipe cleaners, and sew every piece on firmly.
1. Classic Red Devil Costume With Dress
This is the one I'd make if you only have an hour. A fitted, knee-length red dress with long sleeves is comfortable indoors and out, then a red horn headband, a light pointed tail and sheer black tights for contrast. Choose black ankle boots over heels if you're taking kids trick-or-treating; you'll be on your feet longer than you expect. Loose waves or a sleek high ponytail. Red lipstick, softly smoky eyes and a sweep of red shimmer at the temples. A red candy bucket or a heart-shaped bag beats a pitchfork, which you'll be putting down every five minutes.
2. Glam Red Devil Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
Sequins make a devil party-ready with almost no extra effort. Pick a long-sleeve red sequin jumpsuit that's easy through the waist and legs, because sequins have no stretch and you'll feel every tight seam by midnight. A slim black belt shapes it, and black platform boots or block heels give stable height. A rhinestone horn headband and small glitter wings are enough; anything bigger competes with the sparkle. A smooth ponytail, polished curls or a shoulder-length red wig. Metallic red shadow, winged liner and glossy lips. A small black clutch and a red tail. It's glamorous with plenty of coverage and room to move.
3. Easy DIY Red Devil Costume With Red Pants
The closet version starts with red straight-leg pants and a fitted red sweater or long-sleeve T-shirt. Matching reds look sleekest, but two slightly different shades read as casual and relaxed rather than wrong. Glue or stitch felt horns to a plain headband, and pin a soft fabric tail to the back of your waistband. Black sneakers or Chelsea boots. Keep your usual hair, or put it in two small buns just under the horns, which helps hold the headband in place. Red lipstick, black liner and a little red blush. A black tote with removable red felt flames doubles as a candy bag.
4. Vintage Red Devil Costume With Midi Dress
The retro devil is the one I find most charming. A red fit-and-flare midi with a defined waist and full skirt, with a black cropped cardigan over it if it's cool. Small curved horns, a neat tail and black wrist-length gloves keep it theatrical but refined. Brushed-out curls or a short curled red wig with a side part. Classic black pumps, low block heels or polished flats. Matte red lipstick, defined brows and a clean black cat-eye; matte formulas transfer less onto cups and cheeks than glossy ones. A structured black handbag or a red fan to hold. Playful, and still smart enough for a dressy party.
5. Red Velvet Devil Costume With Long Cape
Velvet makes this devil look rich without anything scary. A long velvet dress, or a velvet top with a matching maxi skirt, under a black or deep red cape light enough not to drag. Velvet is heavy and warm, so this is the version for a cold night rather than a crowded dance floor. Glossy horns, a narrow tail and a red stone necklace. A dark red wig with loose waves, or your own hair swept off the face. Burgundy shadow, soft liner and a deep red lip. Black lace-up boots ground the long line, and a small velvet pouch on the wrist keeps your hands free.
6. Cute Red Devil Costume With Tulle Skirt
The cute version pairs a red fitted top with a knee-length layered tulle skirt, which moves well and doesn't get underfoot. Red or black leggings underneath add warmth and coverage, and they stop the tulle scratching your legs. Sparkly horns, a soft pointed tail and small red wings. Ballet flats, glitter sneakers or low ankle boots for walking and dancing. A high ponytail with a red ribbon, or two neat buns just under the headband. Rosy cheeks, red gloss and a touch of shimmer round the eyes. A heart-shaped crossbody holds your phone and keys.
7. Red Devil Costume With Tailored Suit
A red suit is my pick for anyone who doesn't want to wear a dress. A structured red blazer and matching trousers over a black camisole, mock-neck or crew-neck top. Sleek black horns, and a tail that clips discreetly under the back of the blazer so it swings out when you walk. Black loafers, pointed flats or block-heel boots. A smooth bun, a straight bob or your natural texture, neatly styled. Sharp winged liner and a classic red lip are all the makeup it needs. A black folder with a removable Halloween joke on the front, or a small structured bag. It's one of the easiest devils to get past an office or school dress code.
8. Sporty Red Devil Costume With Track Set
Comfort wins in the sporty version. A matching red track jacket and joggers over a fitted black T-shirt, with a horn headband, a clip-on fabric tail and small light wings that don't pin back your shoulders. Red-and-black sneakers you can wear for hours. A high ponytail, braid or bun, or a couple of clip-in red extensions. Tinted moisturiser, red balm, mascara and a small liner flick. A red sweatband and a drawstring bag for candy. This is the one for outdoor events and anyone who'll be running around.
9. Disco Red Devil Costume With Flared Pants
Disco turns a devil into something you can dance in. Red metallic flares with a matching long-sleeve top, or a shimmering jumpsuit, plus a wide black belt and rhinestone-covered horns. Platforms suit the shape, but pick a pair with a wide, stable sole; a narrow platform rolls an ankle easily on a crowded floor. A big curly wig, a bouncy blowout or a high ponytail. Silver-red shadow, glossy lipstick and a few face gems kept well away from the eyes. A small tail tucked under the belt, and a mirrored mini bag.
10. Flapper Red Devil Costume With Fringe Dress
For a 1920s devil, a red fringe dress at the knee goes over a comfortable slip, with opaque tights if you need warmth. Swap the usual feathered band for a red or black headband with small horns. A long necklace, wrist-length gloves and a subtle tail. Fringe tangles with a tail, so I set the tail low and keep it short. A short wavy bob or a neatly curled wig. Low T-straps or stable Mary Jane heels for dancing. Softly smoky eyes, red lipstick and a little shimmer on the cheekbones. A small beaded bag.
11. Rock Star Red Devil Costume With Red Jacket
The rock star devil is made from clothes you'll wear again. A red faux-leather jacket over a black fitted top and black straight-leg pants, then red horns and a matching tail, plus a few studded cuffs. Black combat boots or platform sneakers. Textured waves, a high ponytail or one temporary red streak. Smoky liner, a bold red lip and some silver shimmer on the lids. An inflatable guitar or a toy microphone is lighter and funnier than a real one. Good for concerts, dance parties and casual gatherings.
12. Western Red Devil Costume With Cowboy Boots
A western devil is easy to wear because the base is everyday country clothing. A red button-front shirt tucked into black bootcut jeans or a knee-length denim skirt, with a red vest, a pointed tail and a horn headband. Most horn headbands won't fit under a cowboy hat, so I fix small horns or red ribbon to the hat itself, where they show from every angle. Western boots are sturdy and you'll wear them long after Halloween. Loose waves, braids or a low ponytail. A red lip, warm neutral shadow and sharp liner. A red bandana and a star-shaped crossbody.
13. Biker Red Devil Costume With Faux Leather Pants
For a biker devil with an edge that's still family-friendly, wear red faux-leather pants with a black T-shirt and a cropped red moto jacket. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so it suits a cool night more than a packed, warm room. A slim horn headband, a red fabric tail and fingerless gloves. Black lace-up boots for walking. A straight red wig, a textured bob or your own hair slicked back. Black liner, red lipstick and a little red shadow at the outer corners. A small belt bag with removable flame patches. Keep it streamlined for parades and neighbourhood events.
14. Royal Red Devil Costume With Long Gown
A sweeping gown gives you a royal devil. Choose a floor-length dress with a fitted waist and enough room at the hem to walk, and do a stair test in the shoes you'll wear. A short red cape, a jewelled horn headpiece, a pointed fabric tail and a decorative collar. A small crown can sit between the horns if it's pinned in firmly. An elegant updo or long polished waves. Burgundy lipstick, soft red shadow and highlighted cheekbones. Red flats or low block heels hidden under the skirt. A velvet drawstring bag or a jewelled fan. It suits costume balls, photos and indoor parties.
15. Masquerade Red Devil Costume With Red Mask
Here the red mask is the focal point. Pair it with a red midi dress or a flowing jumpsuit, black tights and pointed ankle boots. Choose a light mask trimmed with small horns, rhinestones or flame shapes, and check your side vision before you buy, because many masks cut it off. A fitted red cape and a narrow tail tie it back to the devil theme. Smooth waves or a low bun so the mask ties stay hidden. Long-wear foundation, red lipstick and softly defined eyes; foundation under a mask rubs off on the inside edge, so a light dusting of powder helps. A small black evening bag and a folding red fan.
16. Fire Inspired Red Devil Costume With Ombre Dress
A fire devil uses red, orange and gold together. Look for an ombre dress that runs from deep red at the top to orange at the hem. Red horns, a soft tail and light wings layered in red and gold fabric. Gold ankle boots or metallic flats pick up the warm tones. A high ponytail, long waves or braids with red ribbons. Red and gold shadow blended across the lids, glossy red lips and luminous highlighter. A felt flame-shaped bag is a fun quick make. Warm tones like these glow under party lighting.
17. Frosted Red Devil Costume With Silver Details
Silver against red is an unusual, wintry take on the devil. A red velvet mini or midi with silver tights and metallic ankle boots, a horn headband dusted with silver glitter, a matching tail and a short silver-lined cape. A red wig with pale silver ends, or a few strands of temporary silver spray; spray colour rubs off on collars, so keep it to the ends. Cool-toned makeup with silver shadow, crisp liner, a pink-red lip and pearly highlight. A glittery snowflake bag or silver clutch. It still says Halloween, but steps away from red and black, and a fitted coat over it keeps you warm.
18. Red And Black Devil Costume With Split Outfit
A split red-and-black devil gives you a graphic look without any real crafting. Wear a half-red, half-black dress, or put a red blazer with black trousers and a colour-blocked shirt. One red horn and one black horn on the headband, then repeat the split on the tail and small wings. Mismatched boots or sneakers keep the contrast going. Temporary red colour on one side of the hair, the other left natural or dark. Red shadow on one lid and smoky grey on the other. A two-tone mini bag. Line up the split at the centre front in a mirror, because a seam drifting off-centre throws the whole thing off.
19. Angel And Red Devil Split Costume
Can't decide between sweet and mischievous? Split one costume down the centre. A dress, jumpsuit or top-and-trousers with one white side and one red side, then a small white wing on one shoulder, a red wing on the other, half a halo and one curved horn. The red side gets the pointed tail; the white side can have soft ribbon accents. White sneakers or split-colour boots. Half the hair in soft waves, half in a sleek ponytail, or use temporary colour. Glowy makeup on the angel side and red liner on the devil side. The idea reads straight away with nothing frightening.
20. Red Devil Bride Costume With Veil
A devil bride is theatrical without being scary. Start with a red midi or maxi dress with lace, tulle or satin texture. Fix a short red veil to the horn headband, behind the horns, so it never falls over your face. A pointed fabric tail, wrist-length gloves and red flats or block heels. A bouquet of red and black fabric roses lasts all night where fresh flowers wilt. An updo, loose curls or a low braided bun under the veil. Red lipstick, softly smoky eyes and glowing skin. It's fun for parties, themed photos and group costumes.
21. Red Devil Cheerleader Costume
A cheerleader devil just adds horns and a tail to a cheer uniform. A red pleated skirt with a short-sleeve athletic top, and bike shorts underneath so you can kick and jump. A small fabric tail at the waistband and light horns on a headband. White crew socks and red sneakers. A high ponytail with a red bow, or two braids under the horns. Red lip tint, waterproof mascara and a tiny bit of cheek glitter; glitter travels, so a little goes a long way. Paper or fabric-strip pom-poms in red and black. Check your school's dress rules before wearing it to a school event.
22. Red Devil Ballerina Costume With Tutu
The ballerina version is graceful rather than wicked. A red leotard-style top or fitted long-sleeve shirt with a knee-length layered tutu, and opaque red tights or leggings underneath. Small horns, delicate wings and a soft pointed tail. Real ballet slippers have no grip outside, so choose red flats with non-slip soles if you'll be on pavement. A neat bun wrapped in red ribbon, which also gives the headband something to grip. Rosy blush, red gloss and a little eye shimmer. A ribbon-wrapped wand with a heart tip. It moves well and suits all sorts of events.
23. Office Red Devil Costume With Pencil Skirt
The office devil is made entirely of work clothes. A knee-length red pencil skirt, a black blouse and a fitted red blazer, then small understated horns, a detachable tail and black opaque tights. Loafers, low pumps or ankle boots. A neat ponytail, bun or your natural hair. Red lipstick, mascara and a thin black liner. A clipboard with a removable mischief manager sign, or a work tote with a red ribbon on the handle. It's clear enough to get the joke without distracting anyone in a meeting, and on November 1st everything goes back into your work rotation.
24. Cozy Red Devil Costume With Pajamas
Pyjamas make the cosiest devil, and it's what I'd suggest for movie nights or a cold trick-or-treat. A matching red pyjama set, a red one-piece lounge suit or a soft sweatshirt with joggers. Plush horns, a padded tail and small fleece wings that sit comfortably on the shoulders. Fuzzy red socks indoors; red sneakers or lined ankle boots outside. Loose braids, a messy bun or natural curls. Red balm, mascara and rosy blush. A pillow-shaped candy bag or a small red backpack. Everything fits under a coat if the evening turns cold, and the horns still show above it.
25. Men’s Red Devil Costume With Cape
For men, a red shirt and black trousers are the dependable base. A fitted red button-down, polo or long-sleeve T-shirt, black straight-leg trousers and comfortable boots. A knee-length red cape adds movement, and curved horns and a detachable tail make it clear. Horns sit more securely on short hair if you choose a headband with small teeth on the inside. Hair neat, slicked back or with temporary red at the front. Subtle red shading round the eyes, defined brows and a neutral lip. Black gloves and a red pocket square. A small red candy bag or a faux contract folder makes a good prop at parties, offices or outdoor gatherings.
26. Men’s Red Devil Costume With Red Suit
A full red suit gives men a bold, modern devil with very few extras. A red blazer and matching trousers over a black dress shirt or a light turtleneck, with polished black boots, loafers or lace-up dress shoes. Streamlined horns in red or black, and a narrow tail clipped under the back of the jacket. A black pocket square and a red lapel pin. Hair slicked back, naturally textured or tinted red at the ends. A little smoky eye or a thin sweep of red at the temples. A structured black briefcase or small shoulder bag. A suit in the right red is what makes this one look sharp rather than packaged.
27. Kids’ Red Devil Costume With Hoodie
Kids need to run, sit and layer, so I build children's devils on clothes they already live in. A red hoodie and matching sweatpants, with soft felt horns stitched onto the hood so there's no headband to lose. A padded tail and small fabric wings on flexible straps. Red-and-black sneakers for walking between houses or school activities. Temporary hair chalk adds colour without a wig, and a face-safe red blush with a tiny liner flick is plenty of makeup; patch-test anything new on the inside of the wrist first. Reflective tape on the wing edges helps drivers see them. A light red candy bucket, no stiff mask and nothing that drags.
28. Toddler Red Devil Costume With Footed Outfit
With toddlers, comfort and safety come before everything else. Use red footed pyjamas or a fleece one-piece as the base, with a padded tail whose pointed tip is sewn on firmly, and a soft hood with small fabric horns. Leave off small loose accessories that could come off and end up in a mouth. If they need shoes, choose flexible red slip-ons with non-slip soles. Keep their own hair and skip the makeup apart from a little face-safe rosy colour on the cheeks. A light cape is fine for photos, then take it off for play. A soft handled candy bag. It stays warm for short walks round the block or a family party.
29. Plus Size Glam Red Devil Costume
A wrap dress or wide-leg jumpsuit makes a comfortable, adjustable base for a plus-size glam devil. Choose a rich red with some stretch, and add a black belt at the waist if you like the shape. A light cape that falls smoothly from the shoulders, jewelled horns, a detachable tail and small structured wings. Wings with wide, padded straps sit better than thin elastic, which rolls and digs in. Supportive block heels, dressy flats or ankle boots, at the height that feels right. Full curls, an updo, braids or a long red wig. Blended burgundy shadow, glowing skin and a bold red lip. A rhinestone clutch, secure accessories and breathable layers for the whole night.
30. Maternity Red Devil Costume With Maxi Dress
A stretchy red maxi dress is the most comfortable start for a maternity devil. Look for soft jersey, an empire waist or gentle ruching that gives room without squeezing. A light horn headband, small fabric wings and a soft tail placed where it won't press when you sit; I'd pin it a little lower and to one side. Flat ankle boots, supportive sneakers or cushioned flats. Loose waves, a braid or a low ponytail. Red lipstick, mascara and warm blush. A cropped black cardigan adds contrast and warmth without hiding the dress. Choose a small crossbody with a strap that sits comfortably above or beside the bump so your hands stay free.
Taking a Devil to the Office, School or the Sidewalk
A red devil travels well, but each setting asks for a slightly different version. These are the adjustments I make most often.
Work
Keep the horns small and the tail detachable, and leave props at home. A red blazer or dress with a headband reads as a costume without getting in the way of your day. If your desk has a phone headset, test that it fits over the headband.
School
Many schools ask for no masks, no props that look like weapons and no full face makeup. A devil is easy to keep inside those rules: horns on a headband or hood, a soft tail and a little blush. Pitchforks are usually the first thing sent home.
Trick-or-treating
Red and black disappear at dusk. Add reflective tape to the tail or wings, carry a small torch, and keep hems and capes off the ground so nobody trips on a kerb. A long tail is easy for other kids to step on in a crowd, so shorten it for a busy street.
Every Devil Here Starts With the Same Three Pieces
Every devil here comes down to the same few things: red clothes you can move and sit in, horns, a pointed tail, some makeup and shoes that last the night. A dress, a suit, a jumpsuit, pyjamas or plain separates all get there once those pieces are on. For cold weather, add tights, fitted layers or a cape. Use soft accessories for children, supportive shoes for walking and removable details for work or school. Cute, retro, sporty or glamorous, there's a devil here for every age and size.
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