Burton's characters are a gift at Halloween because their shapes do the talking: bold stripes, tall hair, a pale face and one odd accessory, and people know who you are from across the room. That also means you rarely need a replica. Most of the thirty looks below come together from thrift-store tailoring, craft foam, a decent wig and costume makeup, with a few pieces from your own closet. I've written each one from head to toe, kept the props safe for public events, and flagged where a look needs a partner or a group to make sense. If you're dressing a whole crew, the planning notes just below will save some arguments.
Casting a Group From One Film
A mix of random Burton characters looks like a costume shop exploded. Pick one film and cast it, and the group tells a story. Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, the Alice films and the Batman films each give you three to six characters with very different looks, so nobody ends up in the same outfit.
- Cast by comfort, not by who called it first. The friend who hates face paint makes a great Victor, Barbara Maitland or Pee-wee; the one who loves makeup should take Sally, Emily or Beetlejuice.
- Give the heavy builds to people who aren't driving or walking far. The Martian head, the Headless Horseman frame and a full Red Queen wig are hard to wear in a car.
- Agree on one shared finishing detail, such as the same pale base shade or a similar level of distressing on the clothes, so the photos look like one cast.
- Leave one easy character in reserve for the person who joins last minute. Lydia's black outfit and Barbara Maitland can both be pulled from a closet in an evening.
Then stand together in a mirror or take a quick phone photo a week out. You'll spot the gaps fast: two people in near-identical black suits, or one costume so bright it pulls the eye away from the rest.
1. Edward Scissorhands Costume
Edward is mostly a belt job. Start with a fitted black shirt and black trousers, then strap mismatched faux-leather belts across the torso, waist, arms and thighs; buckles and a few craft-foam pieces suggest the machinery without adding weight. Hair should look teased and slept on, so a cheap messy wig often beats an expensive one here. Pale foundation, softly shaded eyes and a few thin grey lines hint at his scars. For the hands, I'd make the blades from flexible foam painted silver, never anything rigid, because you will forget and scratch your own face. Scuffed black lace-up boots, and resist the urge to press anything; a worn finish suits him better.
2. Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
The striped suit is the whole costume, so spend your effort there. A ready-made black-and-white striped set saves time, but painting wide vertical stripes onto a cheap white thrift suit works well if you mask the lines with tape and use fabric paint in thin coats. Add a white shirt, black tie and scuffed black boots. Tease a white or pale green wig straight up and leave it chaotic. White base, smudged purple around the eyes and a touch of green near the hairline finish the face; skip the grime and mould effects if you'll be around kids. An old appointment book or a folded flyer is a safe, funny prop that fits his salesman act.
3. Lydia Deetz Red Dress Costume
Lydia's red wedding look gives a group a jolt of colour among all the black. Build it around a layered red dress with a fitted bodice, sheer sleeves and a full tulle skirt, with red tights and black or red ankle boots you can walk in. A black wig in a loose, pointed updo with separated, choppy bangs carries her face. Pale skin, defined brows, smoky eyes and a muted berry lip keep her solemn rather than glamorous. The short red veil is the detail people spot first, so pin it high and firm. Carry dried-look artificial flowers or a vintage-style camera. Tulle crushes in a car, so travel with the skirt over your lap rather than under you.
4. Lydia Deetz Black Gothic Costume
Her everyday black look is the easier Lydia, and most of it is already in a goth-leaning closet. A long black dress with lace sleeves, or a loose black blouse over an ankle-length skirt, with black tights and flat lace-up boots. The hair matters more than the dress: tease the crown and cut or clip in short, uneven bangs, or use a short black wig. Keep the face pale and plain, with smudged grey shadow and a dark berry lip. A vintage camera, small notebook or cobwebbed photo frame suits her moody artist side, and a wide black hat is a nice extra. It's easy to wear to school-friendly events and outdoor gatherings.
5. Jack Skellington Pinstripe Costume
Jack is about length and leanness. A black pinstripe suit is ideal, but thin white lines painted on an old black blazer and trousers work if you use a ruler and a fine fabric marker. A crisp white shirt and an oversized bat bow tie cut from black felt, stiffened with interfacing so the wings don't droop. White gloves with black marker bones handle the hands. White face paint, big black eye shapes, small nostril marks and a stitched smile; a smooth white cap hides your hair and rounds the head. Polished black dress shoes. It suits almost any age and pairs naturally with Sally, Oogie Boogie and the Mayor in a Halloween Town group.
6. Sally Patchwork Dress Costume
Sally brings the soft, handmade feeling to a group. Look for a knee-length dress printed with mismatched blocks of teal, pink, yellow and black, or stitch irregular patches onto a plain dress; washable fabric glue works for one night, but a quick running stitch around each patch survives far longer. Pale blue tights and simple black ankle boots keep it comfortable. A long red yarn wig or a wavy auburn wig gives the hair. Light blue face paint, dark liner and neat stitch lines on the cheeks, neck, arms and legs. I draw the stitches last, after setting the blue, so they stay crisp. A small artificial flower or fabric basket is a gentle prop.
7. Oogie Boogie Burlap Costume
Oogie Boogie sounds bulky, but built loose he's one of the comfiest looks here. An oversized tan hooded tunic and matching trousers in a soft textured fabric, never real burlap, which itches through anything thinner than a sweatshirt. Draw big black stitches round the edges with fabric paint or stitch on thick black yarn. Shape the hood into a soft point and add his grinning black face with breathable mesh across the eyes. Black gloves and brown slip-ons hidden under the wide legs. A little green can nod to his glowing version. Foam dice in a pouch make a harmless prop, and the roomy cut adapts to kids, adults and plus-size bodies alike.
8. Halloween Town Mayor Costume
The Mayor is a clever pick if your group already has Jack and Sally. A black tailcoat over a white shirt, grey striped trousers, an oversized collar and a spider tie cut from felt. White gloves and black dress shoes. His tall hat can be poster board covered in grey fabric or painted paper; keep it light, with a strip of elastic under the chin or into the hair, or it will tip in the first doorway. For his two faces, a rounded half-mask works, or paint both expressions on a handheld reversible sign you can flip. A paper megaphone sells the official role. Cut the coat roomy enough to sit in.
9. Corpse Bride Emily Costume
Emily's gown should look faded, not fresh from a bridal shop. A pale blue or weathered white gown with a fitted bodice, sheer layers and an uneven skirt; tearing the hem by hand looks more natural than cutting it. A light blue veil over a long wavy blue wig, crowned with artificial blue flowers. Pale blue makeup on the face, neck and arms, lavender shadow and long lashes. A few black contour lines can suggest her animated shape without anything graphic. Pale tights and white or blue flats under the dress. A drooping bouquet of silk flowers dusted blue. Blue body paint rubs onto a partner's suit, so set it well with powder if you're posing with Victor.
10. Victor Van Dort Suit Costume
Victor is made from ordinary formalwear. A dark grey or black Victorian-style suit with slim trousers and a long jacket, a high-collared white shirt, a black cravat, a fitted grey vest and lace-up shoes. He's narrow and a little rumpled, so I'd skip the iron and let the jacket sit slightly crooked. Dark hair in a messy side part with strands falling forward. Pale foundation, light grey under the cheekbones and a soft shadow round the eyes give his nervous look. Carry a ring box, a folded music sheet or an artificial butterfly. He makes most sense standing beside Emily or Victoria, and he's comfortable all night.
11. Victoria Everglot Victorian Costume
Victoria is the gentle, warm-toned counterweight to Emily's blue. A floor-length dress in lavender, dusty rose or soft grey with a high neckline, fitted waist and gently puffed sleeves. A modest hoop or tulle petticoat adds volume; a full hoop gets wedged in car doors and narrow halls, so keep it small. Pale gloves and low-heeled button boots. Brown hair in a smooth centre part with a low braided bun. Understated makeup: pale base, rosy cheeks, soft grey shadow and a muted pink lip. A folded fan, small bouquet or vintage-style book. Stand her next to Emily and Victor and the whole Corpse Bride trio reads together.
12. Mad Hatter Costume
Clash is the point with the Hatter, but it has to look chosen. Cropped brown trousers, a patterned vest and a bright button-up under a long velvet or brocade coat. Several colourful scarves knotted at the collar, patterned socks and worn brown boots. The hat carries the costume: a large top hat with a wide ribbon, feathers, hatpins and a handwritten price card tucked in the band. A curly orange wig, pale face, pink cheeks, bright shadow and lightly tinted brows. White fingerless gloves and a painted teacup. When I mix thrifted patterns, I keep one colour repeating in two or three pieces, so the mess still hangs together. He coordinates well with Alice and either queen.
13. Alice Blue Dress Costume
Alice is the bright break from all the dark. A structured knee-length blue dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt, a white petticoat underneath for volume, and black trim along the neckline and hem for that graphic film styling. Striped or patterned tights and sturdy black lace-up boots, because this Alice actually goes on an adventure. Long blonde hair loose in soft waves, with a wig if needed. Fresh makeup: rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a natural pink lip. A vintage-style key, a blue ribbon or a little bottle with a handwritten paper label. It moves easily, so she's a good role for the friend who plans to dance.
14. Red Queen Costume
The Red Queen is all head, so plan the wig first. A bright red curly wig styled into a high heart shape needs internal support; I pad the two lobes with a little foam or rolled netting so the shape stays up without drowning the wig in hairspray. Then a red, black and gold dress with a fitted bodice, wide skirt and heart details, a petticoat for structure, white tights and low-heeled black shoes. Pale foundation, thin arched brows, blue shadow and tiny red heart lips. Pin a small gold crown into the wig. A red fan or a foam heart sceptre is all she needs. She pairs naturally with Alice or the Hatter.
15. White Queen Costume
The White Queen is icy and floaty, with dark lips as the surprise. A floor-length white gown with a fitted waist, full skirt and sheer or textured sleeves, plus silver embroidery, pearl trim or small crystals at the neckline. A long platinum wig with a centre part. Luminous foundation, softly shaded eyes, dark defined brows and a deep red lip. A small silver crown or decorative comb near the back of the wig. White flats or low boots, and hem the gown to just clear the floor, as white fabric shows every scuff by the end of the night. A clear potion bottle filled with coloured paper or a small white pouch completes the props.
16. Sweeney Todd Victorian Costume
Sweeney is worn Victorian menswear with a bad attitude. Dark pinstriped trousers, a white collarless shirt and a fitted charcoal vest, with a long brown or black coat left slightly rumpled. A narrow scarf wrapped loosely at the neck and sturdy black boots. A dark wig with a bold white streak, lifted at the crown and swept back. Pale skin, grey under the eyes and sharp cheekbones carry the face without any gore. Leave the razor at home; a striped barber towel, a comb or an old shaving mug gets the trade across and keeps you welcome at any party. He's half of a pair, so bring a Mrs. Lovett if you can.
17. Mrs. Lovett Victorian Costume
Mrs. Lovett takes layering more than sewing. A cream blouse with puffed sleeves, a dark corset-style vest and a long brown or striped skirt. Tuck a small cushion or a ruffled panel under the back of the skirt for her exaggerated bustle; a safety pin through a folded towel does the job if you're short on time. Striped stockings and dark lace-up ankle boots. Her hair should look curly and untidy, so gather a brown wig loosely at the back and pull a few pieces loose round the face. Pale base, smoky brown eyes and a muted rose lip. A wooden spoon and an empty pastry basket, and a light dusting of flour on the apron, which brushes off afterwards.
18. Willy Wonka Velvet Coat Costume
Wonka is polished tailoring with a sweet tooth. A burgundy or purple velvet coat over a patterned vest, crisp shirt and narrow dark trousers, with a decorative bow tie, contrasting gloves and polished boots. Pick a straight dark bob or a neat brown wig, depending on which film version you're dressing. The tall top hat defines the silhouette straight away. Light makeup: pale foundation, rosy cheeks and a little liner. A colourful walking cane in light plastic or decorated cardboard, and a few wrapped candy props in a pocket. Velvet marks when it's crushed, so hang the coat rather than folding it for the trip.
19. Miss Peregrine Blue Suit Costume
Miss Peregrine is the one to pick if you'd like to look sharply dressed rather than costumed. A fitted navy jacket with a flared peplum and a matching ankle-length skirt, a high-necked black blouse, opaque tights and pointed black ankle boots. Her hair is a sculpted, upswept shape in blue-black; a wig with the curls pinned and sprayed upward holds better than trying it in your own hair. Pale base, angular brows, deep blue shadow and a berry lip. A small tilted hat with black feathers adds height. Carry a pocket watch or a leather-bound notebook. Structured fabric and precise makeup are what separate her from a generic Victorian outfit.
20. Ichabod Crane Costume
Ichabod is the warmest costume on the list, which is handy on a cold night. Fitted black or brown trousers, a white high-collared shirt, a patterned waistcoat and a long dark riding coat, with a narrow cravat and knee-high black boots for the late eighteenth-century line. Tie long brown hair or a shoulder-length wig into a low ponytail with a black ribbon. Pale complexion and soft grey around the eyes give his anxious, watchful look. A weathered notebook, magnifying glass or old-fashioned spectacles make safe investigator props. Leather-look gloves keep your hands warm outdoors. A smear of washable brown makeup on the boot edges looks like country mud and wipes off.
21. Headless Horseman Costume
The headless trick is a simple build, but test your vision before you commit. Black riding trousers, a dark fitted vest and a long burgundy or black military-style coat, with tall boots, gloves and a flowing black cape. Build a light padded shoulder frame that sits above your real shoulders and add a high collar around it; your head hides behind black breathable fabric inside the open coat front. Many people cut a small mesh window at chest height to see through. Carry a smiling foam pumpkin to make the character obvious, and add red piping or old gold buttons for definition. Keep the cape off the ground. It's built for contests and staged photos rather than a long walk.
22. Catwoman Black Catsuit Costume
Burton's Catwoman is a stitched-together suit, which suits a home sewer nicely. A long-sleeved black jumpsuit or a fitted top with stretch trousers. Draw irregular white stitch lines with removable fabric chalk, or hand-stitch them in white thread, which survives a whole night where chalk smudges. A wide black belt, elbow-length gloves and flexible low-heeled knee boots. Make the cat-eared mask from black fabric with generous eye and nose openings. Messy loose waves for any visible hair. Pale base, smoky shadow, winged liner and a deep red lip. Leave the claws off; the suit and mask carry the character. Thermals fit underneath for an outdoor event.
23. Penguin Formal Suit Costume
The Penguin is formalwear pushed out of proportion. Black pinstriped trousers, a white dress shirt, a brocade vest and a long black tailcoat, with a large bow tie or cravat, white gloves and polished black boots. A lightly padded vest underneath rounds the body; quilted batting is cooler than foam if you'll be indoors all night. Slick dark hair back, or wear a thinning black wig under a tall top hat. Pale foundation, dark shading under the eyes and sharp brows, kept clean rather than gruesome. A closed black umbrella with a curved handle doubles as a walking stick, and a monocle or pocket watch adds the aristocratic touch.
24. Batman Black Rubber Suit Costume
The Burton-era Batman needs a sculpted black shape and a big cape. A padded black bodysuit or fitted athletic layers under a light foam chest piece, a yellow oval bat emblem at the centre and a gold utility belt. Black gloves, knee-high boots and a long cape that stops above the floor. A structured cowl with short ears and wide eye holes; a cowl narrows your side vision more than you'd expect, so practise turning your whole head. Matte black makeup around the eye openings hides the skin. Bring no prop at all; a broad stance and the cape do the job. Flexible material at the knees and elbows lets you sit and walk comfortably.
25. Joker Purple Suit Costume
The Joker's suit is loud enough that the makeup can stay playful. Tailored purple trousers and a long matching jacket over an orange shirt and a teal or green vest, with a patterned tie, coordinating gloves and two-tone shoes. Slick a bright green wig back into loose waves. White face makeup, darkened brows, grey around the eyes and a neat red smile, kept cartoonish rather than scarred. A silk pocket square and an artificial lapel flower. A box of blank cards or a novelty party invitation is a harmless prop. With colours this strong, it's a good choice for anyone who'd rather wear tailoring than a mask or armour.
26. Pee-wee Herman Gray Suit Costume
Pee-wee is about the most comfortable costume here and comes almost entirely from a menswear rack. A slim light-grey suit with trousers ending just above the ankle, a crisp white shirt, a small red bow tie, white socks and clean black loafers. The short ankle and white socks matter; if your trousers are too long, roll and pin them up inside. Short dark hair in a neat side part with a little curl at the front. Natural makeup, defined brows and rosy cheeks. A red bicycle helmet or a small bow-shaped bag frees your hands. The pose and grin do more than any face paint. It's a solid last-minute pick for an office party or school event.
27. Barnabas Collins Vampire Costume
Barnabas is a vampire from period tailoring rather than a plastic cape. Fitted black trousers, a white high-collared shirt and a dark patterned waistcoat under a long black or burgundy coat, with a cravat and polished knee-high boots. A dark shoulder-length wig with soft waves and one section swept across the forehead. Pale foundation, cool grey contour, defined brows and a muted berry tone on the lips. Fangs are optional; if you wear them, pick a pair you can pop out to eat and talk, because you'll want to by the second hour. A silver-tone brooch or antique-look ring, and a light plastic cane or a vintage handkerchief. Keep it mysterious rather than bloody.
28. Mars Attacker Alien Costume
The Martian is all head, and the head is where you need to be careful. A slim silver jumpsuit or metallic leggings with a matching long-sleeved top, a bright red cape, green gloves and silver boots or shoe covers. The headpiece needs the clear-looking dome, an exposed brain, big eyes and a grinning mouth, built from light foam or a breathable bought mask. Masks like this block your side view badly, so cut extra openings below the visible eyes and have a friend steer you on stairs. Skip the ray gun; a cardboard communicator panel with colourful buttons is funnier. The red, green and silver read as retro fun under party lights and look great in a group of aliens.
29. Delia Deetz Art Costume
Delia is for anyone who enjoys wearing something odd on purpose. A sculptural black blouse with an asymmetrical skirt or wide black trousers, a bold red belt, an oversized geometric necklace and pointed ankle boots. For a brighter take, a dramatic red dress with padded shoulders. Short red or auburn hair pushed off the face with plenty of crown volume. Pale matte base, angular blush, red lipstick and sharply shaped brows. Carry a small abstract sculpture in painted cardboard or foam with rounded edges, plus big statement earrings. The proportions and your posing sell her; worn timidly, the same clothes just look like evening wear.
30. Mrs. Maitland Floral Dress Costume
Barbara Maitland only clicks next to the right people, which makes her a natural group fill-in. A modest ankle-length floral dress in rust, burgundy or muted green, with a fitted cardigan and a narrow belt. Opaque tights and brown loafers or low-heeled boots. Shoulder-length brown hair in soft curls. Fresh, understated makeup with rosy cheeks and a neutral lip. A vintage-style household handbook or a small model house is the perfect in-joke prop. If you want the transformed version, a light stretched-face mask kept funny rather than frightening. Put her beside Adam, Lydia or Beetlejuice and the whole group suddenly makes sense, without anyone needing another striped suit.
Pale Faces That Don't End Up on Your Collar
Almost every look here starts with a white, grey or blue face, and that base is what smears onto shirts, partners and car seats. I treat it as a three-step job: thin layers, a proper set and a plan for removal.
- Patch-test any face paint on the inside of your wrist a day or two before, especially on kids and anyone with sensitive skin.
- Start with clean, moisturised skin, then apply the paint in two thin layers with a damp sponge. One thick layer cracks around the mouth and creases by mid-evening.
- Press translucent setting powder over the top with a puff, wait a minute, then brush off the excess. Finish with a mist of setting spray if you have one.
- Do the face first and dress last, stepping into the costume rather than pulling it over your head. A folded scarf or tissue tucked into a white collar catches the worst of it.
- Remove it with an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover before soap and water; cream paint just smears when you start with soap.
Painting Stripes That Stay Straight
Beetlejuice, Jack, Sweeney and the Penguin all lean on stripes, and painting your own is cheaper than hunting down the right suit. Wash the garment first so it won't shrink later, slip card inside so paint doesn't bleed through, and mark the lines with painter's tape. Brush fabric paint across the tape edge rather than into it, use two thin coats and peel the tape while the second coat is still slightly wet. Heat-set the paint as the bottle directs. Wide stripes forgive a wobbly hand; pinstripes are easier with a fine fabric marker and a long ruler.
Which Burton Film Should Your Group Dress From?
Burton's films cover a lot of ground: Victorian tailoring, Wonderland colour, striped suits, a sculpted superhero and a few looks you can throw together from your wardrobe. Whichever character you pick, put your effort into what people recognise first, which is usually the hair, the face and one signature garment, then add a single safe prop. Thrifted clothes, craft foam, fabric paint and a decent wig stretch the budget a long way. Try on masks, capes, makeup and shoes a few days before so you know you can see, sit and walk. For a group, choose one film and cast it together; that's the version people remember.
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