Mystic Falls dressed its vampires in ordinary clothes, which is exactly why these costumes are so easy to pull together. Most of them are a leather jacket, a fitted top, good boots, a formal dress or a piece of old jewellery. What tells one character from another is colour and texture: Elena's tidy casual layers, Caroline's pretty silhouettes, Bonnie's earthy greens and browns, the Salvatores' dark jackets. Below are thirty looks, from solo characters to couples and a full group, each with the hair, makeup, ring and prop that makes it read. I've kept the vampire side light, with fangs and a little shading rather than gore.
Fitting Costume Fangs You Can Still Talk Through
Almost every vampire here gets the option of fangs, and cheap ones are the piece people end up taking out within an hour. The difference is usually the fit, not the price. Most party-store fangs are caps that slip over your canines and are held with a mouldable putty or bead that softens in hot water.
- Brush your teeth and dry the two canines with a tissue so the putty grips.
- Soften the putty as the packet says, press it into the cap and push the cap firmly onto the tooth.
- Hold your lips back for a minute while it sets, then rinse with cold water to firm it.
- Practise saying a few lines in front of a mirror. If your lip catches, the cap is sitting too low; refit it higher on the tooth.
Take them out before you eat or drink anything hot, keep the case in your pocket, and never share them. If they hurt or wobble, leave them off; a smirk and the daylight ring are enough for most of these characters.
1. Elena Gilbert Casual Costume
Early Elena is mostly what's already in a lot of closets. A fitted burgundy or dark green henley, low-rise dark jeans, a cropped black jacket and brown knee-high boots are the base. Her hair is long, straight and parted in the centre or just off it, so I flat-iron it smooth rather than leaving any wave, because that straight texture is how people tell her apart from Katherine. Natural makeup, soft brown liner and a rosy lip. A small silver pendant stands in for her vervain necklace, and a diary with a removable "Dear Diary" bookmark is the prop. Fangs and faint under-eye shadow are optional.
2. Elena Gilbert Miss Mystic Falls Costume
The Miss Mystic Falls gown should be royal blue, floor length, with a fitted bodice and a soft skirt, strapless or sleeveless. Resist anything heavily beaded; the scene was romantic and simple, and extra sparkle starts to look like prom. Polished loose curls with one side pinned back, defined lashes, a little shimmer on the lids, pink blush and a muted rose lip. A silver necklace, small drop earrings, a slim bracelet and a pale wrist corsage. I'd wear silver or nude block heels instead of stilettos, since you'll be standing for most of the night. It's the Elena to choose if you don't want fangs at all.
3. Elena Gilbert Mikaelson Ball Costume
For the Mikaelson ball, Elena wears a black evening gown with an antique feel: sleeveless, fitted at the waist, a flowing skirt and a little lace or beading on the bodice. The half-up curls take the most time, so I set them earlier in the day and pin the top section loosely so it doesn't pull by midnight. Neutral shadow, a winged liner, luminous skin and a berry lip. Black or crystal drop earrings, a slim bracelet, black heels hidden under the hem and a small ornamental clutch. A silver card invitation is the prop, and the whole look is a sharp change from her jeans and henley.
4. No Humanity Elena Costume
No Humanity Elena is the edgy version, so the textures get harder. A fitted black tank or corset-style top over a full-coverage base, coated black jeans and a dark red leather-look jacket, with heeled ankle boots stable enough for hours. Her loose waves get a narrow burgundy streak from a clip-in extension, which saves dyeing anything. Charcoal smoky eyes, sculpted brows and a deep berry lip. Fangs and a few thin dark veins near the eyes hint at the vampire without looking graphic. A silver daylight ring and a black clutch finish her.
5. Katherine Pierce Masquerade Costume
Katherine's masquerade look is a fitted black lace dress, knee or ankle length, ideally with long sleeves and a defined waist, over sheer black tights and pointed heels or ankle boots. Her hair is the biggest difference from Elena: full, glossy curls with volume at the crown. I curl it in larger sections and leave the curls to cool before brushing them out. Smoky eyes, strong lashes, contour and a deep plum lip. The mask is essential; I tie it on with ribbon rather than relying on a stick, so both hands stay free. A vintage pendant, dark earrings and a statement ring, and the fangs can come out just for photos.
6. Katherine Pierce 1864 Costume
Katherine in 1864 needs a floor-length dress in deep blue, burgundy or ivory, fitted through the bodice with a full skirt and a modest off-the-shoulder neckline. A small hoop petticoat gives the right shape, but layered petticoats or a tiered maxi skirt are far easier to sit and drive in, and that's what I'd choose for a party. Structured curls gathered at the back with a few ringlets at the face. Soft eyes, rosy cheeks, berry lips, lace gloves, a velvet ribbon at the throat and low button boots. A fan or an embroidered drawstring purse, and discreet fangs.
7. Katherine Pierce Leather Jacket Costume
This is the Katherine for a last-minute night, built from a fitted black camisole, black skinny jeans and a cropped black faux-leather jacket. Heeled ankle boots with buckles or a pointed toe give her stance. If you're dressing beside an Elena, push the curls bigger and the makeup darker than feels natural, because the two characters look nearly identical otherwise. Smoky liner, warm contour, dark lashes and a glossy berry lip. A vintage pendant, hoops, a daylight ring and optional fangs, plus a small black handbag.
8. Damon Salvatore Leather Jacket Costume
Damon is black on black, and the trick is mixing textures so it doesn't look flat in photos. A charcoal crew-neck under a fitted black faux-leather jacket, slim black jeans and black lace-up boots. Short dark hair, tousled at the front. Barely any makeup: a touch of contour and a soft brown smudge near the eyes. The daylight ring matters more than the fangs; look for a chunky silver ring with a dark blue stone. An empty crystal-style tumbler with apple juice is his safe prop, and the half-smile does the rest.
9. Stefan Salvatore Denim Jacket Costume
Stefan's everyday look is softer than his brother's, and the colour contrast is how a pair reads. A fitted grey or navy T-shirt under a dark denim jacket or a plain bomber, straight black jeans and brown or black boots. Short brown hair, neat, with a little lift at the front. Natural skin and a bit of neutral shadow. A silver daylight ring and a vintage journal for the brooding diary-writer he is. If you're next to a Damon, wear blue denim and brown boots against his black leather. It's calm enough for school or work.
10. Ripper Stefan Costume
Ripper Stefan is the dark, formal one, and it should be done with tailoring rather than blood. A fitted black button-down, a charcoal vest, tailored black trousers and polished lace-ups, with the cuffs rolled once. Hair goes back with texture; matte skin and smoky brown around the eyes. A silver ring, fangs and a pocket watch on a chain. I'd bring a dark overcoat for an outdoor party, since a vest alone is cold. A serious expression carries the character further than any makeup, and he fits right in with a Klaus or Rebekah.
11. Caroline Forbes Cheerleader Costume
Caroline's cheer uniform is the brightest thing in this lineup. A red, white and black uniform with a pleated skirt and a fitted long-sleeve top, with opaque athletic shorts underneath, white crew socks and supportive white sneakers. The high ponytail with a red ribbon should be tight; I use a hair elastic first and tie the ribbon over it, because a ribbon alone slips. Mascara, pink blush and glossy pink lips. Red and white pom-poms, a school letter patch, a silver ring and removable fangs. You can dance in it all night.
12. Caroline Forbes Yellow Dress Costume
Yellow is a hard colour to match on purpose, so I take Caroline's early dress as any clear, sunny yellow rather than chasing one exact shade. Look for a knee-length fit-and-flare, add a white cropped cardigan and nude ballet flats or low block heels. Smooth blonde curls with a slim headband or side clip, champagne shadow, rosy blush and a light pink lip. A delicate pendant, pearl studs and a cream structured bag. A silver ring and optional fangs keep her a vampire. It's at its best on a mild evening and beside a group of black jackets.
13. Vampire Caroline Red Dress Costume
Vampire Caroline is red, glamorous and controlled. A fitted knee-length red party dress with long sleeves or a modest sweetheart neckline, sheer black tights and black block-heel pumps. Full blonde curls or a smooth half-up style, softly smoky eyes, glowing skin and a classic red lip. For the transformation, I draw faint purple-brown lines under the eyes with a soft eye pencil, then blur them with a fingertip; sharp lines look like marker. Silver ring, crystal earrings, a black clutch and fangs. A cropped black coat keeps you warm without breaking the red and black palette.
14. Caroline Forbes Wedding Costume
For Caroline's wedding look, a long-sleeved white lace maxi or a costume gown is a better buy than real bridalwear, which is heavy and hard to clean after a party. Fitted at the waist with a soft skirt. Blonde hair goes in a low curled updo with a fingertip veil on a small comb; I slide the comb in against the grain and pin across it so the veil doesn't tug loose. Luminous skin, defined lashes, pale pink blush and a rose lip. Pearl or crystal earrings, white block heels, the silver ring and a small bouquet with greenery. Hem it just off the floor, and bring a formal Stefan.
15. Bonnie Bennett Boho Witch Costume
Bonnie's everyday witch look is earthy and layered, never a pointed hat. An olive fitted top under a patterned cardigan, dark bootcut jeans and brown ankle boots, with a worn crossbody, layered pendants and fine bracelets. Wear your natural curls or waves in whatever length suits you. Bronze shadow, lashes, warm blush and a neutral berry lip. I like an old journal with pressed leaves tucked between the pages as her prop, plus a small faux crystal pendant. The greens and browns and the mix of textures do the identifying.
16. Bonnie Bennett 1990s Costume
Bonnie in the 1994 prison world is a thrift-store costume, so it's cheap to build. High-waisted light-wash jeans, a fitted ribbed tank and an oversized plaid shirt or denim jacket, white high-tops and a brown belt. Shoulder-length curls or a half-up ponytail. Warm neutral makeup with a brown lip and softly lined eyes. A newspaper with a 1994 date, or a cassette player made from painted cardboard, makes the setting clear. Layer small necklaces and add a plain watch. Pair her with a Kai in a bomber jacket.
17. Bonnie Bennett Blue Prom Dress Costume
Bonnie's prom look starts with a deep navy or cobalt floor-length gown, fitted at the waist with a flowing skirt and a little sparkle or lace. Polished curls, a braided updo or a side sweep that shows off statement earrings. Navy or bronze shadow, lashes, a berry lip and highlighted cheeks. Silver sandals with a stable heel and a metallic clutch. I keep the jewellery to one pendant and one bracelet, because a busy neckline fights with a sparkly bodice. A wrist corsage and an old journal tie it back to Mystic Falls.
18. Rebekah Mikaelson 1920s Flapper Costume
Rebekah's 1920s dress should be champagne, silver or pale gold, knee length, with fringe or geometric beading. Beaded dresses are heavy and the threads catch, so I check the seams and hem before buying and stitch any loose strand right away; one snag can drop a whole row. Sheer stockings and low T-strap heels. Soft finger waves, or longer hair pinned under into a faux bob. Smoky grey eyes, defined brows, peach blush and a deep rose lip. A jewelled headband, long faux pearls, gloves, a beaded purse and a silver ring. She brings a lighter colour to a lineup of dark Salvatore outfits.
19. Rebekah Mikaelson Black Dress Costume
Modern Rebekah is a polished black mini or knee-length dress, structured with long sleeves, or sleeveless with a fitted blazer on top. Sheer tights and black knee boots or block-heel pumps. Smooth loose waves with a deep side part. Taupe smoky eyes, pink blush and a muted red lip. A silver statement necklace, gemstone earrings, a daylight ring and an envelope clutch, with optional fangs. A cream or camel coat softens it in cold weather. In a Mikaelson group, her clean lines sit well between Elijah's suit and Klaus's henley.
20. Klaus Mikaelson Henley Costume
Klaus is rugged and understated, with one artistic touch. A dark grey or olive henley with just the top button open, layered under a fitted brown jacket, dark straight jeans and worn brown lace-up boots. Short sandy hair, tousled. Light contour and neutral shadow. A vintage-style ring and a rolled sketch tied with twine; I draw a quick charcoal sketch on cartridge paper and roll it loosely so it doesn't crease. Fangs for photos and a dark scarf for warmth. Stand him next to a red-dress Caroline.
21. Elijah Mikaelson Suit Costume
Elijah is a suit costume, so the whole thing rests on fit. A dark navy or charcoal two-piece over a crisp white shirt, a coordinating tie and black Oxford-style shoes. If the jacket is a little big, I take it to a tailor for the sleeves, or pin the back for one night; slouchy shoulders lose him instantly. A fitted overcoat for October, hair combed back with a precise side part, clean skin and a little contour. A good watch, a folded pocket square and a silver ring. A cream envelope with a wax-look seal is the prop, and the fangs stay hidden until the photos.
22. Kol Mikaelson Dark Jacket Costume
Kol sits between his brothers: more structured than Klaus, looser than Elijah. A black or burgundy button-down under a fitted dark jacket, slim black trousers and polished ankle boots, collar open with no tie. Short textured hair swept casually forward. Subtle smoky eyes, defined brows and a natural lip. A silver ring, a vintage pocket watch and optional fangs. A dark red scarf adds colour without breaking the moody palette. Carry a rolled old-style map or a sealed envelope.
23. Lexi Branson Rocker Costume
Lexi is relaxed and friendly, a rocker who'd rather be at a gig. A plain charcoal tank or fitted tee goes under a distressed black denim jacket, with dark skinny jeans and sturdy combat boots. Long blonde waves, slightly messy. Smudged brown liner, mascara, warm blush and a neutral pink lip. Layered silver necklaces, a handful of rings and a cuff. When I stack several silver necklaces I use different lengths so they don't tangle into one knot. Fangs, a daylight ring and headphones or a concert flyer. She contrasts well with a neat Stefan.
24. Enzo St. John Jacket Costume
Enzo's style is sharp casual with a bit of vintage rock. A black V-neck, slim dark trousers and a fitted burgundy or black moto jacket, pointed black boots and a narrow belt. Dark hair styled back with some texture. Define the brows, cheekbones and eyes a little more than usual so the face holds up in photos. A silver ring, a chain and fangs. His prop is a folded handwritten letter that fits in the jacket pocket. Over a dark wool coat outdoors, the burgundy still shows at the collar, and that's how people tell him from Damon.
25. Kai Parker 1990s Costume
Kai is the colourful, mischievous one, and nineties clothes are easy to find secondhand. A maroon bomber over a grey crew-neck, relaxed blue jeans and retro white sneakers, with a plaid shirt tied at the waist. Short brown hair swept to the side, minimal makeup. A plain watch and a cardboard cassette player, a folded 1994 newspaper or a stack of VHS-style cases. Keep weapons and gore out of it. He makes a natural duo with a Bonnie in high-waisted denim and plaid.
26. Sybil Burgundy Coat Costume
Sybil looks sleek and modern, and the burgundy coat is the whole statement. A black long-sleeve midi dress, or a fitted black top and trousers, under a knee-length burgundy coat, with pointed black ankle boots. Smooth dark waves with a centre part. Plum smoky eyes, sculpted brows, a muted berry lip and luminous skin. Dark gemstone earrings, a statement ring and a structured black bag. A metallic pendant can nod to the siren side without turning into an awkward prop. Wool coats keep her warm, and you'll wear it again all winter.
27. Vicki Donovan Vampire Costume
Vicki is meant to look less polished than the other women, and that's the point. A fitted grey tank over a black camisole, dark low-rise jeans, a cropped faux-leather jacket and black ankle boots with a manageable heel. Long light-brown waves, a little messy. Smudged charcoal liner, mascara, a pale pink lip and soft purple-brown shading under the eyes. Fangs and a simple pendant. A pumpkin candy bucket or a Halloween flyer fits her story nicely. Tie a plaid shirt at the hips if you want more texture.
28. Damon And Elena Couple Costume
Damon and Elena read best when both use early-season pieces. Elena wears a burgundy henley, dark skinny jeans, a cropped jacket, brown knee boots, straight brunette hair and a silver pendant; Damon wears a charcoal shirt, a black leather-look jacket, black jeans, boots, tousled hair and the ring. I keep her makeup natural and give him slightly darker eyes so they don't look like a matching set. Fangs are optional for both. She carries the diary, he holds the tumbler of soda. In photos, stand close so the brown and black jackets read as a pair.
29. Stefan And Elena Couple Costume
Stefan and Elena are the gentler couple, all everyday fall layers. Elena gets a fitted forest-green top, dark jeans, brown boots and a cropped black jacket, with smooth straight hair, natural makeup and a fine silver necklace. Stefan wears a grey T-shirt, a dark denim jacket, black jeans, brown boots, neat hair and a silver ring. Give her a small diary and him a vintage journal so each has a prop of their own. Share the denim and neutral colours but don't match exactly. It's a good couple for a school party or a casual night.
30. Mystic Falls Group Costume
In a Mystic Falls group, each friend takes a different character and the colours keep them separate. Elena in a burgundy henley and brown boots, Damon in black leather, Stefan in dark denim, Caroline in the red and white cheer uniform, Bonnie in earthy greens, Katherine in fitted black with big curls. Add Klaus in a grey henley, Rebekah in a flapper dress or Elijah in a suit for a bigger group. When I help a group plan, I write the list down so two people don't both show up as Elena. Diaries, masks, invitations, pom-poms and rings beat any graphic prop, and removable fangs link the vampires.
Telling Elena and Katherine Apart at a Glance
The doppelganger problem trips up a lot of groups. On the show they are played by one actress, so at a party a casual Elena and a casual Katherine can look like the same person in two jackets. I separate them with three things. Elena's hair is smooth and straight; Katherine's is curled big. Elena wears warm colours like burgundy, green and brown; Katherine wears black. Elena's makeup is soft; Katherine's is a full smoky eye with a darker lip.
If you're doing both characters yourself across two parties, a curling iron and a darker lipstick will switch you over in about twenty minutes, so you don't need a second outfit.
Drawing Vampire Veins That Last Past Midnight
For the veined look on No Humanity Elena or Vampire Caroline, I use an ordinary soft eye pencil in purple, plum or dark brown, not a liquid liner, which looks too harsh. Draw a few thin, branching lines under the eye, tap them with a fingertip to soften, then press a little translucent powder over the top so they don't smear onto your cheeks.
Test any product you don't use daily on the inside of your wrist the night before, and keep the lines away from the lash line. A cleansing balm or micellar water takes them off at the end of the night without scrubbing.
Every Vampire Here Starts With the Ring
The casual characters in Mystic Falls come out of an ordinary closet: henleys, jeans, boots and leather-look jackets. The formal ones need a gown, some old jewellery and patient hair. In both cases the small things carry it: hair texture, the right makeup, a daylight ring, a diary or a mask. Go solo, take a partner, or give your whole friend group contrasting characters. Comfortable shoes, secure accessories and a layer for the weather where you live are what keep you in costume until the end of the night.
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