Beetlejuice is one of the easiest film worlds to dress for, because almost every character is built on a strong color story: black-and-white stripes, Lydia's red wedding dress, gothic black, and the odd office beige of the afterlife. The looks below cover the classic film and the newer characters, including Astrid's vintage wardrobe, Delores in her black gowns and Bob's office uniform, plus ideas for couples, families and groups. Most of them come together from thrift-store clothing, a decent wig, some makeup and one handmade prop. If you'll be on your feet all night, I'd plan the shoes and the layers before anything else; the character can carry a lot of mess, but sore feet show.
Painting Your Own Stripes When the Thrift Rack Has None
Striped suits are the first thing to sell out every October, so I often make my own from plain white trousers and a white jacket. Cotton or a cotton blend takes fabric paint far better than polyester, which lets the paint sit on top and crack.
- Wash and dry the pieces first so any finish comes off and the paint can soak in.
- Slide cardboard inside each leg and sleeve so the paint doesn't bleed through to the back.
- Mark stripes with low-tack painter's tape, keeping them the same width all the way round; on trousers I run them vertically, which is what reads as Beetlejuice.
- Brush on black fabric paint in thin coats, let each dry, then peel the tape slowly.
- Heat-set the paint with an iron through a pressing cloth, following the paint's own instructions.
Don't worry if the lines wobble a little. A hand-painted suit that's slightly off-true looks more like the character than a crisp shop-bought one, and you can rumple it with a quick tumble in the dryer.
1. Classic Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
The striped suit is the one people name before you've even walked in the door. A black-and-white striped blazer and trousers over a slightly rumpled white shirt, a skinny black tie and scuffed black shoes or lace-ups are all it takes. I always buy the suit a size loose; Beetlejuice should look like he slept in it. Spike a short white-and-green wig unevenly, then use white makeup as a base with gray blended around the eyes and green along the hairline. A few tufts of costume moss at the collar suggest the graveyard without anything gory. Carry a handmade handbook or a foam tombstone, and resist the urge to tidy the makeup.
2. Beetlejuice Burgundy Wedding Tuxedo Costume
The wedding tuxedo trades the stripes for a deep red, and it's my pick for anyone who already owns a striped-suit Beetlejuice from a past year. Look for a burgundy or deep red tuxedo jacket with matching trousers, a ruffled white shirt and an oversized bow tie in the same shade. Thrifted red pieces rarely match exactly; I lean into that, since slightly clashing reds look eccentric rather than cheap. The wig stays wild and white with faded green at the roots and temples. Soft gray shading under the cheekbones and green at the forehead give the recently deceased finish. Fake flowers or a novelty ring box tell the story whether or not a Lydia comes with you.
3. Beetlejuice Graveyard Shirt And Tie Costume
You don't need the full striped suit to be Beetlejuice. A wrinkled white button-down, a narrow black tie, distressed black trousers and scuffed boots get you most of the way, and a striped blazer only goes on top if you already own one. Roll the sleeves and leave the shirt half untucked. The hair carries the rest: a short white wig with temporary green sprayed through it, sprayed outdoors so the color doesn't settle on your sink. Smudge gray around the eyes, jaw and nose, and dab green near the hairline and collar. A foam gravestone sign or a handwritten afterlife business card makes a cheap, funny prop.
4. Beetlejuice Carnival Barker Costume
The carnival barker version gives Beetlejuice a showman's silhouette. A black-and-white striped tailcoat with black trousers, a ruffled white shirt and a green or purple vest set the shape, with a small bow tie, striped socks and black boots. Tilt a little striped top hat on the wig; I pin mine to a headband or comb so it doesn't lift every time I turn. Messy white-and-green hair, pale skin and smoky gray eyes stay the same as the classic look. A light megaphone, a roll of tickets or a sign for an imaginary afterlife attraction finish the act. Keep the lapels a bit crooked; polished doesn't suit him.
5. Glam Beetlejuice Costume For Women
The glam take keeps the stripes but swaps the grime for polish. I'd build it on a fitted striped blazer over a black corset-style top, with striped wide-leg trousers or a knee-length skirt and opaque tights. Platform ankle boots give height and are far kinder over a long night than stilettos. Tease a white wig with green roots for big volume, then go for pale foundation, charcoal smoky eyes, sculpted cheeks and a little green shimmer at the hairline. Black-and-white earrings and a striped clutch add detail. A fitted black turtleneck underneath keeps you warm on a cold night and doesn't spoil the line.
6. Easy Beetlejuice Costume With Striped Pants
If you have an evening, not a week, start with striped trousers; they announce the character so the rest can come from your closet. Vertical black-and-white stripes go with a white button-down, black suspenders and a loose tie, plus a thrifted black blazer if it's cool. Wear whichever black shoes you can actually stand in. Spray green into a white wig and pull it into messy spikes. I'd use pale foundation rather than thick costume paint here; it's quicker to apply, and it doesn't crack around your mouth as you talk. Gray shadow around the eyes and a little green at the forehead are enough, and a handmade handbook gives your hands something to do.
7. Plus Size Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
On a plus-size Beetlejuice, fit is the whole game. The blazer needs room across the shoulders and over the hips, because when the stripes pull, they bend, and that's the first thing people notice. Pair it with matching trousers, stretch striped leggings or plain black trousers, a breathable white shirt and a black tie. Cushioned loafers or supportive boots make a long party bearable. I look for a lightweight wig on an adjustable cap so it doesn't pinch at the temples. Pale foundation, smoky gray and a touch of green do the character without a heavy layer of paint. Don't chase perfectly matched stripes; comfort and confidence carry this one.
8. Kids Beetlejuice Striped Costume
A kids' Beetlejuice should come off easily and never itch. I start with striped pajama-style trousers and a matching jacket over a plain white T-shirt, then swap the necktie for a clip-on tie or fabric bow, since nothing should be knotted around a child's neck. Black sneakers beat stiff costume shoes on a trick-or-treat route. A washable white-and-green hair spray, or a soft wig with an adjustable cap, gives the hair. Skip heavy face paint; pale powder, light gray shadow and a little green near the forehead are plenty. A foam handbook or a striped treat bag with reflective tape along the edge keeps it practical after dark.
9. Lydia Deetz Red Wedding Dress Costume
Lydia's red wedding dress is the most photographed costume in this whole world, and it's worth the effort. Choose a long red lace or tulle dress with a high neckline, fitted sleeves and a full tiered skirt, then add a red veil and elbow-length gloves. Boots hidden under the hem are a real kindness to your feet. The hair is the second thing people read: black, pulled into a high, uneven ponytail with spiky pieces left out. A thrifted red formal dress can work if you bulk up the shoulders and skirt with extra tulle; I tack the tulle on by hand so it can come off later. Keep the makeup pale, gothic and clean.
10. Lydia Deetz Black Spiderweb Poncho Costume
The spiderweb poncho is the comfortable Lydia, and it's my favorite for a cold night outdoors. Wear an oversized black poncho or circle cape with a white web over a long-sleeve black top and leggings, plus low-heeled black ankle boots and small silver earrings. Her straight black hair with short, spiky bangs matters more than the outfit, so a wig is worth it if your own hair is very different. If you can't find a printed web, paint one onto a plain poncho with white fabric paint; tape a cardboard sheet inside first so it doesn't bleed through. Pale skin, charcoal eyes, berry lips and a vintage camera finish her.
11. Lydia Deetz Black Goth Dress Costume
A black gothic dress makes a Lydia you can wear again to any dark-themed party. Look for a calf-length black dress with lace sleeves, a high collar or a layered skirt, and wear it with opaque tights and lace-up ankle boots. A narrow belt gives shape if the dress hangs straight. The black wig goes into a messy half-up ponytail with those pointed bangs. Keep the makeup pale and understated, with smoky eyes, defined brows and a muted berry lip. I'd carry the vintage camera rather than a parasol; it's the prop people tie to Lydia. A cropped black cardigan over the top keeps the look intact on a cold evening.
12. Modern Lydia Deetz Black Tulle Costume
Grown-up Lydia keeps her gothic edge through sharp black layers instead of the big red dress. I build it around a long black tulle skirt or dress with a fitted black blouse, then add a structured waistcoat, cropped jacket or tailcoat for an adult silhouette. Choose pointed boots you can stand in for hours. Black hair goes into a slightly messy updo with short, angular bangs. Pale satin-finish makeup, smoky charcoal eyes and dark berry lipstick suit her. A vintage microphone or a folder for her paranormal show points to the newer story. Lace gloves and black drop earrings add texture without any color creeping in.
13. Astrid Deetz Striped Sweater Dress Costume
Astrid's striped sweater dress is the casual pick for fans of the newer film, and it's the easiest Deetz to wear all night. Choose a distressed sweater dress in red-and-gray or a dark mixed stripe and layer it over black shorts. Tall white socks and black knee-high lace-up boots give her the vintage school look, and a dark denim jacket or purple coat goes on top when it's cold. Keep dark hair straight with wispy bangs. If you distress the hem yourself, snip small nicks and pull a few threads rather than cutting holes; knits run quickly once cut. Light foundation, smudged gray liner and tinted balm, plus an old book or messenger bag, finish her.
14. Astrid Deetz Purple Coat Costume
The deep purple coat is what makes this Astrid look work, and it's practical on a cool night. Layer the coat over a dark floral midi dress or a distressed black-and-gray dress, with white knee socks and sturdy black lace-up boots. A worn crossbody satchel holding an old hardcover book fits her bookish side. Keep dark hair natural and a bit tousled, with straight bangs or loose face-framing pieces. Makeup stays minimal: soft gray liner, brushed brows and a neutral lip. I like this one because every piece goes straight back into a normal fall wardrobe once the party is over.
15. Astrid Deetz Silver Halloween Dress Costume
Astrid's silver dress is the formal version, with an antique, slightly eerie mood. Look for a silver-gray vintage gown with a fitted bodice, puffed sleeves and a long skirt. Silvery thrifted gowns are often thin, so I'd wear gray leggings underneath for warmth. Swap delicate heels for black lace-up boots; they suit her and you'll last longer in them. Dark hair with straight bangs and soft, undone waves keeps it youthful. Pale foundation, gray shadow, mascara and a mauve lip are all it needs. If the dress is plain, tack removable gray lace around the neckline and cuffs. An aged handbook or a small carved box makes a quiet prop.
16. Delores Black Wedding Dress Costume
Delores in her black wedding gown is a gift for anyone who loves gothic bridal clothes. Wear a floor-length black lace gown with long sleeves, a fitted waist and a sweeping skirt, plus black gloves, a short dark veil and pointed boots. A long black wig with a center part and glossy waves frames her. Her pieced-together look comes from thin seam lines drawn across the face and neck with a black cosmetic pencil, with tiny silver marks for staples. I keep these neat and graphic rather than gory. With an all-black palette, texture is the only thing the eye has to work with, so mix lace, sheer fabric, velvet and satin.
17. Delores Sheer Black Corset Costume
For a lighter Delores, layer an off-the-shoulder sheer black dress over a lined corset top and an opaque maxi skirt. Distressed fingerless gloves and tall black boots with a stable heel suit her, and the long black wig should sit in controlled waves. The seams and staples are the character, so draw them along the face, arms and neckline with skin-safe black and metallic silver cosmetics. Sheer fabric always looks more see-through under a phone flash than in the mirror, so I check every layer under bright light before leaving home. Black roses or a small vintage case keep the props elegant instead of grisly.
18. Bob Shrunken Head Office Costume
Bob's shrunken-head office look is a guaranteed conversation at any party. Wear an oversized mustard-yellow shirt with a dark patterned tie, brown trousers and plain black office shoes. The trick is height: build broad shoulders from light foam under the shirt, sit a small sculpted head above the collar, and hide your real face behind breathable black mesh in the raised torso. Keep the frame flexible so you fit through doors, and make it removable in seconds; you'll want it off when you eat. A clipboard or an old phone receiver is his prop. His mustard shirt makes a good contrast with Beetlejuice's stripes in a group.
19. Wolf Jackson Afterlife Detective Costume
Wolf Jackson is the less common choice, and he's mostly great outerwear. A long black leather-look trench over a dark shirt, tie and tailored trousers, plus a wide-brim black hat, leather-look gloves and sturdy boots, set up the afterlife detective. Short gray hair sits neatly under the hat. Pale foundation and soft gray shading under the cheekbones give an otherworldly look without much work. I'd stick to a toy badge, notebook or case file marked with a made-up name; leave anything weapon-shaped at home. Check that the trench fits through the shoulders and is light enough to wear indoors, because faux leather gets hot quickly.
20. Miss Argentina Red Pageant Costume
Miss Argentina mixes pageant glamour with green skin, and it's the most makeup-heavy look on this list. Wear a sparkling red sleeveless dress with a ruffled skirt or a dramatic shoulder, a white pageant sash, a red flower hairpiece and sheer tights with low red or glitter pumps. A bright red wig goes into a high curled updo. The green has to cover every visible bit of skin, and it transfers onto everything, so set it well with powder and a setting spray. If you'd rather not paint your arms, wear a sleeved green bodysuit under the dress. Purple shadow, lashes, red lips and a reception bell or clipboard finish her.
21. Barbara Maitland Floral Dress Costume
Barbara Maitland is the best closet costume in the film, and most people already own half of it. A long-sleeve floral prairie-style dress in soft pastels, midi length with a modest neckline, is the core. Add a narrow belt, a neutral cardigan and brown flats or loafers. Her hair is a soft, curled shoulder-length bob in brown or auburn. Keep the makeup natural with rosy cheeks and pink lipstick, and dust a little pale powder over everything if you want a hint of ghost. On her own, she can be mistaken for a plain floral outfit; a miniature model house in your hand fixes that straight away, and an Adam fixes it even better.
22. Barbara Maitland Transformed Face Costume
Barbara's stretched-face scare is far more fun as a mask than as makeup. Keep her floral midi dress, fitted cardigan, belt and brown flats, with a short curly brown wig. Carve the mask from craft foam with a pulled-open mouth, big round eyes and a long cartoon tongue, then paint it in smooth peach, pink and white so it reads surreal, not frightening. I mount mine on a headband so it lifts off; the mouth hole is your vision, so cut it generously and test walking stairs with it on. Indoors, push it up and you're still clearly Barbara. Beside Adam's transformed head, the pair makes sense to anyone who's seen the film.
23. Adam Maitland Plaid Shirt Costume
Adam Maitland is the last-minute costume I recommend most, since it's ordinary clothes worn in character. A red or brown plaid shirt over a white undershirt, tan chinos and brown lace-ups are the whole outfit, with a neutral jacket for outdoors. Short brown hair with a natural side part keeps him tidy. A light dusting of pale powder hints that he's a ghost. Round glasses help his gentle, careful personality but aren't essential. On his own he can look like a man in plaid, so carry a miniature house or a small model-building tool, and he becomes much easier to place when he stands next to Barbara.
24. Adam Maitland Transformed Head Costume
Adam's transformed head is a proper craft project, and it rewards a weekend of work. Keep his plaid shirt, tan chinos, brown belt and shoes. Build a tall, narrow foam mask with a pointed nose and raised eye shapes, cover it with light fabric or papier-mâché, and paint it in smooth neutrals. Add short brown hair at the top. Cut large openings around your own eyes, because a tall mask blocks the side view and sways as you walk. I test any tall headpiece by wearing it around the house for twenty minutes; if it tips forward, add a chin strap or move the weight back. Next to a masked Barbara, the couple is unmistakable.
25. Delia Deetz Black Dinner Party Costume
Delia's dinner-party look is pure 1980s art-world drama. Wear a draped black midi dress with an asymmetrical neckline, sculptural sleeves or layered panels, with red ankle boots or low pumps and big geometric earrings. Her hair is the giveaway: bright red, swept into a high-volume updo with a curled front. I'd tease and pin a wig on a foam head the day before, since that height takes time to build. Pale foundation, strong blush, purple or gray shadow and glossy red lips finish her face. A wide black belt gives a plain thrifted dress more shape, and a small abstract sculpture or empty serving tray nods to the dinner scene.
26. Delia Deetz Red Artist Costume
The red artist look shows off Delia's taste for color and odd shapes. A loose red tunic dress or long red blouse goes over black tapered trousers, with sculptural black jewelry, a wide belt and pointed red or black ankle boots. When I shop for this one, I skip anything plainly fitted and look for strange folds, big shoulders or an uneven hem; the cut does more for her than any accessory. A red wig in a side-swept updo, defined brows, visible blush, soft purple shadow and red lipstick feel properly 1980s. A painted cardboard sculpture or a black portfolio gives her something to carry.
27. Otho Black Designer Suit Costume
Otho is an easy build from thrifted menswear with a few loud details. Wear a textured black jacket over a dark shirt, a narrow patterned tie and relaxed black trousers, then add one strong color at the feet with red leather-look shoes or burgundy loafers. Short, neat dark hair, pale foundation and groomed brows keep him sharp. Oversized round glasses, a patterned scarf and geometric jewelry carry his designer fussiness. Carry a fabric swatch book or paint fan. For fans who know the newer film, a pastel summer jacket worn over the top and peeled off later is a good running joke. He looks best beside Delia.
28. Juno Afterlife Caseworker Costume
Juno, the afterlife caseworker, is stern and strange in a way that's oddly comfortable to wear. A dark green or gray skirt suit with a buttoned blouse, opaque tights and sensible low pumps is the base. Narrow cat-eye glasses, an office badge and a thick folder of made-up case files carry her job. Gray hair goes into a neat short wig or a tightly pinned updo. Pale foundation, gray shadow, muted lipstick and a little gray shading at the cheeks give the otherworldly look. I like tacking a few wisps of white tulle near the collar to suggest smoke; it's safe and reads well in photos. She pairs nicely with Bob or Miss Argentina.
29. Sandworm Costume
The sandworm is the ambitious build here, and it's a showstopper in a group. Start with a black-and-white striped jumpsuit, or a striped long-sleeve top and leggings, plus black sneakers. Build a curved worm head from light foam that sits on the shoulders, with your face behind black mesh. Paint bold stripes, red eyes and a smaller colored mouth inside the big one, and keep the teeth rounded and cartoonish. Foam heads catch on door frames and crowds, so I'd keep the width close to your own shoulders. If a full structure is too much, a striped hood and a soft worm puppet on one arm get the same laugh.
30. Beetlejuice And Lydia Wedding Couple Costume
The wedding scene makes the most dramatic couple look in the film. One of you wears the burgundy tuxedo, ruffled white shirt, big bow tie, black shoes and the wild white-and-green wig, with pale makeup, gray shading and a little green. The other wears the full red lace wedding dress with layered tulle, red gloves, a veil and boots hidden under the hem, plus Lydia's high, uneven black ponytail and dark eyes. A red bouquet and an oversized ring box make the scene clear. Both outfits have a lot of layers, so I'd choose the lightest fabrics you can find; a crowded party gets warm fast.
31. Adam And Barbara Maitland Couple Costume
Adam and Barbara are the comfortable couple: simple on their own, unforgettable with masks. Adam wears a plaid shirt, tan chinos and brown shoes with tidy brown hair. Barbara wears a pastel floral prairie dress, cardigan, narrow belt and brown flats with a soft auburn wig. Dust both faces with pale powder and share a miniature house between you. For the photo moment, add removable foam masks: tall and narrow for Adam, big round eyes and a stretched mouth for Barbara. Mount both on headbands so they lift on and off easily. Without them, it's a quiet vintage pair; with them, people place the couple from across the room.
32. Beetlejuice And Miss Argentina Couple Costume
Beetlejuice and Miss Argentina are the most colorful pair here, with messy stripes beside polished pageant glamour. He wears the striped suit, white shirt, narrow tie, black boots and spiked white-and-green wig, with pale makeup and smoky gray eyes. She wears the sparkling red dress, white sash, red flower hairpiece and glitter low heels, with a bright red updo and green on all visible skin. The practical warning is transfer: green makeup ends up on his shirt the moment you link arms, so set hers well with powder and spray and consider gloves. He carries the handbook, she holds a clipboard or reception bell.
33. Beetlejuice Family Costume With Lydia And Astrid
A family of four can cover Beetlejuice, Lydia, Astrid and one flexible extra. Beetlejuice takes the striped suit, wig, pale makeup and boots. Lydia goes for a long black tulle dress, a fitted jacket, a dark updo and her camera. Astrid wears a striped sweater dress or floral dress with the purple coat, white socks and lace-up boots. The fourth person can be Delia in a sculptural black dress, red wig and red shoes. I give each person exactly one light prop, which keeps the characters clear and stops anyone from juggling things. Repeating red, green and purple across the four outfits ties the family together in photos.
34. Beetlejuice Group Costume With Afterlife Characters
For a big group, mix the heroes, the villains and the afterlife office staff. A lineup of striped Beetlejuice, red-dress Lydia, Barbara, Adam, Miss Argentina, Juno, Bob and Delores gives everyone a role that suits their effort level. Each person needs the right wig, simple makeup, good shoes and one prop: the handbook, the camera, the shared model house, a clipboard, case files, the foam head and black flowers. The one thing I'd agree on in advance is makeup strength; one heavily painted face beside seven lightly powdered ones looks like a mistake in photos. It works well for friends or coworkers because simple and ambitious costumes sit side by side.
35. Beetlejuice Pet And Owner Costume
A pet and owner pairing works best when the animal wears almost nothing. The owner takes on the full character in the striped suit, white shirt, black tie, wig, pale makeup and boots. The pet gets one light, safe piece: a red harness, a soft black cape or a breathable striped shirt. A small red tulle collar nods to Lydia's wedding dress, and a striped bandanna makes a mini Beetlejuice. I'd never put wigs, face paint, tight hats or dangling props on an animal, and the owner should carry every accessory. Let the pet walk normally, and take the costume off at the first sign of scratching or freezing in place.
Green and White Makeup That Stays Off Your Collar
Nearly every look here relies on pale skin with gray and green shading, and the most common complaint I hear is about transfer onto white shirts, partners and car seats. A few habits fix most of it.
- Patch-test any costume makeup on the inside of your wrist a day ahead, especially bright green.
- Put the shirt on before the makeup, and tuck a tissue or scarf around the collar while you work.
- Apply thin layers and press translucent setting powder over each one with a puff instead of brushing it on.
- Finish with a setting spray and give it a few minutes before you hug anyone.
- Take it off at the end of the night with an oil-based cleanser or balm, then wash normally; scrubbing only irritates the skin.
Teasing Beetlejuice Spikes and Lydia Bangs Into a Wig
Cheap costume wigs come out of the bag flat and shiny, which suits neither character. For Beetlejuice, I pull the wig onto a foam head, backcomb small sections near the roots and twist the ends into clumps with a bit of strong hairspray. Green goes in last, sprayed lightly from a distance so the white still shows. For Lydia, trim the fringe while the wig is on a head, cutting a little at a time into short points; synthetic fibers don't grow back. A dry shampoo dusting takes the plastic shine off either wig. Keep both away from candles and ovens, because synthetic hair frizzes or melts with heat.
The Afterlife Rewards a Little Mess
There's a Beetlejuice look here for every skill level, budget and group size. The striped suit is the safe bet if you want people to name you on sight, Lydia's red dress gives gothic drama, and the afterlife characters reward anyone who'd rather wear something less expected. Thrift stores are the best source for vintage dresses, baggy jackets and office wear, and a handmade book, model house or light mask turns plain clothes into a specific character. Try on the wig, makeup, shoes and any big headpiece before the night. The film itself is messy and odd, so a little imperfection only helps.
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