Few pop stars have changed their look as deliberately as The Weeknd, and that makes his eras a gift for costume building. The red After Hours blazer is the one everybody knows, but the list below also covers Starboy streetwear, Dawn FM tailoring, the early mixtape years and the black-and-gold wardrobe of Hurry Up Tomorrow. When I style a celebrity costume like this, I look for the two or three details that carry it: here that is usually the hair, the tinted glasses and the gloves. Most of these can be pulled together from thrifted tailoring and clothes you already own, with clean makeup and props light enough to carry all night.
Reading His Eras From the Hairline Down
When fans try to place a Weeknd costume, they look at the hair before the clothes. Get the hair wrong and even a perfect jacket points to the wrong album. I sort his looks into three hair groups before I buy anything else.
- Tall and freeform: the early mixtape years through Beauty Behind the Madness. The wig is the costume here, and the clothes can be plain black streetwear.
- Cropped close: the Starboy period. A short, tight-curled wig or your own hair cut neatly, never the tall shape.
- Short curls with a groomed beard: After Hours and its red suits, plus most of the later tailoring. A neat curly wig and drawn-in facial hair do the job.
The Dawn FM old-man looks break the pattern with gray hair and beard, and the stage-tour looks often hide the hair under a hood. Either way, once the hair matches the era, the rest of the outfit only has to agree with it.
Getting a wig to look like his
Cheap curly wigs often arrive shiny and too uniform. I fluff the curls apart with my fingers rather than a brush, which frizzes synthetic fibre, and a light dusting of dry shampoo knocks down the shine. For the tall styles, a wig with a dense base holds height better than a thin one, and a little hairspray worked in from the roots helps it keep its shape.
1. Blinding Lights Red Suit Costume
This is the one people name before you've finished walking in. A fitted red blazer, black button-down, slim black tie and tailored black trousers make the base, with black leather gloves and oversized amber-lens sunglasses for that late-night video feel. Black-and-white wingtips are the nicer touch, though plain black dress shoes are easier to find. Shape natural hair into short curls or wear a neat curly black wig with a trimmed beard. I keep the face to soft red shadow and slightly smudged liner. The red is where most thrifted blazers let you down: an orange-leaning red looks cheap next to the true crimson people picture, so I compare it against something truly red before buying.
2. After Hours Album Cover Costume
The album cover version needs almost nothing beyond the suit, which is why I suggest it to anyone short on time. A bright red blazer, an open-collar black shirt and sleek black trousers make the outfit; the shirt should sit a little loose under the jacket so it looks like the end of a long night rather than the start. Red socks under black dress shoes are a small detail fans catch. A short curly wig and tidy facial hair makeup handle the grooming, with glossy highlighter and soft red around the eyes and that wide stage smile, no injury effects. A square cardboard frame shaped like the album makes a good photo prop.
3. Heartless Red Blazer Costume
Heartless is the looser, flashier cousin of the Blinding Lights look. Here the red blazer goes over a crisp white shirt instead of black, with black tailored trousers and polished loafers, collar open and a slim gold chain showing. His hair was short and shaped in this period, so a compact curly wig or natural curls defined with styling cream works. Dark rectangular sunglasses and warm gold eye makeup pick up party lights. I'd choose a blazer with slightly oversized shoulders here, because the slouch is part of the attitude. Oversized novelty playing cards are a fun prop, though you don't need one.
4. American Music Awards Bandage Costume
The awards-show bandages are what turn a red suit into this specific moment. Build the red blazer, black shirt and tie, straight trousers and lace-up shoes, then wrap clean costume gauze loosely across the forehead, cheeks and jaw. The eyes, nose and mouth must stay completely clear. I hold the gauze with skin-safe tape rather than adhesive, because spirit gum on a large area of face is a lot to remove at the end of the night. Keep the makeup matte with tidy brows so the bandages stay the focus. Black gloves, a short curly wig and a small award-shaped prop finish it. Do a full test wrap a few days ahead and check you can talk, drink and turn your head.
5. Super Bowl Crystal Blazer Costume
The sparkle is the whole point of this one, so the jacket needs the work. A red blazer covered in rhinestones, sequins or crystal trim goes with a black shirt, black tie, fitted trousers and glossy shoes. If you'd rather not buy a crystal jacket, removable gem strips along a plain red blazer's lapels and shoulders give a convincing effect from a few feet away. A short curly wig with a clean hairline and subtle contour sharpen the face. Black gloves and a metallic handheld microphone are the only accessories you need. I'd skip any heavy face effects here; they fight the jacket for attention.
6. Super Bowl Backup Dancer Group Costume
A group of backup dancers looks striking because of repetition, so matching matters more than detail. Everyone wears a red blazer over a black shirt and tie, black trousers, black gloves and comfortable black shoes. White costume gauze wrapped around the head and lower face gives the eerie uniform effect, as long as breathing and vision stay fully clear for every person. Anyone who finds the wrap uncomfortable can wear a white fabric mask with soft gray lines instead. Wigs are optional. One person gets the sparkly blazer and the microphone as the lead; the rest carry light silver flashlights. When I plan a group like this, I make sure everyone's blazer is the same shade of red, since mismatched reds break the uniform look faster than anything.
7. Save Your Tears Crystal Suit Costume
Save Your Tears is the glam option for someone who likes doing makeup. Wear a red jacket trimmed with crystal, matching red trousers, a black shirt and black leather gloves, with black loafers or lace-ups. Short sculpted curls and a neat beard, drawn with washable facial-hair makeup if needed, set up the face. The video's stretched, exaggerated look can be suggested gently with lifted contour lines, highlighted cheekbones, glossy skin and sharp brows. I wouldn't go near prosthetics for this; anything stiff on the face stops you smiling and talking. A gold toy microphone or a light vintage microphone stand finishes it.
8. In Your Eyes Red Jacket Costume
A saxophone prop is what separates In Your Eyes from every other red suit at the party. Pair the red jacket with a black button-down, slim black tie, black trousers, leather gloves and black-and-white dress shoes. Choose an inflatable or cardboard saxophone; a real one gets heavy fast, especially if you're walking between houses or venues. Short curls, a groomed mustache and beard and lightly smudged dark eye makeup make the face. Amber sunglasses can live in the jacket pocket when you want your face seen. A black pocket square and simple studs add a little extra.
9. Until I Bleed Out Confetti Costume
Red confetti on the shoulders makes this version look like it's mid-scene, but it needs restraint. Start with the red blazer, black shirt and tie, black trousers and polished shoes. Attach a small amount of red metallic fringe or paper confetti to the shoulders with removable fashion tape. Loose confetti ends up on the floor, in drinks and on the host's sofa, so I always fix it down and use less than feels right. Black gloves, a short curly wig and lightly tousled facial hair go with dewy foundation, red-toned shadow and a softly blurred lip for that tired-performer face. A clear pouch of reusable red paper circles makes a tidy prop indoors.
10. After Hours Short Film Costume
For a moodier red blazer, look to the short film. A slightly oversized crimson jacket over a black shirt and narrow tie, black trousers and two-tone wingtips form the base, with black gloves and amber-lens sunglasses. I set the wig neatly on top and pull a few curls loose near the forehead so it looks like he has been out all night. Burgundy shadow under the eyes and a slight sheen on the skin complete the face. A cardboard street sign or a light LED tube shaped like neon is a safe handheld prop. Keep the tailoring loose enough to move in, because the body language and a few dance poses do a lot of the work here.
11. Starboy Leather Jacket Costume
Starboy swaps red tailoring for black streetwear. A black leather or faux-leather biker jacket goes over a black T-shirt with a simple red geometric symbol, plus slim black jeans, black Chelsea boots and a silver chain. His hair in this era was cropped much shorter than the earlier tall style, so a close-curled wig or natural hair with a clean outline is right; the tall wig would put you in the wrong era. Dark rectangular sunglasses and a defined beard in brown or black cosmetic pencil handle the face. A small battery-powered red light makes a futuristic prop. Hold jewellery to one chain, a ring and studs. Every piece here can go back into your wardrobe after Halloween.
12. Starboy Denim Jacket Costume
The denim version is the relaxed Starboy, and it's the one I'd suggest for an outdoor night because the jacket does real work against the cold. A medium-wash denim jacket with a sherpa collar goes over a plain black T-shirt and slim black jeans, with clean black boots, a silver chain, dark sunglasses and studs. Short dense curls and a sharp beard drawn with makeup handle the face. A red LED bracelet brings in the era's accent colour without overwhelming the denim. A handmade black-and-red star patch pinned to the jacket adds detail, as long as it comes off afterwards.
13. Party Monster Bomber Jacket Costume
A roomy black satin bomber gets you most of the Party Monster look with very little effort. Wear it over a dark red T-shirt with distressed black jeans and lace-up combat boots without too much hardware. A thin silver chain, black rings and tinted aviators finish the accessories, with short curls and a clean beard. Smoky plum shadow and a touch of silver highlighter give the music-video mood. Satin shows up much better in photos than plain matte nylon, so I look for a bomber with a bit of shine or subtle embroidery. A light red star cutout or a toy microphone makes the musical link obvious.
14. Reminder Camo Jacket Costume
Reminder is built from everyday streetwear, which makes it one of the easiest to thrift. A green camouflage jacket over a black hoodie and black T-shirt, distressed black jeans and tan lace-up work boots form the base. Wear a black baseball cap over short curls, letting a few curls show at the edges if you're using a wig. Dark sunglasses, studs and a slim silver chain are enough. Draw in the beard with cosmetic pencil and keep the skin matte. A mock backstage pass or toy microphone is a fan-friendly prop. I'd keep the camo to the jacket only; camo on more than one piece just turns into noise.
15. I Feel It Coming Sparkle Jacket Costume
I Feel It Coming has a cosmic, monochrome feel. A black jacket covered in silver sequins or small reflective dots goes over a black mock-neck, with slim black trousers and polished Chelsea boots. Silver rings, a narrow chain and gently tinted round sunglasses finish the accessories, with short neat curls and a shaped beard. Silver shadow on the lids and a highlight on the cheekbones give a soft glow. A light silver orb or battery moon lamp is a good prop. If a fully sequined jacket costs too much, removable silver star stickers on a thrifted black blazer do the job; just know that stickers lift on curved areas like elbows, so I stick to the chest and shoulders.
16. Secrets Black Trench Coat Costume
An all-black outfit can look like nothing at all, so this one depends on fit and texture. A knee-length black trench over a fitted black turtleneck and tailored black trousers, with pointed Chelsea boots or leather loafers, is the base. Add narrow dark sunglasses, black leather gloves and one silver chain half tucked under the collar. Style short curls with height on top and draw a precise beard line. Cool gray shadow and defined brows give an intense expression. A vintage-style microphone or folded sheet music works as the prop. I mix matte trousers, smooth leather gloves and a coat with a slight sheen so the blacks don't flatten into one shape in photos.
17. False Alarm Green Bomber Costume
False Alarm is built around an olive bomber, layered over a black crew-neck with dark cargo pants and black high-tops or sturdy lace-up boots. Black gloves, a dark knit beanie and rectangular sunglasses give it an action-movie feel, with short curls peeking from the beanie and a carefully drawn beard. Smudged charcoal liner and matte skin are all the makeup it needs. A black duffel stuffed with foam or spare clothes is the prop, and I'd keep it light because you'll be carrying it everywhere. The whole outfit is warm and tough, so it handles an outdoor night well.
18. Beauty Behind The Madness Hair Costume
The towering hair is the costume in this era, and it's also the hardest piece to get right. Use a lightweight black wig shaped high and asymmetric, anchored on a wig cap with plenty of pins at the crown and the sides. A tall wig acts like a lever, so it tips and slides unless it's pinned tight close to the scalp. Keep the clothes simple: a dark denim jacket, long black T-shirt, slim black jeans and black high-tops, plus a silver chain, studs and round sunglasses. A defined mustache, short beard and soft contour finish the face. Walk around the house in the wig for twenty minutes before the party, and check you can still get through a doorway.
19. Can’t Feel My Face Black Shirt Costume
Can't Feel My Face is about as simple as performance costumes get: a fitted black button-down with sleeves rolled to the forearms, slim black trousers, glossy black shoes, a narrow belt and a vintage silver microphone. The famous tall freeform hair is the part people recognise, so the wig needs real volume and an uneven shape. Draw in a tidy mustache and beard, keep the rest natural, and add a little amber highlight around the eyes to suggest stage lights. With no jacket, it's one of the coolest options here for a warm indoor party. I'd practise a few dance poses; they make photos look like a still from the performance.
20. The Hills Black Bomber Costume
The Hills era is dark but casual. A matte black bomber goes over a long charcoal T-shirt that hangs below the jacket hem, with slim ripped jeans and black lace-up boots. That longer shirt under a shorter jacket is the mid-2010s shape, so I'd check the lengths before buying. A tall textured wig and washable facial-hair makeup handle the grooming, with round black sunglasses, a silver chain and studs. Smoky gray along the lash line keeps the face clean. A small battery red light adds atmosphere in photos, and the whole look copes with a chilly night better than any of the suits.
21. Earned It Tuxedo Costume
Earned It is the formal option: a fitted black dinner jacket with satin lapels, crisp white shirt, black bow tie, tailored trousers and polished shoes, plus a white pocket square and silver cuff links. Without the tall freeform hair this is just a tuxedo, so the wig is non-negotiable; a lightweight one carefully shaped keeps your head comfortable through dinner. A short beard and mustache, soft gold shadow and matte foundation finish the face. Carry a vintage microphone or a music-note prop rather than anything unrelated. I'd make sure the jacket has room in the shoulders for dancing, since rented or thrifted tuxedos often fit tight there.
22. Often Leather Jacket Costume
Often is the early moody style in pieces you'll wear again. A black leather biker jacket over an extra-long charcoal T-shirt and narrow black jeans, with Chelsea boots or clean high-tops, makes the base. The tall loosely sculpted wig from this era plus a neat mustache and short beard carry the resemblance. Round sunglasses, studs and a slim silver chain are plenty. Softly blended burgundy shadow and a natural lip give the video finish. A toy microphone or small black notebook is a quiet prop. I'd go faux leather here, as it's lighter and much more comfortable when a party gets crowded and hot.
23. King Of The Fall Camo Costume
King of the Fall pairs camo streetwear with the tall early hairstyle. A camo field jacket goes over a long black hoodie or extended-hem tee, with black skinny jeans and tan work boots laced up tight. The tall asymmetric wig and a shaped beard and mustache handle the grooming. Dark round sunglasses, a gold-toned chain and a black cap carried in one hand finish it. Keep the makeup matte with soft contour under the cheekbones. A small microphone prop helps. Camo and long layers are already busy, so I wouldn't add another pattern anywhere.
24. Kiss Land Green Varsity Costume
Neon green tells dedicated fans this is Kiss Land. A black varsity jacket with green sleeves, piping or removable patches goes over a black hoodie, with black jeans and green-accented high-tops. Use the tall early wig and, if you like, a little temporary green spray on the tips; test the spray on the wig first, because some colour sprays stiffen synthetic fibre and leave it tacky. A thin wash of emerald shadow and neat facial hair handle the face. Round sunglasses and a handmade green cat mascot cutout add fun. A glow bracelet helps you stay visible in a dark room.
25. Trilogy Black Hoodie Costume
Trilogy is minimal: an oversized black zip hoodie, long charcoal T-shirt, black skinny jeans and clean black sneakers. With clothes this plain, the tall textured wig shaped high at the crown carries everything, so its proportions need to look deliberate. Draw a subtle mustache and beard with a soft pencil, and add round sunglasses, small studs and a thin silver chain. Three light square cards in different grays nod to the three-part release without any text. Smooth skin and softly darkened eyes finish it. I'd check the T-shirt hangs a few inches below the hoodie; that length is what keeps it from looking like ordinary weekend clothes.
26. House Of Balloons Varsity Costume
House of Balloons goes back to the mixtape years with a sporty black varsity jacket over a charcoal hoodie, a white T-shirt showing just at the hem, black jeans and black-and-white high-tops. A tall textured wig and drawn-in facial hair give the early silhouette, with round dark sunglasses and a simple chain. The prop makes it: three white balloons tied with black ribbon. Check the venue allows balloons, and if you're outside, I'd tie them to your wrist rather than holding them, since one gust and they're gone. Gray shadow and matte foundation keep the face in the monochrome palette.
27. Echoes Of Silence Black Coat Costume
Echoes of Silence depends on shape rather than colour. A knee-length wool coat over a charcoal crew-neck, narrow black trousers and black leather boots form the base, with a tall freeform wig and neatly shaped facial hair. Round sunglasses, a silver chain and black gloves are enough. Cool gray shadow, pale matte foundation and soft contour suit the monochrome mood without turning frightening. A small silver balloon or gray headphones work as the prop. I look for a coat with structured shoulders and a clean front; a slouchy coat loses the stark outline. It's also one of the warmest choices here for a cold night out.
28. Dawn FM Old Man Gray Suit Costume
The Dawn FM old man is the biggest transformation on the list, and it's all in the grooming. A slightly oversized gray suit, pale shirt, muted tie, gray socks and comfortable black loafers make the outfit, with a short gray curly wig and matching trimmed beard. For age lines, I use light brown contour in the natural creases: crease the forehead, find where the lines fold and paint into them, then blend the edges so they look like shadow rather than drawn lines. Do the same under the cheekbones and beside the mouth, and add a little gray to the brows. Square reading glasses and a portable retro radio are good props. Coordinate the wig, beard and brows so the grays match.
29. Take My Breath Black Leather Coat Costume
Take My Breath is futuristic nightlife on an easy monochrome base. A long black faux-leather coat worn open over a fitted black shirt and straight black trousers, with chunky black boots, leather gloves and oversized amber or orange-tinted glasses, is the outfit. Short curls and a defined beard handle the hair. I blend burnt-orange shadow across the lids to echo the lenses, then add a little highlighter. A small battery-powered ring light makes a safe prop. Mix black textures, matte cotton with glossy faux leather and polished boots, so the outfit has depth rather than reading as one black block.
30. Sacrifice Black Suit Costume
Sacrifice relies on sharp tailoring and unusual eyewear. A fitted black suit, black shirt, narrow black tie and polished black shoes go with black leather gloves and round dark glasses in metal frames. Neat short curls and a shaped beard keep it performance-ready, with copper shadow and highlighted cheekbones giving warmth to the all-black clothes. A circular gold medallion or flat metallic disc is a safe prop. If you want movement, sew a few thin black fabric streamers inside the blazer so they only appear when you lift your arms; I'd stitch rather than tape them, since tape lets go once you start dancing.
31. Out Of Time Retro Suit Costume
Out of Time trades the dark eras for soft vintage colour. A tan or brown suit with matching trousers, a cream shirt and a patterned brown tie, plus polished brown loafers and lightly tinted aviators, make the outfit. Short rounded curls and a natural beard handle grooming, with warm peach shadow and luminous foundation. A retro silver microphone or small karaoke remote is the prop, and a pale pocket square lifts the jacket. Wider trouser legs give the seventies shape, and thrift shops are full of exactly these suits, so I'd look there first. It suits events where a bright red suit would feel like too much.
32. Gasoline Old Man Black Suit Costume
The Gasoline version takes the old-man character into black. A slightly rumpled black suit, charcoal shirt, narrow black tie and sturdy shoes go with a short gray wig, gray brows and a trimmed gray beard. Age makeup around the forehead and eyes needs careful blending, since bright lights expose any hard line. Black gloves and a compact radio or silver microphone are the props, with a muted blue pocket square hinting at the Dawn FM colours. I'd keep the jacket loose and the shoes cushioned, and move slowly and deliberately, because posture sells age more than makeup does.
33. Dawn FM White Suit Costume
The white Dawn FM suit stands out in a room full of red and black. An ivory jacket and matching trousers go with a pale gray shirt, silver tie and clean white shoes, with silver gloves or a metallic pocket square for a futuristic touch. A short curly wig in black or frosted gray, depending on the character you're after, plus a defined beard, cool silver shadow and luminous foundation handle the face. A small retro radio with a handmade frequency dial and pale blue-tinted glasses finish the broadcast theme. White fabric can be see-through under strong lights, so I hold every piece up to a lamp before committing, and I put the jacket on after the makeup is set.
34. After Hours Til Dawn White Coat Costume
The stadium-tour look is a long white hooded coat over a sleeveless white top and straight white trousers, with white or silver high-tops and pale gloves for one continuous colour. A light sculpted silver mask is the focus; it should have wide eye openings and come off easily. Short dark curls sit under the hood with silver shadow around the visible eyes. A metallic toy microphone or a small glowing orb is the prop. A long coat looks great in motion but catches on stairs, so I'd hem it to clear the ground and check the hood doesn't slide forward over the mask when you look down.
35. Hurry Up Tomorrow Gold Robe Costume
Hurry Up Tomorrow moves the wardrobe into black and gold. A long black hooded robe or flowing coat decorated with gold braid, rhinestone trim and embroidered-look appliqués goes over a fitted black shirt, black trousers and polished boots. Gold gloves and a light gold mask with generous openings keep you able to see, and short dark curls can show under the hood. I add gold eye shadow so the face still matches the costume when the mask comes off. A metallic microphone or glowing gold orb is the prop. If you're adapting a coat you own, use removable trim; iron-on appliqués rarely come off cleanly.
Bandages, Masks and Age Lines Without Prosthetics
Several of these eras put something on the face: gauze for the awards show and the dancers, sculpted masks for the tour looks, age lines for Dawn FM. None of it needs professional effects work, and I'd keep it that way for a night out.
- Gauze: wrap loosely and tape it to itself as much as possible, with skin-safe tape touching the skin only at a few points. Keep a clear gap at the eyes, nostrils and mouth, and practise eating and drinking in it.
- Masks: wide eye holes, a soft strap and nothing pressing on the bridge of the nose. If you can't see your own feet on a staircase, the eye openings need widening.
- Age lines: work with your own creases and blend, rather than drawing lines from scratch. Set with powder so they don't smear when you smile.
- Removal: an oil-based cleanser lifts drawn-on beards and contour, and tape comes off more gently if you soften the edges with a little oil first.
Patch-test any new tape, paint or adhesive on the inside of your wrist a day ahead. Faces react more than arms do, so if your wrist gets red, the product isn't going anywhere near your cheeks.
Which Weeknd Fits the Clothes You Already Own?
There's much more to The Weeknd than one red blazer: crystal Super Bowl tailoring, Starboy streetwear, the tall early wig, a retro Dawn FM suit or the gold robe of the latest era. Each one comes together the same way, the right clothes plus the signature hair, tinted glasses, grooming, shoes and a single clear prop. Thrift shops cover most of the jackets and suits, and removable trim changes a basic piece without ruining it. Pick breathable fabric, secure accessories, masks you can see through and shoes you can stand in. Then hold a performance pose for the camera, because that confidence is the detail people remember.
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