Tim Burton's characters are some of the easiest to recognize at a party, because his films lean on the same handful of visual signatures: black-and-white stripes, pale faces with shadowed eyes, spiky or sculpted hair, and tall, narrow silhouettes. That makes them friendlier to home builds than most movie costumes. Many of the 35 characters below, from Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands to Wednesday and Mars Attacks!, come together from thrifted formalwear, basic makeup and a few craft supplies. I've noted which ones work as couples or groups, which are easy on a small budget, and where a prop needs rethinking so it's safe in a crowd.
Thrift Store Pieces That Read as Burton
Most Burton characters come from the same short list of shapes, which makes thrifting them easier than it sounds. These are what I look for before buying anything new:
- Narrow tailcoats, frock coats and tuxedo jackets in black or charcoal. Fit through the shoulders matters more than length.
- Black-and-white stripes in any form: trousers, tights, knit tops. Where stripes don't exist, a plain white garment and black fabric paint do the job.
- Old bridesmaid, prom and wedding dresses, which become Emily, Lydia, Victoria or Katrina with a little dye or trim.
- High-collared white shirts and blouses, the base layer for at least eight characters on this list.
- Lace-up boots and flat ankle boots, since nearly every look here needs footwear you can stand in for hours.
Wash everything before you alter it. Thrifted fabric often carries finishes or old detergent that stop paint and dye from taking evenly, and you only find out once the stripes are blotchy.
1. Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
Beetlejuice's striped suit makes an entrance faster than almost anything else here. Striped trousers and a matching blazer go over a white shirt with a crooked black tie. Thrifted striped suits are rare, so I often buy a cheap white blazer and paint vertical black stripes with fabric paint and a ruler; slightly wobbly lines actually suit him. A messy white wig, or temporary white color sprayed into teased hair, then pale makeup, smoky eyes and a touch of green at the hairline. A covered notebook stands in for the handbook. Rumple the shirt and smudge the makeup on purpose. This is a costume where tidy looks wrong.
2. Lydia Deetz Red Wedding Costume
Lydia's red wedding dress is the version people photograph. Look for a layered red lace maxi with a fitted bodice, sheer sleeves and a full skirt; the prom and bridesmaid racks in thrift stores are where I'd hunt. A red tulle veil sits on a high messy ponytail or a spiky black wig. Keep the face pale with softly smoked eyes, strong brows and a muted berry lip, and carry a small bouquet of deep red faux flowers. Leave off extra jewelry, because the dress is doing the talking. Red flats or block heels keep it wearable, and a striped Beetlejuice beside you makes the obvious couple.
3. Lydia Deetz Black Gothic Costume
For an easier Lydia, go with her everyday black wardrobe, which you can wear again afterward. A long black dress, an oversized black blouse or a tiered midi skirt over an opaque top, plus a wide-brim black hat and sheer tights. The hair matters more than the clothes here: short, separated into slightly pointed pieces, with choppy bangs. Pale foundation, smoky gray shadow and a dark rose lip. A small vintage-style camera on its strap is the detail that tells people which goth girl you are. Chunky black ankle boots or lace-up flats.
4. Delia Deetz Red Art Costume
Delia Deetz suits anyone who wants a bold costume with no spooky makeup at all. Build it around a sculptural red dress, an oversized red tunic with black leggings, or a long red skirt with an asymmetrical top. Add statement earrings, geometric bracelets and a scarf draped like an art piece. Short red hair lifted into an angular shape, or a cropped copper wig. The makeup is polished rather than ghoulish, with defined cheekbones, red lipstick and sharp liner. Cut a small abstract sculpture from painted foam board for the prop; it's far lighter to carry all night than layered cardboard. Black pumps or pointed flats, then play her with total confidence.
5. Astrid Deetz School Costume
Astrid Deetz is the subtle choice for fans of the newer film. A dark plaid skirt, a fitted knit sweater over a collared shirt, a structured blazer, opaque tights and a crossbody satchel dotted with vintage pins. Long brown hair loose with a center part, and minimal, fresh makeup. Honestly, a school outfit on its own doesn't say much, so I'd only wear Astrid alongside a Lydia or a Beetlejuice; in a group, she reads straight away. Loafers, oxfords or low ankle boots stay comfortable all evening.
6. Adam Maitland Plaid Shirt Costume
Adam Maitland is cheap, comfortable and made almost entirely from everyday basics. A red or burgundy plaid shirt over a casual undershirt, tan chinos, a brown belt, round wire-frame glasses and a neat, slightly old-fashioned haircut. Natural makeup is enough, with a little pale powder for a hint of ghost. The prop that sells him is the miniature house model. A small cardboard one takes an evening, or carry a rolled blueprint instead. For the transformed version, I'd make a soft foam eyeball headpiece rather than a full mask you'd have to see through. Brown sneakers or boat shoes.
7. Barbara Maitland Floral Dress Costume
Barbara Maitland's soft, vintage wardrobe is the gentle counterpart to everyone else in the film. Find a modest floral midi dress with long sleeves, a high neckline and a gathered waist, and add a cardigan if it's cool. Shoulder-length brown hair with the ends curled under, or a simple brunette wig. Rosy cheeks, neutral shadow and pink lipstick. Carry a small handbook, a miniature house or a floral tote. For the stretched-face variation, build a light foam frame that sits above your head so your eyes stay clear. Low pumps or flats, and Adam beside you.
8. Edward Scissorhands Black Costume
Edward is all texture: layers of black straps, buckles and fabric strips over a fitted black base. I build it from a black top and pants, then wrap on faux belts and strips of black faux leather, securing each with a few stitches or safety pins on the inside so nothing slides down during the night. A wild, uneven black wig, pale makeup with gray contouring, dark under-eyes and a few thin drawn lines. For the hands, cut finger blades from rounded foam or flexible silver-painted cardboard, keep every edge blunt and attach them to black gloves. Short blades are the sensible choice; long ones knock over drinks and catch on people. Combat boots ground the look.
9. Kim Boggs White Dress Costume
Kim Boggs is the soft, light costume among all the black. An off-the-shoulder white mini or knee-length dress with gentle draping and a fitted waist, sheer white tights if you like, and delicate jewelry. Long blonde waves with a side part, or a natural-looking golden wig. Rosy blush and pale pink lips. Paper snowflakes taped inside a clear umbrella make a lovely prop that recalls the ice-sculpture scene, and they weigh nothing to carry. White flats or pale ankle boots. She's the natural other half to an Edward.
10. Jack Skellington Pinstripe Costume
Jack's tall pinstripe suit reads even before anyone sees the head. Use a black suit with thin white vertical lines; a white paint pen and a long ruler transform a plain black suit if you can't find pinstripes. A white shirt and an oversized bat-shaped bow tie in felt, stiffened with interfacing so the wings don't droop. A bald cap or close-fitting white hood gives the smooth skull, then white face makeup, big black eye shapes and the long stitched smile. Black gloves with painted white bones, a small foam pumpkin to carry, and pointed shoes. Stand tall, because Jack's whole character is in his long, thin proportions.
11. Sally Patchwork Dress Costume
Sally's patchwork dress is a good sewing project because it forgives uneven piecing. Stitch together mismatched panels in faded blue, yellow, pink and black, or mark panels on a plain dress with fabric paint, then outline every seam in black yarn or marker stitches. Long red yarn hair or a straight red wig. Pale blue face makeup, large outlined eyes, soft red lips and black seam lines. Blue body makeup rubs off on everything, so I limit it to the face, neck and hands and wear a fitted pale blue long-sleeve top under the dress for the arms. Black-and-white striped tights, flat ankle boots and a faux flower to hold.
12. Oogie Boogie Burlap Costume
Oogie Boogie can be roomy and fun without turning into a sack you can't move in. A loose tan poncho, oversized hoodie or sack-shaped tunic goes over matching leggings, with big black seam lines stitched or painted around the edges and his face on the hood. Skip loose stuffing, which sinks to the bottom within an hour; if you want bulk, a light layer of batting quilted into the tunic stays where you put it. Gather the tunic at the shoulders and wrists so the shape holds. A touch of green makeup suggests the glow inside, oversized foam dice make the prop, and tan sneakers blend in.
13. Halloween Town Mayor Costume
The Mayor is a gift for whoever organizes a Halloween Town group, because nobody else will think to pick him. A black tailcoat or long blazer over a white shirt, gray vest and black trousers, and a tall top hat with a 'Mayor' ribbon. Cut the spider-shaped tie from black felt with white paint details. Pale makeup with round eyes and a wide grin. The two-faced head is the fun part: mount a double-sided cardboard face on a stick or above the hat and flip it as the mood changes, so your own face stays free. Black dress shoes and a rolled scroll for announcements.
14. Lock Red Devil Costume
Lock is a simple red outfit that works solo or in the trio. A red long-sleeve shirt and red pants, or a red jumpsuit, with a pointed red hood or cap. Keep him impish, not demonic. Short red hair pulled into a center point can replace the hood if you'd rather. Pale makeup, a mischievous grin and darkened brows, plus an orange pail with a cartoon face. Red sneakers make it trick-or-treat friendly. When the trio goes out together, I match the fabric finish and makeup weight across all three, because one shiny satin costume next to two cotton ones looks like it came from a different set.
15. Shock Purple Witch Costume
Shock puts a cartoon finish on the classic witch shape. A long-sleeve purple dress with a jagged hem, a tall pointed purple hat, and a long straight dark blue or violet wig. The bend in her hat comes from a strip of millinery or floral wire sewn inside the back seam, shaped once you're wearing it. Pale green-tinted makeup, thin brows, purple shadow and a plum lip. Purple tights and black lace-up ankle boots, plus an orange pail or fabric treat bag. Keep the hem at knee or midi length, since a floor-length witch skirt catches every step on a trick-or-treat route.
16. Barrel Skeleton Costume
Barrel is comfortable, cheerful and adapts easily for kids or adults. A black long-sleeve top and black pants with white cartoon bones painted on; freezer-paper stencils give crisp bone edges on cotton. Wear a rounded skeleton mask pushed up on the forehead, or skip it for paint so nothing blocks your view. White makeup, round black eyes and a big toothy grin, with short green hair from a wig or temporary spray. Black sneakers with white bones and an orange pail tie him to the other two.
17. Corpse Bride Emily Costume
Emily's blue bridal look is dramatic without needing gore. Start from a faded white, pale blue or gray bridal-style dress with lace sleeves and a layered skirt. Old cotton or nylon dresses take a dip in diluted blue dye well, but polyester barely takes color, so check the label first. Add tattered blue tulle at the hem, neatly finished so it doesn't shed. A long wavy blue wig under a veil and floral crown. Light blue face makeup, purple shadow, long lashes and soft pink lips, with delicate seam lines rather than wounds. A bouquet of blue, purple and ivory faux flowers and comfortable flats.
18. Victor Van Dort Suit Costume
Victor Van Dort is the refined pick for anyone who wants minimal makeup. A dark charcoal tailcoat, matching trousers, a gray vest and a high-collared white shirt, with a loosely tied gray cravat that looks a bit nervous. Thrift stores often carry old tuxedo tailcoats, and a narrow cut matters more than the exact shade. Style dark hair upward into a messy point. Pale foundation and gray contour under the cheekbones give the stop-motion face. Hold a sheet of music or a paper butterfly. Narrow black shoes. Pair him with Emily or Victoria, or both for a trio.
19. Victoria Everglot Ivory Dress Costume
Victoria Everglot is Victorian formality in soft ivory. Look for a high-neck cream dress with long sleeves, lace trim and an ankle-length skirt, with a fitted jacket or corset-style waist panel for structure. Brown hair goes in a low twisted bun with a few curls loose at the face. Pale makeup, taupe shadow, muted blush and rose lipstick. A lace handkerchief or folded letter, pearl-look earrings, and cream flats or button boots under the skirt. Ivory shows every makeup smudge, so set your face well and pull the dress on with a light scarf over your head.
20. Mad Hatter Colorful Costume
The Mad Hatter is the most fun on this list to assemble, because thrift-store clashing is exactly the point. Striped trousers, a floral or checked vest, a bright shirt and a long velvet-look coat. A big battered top hat wrapped with a wide ribbon and a handwritten size card in the band. A frizzy orange wig with matching brows, white face makeup and pink cheeks. The trick is controlled mismatch: I pick two or three colors and repeat them in the coat, hat, socks and makeup, so the busy pieces still look like one person. A plastic teacup and saucer, patterned socks and scuffed lace-up boots.
21. Alice Blue Dress Costume
This Alice pairs a classic blue dress with a bit of adventure. A pale blue knee-length dress with a fitted bodice and slightly full skirt over a white underskirt, plus fingerless gloves, a dark belt and a small key necklace. Long blonde waves with a black ribbon or narrow headband, and natural makeup. Carry a small plastic bottle or an antique-style key. I'd put her in gray or black lace-up boots rather than pumps; they suit this version better and your feet will thank you late in the night. She anchors a Wonderland group well.
22. Red Queen Costume With Heart Dress
The Red Queen is about proportion: an oversized heart-shaped head and a commanding gown. A red-and-black gown with a fitted bodice, puffed sleeves and a wide skirt, dressed up with gold trim and black heart appliqués. The heart updo is the hard part. Building a bright red wig over a foam heart form pinned to the crown holds the shape far better than hairspray alone. A pale face, thin arched brows, blue shadow and sharply drawn red heart lips, with a small crown at the center. A lightweight cardboard scepter with no sharp points, red tights and block heels.
23. White Queen Costume With Flowing Gown
The White Queen is the airy alternative to the darker characters. A flowing white or silver maxi with sheer sleeves and a fitted waist, a delicate silver crown and a few crystal-look rings. A long platinum wig with a center part. The makeup is the character here: very pale skin, dark defined brows and a plum lip over lightly smoky eyes. Carry a clear bottle of colored water or a rounded silver wand. White flats or silver ankle boots. Hold your hands slightly raised and floaty as you move; that gesture is how she reads across a room.
24. Cheshire Cat Purple Costume
This Cheshire Cat is built from striped separates, so it's comfortable to sit and dance in. Purple-and-pink striped leggings with a fitted purple top, a faux-fur vest or a short tulle skirt, plus a flexible striped tail and rounded ears on a padded headband. A fluffy violet bob or a purple wig with pink streaks. Purple shadow, a small cat nose and a wide painted grin that stays fun. Purple sneakers or striped ankle boots. Pin the tail high enough that it won't drag, and add reflective accents if you're out trick-or-treating after dark.
25. Sweeney Todd Barber Costume
Sweeney Todd is dark Victorian tailoring with a barber's kit. Black trousers, a white high-collared shirt, a dark vest and a long black or charcoal coat, with a loosely knotted neck scarf. For the white streak in a messy black wig, I clip in a strip of white synthetic hair rather than spraying, which drifts onto your shoulders. Pale skin, hollow gray contouring and dark circles. A shaving mug and a clean white towel say barber without any blade. Rumple the shirt so it looks worn, and add scuffed black boots. Mrs. Lovett is the obvious partner.
26. Mrs. Lovett Victorian Costume
Mrs. Lovett is a working baker in dark Victorian layers. A striped or patterned blouse, a fitted brown bodice and a full dark skirt to the ankles, with a cream apron, fingerless gloves and a small lace collar. Curly brown hair piled into a messy high updo with loose tendrils, using a wig if needed. Pale foundation, smudged brown shadow and a muted berry lip. A rolling pin or pie basket for the prop, striped stockings and sturdy lace-up boots. She should look busy, not coordinated, so mix worn cotton, lace and faux suede instead of matching everything.
27. Ichabod Crane Detective Costume
Ichabod Crane is a neat historical look with an investigator's kit. A long black frock coat over a white high-collared shirt, a patterned waistcoat and fitted black trousers, plus a dark cravat and a satchel worn across the body. Shoulder-length dark hair with a center part, a pale complexion and soft under-eye shadow. A magnifying glass, notebook or rolled map. Knee-high riding boots finish the narrow line. For an outdoor party, a frock coat has room for a thermal layer underneath, which is a real advantage over most costumes here. Bring a Katrina for the couple.
28. Katrina Van Tassel Blue Dress Costume
Katrina Van Tassel brings romantic period dress and cool blue to the night. A pale blue or silvery-gray gown with a square neckline, fitted bodice, puffed sleeves and full skirt, plus a velvet ribbon at the throat, small earrings and a soft shawl. Blonde hair in pinned curls with ringlets at the face. On fine hair, foam rollers left in overnight give ringlets that last longer than a curling iron does. Luminous makeup with rosy blush and pink lips. White faux flowers or a ribbon-tied letter, and gray flats hidden under the skirt. Next to Ichabod's black coat, she makes a strong contrast.
29. Headless Horseman Costume
The Headless Horseman is all about the raised-shoulder silhouette. Black riding pants, a dark military-style jacket, a structured vest and a high cape, with tall boots and gloves. Build the shoulders up from lightweight foam under the cape so the collar rises around your head, then cover your head with breathable black mesh you can see through. I always test the mesh in a dim room before committing, because it's much harder to see through at night than it seems under a lamp. Carry a soft pumpkin under one arm and leave blades at home. A shorter cape and reflective trim make it safer for walking outside in crowds.
30. Catwoman Stitched Jumpsuit Costume
This Catwoman is a fitted black jumpsuit covered in bold white stitching. Choose stretch fabric you can move in, then add irregular white stitches with fabric paint or sewn ribbon. Puff paint cracks less on stretch fabric if you stretch the fabric slightly while you paint it. A cat-eared hood that doesn't block side vision, with blonde waves underneath or tucked inside. Pale skin, smoky eyes, red lips and thin black stitch lines on the face. Black gloves and a small crossbody pouch, no whip. Flat combat boots. The stitching is what tells people which Catwoman you are.
31. Penguin Formal Costume
The Penguin mixes old-money menswear with a birdlike shape. A black tailcoat over a patterned vest, a white shirt, striped trousers and a large bow tie, with a tall top hat and white gloves. A padded vest under the coat gives the round body without restricting movement. Pale makeup, dark shadow, sharp arched brows and a soft costume nose. Carry a closed black umbrella, left unmodified. Lace-up shoes or short boots. Walk with your elbows out and a slight waddle, which does more for the character than any prop.
32. Willy Wonka Velvet Coat Costume
Willy Wonka is the colorful Burton pick for events where spooky would feel wrong, like a school or office party. A long burgundy velvet-look coat over a patterned vest, dark trousers and a high-collared shirt, with a patterned bow tie, a black top hat and fitted gloves. The chin-length brown bob wig is the giveaway, so trim the ends level if it arrives shaggy. Light foundation and rosy cheeks. A round-topped cane or a handful of wrapped candy, and black boots. Keep the coat fitted at the shoulders; a big boxy coat swallows the color.
33. Miss Peregrine Blue Victorian Costume
Miss Peregrine's dark blue wardrobe hides subtle bird references throughout. A fitted navy dress or skirt suit with puffed shoulders, a narrow waist and a below-the-knee hem, plus a feather brooch, a pocket watch and a small structured handbag. Her hair is the piece to practice: a sculpted black updo with pointed sections like folded wings, which needs strong gel, plenty of pins and a trial run the day before. Pale skin, strong arched brows, smoky blue shadow and a deep berry lip. A closed navy umbrella or vintage clock. Navy tights and black button boots.
34. Wednesday Addams School Costume
Wednesday's school uniform is a monochrome take on striped academic tailoring. A black-and-gray striped blazer over a white collared shirt, a dark tie, a charcoal sweater vest and a pleated skirt, with opaque black tights and chunky loafers. Two long braids with a clean center part; if your hair is short, clip-in braids hide easily under the part. Matte skin, softly smoky eyes, straight brows and a muted plum lip. A black book or a cello-shaped bag. Keep your face still and your posture straight. The layers adjust well for the weather, which makes it practical for teens, and a cheerful pastel roommate makes a good contrast duo.
35. Mars Attacks Martian Costume
The Martian brings retro sci-fi humor and loud color. A metallic green jumpsuit with a high collar, clear shoulder panels and red piping, silver gloves, and a clear dome helmet big enough to breathe in. Add a few small ventilation holes near the bottom of the dome, because clear plastic fogs up from your breath fast. Shape the exposed brain from lightweight pink foam on a fitted cap. Green face makeup, big dark eyes and a small mouth. A cardboard communicator instead of a toy ray gun, and silver boot covers. One Martian is funny; a group in matching suits is funnier.
Getting a Cheap Spiky Wig to Behave
Lydia, Edward, Beetlejuice, the Mad Hatter and Victor all depend on messy or spiked hair, and most people use an inexpensive synthetic wig. Straight out of the bag, those wigs look flat and shiny. A few steps fix that:
- Put the wig on a foam head, or a balloon taped to a bottle, so you can work on it upright.
- Brush it gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up, to release the packing kinks.
- Tease small sections at the root with a fine comb, twist the ends into points and set them with strong-hold hairspray. Build it up in layers rather than all at once.
- Dust a little dry shampoo over the surface to knock back the plastic shine.
- Keep it away from ovens, candles and hot hair dryers. Most cheap synthetic fiber frizzes or melts with heat, and you can't undo it.
Secure it over a wig cap with a few bobby pins crossed into an X at the crown. That holds through dancing far better than pins pushed straight in.
Pale Makeup That Stays Off Your Collar
Almost every character here starts with a pale or white face, and white cream makeup is the most likely to end up on a white shirt, a lace collar or someone else's shoulder. Patch-test anything new on your inner wrist a day ahead. Apply thin layers with a damp sponge instead of one thick coat, and press translucent powder over each layer. Blend the base down onto your neck but stop short of where the collar sits. If the dress or shirt goes on over your head, put it on before the makeup. At the end of the night, melt everything off with an oil cleanser or cold cream before washing, and dab any marks on fabric with a little dish soap before laundering.
The Burton Character Hiding in Your Wardrobe
Every good Burton costume starts with one silhouette people know, then adds the hair, the makeup and a single prop. You don't need film-grade materials, since thrifted formalwear, fabric paint, felt, foam and a decent wig carry almost every character here. Keep masks breathable, capes short enough for stairs, and props light with soft edges. Lydia, Edward and Wednesday are the easiest solo characters to recognize, while the Maitlands, Jack and Sally, and the trick-or-treating trio work best together. Look in your own closet first; there's often a Burton character halfway there already.
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