A vampire is one of the most adaptable characters you can dress as, because the clues are few: a cape or high collar, pale skin, a dark lip and fangs. Everything else can change. The ideas below run from classic capes and Victorian gowns to modern leather and romantic lace, then into the unexpected, with ballerinas, cowgirls and mermaids. The current vampire beauty mood leans toward tousled dark hair, dramatic nails and moody makeup, which suits almost every version here. When I put one of these together, I settle the practical pieces first, breathable layers, comfortable shoes and light fangs, then let the colors and silhouette follow your own taste and comfort.
Fangs You Can Talk and Drink In
Every costume below includes fangs, and they're the piece people regret most when they skip a fitting. Costume fangs come in three broad kinds, and each behaves differently once you're out for the night.
- Small caps held with adhesive putty are the easiest to wear. The putty holds for a few hours but softens with hot drinks.
- Moldable fangs use a fitting material you soften in hot water and press over your own teeth. They fit closer and stay put better, but follow the instructions exactly and fit them a day or two early.
- One-piece sets that cover all the front teeth look dramatic, but they change your speech and make drinking awkward.
I fit fangs the day before, then talk and sip water in front of a mirror. If your words blur, choose a shorter pair. Take them out to eat, keep a small case in your bag, and rinse them before they go back in. Anyone with braces, crowns or loose teeth should skip adhesive fangs and let a deep lip and strong eye makeup carry the vampire.
1. Classic Black And Red Vampire Costume
Black with a few strong red accents is still the fastest way to say vampire. A fitted black midi dress keeps it party-casual, while a long A-line gown makes it formal. The cape needs red lining and a high standing collar, and the collar is the part to get right, because a floppy one just looks like a black sheet. Polished waves or a long black wig with a center part, pale foundation, softly smoked eyes, defined brows and deep crimson lipstick give the face without anything graphic. Add a jeweled choker, light fangs, lace gloves and black ankle boots. I'd carry a vintage-looking goblet or a single red rose; both give your hands something to do in photos.
2. Victorian Vampire Costume With Velvet Gown
For the old-world version, I look for velvet with a fitted bodice, high neck, long sleeves and a full skirt in black, burgundy or midnight blue, and I lift my arms in it before buying. Velvet with no stretch strains at the sleeve seams. A lace collar or short shoulder cape adds period detail. A long, loosely curled black wig suits the silhouette, with pale makeup, plum shadow and matte berry lipstick for definition. Accessorize with a cameo brooch, lace gloves, ornate earrings and a small antique-style handbag, and wear black lace-up boots. A decorative journal or one dark rose is the right prop, light and easy to set down.
3. Red Velvet Vampire Costume With Black Cape
Red velvet is dramatic before you add a single accessory, so this is a costume where I keep the extras small. Choose a long red dress with a square neckline, fitted waist and flowing skirt, and keep the black cape light so the crimson still shows from the front. Smooth waves in your own hair work, or a waist-length black wig for stronger contrast. Keep the skin softly pale, blend charcoal shadow around the eyes and finish with a deep red lip. Black drop earrings, a velvet choker, delicate fangs and lace wrist cuffs are plenty, with pointed black flats or block-heel boots and a folding fan for crowded rooms. One fabric note: red velvet shows crush marks, so I hang it in a steamy bathroom the day before.
4. Gothic Lace Vampire Costume
The thing to check with a lace maxi dress is the lining. Buy one lined through the body or wear a black slip under it, because unlined lace looks thin under a camera flash. Add a fitted waist belt and a sheer lace capelet with a raised collar. A soft updo with face-framing curls or a dark wavy wig, cool-toned foundation, gray shadow, winged liner and blackberry lipstick give the gothic face. An ornate choker, silver rings, light fangs and a miniature lace parasol add detail, while black tights and Victorian-style button boots handle a chilly October night. I pick soft stretch lace whenever I can; rigid lace scratches at the underarms after an hour of dancing.
5. Modern Leather Vampire Costume
Would you rather be a vampire who lives in a modern city? Black faux-leather pants, a fitted burgundy top and a long black trench coat give you the silhouette with no gown or cape at all. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so I'd choose a pair with some stretch and think twice before wearing it to a hot, packed room. Wear your hair sleek and straight, using temporary black color spray only if your hair takes it without going stiff. Cool foundation, smoky liner, sculpted cheeks and dark cherry lipstick suit the city version, with silver ear cuffs, a simple choker, subtle fangs and narrow sunglasses. Lug-sole ankle boots handle a long night, and a structured mini bag holds your phone, touch-up makeup and the fangs once they come out.
6. Easy Black Dress Vampire Costume
If you only have an evening, start here. Any comfortable midi or knee-length black dress from your closet works with a red ribbon choker and a light cape. Black tights add warmth and pull the pieces together. Loose waves or a sleek low ponytail, a light layer of pale foundation, burgundy shadow and wine lipstick do the face, and small fangs, vintage-style earrings and a faux ruby ring are all the detail it needs. Wear ballet flats, loafers or ankle boots to suit the event, and carry an artificial rose for photos. No cape? A yard of black jersey knotted at the shoulders reads as one from a few steps away, and jersey doesn't need hemming.
7. Last-Minute Blazer Vampire Costume
A last-minute vampire can still look intentional if the shirt does the work. A white ruffled blouse under a fitted black blazer, black tailored pants and a burgundy sash at the waist give you the shape. Turn the blouse collar up or pin on a removable black-and-red collar for drama. Slick your hair into a low bun and draw a subtle widow's peak with brow pencil if you like it. Smudged charcoal liner, pale powder, dark red lipstick and small fangs set the theme, while a brooch, signet-style ring and pocket watch prop fill in the character. Polished loafers or low boots stay comfortable. I'd pick this one for an office party, because every costume piece comes off in seconds.
8. Plus-Size Velvet Vampire Costume
Wrap dresses are my first choice for a plus-size vampire, since you adjust the fit at the waist instead of fighting a fixed costume size. Choose black, wine or deep plum velvet with stretch, and define the waist with a wide satin sash. The cape should tie loosely at the neckline; a tight costume collar digs in and rides up within the hour. Voluminous curls, a high ponytail or a long wavy wig, cool-toned makeup, softly smoked eyes and bold berry lipstick suit it. A jeweled choker, dramatic earrings, lace gloves and light fangs keep attention near the face. Wide-fit block-heel boots or cushioned flats and a decorative folding fan round it out.
9. Elegant Countess Vampire Costume
The countess is about restraint: one formal silhouette and good jewelry. Start with a floor-length black gown with a fitted waist and modest V-neck, then drape a burgundy velvet cape over the shoulders, fastened with a large jeweled brooch. Velvet capes are heavier than they look, so I sew a hidden hook-and-eye under the brooch to take the weight off the pin. Sweep your hair into a smooth bun or a dark wig in structured curls, and use pale satin-finish foundation, plum shadow, precise liner and deep berry lipstick. Gemstone earrings, elbow-length gloves, delicate fangs and vintage-style rings go with low black pumps or pointed flats. A small ornamental hand mirror makes a sly prop, a nod to the old idea that vampires cast no reflection.
10. Vampire Queen Costume With Crown
A crown changes how you hold yourself, which is half of playing a queen. Build around a black or burgundy gown with a full skirt, structured shoulders and a defined waist, then add a high-collared cape and a light black crown set with faux red stones. Long glossy waves look regal, but a braided updo gives the crown something to grip, and I pin through the braid on both sides. Soft pale foundation, black-and-plum eyes, arched brows and dark red lipstick suit her, along with chandelier earrings, lace gloves, subtle fangs and a scepter made from light craft materials. Black platform boots or stable block heels add height. Check every clasp and pin before you leave; a queen has a lot of parts to lose.
11. Purple Vampire Costume With Corset
Purple is a smart break from black and red, and a deep plum reads as vampire faster than bright violet does. Layer a plum corset-style top over a black puff-sleeve blouse, with a long black skirt that has stretch at the waist. A short purple velvet cape and matching ribbon choker finish the clothes. Dark curls or a black wig with temporary violet streaks, lavender-gray shadow, defined liner, cool contour and blackberry lipstick tie the palette together. Add amethyst-colored earrings, black lace gloves, small fangs and a potion-style bottle of colored water, plus lace-up ankle boots. I lace the corset loosely enough to breathe and sit; you can always pull it in for photos.
12. White Winter Vampire Costume
A winter-white vampire is a nice surprise, but white fabric shows every smudge of foundation and dark lipstick, so I do my makeup before dressing and keep a lint roller in my bag. Wear a long white velvet or satin dress with a high neckline under a pale gray faux-fur capelet. Icy blonde waves or a long silver-white wig, cool foundation, soft gray shadow, pearly highlighter and muted berry lipstick give a frosted face. Crystal earrings, a silver choker, white lace gloves and delicate fangs carry the theme, with white or light gray ankle boots. A frosted artificial rose or silver fan is the prop. The light palette stands out in photos while the fangs and berry lip keep it supernatural.
13. Masquerade Vampire Costume
The mask is the first thing I'd test. A lace mask has to sit high enough that you can still see your feet on stairs, and ribbon ties hold better than the thin elastic most come with. Pair it with a floor-length gown or a tea-length cocktail dress in black, burgundy or dark purple, and a satin cape with a high collar. A curled updo with a few soft strands, pale makeup, smoky plum shadow, defined lashes and deep wine lipstick suit the formal mood. Fangs, drop earrings, elbow-length gloves and a jeweled clutch big enough to hold the mask when it comes off go with black pumps or cushioned block heels. A closed decorative fan is the easiest prop to manage in a crowd.
14. 1920s Flapper Vampire Costume
A 1920s vampire leans on the era's own vamp makeup: thin arched brows and a dark, sharply drawn cupid's-bow lip. Choose a black fringe dress with burgundy beading and layer a sheer capelet over the shoulders. A short black bob wig with finger waves works, or pin your own hair into a faux bob. Matte pale foundation and smoky eyes go with the lip. Add a jeweled headband, long costume pearls, satin gloves and light fangs, plus low T-strap heels or embellished flats. If you carry a feather fan, check it for shedding first; I give mine a hard shake outdoors the night before. Fringe needs movement to look its best, so this is the vampire to wear dancing.
15. 1950s Vampire Costume With Swing Dress
A swing dress gives the vampire a playful mid-century twist. Choose a black fit-and-flare dress with red trim, add a cropped cape or small standing collar, and let a red petticoat peek out at the hem. Petticoats vary a lot in stiffness, and a soft, layered one is far easier to sit in all evening. Polished curls, victory rolls or a high ponytail with a black ribbon, pale foundation, winged liner, soft blush and deep cherry lipstick suit the decade. Fangs, pearl earrings, black gloves and a small structured handbag go with Mary Janes or low block heels. A vintage-style compact mirror is a neat prop that needs nothing graphic at all.
16. Disco Vampire Costume With Jumpsuit
Sequins and a wide-leg jumpsuit make this vampire easy to spot on a dance floor. Choose black or burgundy with sequins, metallic thread or a velvet finish, then add a short cape with a tall collar and a silver belt. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so I'd keep the cape lined and look for a jumpsuit with plain sleeves. Big brushed-out curls or a voluminous dark wig, cool foundation, smoky silver shadow, defined cheekbones and glossy plum lipstick fit the era. Oversized earrings, a rhinestone choker, small fangs and a mirrored mini bag go with platform boots, which balance the wide legs. A light silver microphone prop adds some performance energy without getting in the way.
17. 1980s Vampire Costume
Shoulders carry the decade here. Black high-waisted leggings or tapered pants, a burgundy velvet bodysuit and an oversized blazer give you the 1980s outline, with a short red-lined cape tucked neatly under the blazer collar. Tease your hair into high-volume waves or wear a curly black wig with a side part; backcombing holds much longer if you mist the roots with hairspray first. Pale foundation, smoky purple shadow, strong liner and dark magenta lipstick are all on theme. Statement earrings, stacked rings, fingerless lace gloves and fangs, black heeled ankle boots or pointed flats, and a cassette-style bag or decorative cassette make the decade obvious in photos.
18. 1990s Vampire Costume With Trench Coat
The 1990s vampire is minimal, so fit matters more than anything else. Pair a fitted black mock-neck top with straight-leg faux-leather pants and a long black trench coat, and add one controlled pop of dark red with a belt or narrow scarf. Straight hair with a center part or a shoulder-length black wig, cool foundation, smudged liner, sculpted cheeks and brownish-plum lipstick keep the makeup deliberate but quiet. Narrow sunglasses, a silver pendant, small hoops and subtle fangs go with chunky combat boots, and a compact black notebook is an easy prop. If you buy only one piece, I'd make it the trench, because it does the job of a cape and you'll wear it again.
19. Y2K Vampire Costume
Y2K vampires are all glossy textures and small accessories. Black low-rise or mid-rise cargo pants, a burgundy mesh top over a fitted camisole and a cropped faux-leather jacket set the era, with a narrow black cape you can remove indoors. Sleek straight hair with two small front braids or a dark wig with red clip-in streaks, frosted gray shadow, winged liner and cool highlighter fit the look. Gloss migrates onto fangs and teeth, so I use a satin berry lipstick and dab gloss only on the center of the lip. Tinted glasses, a choker, silver rings and a compact shoulder bag go with platform sneakers or chunky boots, and a silver flip-phone prop makes the decade clear.
20. Cottagecore Vampire Costume
This is the gentlest vampire on the list, and a dark floral print is what keeps it in the right season. Start with a dark floral prairie dress with puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a long skirt, then add a burgundy knitted shawl or a light hooded cape. Loose waves or a low braid with tiny artificial black flowers, a pale natural complexion, mauve shadow, soft brows, berry lipstick and discreet fangs make a quiet face. A vintage locket, lace cuffs and a woven basket of artificial roses or fabric mushrooms, with brown lace-up boots, give the storybook finish. Because the clothes are so soft, the berry lip and fangs have to carry the vampire, so I don't go lighter on either.
21. Dark Academia Vampire Costume
Books, tailoring and muted colors suit a scholarly vampire. Wear a white button-down under a burgundy sweater vest, high-waisted black trousers and a long tweed coat, with a narrow velvet ribbon at the neck standing in for a cape collar. Tweed is warm, so plan this for a cold evening or a chilly office. A low bun, loose waves or a neat dark bob, cool-toned foundation, brown-gray shadow, defined lashes and muted wine lipstick suit the character, along with round glasses, a vintage brooch, small fangs and an old-looking hardcover. Patterned socks and polished loafers or oxfords finish it. For school events and offices, I'd suggest this vampire first, since it barely looks like a costume until you smile.
22. Punk Vampire Costume
Punk vampires are the most forgiving to build, because distressing is supposed to look rough. Pair black distressed jeans with a plain burgundy T-shirt and a studded faux-leather jacket, then add a shredded black capelet or removable high collar so the vampire still shows. A messy ponytail, spiked pixie or dark wig with washable red streaks, pale makeup, heavy smudged liner, defined brows and dark plum lipstick set the attitude. Studs snag knits and other people's sleeves, so I keep them on the jacket and choker only. Ear cuffs, fingerless gloves, fangs and safety-pin costume jewelry, sturdy combat boots and a faux concert-pass lanyard with no real band names finish the character.
23. Rock Star Vampire Costume
Picture a vampire walking straight off a concert stage. Fitted black pants, a red satin blouse, a structured velvet vest and a long black coat give you the outfit, and a narrow cape panel at the back makes the supernatural side obvious. Tousled waves or a long layered black wig, pale foundation, smoky eyes, sharp liner, luminous cheekbones and deep red lipstick give stage-ready makeup. Layer silver necklaces, rings, wrist cuffs and light fangs, but keep the chains short or tuck one under the vest, because long necklaces tangle the minute you start dancing. Pointed ankle boots or stable platforms and a decorative microphone, with flexible fabrics throughout, keep it practical in a crowd.
24. Biker Vampire Costume
Nearly everything in the biker vampire can be worn again, which I like. Start with black jeans, a dark red fitted top and a cropped faux-leather moto jacket, then attach a short cape panel under the jacket collar for a quiet nod to the classic look. Two snaps or safety pins inside the collar hold the panel without marking the jacket. A high ponytail or straight hair with a dramatic side part, cool foundation, smoky charcoal shadow, black liner and matte burgundy lipstick suit the toughness. Silver ear cuffs, a chain necklace, fingerless gloves, light fangs and a belt bag go with heavy-soled black boots. Costume goggles make a better prop than any real vehicle gear.
25. Cowgirl Vampire Costume
Western clothes and vampire colors get along better than you'd expect, because black and dark red look sharp with denim and a wide hat. Wear black bootcut jeans, a burgundy western shirt, a fitted black vest and a short cape attached under the collar. A wide-brim black hat with a red ribbon or small artificial rose ties it together. A wide brim shades your face, so I go a little stronger on the liner and lip to keep the vampire makeup readable. Loose curls, two low braids or a long dark wig, pale makeup, softly smoked eyes, defined cheekbones and berry lipstick all suit it. Fangs, a silver bolo tie, a decorative buckle and black western boots, plus a coil of red ribbon as a safe prop, finish the character.
26. Pirate Vampire Costume
A pirate vampire mixes flowing historical layers with a seafaring edge. Black fitted pants or a long uneven-hem skirt, a white ruffled blouse and a burgundy corset-style vest build the base, with a black cape draped over one shoulder and pinned with a decorative brooch. A one-shoulder cape slides off constantly, so I add a thin elastic loop under the opposite arm to anchor it. Loose waves under a soft tricorn-style hat or a long dark wig, pale foundation, smoky brown shadow, defined liner and dark berry lipstick suit the character. Fangs, hoop earrings, layered necklaces and a fabric treasure pouch, black buckle boots and a rolled paper map tied with ribbon give it plenty of story without weapons.
27. Vampire Ballerina Costume
The ballet bun is the foundation of this costume, so I build it first with a hair net and plenty of pins, the way dancers do, then add a black floral comb or a bun hairpiece. Wear a fitted burgundy leotard or long-sleeve bodysuit under a knee-length black tulle skirt, with opaque tights and a small capelet with a structured collar. Softly pale skin, plum shadow, defined lashes, berry lipstick and delicate fangs keep the face graceful. A velvet choker, rhinestone earrings and wrist ribbons add the finish. Wear lace-up ballet-style flats, never real pointe shoes, and carry a light black rose bouquet so a hand is always easy to free.
28. Vampire Bride Costume
A vampire bride can be haunting without a single stain or wound. Choose an ivory, silver or faded gray maxi dress with lace sleeves and a flowing skirt, and tie a black velvet sash at the waist. The sheer gray veil should be stitched to a comfortable comb rather than glued, since glued veils peel off the first time they catch on something. Loose curls, a braided updo or a long silver wig, cool foundation, soft gray-purple shadow, defined lashes and deep rose lipstick suit her. Add a black choker, pearl earrings, lace gloves, delicate fangs and a bouquet of artificial burgundy flowers, with white or gray ankle boots. A light capelet adds warmth and sharpens the bridal outline.
29. Victorian Widow Vampire Costume
Mourning dress gives you a vampire with a story already built in. Look for an opaque black gown with long sleeves, lace trim and a high neckline, then add a short structured cape and a small black veil on a headband. A headband veil is far easier to wear than one pinned straight into your hair, and it lifts off cleanly when you want to eat. A low bun or a dark curled wig, softly pale foundation, matte gray shadow, subtle liner and muted blackberry lipstick keep the face somber. An antique-style brooch, black gloves, a cameo necklace, fangs and a lace handkerchief, with buttoned ankle boots, set the period. A framed silhouette portrait cut from craft paper makes a clever prop.
30. Vampire Librarian Costume
Quiet and clever, this one comes together from wardrobe basics. Tuck a burgundy blouse into a black midi skirt, add a fitted cardigan, and throw a short velvet cape over the top. A neat bun or shoulder-length waves, with reading glasses low on the nose for photos, sets the character. Cool foundation, soft brown smoky shadow, berry lipstick and subtle fangs keep the makeup work-appropriate. A cameo brooch, ribbon choker, lace cuffs and structured satchel, black tights and cushioned loafers make it easy to stand in all day. Tie a stack of vintage-looking books with ribbon as your prop; I'd use paperbacks wrapped in old-style covers, since real hardcovers get heavy fast. It suits workplaces, school events and family gatherings.
31. Preppy Vampire Costume
Prep-school pieces turn vampire through color alone: white, burgundy and black. Layer a crisp white shirt under a burgundy sweater vest, then add a black pleated midi skirt and a fitted blazer, pinning a small cape panel or velvet ribbon under the collar. A high ponytail, smooth bob or loose curls held back with a black headband, pale satin-finish foundation, softly smoked liner, berry lip color and discreet fangs keep it neat. Knee-high socks, loafers, a crest-style brooch and a structured backpack carry the theme, and a notebook marked with abstract symbols avoids any real school branding. I keep the pleated skirt at a comfortable midi length; it moves well and stays appropriate anywhere.
32. Corporate Vampire Costume
Sharp tailoring makes a modern vampire who looks ready to chair a midnight board meeting. Wear a black pantsuit with a burgundy satin blouse and a pointed velvet collar, adding a fitted waistcoat or narrow cape panel under the blazer. A sleek bun, glossy waves or a precise bob, cool foundation, taupe smoky shadow, sculpted cheeks and dark red lipstick suit the boss. A silver watch, signet-style ring, small fangs and a structured black briefcase fill in the details, and a blank name badge with a fictional company title makes a funny prop. Pointed flats, loafers or stable heeled boots hold the silhouette. Going straight from work to a party? Keep the fangs and dark lipstick in your bag and put them on at the door.
33. Tennis Player Vampire Costume
Sporty pieces make this the most comfortable vampire on the list. A black pleated tennis skirt, a fitted burgundy polo and a light black warm-up jacket are the base, with a small cape panel attached to the jacket collar. A high ponytail tied with a black ribbon stays out of your way. Pale makeup has to survive sweat here, so I use a primer underneath and a light setting spray on top. Burgundy liner, tinted berry lip color and small removable fangs, black wristbands, knee-high athletic socks and supportive black sneakers keep it active. A light costume racket wrapped in red ribbon is the prop, and I'd leave heavy jewelry at home.
34. Cheerleader Vampire Costume
Make the uniform your own colors, burgundy and black, rather than any real team's design. A long-sleeve fitted top and pleated skirt with opaque shorts underneath give coverage for jumps and stairs, with a cropped black cape and narrow standing collar. A high ponytail with a big burgundy bow, pale foundation, softly smoked eyes, defined lashes, berry lipstick and light fangs suit the spirit. Carry black-and-red pom-poms or wear them at the wrists, with knee-high socks and supportive black sneakers. A felt letter emblem is easy to cut and glue on, but I stitch around its edge as well, because felt glued to a stretchy top peels away once the fabric moves.
35. Ice Skater Vampire Costume
Silver sparkle and deep burgundy give the skater vampire an icy elegance without any real skating gear. Wear a long-sleeve velvet skating-style dress with a modest flared skirt, opaque tights and fitted shorts underneath, plus a silver-trimmed black capelet. A braided bun with a crystal comb or a sleek dark wig keeps your hair tidy, the way skaters wear it for competition. Luminous pale makeup, gray-plum shadow, defined lashes, cool highlighter, berry lipstick and delicate fangs match the shimmer. Crystal earrings, silver gloves and a faux competition medal finish the story. White lace-up boots with flat, ordinary soles imitate skates and stay safe on normal floors and sidewalks.
36. Bat-Wing Vampire Costume
Arm-mounted wings are the fun part of this costume and also where it fails if they're cut wrong. Attach light fabric wings between the wrists and back of a long-sleeve black jumpsuit or matching top and pants, and cut the fabric so it falls into soft folds when your arms drop. Wings that stay stretched flat knock drinks off tables. A burgundy waist belt and small structured collar break up the solid black. A sleek high ponytail or dark waves, pale foundation, charcoal eyes, sharp liner, berry lipstick and subtle fangs give the face, with a bat-shaped headband, silver earrings and fitted gloves. Black platform sneakers or flat ankle boots keep you steady.
37. Red Hood Vampire Costume
A deep red hooded cape gives this vampire a storybook quality that almost everyone picks up on right away. Wear it over a fitted black midi dress or a black blouse with a long skirt, fastened loosely at the neck so the hood can go up for photos and down indoors. Hoods flatten hair, so I'd choose soft dark curls, braids or a shoulder-length wig that still look fine pressed down. Cool foundation, smoky brown-plum shadow, precise liner, dark red lipstick and delicate fangs set the mood. Lace gloves, a velvet choker and cushioned black ankle boots go with a small woven basket of artificial dark roses. It's dramatic, yet gentle enough for a family event.
38. Vampire Fairy Costume
Sheer wings over velvet make a whimsical vampire from a dark forest. Wear a burgundy corset-style top over a black long-sleeve base and a layered black tulle midi skirt. The wings and the capelet compete for the same spot on your back, so I strap the wings on first and cut the velvet capelet short enough to sit above the straps. Loose curls with tiny black flowers or a dark purple wig, pale luminous foundation, plum shimmer, delicate liner, berry lipstick and small fangs finish the face. Pointed ear cuffs, a floral choker and lace wristbands add the magic, with black ballet flats or low ankle boots. Carry a light wand with ribbons and flowers and no sharp points.
39. Vampire Mermaid Costume
The trick with a vampire mermaid is a skirt that suggests a tail but still lets you walk. Pair a fitted black or burgundy top with a long teal, plum or midnight-blue skirt that has a subtle scale texture and enough room at the knees. A sheer black cape attached at the shoulders hangs like flowing fins. Long damp-look waves or a dark wig with temporary teal strands, pearly pale foundation, smoky blue-plum shadow, cool highlighter, berry lipstick and light fangs suit the sea. Shell-shaped earrings, a jeweled choker and a small hand mirror add the details, and a fabric sea-flower bouquet is the prop. Hidden platform sneakers or flat boots go under the skirt, and I'd walk a flight of stairs in it before the night.
40. Celestial Moon Vampire Costume
The last vampire is built around midnight blue, black and silver. Wear a long navy velvet dress or a fitted top and flowing skirt, with a black cape covered in removable silver stars and crescents. I attach the stars with small safety pins or hook-and-loop dots so the cape goes back to plain black for next year. Glossy dark waves or a blue-black wig with a crystal headband, luminous pale foundation, smoky navy shadow, silver inner-corner highlights, berry lipstick and subtle fangs finish the face. Moon-shaped earrings, a silver choker, elbow-length gloves and black ankle boots go with a light crescent-moon prop cut from painted cardboard or foam. The stars set the night sky, and the cape and fangs keep it vampire.
A Cape Collar That Stands All Night
After the fangs, a tall collar is the most vampire detail on the list, and it's the one that usually flops. Packaged capes come with thin collars that fold over within the hour. If you're making a cape or fixing a bought one, these steps keep it upright.
- Cut the collar double and fuse heavy interfacing to one layer, or slip a piece of plastic canvas or a trimmed plastic folder between the layers.
- Shape it slightly wider at the top than at the base, so it flares away from your neck instead of pressing against it.
- Attach it just behind the neckline and close the cape with a hook-and-eye or a wide ribbon. A single thin tie pulls the collar forward.
- Keep the cape at mid-calf or shorter if you'll be walking, climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car.
Pale Without Looking Chalky
Almost every look here asks for pale skin, and the goal is a cool, slightly lighter version of your own complexion, not white paint. I use a foundation one or two shades lighter than usual in a cool or neutral tone, or add a drop of white mixer to my everyday one. On deeper skin tones an ashy pale can turn gray, so keep your own shade and let darker eyes, a deep lip and contour do the work.
Blend the foundation down your neck and onto your ears, since a pale face over a warm neck gives the costume away in photos. Set it with a translucent powder rather than a white one, which can flash back under a camera light. Dark lipstick lasts longer if you line the whole lip, apply, blot and apply again. Bring the lipstick and a cotton bud for touch-ups.
Forty Ways to Wear a Cape and Fangs
One character, forty very different women. You can wear a classic black cape, build a gown around velvet and lace, or turn sporty, vintage and fantasy clothes into something nobody else at the party has. Whichever you pick, dress the whole character and not just the teeth, so the clothing, hair, makeup, accessories, prop and shoes all agree with each other. Comfortable shoes, breathable fabric, secure hairpieces and layers you can take off are what get a costume through the night. I'd start from your own closet, choose a color palette you actually enjoy wearing, and add the fangs last.
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