Beetlejuice is a gift for couples, because the film gives you two characters who look nothing alike and still obviously belong together: one in loud stripes, one in strict black. Beyond the striped suit and the red wedding dress there's the gothic schoolgirl, the cartoon versions, the ghostly Maitlands, the Deetz parents and even a sandworm. I've put together thirty pairings below, from screen-faithful to built from a closet, and for each one I cover clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and a prop. Any role can go to any partner, so swap freely.
Pale Face, Green Mould and a Clean Collar
Almost every pairing below needs a pale face on at least one partner, and that's the part of these costumes that goes wrong most often. White cream makeup is opaque and dramatic, but it creases on a warm night and transfers onto everything it touches. Here's the routine I use.
- Patch-test any new cream or face paint on the inside of your wrist a day ahead, especially the green.
- Start with a moisturiser and let it sink in, so the white doesn't cling to dry patches.
- Apply the pale base thinly with a damp sponge, building it in two layers rather than one thick one.
- Press a generous layer of translucent setting powder over it, wait a few minutes, then dust off the extra.
- Add the green and gray last, stippled with a sponge at the hairline, temples and under the cheekbones. Stippling looks like mould; a smooth wash just looks green.
- Finish with a mist of setting spray and keep a small compact of powder in your pocket for touch-ups.
For a white shirt collar, a strip of clear tape inside the neckband catches most of the rub, and you can peel it off at home. Remove everything with an oil-based cleanser or balm before washing your face, since soap alone tends to leave gray in the hairline and eyebrows.
1. Beetlejuice And Lydia Striped Suit Costume
This is the pair everyone at the party will name before you've taken your coat off. One of you wears the black-and-white striped suit over a white shirt with a loose black tie, a messy white wig, pale face, a bit of green shading at the hairline and chunky black boots. The other is Lydia in a long black dress, sheer tights, lace-up ankle boots and a black wig cut into short, spiky bangs. The bangs are the detail I'd spend money on; a regular black wig just reads as a witch. Hand Lydia a vintage camera, give Beetlejuice a handmade afterlife sign, and dust both outfits with a little gray powder so they look like they've been somewhere dusty.
2. Beetlejuice And Lydia Red Wedding Costume
The red wedding pairing makes the biggest entrance. Lydia wears a red lace gown with layered tulle, long sleeves, red gloves and a red veil, with a black wig pulled into a high, lopsided ponytail and wispy bangs. Pale base, smoky plum shadow and a deep red lip. Beetlejuice stays in the striped suit with a crooked bow tie, white wig and sturdy black shoes, and a bit of artificial moss on his shoulders adds the mouldy texture he's known for. A bouquet of red silk flowers is the easy prop. If the party is crowded or outdoors, keep the train short and the veil at shoulder length, because a long red veil collects every leaf and spilled drink in the room.
3. Beetlejuice And Lydia Matching Red Wedding Costume
Here both partners go red. Beetlejuice swaps stripes for a red tuxedo jacket, red trousers, a ruffled shirt and a big red bow tie, with the white wig and a little moss-green at the temples. Lydia wears a layered scarlet gown, lace gloves, red heels or boots and a full veil, with the black ponytail and separated bangs. The thing I watch for is two reds that fight: put the tux in velvet and the gown in lace and tulle, and the different textures keep them from merging into one red blob in photos. Matching red flower pins tie them together. It's a sweet one for a couple who are engaged or just married.
4. Beetlejuice And Lydia Black Gothic Costume
Want the drama without wearing a bridal gown all night? Put both characters in black. Beetlejuice gets a black tailcoat, fitted trousers, a striped waistcoat, a ruffled shirt and platform boots, and keeps the white wig and greenish pallor so he still reads as himself. Lydia wears a high-neck black maxi dress with lace sleeves, a wide belt and pointed ankle boots, with the spiky wig, smoky eyes, a muted berry lip and a vintage camera. A little striping on his vest or socks connects the outfit back to the suit. It's practical for parties where a long train would get stepped on.
5. Beetlejuice And Lydia All-Black Costume
The all-black version borrows from Lydia's grown-up gothic wardrobe in the later film. Beetlejuice wears a sharp black suit, black shirt, narrow tie and polished platforms. With the stripes gone, his face and hair carry the character, so I push the white wig wilder, the brows heavier and the green shading a bit stronger than usual. Lydia wears a fitted black dress or long coatdress with strong shoulders, opaque tights and heeled boots, with a choppy black wig and micro bangs, smoky eyes and dark berry lips. Striped socks or a striped pocket square give a wink. Give Lydia a microphone or vintage camera.
6. Beetlejuice And Lydia TV Host Costume
Lydia as a television host is one of the most comfortable options on the list. She wears a fitted black blazer over a lace blouse, a calf-length black skirt, opaque tights and sleek ankle boots, with short pointed bangs, loosely pinned hair, cool smoky makeup and a microphone with a handmade ghost-show label. Beetlejuice is the opposite: a rumpled striped suit with an untucked shirt, messy tie, white wig and pale green makeup, plus worn boots and a little foam grave marker. Neither of you is wearing a heavy gown or a headpiece, so you can sit, dance and walk without thinking about the costume.
7. Beetlejuice And Lydia School Uniform Costume
Lydia's school look is easy to pull from a thrift store. A white collared blouse, dark plaid skirt, fitted black blazer, knee socks and black loafers, with a short black wig, pale makeup and a camera on a strap. Beetlejuice wears his striped jacket and trousers with a wrinkled white shirt, loose tie, messy white wig and combat boots. I keep his makeup to pale skin and soft green shading here; heavy theatrical rot looks out of place next to a schoolgirl. A small striped backpack or black notebook links the two.
8. Beetlejuice And Lydia Winter Outfit Costume
On a cold night, the trick is making the warm layers look like part of the costume. Beetlejuice wears a striped overcoat over a black sweater, trousers and lace-up boots, with fingerless gloves and a pale scarf. Lydia wears a long black wool coat over a lace dress, thick tights and platform boots, plus the sharp-banged wig, plum lipstick and a vintage camera bag. A red scarf on her is a quiet nod to the wedding dress. One thing to know about scarves: pale face makeup rubs straight onto them, so set the neck and jaw with translucent powder before you wrap anything around them.
9. Beetlejuice And Lydia Summer Costume
For a hot autumn or an indoor event, the characters can lose a few layers and still look like themselves. Beetlejuice wears striped shorts with a light striped vest over a loose white shirt, striped suspenders, black sneakers, a short messy wig and pale makeup with green at the temples. Lydia wears a sleeveless black midi dress with a lace collar, ankle socks and Mary Janes, with a short spiky ponytail, cool-toned makeup and berry lips. In the heat, a full wig is the first thing that gets unbearable, so a short, light wig cap with ventilation is worth seeking out. Give her a compact camera and him a small foam grave marker.
10. Animated Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
The animated series dressed both characters in brighter colors, which makes a fun, family-friendly pairing. Beetlejuice wears purple trousers, a purple jacket or long coat, a red shirt, a striped tie and green-accented shoes, with a tall white wig tipped in green and exaggerated purple shadow. Lydia wears a red spiderweb poncho over a long red tunic and black leggings, with red ankle boots and a black wig in a high ponytail with pointed bangs. Black textile paint for the web works better than marker, which bleeds into the fibres. A few colorful foam props round it out.
11. Musical Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
Stage versions of these characters are built to be seen from the back row, so exaggerate. Beetlejuice wears a striped tailcoat, fitted trousers, a black waistcoat and heavy boots, with a voluminous white wig streaked green, darkened eyes and big brows. Lydia wears a short black dress with layered lace, striped tights and platform ankle boots, with a black bob or shoulder-length wig, choppy bangs and smudged smoky eyes. A strip of green tulle on his cuffs and black tulle under her skirt adds movement. A black handbook and a small foam gravestone are light enough to wave around during a lip-sync.
12. Glam Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
For a dressier party, polish the classic pieces instead of replacing them. Beetlejuice wears a fitted striped tuxedo with satin lapels, a black shirt, a jeweled bow tie and sleek platform loafers. I'd still keep his hair tousled, just less wild, because a neat white wig looks like a different character entirely. Luminous pale skin, soft green shadow and defined brows. Lydia wears a fitted red lace midi dress with sheer sleeves, a short veil, crystal earrings and red heels, with a sculpted ponytail, smoky eyes and crimson lips. A small red bouquet and a striped pocket square tie it together.
13. Gender-Swapped Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
Either partner can play either character. A feminine Beetlejuice might wear a striped blazer dress over opaque tights, a fitted waistcoat, a messy white wig, green-tinted makeup and chunky boots. A masculine Lydia might wear a long black frock coat, a lace-trimmed shirt, slim black trousers and pointed dress boots, with a straight black wig, choppy bangs, subtle smoky liner and a vintage camera. The rule I follow: keep each character's signature details exactly the same, and change only the garment shape. Swap the blazer dress for striped trousers, or the frock coat for a black skirt, whichever you'd rather wear.
14. Plus-Size Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
For plus-size couples, the stripes are what need the most thought. Beetlejuice wears wide-leg striped trousers with a long matching blazer, a soft black shirt and cushioned platform boots. Pick wider stripes in a fabric with some stretch, since narrow stripes wobble and bend at seams and make the suit look badly cut. A lightweight wig, pale makeup and green shading finish him. Lydia wears a red lace wrap dress or empire-waist maxi with a tulle overlay, elbow gloves and stable block-heel boots, with a shoulder-length veil and a breathable wig with pointed bangs. Hem both outfits to the shoes you'll wear, and add a bouquet and a striped lapel flower.
15. Maternity Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
The red wedding scene adapts well for pregnancy, as long as nothing constricts. Lydia wears a flowing red empire-waist maxi with lace sleeves, a light veil and supportive red flats or low block boots, with a black ponytail wig, smoky plum makeup and a small bouquet. Beetlejuice wears a loose red tuxedo jacket, black trousers with an adjustable waist, a ruffled shirt and cushioned shoes, plus the white wig and pale green makeup. Skip the long train entirely; it's a tripping hazard even for someone who isn't pregnant. A small striped ribbon tied above the bump is a cute touch.
16. Easy DIY Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
You can make a convincing Beetlejuice suit from a plain black thrift-store suit. Wide white fabric paint stripes last longer than tape on wool, which tends to lift after an hour of moving around; paint with a flat brush along painter's tape and let it dry overnight. Pair it with a wrinkled white shirt, black boots, pale makeup and a teased white wig. Lydia starts with any long black dress, plus lace cuffs, opaque tights, ankle boots and a thrifted camera, with a messy ponytail or a black wig with short bangs, smudged charcoal shadow and a muted berry lip. An old hardcover wrapped in printed paper becomes the handbook.
17. Last-Minute Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
When the party invite arrives on a Thursday for a Saturday, go for shapes and colors, not replicas. Beetlejuice needs black trousers, a white shirt, a black blazer and wide strips of removable white tape, plus hair sprayed white with temporary color, pale foundation, green shadow and black shoes. Temporary white hair spray flakes onto shoulders, so put the blazer on after the hair is dry. Lydia wears a black maxi dress or a black top with a long skirt, opaque tights and ankle boots, with a high messy ponytail and a few front pieces separated into points. Push the makeup a little further than you think, so it reads in phone photos.
18. Thrifted Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
Thrift stores are the best place for these costumes, because the film's world looks secondhand anyway. Find an oversized black suit and add slightly uneven white stripes, then wear it with a vintage shirt, worn dress shoes, a teased white wig and pale green makeup. For Lydia, look for an 80s or 90s high-neck black dress with lace, velvet or big sleeves, plus black tights, sturdy boots, a dark wig with bangs and a secondhand film camera. Mismatched pieces suit these characters. Wash everything first, because thrifted wool often carries a smell, and take up hems so nobody trips.
19. Minimalist Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
The minimalist pair keeps only the signals. Beetlejuice wears straight striped trousers, a black turtleneck, a white cropped jacket and black Chelsea boots, with a neat white wig with green-tinted roots and softly blended pale makeup. Lydia wears a sleeveless black column dress, pointed ankle boots, a slim red belt and a structured black camera bag, with spiky dark hair, short bangs and cool smoky makeup. Carry only a small camera or handbook. It's my pick for couples who'd rather wear clothes than a costume, and it's easy to move through a packed room in.
20. Work-Friendly Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
For an office costume day, tone the characters down so they still work at a desk. Beetlejuice wears a black blazer with narrow white pinstripes, matching trousers, a white button-down, a black tie and comfortable loafers, with temporary white hair color or a tidy short wig, light foundation and a hint of green shadow instead of full pale face. Lydia wears a black midi dress under a fitted blazer with opaque tights and low boots, clip-in pointed bangs, berry lipstick and a camera-shaped crossbody bag. A red flower brooch on her and striped socks on him are enough. Leave the veil and big props at home, and avoid any makeup that will end up on an office chair.
21. Black-And-White Beetlejuice Couple Costume
Going monochrome turns the couple into a black-and-white film still. Beetlejuice wears the standard striped suit, white shirt, black tie, messy wig, pale makeup and black boots. Lydia's wedding look becomes grayscale: a black lace dress, white tulle veil, black gloves and platform shoes, with the black ponytail wig and charcoal smoky eyes. A bouquet in black, white and gray silk flowers, and silver-gray moss on his shoulders instead of green. Against a plain wall it makes a striking photo. It's also a good choice if neither of you wants to wear bright red.
22. Neon Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
Neon pushes the characters into party territory. Beetlejuice wears the striped suit over a bright green shirt, lime socks, fluorescent suspenders and black platform sneakers, with a white wig tipped in temporary green and vivid green shadow. Lydia wears a black skater dress over a bright red tulle underskirt, red tights and black ankle boots with green laces, plus a removable red streak in her wig, graphic liner and berry lipstick. Paint a small foam-board prop each with glow-reactive paint. Keep the black base, because a costume that's neon everywhere stops looking like these two under normal light.
23. Vintage Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
To get the late-80s feel, shape matters more than accuracy. Beetlejuice wears a boxy striped jacket with pleated trousers, a rumpled dress shirt, a narrow tie and worn loafers, with a heavily teased wig and matte pale makeup with muted green. Lydia wears a black tea-length dress with puffed sleeves, lace gloves, opaque tights and low-heeled ankle boots, with a high ponytail, separated bangs, cool blush and deep berry lips, plus a vintage camera on a neck strap. Shoulder pads and high waists are what make it look like the era. Give him a weathered cardboard sign.
24. Casual Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
The casual couple is the one I'd wear to hand out candy on the porch. Beetlejuice wears a striped cardigan over a white tee, black jeans and black high-tops, with a short white wig, subtle pale makeup, green shadow and a loose black tie worn like a scarf. Lydia wears an oversized black sweater, a long lace skirt, thick tights and lace-up boots, with a messy ponytail, clip-in bangs, smoky liner, berry lip balm and a compact camera across her body. Matching striped socks on both of you connect the outfits. You can stand at the door for hours in it.
25. Formal Beetlejuice And Lydia Costume
For a formal Halloween party, dress them as wedding guests rather than the wedding itself. Beetlejuice wears a tailored black tuxedo with striped lapels, a crisp white shirt, an oversized bow tie and polished platforms, with controlled white waves, pale makeup, green shading and a striped boutonniere. Lydia wears a floor-length black velvet gown with a fitted bodice, sheer sleeves and a red satin sash, with a high textured updo, short bangs, smoky plum eyes and dark red lips. Velvet shows every speck of face powder, so do your makeup before you dress. A red clutch and a small black bouquet.
26. Beetlejuice And Lydia Half-Striped Costume
The half-and-half costume takes the most work and gets the most reactions. Beetlejuice's jacket and trousers are solid black on one side and striped on the other, with the wig smooth on one side and wildly teased on the other. Lydia's dress is split down the middle, plain black on one half and red lace and tulle on the other, with one black glove, one red glove, mismatched boots and a veil pinned to just one side of the ponytail. Blend the makeup down the centre line carefully. The easiest way to build the split garments is to buy two cheap matching pieces in each color and swap the halves at the centre seam. Stand with your striped sides together for photos.
27. Beetlejuice And Sandworm Couple Costume
One of you is Beetlejuice in the classic striped suit, white wig, pale green makeup, loose tie and chunky boots; the other is the sandworm. Build the sandworm from a fitted black base layer with curved white stripes and purple accents, a lightweight rounded hood with soft fabric eyes, matching gloves and black sneakers. Keep the hood open around the face, and continue the purple and white onto the cheeks with simple makeup. A short, flexible foam tail at the waist is enough; anything longer gets trodden on. The stripes on both costumes make the pair look planned, and the worm gets laughs all night.
28. Adam And Barbara Maitland Couple Costume
Adam and Barbara are the quiet, comfortable choice. Adam wears a red long-sleeve shirt under a neutral plaid overshirt, khaki trousers, brown shoes and round glasses, and carries a little handmade model house. Barbara wears a floral midi dress, a light cardigan, sheer neutral tights and low brown pumps, with a soft auburn bob and natural, slightly pale makeup, carrying a handbook wrapped in burgundy paper. A light dusting of gray powder along the hems and cuffs makes them look recently deceased without anything gory. Everyday thrifted clothing does the job.
29. Adam And Barbara Transformed Costume
The Maitlands' attempt to scare the Deetzes is a crafty project. Start with their usual clothes, then build lightweight foam headpieces shaped into stretched, exaggerated features, painted in soft skin tones with cartoon eyes so they stay playful. Craft foam is easiest to shape with a hair dryer and a rounded bowl as a mould. Leave big openings at the eyes and mouth so you can see, breathe and talk, because a closed foam mask fogs and muffles within minutes. Adam can hold his glasses, Barbara the handbook, and temporary gray hair spray plus pale makeup blend the edges of each headpiece.
30. Charles And Delia Deetz Couple Costume
Charles and Delia are perfect if you love loud vintage clothes. Charles wears a navy blazer over a burgundy sweater, a collared shirt, khakis, loafers and wire-frame glasses, carrying rolled plans or a folder of house papers. Delia is the artist: a sculptural black dress, an oversized red belt, patterned tights and angular ankle boots, with a short curly red wig, geometric earrings, vivid lipstick and an abstract foam sculpture small enough to carry. Her strong shoulders and asymmetric shapes make the contrast with his conservative clothes the whole joke.
Wigs: Beetlejuice's Mess and Lydia's Spikes
The two wigs carry these costumes more than any garment, and they need opposite treatment.
The wild white wig
Buy a cheap synthetic white wig and tease it with a wide comb from the ends toward the roots, a section at a time, then spray with a strong hairspray. A wig that's slightly matted actually helps here. For the greenish tint, a light mist of temporary green hair color or a dusting of green eyeshadow brushed onto the ends is gentler than dyeing. Synthetic fibres frizz and can melt near heat, so keep curling irons and candles well away.
Lydia's bangs
Most black costume wigs come with long, straight bangs. Trim them short with sharp scissors while the wig is on a head or a stand, cutting vertically into the ends rather than straight across, then twist small sections between your fingers with a little styling wax to form points. If you'd rather use your own hair, clip-in bangs are the easiest route. Pin either style down with bobby pins at the temples so the wig doesn't slide back when you look up at a camera.
Which Pair Will You Two Actually Enjoy Wearing?
The best pairing is the one you can still enjoy at the end of the night. For a first attempt, I'd make the striped suit with gothic Lydia; for a bigger entrance, the red wedding pair. The cartoon colors, stage tailoring, swapped roles and warm layers give you plenty to work with, and the Maitlands, the Deetzes and the sandworm are there when you want something less expected. Get the wig right, set the pale makeup with powder, wear shoes you've already broken in and carry one light prop. Start from what's in your wardrobe, then thrift or make the rest.
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