Lola is one of those characters people know by her hair and her eyes long before they notice anything else. She was drawn as a lionfish-and-dragonfish mix, with striped red-orange hair swept over one side, purple eye makeup, green eyes, red lips and a body that shimmers like scales. That gives you a short list of things to get right and a lot of freedom everywhere else. Below are 35 ways I'd dress her, from full mermaid gowns to a sneaker version you can walk a neighbourhood in, plus modest, plus-size, maternity, kids', last-minute and group versions. Each one covers the clothes, hair, makeup, a prop and shoes you can actually stand in.
Her Hair Does Most of the Work
When I style Lola, I sort out the hair before I think about the dress. Her stripes, the deep side part and that big sweep over one eye are what people recognise first, and a perfect gown with a flat, centre-parted wig just looks like a woman in red.
You don't need a specialty wig. A plain long red wig takes orange and magenta clip-in wefts well; slide them in under the top layer so the stripes show as the hair moves rather than sitting like ribbons on the surface. Set the part deep, about in line with the arch of one eyebrow, and pin the sweep in place under the hair with two bobby pins crossed into an X.
- Brush a cheap wig gently from the ends upward before you style it. Most shedding happens in the first few brushings.
- A wig cap and a few pins through the wig into the cap stop the whole piece from sliding back when you dance.
- Use a light spray to hold the sweep. Heavy hairspray on synthetic fibre turns it stiff and dull.
- If the wig is too shiny under flash, a little dry shampoo dusted through the top softens the plastic look.
If you'd rather skip a wig, coloured hair wax on your own front sections and the ends gives the stripe effect for one night and washes out. It does mark pillowcases, so tie your hair up before bed.
1. Classic Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Mermaid Dress
This is the version I'd build first if you've never done Lola before. A fitted red mermaid dress does the tail work for you through its flared hem, and satin, stretch velvet or sequins all catch light the way her scales do on screen. Spend your effort on the wig: red, orange and coral sections with a deep side part and smooth volume at the crown. Purple shadow, a winged liner, rosy blush and glossy red lips carry the face, and long purple gloves or wrist cuffs stand in for her fins. Keep the earrings small. Hide red platforms or low block heels under the skirt, and a light glitter shell clutch gives your hands something to do in photos.
2. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Scale Dress
A scale-print maxi dress tells people what you are in one glance, which is half the battle with an animated character. I look for one with pink, coral or white scales and only a small flare at the ankle, so it still walks well. Sheer purple organza panels under the arms, or sheer gloves, give you fins that move. The striped wig should fall past the shoulders with one side pushed back off the face. Lavender shadow, black liner and lashes with a bright red lip do the rest, and a little green shimmer at the eye nods to her colouring. Red ballet flats keep it practical, and a small pearl bag with iridescent earrings finishes it.
3. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Purple Satin Gown
Purple is a fair swap for red here because it already sits in her eye makeup and fins, so the character survives the colour change. A deep purple satin gown with a fitted waist and a gentle flare does the formal job; then a red sequined belt or coral waist panel pulls her warm colours back in. Without that red at the waist, people start guessing other characters. Style a long red-and-magenta wig in smooth layers with plenty of lift at the crown, add smoky violet shadow, sharp liner and a lacquered red lip, and long purple gloves for the fins. Red crystal earrings and a red scale clutch keep the reference clear.
4. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Sequin Mini Dress
The mini version is the one I'd pick for a crowded party. A red sequin mini dress over opaque coral tights moves well, but check the straps and the stretch before you commit, because sequin minis with thin straps tend to slip once you start dancing. A removable red-and-pink tulle train at the back reads as a tail without catching your steps. Wear the long striped wig in red, orange and magenta, keep the eyes purple and smoky with green liner, and use a glossy red lip. Elbow-length purple gloves, drop earrings and red platform sneakers or low ankle boots balance the short hem.
5. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Two-Piece Set
Separates are kinder than a gown if you're between sizes top and bottom. A structured sweetheart crop top with a high-waisted fishtail skirt in satin, sequins or metallic stretch gives you Lola's shape, and a fitted red mesh shirt underneath adds coverage without breaking the colour. Pink scale appliqués along the skirt and purple organza wrist fins carry the fish details. The long red-and-orange wig with its sweeping part does the heavy lifting on the face, with plum shadow, winged liner, a hint of green and crimson gloss. Red block-heel sandals and purple bangles are enough. I'd make the tail panel detachable so it comes off the moment you need to sit.
6. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Jumpsuit
I like a jumpsuit for anyone who hates managing a long skirt. A flared or wide-leg cut still hints at a tail, and you can walk, climb stairs and sit without thinking about it. Run pink and white fabric scales down the outer legs with removable fashion tape or a few hand stitches; tape holds on smooth fabric but lets go on anything textured, so stitch if your jumpsuit is crepe. Purple opera gloves and the red-and-orange wig carry most of the character. Purple shadow, cat-eye liner, blush and red gloss, plus a couple of green rhinestones at the outer eye, finish the face, and a light foam tail clips on at the back waist.
7. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Scale Skirt And Bodysuit
Semicircle scales are the easiest fabric scale to make and they look right on Lola. Cut pink, coral and white circles, fold them in half and layer them in rows onto a high-waisted red skirt so each row overlaps the one below. Paired with a matching long-sleeve bodysuit and purple chiffon under the arms, it moves softly. The waist-length wig works best in alternating red, orange and magenta sections set in smooth waves. Lavender shadow, bold liner, green shimmer and glossy red lips carry the face. Opaque red tights and ankle boots keep the legs warm, and a padded fin attached at the back of the belt gives shape without dragging on the floor.
8. Modest Lola Shark Tale Costume With Long-Sleeve Gown
Lola works perfectly well covered up, because her character lives in her hair and face rather than in her neckline. A floor-length red gown with long sleeves, a high neck and a fitted waist is the base, with a pink scale overskirt or sash at the hip for the fish detail. Purple chiffon cuffs that fall over the hands move like fins. If you'd rather not wear a wig, a striped head scarf with flowing extensions underneath works well. Keep the makeup bold and tidy: violet shadow, black liner, mascara and a red lip. Red flats, a pearl headband and a small shell purse make it easy to wear to a family party.
9. Plus-Size Lola Shark Tale Costume With Ruched Red Dress
Ruching is my first choice for a plus-size Lola, because it gives support and hides any pulling at the seams when you move. Look for stretch fabric, wide straps and a hem that flares enough for a normal stride. A scale wrap around the hips or a column of pink sequin appliqués down one side adds the fish detail. Gloves with sheer ruffled cuffs give you fins without bulk at the upper arm. Style the striped wig in long side-swept waves, or clip colour pieces into your own hair. Smoky purple eyes, a wing, green shimmer and a glossy red lip finish the face, and sneakers under the hem are completely fair game.
10. Maternity Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Maxi Dress
For pregnancy, I start with an empire-waist red maxi in stretch jersey so nothing presses on the bump. A soft fishtail hem or a detachable tulle train suggests the tail without any fitted section at the hips. Put the pink scale appliqués just under the bust, where they frame rather than squeeze, and add purple chiffon at the sleeves. A wig with an adjustable cap is far more comfortable than a tight one when you're warm, and loose side-parted hair with clip-in stripes is an easy alternative. Keep the makeup gentle and the shoes cushioned. Skip heavy props entirely; a pearl bracelet and small shell purse are enough.
11. Teen Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Skater Dress
A red skater dress is the right base for a teen, because it passes most school and party rules while keeping Lola's colours. Pick a knee-length one with sleeves or wide straps and wear coral tights or leggings underneath. Pink felt scales around the skirt and small purple tulle fins at the sleeves are easy weekend crafts. A striped ponytail extension is less fuss than a full wig for a long day. Keep the makeup light: lavender shadow, mascara, soft blush and tinted red lip balm. A green rhinestone headband hints at her eyes, and red sneakers mean nobody has to carry their shoes home.
12. Kids Lola Shark Tale Costume With Tulle Skirt
Kids pull off anything that scratches, so I build this one entirely from soft pieces. A red long-sleeve top and leggings go under a layered red-and-pink tulle skirt, with big felt scales sewn on; glued felt peels off once a child starts running. Purple fabric fins at the wrists and a small padded tail at the waistband finish the body. Skip the wig and use a headband with orange and magenta yarn strands tied on, which stays put and won't make their head hot. Child-safe face colour, a little blush and tinted lip balm are plenty. Red sneakers, a fish-shaped treat bag and some reflective trim on the skirt keep it trick-or-treat safe.
13. Last-Minute Lola Shark Tale Costume With Closet Basics
Lola is generous to a last-minute dresser. Any fitted red dress will do, at any length, as long as the hair and eyes are right. Wrap a pink scarf around the hips for a scale accent, and either clip in red, orange and magenta pieces or tie a striped scarf over your own hair. Purple eyeshadow, black liner and a glossy red lip make the reference clear even with an ordinary dress. Raid your own jewellery for green earrings or a pearl necklace and wear red flats. For a tail, cut a small shape from cardboard, cover it in red gift wrap and fix it to a belt. Keep it small; cardboard bends the first time you lean back in a chair.
14. Thrifted Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Prom Dress
Formalwear racks at thrift stores are full of red prom and bridesmaid dresses, and a fitted one with a flared hem is exactly Lola's shape. Small fit problems are easy: a decorative belt, removable straps or a cropped purple shrug covers most of them. Sew or pin on secondhand sequins, pink fabric scraps or shiny ribbon in overlapping rows for scales. A preowned red wig usually needs a wash and a gentle brush; then add orange and magenta clip-ins and set a deep side part. Purple shadow, liquid liner and a red lip from your own makeup bag do the face. Thrifted purple gloves and an old clutch covered in pearls and iridescent paper finish it.
15. No-Sew Lola Shark Tale Costume With Felt Scales
No-sew is realistic here if you pick your fasteners carefully. On a plain red maxi, I use safety pins for the felt scales on anything stretchy and hook-and-loop dots on woven fabric; fabric tape alone tends to peel by the end of a night. Cut pink, coral, red and white felt into rounded scales and work in overlapping rows. Folded organza on elastic makes wrist fins in minutes, and layered felt on a wide red belt becomes a light tail. A long red wig with orange and magenta clip-ins, purple shadow and a glossy red lip carry the character. Before leaving home, tug on every pinned or taped piece once.
16. Budget Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Slip Dress
A red slip dress is the cheapest base on this list, and it works because Lola doesn't need structure to read. Layer a fitted red tee or bodysuit underneath if you want more coverage. Pink metallic gift ribbon tied in rows across the skirt looks like scales from a few feet away, and sheer purple scarves tied at the wrists make fins that flutter. Rather than buying a specialty wig, add hair chalk or clip-in strands to a basic red one; chalk transfers onto collars, so keep it to the ends. Drugstore purple shadow, black liner, a red lip and a touch of green shimmer are enough. Red shoes you already own and a cardboard tail round it out.
17. Glam Lola Shark Tale Costume With Rhinestone Gown
Lola walked red carpets in her own world, so a full rhinestone gown is a fair read of her. A mermaid silhouette gives the strongest tail line; ask for or add a small back slit, or you'll be taking tiny steps all evening. Stretch gloves with adhesive gems make glittering fins, though stick-on gems pop off at the knuckles, so keep them to the back of the hand. Set a waist-length red-and-orange wig in smooth waves with a sharp part. Deep violet shadow, a precise wing, highlighter and a glossy red lip suit the camera. Green crystal earrings echo her eyes, and a shell clutch plus a sequined fin at the back waist finish the gown.
18. Metallic Lola Shark Tale Costume With Copper Dress
Copper is warmer than true red, which suits Lola's orange stripes better than you'd expect. A fitted copper maxi with a flared hem, plus red and pink scale appliqués at the waist and lower skirt, keeps her fish details. Purple gloves or sheer arm fins give the contrast she needs; without purple somewhere, copper on its own just looks like an evening dress. The wig mixes copper, crimson and magenta, swept dramatically over one side. Plum shadow, green liner, bronze highlighter and a rich red lip suit the metallic. Copper sandals, green drop earrings and a red jewelled belt finish it, with a metallic tail clipped to the belt for photos.
19. Holographic Lola Shark Tale Costume With Scale Dress
Holographic fabric shifts between coral, pink and purple as you move, so it does a lot of Lola's colour work by itself. Because the dress is so busy, I keep everything else quiet. Midi or maxi length keeps the shine in proportion. Clear purple organza fins at the forearms and a matching detachable train are the only additions I'd make to the body. Style a long red wig with orange and magenta highlights and a sleek part, then blend lavender and plum shadow with green at the inner corner, black liner and a crimson lip. Iridescent earrings, a clear shell bag and red platform sneakers keep you steady on your feet.
20. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Feather Fin Details
Feathers move like fins, and that's the reason to use them. Attach removable purple feather cuffs at the wrists of a fitted red maxi or jumpsuit, plus a short strip of pink and white feathers around the hem. I'd choose synthetic trim, because natural feathers shed constantly and go limp in damp air. Wear the long red, orange and magenta wig smooth and swept to one side, with smoky purple eyes, green shimmer, strong lashes and a red lip. Closed-toe shoes matter here, since open sandals catch hem feathers with every step. Green jewelled earrings and a small sequin purse are enough, and every feather section should be stitched rather than glued if you'll be outside.
21. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Tulle Fish Tail
A tulle tail is the lightest way to get Lola's dramatic back view. Gather red, pink, coral and white tulle onto a removable belt and fluff the layers so they fan out behind your legs and finish above the floor; tulle that touches the ground collects every leaf and shoe on the way. It goes over a fitted red midi or a red jumpsuit. Add purple tulle at the wrists so the fins match the tail. Style the wig in long waves with magenta pieces framing the face, and keep the eyes violet with green liner and a red lip. A narrow sequined belt hides the tail fastening, and dance shoes or flats keep you moving.
22. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Purple Fin Cape
Turning Lola's side fins into a cape gives you movement every time you lift your arms. Run sheer purple fabric from the shoulder seam to the wrist and finish each end with a wrist loop, which stops it from blowing behind you or trailing into food. Under it, a fitted red maxi with pink or white scale accents. The cape is softer than stiff costume wings and much easier in a crowd. Wear a red-and-orange striped wig with a side part and full ends, with purple smoky eyes, a black wing, green highlights and red gloss. Keep the cape short of the floor. Red block heels or flat ankle boots, green earrings and a sparkling red belt finish the outfit.
23. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Scale Leggings
Scale leggings are what I'd wear for a long event on your feet. Red-and-pink fish-scale leggings with a fitted red tunic or a structured peplum top keep you comfortable, and the peplum quietly suggests fins at the hip. Purple chiffon sleeve panels add movement up top. A padded tail on the back waistband is fine as long as it's short enough for a chair. The striped ponytail extension is easier than a wig here, with plum shadow, black liner, green shimmer and a glossy red lip. Red high-top sneakers, hoops, purple wrist cuffs and a small crossbody shell bag keep both hands free all night.
24. Detailed Lola Shark Tale Cosplay With Sculpted Fins
This is the most constructed version, and the fins are where the time goes. I cut them from craft foam, cover them in metallic fabric and mount them on wrist cuffs and a hip piece, because foam that sits directly on skin rubs after an hour. A fitted red stretch dress covered in layered pink, coral and white scales is the base. A shaped foam tail can hang from a padded belt so it never touches your legs. Spend time separating the wig's colour sections cleanly; that's what makes it read in photos. Purple shadow, graphic black liner, green accents and contoured cheeks go with red platform boots. Sit, walk and pose in the full outfit at home before you wear it out.
25. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Orange Ombré Wig
If the wig is your strongest piece, build around it. A red-to-orange ombré wig with magenta strands hidden underneath flashes colour when you turn your head, which is exactly how Lola's hair behaves on screen. Ask for a deep side part, a smooth crown and wide curved ends, then set the curve with a hot-tool-safe spray only if the fibre is heat-friendly; cheap synthetics melt or frizz near heat. Pair it with a sleek red mermaid dress, pink appliqués and purple wrist fins. Lavender and plum shadow, a sharp liner, green shimmer and a red lip finish the face. Long purple gloves, platform sandals and a glittering shell clutch round it out.
26. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Natural Curly Hair
Natural curls give you Lola's volume without a wig. Define them, push them into a deep side part, and add colour with temporary hair wax or clip-in extensions in red, orange and magenta. Colour wax is easiest on the ends and front pieces, since it stiffens curls if you overload it and rubs onto pillowcases afterwards. A fitted red scale-print maxi with removable purple chiffon wrist fins is the base. Violet shadow, a black wing, green at the inner corner and a glossy red lip carry the face, and green crystal earrings frame it. Add a pink sequined waist sash and a light tail panel at the back, then pick shoes for how long you'll be standing.
27. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red And Gold Braids
Braids are the most secure way to wear Lola's striped hair, and they don't shift when you dance. Mix red and honey-gold braids with a few magenta strands, then sweep most of them over one shoulder for her silhouette. A fitted red jumpsuit or mermaid gown with pink scale details and purple fabric wrist fins goes underneath. Pearl cuffs or iridescent beads on several braids look good, but go easy; a full head of beads pulls at the scalp by midnight. Purple shadow, green liner, lashes and a shiny red lip keep the makeup recognisable. Red block heels or embellished flats, a detachable foam tail and a glitter shell purse finish it.
28. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red And Orange Locs
Faux locs give Lola's hair texture and weight, and they hold a deep side part all night. Put a few magenta locs near the face where the stripe effect shows most. A long red velvet dress with a flared hem suits the heavier hair, with pink scale appliqués and purple chiffon sleeve fins. Velvet crushes when you sit, so hang it in a steamy bathroom before you dress. Blend smoky violet shadow with a soft green highlight, black liner and a red lip. Pearl cuffs on a few locs and green gemstone earrings add the underwater detail. Supportive flats or red platform ankle boots work under the gown, and a light tail panel on a fabric belt finishes it.
29. Lola Shark Tale Costume With Short Red Hair
Short hair is not a problem for Lola. What makes her hair read is the side part and the colour stripes, not the length. Sculpt a red bob or pixie into a strong side sweep and add orange and magenta sections with temporary colour. A fitted red midi with a fishtail ruffle at the hem gives the tail. Long purple gloves and small chiffon fins at the elbows add the fin detail. Bold plum shadow, a cat-eye, green shimmer, defined brows and a crimson lip suit the shorter hair, since there's less hair pulling attention away from the face. Green drop earrings, a sequined belt, red ankle boots and a compact padded tail finish it.
30. Comfortable Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Sneakers
When I know someone will be walking for hours, I start from the shoes and work up. Supportive red sneakers go with red scale-print leggings, a fitted red tunic and a layered pink tulle peplum that hints at fins and tail. Purple chiffon cuffs at the wrists and a small padded tail at the back waistband carry the character. A striped ponytail extension is lighter than a full wig and keeps hair off your face. Long-wear purple shadow, waterproof liner and a tinted red gloss survive a warm day. Red socks stop a gap of bare ankle breaking the colour line. It's the version I'd suggest for theme parks and long neighbourhood events.
31. Cold-Weather Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Coat
Cold nights are where most glam costumes fall apart, so this one is built on warm layers from the start. A fitted red turtleneck, fleece-lined scale leggings and red ankle boots go under a long red coat with a flared hem. Removable pink and white felt scales pinned around the lower coat turn it into the costume. Purple gloves are both the fins and the warmth. A red knit hat with orange and magenta yarn hair sewn inside the brim is easier than a wig in wind. Tinted balm is kinder than a matte lipstick in the cold, which cracks on dry lips. A short padded tail on the coat belt and a pearl crossbody bag finish it.
32. Warm-Weather Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Romper
In heat, a full wig and a long gown get miserable fast. A light red romper with a loose overlay or short scale overskirt keeps you cool, with purple organza fins on the sleeves and a small red-and-pink tulle tail at the back waist. Breathable red sandals or canvas sneakers beat boots. A ponytail extension, braids or a colourful head scarf with a few light hair pieces gives you the stripes without a hot cap. Waterproof mascara and cream blush hold up better than powder on a sweaty face, with lavender shadow, green liner and a red lip stain. Skip foam and thick fabric, and fix accessories with soft elastic so nothing rubs.
33. Lola And Oscar Shark Tale Costume Duo
Lola and Oscar read as a pair because their colours are opposites, so lean into the contrast. Lola wears the fitted red mermaid dress, purple gloves, striped wig, violet eyes, glossy red lips and comfortable red heels, plus a removable tail and green earrings. Oscar's side can be a blue or turquoise top with loose dark trousers, white sneakers and a fin headband. A little blue on the face and a light foam fin carry the fish idea without hiding his face. Matching pearl accessories and a shimmer fabric on both of you tie the two looks together. Keep props small so you can walk side by side, and practise one confident pose for photos.
34. Lola Shark Tale Costume For A Group Theme
In a group, Lola is the glamour piece, so the others should stay in their own colour lanes. Her look stays complete: red scale gown, purple arm fins, a long red-and-orange wig, violet eyes with green accents, a red lip, block heels, a light tail and a shell clutch. Friends can wear fish costumes in turquoise, yellow, grey and pink built from leggings, tunics, fin headbands and sneakers. If anyone else wears red, Lola gets lost, which is the first thing I'd check when the group plans colours. Repeated pearl accessories and iridescent scale prints link everyone. Soft foam or fabric props travel better than rigid ones, and a blue backdrop makes the photos.
35. Retro Glam Lola Shark Tale Costume With Red Gown
Old Hollywood suits Lola, who already behaves like a screen siren. A floor-length red gown with a fitted waist and fishtail hem is the base, with pink scale appliqués across the skirt and elbow-length purple gloves. Set the striped wig in polished side-swept waves, or create the same effect with clip-in extensions. Waves like this need setting the night before, either with pin curls on a heat-safe wig or rollers on your own hair. Smoky purple shadow, a precise liner, green at the inner corner, softly sculpted cheeks and a classic red lip suit the era. Green crystal earrings, a rhinestone bracelet, closed-toe block heels and a fan-shaped tail at the back finish the gown.
Attaching a Tail You Can Sit Down In
Nearly every look here has a tail, and it's the piece most likely to annoy you by ten o'clock. I always mount it on its own belt rather than stitching it to the dress, so it can come off at dinner and the dress stays undamaged.
- Start with a wide belt or a strip of strong webbing with a buckle or hook-and-loop closure. A wide base spreads the weight so the tail doesn't drag the dress down at the back.
- Build the tail from tulle, felt or thin foam. Tulle is the lightest; foam holds a fan shape best but needs a fabric cover so it doesn't look like a craft project.
- Sew the tail to the belt with a few strong stitches, then add glue only as a backup. Hot glue gets brittle in cold air and lets go just when you're outside.
- Keep the tip well off the floor. Walk up and down the stairs at home and sit on a dining chair; if either one bends or catches the tail, shorten it.
- Hide the join with a sequined belt or a pink sash over the top.
Purple Eye Makeup That Lasts Past Midnight
Lola's eyes are bolder than most people wear day to day, and bright purples can stain or irritate if your skin is sensitive. I'd test any new shadow or liner on the inside of the wrist the day before, especially costume-aisle palettes.
An eye primer under the shadow is what stops purple from creasing into a line by the end of the evening. Pack the shadow on with a flat brush instead of sweeping it, add the green right at the inner corner where it catches light, and set your foundation with a little translucent powder so blush and lipstick stay put. A red lip lasts longer if you line the whole lip first and blot once. At home, an oil cleanser or micellar water takes the purple off without scrubbing, which is kinder to the skin around your eyes after a long night in heavy makeup.
What Every Lola Needs, Whatever the Dress
Every version above rests on the same few signals: a red or coral base, striped red-orange hair with a deep side part, purple eyes, red lips, fins at the wrists and some kind of tail. Get those right and the dress underneath can be a thrifted prom gown or a pair of leggings. If you're unsure where to start, put your money and time into the hair, because that is what people recognise from across a room. Then pick the base that suits your night, your body and how much sitting you'll do, and build the rest around it.
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