Patrick Bateman is a gift of a costume for women, because the character is defined by grooming and tailoring rather than by anything gory. A sharp suit, a crisp shirt, slicked hair, a clear raincoat and a fussy little business card are all it takes, and none of them need fake blood or a prop weapon. I've styled him here through pantsuits, skirt suits, dresses, cold-weather layers and plain closet combinations, keeping the late-1980s banker look of wide shoulders, high-waisted trousers and patterned ties. For each one I've noted the detail that carries it and where it can go wrong, so you can pick a version close to the film or a more modern one that's easier to wear all night.
The Business Card Is the Whole Joke
Almost every look below includes business cards, and they're worth ten minutes of care, because the scene where the bankers compare cards is the one fans quote. In the film the cards are off-white, almost identical, and each man is privately crushed by a colleague's slightly nicer stock. The joke only lands if yours look fussy and expensive.
- Use the heaviest off-white or bone card your printer will feed, with a faint texture if you can find it.
- Set the name in a clean serif in small capitals, with a made-up title and firm in the same small type underneath.
- Leave plenty of empty space; the cards are tasteful to the point of being boring, and that's the point.
- Trim them with a craft knife and ruler rather than scissors so the edges stay crisp and square.
I print a full sheet, keep a few in a metal holder and hand the rest out at the party. Use a fictional name and firm, never a real company, and leave off phone numbers. A card someone pockets at a party can turn up anywhere.
1. Classic Patrick Bateman Costume With Clear Raincoat
This is the version people expect, so I keep it close to the film. A fitted charcoal pantsuit, a crisp white button-down and a neatly knotted red tie go under a transparent knee-length raincoat, which is the piece everyone recognises. Slick your hair into a low bun, or smooth it straight back behind the ears with strong gel. Bateman is obsessive about his skin, so the makeup should look matte and immaculate: even foundation, groomed brows, neutral shadow and a muted rose lip. Carry business cards in a silver holder and a structured black briefcase. Black leather loafers or low block-heel pumps keep you comfortable walking.
2. Patrick Bateman Costume With Pinstripe Pantsuit
Dark pinstripes read as Wall Street before anyone sees the raincoat. I look for high-waisted, straight-leg trousers and a blazer with slightly padded shoulders, since that shape is what places the suit in the late eighties rather than in a modern office. A pale blue collared shirt, a patterned burgundy tie and a simple gold-tone watch add the period detail. A sleek low ponytail with a sharp part keeps the hair as controlled as the tailoring. Tuck a folded financial newspaper under one arm and carry cream business cards in a slim holder. The pinstripes are strong enough that the raincoat becomes optional.
3. Patrick Bateman Costume With Skirt Suit
A skirt suit gives the corporate uniform a feminine take without losing the character. Pair a fitted black blazer with a knee-length pencil skirt, a white blouse and a red necktie, plus sheer black tights and closed-toe block heels. Check that the skirt has a back vent or enough ease to climb stairs, because a tight pencil skirt is the first thing to become a problem at a crowded party. The transparent raincoat goes over the top. A smooth blowout or a low twist suits it, with matte foundation, light contour, taupe shadow and a neutral lip. A structured top-handle bag holds cards printed on thick cream stock.
4. Patrick Bateman Costume With Oversized Gray Suit
An oversized grey suit makes a relaxed gender-bent Bateman, and the boxy shape is close to how suits were cut in that era anyway. Look for a long double-breasted blazer and matching wide-leg trousers, then balance the volume with a fitted white shirt and a slim red tie. If the sleeves swallow your hands, push them up slightly or have them tacked; sleeves covering the knuckles are what make a suit look borrowed. A glossy slicked bun, clean skin, brushed brows and a muted mauve lip keep the face tidy. Add a silver-tone watch, a black belt, rectangular sunglasses and a slim portfolio of cards. The roomy cut also leaves space for the raincoat over the top.
5. Patrick Bateman Costume With Red Suspenders
Red suspenders can take the raincoat's place as the focal point. Wear them over a pale blue or white shirt tucked into high-waisted black trousers, with a matching red tie, a slim black belt and a fitted blazer worn open or carried. One thing I always check: suspenders and a belt together look like a mistake to anyone who knows menswear, so if your trousers have suspender buttons, skip the belt. A low ponytail or gelled-back style, natural matte makeup and a neutral pink lip suit it. Adjust the straps so they lie flat and don't pull on your shoulders when you dance.
6. Patrick Bateman Costume With Blue Dress Shirt
A pale blue shirt is softer than white and still looks properly corporate. Tuck it into tailored charcoal trousers and add a dark patterned tie, a black belt and a fitted navy blazer, with the clear raincoat over everything. Hair slicked behind the ears or a precise low bun matches the mood. Satin-finish skin, softly shaded cheekbones, clean brows and a nude lip keep the face controlled. Carry a briefcase, a planner and a few business cards, and finish with black loafers or pointed ankle boots. Press that shirt properly before you leave; a creased collar undoes the whole perfectionist character in one glance.
7. Patrick Bateman Costume With Three-Piece Suit
Three pieces make the sharpest version of the suit. Combine grey trousers with a matching waistcoat and blazer, a white collared shirt and a burgundy tie. The waistcoat is the useful part: when the room heats up, you can take off the blazer and still look fully dressed. A glossy low ponytail with a clean side part, matte neutral makeup and understated brown liner keep it precise. A metal watch, small studs and cream cards are enough jewellery and props, and a black portfolio is neater than a big bag. Polished oxfords or low loafers finish a look that suits cool October nights and dressier parties.
8. Patrick Bateman Costume With White Power Suit
A white power suit turns the dark wardrobe on its head and stands out in any crowd of black suits. Choose a structured white blazer and straight-leg trousers, then bring back the signature colours with a pale blue shirt and a deep red tie. A transparent raincoat with black piping outlines the shape. A sleek bun, glossy ponytail or smooth bob keeps the hair in line, and a muted red lip can echo the tie. White trousers turn see-through under flash photography, so I'd buy them lined and wear smooth skin-tone underlayers. Black pointed shoes and a black briefcase anchor the pale outfit.
9. Patrick Bateman Costume With Black Turtleneck
Some people hate a stiff collar and tie all night, and a fitted black turtleneck is my answer for them. Pair it with charcoal pleated trousers, a grey double-breasted blazer and polished black loafers, and keep the light transparent raincoat as the character reference. Without a tie, the detail has to come from somewhere else, so I lean on a silver-tone watch, rectangular glasses and a slim black belt. A slicked high ponytail or low bun, matte skin and a cool nude lip suit the minimal styling. A black cardholder and compact planner are the props.
10. Patrick Bateman Costume With Navy Trouser Suit
Navy is flattering on most skin tones and close to the character's usual wardrobe. Wear a fitted navy blazer with ankle-length trousers, a white shirt and a patterned red tie. Buy the clear raincoat a size up, or try it on over the blazer before you commit, because structured shoulders are where a plastic coat strains and splits. A smooth low ponytail with a precise side part, matte foundation, lightly bronzed cheeks and a satin beige lip keep the face tidy. Cards in a silver case, a structured black tote, black loafers or brogues and a plain metal watch add the status-conscious details.
11. Patrick Bateman Costume With Burgundy Suit
Burgundy makes the red accent the whole suit. Pick a tailored burgundy blazer and straight-leg trousers, then flip the usual combination with a white shirt and a charcoal tie. The clear raincoat over the top strengthens the reference. A sleek low bun with no loose strands at the face, smooth skin, defined brows and a soft berry lip suit the colour. Because burgundy is already bold, I keep jewellery and pattern to almost nothing: a silver-tone watch, a black portfolio and cream cards. Black pointed loafers or simple ankle boots finish it.
12. Patrick Bateman Costume With Cropped Blazer
A cropped blazer modernises the proportions while the shirt and tie keep it clearly Bateman. Pair a structured black cropped blazer with high-waisted charcoal trousers and a tucked white shirt, plus a slim red tie and a mid-length transparent raincoat. With a short jacket the trouser waistband shows, so it has to be truly high-waisted and the shirt tucked smooth, or the gap between jacket and trousers looks sloppy. A gelled ponytail with no flyaways, matte foundation, taupe shadow and a neutral rose lip suit it. Full-length trousers and square-toe loafers balance the shorter jacket.
13. Patrick Bateman Costume With Plaid Suit
A fine grey plaid adds interest without looking costume-shop. Wear a fitted plaid blazer with matching trousers, a crisp white shirt and a dark burgundy tie, and leave the clear raincoat open so the check shows through. I'd steer away from big, colourful plaids; a small, quiet check looks like real business tailoring and doesn't strobe in photos. A smooth blowout tucked behind the ears, matte foundation, soft brown shadow and a muted lip keep the face controlled. A structured black briefcase, a few cards and black loafers or low block heels finish it.
14. Patrick Bateman Costume With Houndstooth Skirt Suit
Fine black-and-white houndstooth gives a skirt suit a period feel. Pair the blazer with a matching knee-length skirt, a white blouse and a narrow red tie, plus sheer black tights and polished Mary Jane pumps or loafers. Wear the clear raincoat open to show the print. A low twist, smooth bob or controlled blowout all work. Houndstooth is busy, so the makeup should stay quiet: matte skin, lightly defined eyes, rosy-neutral cheeks and a restrained lip. A structured black handbag holds the cardholder, a compact mirror and cream cards, and it's a strong option if you're tired of the plain black pantsuit.
15. Patrick Bateman Costume With Sweater Vest
For a preppier read, layer a charcoal V-neck sweater vest over a crisp white shirt and red tie, with tailored black trousers, a dark blazer and the transparent raincoat. Pick a fine-knit vest; a chunky one bunches under the blazer and makes the outline soft, which is the opposite of this character. A deep side part slicked into a low ponytail or bun, brushed brows, brown mascara and a muted pink lip suit it. A slim document folder, a silver cardholder, black penny loafers and dark socks finish it, and every piece is easy to find secondhand.
16. Patrick Bateman Costume With Trench Coat
Swapping the clear raincoat for a beige trench gives you a subtler costume you can wear to work beforehand. Underneath goes a charcoal pantsuit, a pale blue shirt and a deep red tie, with the trench worn open so the colours show. Smooth the hair back into a neat bun and keep the makeup matte and carefully blended. A black briefcase, cream cards and a folded newspaper suggest an early commuter. Black loafers or weatherproof ankle boots suit rain. It's less literal, so the grooming has to be immaculate; that, plus the cards, is what tells people who you are.
17. Patrick Bateman Costume With Wool Overcoat
On a cold night the suit needs a real coat, and a long charcoal wool overcoat suits the character well. Start with a navy suit, a white dress shirt and a burgundy tie, and leave the coat open indoors so the suit shows. Thin black tights under the trousers add warmth without changing the line. A slick low ponytail, matte makeup with light contour and a nude lip keep it polished. A structured work bag, a silver card case and ankle boots with a low walkable heel finish it. If you want the film reference for photos, carry the clear raincoat folded over one arm and slip it on for the picture.
18. Patrick Bateman Costume With Vest And Wide-Leg Trousers
In a warm venue, a full lined suit gets uncomfortable within the hour, so I'd build this version on a tailored vest and wide-leg trousers. Choose a matching charcoal set over a crisp sleeveless or short-sleeve white blouse, with a slim red tie and a simple black belt. Keep a light clear rain cape for photos and take it off once you're inside. A glossy high ponytail or slick low bun, natural makeup and a muted rose lip suit it. A metal watch, a structured portfolio and cards supply the corporate detail, and black loafers or breathable pointed flats keep feet cool.
19. Patrick Bateman Costume With Black Midi Dress
A black midi dress can carry the character if the references are clear. Choose a sleeved sheath with a modest neckline, then add a white detachable collar and a narrow red tie; the collar and tie are what make it Bateman rather than just a black dress. Layer the transparent raincoat over the top and wear sheer black tights with pointed pumps. A sleek low bun, matte foundation, controlled contour, brown liner and a neutral lip keep the face precise. A structured briefcase and silver case of cream cards are the props, and I'd stop the jewellery at a simple watch and studs.
20. Patrick Bateman Costume With Shirt Dress
No suit in the wardrobe? A white button-front shirt dress gives you an easy base. Pick a knee-length style with a structured collar, then add a fitted black blazer, a red tie and a narrow belt at the waist. Bike shorts underneath make sitting and walking easier. The clear raincoat provides the outer layer. A precise low ponytail, matte understated makeup and a neutral lip suit it. Carry a small black briefcase or portfolio of cards and finish with sheer tights and black loafers. It's a good last-minute option, since every piece goes back into normal rotation afterward.
21. Patrick Bateman Costume With Red Blazer
A structured red blazer pushes the red accent forward. Wear it over a white button-down and charcoal trousers, and switch to a narrow black tie so you don't end up with two competing reds. The transparent raincoat lets the blazer show through. Hair slicked into a low ponytail or a smooth bob, matte foundation, soft grey shadow, precise brows and a nude lip suit it. A black card case, a streamlined portfolio and polished black loafers or low block heels finish it. In a group photo full of dark suits, this one is the easiest to pick out.
22. Patrick Bateman Costume With Satin Tie Blouse
A tie-neck blouse softens the usual collared shirt and saves you knotting a real tie. Choose a cream or pale blue satin one and tuck it into high-waisted charcoal trousers, with a structured black blazer and the clear raincoat. Tie the neck into a narrow knot rather than a floppy bow, since a big bow softens the outfit and loses the banker's edge. A glossy low bun with a side part, satin-matte skin, taupe shadow and a muted mauve lip suit it. A top-handle bag, cream cards and pointed flats or modest pumps finish it, and the light blouse keeps you cooler indoors.
23. Patrick Bateman Costume With Pleated Trousers
High-waisted pleated trousers are the most period-accurate piece you can wear for this character. Choose charcoal or dark navy with a straight, full-length leg, and add a tucked white shirt, a red patterned tie and a boxy double-breasted blazer, with the clear raincoat worn open. Pleats should lie flat when you stand; if they spread open across the front, the trousers are too tight at the hip and you need the next size. A sleek blowout or low ponytail, matte skin, groomed brows and a beige-pink lip suit it. A structured briefcase, a silver-tone watch and black oxfords or loafers finish it.
24. Patrick Bateman Costume With Faux-Leather Skirt
A black faux-leather pencil skirt adds texture and keeps the look grown-up. Pair it with an opaque white shirt, a slim red tie and a tailored charcoal blazer, plus a transparent raincoat that falls below the hem. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so I'd save this one for a cooler evening or a venue with air conditioning. Sheer tights, black ankle boots or block-heel pumps, a slick low bun and a soft matte lip finish it. Keep every other fabric matte so the skirt is the only shine. A structured handbag, a minimal watch and cream cards hold the corporate theme.
25. Patrick Bateman Costume With Mini Skirt And Loafers
A tailored mini skirt can work when it's balanced with opaque tights and strong layers. Choose a black A-line mini, a crisp white shirt, a fitted charcoal blazer and a narrow red tie, then add thick black tights and chunky loafers. Wear the light clear raincoat over everything. Before you buy, sit down and bend over in it in the fitting room; a mini that's fine standing can be a problem all night. A high ponytail with a clean side part, matte foundation, taupe shadow and a muted lip suit it. A compact briefcase and cards in a metal holder finish the preppy version.
26. Plus-Size Patrick Bateman Costume With Tailored Suit
Fit is everything for this character, and that's true at any size. I'd choose a single-breasted blazer that closes without pulling into an X across the button, plus straight-leg trousers with a flexible waistband. A breathable white shirt, a burgundy tie and a roomy transparent raincoat go on top. Slick hair into a low ponytail or bun with a light styling cream. Matte foundation, softly defined cheekbones, groomed brows and a neutral lip keep it polished. A structured tote with reinforced handles, a silver cardholder and supportive loafers or cushioned block heels finish it. Clean lines and correct proportions do more here than any amount of disguise.
27. Petite Patrick Bateman Costume With Ankle Pants
On a petite frame, the trick is scaling everything down. Cropped ankle trousers and a blazer that stops near the hip keep the proportions right, and a slim red tie won't swamp the torso. A knee-length clear raincoat suits you far better than a long one that reaches your ankles. A compact bun or smooth ponytail, clean matte makeup, brown liner and a rose-beige lip keep the face tidy. Carry a small structured briefcase rather than an oversized tote, and wear black pointed flats or low pumps. Shortening the sleeves and hems is the step that makes it look tailored instead of borrowed.
28. Maternity Patrick Bateman Costume With Stretch Suit
A maternity Bateman is all about soft pieces that leave the waist alone. Wear black stretch trousers with a supportive over-bump panel, a long white maternity blouse and an open charcoal blazer, with a loosely knotted red tie or a clip-on you can pull off in a second. Choose a roomy transparent raincoat and skip it entirely if the room is warm, since plastic traps a lot of heat. A sleek low ponytail and light neutral makeup are enough. A small crossbody bag holds the cards and keeps your hands free, and supportive loafers or cushioned flats keep you steady all evening.
29. Last-Minute Patrick Bateman Costume From Your Closet
Short on time, I'd pull together any dark blazer, black trousers, a white collared shirt and a red tie from a friend or a thrift shop. A clear disposable rain poncho stands in for the coat. Slick your hair back with gel and keep the makeup simple: foundation, brow pencil, neutral shadow and a nude lip. Print a few business cards on the thickest paper your printer will take and slide them into a wallet you already own. A black laptop bag, folder or work tote is the prop, and any polished black shoes will do. Iron the shirt; with a closet costume, crisp clothes do most of the convincing.
30. Thrifted Patrick Bateman Costume With Vintage Suit
Thrift stores are full of the broad-shouldered suits this character wore, often for less than a new shirt. I look for grey, navy or pinstripe blazers with matching trousers that can be hemmed or temporarily taken up with hem tape. Add a secondhand white shirt, a red tie and a clean transparent raincoat. A slick low bun, matte neutral makeup and sharp brows suit it. An old briefcase, a planner and homemade cards with deliberately elaborate lettering are the props. Steam every piece and lint-roll it before you go out; that small bit of care is what makes a cheap suit look expensive.
31. Glam Patrick Bateman Costume With Red Lipstick
This glamorous version keeps everything polished and lets the lip do the talking. Wear a fitted black pantsuit, a satin white shirt, a slim red tie and the clear raincoat, with hair in a glossy sculpted ponytail or a smooth blowout. Satin-finish foundation, precise brows, subtle grey-brown shadow and a classic red lip that matches the tie are the core. Keep everything else on the face restrained, because a red lip plus heavy eyes stops looking like a banker. Red lipstick transfers onto glasses and collars, so blot, dust a little translucent powder through a tissue, and reapply once. A patent handbag, cream cards, a gold-tone watch and pointed pumps or slingback flats finish it.
32. Minimalist Patrick Bateman Costume Without Raincoat
You can skip the raincoat when you need something breathable for work. Wear a well-pressed charcoal suit with a white shirt, a red tie, a black belt and polished loafers. With no plastic coat to give the game away, the tailoring and grooming have to carry it, so press hard creases into the trousers. Slick your hair behind the ears or into a low bun with a clean side part, and keep the makeup natural and matte. Carry a slim black portfolio and pull out your cream cards to compare with friends; the card scene is the moment fans recognise. A metal watch finishes a look that suits offices and indoor parties.
33. Patrick Bateman Costume With Clear Rain Cape
A clear rain cape gives you more air and arm movement than a fitted plastic coat. Wear it over a navy blazer, matching trousers, a pale blue shirt and a burgundy tie, and choose one that ends near the knee so it doesn't drag. A sleek low ponytail stays visible through the plastic. Matte foundation, soft cheekbones, tidy brows and a beige-pink lip keep it polished. A compact black bag, a silver-tone watch, cards, and black loafers or ankle boots with grip finish it. Outdoors the cape keeps light rain off the suit, which makes it the version I'd pick for a damp evening.
34. Patrick Bateman Costume With Sneakers
If you'll be on your feet for hours, swap formal shoes for clean minimal sneakers. Tapered charcoal trousers, a white shirt, a red tie and a fitted black blazer go under a transparent raincoat long enough to cover the blazer but short enough to stay clear of your knees. Pick plain black or white leather-look sneakers with no coloured logos, which would break the controlled look. A glossy ponytail, matte natural makeup and neutral lips suit it. Cards in a silver holder and a streamlined backpack or crossbody portfolio replace the briefcase for festivals, campus events and long nights.
35. Modern Patrick Bateman Costume With Monochrome Suit
For a modern take, I build the whole outfit in greys. A dove-grey shirt, a charcoal tie, a matching blazer and wide-leg grey trousers sit under the transparent raincoat, with a black belt for definition. Tonal dressing only works if the greys are clearly different shades; three almost-matching greys look like a mistake. A sleek centre-parted bun or glossy straight bob, satin-matte skin, softly sculpted cheeks, feathered brows and a cool nude lip suit it. A grey portfolio, a silver card holder and black square-toe loafers finish the most minimal version on this list.
Clear Plastic Raincoats Run Hot
The transparent raincoat is the character's signature, and it's also the least comfortable thing on this list. Clear PVC and vinyl don't breathe, so heat and moisture build up under a wool suit quickly in a warm room. I take it off once the photos are done and carry it folded, or choose a lighter rain cape that leaves the sides open.
- Try it on over the actual blazer; padded shoulders are where cheap plastic splits.
- Unfold it a day early and hang it somewhere warm so the fold lines relax; harsh creases show in every photo.
- Keep it away from radiators, candles and hair tools, since thin vinyl softens and warps with heat.
- Wipe it down with a damp cloth before you leave; dust and fingerprints show on clear plastic more than you'd think.
Borrowing a Men's Suit and Making It Fit
Plenty of women borrow a partner's or father's suit for this, and that's how the late-eighties look started anyway. The places to check are the shoulders, the sleeves and the tie. The shoulder seam should sit at or just past your own shoulder; much further and the jacket collapses. Sleeves can be turned up inside and held with hem tape for the night, so a little shirt cuff shows.
Men's ties are long for a shorter torso, so tie a fuller knot or tuck the narrow end into the shirt, and the tip should land at the waistband, not below it. A men's shirt collar is usually wide too; a tie pulled snug closes the gap. None of these changes are permanent, which matters when the suit has to go back.
Press the Shirt, Print the Cards
A women's Bateman comes down to immaculate tailoring and a handful of details: a dark suit, a crisp shirt, a red tie, slicked hair, the clear raincoat, the business cards and polished shoes. None of it needs graphic makeup or props. Each piece adjusts easily for your size, budget, the weather and any dress code at work or school. Choose trousers, a skirt or a structured dress depending on what you're comfortable in, then put your effort into pressing and grooming. Go close to the film or take a more modern route; either way, the neater you look, the better it works.
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