Burton's films are a costume maker's dream, because the characters are built from shape and contrast more than expensive fabric. A striped suit, a pale face, a heap of teased hair and one good prop will carry most of them. This list goes past the usual Beetlejuice and Jack to supporting characters like Bob, Zero, Enid, Barnabas Collins and even the Sandworm, so a group can cover a whole film. Each entry runs through clothing, hair, makeup, a prop and shoes, and I've flagged the ones that suit a tight schedule and the ones worth starting a week early.
Fitting the Character to the Room You'll Be In
Burton's films run from gentle to genuinely dark, and the same character can feel right at a house party and wrong at a school event. This is roughly how I'd sort the list below.
School, office and family events
Alice, Willy Wonka, Kim Boggs, Barbara and Adam Maitland, Astrid, Enid, Pee-wee and the Mad Hatter all wear well where scary costumes aren't welcome. None of them needs a mask or fake blood, and most use clothes that could pass as an ordinary outfit.
Adult evening parties
Edward, Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Barnabas, Catwoman and the Penguin suit a late-night crowd. Keep the props non-threatening anyway. A barber's towel reads as Sweeney just as well as a fake razor, and nobody at the door has to ask about it.
Walking and outdoor events
Beetlejuice, everyday Lydia, Wednesday, Oogie Boogie and Zero all handle a walk around the block in flat shoes. Floor-length gowns like the Red Queen, Victoria and Katrina need the hem taken up and a coat on top before they go outside.
1. Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
The striped suit is the quickest entrance on this list. A striped blazer and pants over a white button-down, a narrow black tie, and combat boots or chunky loafers. Tease a white wig outward from the root and leave it a mess; he should look like he slept somewhere damp. Pale makeup, smoky eyes and a little green cosmetic color at the hairline. A numbered waiting-room ticket is my favorite prop for him, because almost nobody else brings it and it fits in a pocket. Cut the suit generously. You'll want to move, and a tight striped jacket pulls the stripes into curves across the back.
2. Lydia Deetz Red Wedding Costume
Lydia's red wedding dress is gothic romance in one garment. Look for a layered red lace or tulle maxi with a fitted bodice, long sleeves and a full skirt, with a lightweight petticoat underneath if you want more volume. The matching veil goes into a voluminous black wig or your own teased hair. I sew small combs to the veil rather than relying on pins, since tulle is light and catches every breeze. Pale, polished makeup with smudged liner and a muted berry lip. Red ballet flats beat pumps if there's dancing. Carry dark red faux roses tied with ribbon.
3. Lydia Deetz Black Goth Costume
Prefer something easier than a gown? Lydia's everyday black is the practical version. A calf-length black dress, a fitted black blazer, opaque tights and pointed ankle boots. The small vintage camera on a strap is what names her, so don't skip it; a broken film camera from a thrift store does the job. Long black hair with separated bangs and lift at the crown. If you use a wig, pick a tousled texture and rough it up further. Pale foundation, gray shadow, black liner and a berry lip, plus a wide-brim hat if you own one.
4. Delia Deetz Red Artist Costume
Delia is for anyone who'd rather wear eccentric fashion than spooky makeup. A structured red dress or oversized red tunic with strong shoulders, black leggings, sculptural black earrings and angular heeled boots. If your tunic is too soft, tack a pair of shoulder pads from an old blazer inside it. Short red hair swept back, or a cropped auburn wig with volume. Bright red lipstick, sharp brows and graphic liner. Carry a foam-board abstract sculpture or an art portfolio, and add black gloves for a little more theater.
5. Astrid Deetz School Uniform Costume
Astrid is the comfortable, current choice, and the one I'd point teens toward. A striped or plaid school blazer over a white shirt and a dark pleated skirt, a narrow tie, knee socks and chunky loafers. Shoulder-length brown hair in loose waves with a center part, and understated makeup. A vintage book, a canvas school bag or a bicycle helmet makes the prop. Swap the blazer for a dark cardigan for a classroom-friendly version. Most of it may already be sitting in a school wardrobe.
6. Bob Shrinker Costume
Bob is an inspired pick for a striped group, because his bright yellow suit breaks up all the black and white. A yellow suit with a white shirt, patterned tie and black shoes, a name badge on the lapel and office papers on a clipboard. The tiny head is the build. I shape a small foam head and mount it on a headband on top of your own, with a white wig styled into fluffy sides around it. It has to be light: anything much heavier than a few ounces on a headband slides forward within an hour. Pale makeup with soft gray shading, and yellow gloves if you want color to the fingertips.
7. Barbara Maitland Floral Dress Costume
Barbara Maitland is sweet vintage clothing with a ghostly twist, modest enough for work or school. A long-sleeved floral midi in muted rust, cream or burgundy, a soft cardigan and brown low-heeled boots. Reddish-brown hair in a shoulder-length curled bob. Natural, slightly pale makeup with rosy cheeks. Carry a miniature model house or a folded handbook. Keep a printed stretched-face mask in your bag for photos instead of wearing it all night, because masks get hot fast.
8. Adam Maitland Plaid Shirt Costume
Adam is proof that a simple costume can still feel finished. A red or brown plaid shirt over an undershirt, neutral chinos, brown shoes, round black glasses and a wristwatch. Short brown hair with a side part. Light foundation and a touch of gray shading make him faintly ghostly while keeping the face friendly. The prop does the work here: a miniature model house, drafting tools or a homemade handbook. Wear it with Barbara and nobody needs it explained.
9. Edward Scissorhands Black Costume
Edward is the strongest detailed all-black costume here, and it rewards a week of preparation. Cover a fitted black shirt and pants with thrifted belts, buckles and faux leather straps, layering the textures, and tape over any sharp buckle edges that could snag. Foam scissor-hand gloves with rounded tips and a messy black wig teased high. Pale foundation, dark shadow and thin cosmetic lines across the cheeks. One thing people don't plan for: you can't eat, drink or use a phone in those gloves, so make them easy to slip off. Keep your hands visible in crowds, and wear sturdy lace-up boots.
10. Kim Boggs White Dress Costume
Kim Boggs is the soft contrast to all the darker characters. A simple white sleeveless dress with a fitted waist and flared skirt, a white cardigan for cool evenings, pale tights and low heels or ballet flats. Long blonde waves; if you're buying a wig, choose a natural honey tone over bright yellow, which looks plastic in flash photos. Rosy cheeks and soft pink lips. A small ice sculpture made from clear plastic shapes, or paper snow inside a clear bag. Stand beside an Edward.
11. Jack Skellington Pinstripe Costume
Jack's tall black-and-white silhouette translates neatly into tailoring. A fitted black suit with thin white pinstripes, a white shirt and black dress shoes, plus a bat bow tie cut from felt or craft foam. A smooth white skull cap covers the hair. Paint the face white with soft black circles around the eyes and a neat stitched smile. White makeup next to a skull cap leaves a visible line at the edge, so I paint over the cap edge with the same white and set both with powder. White gloves and a small pumpkin ornament. It suits anyone, of any age.
12. Sally Patchwork Dress Costume
Sally's patchwork dress gives you color inside a gothic look. A knee-length dress with mismatched panels in blue, yellow, pink and black and visible stitch patterns, worn over striped tights with black ankle boots. A long red wig with a center part; trim the ends ragged yourself. Pale blue face makeup, dark liner and simple black stitch lines on the arms and face. I sketch the stitch lines with a white eyeliner pencil first, then go over them in black once they sit in the right place. A fitted black cardigan adds warmth, and a small basket of faux leaves makes the prop.
13. Oogie Boogie Costume
Oogie Boogie is roomier and easier to make than he looks. An oversized tan hooded tunic and loose pants in a burlap-look fabric. Avoid real burlap: it's scratchy, it sheds fibers everywhere and it frays the moment you cut it. Black felt stitching around the seams and a smiling face across the hood. Tan gloves and slip-on shoes keep the shape continuous. Green shadow or face gems for when the hood is down, foam dice to carry, and a drawstring waist so the whole thing stays up.
14. Zero Ghost Dog Costume
Zero is a lovely uncommon pick and very light to wear. A white hooded poncho over white leggings and white sneakers, with floppy felt ears stitched to the hood and a small orange pumpkin nose on the hood front or a headband. White face makeup, soft gray eyes and a tiny black nose. A short strip of white fabric over thin wire gives the curled tail, kept short so you don't bump people. A little silver shimmer on the poncho glows under party lights. White shows every mark, so if you're trick-or-treating, choose a poncho you can throw in the wash.
15. Corpse Bride Emily Costume
Emily's bridal look is faded elegance in cool blue. A pale blue or weathered white wedding-style dress with lace sleeves, a fitted bodice and an uneven layered skirt, plus a light veil trimmed with blue faux flowers. A long wavy blue wig, or temporary blue color on naturally light hair; test a strand first, because bleached hair can hold the tint. Powder-blue makeup, purple-gray shadow, long lashes and a muted pink lip, with fine lines that suggest the animated design rather than wounds. Flats and a bouquet of blue roses. Hem the skirt above the floor, since an uneven skirt is the easiest one to trip on.
16. Victor Van Dort Suit Costume
Victor's formal outfit is refined and needs very little makeup. A dark charcoal tailcoat or fitted blazer, matching trousers, a white high-collar shirt, a gray vest, a narrow necktie and polished shoes. Black hair goes messy and side-swept with height at the crown. Pale foundation and gray shadow under the cheekbones and eyes give him that nervous look. Carry a ring box with a costume ring, a folded wedding program or a blue flower. Long gray gloves stretch the slender line if you like. He pairs with Emily, Victoria, or both.
17. Victoria Everglot Purple Dress Costume
This Victoria takes the lavender route, with a long dusty-purple gown, a high neckline, fitted sleeves and subtle lace. A structured petticoat gives fullness, but skip wide hoops in a crowded room; they sweep drinks off low tables. Low purple heels or lace-up ankle boots. Light brown or auburn hair in a low braided bun with a smooth center part. Pale, delicate makeup with mauve shadow and a rose lip. Faded lavender flowers or a folded invitation, and pearl-look earrings.
18. Wednesday Addams Nevermore Costume
Wednesday's school uniform is clean and modern. A dark striped blazer over a white collared shirt, a dark tie and a long pleated skirt, with black tights and chunky platform loafers. Two long braids with a precise center part. Braid them while the hair is slightly damp and they hold their shape all night. Matte, pale skin, smudged dark liner and a plum lip. A black satchel, an old mystery novel or a cello-shaped prop. If there's dancing, wear supportive shoes and check the skirt has room to move.
19. Enid Sinclair Colorful Uniform Costume
Enid is the cheerful counterweight to Wednesday's black. A blue-and-purple striped blazer over a pastel sweater vest and white shirt, a pleated skirt, colorful knee socks and chunky pastel sneakers. A blonde bob wig with pink and blue at the ends. Synthetic fiber won't take ordinary hair dye, so either buy the wig with colored tips or tint the ends with alcohol ink. Bright shadow, glossy pink lips and colorful nail stickers. A fuzzy pastel backpack or a friendship bracelet kit. Most of these pieces get worn again afterward, which isn't true of many costumes.
20. Mad Hatter Tea Party Costume
The Mad Hatter rewards confident layering. A burgundy velvet jacket, a patterned vest, striped trousers and an oversized bow tie, with colorful socks and worn lace-up boots. A big brown hat with ribbon, feathers and the price tag tucked into the band. A bright orange curly wig, pale makeup, pink cheeks and contrasting shadow around the eyes. Carry a light teacup and saucer, or a small teapot with the lid glued shut so it can't fall off. Fingerless gloves and a few fabric ribbons add texture. It should look uneven on purpose, and thrift stores are full of exactly the right mismatched pieces.
21. Alice Blue Dress Costume
Alice is family-friendly and easy for anyone to place. A knee-length powder-blue dress with short puff sleeves, a white apron, opaque white tights and black Mary Janes. Long blonde waves with a wide black ribbon headband, and fresh, natural makeup. A small teacup, an oversized faux flower or a cardboard key. Blue ribbon trim along the skirt links the pieces. In cool weather, a white blouse under the dress keeps the shape. It adapts well for kids too; I'd just swap the tights for leggings on a cold night.
22. Red Queen Costume
The Red Queen needs bold shape and a heart motif everywhere you can put one. A red-and-black ball gown with a fitted bodice, puffed sleeves and a full skirt, black tights and red boots or supportive flats. Tease a bright red curly wig wide into a heart silhouette, pin and spray it, and set a small gold crown on top. Pale skin, thin arched brows, blue shadow and tiny heart-shaped red lips; draw the heart with lip liner first, then fill. A foam heart-topped scepter and black lace gloves. A big wig gets heavy and warm, so plan a break or two.
23. Sweeney Todd Barber Costume
Sweeney Todd's dark Victorian clothes read clearly with nothing graphic involved. A fitted black vest over a white high-collar shirt with neatly rolled sleeves, dark striped trousers, a long charcoal coat and worn black boots. Black hair swept up with one bold white streak. Pale foundation, deep gray shadow and sharp cheekbones. A clean white barber cloth over one arm, a shaving brush or comb, or an appointment book. A narrow neck scarf adds the period touch. Rolled sleeves stay rolled if you fold them twice and pin inside the fold.
24. Mrs. Lovett Victorian Costume
Mrs. Lovett is a busy baker in dark Victorian dress. A striped or floral blouse with puffed sleeves, a fitted brown corset-style belt over a full dark skirt, a weathered white apron and black lace-up boots. Dark brown hair in a messy curled updo with loose strands. Pale makeup, smoky brown shadow and a muted berry lip. A wooden spoon, rolling pin or covered basket of faux pastries. A light dusting of cornstarch on the apron gives a floury look and brushes off afterward. Fingerless lace gloves, and Sweeney at your side.
25. Catwoman Black Jumpsuit Costume
Catwoman can look dramatic without being restrictive. A fitted long-sleeved black jumpsuit, or a mock-neck top with faux leather pants, and knee-high boots with low, stable heels. White stitching across the outfit recreates her sewn-together suit. I sew it by hand in thick white thread or narrow ribbon, which suits a costume meant to look homemade. A soft cat-ear hood or headband, with short tousled blonde hair peeking out. Smoky eyes, sharp liner and deep red lips. Gloves with rounded claw tips and a small drawstring pouch rather than a whip. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so dress lighter underneath for a warm party.
26. Penguin Black Tailcoat Costume
The Penguin is formal menswear with a winter-bird twist. A black tailcoat over a white shirt, patterned vest and black trousers, with white gloves, polished shoes and a purple or burgundy bow tie. Flatten dark hair under a tall top hat, or use a short black wig with a pointed hairline. Pale foundation and shadowed eyes, plus a soft costume nose attached with a skin-safe adhesive; patch-test the adhesive first. A closed umbrella with a curved handle, kept lowered indoors, and a padded vest for the round shape. Next to the stitched Catwoman, the two make a strong pair.
27. Ichabod Crane Detective Costume
Ichabod is understated historical tailoring for anyone who doesn't want color or fantasy makeup. A long black coat, a dark waistcoat, a white high-collar shirt and fitted black trousers, with knee-high riding boots and black gloves. Shoulder-length dark hair with a center part and slight waves. Pale makeup with soft shading under the eyes for that anxious look. A leather notebook, a magnifying glass or a rolled map, and a small satchel for your phone and keys. Leave big investigative contraptions at home; on a packed dance floor they become a hazard.
28. Katrina Van Tassel Blue Dress Costume
Katrina is romantic period dress in soft blue. A floor-length pale blue gown with a fitted bodice, square neckline and gathered sleeves, cream lace trim, a ribbon sash and low ankle boots under the skirt. Long blonde curls with the top pinned back by a blue ribbon. Luminous skin, rosy blush and soft brown eyes. Dried-look faux flowers or a woven basket, and a blue-gray velvet cape outdoors. Have the hem taken up a little above the floor, because full-length skirts catch on steps far more often than you'd expect.
29. Willy Wonka Velvet Coat Costume
Willy Wonka is vivid and family-friendly, good for parties where scary feels out of place. A long burgundy velvet coat over a patterned vest, a crisp shirt and dark trousers, a big bow tie and polished boots. A tall brown hat over a short auburn bob wig. Pale makeup and a playful expression. A light cane and a few oversized cardboard sweets, with purple gloves for color. Velvet has no stretch, so size up if you're between sizes and want to move freely.
30. Miss Peregrine Blue Suit Costume
Miss Peregrine's tailored blue suit is sophisticated head to toe. A fitted navy jacket with structured shoulders, a matching ankle-length skirt, a white blouse, black heeled boots and fitted black gloves. Dark blue-black hair in a high sculpted updo with a subtle streak of silver at the front; spray the silver only on that front section, shielding the rest with a towel. Pale foundation, sharp winged liner, defined brows and a deep berry lip. A small feathered hat or bird brooch, and a pocket watch on a chain. It suits adults who'd rather wear tailoring than a novelty jumpsuit.
31. Barnabas Collins Victorian Vampire Costume
Barnabas Collins is a vampire costume built on tailoring rather than gore. A black Victorian-style tailcoat over a burgundy brocade vest, a white shirt and narrow black trousers, with polished shoes and a dark velvet cravat. Straight black hair with short bangs and strong side sections; a blunt-cut wig is far easier than cutting your own. Pale foundation, soft gray contour, dark liner and a muted red lip. Fangs are optional, and comfortable rounded ones are the only kind I'd wear all night. An antique-looking cane or a framed family portrait, plus a signet-style ring and cuff links.
32. Ed Wood Angora Costume
Ed Wood brings retro Hollywood with a surprise texture. A soft pink angora-style sweater with a dark knee-length skirt or tailored trousers, faux pearls, black pumps and a vintage handbag. Short black hair with a neat side part. Classic 1950s makeup with defined brows, black liner, rosy cheeks and red lipstick. A rolled screenplay, a small clapboard or a light megaphone, and a black blazer over one arm. Real angora sheds onto everything and runs hot, so I'd choose a fuzzy acrylic knit instead. It's a refreshingly non-supernatural choice that still fits a black-and-white movie theme.
33. Pee-Wee Herman Gray Suit Costume
Pee-wee Herman is built for physical comedy. A fitted light-gray suit with cropped trousers, a white button-down and a small red bow tie, with white socks showing above loafers. Short dark hair with a neat side part and a little curl at the front, set with pomade. Minimal makeup: even skin, rosy cheeks and defined brows. Carry a red bicycle bell or a lunch box. Practice the pose, because posture sells him more than the suit does. Most of it comes from thrifted formalwear, and he's a welcome laugh in a group of ghouls.
34. Mars Attacks Alien Costume
This Martian is colorful and cartoonish on purpose. A silver metallic jumpsuit, a bright red cape, white platform boots and silver gloves. The oversized foam head is the main project. Carve the brain ridges as smooth, rounded shapes, and build the head on a fitted cap or light frame so the weight rests on your crown instead of pulling at your neck. Leave a green mesh opening at eye level so you can see out. A retro space map or a small plastic control panel instead of a weapon. Silver makeup at the neck blends the headpiece into the suit. Give this one a few evenings.
35. Sandworm Striped Creature Costume
The Sandworm is a dramatic finale and the best group entrance on the list. A flexible black-and-white striped tube tunic over black leggings, with striped shoe covers or black sneakers. Striped knit is the easy fabric, since it stretches over the body without darts. Build a light rounded hood with layered fabric mouth panels and a wide face opening, and suggest the little creature face inside with painted foam shapes rather than teeth. White gloves and black-and-white makeup look finished when the hood comes off. Stuff the tail with fiberfill instead of wire, so it's soft if it swings into someone.
Soft Foam Headpieces That Don't Slide
Several characters here hinge on a built head: Bob's tiny one, the Martian's oversized brain, the Sandworm's hood. I make all of them from foam, and the same rules apply to each.
- Upholstery foam is light and carves well with long scissors or an electric carving knife. EVA foam holds crisp edges and softens with a heat gun so you can curve it. Work by an open window when heating foam.
- Join foam with contact cement for seams that need to flex, again with good ventilation. Hot glue turns brittle in cold air and pops off outdoors.
- Seal the foam with a flexible primer before acrylic paint, or the paint cracks every time the piece bends.
- Mount it on a snug base, such as a baseball cap with the brim cut off or a wide padded headband, and keep the weight centered over your crown rather than out front.
- Wear it at home for a full hour before the night. If it slips, add foam pads inside or a soft elastic chin strap.
Splitting One Film Between Friends
A Burton group works when every costume sits clearly inside one film. Pick the film first, then the characters, and agree on two things up front: how pale the makeup goes and how worn the clothes should look. One spotless costume next to four distressed ones breaks the set.
- Beetlejuice: Beetlejuice, either Lydia, Delia, Astrid, Bob, the Maitlands and the Sandworm.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas: Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie and Zero.
- Corpse Bride: Victor, Emily and Victoria.
- Duos: Ichabod and Katrina, Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, Wednesday and Enid, Catwoman and the Penguin.
For photos, put the biggest silhouette in the middle, usually the Sandworm or Jack, and the quieter costumes on either side so nobody disappears behind a hood.
A Burton Look Built on a Weeknight Budget
Burton characters work best when shape and color come first. Get the silhouette right, then add the signature hair, sensible shoes and one clear accessory. Thrifted suits, vintage dresses, basic wigs and soft handmade props carry almost every look here without a store-bought set. Keep materials light and prop edges rounded so you can enjoy the whole evening. Wear one alone, or split a film between friends: the Maitlands, Wednesday and Enid, Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, or a full Halloween Town lineup with Zero trailing along.
Related posts:
