Beetlejuice Costumes: A Spirited Guide to Bringing Your Favorite Ghost to Life

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Canny Costumes

If there’s one character who captures the eerie, the bizarre, and the comedic all at once, it’s Beetlejuice. Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice continues to be a pop-culture staple, and what better way to channel the spirit of this mischievous ghost than through a costume that screams chaos and fun? Whether it’s for Halloween or a themed party, a Beetlejuice costume is not only timeless but also full of personality. Let’s dive into how you can bring this ghostly character to life, down to the last detail.

1. The Iconic Beetlejuice Suit: Stripes That Stand Out

The cornerstone of any Beetlejuice costume is, without a doubt, the striped black-and-white suit. It’s immediately recognizable and serves as the foundation of your look. The suit’s chaotic pattern mirrors Beetlejuice’s unpredictable nature, and the mismatched, wrinkled appearance is key to capturing his essence.

• Jacket: Look for a wide-striped suit jacket in black and white. The more disheveled, the better! Don’t iron it out — crumpled is part of the charm.
• Pants: The pants should match the jacket, following the same striped pattern. If possible, find a pair that fits loosely for that authentic Beetlejuice vibe.
• Shirt and Tie: Beneath the jacket, a white dress shirt is the best choice. Pair it with a thin, black tie for that extra touch of class — or lack thereof, in Beetlejuice’s case!

When shopping for or creating the suit, accuracy is key. Be sure the stripes are thick, not pinstriped, and the black and white contrast is bold. If you really want to go all out, distress the suit a little bit to give it that ‘freshly dug out of the grave’ look!

2. Beetlejuice Makeup: A Face That Haunts

The true soul of the Beetlejuice costume lies in the makeup. After all, it’s not just the suit that makes Beetlejuice; it’s the haunting face beneath it.

• Base: Start with a pale white face. Use a high-quality white face paint or makeup that will last throughout the night without cracking or smearing.
• Eyes: Beetlejuice’s eyes are a striking feature — sunken, shadowy, and surrounded by dark purple and green. Use eyeshadow or face paint around your eyes in uneven, messy circles. Smudge it outwards for that dramatic, sleep-deprived look.
• Moss and Rot: One of the unique elements of Beetlejuice’s appearance is the greenish mold or moss that seems to grow out of his skin. You can achieve this effect by using green face paint applied unevenly along the hairline, around the mouth, and on the neck. For added realism, you can glue bits of fake moss or green cotton wool to the areas, giving it a three-dimensional effect.
• Teeth: Beetlejuice’s teeth are a mix of yellow and brown — far from pearly white. You can find tooth paint at costume stores or use temporary stains designed for makeup. If you’re feeling adventurous, some costume kits even include false teeth to add that extra level of creepiness.

3. Beetlejuice Hair: The Wilder, The Better

There’s no Beetlejuice without that wild, untamed head of hair. His hair is as iconic as the rest of his look, a mess of white and green, sticking up in all directions.

• Wig: For the best result, purchase a Beetlejuice wig. It should be shoulder-length, white, and teased out in every direction. If you can’t find an official wig, a generic white wig that you can style yourself works just as well.
• Color: Spray some temporary green hair color in patches throughout the wig, focusing on the roots and the sides. The look should be chaotic, as if Beetlejuice crawled out of the underworld without bothering to check the mirror.

You can also create your own Beetlejuice hair by using a temporary hair dye on your natural hair. Use lots of hairspray to get that wild, unkempt look. The messier, the better!

4. Accessories: Completing the Look

To truly embody Beetlejuice, it’s essential to pay attention to the little details. Even a great costume can be taken to the next level with the right accessories.

• Shoes: Beetlejuice may be a ghost, but he still rocks some serious style. Look for a pair of black boots or dress shoes to complete your costume. Scuffed and worn shoes add to the overall disheveled look.
• Fake Bugs: Beetlejuice is often seen munching on bugs — creepy, but hilarious. Carrying around a fake plastic bug or two to pull out of your pocket is a quirky detail that will definitely get some laughs.
• Beetlejuice Sign: For extra authenticity, consider carrying a “Beetlejuice” sign. You can create one using a small chalkboard or cardboard and write his name in bold letters. Not only does this add a fun element to the costume, but it also encourages people to say your name… three times!

5. Lydia Deetz: A Perfect Costume Pairing

If you’re going with a partner or friend, there’s no better sidekick to your Beetlejuice than Lydia Deetz. Lydia’s gothic style and dark demeanor provide the perfect contrast to Beetlejuice’s chaotic nature.

• Outfit: For Lydia, a black Victorian-inspired dress or any gothic clothing will work. You can also opt for her famous red wedding dress, which adds a pop of color and drama.
• Makeup: Keep the makeup minimal but dramatic. Pale skin, dark lips, and smoky eyes will give you that classic Lydia Deetz look.
• Hair: Lydia’s jet-black hair is often styled with bangs and a messy ponytail or left loose. A black wig can help complete the look if needed.

6. How to Nail Beetlejuice’s Character

Dressing as Beetlejuice isn’t just about the look; it’s also about capturing his outrageous personality. To truly embody the character, it helps to adopt some of his eccentric behaviors. Here are a few tips to get into character:

• Voice: Beetlejuice’s voice is a mix of gravelly and energetic. Try to mimic his over-the-top tone and frequent use of sarcasm.
• Gestures: Be loud, be big, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Beetlejuice is constantly waving his hands around and making exaggerated gestures.
• Quotes: Learn a few of Beetlejuice’s famous quotes to toss out during your event. “It’s showtime!” and “Go ahead, make my millennium!” are always crowd-pleasers.

7. DIY vs. Store-Bought Costumes: Pros and Cons

You might be wondering whether to invest in a store-bought costume or try your hand at a DIY Beetlejuice costume. Both options have their perks, and the decision depends on your time, budget, and creativity.

Store-Bought Costumes: If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, many stores offer ready-made Beetlejuice costumes that come with all the essentials. These kits usually include the striped suit, wig, and sometimes even the makeup.

• Pros: Convenience, consistency, and time-saving.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, and you may lose the chance to add personal touches.

DIY Costumes: If you enjoy crafting and have the time, making your own Beetlejuice costume allows for a more personalized and authentic look. You can search thrift stores for pieces, distress the clothing yourself, and have full control over the makeup and accessories.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, customizable, and unique.
• Cons: Time-consuming and requires creativity.

Conclusion: Embrace the Madness of Beetlejuice

With the right outfit, makeup, and attitude, you’ll be ready to step into the afterlife as the ghost with the most. Whether you choose to buy or DIY, the key to a successful Beetlejuice costume is committing to the character’s outlandish appearance and personality. Beetlejuice isn’t about perfection — it’s about chaos, fun, and standing out from the crowd. So throw on that striped suit, mess up your hair, and remember… it’s showtime!