15 Beetlejuice Costume Ideas That’ll Make You the Life of the Afterparty

Hey there, fashion fiends and Halloween enthusiasts! It’s your girl, coming at you with a ghostly good time. Today, we’re diving into the weird and wonderful world of Beetlejuice costumes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Tim Burton’s classic or just looking for a show-stopping Halloween outfit, I’ve got you covered with 15 Beetlejuice-inspired looks that’ll have you saying “It’s showtime!” faster than you can say it three times.

1. The Classic Beetlejuice

Alright, let’s kick things off with the OG himself. You know the look – that iconic black and white striped suit that’s become synonymous with the ghost with the most. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A black and white striped suit (if you can’t find one, go for separate pieces)
• A white button-up shirt
• A black tie
• Some crazy, wild hair (green-tinted if you’re feeling extra)
• Pale face makeup with dark circles around the eyes
• Optional: Fake moss or some green face paint for that “just rose from the grave” look

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to get a little messy with this one. Beetlejuice isn’t exactly known for his polished appearance, so embrace the chaos!

2. Lydia Deetz – The Goth Girl Next Door

For all my dark and brooding souls out there, Lydia Deetz is your girl. Winona Ryder’s character is the perfect mix of goth and grace. Here’s how to channel your inner Lydia:

• A black dress (the poofy-er, the better)
• Black tights
• Black boots or Mary Janes
• Pale makeup
• Dark lipstick
• A short, dark wig if your hair isn’t already Lydia-esque
• Optional: A camera, because Lydia’s always ready to capture the strange and unusual

Remember, it’s all about the attitude with this one. Practice your best “I’m alone in this world” stare in the mirror before heading out.

3. Adam and Barbara Maitland – The Adorable Ghost Couple

Aww, who doesn’t love these two? The sweetest couple to ever haunt a house, Adam and Barbara are perfect for pairs looking for a cute costume idea. Here’s what you’ll need:

For Adam:

• Plaid shirt
• Khakis
• Glasses
• A bit of pale makeup

For Barbara:

• A floral dress (bonus points if it’s vintage-looking)
• Curled hair
• Pale makeup

Don’t forget to practice your scary faces – you know, the ones they try to use to scare the Deetz family out of their house. Hilarious and adorable all at once!

4. Delia Deetz – The Eccentric Stepmom

Catherine O’Hara’s portrayal of Delia is a masterclass in over-the-top 80s fashion. To really nail this look, you’ve got to go big or go home:

• A wild, colorful dress or suit (the more abstract, the better)
• Big, teased-out hair (or a wig if you’re not ready to commit)
• Chunky, statement jewelry
• Bright, bold makeup
• Optional: Carry around some of your “artistic” creations

Channel your inner artiste and don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors. Delia would approve!

5. Betelgeuse’s Carousel Hat Look

Remember that scene where Betelgeuse turns his head into a carousel? Yeah, it’s as creepy as it is cool. Here’s how to recreate it:

• The standard Beetlejuice suit
• A large, round hat (you can make this out of cardboard)
• Attach small toy horses or other carnival creatures to the brim of the hat
• Face paint to create the illusion of a stretched-out mouth

This one’s definitely for the crafty folks out there, but trust me, it’ll be a real head-turner (pun absolutely intended).

6. The Handbook for the Recently Deceased

Okay, so this one’s a bit out of the box, but hear me out – why not go as the actual Handbook for the Recently Deceased? Here’s how:

• Create a large, book-shaped costume out of cardboard
• Paint it to look like the cover of the handbook
• Cut holes for your arms and head
• Wear all black underneath

Bonus points if you write out some ridiculous “rules” for the recently deceased on the back of your costume!

7. The Waiting Room Beetlejuice

Remember when Betelgeuse is waiting his turn in the afterlife waiting room? This look is both creepy and hilarious:

• The standard Beetlejuice suit
• A ticket with a ridiculously large number
• Shrunken head makeup (you can achieve this with face paint and contouring)
• Optional: Carry around a magazine titled “The Afterlife”

Don’t forget to look bored and impatient – you’ve been waiting for your number to be called for centuries, after all!

8. Miss Argentina – The Receptionist with a Past

The blue-skinned beauty with a tragic backstory makes for a stunning and unique costume:

• A red blazer and skirt (or a dress if you can find one)
• Blue body paint (yes, all over)
• A beauty pageant sash that says “Miss Argentina”
• Red wig styled in an updo
• Dramatic makeup, especially around the eyes
• Slashed wrists (with makeup, of course – let’s keep it tasteful, folks)

Practice your best “How may I help you?” in a bored tone for maximum effect.

9. The Sandworm

Feeling ambitious? Why not go as the terrifying sandworm that tries to eat Betelgeuse? Here’s how:

• Create a long, snake-like body out of fabric or foam
• Paint it with black and white stripes
• Make a head with huge teeth (papier-mâché could work well here)
• Wear the head part as a hat, with the body trailing behind you

Fair warning: this costume might make navigating crowded Halloween parties a bit tricky, but it’ll definitely make an impression!

10. The Football Team Beetlejuice

In one scene, Beetlejuice transforms into a member of a football team. This is a great option if you want to be recognizable but a bit different:

• A football uniform (any team will do)
• The classic Beetlejuice makeup
• Wild, green-tinted hair sticking out from under the helmet

Don’t forget to practice your touchdown dance – Beetlejuice style!

11. The Wedding Dress Lydia

For a more dramatic Lydia look, go for her forced wedding outfit:

• A big, puffy red wedding dress
• A red veil
• Pale makeup with dark lipstick
• Optional: Carry a bouquet of dead flowers

This one’s perfect for making a grand entrance. Just try not to actually get married to any bio-exorcists, okay?

12. The Netherworld’s Waiting Room Crew

If you’ve got a group costume in mind, why not go as the eclectic mix of characters from the afterlife waiting room? You could have:

• The Witch Doctor
• The Hanging Man
• The Flattened Woman
• The Smoker who was “trying to quit”

Each person can create their own unique look based on how they “died.” It’s a bit morbid, sure, but it’s Beetlejuice – what did you expect?

13. Otho – The Interior Designer

For all you fashionistas out there, Otho is your guy. Here’s how to capture his unique style:

• A brightly colored suit (bonus points if it’s velvet)
• A silk scarf or ascot
• Slicked-back hair
• A smug expression
• Optional: Carry around some fabric swatches or a color wheel

Remember to speak with authority about feng shui and the energy of spaces, even if you have no idea what you’re talking about!

14. The Netherworld Tour Guide

Remember the cheerful tour guide leading the “newly dead” through orientation? Here’s how to recreate her look:

• A retro flight attendant-style uniform in a pastel color
• A jaunty hat
• A big, plastic smile
• Optional: Carry a clipboard or guidebook

Practice your perkiest voice and most insincere smile for this one!

15. DIY Beetlejuice-Inspired Look

Last but not least, why not create your own Beetlejuice-inspired look? The movie is full of weird and wonderful visuals that you can draw inspiration from. Here are some ideas:

• Use black and white stripes as a base, but add your own twist with pops of green or purple
• Incorporate elements of decay or the supernatural into a regular outfit
• Mix Victorian-style pieces with modern elements for a Burtonesque look
• Use face paint to create an otherworldly appearance

The key here is to let your imagination run wild. After all, isn’t that what Beetlejuice is all about?

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And there you have it, folks! Fifteen spooktacular Beetlejuice costume ideas that’ll have you haunting Halloween parties in style. Whether you’re going for classic horror, quirky comedy, or something in between, there’s a Beetlejuice-inspired look for everyone.

Remember, the key to pulling off any of these costumes is confidence. Channel your inner Betelgeuse (just maybe not the creepy parts), embrace the weird and unusual like Lydia, or go all out with the over-the-top style of the Deetz family. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to be the talk of the Netherworld – or at least your Halloween bash.

So, are you ready to turn your Halloween into a Burton-esque spectacle? With these costume ideas, you’ll be saying “It’s showtime!” before you know it. Just remember, whatever you do, don’t say “Beetlejuice” three times… unless you’re ready for some real supernatural shenanigans!

Happy haunting, my fashion-forward fiends! May your Halloween be strange and unusual in all the best ways. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Netherworld to explore and some sandworms to avoid. Catch you on the flip side!