How to Dress Like Cat Woman for Halloween

Create a classic Catwoman Halloween costume easily.

Catwoman has taken many forms over the years. The first appearance of Catwoman was on the 1960's Batman television series, where she was portrayed by actress Julie Newmar. This incarnation of Catwoman is stylish and easy to accomplish, even at the last minute. Nearly anyone can pull off the dangerous elegance of Catwoman with this classic rendition of the famous comic book villian. Unlike other renditions of Catwoman, the original Catwoman costume requires only a little crafting to create an easy, classic Halloween costume.

Things You'll Need

• Black unitard
• Nylon belt, any color
• Acrylic nails, any color
• Nail file
• Gold spray paint
• Spray adhesive
• Black opera-length gloves
• High-heeled boots
• Scissors
• Black felt
• Needle
• Black thread
• Black head band
• Spray starch (optional)
• Large pendant necklace
• Pencil
• Paper
• Cellophane tape
• Black plastic
• Craft knife
• Elastic string
• Liquid eyeliner
• Fake eyelashes
• Mascara
• Peach or neutral lipstick
• Hairbrush
• Bobby pins
• Hair spray

Instructions

The Costume

1. 

   This dancer wears a black unitard.

   Buy a black unitard. A unitard is a leotard with full legs and long sleeves. This forms the basis of the Catwoman costume. While a shiny spandex or fake leather finish gives a more realistic look to the costume, any black unitard works.

2. 

   This style of belt is ideal for a Catwoman costume.

   Obtain a belt made of nylon webbing. The color does not matter, but it should have a prominent front buckle of the sliding variety. Make sure the belt is long and wide enough to sit low on your hips.

3. 

   Acrylic nails form the claws of a Catwoman costume.

   Select a set of acrylic nails in the longest length possible, at least 1/2-inch long. File the tips of the nails into sharp points, resembling claws.

4. 

   Spray paint the nails and belt with a metallic gold spray paint.

   Spray paint the nails and the belt with metallic gold spray paint. Use paint formulated for plastic, as this will stick better to the nylon and the acrylic. Be sure to cover both sides of the acrylic nails with the spray paint. Spray all edges of the belt, including the buckle. It is unnecessary to spray the inside of the belt.

5. Glue the acrylic nails to a pair of black satin-finish opera-length gloves. These gloves are readily available at prom and bridal stores, as well as many costume shops. Use a spray adhesive on the inside of the nails near the base. Press the nails to the tips of the gloves so that the filed, pointed edges faces outward, simulating claws. Glue one fake nail to each finger of each glove.

6. 

   Black high-heeled faux leather boots are an essential component of the costume.

   Purchase a pair of black high-heeled boots, preferably a leather or faux-leather pair. While the classic Catwoman costume utilizes stiletto heels, you can certainly wear a more comfortable style of heel.

7. Cut two equilateral triangles of the same size from a sheet of black felt. These form the ears of the Catwoman costume. Black felt is an ideal fabric for this project, as it will not unravel or fray. Black felt also holds its shape well.

8. Sew the triangles to a black, non-stretchy, fabric-covered head band. Ensure that the triangles are sewn a fair distance apart, so that the ears are positioned to the sides of the top of your head when the head band is worn. The felt should stand on its own. If it does not, spray the triangles with spray starch after sewing.

9. 

   Choose a necklace with a large, gold, circular pendant.

   Search for a gold tone, circular, large pendant necklace. Julie Newmar's iconic rendition of Catwoman wore a large, gaudy necklace with a round pendant accented by several smaller beads. Thrift stores and yard sales are good places to search, as are stores selling ostentatious costume jewelry. Catwoman's necklace is long, reaching to the bottom of her chest. Choose one of comparable length.

10. Draw a basic mask shape on a sheet of paper. Extend the mask above the eyes into points that taper out toward where your ears would be located. Tape this paper to a piece of black plastic. Black plastic trays, such as the ones cold cut platters are served on, are excellent for this purpose.

11. Cut around the mask shape using a craft knife. Hold the mask up to your face and mark on the taped piece of paper where your eyes are located. Draw an oval shape around the spots you marked, about 1/2 inch larger than your eyes on all sides. Use the craft knife to cut away the eye holes of the mask. Do not leave any rough edges, which could scrape your face. Remove the tape from the mask.

12. Poke a small hole on each side of the mask near the edge of the plastic. Poke the holes at eye level using the craft knife or a similar sharp instrument. Be careful not to crack or shatter the plastic.

13. Thread a length of elastic thread through one of the mask's holes. Tie a knot to secure the elastic. Hold the mask up to your face, and measure out the amount of elastic needed to hold the mask securely to your head. Cut the elastic thread to the proper length. Thread the elastic through the other hole in the mask and tie a knot to secure it.

Hair and Makeup

1. Apply liquid eyeliner around your eyes. Extend the end of the lash line into a style known as a "cat's eye." This style essentially lines the top and bottom of the eye and swoops out toward the hairline.

2. Affix false eyelashes to your lash line. Catwoman has voluptuous eyelashes that can only be accomplished with false lashes. Apply a coat of mascara to the eyelashes, if desired.

3. Wear a peach or neutral colored lipstick. This minimizes attention to your lips and does not detract from the bold emphasis placed on your eyes.

4. Brush your hair. Separate out a portion of the front of your hair, perhaps an inch or two wide. Keep this portion of hair separate from the rest. Put on the Catwoman head band.

5. Brush the separated portion of the hair up. Arrange the hair over the head band in a small, even pouf. Pin the hair securely to your head and apply a liberal coating of hair spray.

References

• "Catwoman: The Life and Times of a Feline Fatale"; Suzan Colon, Adam West; 2003
• "Catwoman: The Visual Guide to the Feline Fatale"; Scott Beatty; 2004
• The Azarian Collection: Batman Villian Costume Collection
• Julie Newmar - Photo Gallery