Burton-Esque Costume Ideas

Celebrate this Halloween by dressing up in a creepy costume from one of your favorite films.

Tim Burton has directed a great number of films over the years, and has received both fame and awards in return. He is known for a distinctive, weird, style -- so much so that his films, and those that remind one of his work are known as "burtonesque." If you are a fan of Tim Burton's films, or style, a Halloween costume based on one of his more famous films is an appropriate, fun way to pay tribute.

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice was one of Burton's first popular films, and the title character remains one of Hollywood's most iconic. Beetlejuice makes a great costume, especially considering what a party animal the ghoul was. In terms of makeup, you will need typical white zombie makeup, with black makeup around the eyes, and a fright wig in either white or green. (In the movie, his hair was green, but white works pretty well.) Beetlejuice wore a distinctive black and white striped suit that was a bit too short. While this is a crucial part of the costume, keep in mind that you can use tape to create the stripes if you only have a plain black suit.

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands was another hit by Burton, although this movie appeals a bit more to an indie crowd. To dress up like Edward, you will need to spiked dark hair, either your own, or a wig, and white makeup. Edward wore a black leather jumpsuit, but if you don't have one of those lying around, any dark tight clothes should do fine, especially if you can find a black leather dog collar to wear. The most important element is the scissorhands. It is extremely unwise to use actual knives on your fingers, so try making them out of cardboard, paper, or using plastic knives.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington and Sally Rag-Doll make for great costumes, either for couples or individuals. Jack can either wear a mask, or a bald cap and white makeup with his distinctive features drawn on. Other than that, you will just need white gloves and a suit with a pinstriped tuxedo jacket. Sally requires a long, straight, red wig and a patchwork dress. To give the impression you have been sewn together, draw seams on your arms and legs with black greasepaint.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

One of Tim Burton's most recent popular films was this musical. The film has a distinctive style, kind of a fairytale version of Charles Dickens. The main character, Sweeney Todd, can be portrayed with a fake razor, a smart suit, some pale makeup and a distinctive white shock of hair. Sweeney's Love, Mrs. Lovett, would also make a great costume. To dress as her, find an old Victorian-style dress and wear pale makeup and messy hair. Carry around tiny pies with "special" fillings to complete the costume.

References

• The Internet Movie Database: Tim Burton