Ethereal Elegance: A Complete Guide to Cosplaying Emily from Corpse Bride

Emily, the beloved Corpse Bride, is an iconic character from Tim Burton's darkly whimsical world. Her haunting beauty, tragic story, and ethereal design make her a standout choice for cosplayers. From her flowing, tattered gown to her ghostly blue skin, Emily is a perfect blend of gothic romance and melancholy charm. In this guide, we’ll dive into every detail to help you bring this captivating character to life.

Why Cosplay Emily?

Cosplaying Emily allows you to embody a character rich with emotion and style. Her ethereal appearance is visually stunning, blending romantic elegance with macabre details. Whether you’re attending a cosplay convention, a themed photoshoot, or a Halloween event, Emily’s tragic yet beautiful presence is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Creating Emily’s Iconic Look

The Gown

Emily’s wedding dress is a centerpiece of her look—a mix of elegance and decay.

• Base Design: Start with a long, flowing gown in white or pale blue. Look for fabrics like satin, chiffon, or lace to capture the flowing, ghostly effect.

• Distressed Details: Tatter the edges of the dress using scissors or sandpaper to give it a worn, decayed look. Add sheer overlays or lace accents for a romantic touch.

• Veil: Emily’s veil is long and translucent with frayed edges. Attach it to a headpiece, comb, or directly to your wig for easy wear. A flower crown made of wilted or dried flowers adds authenticity.

Sleeves and Gloves

Emily’s dress features delicate, sheer off-shoulder sleeves that enhance her ethereal vibe. If you’re incorporating gloves, use pale blue or white ones and distress the edges for a cohesive look.

Shoes or Barefoot

Emily is often depicted barefoot, emphasizing her connection to the afterlife. If going barefoot isn’t practical, opt for pale or nude flats to maintain the ethereal aesthetic.

Ghostly Makeup

Emily’s blue, ghostly skin is a defining element of her appearance. Here’s how to achieve her hauntingly beautiful look:

Base Makeup

• Blue Skin Tone: Use high-quality body paint or makeup to create a pale, ghostly blue base. Apply it evenly across exposed skin, including your face, arms, neck, and shoulders.

• Shading and Highlights: Add darker blue or gray shading around your collarbones, cheeks, and arms to mimic a skeletal appearance. Use white or pale blue highlighter to add a soft, ghostly glow.

Eyes

• Large and Expressive: Emily’s eyes are one of her most striking features. Use black eyeliner to exaggerate the size and shape of your eyes. Apply false lashes or dramatic mascara for added volume.

• Eyeshadow: Use soft blue or white tones around the eyes, blending them outward for a smoky, ethereal effect.

• Brows: Draw thin, dark brows with a slightly downward arch to replicate Emily’s wistful expression.

Lips

• Dark and Contrasting: Choose a dark red, plum, or mauve lipstick to stand out against her pale blue skin.

Additional Details

• Cracks and Decay: Use black or dark gray makeup to draw delicate cracks and skeletal details on your arms, neck, and face, reflecting her undead appearance.

Signature Hairstyle

Emily’s vibrant blue hair is a striking part of her look.

• Wig Choice: Invest in a high-quality wig in a deep, vibrant blue. Look for one with loose waves or curls that flow past your shoulders.

• Styling Tips: Add volume and texture to the wig to mimic Emily’s flowing hair. Secure a flower crown or dead floral accents to the wig for authenticity.

• Optional DIY: If you have long hair, consider using temporary blue hair dye and styling your natural hair into loose waves.

Enchanting Eyes with Colored Contacts

Colored contacts can elevate your Emily cosplay by replicating her haunting gaze:

• Light Blue or Gray: Choose contacts that match Emily’s otherworldly eyes.

• Dramatic Lenses: Consider contacts with an enlarged pupil or doll-eye effect to enhance her ethereal appearance.

Props and Accessories

Complete Emily’s look with the perfect accessories:

• Wilted Bouquet: Carry a bouquet of dried or artificial wilted flowers to symbolize her tragic story.

• Skeleton Arm: For added authenticity, incorporate a skeleton arm glove or prosthetic to mimic her skeletal features.

• Wedding Ring: A simple silver or gold ring is a subtle but meaningful detail that ties into Emily’s bridal theme.

Perfecting Your Poses and Characterization

Emily’s movements are graceful yet melancholic, reflecting her tragic story.

• Elegant and Melancholy: Practice slow, flowing movements that exude sadness and elegance. Tilt your head slightly or clasp your hands in a wistful pose to capture her emotional depth.

• Signature Poses: Recreate iconic moments from the film, such as holding the wilted bouquet or gazing longingly into the distance.

Nail Stickers for a Finishing Touch

Your nails can add an extra layer of detail to your cosplay:

• Recommended Styles: Pale blue or white nail stickers with delicate patterns like cracks, vines, or skeleton motifs.

• Why Nail Stickers? They’re easy to apply, durable, and add a polished finishing touch to your costume.

Buying vs. DIY

Pre-made Costumes

Many retailers offer ready-made Emily costumes, including the dress, veil, and accessories. Look for options with high-quality fabrics like lace and chiffon to capture the ghostly elegance.

DIY Costume Ideas

• Thrift and Transform: Start with a thrifted wedding dress and customize it with fabric dye, tattered edges, and added lace overlays.

• Craft Your Accessories: Create your flower crown and bouquet using artificial or dried flowers for a personal touch.

Final Tips for Bringing Emily to Life

• Embody the Character: Emily’s personality is a mix of romantic longing and melancholy. Reflect her emotional depth in your expressions and movements.

• Comfort and Fit: Ensure your costume and makeup are comfortable for extended wear, especially if you’re using body paint.

• Attention to Detail: Small touches like cracks in the makeup, wilted flowers, and skeletal shading can take your cosplay to the next level.

Conclusion

Cosplaying Emily from Corpse Bride is a journey into gothic beauty and romantic tragedy. Her tattered gown, ghostly blue skin, and haunting presence make her a show-stopping choice for any cosplay event. By focusing on her intricate details and emotional depth, you can bring Emily’s character to life in a way that resonates with fans of the film. Step into her ethereal world and captivate everyone with your hauntingly beautiful transformation.