It’s Showtime! How to Cosplay as Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice, the chaotic, mischievous ghost from Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), is a fan-favorite character for cosplay. With his unmistakable black-and-white striped suit, wild hair, and eccentric personality, Beetlejuice is a show-stopping costume choice. Whether you’re looking to create the iconic ghost from scratch or enhance a pre-made costume, this guide will help you transform into the ghost with the most. Get ready to bring Beetlejuice to life with these essential tips and tricks!

Costume Components

Outfit Overview

Beetlejuice’s black-and-white striped suit is one of the most recognizable elements of his character. To nail this look, the key is focusing on the bold stripes, paired with a disheveled, ghostly style. Let’s break down the core elements of Beetlejuice’s outfit.

Striped Suit

• Jacket and Pants: The black-and-white striped suit is Beetlejuice’s signature look. You can either buy a pre-made suit or create your own by painting or altering a plain white suit with black stripes.

DIY Tips: If you choose to make the suit yourself, start with a plain white jacket and pants. Use fabric paint or wide black tape to create clean, bold stripes. Be sure to paint both the jacket and pants evenly to match Beetlejuice’s distinctive look.

Shirt and Tie

1. Shirt: A classic white dress shirt serves as the base layer under the striped jacket.

2. Tie: Beetlejuice’s tie is usually black, though you can opt for a loose, slightly undone look to capture his chaotic style. You can also use a skinny black tie for a more formal look or go for an untied look for extra dishevelment.

Shoes

1. Black Dress Shoes or Combat Boots: Depending on the version of Beetlejuice you’re aiming for, you can pair the suit with classic black dress shoes or opt for grungier black boots to give your costume a more rugged feel.

Accessories

Wig and Hair

Beetlejuice’s hair is wild, green-tinted, and messy, which makes it a crucial part of the costume.

• Wig: A pre-made Beetlejuice wig is a great option to capture the character’s signature look. Alternatively, use a messy white wig and apply green hair spray or temporary dye to create that "moldy" appearance around the edges.

DIY Tips: If you want to use your natural hair, backcomb it to create volume, spray it white or light gray, and then apply green streaks for the mold effect. Use hair spray to keep everything in place.

Teeth

• Fake Teeth or Mouthpiece: Beetlejuice’s crooked, yellow teeth are part of his grimy, ghostly charm. Use prosthetic teeth or a fake mouthpiece to replicate this look.

DIY Tips: If you don’t want to use fake teeth, you can darken the area around your mouth with makeup to give the appearance of Beetlejuice’s rotten grin.

Makeup

1. Pale Skin and Dark Circles: Beetlejuice has ghostly pale skin with deep, dark circles under his eyes, which is key to achieving his undead look.
2. Green Mold and Rot: Add green accents to your face and around your hairline to simulate the mold and rot that are part of Beetlejuice’s decaying appearance.

DIY Tips: Start with a white base makeup or face paint to cover your entire face and neck. Use dark purple or black eyeshadow around the eyes to create sunken, shadowy eyes. Apply green makeup or paint around your hairline, temples, and neck to give the illusion of mold.

Makeup and Body Paint

If you want to add a touch of magic, carry a wand or staff as part of your costume.

1. Wands: A small, handheld wand can be made from a stick or dowel, topped with a crystal or star.

2. Staffs: For a more dramatic effect, carry a tall staff with details like gemstones, lights, or nature-inspired elements.

Jewelry

Accessorize your costume with mystical or earthy jewelry.

1. Classic Witch: Simple black chokers or silver necklaces with pentagrams, moons, or stars.

2. Enchantress Witch: Ornate rings, gemstone necklaces, and sparkling bracelets to add to the magical theme.

3. Forest Witch: Choose natural materials like leather, wood, and stones in necklaces or bracelets to complement your nature-inspired outfit.

4. Dark Witch: Gothic-inspired silver or black jewelry featuring symbols like skulls, bats, or ravens.

Base Makup

1. Pale Foundation: Use a ghostly white foundation or face paint to give Beetlejuice’s skin its deathly pale appearance. Apply evenly across the face, neck, and any exposed skin.

2. Dark Circles: To capture Beetlejuice’s undead look, add dark purple or black eyeshadow under the eyes to create the effect of tired, sunken eyes. For an extra hollow look, contour the cheeks and jawline with gray or purple makeup.

Green Mold Effect

• Moldy Look: One of Beetlejuice’s key features is the green mold that seems to grow on him. Use green face paint or makeup around the hairline, temples, and neck. Stipple or blend it with a sponge to create a realistic texture.

DIY Tips: Use a sponge to blend different shades of green, starting with a darker shade and layering lighter greens on top for a more dimensional, moldy effect.

Cosplay Contacts

Adding colored contacts can enhance the overall Beetlejuice look, making your eyes stand out in a way that fits the character’s creepy, otherworldly vibe.

• White or Yellow Contacts: Using white or light yellow contacts can give Beetlejuice’s eyes a ghostly, eerie look that complements the makeup. This adds an extra layer of spookiness to your cosplay, giving you the dead-eyed stare Beetlejuice is known for.

Tips for Contacts: Make sure to choose contacts that are comfortable and safe for extended wear. Practice putting them in ahead of time if you’re new to wearing contacts, and always follow proper care instructions.

Props Guidebook or Manual

A great prop to carry with your Beetlejuice cosplay is the "Handbook for the Recently Deceased" or a faux exorcism manual, as seen in the film.

DIY Tips: Create your own version of the handbook using cardboard or foam. Print out a cover design and attach it to a fake book or notebook. This small detail can make your costume more interactive and fun.

Beetlejuice Snake (Optional)

A reference to the movie’s iconic scene where Beetlejuice transforms into a snake, a fake snake prop can add a fun twist to your costume.

DIY Tips: Purchase a plastic snake prop or make your own lightweight snake accessory to carry for added humor.

Beetlejuice Microphone (Optional)

If you’re cosplaying the more theatrical version of Beetlejuice, like the musical version, you can carry a fake microphone to mimic his “It’s Showtime!” performance.

Poses and Characterization Embodying Beetlejuice’s Personality

Beetlejuice isn’t just about the look; it’s about capturing his chaotic, mischievous personality. Practice his fast-talking, loud, and eccentric mannerisms to really bring the character to life.

1. Key Poses: Strike exaggerated poses with wide stances, dramatic hand gestures, and mischievous grins. Stand with one hand on your hip or holding a prop, ready to cause trouble.

2. Voice and Dialogue: Beetlejuice is known for his raspy, fast-paced voice. Practice iconic lines like "It’s showtime!" or "I’m the ghost with the most!" to complete the transformation.

Buying vs. DIY

Pre-made Cosplay

Pre-made Beetlejuice costumes, wigs, and accessories are widely available, especially around Halloween. These are perfect for those who want a quick and easy transformation.

• Enhancement Tips: Even if you buy a pre-made costume, you can personalize it by adding extra details like better-quality makeup, fake teeth, or a unique prop like a snake or handbook.

DIY Options:If you prefer a more hands-on approach, crafting your own Beetlejuice costume can be a fun project. Here’s a quick guide to making key elements from scratch:

1. Suit: Start with a plain white suit and add black stripes using fabric paint or wide black tape.

2. Wig: Purchase a messy white wig and spray it with green hair dye for the moldy effect.

3. Makeup: Use white face paint, dark shadows, and green mold effects to transform your face.

Final Tips for a Successful Cosplay Comfort and Practicality

Cosplaying Beetlejuice can involve a lot of makeup and body paint, so comfort and durability are key.

1. Setting Makeup: Use setting spray or powder to keep your makeup and body paint in place all day. Carry touch-up supplies for long events.

2. Costume Comfort: Make sure your suit fits well and is breathable, especially if you’ll be wearing it for hours. Opt for comfortable shoes, whether dress shoes or boots, depending on the look you’re going for.

Beetlejuice is a dynamic, unforgettable character, and cosplaying him allows you to embrace his wild, chaotic energy. Whether you’re opting for a DIY approach or using pre-made pieces, focus on the key elements: the striped suit, pale makeup, messy green hair, and mischievous personality. By nailing these details and adding your own creative flair, you’ll stand out as the ghost with the most at your next cosplay event. So, what are you waiting for? It’s showtime!