Top Beetlejuice Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. Halloween is one of the only opportunities to bring characters from this iconic film back to life. But only say his name thrice if you really want him to appear this spooky season.

This movie is a great source of inspiration if you're looking for a creative couple's costume. People who have never watched Beetlejuice will still recognize the white and black stripes. However, there are more costume options to consider to represent this beloved ‘80s classic (or the new sequel).

We have all the Beetlejuice couple's costume ideas and how you can pull them off. From Beetlejuice and Lydia to the Maitlands, we have ideas to truly transform into these characters.

Why Is Beetlejuice a Cult Classic?

Beetlejuice is a 1988 horror-comedy film by Tim Burton that has become a cult classic. Fans are drawn to the dark humor in the story of the insane bio-exorcist, hired by two ghosts to get rid of the new family living in their house. What's not to love?

Beetlejuice's originality is not limited to its plot. The film's unique visual style, a hallmark of Burton's work, is a major draw for fans. The movie's aesthetic, a whimsical blend of gothic and playful, creates an eerie and captivating feel.

Burton's use of lighting adds to the film's haunting appeal. For example, the background in scenes is often covered in darkness. From start to finish, the movie's imagery is a testament to Burton's incredible vision and execution.

The talented cast, including Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, Alec Baldwin, and Winona Ryder, also made the movie a hit. Each brought their distinct personalities and quirks. Keaton's portrayal of the diabolical bio-exorcist was unsettling while still hilarious. Thanks to Keaton, Beetlejuice became an unforgettable cinematic character.

Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz won over fans with her sensibility and loner tendencies, which many can relate to. The Maitlands, played by Baldwin and Geena Davis, brought a relatable charm that was easy to like. Many original cast members returned in the 2024 sequel — Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, reigniting the love for the film and the characters.

However, even before the sequel, Beetlejuice has always been a popular choice for Halloween costumes every year. The film left a significant mark on pop culture. Over the last 36 years, its influence has been apparent in television shows, video games, art, and fashion. The movie's success led to an animated TV series, a Broadway musical, and a sequel. It's the perfect year to create a Beetlejuice couple's costume.

1. Beetlejuice and Miss Argentina Costumes

Let's start with one of the most popular costumes inspired by the film: a black and white striped suit. This duo offers a unique twist on the traditional Beetlejuice pairing. However, it's a way to bring together two of the most visually striking characters in the original movie.

Let's walk through how to recreate these eye-catching costumes.

Beetlejuice Costume

The most essential part of any Beetlejuice costume is the suit. The black-and-white striped suit is an instantly recognizable iconic look. You can find a costume online or DIY by applying white tape on a black suit to mimic the strips. Pair the suit with a disheveled-looking white dress shirt and a black tie.

You can't skip the hair and makeup — achieve Beetlejuice's wild, green hair with a wig or temporary hair dye. Apply white face paint to get his ghostly pale complexion and dark shadow or face paint around the eyes.

Add personal touches to the costume with a fake bug or two, chains, spikes, or any other exaggerated features of his wardrobe you can think of. He has a punk rock, chaotic, and mischievous vibe.

Miss Argentina Costume

Miss Argentina, the afterlife receptionist, has a colorful, fun appearance. She makes for fantastic Halloween costume inspiration. The key to achieving this look is a red wig or red hair and green skin. You can use body paint, high-quality face paint, or a green body suit covering the arms and legs. Style your hair or wig in a pageant updo.

Miss Argentina's dress is a sequin cocktail dress in dark red, complete with a pageant sash with her name on it — of course. She has a tulle cape you can get from a costume store or DIY with tulle, floral wire, and a hot glue gun.

Her dramatic makeup is heavy eyeliner, big lashes, purple eyeshadow, and a red lip. Finish with some pageant-worthy accessories like earrings and a tiara. Add a clipboard prop to make it look like you're ready to sit in the waiting room in the Netherworld.

The distinction between Beetlejuice's costume and Miss Argentina's skin and red dress creates a visually captivating couple's costume.

2. Beetlejuice and Lydia Costumes

Another popular choice is the red suit and red wedding dress look from the film. This Beetlejuice and Lydia couple's costume is sure to be visually striking and memorable. Here's how you and your partner can bring these dynamic looks to life:

Beetlejuice Costume

Beetlejuice, always one to stand out, ditches his usual striped suit for a bold red look in the memorable wedding scene. This eye-catching costume is great for Halloween and can also be on the affordable side.

Look for a red suit jacket with matching pants, and add a white or black vest for a formal touch. You might even find these items at a thrift store, or you can dye any light-colored suit.

Even on his wedding day, Beetlejuice still rocks his wild green hair, pale skin, and dark circles. To complete the look, add accessories like a gaudy ring and cane. You'll be a groom ready to say I do.

Lydia Deetz Costume

While Lydia's everyday wardrobe included gothic chic pieces, opt for a stunning formal red wedding dress. It's a dramatic look that is perfect for turning heads on Halloween.

Wear a black wig, or style your hair similarly to Lydia's in the film. It's messy, teased, with blunt bangs. Her makeup keeps with the goth aesthetic: pale skin, dark eyeshadow, false dark lashes, and dark brows. You can also incorporate props, like the "Handbook for the Recently Deceased” or dead flowers.

Consider how the two characters interact to really put on a show at the Halloween party. Beetlejuice acts chaotically, while Lydia has a somber demeanor. It's the perfect dynamic contrast. Throw in a few lines from the film, like "The Juice is Loose," and you'll complete the effect.

3. Beetlejuice Male and Female Couples Costume

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice — just like the sequel, create two Beetlejuice looks. Everyone will be seeing double like they're in a horror movie. Here's how to create complementary Beetlejuice cosplay costumes for both men and women.

Male Beetlejuice Costume

Consider whether you both will wear similar outfits or a different Beetlejuice look. For example, one person could wear the classic black-and-white striped suit, and the other, the red wedding suit. See above to see how to pull off these looks, from costume to makeup.

Another option is recreating the Beetlejuice shrunken head look:

• Red Suit: Find an oversized red suit. You'll need lots of room in the shoulders.
• Shoulder Pads: Create giant shoulder pads out of cardboard or other material.
• Insert Pads: Place your shoulder pads into the suit. Ideally, the pads will be so big the suit will cover your neck, creating the shrunken head effect.

Female Beetlejuice Costume

For the women's Beetlejuice costume, you can create a gender-swapped version of the traditional Beetlejuice look or simply wear one of his iconic suits.

• Suit or Dress: A black-and-white striped dress or suit can be both cute and spooky. You can find these adult Beetlejuice dresses online or make one yourself. Another option is to go all-in and wear a striped or red Beetlejuice suit.
• Shirt and Tie/Bow: Wear a black tie with your dress or a white shirt and black tie with the suit.
• Green Hair: Create the hair using a green Beetlejuice wig or green temporary hair spray color. The spray color will only appear on lighter hair colors. If you don't have blonde hair, opt for the wig.
• Makeup: Apply white face paint for a ghostly complexion, darken the eyes with black or dark purple shadow, and use green moss-like shades for contour. Add a fun dark lip, or opt for a pop of color with a red lip stain. False lashes can also make this Beetlejuice makeup a little more feminine.
• Accessories: You can add any props you want, such as bugs, a large ring, some green glasses, or a bouquet of dead flowers, depending on the look you choose.
• Feminine Flair: To give Beetlejuice a stylish twist, wear high heels and a purse, or add a different dramatic flair.

There are endless possibilities for a Beetlejuice character couple's costumes. If you need more inspiration, research tutorials on how to recreate these iconic looks.

4. Adam and Barbara Maitland’s Costumes

Dress up as the couple that started it all, Adam and Barbara Maitland. Embody the well-meaning but deceased homeowners trying to navigate the afterlife by recreating their outfits. These are great options if you're looking for a last-minute or easy costume.

Adam Maitland Costume

Most people already have all or most of the pieces of this costume. If not, they can easily be found at a moment's notice.

• Plaid Shirt: Adam wears a casual plaid button-down shirt. Look for a black and white flannel.
• Red Shirt: Wear a red T-shirt under the flannel.
• Khaki Pants: To capture his laid-back look, wear khaki or beige pants with a straight-leg style. Pair the pants with a simple black or brown belt.
• Shoes: Brown loafers or any casual shoes will work for this costume.
• Glasses: Adam wears round, wire-frame glasses. If you don't have a pair, there are many options available. Try updating the look withThe Otis style frames. This modified frame gives a contemporary look to a refined classic. Another great choice isThe Reese style. These narrow, modified round frames will complete the look.

Barbara Maitland Costume

Baraba Maitland has an old-fashioned feminine style.

• Vintage Dress: Look for a modest, vintage-style dress with floral pastel patterns. Barbara wears a knee-length dress with a classic 1980s style.
• Apron (Optional): For an extra touch, wear a pink or light-colored apron over the dress to embrace her homemaker role.
• Shoes: Wear a pair of low-heeled, sensible shoes. Look for shoes in a neutral color like beige or brown. Another option is a pink or light-colored ballet flat.
• Hairstyle: Barbara's hair is brown and curly in an 80s style. You can recreate this look with small curls or by buying a wig.

Both costumes can have subtle hints of their post-death experience, like wearing slightly tattered versions of their clothing. Adding makeup that looks slightly ghostly can add to the effect.

5. Adam and Barbara Maitland Mask Costumes

Fans who want to take their Adam and Barbara Maitland costumes to the next level can include the masks worn in the film to scare off the Deetz family. These costumes are both instantly recognizable and are perfect for the season. Here's how you can recreate these memorable masks.

Adam Maitland Mask Costume

Adam's outfit remains the same, except for the mask. Pair the mask with the same plaid button-down shirt, red T-shirt, khaki pants, and loafers.

• Distorted Mask: Adam's scare mask features grotesque features, such as an exaggerated long nose, giant black eye sockets, and a hand coming out of the top. You can find recreations of his mask online, or if you're feeling crafty, create your own.
• DIY Mask: If you make the mask yourself, don't skip details like the wrinkles, eye sockets, and other features. Use papier-mache, foam, and paint as your main materials.
• Props: Add eyeballs to your fingertips, as Adam did in the film, to complete the look.

Barbara Maitland Mask Costume

Barbara also wore the same vintage-style dress and shoes with her mask. However, her mask had a few more details than Adam's.

• Mask: Barbara's mask had an elongated, open mouth with teeth and eyes on the tongue. Similar to Adam's, you can find a mask like the one in the film online or create your own.
• DIY Mask: When making the mask, focus on the details of the open mouth. Buy fake teeth and eyeballs, or try to create them along with the tongue. Use reference images as you go to get it as close to the real thing as possible.

Ensure both masks allow you to see out of them. You also want to make sure you can breathe inside the mask, so leave ample space for your eyes and mouth. Wear the masks around the house before the costume party or event to make sure they're comfortable. You can make adjustments as necessary before the party.

6. Charles Deetz and Delia Deetz Costume

Charles and Delia Deetz are memorable characters in the film, and their distinct and quirky styles make these costumes stand out.

Charles Deetz Costume

Charles Deetz has a very conservative wardrobe in the film.

• Blazer or Cardigan: Charles often wears a blazer or a cardigan. Look for a tweed blazer or a gray cardigan.
• Dress Shirt and Tie: Pair the blazer with a button-down dress shirt and a tie. If you opt for the cardigan, pair it with a blue and white striped dress shirt.
• Khaki Pants: Wear khaki pants or corduroys to complete the outfit.
• Props: Get creative with your props to add a fun touch to this costume. Since Mr. Deetz was a real estate developer, you could carry a real estate brochure. Add other details to the costume, like a pocket square or a vintage watch.

Delia Deetz Costume

Delia loves to stand out with her fashion choices. Art is her life, and the character enjoys communicating through her clothing. In the film, Delia's outfit when hosting a dinner party is the perfect look to recreate for Halloween.

• Outfit: Look for a black dress with exaggerated puffy sleeves. Pair the dress with long black satin gloves.
• Bold Accessories: Delia's accessories are just as eccentric as her outfits. Wear oversized black hoop earrings and a gold ring to achieve this look.
• Makeup: Delia's makeup features bright pink lipstick.
• Hair: Her short red hair is swept back, with her bangs strategically placed over one side of her forehead. A few pieces are also dramatically styled on her cheek. Look for a short, red wig if your hair doesn't look like Delia's.

The Perfect Look

We hope you found these Beetlejuice costume ideas helpful. Whether you're channeling Beetlejuice and Lydia, Adam and Barbara Maitland, or Charles and Delia Deetz, there's a look for every couple. The key to setting these looks over the top is incorporating props and accessories, like the right pair of glasses. You're sure to win at least one costume contest this Halloween.

Sources:

Beetlejuice (1988) | IMDb

Tim Burton | Tim Burton

Beetlejuice The Musical

Beetlejuice cast then and now | Hello Magazine