Now that we're pretty far into American Horror Story: Cult [1], we have a good sense of who's who and what's what. This means die-hard fans can officially begin planning their topical, timely Halloween [2] costumes. Wanna dress up as one of the clowns [3]? Setting your sights on one of the nature-named characters [4]? We're pulling out the best Cult costume ideas for you to devour. The only major exclusions are the potentially evil Dr. Vincent [5] (because he's just a man in a suit) and the handsome Detective Samuels [6], because he's equally hard to recognize. But let's take a look at everyone else. This Halloween, chaos (and clowns) will reign.
Winter Anderson
- What to Wear: Winter has what I'd describe as a "goth pilgrim" aesthetic. There's definitely a sort of Olde New England vibe to the collars and other colonial aspects of her attire, but she also wears lots of black, black nails, and dark makeup. Don't forget the white-ish hair!
- How to Act: This one definitely has a weirdness about her. Act kind of unaffected and totally blasé. Make sure you nail Billie Lourd's deadpan way of speaking.
The Green-Haired, Demented Smile Clown
- What to Wear:I mean, the hardest thing about this one is going to be the mask. You might have to go to a lot of Halloween [7] stores to find something that matches. You can always find something close, then add details (like paint in the blue eyeshadow, spray the hair green, you get the picture). Pair with a big Elizabethan collar and a red jacket.
- How to Act: Well, the first time we see this guy, he's having sex with another clown [8]. So, there's that. Otherwise, just be generally creepy and stalk everyone around you.
Kai Anderson
- What to Wear: The long, stringy blue hair is a must. There are a lot of versions of Kai, but this yellow knit sweater would be pretty easy to find. If you want to smear cheese puff dust on your face and add a Donald Trump [9] impression for added effect, have at it.
- How to Act: Donald Trump impression aside, Kai has the courage of his convictions, and he's trying to incite fear and chaos. Act like you're trying to appeal to everyone's deepest fears and desires.
The Three-Faced Clown
- What to Wear: This is another one where you will either have to look pretty hard for a good mask, or make your own three-faced dildo-nose craft project. Put a bowler hat on top, find a long black trench, and wear dark clothes underneath. You can ride a scooter if you want!
- How to Act: This one's got a pretty big knife, so brandish it threateningly while you fly through the night.
Ally Mayfair-Richards
- What to Wear: Ally's big gray coat is one of her most recognizable wardrobe pieces, but you can get away with any sort of big, comfy, casual wear (superlong white button-up, big cream knit sweater, and so on). Go for the brown bob and brandish a bottle of rosé for added effect.
- How to Act: You're scared of literally everything. Don't be afraid to scream and cry constantly. Be suspicious of everyone.
The Harlequin Clown
- What to Wear: Pay attention because this is a ~lewk~ with a lot of details. That striped shirt is actually a crop top with a mesh shirt underneath. There are star suspenders. An Elizabethan collar. It's probably best to get a plain mask and paint the clown makeup onto it. The blond tuft of hair on top would really bring it home.
- How to Act: This clown is way more sneaky and malicious than some of the more outlandish ones. Sneak around and barely utter a word.
Harrison Wilton
- What to Wear: If you want to be Harrison, I'd say you need a beekeeper outfit. Spring for it, you know? You can wear regular clothes underneath.
- How to Act: Harrison is very direct in his way of speaking, and he's a passionate Nicole Kidman [10] fan. There you go.
Ivy Mayfair-Richards
- What to Wear: Ivy's a very buttoned-up character. Whether you want to go for plaid or Oxford, a long-sleeved button-up shirt is the best foundation. Since she runs the family restaurant, a butcher's apron or white coat (pictured here) would be appropriate. And yeah, bring a long knife. Why not?
- How to Act: Ivy is just fed up. Be annoyed with everyone around you, and especially incredulous of the things everyone is saying. Like you're the only sane one in this world.
Twisty the Clown
- What to Wear: At this point, you should be very familiar with Twisty. Get that old, 1920s clown outfit and make sure it's nice and dirty. You can make your own "scalp" head piece with a bald cap and some hair sprouts. Make sure you nail the face makeup and find a big grin to strap to the front of your mouth. The pins would be a great prop, but hedge clippers would be even better.
- How to Act: Twisty doesn't really talk, but he's the most ruthless and murderous character on the show. Practice your "I'm going to kill you right now" look in the mirror.
The Old-Timey Mimey Lady Clown
- What to Wear: The mask itself might be pretty easy to find, with little adaptations. Just get a wig to wear over the top of it. And, well, you may need to buy a ball gag from a sex shop. While you're there (at the sex shop), you could probably find a similar leather harness too. Then just dirty up an old dress with a similar pattern and slip on some black gloves.
- How to Act: This lady hasn't done a whole lot except stand around, so I don't know what else to tell you to do.
The Holey Hand Head Clown
- What to Wear: If you want to pull off this look, you better start now. I imagine it's going to be pretty hard to get your hands on a mask like that, so you'll have to figure out a creative way to make it. Don't forget to paint on the pentagram! The ratty black wig shouldn't be hard to find, nor the baggy high-waisted pants. Add another one of those starchy English collars and a long-sleeved, lacy shirt.
- How to Act: This clown's just, like, really good at hiding. In the back seat of cars, on the upstairs landing, etc. Just hide everywhere and scare everyone.
Gary the Republican
- What to Wear: I'm so sorry, but you're going to have to start with a Make America Great Again hat. Then add a plaid shirt, an apron, a "Gary" name tag, and find some way to make your left arm look like a stump. Tada!
- How to Act: Gary's a little insidious, honestly. He seems nice, but you can tell there's evil brewing inside him. Try to manifest this fake-nice creepiness.
The Brain-Headed Clown
- What to Wear: Lo and behold, another look where the mask is very important. You might be able to make it yourself, if you can find a basic clown-faced mask. Just add a brain and ruffle collar and you're good to go! The rest the outfit looks like a lot of navy. A long-sleeved shirt or sweater, a vest, pants, fingerless gloves. You get the picture.
- How to Act: This is the other half of that awful clown sex scene in the grocery store, so maybe that should be your jumping off point. I don't know . . . couples costume?
Meadow Wilton
- What to Wear: A blond wig, a big, floppy brim hat, a chunky plaid-print poncho, and huge sunglasses. Bingo.
- How to Act: Leslie's kind of manic. She's also a huge Nicole Kidman [11] fan, with an extra dash of crazy. Make a lot of insensitive comments about lesbians and Beyoncé.