American Horror Story is full of Halloween inspiration [1], and though it's all about Roanoke [2] now, Freak Show has so many great costume ideas. Who wouldn't love to run into Bette and Dot Tattler at a costume party? If you haven't already settled on another pop culture costume [3], take a look to get some inspiration from Elsa Mars, Desiree Dupree, and, of course, Twisty the murderous clown.
Dell Toledo
- What to wear: Whether you're going for casual Dell or Strongman Dell, suspenders are the key. If you're going with his performance look, you'll need blue slacks, a red shirt, a silly tie, and a ridiculous fake mustache.
- How to act: You're supposed to be superstrong, so start picking up heavy things — like couches that people are sitting on.
Jimmy Darling
- What to wear: Gray pants, a white button-up with an undershirt, and a newspaper boy cap. The toughest part is going to be finding some lobster-hand prosthetics.
- How to act: Like you've got a chip on your shoulder because your jerk dad is back in town and cramping your style.
Gloria Mott
- What to wear: An extravagant, monochromatic, '50s-style dress. You'll need a matching hat, plus white gloves and a brooch.
- How to act: Ask people if they've seen your son. Sip only hot tea and be snooty.
Ethel Darling
- What to wear: A very plain blue dress, short hair, and most importantly, a fake beard.
- How to act: Like you're a lady with a beard and you just don't even care anymore.
Ma Petite
- What to wear: A bright pink saree, gold jewelry, braided hair, and, assuming you're over two feet tall, a tag that says "World's Smallest Woman" — just to clarify.
- How to act: Is there a way to act small? If there is, do that.
Bette and Dot Tattler
- What to wear: If you can find a second head, or make one out of papier-maché à la Michael Scott [5], you've got this one nailed. Go with a simple headband for both of you and a pretty dress.
- How to act: It really depends on whether you want to be Bette or Dot. If you're Bette, you're a little in the clouds, and if you're Dot, you're no-nonsense.
Elsa Mars
- What to wear: Elsa has showcased a variety of looks on the show already, but this sky blue number is both unique and recognizable. Go with over-the-top blue eyeshadow and red lipstick, plus curly hair.
- How to act: You better start practicing your German accent now if you want this to be believable. Don't forget: you run the show.
Desiree Dupree
- What to wear: It is possible to make your own three-breasted costume [6], and once you have the most important part taken care of, you just need a sophisticated dress and a stole to hide your assets when you want.
- How to act: You're one of the biggest stars of the freak show, so make sure everyone knows how lucky they are to be in your presence.
Dandy Mott
- What to wear: Go full-on prepster with white ironed slacks, a sweater over a collared shirt, a brown belt, and slick hair parted in the middle.
- How to act: Like a spoiled, slightly crazy mama's boy.
Stanley
- What to wear: A light fedora and a mismatched three-piece suit, complete with a tie.
- How to act: We haven't met Stanley yet, but we do know he's a con man, so be charismatic and conniving.
Maggie Esmerelda
- What to wear: A green hat with a matching sweater belted at the waist, a retro bag, and a modest skirt. Curl your hair and toss on some red lips.
- How to act: Maggie hasn't been introduced yet, but she's a (fake) fortune-teller, so see if you can find a cheap crystal ball and some partygoers to dupe.
Edward Mordrake
- What to wear: Edward doesn't show up until the Halloween [7] episodes, but we know he wears a top hat with an old-timey black suit and tie. What you really need to convince people of who you are is a second face on the back of your head, just like the real Edward Mordrake [8].
- How to act: Mysterious and secretive. Reveal your evil second face only to those whom you trust.
Twisty the Clown
- What to wear: Get a white clown costume and dirty it up by rolling on the ground a few times. Maybe even splatter some fake blood on it for effect, and you don't need to mimic the terrifying sight under Twisty's mask [9], but you should see if you can make your own mask.
- How to act: This is one of the scariest costumes [10] you can go with this year, so play it up. Don't speak much, and just creep on people.