Disney's drop of the Hamilton [1] live-recording was an iconic and welcome moment in the surreal landscape of 2020. Besides catchy music [2] and an engrossing storyline [3], the musical also gave us a visual feast of luxurious costumes. Truly, we can't deny the over-the-top beauty that is King George's intricate Cruella de Vil meets the 18th-century garb. While most of us don't casually have period dresses lying around, it's still possible to pull together a Hamilton-inspired cosplay look just in time for Halloween [4]. Scroll ahead for Hamilton costume ideas [5] and character pointers that will leave you, in the words of Angelica Schuyler, satisfied.
Alexander Hamilton
- What to wear: A ruffled white turtleneck, green blazer, green pants, tall white socks, and pair of black loafers.
- How to act: Insist to everyone that you're not throwing away your shot and write like you're running out of time [6].
Aaron Burr
- What to wear: A deep plum coat, white ruffled shirt with fluted sleeves, white pants, and black boots.
- How to act: Witty and a little slick. Tell people to "talk less [7], smile more" and question Hamilton's credentials.
Eliza Schuyler
- What to wear: A blue dress with a white lace collar. Pull your hair back and add blue drop earrings.
- How to act: Be helpless to Hamilton's wiles. Also, prepare to burn his letters and tell his story [8] when the time comes.
Angelica Schuyler
- What to wear: An orange-brown dress with a white lace collar. Pull your hair back and add drop earrings.
- How to act: Very protective of your sisters [9]. Adamantly pretend that you don't have feelings for Hamilton because you're the oldest and have to marry rich. Bonus: alternate between speedy raps and beautiful vocal runs like Renée Elise Goldsberry.
Peggy Schuyler
- What to wear: A yellow dress and a white shirt with fluted sleeves. Pull your hair back and add drop earrings.
- How to act: Occasionally interrupt with "and Peggy" so that your sisters will give you the attention that you deserve!
George Washington
- What to wear: A white bell sleeve shirt, black vest, black pants, and black boots.
- How to act: Washington is a leader who's all about being dignified and respectful. But that doesn't mean he's above bossing Hamilton around and keeping him in check.
Marquis de Lafayette
- What to wear: A blue marching band blazer, white ruffle shirt, white pants, and tall black boots.
- How to act: Like a true friend to Hamilton. Toast to freedom and speak with a French accent.
Hercules Mulligan
- What to wear: A signature beanie, navy coat, cream vest, white ruffled shirt, white khakis, and black boots.
- How to act: Be super hyped-up as you help the Americans win the Revolution, but also stay somewhat discreet as you spy on the British.
King George III
- What to wear: A crown, red coat, red pants, long white socks, and black loafers. Drape an animal print cape over it all and carry around a scepter.
- How to act: Super extra and ever-so-slightly passive-aggressive when you're mocking the Americans. In the spirit of Jonathan Groff [10], nurse a hint of spittle as you sing and finesse a walk that Beyoncé would envy [11].
Maria Reynolds
- What to wear: A red dress with a bright lipstick to complement it.
- How to act: A little seductive.
Thomas Jefferson
- What to wear: A long plum coat, plum vest, white ruffle shirt with fluted sleeves, white pants, long white socks, and black loafers. Carry around a cane.
- How to act: Ask everyone what you missed while you were chilling in France. Be low-key obnoxious about how Hamilton's never going to be president after the Reynolds Pamphlet came out.
James Madison
- What to wear: A gray blazer, gray pants, long white socks, and black loafers.
- How to act: Somewhat quiet and reserved. Carry around a handkerchief because Madison was prone to various ailments.