Hamilton Costume Ideas That Will Make You Feel Like You're in the Musical

Published on Oct 2, 2020 at 12:30 AM

Disney's drop of the Hamilton live-recording was an iconic and welcome moment in the surreal landscape of 2020. Besides catchy music and an engrossing storyline, 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. Scroll ahead for Hamilton costume ideas 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.

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, 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 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. 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, nurse a hint of spittle as you sing and finesse a walk that Beyoncé would envy.

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.