How To Make A Stranger Things Halloween Costume For Adults
If you haven't yet seen the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, first of all, whaaat? And second of all, head to Netflix right now (after reading this post I mean) for a serious binge. Stranger Things is amazing for so many reasons. It's not only suspenseful and exciting, but it's also perfectly cast with the sweetest child actors and is wonderfully nostalgic.
The latest season, which dropped in two volumes on May 27 and July 1, got a ton of Emmy noms (and sent a song from 1985 to number 1 on the charts) but the first season has a special place in our hearts. There is something that's iconic, nostalgic, and classic about it and we just cannot get enough.
Eleven Stranger Things Costume
Of all the outfits, I was most nervous about Eleven’s pink dress. I really lucked out finding this one at my local thrift store. I tucked a white collared shirt I found from the Brit + Co closet underneath.
The striped crew socks were from Uniqlo (alternate here) and visual designer Rosee brought her own sneakers and jean jacket. I tried putting a bald cap on Rosee, but instead of looking mysterious like Eleven, it just looked awkward. We decided to put a blonde wig on her and kept it looking messy and fake to perfectly encapsulate Eleven's faux hair.
Leggo my Eggo.
“No.”
Mike Wheeler Costume
I got Mike’s vintage polo shirt and jacket at a thrift store. UI Designer/Engineer Scott brought his own jeans and sneakers. To convince people of your Mike-ness, grab a PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig ($22) from Amazon.
Meet Mike Wheeler. He’s the type of person who would go to the Upside Down for his friend. Plus, he toasts the best Eggos ever.
Lucas Sinclair Costume
I dressed VP of Strategy, Baldwin, in a vintage striped polo and a maroon jacket, both of which I found at a thrift store, and in a black backpack. Baldwin brought his own jeans, boots and modeling chops. I didn’t add Lucas’s camo headband this time, but you can easily find a scrap of camo fabric at any fabric store to tie around your forehead.
Meet Lucas Sinclair. He’s a skeptical but fiercely loyal friend. He also has great tree-climbing and binocular skills.
Dustin Henderson Stranger Things Costume
Dustin’s vintage t-shirt and jacket were awesome thrift store finds. I bought Editor Trevor a B-G Fashion Men’s Curly Wig ($20) and Mesh Trucker Hat ($9) on Amazon. Trevor brought his own sneakers and shoes. We struggled a little with creating Dustin’s missing teeth, but in the end, we stuck some black construction paper over Trevor’s front teeth. The construction paper lasted for the photoshoot, but for a long Halloween night, you may want to try something else. If you find a great way to black-out front teeth, let me know!
Meet Dustin. He’s known for his expert compass reading and sweet toothless grin.
Stop fighting guys!!!
Friends don’t lie.
Barb and Nancy Costume
Oh, Barb… she may be one of the most tragic characters in Stranger Things. For the most part, it seemed like she only had Nancy looking out for her. Though flawed, Barb and Nancy’s friendship was super strong, and you can tell that they really cared for each other.
Barb Holland Costume
Amazingly, Barb’s costume was the trickiest to put together. I went to three different stores before finding these high-waisted jeans at Ross. I bought Barb’s ruffled pink button-down from a thrift store and you can grab a red RicHyun Natural Layered PixieWig ($19) and Dollger Clear Lens Non Prescription Eyewear ($12) from Amazon. Planner Micaela brought her own white sneakers and Barb-ness.
“Nance, seriously, you’re going to be so cool it’s ridiculous.”
Nancy Wheeler Costume
Nancy has a lot of variation in her wardrobe, but for this costume, I decided to go with the outfit we see her wear to school in the first episode. I found Nancy’s striped sweater, skirt and white tights at Forever 21. I got the black flats from a thrift store. Beauty Editor Misty pinned back Associate Creative Director Roxy’s bangs and gave her rosy cheeks and berry lips to complete Nancy’s sweetheart look.
“Barb? Barb?”
“Ooh, all my boys are here.”
Steve Harrington Costume
At the beginning of Stranger Things, I was put off by Steve Harrington. I was like, “Nancy, he’s a tool!” But as the show progressed, Steve grew on me more and more. For his costume, I just bought this blue crew-neck sweater from a thrift store. Our model Johnny brought his own jeans, sneakers and coiffed hair.
“You’re an idiot, Steve Harrington.” “You’re beautiful, Nancy Wheeler.”
Hey, who’s the guy taking pictures of us?
Jonathan Byers Costume
For Jonathan’s broody look, you can use the same PARTY ZONE Short Black Wig ($22) from Mike's costume. Misty added oil to the wig and trimmed parts of it to make it look greasy and emo. I also bought a t-shirt and dark sherpa jacket from a thrift store. Channel Marketing Associate Sean brought his own sneakers and jeans.
“I don’t like most people…”
“Well I was just starting to think you were okay…”
Team Steve or Team Jonathan?
Group Stranger Things Costume
Let’s get the whole gang together!
The demogorgon!!!
Eggos on Eggos on Eggos.
How will you and your gang dress up for Halloween? Tag us with you Stranger Things costumes on Instagram and check out our Pop Culture Halloween Costumes, TV Halloween Costumes, and other Group Costumes on our Halloween page!
DIY Production + Styling: Irene Lee
Makeup: Misty Spinney and Micaela Friedman
Photography: Kurt Andre
Models: Rosee Canfield, Scott Gamble, Baldwin Cunningham, Trevor Tillman, Johnny Walker, Roxy Taghavian, Sean Griffis, and Micaela Friedman
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This post has been updated.
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