10 Things I Hate About You Costume
Bring the ultimate late-90s feminist attitude to your next Halloween party.
As the rebellious, bookish protagonist of the 1999 classic 10 Things I Hate About You, Kat Stratford is a favorite choice for anyone wanting a comfortable, nostalgic 90s costume. Her signature look is defined by effortless grunge-lite style, featuring low-key utilitarian pieces and a classic piece of literature in hand. This guide focuses on her most recognizable casual outfit—the black tank top and khaki cargo pants combo—while offering options for her iconic prom dress.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as 10 Things I Hate About You
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a 10 Things I Hate About You costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete 10 Things I Hate About You costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Black tank top
A simple, fitted black ribbed tank top or sleeveless square-neck bodysuit.
Khaki cargo pants
Loose-fitting, low-waisted khaki or sage green cargo pants with utility pockets.
DIY: Use any pair of green or beige utility trousers from your closet.
Black platform slide sandals
Classic late-90s style black platform sandals or simple flip-flops.
DIY: Any simple black sandals or canvas sneakers will work.
Paperback book
A classic feminist or literary paperback book, such as Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar' or Shakespeare's 'The Sonnets'.
DIY: Print out a fake cover of a classic book and wrap it around any paperback you own.
Beaded choker necklace
A simple, delicate black or dark beaded choker necklace to complete the 90s aesthetic.
DIY: String dark beads onto a piece of black thread or elastic.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made 10 Things I Hate About You costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the fitted black ribbed tank top or square-neck bodysuit.
- 2
Slip into the loose-fitting khaki or sage green cargo pants, securing them low on the hips.
- 3
Slide on the black platform sandals or simple flip-flops.
- 4
Fasten the beaded choker necklace around your neck.
- 5
Style your hair into Kat's signature messy, half-up claw clip look.
- 6
Carry your paperback book in one hand, ready to look unimpressed by the crowd.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural with a matte complexion, a swipe of nude or brown-toned lipstick, and natural brows. For hair, pull the top half back into a messy bun secured with a claw clip, leaving two face-framing strands loose in the front.
10 Things I Hate About You for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Patrick Verona wearing a gray t-shirt, a brown leather jacket, dark jeans, and messy curly hair.
- group
- Add sister Bianca Stratford in her iconic pink two-piece tulle prom dress, and best friend Mandella in a Shakespearean-inspired maxi dress.
- Plus size
- Opt for high-waisted utility cargo pants paired with a supportive black square-neck bodysuit for a comfortable, flattering fit.
Tips
- Keep a resting unimpressed face ready for photos to stay perfectly in character.
- This costume is extremely comfortable and weather-friendly, making it ideal for outdoor parties or long nights.
- Carry a real book you actually want to read so you have built-in entertainment if the party gets slow.
- Thrift stores are goldmines for authentic 90s cargo pants and vintage paperbacks.
10 Things I Hate About You costume FAQ
- What book does Kat Stratford read in the movie?
- Kat is famously seen reading 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath, as well as works by Betty Friedan. Carrying one of these paperbacks makes the costume instantly recognizable.
- How do I do Kat Stratford's hair?
- Slick back the front sections of your hair and gather the rest into a messy half-up style secured with a claw clip, leaving two thin, straight strands framing your face.
- Can I do Kat Stratford's prom look instead?
- Yes! For her prom look, wear a dark regency blue or purple satin slip dress, a matching sheer shawl, a pearl necklace, and style your hair in a crown of tight curls.
Did you know? The film is a modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare's late 16th-century comedy 'The Taming of the Shrew', with Kat representing the 'shrew' Katherine.