Cabaret Costume
Bring vintage stage glamour and theatrical flair to life with bold sequins.
The Cabaret dancer is a classic theatrical archetype defined by vintage stage glamour, high-energy performance, and underground nightlife style. Inspired by early 20th-century European venues and Broadway's iconic musical, this look is a popular choice for those who love vintage fashion and dramatic flair. The ensemble centers on a sleek, embellished bodysuit or flapper-style dress paired with show-stopping accessories like feathers and fishnets.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Cabaret
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Cabaret costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cabaret costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black sequined leotard or fringe dress
A form-fitting black bodysuit, leotard, or a short 1920s-style fringe dress that catches the light.
DIY: Take a plain black leotard and fabric-glue rows of black fringe or sequins along the neckline and hips.
Feathered headband
A black elastic or sequined headband featuring a tall, upright black ostrich or peacock feather.
DIY: Hot-glue a large black craft feather to a thick black elastic headband.
Black fishnet tights
Classic wide-mesh or micro-mesh black fishnet stockings.
Satin elbow-length gloves
Opera-length black satin gloves that stretch past the elbows.
Feather boa
A thick, fluffy feather boa in black, red, or deep purple.
Character shoes or T-strap heels
Black vintage-style T-strap heels with a sturdy, medium-height stage heel.
DIY: Use any pair of comfortable black Mary Janes or closed-toe heels.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cabaret costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black fishnet tights first to ensure a smooth fit under your main garment.
- 2
Step into the black sequined leotard, bodysuit, or fringe dress and adjust the fit.
- 3
Pull on the black satin opera-length gloves, smoothing them up past your elbows.
- 4
Secure the feathered headband flat against your forehead, positioning the feather slightly off-center.
- 5
Drape the feather boa loosely over your shoulders or crook it in your elbows.
- 6
Put on the black T-strap character shoes and practice walking to ensure stability.
- 7
Finish the look by styling your hair and applying bold stage makeup.
Makeup & hair
Apply dramatic stage makeup featuring dark smokey eyeshadow, heavy black eyeliner, and a bold crimson red lipstick. Style your hair in a sleek 1920s finger wave bob, or pin it back into a tight, polished low bun to mimic a vintage hairstyle.
Cabaret for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a Cabaret Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) wearing a vintage tuxedo, red bow tie, and a black top hat.
- group
- Form a vintage dance troupe with members wearing matching sequined leotards in coordinating colors like red, gold, and black.
- kids
- A simplified version featuring a black glittery tutu, black tights, and a small feather hair clip.
- Plus size
- Opt for a high-waisted black sequin romper or a structured fringe flapper dress that offers comfortable support and movement.
- pet
- A small black collar ruffle made of tulle and a tiny elastic-banded top hat.
Tips
- Feather boas shed easily; shake your boa vigorously outdoors before wearing it to remove loose feathers.
- Choose character shoes with a wide, chunky heel if you plan on standing or dancing for long periods.
- Wear a nude or black seamless bra underneath the leotard for clean lines and extra support.
- Keep a lint roller handy to clean up any stray feathers or sequins throughout the night.
Cabaret costume FAQ
- What is the difference between a Cabaret and a Flapper costume?
- While both share 1920s influences, a Cabaret costume is more performance-oriented, often featuring bodysuits, leotards, top hats, and dramatic stage accessories like boas, whereas a flapper costume typically centers on a drop-waist fringe dress.
- How do I keep the feathered headband from slipping?
- Secure the headband in place by inserting bobby pins in an 'X' shape behind your ears, clipping the band directly to your hair.
- Can I wear this costume in cold weather?
- Yes, you can layer a black velvet trench coat or a faux-fur shawl over the outfit, and swap the fishnets for thick black tights.
Did you know? The iconic look of the Cabaret dancer was heavily popularized by Bob Fosse's 1972 film adaptation of 'Cabaret', starring Liza Minnelli, which won eight Academy Awards.