What is the difference between Roxie and Velma's costumes?

Roxie Hart typically wears silver, white, or gold sequins with a platinum blonde bob, representing her desire for pure stardom. Velma Kelly wears dark, edgy black sequins, lace, and a sharp jet-black bob, reflecting her cynical vaudeville persona.

What kind of shoes should I wear for a Chicago costume?

T-strap character shoes or Mary Jane heels are the most authentic choices, as they match the 1920s era and are designed for stage dancing.

How do I make a DIY Cell Block Tango costume?

Wear a black bodysuit, black fishnets, and a sheer black lace cover-up or skirt. Keep the look dark, sleek, and dramatic.

AI-generated example

Chicago Costume

Razzle dazzle them in iconic 1920s jazz age style.

Step into the spotlight as one of the infamous murderesses from the hit Broadway musical and film, Chicago. Perfect for theater lovers and fans of vintage glamour, this look captures the gritty, dazzling aesthetic of the 1920s jazz age. The costume centers on a shimmering, sequined flapper-style dress paired with classic stage accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $35–100

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Chicago costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Chicago costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Chicago costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Chicago at Spirit ↗

Sequined mini dress
A sleeveless, low-cut dress covered in silver sequins (for Roxie) or black sequins (for Velma) with a dropped waist or fringe trim.
DIY: Take a basic black or silver tank dress and fabric-glue rows of metallic fringe along the hem.
Amazon
Finger-wave wig
A short, glossy bob wig styled in deep 1920s finger waves, in platinum blonde for Roxie or jet black for Velma.
DIY: Use heavy-hold hair gel and duckbill clips on your natural hair to set wet finger waves, then let dry.
Amazon
Rhinestone fishnet stockings
Black or nude fishnet tights embellished with small, sparkling rhinestones that catch the light.
DIY: Wear standard black fishnets and use gem glue to manually attach flat-back rhinestones down the front.
Amazon
Sheer fingerless gloves
Elbow-length or wrist-length sheer mesh fingerless gloves in matching white, silver, or black.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a pair of sheer mesh or lace gloves and hem the raw edges.
Amazon
T-strap character shoes
Classic black or silver leather dance heels with a supportive T-strap buckle.
DIY: Use any comfortable black Mary Jane heels or pumps you already own.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Chicago costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the rhinestone fishnet stockings and step into your sequined mini dress.
2
Secure your natural hair under a wig cap, then put on the finger-wave bob wig, adjusting it to sit flat.
3
Slide on the sheer fingerless gloves, pulling them up smoothly.
4
Apply dramatic 1920s-inspired stage makeup, focusing on dark eyes and bold lips.
5
Buckle your T-strap character shoes securely.
6
Grab an optional prop, like a toy silver revolver or a red feather boa, to complete the vaudeville look.

Makeup & hair

Apply a dramatic 1920s stage makeup look with thin, downward-sloping eyebrows, smoky grey eyeshadow, and deep red lipstick. Style your hair into a tight, glossy finger-wave bob, or use a pre-styled platinum blonde or jet-black wig.

Chicago for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair Roxie Hart in her silver dress with Velma Kelly in her black dress, or pair Roxie with Billy Flynn in a sharp pinstripe suit.
group: Gather a group to portray the Cell Block Tango murderesses, each wearing black lace, mesh, or sequined leotards and holding signs with their respective 'excuses'.
kids: Dress kids in a fun, age-appropriate fringed flapper dress with a matching sequined headband.
Plus size: Look for a stretch-sequin shift dress or a drop-waist flapper dress with vertical fringe to ensure a comfortable, flexible fit for dancing.
pet: Put a black-and-white striped 'jailbird' shirt on your pet to represent a Cook County Jail inmate.

Tips

Choose character shoes with a low, thick heel so you can comfortably walk, stand, or dance all night.
Layer a nude slip or bodysuit underneath sheer or heavily sequined dresses to prevent itching and ensure full coverage.
Bring a lightweight wrap or jacket if you are wearing this outdoors, as the sleeveless dress offers very little warmth.

Chicago costume FAQ

What is the difference between Roxie and Velma's costumes?: Roxie Hart typically wears silver, white, or gold sequins with a platinum blonde bob, representing her desire for pure stardom. Velma Kelly wears dark, edgy black sequins, lace, and a sharp jet-black bob, reflecting her cynical vaudeville persona.
What kind of shoes should I wear for a Chicago costume?: T-strap character shoes or Mary Jane heels are the most authentic choices, as they match the 1920s era and are designed for stage dancing.
How do I make a DIY Cell Block Tango costume?: Wear a black bodysuit, black fishnets, and a sheer black lace cover-up or skirt. Keep the look dark, sleek, and dramatic.

Did you know? The iconic 2002 film adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, thanks to Colleen Atwood's dazzling, historically-inspired creations.