Chola Costume
Rock the classic 90s West Coast Chicana aesthetic with sharp style.
The Chola aesthetic is a distinct and iconic subculture style originating from Mexican-American neighborhoods in Southern California. People choose this look for its bold, nostalgic 90s streetwear vibe and instantly recognizable styling. The classic outfit features an oversized flannel shirt, a white tank top, baggy pants, and signature bold makeup.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Chola
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Chola costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Chola costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Oversized plaid flannel shirt
A blue, red, or black buffalo plaid button-down shirt, worn oversized.
DIY: Borrow an oversized flannel from a friend or find one at a local thrift store.
White tank top
A simple white ribbed tank top or cropped tank top.
DIY: Use any basic white tank top or t-shirt from your closet.
Baggy khaki pants
Loose-fitting khaki work pants or high-waisted dark denim jeans.
DIY: Use any pair of baggy khakis, Dickies-style pants, or high-waisted jeans.
Paisley bandana
A classic cotton bandana in blue, red, or black.
Gold hoop earrings
Oversized, thin gold-tone hoop earrings.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Chola costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white ribbed tank top or crop top as your base layer.
- 2
Put on the baggy khaki pants or high-waisted jeans, securing them with a simple belt if needed.
- 3
Layer the oversized plaid flannel shirt over the tank top, buttoning only the very top button at the collar and leaving the rest open.
- 4
Fold the bandana lengthwise into a narrow band and tie it snugly around your forehead, or wrap it over your hair.
- 5
Put on the oversized gold hoop earrings and optional gold nameplate or chain necklaces.
- 6
Finish the look by styling your hair and applying the signature sharp makeup.
Makeup & hair
Style hair in a sleek, high ponytail or half-up look with gelled baby hairs. For makeup, draw thin, highly arched eyebrows, apply winged black liquid eyeliner, and line your lips with a dark brown or plum lip liner, blending it slightly with a lighter gloss in the center.
Chola for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a Cholo costume featuring a matching oversized flannel, khaki shorts, high white socks, and a web belt.
- group
- Gather a group wearing coordinating flannel colors (all blue, all red, or all black) for a cohesive 90s West Coast group look.
- Plus size
- Opt for an extra-oversized flannel worn open over a comfortable black or white tee with relaxed-fit utility pants.
Tips
- Keep the flannel buttoned only at the very top collar button to capture the authentic styling.
- If you don't want to thin out your real eyebrows, use concealer to block them out before drawing on thin arches.
- Comfortable canvas sneakers like classic low-tops pair perfectly with this outfit for walking around.
Chola costume FAQ
- What clothes do you need for a Chola costume?
- You need an oversized plaid flannel shirt, a white tank top, baggy khaki pants or jeans, a bandana, and large gold hoop earrings.
- How do you style the flannel shirt?
- Wear it oversized and button only the very top button at the neck, leaving the rest of the shirt open to show your undershirt.
- How do you do Chola makeup?
- Focus on highly defined, thin arched eyebrows, winged black liquid eyeliner, and dark brown or plum lip liner paired with a lighter lipstick or clear gloss.
Did you know? The Chola aesthetic evolved from the Chicana Pachuca culture of the 1940s, adapting over decades into the iconic 1980s and 90s Southern California street style.