Come On Eileen Costume
Channel 1982 Celtic soul style with classic denim overalls and neckerchiefs.
Step back into 1982 with a costume inspired by Dexys Midnight Runners' smash hit 'Come On Eileen'. This look captures the band's signature 'raggle-taggle' aesthetic from the iconic music video, making it a highly recognizable and comfortable choice. It is a budget-friendly DIY option that relies on classic vintage pieces you can easily wear again.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–70
Try it on
See yourself as Come On Eileen
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What you need for a Come On Eileen costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Come On Eileen costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Blue denim overalls
Classic blue denim dungarees with a slightly loose, worn-in fit.
DIY: Use an old pair of denim overalls and lightly sand the knees for a distressed look.
White ribbed tank top
A simple white sleeveless undershirt or a grey sleeveless tee.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old white t-shirt.
Red neckerchief
A classic red cotton bandana tied loosely around the neck.
DIY: Cut a square of red fabric and tie it around your neck.
Slouchy knit beanie
A dark grey, brown, or black knit cap worn loosely on the head.
DIY: Use any dark winter beanie pulled back slightly on your head.
Fingerless gloves
Grey or brown woolen fingerless knit gloves.
DIY: Cut the finger tips off an old pair of knit gloves.
Brown work boots
Distressed brown leather or canvas lace-up boots.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Come On Eileen costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white ribbed tank top as your base layer.
- 2
Step into the blue denim overalls, fastening both shoulder straps or leaving one strap casually undone.
- 3
Fold the red bandana diagonally, roll it up, and tie it loosely around your neck with the knot facing forward.
- 4
Pull the slouchy knit beanie over your head, leaving some hair visible at the front.
- 5
Slip on the fingerless woolen gloves.
- 6
Lace up your brown work boots, optionally rolling up the cuffs of the overalls slightly to show them off.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural for a rugged, outdoorsy look. Style your hair with messy, natural curls or waves peeking out from under the beanie.
Come On Eileen for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses in the Dexys overalls look, and the other wears a vintage 1980s green sleeveless top and matching dungarees to replicate Eileen's style from the video.
- group
- Gather friends to dress as the entire Dexys Midnight Runners band, complete with acoustic guitars, fiddles, and matching denim-and-neckerchief outfits.
- kids
- A mini version using toddler-sized denim overalls, a striped tee, and a tiny red bandana.
- Plus size
- Opt for relaxed-fit or loose-cut denim overalls for maximum comfort and mobility.
Tips
- Roll up the cuffs of the overalls to give them a more rustic, cropped look.
- Visit a local thrift store to find authentic, pre-worn denim and vintage bandanas for a lived-in aesthetic.
- Carry a toy fiddle or acoustic guitar to make the music video connection unmistakable.
Come On Eileen costume FAQ
- What is the style of the Come On Eileen music video?
- The style is often described as 'raggle-taggle' or Celtic soul, featuring worn denim overalls, sleeveless shirts, neckerchiefs, and knit beanies.
- How do I make a DIY Come On Eileen costume?
- You only need a pair of blue denim dungarees, a white tank top, a red neckerchief, and a dark knit beanie to easily assemble this look from your closet or a thrift shop.
- What does Eileen wear in the music video?
- Eileen (played by Máire Fahey) wears a sleeveless green top, matching dungarees, and her hair in natural, messy curls.
Did you know? The iconic 'shabby chic' look of the music video was intentionally styled by frontman Kevin Rowland to project a rustic, anti-fashion folk image.