Edgar Allan Poe Costume
Embrace the macabre with a classic Victorian gothic literary look.
Dressing as Edgar Allan Poe is a sophisticated choice for literature lovers and fans of gothic horror. This costume captures the somber, intellectual aesthetic of the famous 19th-century writer, poet, and literary critic. The look is defined by a dark Victorian-era suit, a disheveled cravat, and his signature mustache, often paired with a prop raven.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Edgar Allan Poe
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What you need for a Edgar Allan Poe costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Edgar Allan Poe costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Black Victorian Frock Coat
A long, dark double-breasted coat or blazer that falls mid-thigh to mimic 19th-century fashion.
DIY: Use a long black trench coat or a dark, oversized suit jacket.
Dark Vest
A black, charcoal, or subtle brocade button-up vest worn under the coat.
DIY: Use any dark-colored button-up vest or waistcoat.
White Wing-Collar Dress Shirt
A white button-down shirt with a stiff collar to anchor the neckwear.
DIY: Use a standard white button-down shirt with the collar turned up slightly.
Black Cravat or Ascot
A wide black satin tie or fabric scarf tied loosely around the neck.
DIY: Tie a strip of black satin fabric or a wide black ribbon into a loose knot.
Black Dress Pants
Simple, straight-leg black trousers to complete the formal Victorian suit.
DIY: Any pair of black slacks or dark chinos will work.
Fake Mustache
A thick, dark, slightly drooping mustache to match Poe's iconic facial hair.
DIY: Draw a mustache on with a black eyeliner pencil or dark face paint.
Prop Raven
A small, realistic black feathered raven or crow to carry or perch on your shoulder.
DIY: Cut a raven silhouette out of black cardstock and attach it to your shoulder with safety pins.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Edgar Allan Poe costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white wing-collar dress shirt and button it to the top.
- 2
Tie the black cravat or ascot loosely around the collar, tucking the ends into the vest.
- 3
Put on the black dress pants and button the dark vest over the shirt.
- 4
Layer the long black Victorian frock coat over the vest.
- 5
Apply the fake mustache just above your upper lip, or draw one on using dark makeup.
- 6
Style your hair with a deep side part, brushing it slightly forward and messy.
- 7
Secure the prop raven to your shoulder using safety pins or wire, or carry it in your hand.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair with a messy, windswept look and a deep side part. Use a touch of pale face powder to give yourself a somber, brooding complexion, and add light gray or brown eyeshadow under your eyes to create a tired, poetic look.
Edgar Allan Poe for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as 'The Raven' in a black feathered dress and mask, or Annabel Lee in a ghostly Victorian gown.
- group
- Form a gothic literary group with Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and HP Lovecraft.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a small black suit jacket, a drawn-on mustache, and a plush raven toy.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting black trench coat or open duster jacket over a dark vest provides a comfortable, period-accurate silhouette.
- pet
- Dress a pet in a small black felt cape or a tiny white collar with a black bow.
Tips
- Keep a copy of 'The Raven' or a vintage-looking book of poems in your hand as an extra prop.
- Ensure the fake mustache is secured with spirit gum if you plan on eating or drinking at a party.
- Wear comfortable black dress shoes or boots, as the rest of the outfit is formal.
- For photos, hold a brooding, unsmiling expression and look slightly away from the camera.
Edgar Allan Poe costume FAQ
- What kind of coat did Edgar Allan Poe wear?
- Poe typically wore a mid-19th-century Victorian frock coat, which is double-breasted, fitted at the waist, and extends down to the thighs.
- How do I make a female Edgar Allan Poe costume?
- You can wear a Victorian-style black gothic dress, a black corset over a white ruffled blouse, or style a feminine version of his classic suit with a fitted blazer and trousers.
- What props should I carry for an Edgar Allan Poe costume?
- The most iconic props are a fake black feathered raven, a quill pen, a rolled parchment scroll, or a vintage book of poetry.
Did you know? Despite his dark reputation, Edgar Allan Poe was a fan of cryptography and regularly challenged readers of his magazine columns to send him ciphers, which he would then solve.