Elliot and E.T. Costume
Fly across the moon with this nostalgic 80s movie costume.
Dress up as Elliot from the 1982 sci-fi classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This instantly recognizable costume is a massive hit for movie lovers, featuring Elliot's signature red hoodie and his alien friend tucked into a bicycle basket. It is incredibly easy to assemble using everyday clothing and a few simple props.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Elliot and E.T.
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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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 Elliot and E.T. costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Elliot and E.T. costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red zip-up hoodie
A classic 1980s-style bright red hooded sweatshirt with a front zipper and drawstrings.
DIY: Use any plain red hooded sweatshirt you already own.
Blue jeans
Classic straight-leg or relaxed-fit blue denim jeans.
DIY: Use your own worn-in blue jeans.
White bicycle basket
A rectangular white plastic or wire bicycle basket to hold E.T.
DIY: Paint an old basket white or use a white plastic storage bin.
E.T. plush or toy
A stuffed toy or inflatable representing the brown, wrinkled alien.
DIY: Print a high-quality image of E.T.'s face and attach it to a brown stuffed animal.
White blanket
A plain white swaddle blanket, towel, or sheet to wrap around the alien prop.
DIY: Use a plain white bath towel or pillowcase.
Black straps
Adjustable black webbing straps or a belt to secure the basket to your chest.
DIY: Use an old backpack harness or a dark belt threaded through the basket weave.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Elliot and E.T. costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the classic blue jeans and a simple t-shirt.
- 2
Layer the red zip-up hoodie over the shirt, leaving it partially unzipped.
- 3
Wrap the E.T. plush toy securely in the white blanket, leaving only his face and large eyes exposed.
- 4
Place the wrapped E.T. snugly inside the white bicycle basket.
- 5
Thread the black straps through the back of the basket and loop them over your shoulders to wear it like a front-facing backpack.
- 6
Pull the red hood up over your head to complete Elliot's signature look.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair natural, messy, and shaggy to match Elliot's 1980s kid aesthetic. No makeup is required for this clean-faced look.
Elliot and E.T. for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as Elliot with the basket, and the other wears a full E.T. alien bodysuit or Gertie's striped shirt and pigtails.
- group
- Add Gertie in her overalls and Michael in his flannel shirt and baseball cap to complete the sibling trio.
- kids
- Perfect for kids; use a lightweight plastic basket attached directly to their actual bicycle or scooter.
- Plus size
- A standard red zip-up hoodie and comfortable straight-leg jeans offer an easy, universally flattering fit.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a brown knit E.T. hat or wrap them in a white blanket inside a wagon.
Tips
- Use a lightweight plush or inflatable E.T. to keep the basket comfortable to carry all night.
- Cross the straps over your back in an 'X' shape to distribute the weight of the basket evenly.
- For a great photo op, pose in front of a circular light source to mimic the iconic moon-flying silhouette.
Elliot and E.T. costume FAQ
- How do I carry the basket hands-free?
- Thread a sturdy belt or adjustable luggage straps through the back of the basket and loop them around your neck or shoulders like a harness.
- What kind of E.T. should I use?
- An official E.T. plush toy works best, but an inflatable E.T. or even a printed cardboard cutout wrapped in the blanket is a budget-friendly alternative.
- What shoes should Elliot wear?
- Classic 1980s-style sneakers, like simple white or gray canvas low-tops, complete the look perfectly.
Did you know? The iconic red hoodie worn by Henry Thomas as Elliot was actually his own personal clothing that he wore to the audition.