Elphaba Costume
Defy gravity with the ultimate green witch look.
Elphaba from Wicked is one of the most powerful and beloved characters in musical theater and cinema [1.1.8]. Known for her striking green skin, textured black dress, and pointed hat, she is a popular choice for cosplayers and Halloween. This guide helps you recreate her iconic 'Defying Gravity' witch look with precision.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~60 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Elphaba
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What you need for a Elphaba costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Elphaba costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Textured black long-sleeve dress
A high-neck, floor-length black dress with a pleated, ruffled, or patchwork texture to mimic her organic, earth-inspired gown [1.1.5].
DIY: Use a plain black maxi dress and layer black ruffled fabric or lace over the bodice and skirt.
Pointed black witch hat
A tall, structured black witch hat, ideally with a slightly crumpled, twisted, or asymmetrical brim and crown.
DIY: Cover a standard cheap witch hat with black fabric and twist the cone, securing it with hot glue.
Green face and body paint
A high-quality, water-activated or cream-based green makeup in a medium forest green shade.
Black lace-up boots
Classic, Victorian-style black lace-up boots or sturdy black ankle boots with a low heel.
DIY: Wear any comfortable black boots or closed-toe black shoes.
Wooden broomstick
A rustic, natural-looking wooden broomstick with a textured twig brush at the end.
DIY: Bind a bundle of thin twigs around the end of a sturdy fallen tree branch using twine.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Elphaba costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Apply a barrier spray to your face, neck, and hands to help the green makeup last longer.
- 2
Use a makeup sponge to evenly apply the green face and body paint to all exposed skin, including your ears and neck.
- 3
Set the green makeup with a translucent setting powder to prevent smudging and transferring.
- 4
Put on the textured black long-sleeve dress and step into your black lace-up boots.
- 5
Style your hair in a low, neat braid or let it flow straight down under the hat.
- 6
Place the pointed black witch hat securely on your head, using bobby pins if necessary.
- 7
Grab your wooden broomstick to complete the iconic Defying Gravity pose.
Makeup & hair
Apply a base of forest green face paint, contouring with a darker green eyeshadow around the cheekbones and temples. Keep your hair in a simple, sleek low braid or straight and tucked behind your ears so it fits comfortably under the pointed hat.
Elphaba for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Glinda in her sparkling pink gown and tiara for the ultimate 'Popular' duo.
- group
- Add Fiyero in his royal guard uniform and Nessarose in her silver shoes to complete the Oz crew.
- kids
- A simpler black dress, a small pointed hat, and a touch of green face paint make a comfortable kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- A black A-line maxi dress with a stretchy bodice offers a comfortable, flattering fit with plenty of movement.
- pet
- Dress a cooperative pet as a flying monkey with small felt wings and a tiny blue vest.
More ways people search for this costume
The most-searched variations of “Elphaba costume”, and how this look adapts to each.
Elphaba costume diy
- Skip the store: Use a plain black maxi dress and layer black ruffled fabric or lace over the bodice and skirt. Cover a standard cheap witch hat with black fabric and twist the cone, securing it with hot glue. Wear any comfortable black boots or closed-toe black shoes.
Tips
- Use a setting spray over your green makeup to keep it from rubbing off on your dress or other people.
- Wear black gloves if you want to skip painting your hands, which can easily smudge throughout the night.
- Choose comfortable boots, as Elphaba's long dress will cover most of your feet anyway [1.1.8].
- Carry a small touch-up kit with green paint and a sponge for any spots that wear off around your mouth or nose.
Elphaba costume FAQ
- What makeup is best for Elphaba's green skin?
- Water-activated cake makeup is highly recommended because it goes on smoothly, dries matte, and is less likely to smudge than grease-based paints.
- How do I keep the green makeup from staining my clothes?
- Apply a high-quality setting powder over the paint, followed by a heavy-duty makeup setting spray. Alternatively, wear a high-necked dress and black gloves to minimize exposed skin.
- Can I make Elphaba's dress at home?
- Yes! You can start with a basic black maxi dress and hot-glue or sew layers of black tulle, textured lace, or pleated fabric scraps onto the skirt to recreate her organic, layered look.
Did you know? Elphaba's name was created by Wicked author Gregory Maguire by taking the initials of the original Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum (L. F. B. = El-pha-ba).