E.T. and Elliott Costume
Bring the magic of Spielberg's classic 1982 film to life.
The E.T. and Elliott costume is a nostalgic favorite that instantly recalls the iconic bicycle flight from the 1982 sci-fi classic. Perfect for movie buffs and retro fans, this look is instantly recognizable and easy to put together. It features Elliott's signature red zip-up hoodie paired with a white bicycle basket carrying a blanket-wrapped E.T.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as E.T. and Elliott
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.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a E.T. and Elliott costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete E.T. and Elliott costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red Zip-Up Hoodie
A classic, solid red hooded sweatshirt with a front zipper, worn open or partially zipped.
DIY: Use any plain red hoodie you already own.
Blue Jeans
Standard straight-leg or relaxed-fit blue denim jeans to match Elliott's 1980s casual look.
DIY: Any worn-in blue denim jeans will work.
White Bicycle Basket
A rectangular white plastic or wire bicycle basket to hold your E.T. prop.
DIY: Paint an old storage basket or cardboard box white.
E.T. Plush or Prop
A toy, plush, or inflatable E.T. figure to place inside the basket.
DIY: Print a high-resolution face of E.T. and attach it to a stuffed animal or pillow.
White Receiving Blanket
A simple white swaddling blanket or towel to wrap around the E.T. prop, leaving only the face exposed.
DIY: Use a plain white bath towel or pillowcase.
Black Handlebars or Neck Strap
A set of toy handlebars attached to the basket, or a black strap to hang the basket around your neck.
DIY: Rig a black webbing strap or belt through the back of the basket to wear it hands-free.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made E.T. and Elliott costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the blue jeans and a simple t-shirt.
- 2
Layer the red zip-up hoodie over the shirt, leaving it unzipped or halfway zipped.
- 3
Place your E.T. plush or prop inside the white bicycle basket.
- 4
Wrap the white blanket securely around E.T., ensuring only his face peaks out from the top.
- 5
Attach the neck strap to the basket and hang it over your shoulders so the basket sits at chest height.
- 6
Hold onto the sides of the basket or attached handlebars to complete the riding pose.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair natural, messy, and styled in a classic 1980s youth shaggy cut. No makeup is required for this clean-cut character look.
E.T. and Elliott for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as Elliott with the basket, and the other wears a full-body E.T. inflatable suit or a tan robe with E.T. headpiece.
- group
- Add friends dressed as Gertie (with pigtails and a flower pot) and Michael (in a flannel shirt).
- kids
- An adorable option using a red toddler hoodie and a small plastic basket attached to a real tricycle or scooter.
- Plus size
- The loose-fitting red hoodie and relaxed-fit jeans offer a comfortable, true-to-size fit for all body types.
- pet
- Dress a small dog as E.T. by wrapping them in a white blanket and placing them in a wagon.
Tips
- Use a lightweight plush or inflatable E.T. to keep the basket comfortable to carry all night.
- Secure the basket strap under your hoodie's hood to distribute the weight across your shoulders.
- For photos, pose with your knees slightly bent to mimic the motion of pedaling a bicycle.
- If you are attending an outdoor event, the hoodie provides excellent built-in warmth.
E.T. and Elliott costume FAQ
- How do I carry the basket hands-free?
- Loop a black luggage strap or guitar strap through the back grid of the basket and wear it around your neck or shoulders.
- What kind of shoes should Elliott wear?
- Classic 1980s-style sneakers, such as white low-tops or simple canvas tennis shoes.
- Can I make this a group costume?
- Yes, you can add Elliott's brother Michael, sister Gertie, or even government agents in hazmat suits.
Did you know? In the iconic flying scene, the silhouette of Elliott and E.T. crossing the moon became the official logo for Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment.