Josie and the Pussycats Costume
Unleash your inner rock star with iconic leopard print and cat ears.
Whether you are channeling the classic Archie Comics cartoon or the flashy 2001 cult-classic film, a Josie and the Pussycats costume is a fun, nostalgic choice. The signature look centers on bold leopard print, cat ears, and rock-and-roll attitude. It is the perfect blend of retro pop culture, music, and classic animal dress-up.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Josie and the Pussycats
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 Josie and the Pussycats costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Josie and the Pussycats costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Leopard Print Bodysuit or Top
A form-fitting leopard print bodysuit, tank top, or long-sleeve shirt in classic yellow-brown or vibrant pink/purple leopard spots.
DIY: Draw black and brown leopard spots onto a plain yellow or tan tank top using fabric markers.
Leopard Print Pants or Skirt
Matching leopard print leggings, pants, or a mini skirt to complete the continuous animal-print pattern.
DIY: Wear a pair of plain black leggings or a black denim mini skirt if matching leopard bottoms are unavailable.
Cat Ear Headband
A comfortable headband featuring plush leopard-print cat ears.
DIY: Cut ear shapes out of leopard-print felt or fabric, glue them around a plain black plastic headband, and stiffen with cardboard inserts.
Attachable Cat Tail
A matching leopard-print plush tail that clips or pins to the back of your waistband.
DIY: Stuff a long tube of leopard-print fabric with cotton batting or wire, then safety-pin it to your pants.
Toy Microphone or Guitar
A classic silver plastic vocal microphone or a colorful toy electric guitar to emphasize the band theme.
DIY: Wrap a cardboard paper towel roll in silver foil and top it with a crumpled ball of foil to make a quick prop mic.
Black Boots
Chunky black ankle boots or knee-high boots to ground the rock-star aesthetic.
DIY: Any comfortable black sneakers or flat boots you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Josie and the Pussycats costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your leopard print bodysuit, top, or matching jumpsuit.
- 2
Pull on the matching leopard print leggings, pants, or skirt.
- 3
Secure the leopard-print cat tail to the back of your waistband using the attached clip or a safety pin.
- 4
Place the leopard-ear headband securely on your head, positioning the ears slightly forward.
- 5
Lace up your chunky black boots.
- 6
Grab your toy microphone or strap on your toy guitar to complete the rock band look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a voluminous, retro flip or a high ponytail. For makeup, apply a dramatic black cat-eye eyeliner wing and draw a small black cat nose and whiskers on your face using an eyeliner pencil.
Josie and the Pussycats for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Alan M. Mayberry in a retro ringer tee and jeans, or band manager Alexander Cabot III in a sharp suit.
- group
- Gather two friends to complete the trio as Josie (red hair), Melody (blonde hair), and Valerie (tambourine and dark hair).
- kids
- Use a pink leopard-print tank top, matching pants, and a smaller cat-ear headband for a comfortable kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- Opt for high-stretch leopard print leggings paired with a matching tunic or a black skater skirt and leopard top for a flattering, comfortable fit.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a simple leopard-print pet bandana and a lightweight cat-ear headband for photos.
Tips
- If dressing up as a group, coordinate your leopard print colors (classic yellow-brown, pink, or purple) so the band looks cohesive.
- Keep your hands free at parties by choosing a toy microphone with a wrist strap or clipping it to your belt when not posing for photos.
- Wear comfortable boots, as this costume is all about high-energy rock-and-roll stage presence.
Josie and the Pussycats costume FAQ
- What does a Josie and the Pussycats costume consist of?
- The signature look consists of a leopard-print outfit (either a bodysuit, jumpsuit, or top-and-pants combo), matching leopard-print cat ears, a long leopard tail, and a musical prop like a microphone or guitar.
- How do you do Josie and the Pussycats makeup?
- Keep it fun and retro with a bold cat-eye winged eyeliner, red or pink lipstick, and optional painted-on black cat whiskers and a nose tip using liquid eyeliner.
- Can this be a group costume?
- Yes, it is one of the most popular trio costumes. You need three people to play Josie, Valerie, and Melody, each wearing matching leopard prints with their respective hair colors and instruments.
Did you know? Josie and the Pussycats first appeared in Archie Comics in 1963 before becoming a hit Hanna-Barbera Saturday morning cartoon in 1970, making them pop culture icons for over 60 years.