Katy Perry California Gurls Costume
Bring the sweet, candy-coated pop magic of Candyfornia to life.
Step into the whimsical, candy-filled world of Katy Perry's iconic 2010 "California Gurls" music video. This vibrant, pop-art-inspired costume is a massive hit for parties, concerts, and Halloween, instantly recognized by its sweet details. The look centers around a playful cupcake-embellished top, sparkling blue hot shorts, and a bright blue wig with a heart headband.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–95
Try it on
See yourself as Katy Perry California Gurls
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 Katy Perry California Gurls costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Katy Perry California Gurls costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Cupcake Halter Top
A white halter-style top embellished with two large, colorful 3D cupcakes on the bust, complete with red cherry tops and glitter.
DIY: Glue foam or felt cupcake shapes onto a plain white halter top or bikini top, adding colorful fabric paint for frosting and sprinkles.
Blue Sequin Hot Shorts
High-waisted, sparkling royal blue sequin shorts or daisy dukes that catch the light.
DIY: Take a pair of denim shorts and cover them in blue glitter fabric paint or sew blue sequin trim along the edges.
Bright Blue Wig
A vibrant royal blue wig with straight bangs and long, soft waves reaching past the shoulders.
Red Heart Headband
A simple headband topped with a sparkling red heart or a miniature candy-themed hair clip worn on one side.
DIY: Cut a heart out of red glitter foam sheet and hot glue it to a plain black plastic headband.
White Mary Jane Heels
Patent leather white platform Mary Janes or high heels to complete the retro pin-up silhouette.
DIY: Wear plain white sneakers decorated with colorful candy-striped laces for a more comfortable alternative.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Katy Perry California Gurls costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the blue sequin hot shorts, ensuring a high-waisted, snug fit.
- 2
Secure the cupcake halter top, adjusting the straps so the cupcake details sit centered on the bust.
- 3
Prep your natural hair by pinning it flat and putting on a wig cap.
- 4
Carefully put on the bright blue wig, aligning the bangs just above your eyebrows.
- 5
Place the red heart headband on top of the wig, slightly tilted to one side.
- 6
Step into the white patent Mary Jane heels.
- 7
Add optional candy-themed accessories like a plastic lollipop prop or colorful bangles.
Makeup & hair
Style the bright blue wig with straight, blunt bangs and soft waves. For makeup, apply bright pink lipstick, a sweep of blue eyeshadow on the lids, and dramatic winged black eyeliner with long false eyelashes.
Katy Perry California Gurls for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Snoop Dogg in his colorful California Gurls suit, or a giant gingerbread man.
- group
- Have friends dress up as candy girls, cotton candy trees, or Katy's other music video looks like 'Firework' and 'Roar'.
- kids
- A kid-friendly version features a colorful cupcake graphic t-shirt, blue sequin skirt, and a blue clip-in hair streak.
- Plus size
- Opt for a high-waisted blue sequin skater skirt paired with a supportive cupcake-print corset or tank top.
- pet
- A pet costume featuring a small pink cupcake harness or a tiny blue wig headpiece.
Tips
- If using a synthetic wig, gently brush it with a wide-tooth comb and spray with a little leave-in conditioner to prevent tangles.
- Wear nude seamless underwear under the sequin shorts to avoid visible lines and prevent itching from the sequins.
- Bring a colorful giant swirl lollipop as a prop—it makes for fantastic, on-theme photos.
- If walking a lot, swap the heels for white platform sneakers decorated with colorful sprinkles painted on the soles.
Katy Perry California Gurls costume FAQ
- What does the Katy Perry California Gurls costume look like?
- It features a white halter top adorned with two large 3D cupcakes on the chest, sparkling royal blue sequin hot shorts, a bright blue wig with straight bangs, and a red heart hair accessory.
- How can I DIY the cupcake top?
- You can hot glue lightweight foam domes or stuffed felt shapes painted like cupcakes onto a sturdy white bra or halter top, adding red pom-poms on top as cherries.
- Is the blue wig necessary for the look?
- Yes, the bright blue wig with blunt bangs is Katy Perry's signature element from this music video and makes the costume instantly recognizable.
Did you know? The 'California Gurls' music video was set in a fictional candy land called 'Candyfornia,' which was heavily inspired by the board game Candy Land and artist Will Cotton, who served as the artistic director.