Lisa Frankenstein Costume
Bring the 1980s back to life in Lisa's signature undead-chic style.
Lisa Frankenstein (Lisa Swallows) is a favorite for fans of retro horror-comedies who love a mix of camp, goth, and 1980s style. Her most iconic look is her post-resurrection 'recovery' outfit, which blends high-fashion 1980s trends with medical gauze. This costume features a vibrant red button-down dress, a floppy black 'Blossom' hat, and dramatic lace and mesh details.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–90
Try it on
See yourself as Lisa Frankenstein
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 Lisa Frankenstein costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Lisa Frankenstein costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red 1980s Button-Down Dress
A vibrant red, short-sleeved, double-breasted or button-front dress with a defined waist and structured shoulders.
DIY: Use a plain red dress and sew large black or red buttons down the front.
Black 'Blossom' Hat
A black, floppy wool or felt bucket hat with a turned-up brim, decorated with a large fabric flower or bow.
DIY: Pin a large black fabric rose or bow to a standard black floppy bucket hat.
White Medical Gauze
Standard white cotton gauze rolls wrapped around the neck, collarbone, and hands to mimic her post-accident recovery look.
Black Mesh or Polka Dot Undershirt
A long-sleeved black mesh, lace, or Swiss-dot sheer top worn underneath the red dress.
Black Lace Fingerless Gloves
Short, black lace fingerless gloves worn over or under the hand gauze.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a pair of cheap black lace gloves.
Black Tights and Booties
Opaque black tights paired with chunky black 1980s-style ankle boots or booties.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Lisa Frankenstein costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black mesh or polka dot long-sleeved undershirt and opaque black tights.
- 2
Layer the red button-down dress over the mesh top, fastening the buttons securely.
- 3
Wrap white medical gauze loosely around your neck and collarbone area, securing it with tape or by tucking the ends.
- 4
Wrap gauze around your hands and wrists, leaving your fingers free, and layer the black lace fingerless gloves over or under the gauze.
- 5
Put on the black ankle booties.
- 6
Place the black 'Blossom' hat on your head, ensuring the decorative flower or bow is positioned on the side or front.
- 7
Style your hair in messy, voluminous 1980s waves peeking out from under the hat.
Makeup & hair
Apply pale foundation, dark smoky eyeshadow, and a bold, dark berry or red lipstick. Style your hair in voluminous, teased 1980s waves or curls that frame your face beneath the floppy black hat.
Lisa Frankenstein for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with the Creature wearing a Victorian-era tattered suit, white face paint, and dirt smudges.
- group
- Group up with other characters from the film, including high school students in bright 80s pastel aerobics gear.
- kids
- A scaled-down version using a red skater dress, a mini black sun hat, and fun, non-scary faux bandages.
- Plus size
- Look for an A-line red button-down dress with stretch fabric for a comfortable, flattering 1980s silhouette.
Tips
- Don't wrap the neck gauze too tightly; keep it loose and comfortable for easy breathing and movement.
- Use safety pins hidden beneath the dress collar to keep the neck gauze from shifting throughout the night.
- Carry a plastic toy shovel or a green-glowing tanning bed bulb prop to reference key scenes from the movie.
Lisa Frankenstein costume FAQ
- What is Lisa Frankenstein's style?
- Her style is a mix of 1980s goth, camp, and retro-romantic fashion, heavily featuring lace, mesh, bold red and black colors, and Victorian-inspired elements.
- How do you do the gauze look safely?
- Wrap the gauze loosely around your neck and hands, securing it with medical tape or safety pins. Ensure it does not restrict your breathing or movement.
- What kind of hat does Lisa wear?
- She wears a black floppy wool hat with a turned-up brim, often referred to as a 'Blossom' hat, decorated with a large flower.
Did you know? The film's costume designer, Meagan McLaughlin Luster, took direct fashion inspiration from iconic 1980s films like 'Heathers' and 'Beetlejuice' to create Lisa's unique wardrobe.