Lucy and Ricky Costume
Bring 1950s television history to life as Hollywood's favorite classic comedy duo.
Dressing up as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo from the classic sitcom 'I Love Lucy' is a timeless choice for couples who love vintage style and retro television. The look captures the essence of 1950s fashion, featuring Lucy's signature polka dot dress and Ricky's sharp, stage-ready bandleader suit. Together, they create an instantly recognizable, charmingly nostalgic pairing.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $60–150
Try it on
See yourself as Lucy and Ricky
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 Lucy and Ricky costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Lucy and Ricky costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Lucy's blue polka dot dress
A 1950s-style A-line swing dress in navy blue or royal blue with white polka dots, featuring a white collar.
DIY: Use a navy blue dress and fabric paint or white felt circles to add the polka dots.
White kitchen apron
A vintage-style white waist apron with ruffles or lace trim.
DIY: Tie a white hand towel or a piece of white fabric around your waist with a ribbon.
Lucy's red curly wig
A bright orange-red wig styled in a tight 1950s poodle curl or updo.
DIY: Style your own hair in tight pin curls, spray with temporary red hair color, and pin it up.
Ricky's suit jacket and trousers
A classic 1950s double-breasted suit jacket in gray, brown, or blue, with matching pleated trousers.
DIY: Use a modern suit jacket and trousers, opting for a slightly looser, vintage fit.
Ricky's straw fedora
A classic straw fedora hat with a dark band around the crown.
Ricky's acoustic guitar or conga drum
A small acoustic guitar or a single conga drum to represent Ricky's musical background.
DIY: Cut a guitar shape out of cardboard and paint it to look like a classic acoustic instrument.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Lucy and Ricky costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For Lucy: Put on the blue polka dot swing dress and secure the white ruffled apron around your waist.
- 2
Style the red wig, securing it with bobby pins, and tie a white satin bow or scarf around the top of the head.
- 3
For Ricky: Put on a white dress shirt, tie a dark necktie, and put on the vintage-style suit trousers and jacket.
- 4
Place the straw fedora on Ricky's head, tilted slightly to one side for a classic 1950s look.
- 5
Have Lucy put on red lipstick and draw a defined, exaggerated lip line, while Ricky carries the acoustic guitar or conga drum.
- 6
Step into classic black heels for Lucy and polished leather dress shoes for Ricky to complete the ensemble.
Makeup & hair
Lucy requires bright red lipstick, defined arched eyebrows, and heavy mascara or false eyelashes. Her hair must be a bright red-orange shade styled in tight 1950s curls. Ricky should have neatly combed, slicked-back dark hair with a clean-shaven face.
Lucy and Ricky for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- This is the ultimate couples costume; one partner dresses as Lucy in her polka dot dress, and the other as Ricky in his bandleader suit.
- group
- Add Fred and Ethel Mertz wearing 1950s neighborly attire to make it a classic foursome group costume.
- kids
- Dress a little girl in a miniature polka dot dress with a red bow, and a little boy in a tiny suit with a toy drum.
- Plus size
- A 1950s swing dress is highly flattering and widely available in plus sizes with stretchy waistbands.
- pet
- A small dog can wear a miniature white tuxedo collar to match Ricky, or a red bow to match Lucy.
Tips
- Wear comfortable petticoats under Lucy's swing dress to give it that authentic, voluminous 1950s silhouette.
- Practice a few iconic lines or poses, like Lucy's crying face ('Eeeeee-Yaaaaah!') or Ricky's signature 'Babalu!' song.
- For cold weather, Lucy can wear a vintage cardigan or a faux-fur stole, while Ricky's suit jacket will naturally keep him warm.
Lucy and Ricky costume FAQ
- What is Lucy's most iconic outfit?
- Her most famous outfit is the blue and white polka dot swing dress worn with a white ruffled apron and a white hair bow.
- How do I style my hair like Lucy Ricardo?
- You need tight, voluminous curls pinned up on the sides and top, leaving short curly bangs. A bright red-orange wig is the easiest way to achieve this look.
- What props should Ricky Ricardo carry?
- Ricky is best recognized with a straw fedora, a vintage microphone, a conga drum, or an acoustic guitar to showcase his club performer persona.
Did you know? Despite the show being broadcast in black and white, Lucille Ball's famous hair was actually a vibrant shade of henna red, which was carefully styled for every single episode.