How do I get my hair to stay up like Martha May's?

Place a lightweight foam styling cone or a clean plastic cup on top of your head, pull your hair up over it, secure it with an elastic band at the top, and wrap the remaining hair around the base. Use plenty of bobby pins and strong-hold hairspray.

What kind of dress does Martha May wear?

She wears a glamorous, retro-style red velvet dress with thick white faux-fur trim along the sweetheart neckline and hem, reflecting her luxurious holiday style.

Do I need a prosthetic nose for a Whoville costume?

While a prosthetic nose tip adds authenticity, you can easily mimic the look by contouring the tip of your nose with brown eyeshadow and adding a touch of pink blush to the tip.

AI-generated example

Martha May Whovier Costume

Channel Whoville's most glamorous resident with velvet, fur, and holiday sparkle.

Martha May Whovier from How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the ultimate holiday style icon, known for her glamorous retro aesthetic and love for Christmas decorations. This costume is a popular choice for festive parties and cosplay events because of its vibrant colors, luxurious textures, and dramatic flair. The look consists of a plush red velvet dress with white faux-fur trim, elegant jewelry, and her signature towering Whoville hairstyle.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $45–120

See yourself as Martha May Whovier →What you need Buy the Martha May Whovier costume

Try it on

See yourself as Martha May Whovier

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

Choose or drop a photo of yourselfJPG · PNG · HEIC

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.

Martha May Whovier costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Martha May Whovier

Result

What you need for a Martha May Whovier costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Martha May Whovier costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Martha May Whovier at Spirit ↗

Red velvet dress
A sweetheart neck or strapless red velvet dress that flares out at the waist, mimicking her classic holiday look.
DIY: Use a red velvet skater dress and pin white faux-fur trim along the neckline and hem.
Amazon
White faux-fur trim
Thick, plush white faux-fur ribbon to line the collar, cuffs, and hemline of the dress.
DIY: Cut strips of white fleece or felt if faux fur is unavailable.
Amazon
Red velvet gloves
Elbow-length red velvet gloves to add a touch of classic Whoville elegance.
DIY: Use standard red satin opera gloves as an alternative.
Amazon
Gold statement necklace
A chunky, ornate gold collar necklace or a festive red-and-gold beaded statement piece.
DIY: String together large gold painted beads on a thick wire.
Amazon
Whoville nose tip
A small prosthetic nose tip to create the upturned, whimsical Whoville facial structure.
DIY: Use nose wax or liquid latex and tissue to sculpt a small upturned tip, blending it with foundation.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Martha May Whovier costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the red velvet dress, ensuring the white faux-fur trim is neatly aligned at the neckline and hem.
2
Pull on the elbow-length red velvet gloves, smoothing them up past your elbows.
3
Fasten the chunky gold statement necklace and add matching gold drop earrings.
4
Apply the prosthetic nose tip using spirit gum, blending the edges with concealer and foundation to match your skin tone.
5
Style your hair into the signature high Whoville updo, using a foam styling cone for height, and secure it with heavy-duty hairspray.
6
Finish the look with classic glam makeup, featuring winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a bold red lip.

Makeup & hair

Create a dramatic, high-volume updo using a foam cone or hair donut, wrapping your hair upward and securing it with pins. For makeup, apply a rosy pink blush high on the cheekbones, winged black eyeliner, and a classic festive red lipstick.

Martha May Whovier for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with The Grinch in his classic Santa suit for a perfect Whoville couple's look.
group: Gather friends to dress as Cindy Lou Who, the Mayor of Whoville, and the Grinch for a complete Whoville group.
kids: A miniature version featuring a red velvet dress, small white fur trim, and a simplified high ponytail with a red bow.
Plus size: A red velvet A-line or wrap dress provides a comfortable, flattering fit while maintaining the luxurious Whoville silhouette.
pet: Dress your dog as Max the dog with a single reindeer antler tied to their head.

Tips

Use a strong-hold hairspray and plenty of bobby pins to keep the towering Whoville hairstyle secure all night.
If using a prosthetic nose, apply a layer of translucent powder over the makeup to prevent slipping from sweat.
Add a decorative prop like a giant light-up candy cane or a retro tinsel garland for photos.

Martha May Whovier costume FAQ

How do I get my hair to stay up like Martha May's?: Place a lightweight foam styling cone or a clean plastic cup on top of your head, pull your hair up over it, secure it with an elastic band at the top, and wrap the remaining hair around the base. Use plenty of bobby pins and strong-hold hairspray.
What kind of dress does Martha May wear?: She wears a glamorous, retro-style red velvet dress with thick white faux-fur trim along the sweetheart neckline and hem, reflecting her luxurious holiday style.
Do I need a prosthetic nose for a Whoville costume?: While a prosthetic nose tip adds authenticity, you can easily mimic the look by contouring the tip of your nose with brown eyeshadow and adding a touch of pink blush to the tip.

Did you know? Martha May Whovier's elaborate costumes and hairstyles in the 2000 film were designed to reflect a glamorous, mid-century modern aesthetic, contrasting with the more eccentric styles of the other Whos.