Miss Trunchbull Costume
Channel the formidable Crunchem Hall headmistress with this imposing, athletic look.
Miss Trunchbull from Roald Dahl's Matilda is one of literature and film's most memorable villains, making her a hilariously intimidating choice for Halloween. Perfect for teachers, book lovers, or anyone wanting a funny and commanding character, this costume relies on structured, utilitarian athletic wear. The look is defined by a heavy trench coat, a wide waist belt, a white collar shirt with a tie, and her signature severe topknot.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $35–85
Try it on
See yourself as Miss Trunchbull
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Miss Trunchbull costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Miss Trunchbull costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Brown or khaki trench coat
A long, double-breasted cotton or wool-blend trench coat in a drab brown, olive, or khaki tone.
DIY: Use an oversized tan raincoat or a long utility jacket from a thrift store.
Wide brown waist belt
A thick, wide brown faux-leather belt with a prominent buckle, worn tightly over the coat.
DIY: Wrap a standard brown belt twice or use a strip of brown vinyl secured with a safety pin.
White collared shirt and dark tie
A simple white button-down shirt paired with a plain dark brown or black necktie.
DIY: Borrow a white collared shirt and a dark tie from a family member's closet.
Olive or khaki jodhpurs or trousers
Tuckable athletic trousers, riding pants, or sweatpants in olive green, tan, or khaki.
DIY: Use any tan or olive green sweatpants or leggings tucked into high socks.
White athletic tube socks
Classic white crew or knee-high athletic socks with colored stripes at the top.
DIY: Use plain white crew socks pulled up high over your trousers.
Brown leather boots or loafers
Sturdy, flat brown leather lace-up boots, riding boots, or vintage loafers.
DIY: Any dark, chunky work boots or flat brown shoes will work.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Miss Trunchbull costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white collared shirt and tie the dark necktie securely around the collar.
- 2
Put on the khaki trousers or jodhpurs, then pull the white striped tube socks up over the pant cuffs.
- 3
Slip on the brown lace-up boots or flat loafers.
- 4
Put on the long brown trench coat, leaving it partially unbuttoned at the top to show the shirt and tie.
- 5
Fasten the wide brown belt tightly around your waist, over the outside of the trench coat, to create a cinched, military-style silhouette.
- 6
Style your hair into a tight, severe bun or topknot at the crown of your head.
Makeup & hair
Pull hair back into a tight, slicked-back high bun or topknot with no loose strands. Keep makeup minimal or nonexistent, using a brow pencil to draw on thick, bushy, slightly angry eyebrows and adding a touch of light brown shadow under the eyes for a stern look.
Miss Trunchbull for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as Miss Honey in a floral dress and cardigan, or Matilda holding a book.
- group
- Form a group with Matilda, Miss Honey, Bruce Bogtrotter (holding a chocolate cake), and Lavender.
- kids
- A fun, hilarious option for kids using an oversized trench coat, a drawn-on unibrow, and a toy shot put.
- Plus size
- The structured trench coat and wide belt are highly adjustable and look fantastic on all body types.
- pet
- Dress a dog in a tiny brown utility vest and a white collar.
Tips
- Carry a prop like a shot put, a vintage whistle on a lanyard, or a riding crop to emphasize her athletic background.
- Practice your best scowl and commanding posture to really bring the character to life in photos.
- This costume is exceptionally warm and comfortable, making it perfect for chilly outdoor Halloween weather.
- Thrift stores are excellent places to find cheap vintage trench coats, belts, and ties for this look.
Miss Trunchbull costume FAQ
- What does Miss Trunchbull wear around her neck?
- She wears a dark necktie over a white collared shirt, and occasionally a whistle on a lanyard to emphasize her role as a former Olympic athlete.
- How do I style my hair for a Miss Trunchbull costume?
- Slick your hair back completely using gel or hairspray and secure it into a tight, neat bun or topknot right on top of your head.
- Is this costume comfortable for walking around?
- Yes, because it uses flat boots, loose trousers, and a warm coat, it is one of the most comfortable and practical costumes for cold weather.
Did you know? In the book and films, Miss Trunchbull is a former Olympic athlete who competed in the hammer throw, shot put, and javelin, which explains her muscular build and athletic attire.