How do you make the Missy Elliott trash bag costume DIY?

You can tape together large, heavy-duty black contractor trash bags to form a jumpsuit shape, leaving openings for your head, hands, and feet, then stuff it with crumpled newspaper or inflated balloons for volume.

What sunglasses did Missy Elliott wear in The Rain?

She wore oversized, futuristic white-framed wrap-around sunglasses with dark lenses, which contrasted sharply with her black suit.

Is the inflatable suit hot to wear?

Yes, because it is made of non-breathable polyester or vinyl, it traps heat. Wearing light shorts and a t-shirt underneath helps keep you cool.

AI-generated example

Missy Elliott Costume

Supa dupa fly style in the iconic inflatable black suit.

Pay tribute to hip-hop pioneer Missy Elliott with her most legendary look: the giant inflatable suit from her 1997 music video for 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).' This costume is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that captures the futuristic, boundary-pushing aesthetic of 90s music videos. The ensemble centers around an oversized, high-gloss black suit paired with signature futuristic eyewear.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $30–80

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Missy Elliott costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Missy Elliott costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Missy Elliott costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Missy Elliott at Spirit ↗

Inflatable black jumpsuit
A shiny, high-gloss black inflatable bodysuit with a built-in battery-operated fan to mimic the oversized balloon look.
DIY: Tape together heavy-duty black contractor trash bags and stuff them with crumpled newspaper or air-filled balloons.
Amazon
Oversized white sunglasses
Futuristic, thick-rimmed white sunglasses with dark lenses, preferably in a wrap-around or oval shape.
DIY: Paint the frames of old sunglasses with white acrylic paint.
Amazon
Black skull cap
A tight-fitting black spandex skull cap or hood to keep hair flat and match the sleek music video look.
Amazon
Black combat boots
Chunky black leather or faux-leather combat boots with thick soles.
DIY: Any chunky black sneakers or boots you already own.
Amazon
Gold hoop earrings
Large, classic gold-tone hoop earrings to add a touch of 90s hip-hop glamour.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Missy Elliott costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on a comfortable base layer of lightweight clothing, as inflatable suits can get warm.
2
Step into the black inflatable jumpsuit, ensuring the elastic bands at the wrists and ankles are snug to trap air.
3
Turn on the battery-powered fan pack and allow the suit to fully inflate.
4
Pull the black skull cap or hood over your head, tucking in any loose hair.
5
Put on the oversized white-rimmed futuristic sunglasses.
6
Lace up your chunky black combat boots and put on the gold hoop earrings.

Makeup & hair

Style hair in sleek finger waves or pull it back completely flat under the black skull cap. For makeup, go with a clean 90s look featuring dark lip liner, glossy lips, and defined eyebrows.

Missy Elliott for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with Timbaland in a 90s leather jacket and baggy jeans, or Aaliyah in a matching sporty streetwear look.
group: Have friends dress as backup dancers in matching shiny metallic tracksuits or neon 90s gear.
kids: Use a smaller black trash bag stuffed with bubble wrap and a pair of white sunglasses for a lightweight mini version.
Plus size: The inflatable suit is naturally oversized and highly accommodating for all body types; ensure the elastic cuffs fit comfortably.

Tips

Bring extra AA batteries for the inflatable suit's fan to keep it puffed up all night.
Navigate tight spaces carefully, as the inflated suit makes you significantly wider than usual.
Wear breathable clothing underneath to prevent overheating inside the vinyl suit.

Missy Elliott costume FAQ

How do you make the Missy Elliott trash bag costume DIY?: You can tape together large, heavy-duty black contractor trash bags to form a jumpsuit shape, leaving openings for your head, hands, and feet, then stuff it with crumpled newspaper or inflated balloons for volume.
What sunglasses did Missy Elliott wear in The Rain?: She wore oversized, futuristic white-framed wrap-around sunglasses with dark lenses, which contrasted sharply with her black suit.
Is the inflatable suit hot to wear?: Yes, because it is made of non-breathable polyester or vinyl, it traps heat. Wearing light shorts and a t-shirt underneath helps keep you cool.

Did you know? In the original 1997 music video, Missy Elliott actually used a local gas station's air pump to inflate her iconic patent leather suit.