Newspaper Costume
Turn yesterday's news into today's high-fashion, eco-friendly statement piece.
The newspaper costume is a creative, eco-friendly choice that transforms recycled newsprint into wearable art. Popular for school projects, Earth Day, and creative Halloween parties, this look can range from a structured DIY paper dress to a printed fabric alternative. It is a fantastic way to showcase your crafting skills and stand out in black-and-white style.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $5–40
Try it on
See yourself as Newspaper
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.
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.
What you need for a Newspaper costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Newspaper costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Recycled Newspapers
Several issues of standard newsprint, preferably with a mix of text columns and black-and-white photos.
DIY: Collect old newspapers from neighbors, recycling bins, or local cafes.
Clear Packing Tape or Duct Tape
Heavy-duty clear tape to reinforce the paper backing and join sheets together.
Base Garment
An old tank top, t-shirt, or slip dress to tape or sew the newspaper panels onto for stability.
DIY: Use a fitted shirt or dress from your closet that you don't mind getting tape on.
Stapler and Staples
A standard office stapler to quickly secure pleats, folds, and ruffles in the paper.
Black Ribbon or Belt
A wide black satin ribbon or belt to cinch the waist and cover any messy seams.
DIY: Cut a strip of black fabric or use a belt you already own.
Newspaper Print Dress (Alternative)
A ready-made fabric dress printed with a newspaper pattern for an easier, more comfortable option.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Newspaper costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Prepare your base garment by putting it on a dress form or laying it flat on a clean workspace.
- 2
Reinforce several sheets of newspaper by lining the back of them with clear packing tape to prevent tearing.
- 3
Fold the reinforced newspaper sheets into accordion pleats to create a structured, fan-like skirt or bodice panels.
- 4
Staple or tape the pleated newspaper panels onto the base garment, layering them from the bottom up to create volume.
- 5
Construct a fitted bodice by wrapping smooth sheets of newspaper around the torso of the base garment and securing them with tape at the back.
- 6
Tie a wide black ribbon or belt around the waist to define the silhouette and hide the staples or tape seams.
- 7
Carefully step into the finished garment, having a friend help secure any loose edges with extra tape if needed.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup classic with a bold red lip and sharp black winged eyeliner to contrast the monochrome paper. Style hair in a sleek, vintage updo or a polished high ponytail to keep it from snagging on the delicate paper collar.
Newspaper for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person wears the newspaper dress while the partner wears a classic 1920s newspaper reporter outfit with a fedora and a 'Press' pass.
- group
- Create an entire 'newsroom' group with a reporter, an editor, a delivery kid, and someone dressed entirely in paper.
- kids
- Craft a simple newspaper vest or tabard by cutting a neck hole in a folded sheet of newspaper and securing the sides with ribbon.
- Plus size
- Use a sturdy, well-fitting base dress and attach overlapping vertical newspaper panels to create an A-line silhouette that moves comfortably.
- pet
- Fold a small, lightweight newspaper origami hat or a simple paper bow tie to attach to your pet's collar.
Tips
- Avoid wearing this costume in wet weather, as rain or spilled drinks will ruin the paper structure.
- Apply clear packing tape to the inside seams of the paper to prevent the newsprint ink from rubbing off on your skin or undergarments.
- Take your photos early in the evening while the paper is still crisp, unwrinkled, and fully intact.
- Sit down carefully; slide your hands under the skirt to smooth the paper flat against the chair to avoid crushing the pleats.
Newspaper costume FAQ
- How do you make a newspaper dress without sewing?
- You can construct the entire dress using clear packing tape, duct tape, and a stapler to secure the paper folds directly onto an old tank top or slip dress.
- Is a newspaper costume comfortable to wear?
- Real paper costumes are stiff and delicate, making sitting difficult. For a comfortable, dance-friendly alternative, look for a fabric dress with a printed newspaper pattern.
- How do you stop newspaper ink from rubbing off?
- You can spray the finished paper panels with a light coat of clear acrylic sealer or hairspray, or line the interior surfaces with clear packing tape.
Did you know? The concept of newspaper fashion dates back to the 19th century, but it became an iconic pop-culture moment when John Galliano designed a newspaper-print dress for Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2000 collection.