Royal Tenenbaum Costume
Embrace the stylishly dysfunctional patriarch of Wes Anderson's classic film.
Royal Tenenbaum is the charismatic, estranged patriarch of Wes Anderson's beloved film 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. Known for his classic, slightly faded upper-crust style, his look is defined by a double-breasted suit, a mustache, and a pair of dark sunglasses. This costume is a fantastic choice for film buffs who appreciate quirky, retro-inspired style.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Royal Tenenbaum
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 Royal Tenenbaum costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Royal Tenenbaum costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Double-breasted suit jacket
A tan, beige, or grey double-breasted suit jacket with structured shoulders and wide lapels.
DIY: Use any vintage thrift store suit jacket, preferably oversized.
Matching suit trousers
Matching tan or grey trousers in a classic, straight-leg cut.
DIY: Any khaki or tan dress pants will work if they closely match the jacket.
Light blue dress shirt
A classic light blue button-down dress shirt worn under the suit.
DIY: Use a light blue button-down shirt from your closet.
Patterned tie
A vintage-style patterned silk tie, ideally in shades of red, blue, or gold.
Aviator sunglasses
Classic gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses with dark lenses.
Fake mustache
A thick, greyish-brown handlebar or chevron-style fake mustache.
DIY: Draw one on with a brown makeup pencil if you don't have facial hair.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Royal Tenenbaum costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the light blue dress shirt and button it up to the collar.
- 2
Tie the patterned silk tie with a classic Windsor knot.
- 3
Put on the matching suit trousers and secure them with a leather belt.
- 4
Put on the double-breasted suit jacket and button the front buttons.
- 5
Apply the fake mustache to your upper lip using spirit gum or the adhesive backing.
- 6
Put on the gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses.
- 7
Adopt a confident, slightly mischievous posture to complete the character.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a neat, side-parted vintage look. If you don't have a natural mustache, apply a realistic greyish-brown fake mustache just above your upper lip.
Royal Tenenbaum for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Margot Tenenbaum in her iconic fur coat and striped dress.
- group
- Gather a group to dress as the entire Tenenbaum family, including Richie in his tennis gear and Chas in a red tracksuit.
- kids
- A miniature version of the double-breasted suit with a drawn-on mustache makes a hilarious kids' costume.
- Plus size
- The structured, classic cut of a double-breasted suit is highly flattering and widely available in all sizes.
Tips
- Thrift stores are excellent places to find authentic, vintage double-breasted suits at a low cost.
- Make sure the mustache adhesive is secure, especially if you plan on eating or drinking at a party.
- Keep a pocket square in your jacket pocket for an extra touch of Royal's eccentric elegance.
- Practice your best deadpan Wes Anderson-style expressions for photos.
Royal Tenenbaum costume FAQ
- What kind of suit does Royal Tenenbaum wear?
- Royal Tenenbaum wears a classic, vintage-style double-breasted suit, typically in a tan, beige, or grey color, paired with a light blue shirt and a patterned tie.
- How do I style my hair for a Royal Tenenbaum costume?
- Style your hair in a neat, classic side part. If your hair is longer, slick it back slightly to match the sophisticated, retro aesthetic of the character.
- What are the essential accessories for Royal Tenenbaum?
- The essential accessories are gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses, a thick greyish-brown mustache, and a vintage patterned tie.
Did you know? Wes Anderson's distinct visual style in 'The Royal Tenenbaums' was heavily influenced by the fashion of the 1970s, giving each character a highly specific, unchanging 'uniform'.