Steve Urkel Costume
Did I do that? Master the ultimate '90s nerd look.
Steve Urkel from the hit sitcom Family Matters is one of the most recognizable television characters of the 1990s. Known for his high-pitched voice, clumsy antics, and iconic nerdy fashion, he is a favorite choice for retro themed parties and Halloween. The look is defined by ultra-high-waisted pants, bright suspenders, and oversized optical glasses.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Steve Urkel
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What you need for a Steve Urkel costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Steve Urkel costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Plaid or Striped Button-Down Shirt
A short-sleeved polo or button-down shirt in a bright vintage pattern like red, yellow, or blue plaid.
DIY: Use any colorful short-sleeved collared shirt from a thrift store.
High-Water Jeans or Chinos
Classic blue jeans or tan chinos pulled up high above the waist, exposing the ankles.
DIY: Take an old pair of jeans and cuff them high, or cut and hem them to sit above the ankle.
Red Suspenders
Bright red, adjustable clip-on suspenders to pull the pants up high.
Oversized Retro Glasses
Large, thick-rimmed aviator or square-shaped clear lens glasses, preferably in tortoiseshell or black.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of a pair of cheap plastic thrift store sunglasses.
White Knee-High Socks
Plain white athletic tube socks pulled all the way up to the calves.
Saddle Shoes or Oxford Loafers
Classic black and white saddle shoes, brown oxfords, or vintage-style white sneakers.
DIY: Use plain white sneakers and draw black panels on them with a permanent marker.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Steve Urkel costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the colorful plaid button-down shirt and button it all the way to the top collar button.
- 2
Step into the jeans or chinos and pull them up as high as they can comfortably go, well above your natural waistline.
- 3
Clip the red suspenders to the front and back of the pants, tightening them to keep the pants securely hiked up.
- 4
Roll or cuff the bottom of the pants upward so they sit 2 to 3 inches above your ankles, creating a 'high-water' look.
- 5
Pull the white tube socks all the way up so they are fully visible between your cuffed pants and shoes.
- 6
Put on your saddle shoes or oxfords and tie them tightly.
- 7
Slip on the oversized retro glasses and push them slightly down the bridge of your nose.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a neat, short '90s-style fade or afro. Keep your face clean-shaven, and optionally use a little hair gel to slick down the sides for a tidy, studious look.
Steve Urkel for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Laura Winslow in classic '90s denim and a floral vest, or Stefan Urquelle in a smooth, stylish suit.
- group
- Form a Family Matters group with Carl Winslow in a police uniform and Harriette Winslow in '90s office wear.
- kids
- An adorable option for kids using scaled-down suspenders, rolled-up jeans, and oversized plastic glasses.
- Plus size
- Look for high-rise elastic-waist chinos to easily and comfortably hike the pants up above the belly button.
Tips
- To keep your pants hiked up all night, make sure your suspenders are adjusted tightly and your pants have a structured waistband.
- Practice the iconic snort-laugh and the catchphrase 'Did I do that?' to bring the character to life in photos.
- Keep a pocket protector with a few pens in your shirt pocket for an extra touch of classic nerd detail.
Steve Urkel costume FAQ
- How do I make my pants look like high-waters?
- Simply cuff the bottom of your jeans or chinos outward two or three times until they sit a few inches above your ankle, exposing your white socks.
- What kind of shoes did Steve Urkel wear?
- He typically wore black and white saddle shoes, brown leather oxford loafers, or classic white high-top sneakers.
- Can I make a DIY Steve Urkel costume last minute?
- Yes! All you need are jeans cuffed high, white socks, a tucked-in collared shirt, any suspenders, and a pair of glasses with the lenses popped out.
Did you know? Steve Urkel was originally intended to be a one-time guest character on Family Matters, but he instantly stole the show and became the main protagonist.