The Godfather Costume
Command respect in the classic, sophisticated tuxedo of Don Vito Corleone.
Step into the shoes of cinema's most powerful patriarch, Don Vito Corleone, from Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, The Godfather. This iconic look is a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated, classic Hollywood villain aesthetic. The costume centers around a sharp black tuxedo accented by a single red carnation and a classic cigar.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $40–150
Try it on
See yourself as The Godfather
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What you need for a The Godfather costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Godfather costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black Tuxedo Jacket
A classic black single-breasted tuxedo jacket with satin peak lapels.
DIY: A sharp black suit jacket or blazer can work in a pinch.
White Dress Shirt
A crisp, pleated white tuxedo shirt with a wing collar.
DIY: A standard white button-down dress shirt.
Black Bow Tie
A classic black satin bow tie.
Red Carnation Boutonniere
A single, fresh or artificial red carnation pinned to the left lapel.
DIY: Cut a red carnation from a real bouquet and secure it with a safety pin.
Black Dress Pants
Matching black formal trousers to complete the tuxedo look.
DIY: Any clean, pressed black slacks.
Fake Cigar
A realistic prop cigar to hold as a classic accessory.
DIY: Roll up brown construction paper into a tight cylinder and color the tip gray.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Godfather costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white pleated dress shirt and button it completely to the top.
- 2
Fasten the black satin bow tie securely around the wing collar.
- 3
Put on the black dress pants and secure them with a black leather belt or black suspenders.
- 4
Slip on the black tuxedo jacket, ensuring the lapels lie flat.
- 5
Pin the red carnation boutonniere carefully onto the left lapel of the jacket.
- 6
Slide into polished black leather dress shoes.
- 7
Hold the prop cigar in one hand or place it in your breast pocket as a finishing touch.
Makeup & hair
Slick your hair straight back using a generous amount of high-shine pomade or gel. For Vito Corleone's older look, use a light dusting of gray hair powder or temporary gray hair spray at the temples, and keep a serious, dignified expression.
The Godfather for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Kay Adams in a vintage 1940s-style dress and a matching hat.
- group
- Have friends dress as Michael, Sonny, and Fredo Corleone in classic 1940s suits and fedoras.
- kids
- A miniature black suit with a tiny red carnation and bow tie makes for an adorable 'Little Godfather' look.
- Plus size
- Opt for a classic-fit or relaxed-fit tuxedo jacket to ensure comfort and ease of movement.
- pet
- A black pet tuxedo harness with a small red felt flower attached to the collar.
Tips
- Keep your posture upright and your movements slow and deliberate to channel Marlon Brando's commanding presence.
- Make sure your dress shoes are freshly polished; scuffed shoes will ruin the high-end look.
- If using a real carnation, keep it in water until right before your event so it doesn't wilt.
The Godfather costume FAQ
- What kind of flower does the Godfather wear?
- Don Vito Corleone famously wears a single red carnation pinned to the left lapel of his tuxedo jacket during his daughter's wedding.
- How do I style my hair like Vito Corleone?
- Apply a strong-hold, high-shine gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back. Add temporary gray hair spray to the temples for an aged look.
- Can I wear a regular suit instead of a tuxedo?
- Yes, a well-fitted black suit with a white shirt and black tie can work well, but the tuxedo with satin lapels is most accurate to the opening wedding scene.
Did you know? The iconic opening scene of The Godfather where Vito wears this tuxedo was filmed with Marlon Brando holding a stray cat that had wandered onto the studio set, which wasn't originally in the script.