Wall Outlet Costume
A shockingly simple, funny costume perfect for couples or solo DIYers.
The Wall Outlet costume is a classic, humorous choice for Halloween and costume parties. Often paired with a 'plug' partner, this look transforms you into a giant electrical socket using simple materials like foam, cardboard, or a printed tunic. It is highly recognizable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to spark conversations.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $15–50
Try it on
See yourself as Wall Outlet
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 Wall Outlet costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Wall Outlet costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
White or gray tunic or sandwich board
A rectangular base made of lightweight foam, cardboard, or fabric to represent the faceplate of a standard wall outlet.
DIY: Cut two large rectangles from a cardboard box, paint them matte white or light gray, and attach shoulder straps.
Black felt or fabric sheets
Used to cut out the shapes of the socket receptacles (the classic 'screaming face' look of a US Type B outlet).
DIY: Use a thick black permanent marker to draw the socket shapes directly onto your cardboard base.
Neutral base clothing
A solid black or white long-sleeve shirt and matching pants to wear underneath the outlet structure.
DIY: Use any plain, solid-colored clothing already in your closet.
Silver or gray paint
For adding a realistic metallic sheen to the center screw detail on the outlet plate.
DIY: Glue a real large plastic washer or a circle of aluminum foil to the center of the board.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Wall Outlet costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your solid black or white base layer of clothing.
- 2
If DIYing, cut four semi-oval shapes and two round 'ground' holes from black felt to represent two standard US plug sockets.
- 3
Glue the black felt socket shapes onto the front of your white tunic or cardboard sandwich board, spacing them evenly to look like a double wall outlet.
- 4
Add a small silver circle or painted screw head in the exact center between the two sockets.
- 5
Slip the tunic or cardboard sandwich board over your head, adjusting the shoulder straps so it sits comfortably at chest level.
- 6
Ensure the board is secure and allows your arms to move freely.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup and hair simple and neutral, or style your hair straight up with hair gel to look like you just got a harmless static shock.
Wall Outlet for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner dressed as a three-prong electrical plug with gold-painted foam prongs.
- group
- Have a third friend dress as a light switch or an extension cord to complete the electrical theme.
- kids
- Scale down the cardboard sandwich board to fit a child, ensuring the armholes are wide and comfortable.
- Plus size
- A fabric-based sandwich board style offers an adjustable, comfortable fit for all body types.
- pet
- A small white felt rectangle with drawn-on outlet sockets can be attached to a dog's harness.
Tips
- Keep the cardboard or foam lightweight so it is easy to wear while sitting down or moving through crowds.
- If attending an outdoor event, use waterproof acrylic paint on your cardboard so the design won't run in the rain.
- Leave your hands completely free by using shoulder straps rather than holding the outlet prop.
Wall Outlet costume FAQ
- How do you make a DIY wall outlet costume?
- Cut a large rectangle out of cardboard, paint it white, and glue black felt cutouts in the shape of standard electrical plug openings onto the front.
- What is the best couples version of this costume?
- The classic pairing is one person dressing as the wall outlet and the other dressing as an electrical plug with foam prongs.
- Is the wall outlet costume comfortable to wear?
- Yes, especially if made as a lightweight sandwich board or a soft fabric tunic that slips easily over your normal clothes.
Did you know? The classic US electrical outlet design is officially known as the Type B socket, and its 'eyes and mouth' appearance is a frequent source of pareidolia—the human tendency to see faces in everyday objects.