Westley and Buttercup Costume
As you wish: the ultimate fantasy romance couples costume guide.
Westley and Buttercup from The Princess Bride are one of cinema's most beloved romantic pairings, making them a perennial favorite for couples. This guide covers Westley's sleek 'Dread Pirate Roberts' look and Buttercup's classic red riding dress. Together, they create an instantly recognizable, adventurous fantasy aesthetic.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $60–150
Try it on
See yourself as Westley and Buttercup
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What you need for a Westley and Buttercup costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Westley and Buttercup costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Westley's black pirate shirt
A loose-fitting, long-sleeve black lace-up pirate shirt with ruffled cuffs.
DIY: Use a plain black button-down shirt, remove the collar, and thread black cord through the front.
Westley's mask and headscarf
A simple black fabric eye mask paired with a black satin or cotton headscarf tied at the back.
DIY: Cut a strip of black fabric for the headscarf and cut eyeholes out of a smaller strip of black felt.
Westley's sword and belt
A thin silver rapier-style sword in a black faux-leather belt holster.
DIY: Use a silver-painted cardboard cutout sword tucked into a standard wide black belt.
Buttercup's red dress
A long-sleeved, floor-length red gown with a high waist, empire bust, and flowing skirts.
DIY: Modify a long red maxi dress by adding gold trim along the waistline and cuffs.
Buttercup's gold belt
A decorative gold chain belt or fabric sash worn high on the waist.
DIY: Braid thick gold metallic yarn or ribbon to tie around the waist.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Westley and Buttercup costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For Westley: Put on the black lace-up shirt, black pants, and tall black boots.
- 2
Tie the black headscarf snugly around the forehead, then tie the black eye mask over it, aligning the eyeholes.
- 3
Buckle the black belt around the waist and slide the rapier sword into its sheath.
- 4
For Buttercup: Slip on the long red medieval-style gown.
- 5
Fasten the gold chain belt or sash around the high waistline, letting the excess chain drape down the front.
- 6
Style Buttercup's hair into long, loose golden waves, parting it down the middle.
Makeup & hair
Westley requires clean-shaven skin or a very neat, thin mustache. Buttercup features long, middle-parted blonde hair styled in soft, natural waves with minimal, fresh-faced makeup.
Westley and Buttercup for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- This is the definitive version, but Westley can also pair with Inigo Montoya for a dueling duo.
- group
- Add Inigo Montoya in a brown vest, Fezzik in a tunic, and Vizzini in a patterned robe.
- kids
- A mini Dread Pirate Roberts in all black and a little Buttercup in a pastel blue or red dress.
- Plus size
- Empire-waist renaissance dresses offer a comfortable, flowing fit for Buttercup, while loose pirate shirts are highly adjustable.
- pet
- A small dog can wear a lion mane to represent a R.O.U.S. (Rodent of Unusual Size).
Tips
- For Westley, make sure the mask is tied tight enough to stay put but loose enough to see comfortably in low light.
- Buttercup's dress is long; hem it or wear comfortable boots underneath so you do not trip during outdoor events.
- Practice your poses: Westley should hold a fencing stance, while Buttercup can look wistfully into the distance.
- Carry a plush rat labeled 'R.O.U.S.' as a fun, inside-joke prop for photos.
Westley and Buttercup costume FAQ
- What color is Buttercup's dress?
- While she wears a cream wedding dress and a blue gown, her red riding dress is her most iconic and popular costume look.
- How do you style Buttercup's hair?
- Part your hair down the middle and use a curling wand to create long, loose, brushed-out waves. If your hair is short, a long blonde renaissance wig works perfectly.
- Is Westley's costume hard to put together?
- No, it is very easy. Most of the look consists of basic black clothing (shirt, pants, boots) accented by a simple black mask and headscarf.
Did you know? The Princess Bride was not a major box office hit upon its 1987 release, but it became an iconic cult classic and Halloween staple through home video sales.