Whitney Houston Costume
Channel the voice, the style, and the legendary presence of a cultural icon.
Whitney Houston remains one of the most celebrated vocalists and style icons of all time. Fans looking to pay tribute to her legacy typically choose either her vibrant 1980s 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' aesthetic or her legendary, futuristic 'Queen of the Night' armor from The Bodyguard. This guide focuses on her iconic, high-energy 1980s pink dress and curls, alongside her metallic performance armor.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Whitney Houston
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Whitney Houston costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Whitney Houston costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
One-shoulder pink dress
A vibrant, hot pink or magenta one-shoulder bodycon dress with ruffles or a flared skirt to capture her classic 1980s music video style.
DIY: Use a basic pink tank dress and pin a matching fabric ruffle over one shoulder.
Voluminous curly wig
A light brown or honey-blonde highlighted wig styled in tight, voluminous 1980s curls with plenty of height.
DIY: Style your natural hair with a small-barrel curling wand, tease the roots, and set with high-hold hairspray.
Metallic silver drop earrings
Large, dramatic silver geometric or door-knocker style earrings to frame the face.
Silver metallic bangles
A stack of thin silver metal bracelets worn on one or both wrists.
Classic silver microphone
A vintage-style silver vocal microphone prop to emphasize her legendary singing career.
DIY: Wrap a cardboard tube in black tape and top it with a crumpled ball of aluminum foil.
White pointed-toe heels
Classic 1980s-style white pumps or low-heeled pointed shoes.
DIY: Use any white flats or heels you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Whitney Houston costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the one-shoulder pink dress, ensuring the fit is snug and the shoulder ruffle is fluffed.
- 2
Style and secure your hair under a wig cap, then fit the voluminous curly 1980s wig, fluffing it up for maximum height.
- 3
Put on the large silver geometric drop earrings and stack the silver bangles on your wrist.
- 4
Apply vibrant 1980s-inspired makeup, focusing on bold eyeshadow and a bright pink lip.
- 5
Step into the white pointed-toe heels.
- 6
Grab the silver prop microphone and practice your best mid-performance vocal pose.
Makeup & hair
Go for a classic 1980s glam look with bright blue or purple eyeshadow blended outward, heavy pink blush on the cheekbones, and a glossy fuchsia or bright pink lipstick. The hair must be a massive cloud of tight, bouncy curls with lots of volume at the crown.
Whitney Houston for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner dressed as Frank Farmer from 'The Bodyguard' in a classic black suit, earpiece, and dark sunglasses.
- group
- Form a group of 80s pop divas alongside performers like Cyndi Lauper and Madonna.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a colorful tutu, a denim jacket, and a matching pink bow headband.
- Plus size
- A stretchy, ruched pink bodycon dress provides a comfortable, flattering fit that mimics the original silhouette.
Tips
- For the wig, shake it upside down and use a pick comb to gently tease the curls for authentic 1980s volume.
- Carry a lightweight prop microphone so your hands are free to pose for photos throughout the night.
- If opting for her 'Queen of the Night' look instead, look for metallic silver chest plates and a matching beaded headpiece.
Whitney Houston costume FAQ
- What are Whitney Houston's most famous costume looks?
- Her most famous looks are the colorful, curly-haired 1980s aesthetic from the 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' music video, and the futuristic silver metallic armor suit from 'The Bodyguard' during the 'Queen of the Night' performance.
- How do I get the signature Whitney Houston 80s hair?
- Use a wig styled with tight, voluminous honey-blonde and brown curls. Tease the roots gently with a comb and use hairspray to keep the volume high and bouncy.
- What accessories do I need for a Whitney Houston costume?
- You will need large silver geometric earrings, stacked silver bangles, a prop microphone, and classic white pumps.
Did you know? Whitney Houston's iconic 'Queen of the Night' outfit in The Bodyguard was inspired by futuristic sci-fi designs, featuring a chrome breastplate and a custom-made metallic headpiece.