Katy Perry Halloween Costume: A How-To Guide

Erika Brooks Adickman | October 28, 2011 4:00 pm

Pop stars and outrageous outfits go hand in hand, which makes it oh-so easy to dress up as one for Halloween. Having trouble deciding which artist to choose from? We’re back to help you handpick the most iconic ensembles from 2011 and give you some tips on how to recreate them. As always, save us a fun-size candy bar from your trick-or-treat bag as thanks. (Just no, Candy Buttons please!)

Today, we’ll walk you through how to get the perfect Katy Perry look for your Halloween party. Jump below to find out how to recreate three cheeky Perry looks the pop star rocked in 2011.

2011 MTV VMA Katy:

What you’ll need:

  • If you can find a black geometric print skirt or sheeth dress that isn’t Christian Dior couture, congrats! Otherwise, thrift a black pencil skirt and go crazy with white felt and a glue gun.
  • A pink cardigan or cropped jacket. Use green construction paper/felt yellow construction paper to make a similar pattern to Katy.
  • A pink curly wig.
  • For the box fascinator, take a small cardboard box and cover it with yellow acrylic or spray paint.  Then use a glue gun to attach it to a thick (but comfortable) plastic headband. You might need to use wire to keep it standing upright depending on the size of the box.
  • Multicolored, fluorescent platforms.

Hershey’s Kisses Katy:

What you’ll need:

  • A silver (preferrably shiny and metallic) pleated skirt. You can go short, longer or high-waisted with this one.  You can even opt for shorts, and go for more of a California Dreams tour look.
  • If you’re having trouble tracking down a similar silver lame’ top to Katy’s, try a halter bodysuit, or a vintage-inspired halter bikini top. You can always get crafty with lots of tin foil and win points for going homemade.
  • Thick white ribbon, white paper, wire (or pipecleaners). Write or print out “Katy’s Kisses” onto the white paper in blue ink, glue the paper to the wire and attach to the ribbon to keep the label hanging straight like in the picture above.
  • A black wig
  • Hot pink lipstick

Kathy Beth Terry, Katy’s Alter Ego:

What you’ll need:

  • A coral/pink turtleneck like this one from Lands’ End.
  • A denim button down romper (check Goodwill, thrift and vintage stores). Remember the more unflattering and ill-fitting the better.
  • A brown braided belt (also Goodwill).
  • An ugly pair of two-toned ankle socks and non-matching Crocs.
  • Baby barrettes and girly hair accessories for your side braid.
  • Bandaids for your knees.
  • A set of Fools-All Braces Teeth and if you can have someone lend you their headgear — even better.
  • Giant brown glasses (try thrift stores, the drug store, American Apparel.) Be sure to put tape around the center of the frames.

Voilà! You’re the spitting image of the Teenage Dream and totally ready to bring a touch of California to any Halloween bash. Thanks for joining us on this pop music costume adventure. Don’t forget to send us pics of your fantastic pop star costumes for a chance to win a $50 iTunes gift card!