The Walking Dead Costume Ideas

The Walking Dead\'s dark, post-apocalyptic world has drawn viewers in for decades, and with good reason - its cast of unforgettable characters makes for a great place to draw costume inspiration. So whether you’re prepping for Halloween, putting the finishing touches on a comic con costume, or attending a party, our Walking Dead costume guide walks you through the best ideas to build your best survivalist look based on your favorite character. From larger than life heroes to creepy crawl inducing baddies—and even the not- so-frighteningly-evil undead—there’s something for everyone.

Rick Grimes:

Rick Grimes is one of the series' most iconic characters. Being the ex-lawman who survived the hard way of life, he dons a set of attire that's brimming with authority but tough all the same. Get his look with a tan, sheriff-style shirt and dark slacks or khakis. As time goes on, Rick switches from fresh-faced to bearded and war-torn, so depending on which version of the character you want to be, you might want to add a sheriff’s hat, a leather jacket, and a fake revolver holstered at the waist. Dirt and artificial blood smudges can add some realism and contribute to a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

Daryl Dixon :

Daryl Dixon is a fan favorite that fans love for his survivalist skills and low-key intensity. Daryl Dixon costume is down and dirty and functional, comprised of a lot of dark, rumpled clothes. Wear a sleeveless shirt or vest, dark blue jeans and boots to complete your look. The most crucial element, however, is Daryl’s signature angel-winged vest. Don a toy crossbow to finish the look. If you want to add more oomph to Daryl, you can carefully dirty him up a bit, add some fake dirt and do his hair wild.

Michonne:

Michonne had an unforgettable arrival to the series, brandishing her katana and mysteriousness. For her, the costume is a compromise between fashionable and practical. 6415742MUMMERBrown Leather/Tactical Vest Wear a brown leather/tactical vest on top of a regular shirt, pair it with some leggings and boots for this one! You’re not going to get that Katana look unless you’ve got a dreadlock style wig and toy katana. For added authenticity you could even mimic her early season outrun walker pets by hanging a few of some lightweight mannequin arms or foam chains off it, but that’s purely optional of course

Negan:

Negan is one stylish, swaggering villain. His oversized costume is spiky and instantly recognizable. Begin with a black leather jacket and a pair of dark jeans. It’s a red scarf looped around his neck that provides just the sleek, dangerous touch he needs. His signature accessory is his barbed-wire wrapped bat, Lucille, but it can be substituted for a plastic bat with faux barbed wire. A slicked back hair do with an aura of an arrogant smile will add well to the character’s intimidating look.

Carol Peletier:

It’s remarkable how Carol has gone from being a background character to becoming quite possibly the most capable survivor. Her best look is a sensible, unfussy wardrobe, mostly earth-toned shirts, jackets, cargo pants. Include a toy knife or gun for added authenticity and make sure to add a shorter, grey wig for her later-season look. The power of Carol is in her understatement, so if you want the costume to really pop, ground it in reality.

Glenn Rhee:

Glenn is simple, a serviceable choice for the costumer-in-need-of-a-quick-fix. In seasons past, he could often be spotted wearing a baseball cap and hoodie, although in later seasons, he was much more tactical. Version1 There are two acceptable versions for a costume. Avoid the bright colors and sartorial fuss, and add a couple of small props — maybe a miniature backpack, a walkie-talkie — to establish his identity as a little scout who can think on his feet.

Maggie Greene:

Maggie’s outfit telegraphs efficiency and hardiness. A flannel shirt, dark pants and boots work well as a base, and you can always throw in accessories like a belt or toy weapon to provide the costume a little more depth. Her hair is worn long, loose and shoulder length, and, in general, she looks pretty earthbound. Maggie is seen as a symbol of resilience and leadership so she will make a great character to play at any event.

The Walkers (Zombies):

If you want to be among the undead rather than a survivor, establish an outfit as a walker and go wild with makeup and costume details. Take old tattered clothes and that are shown in pictures below and distress it by using a pair of scissors and some paint and dirt. There should be face paint that is light colors, dark eye circles and fake-blood to look gory and decaying. A nagging scar or wound (we are thinking latex) to enhance the effect. You can even walk with a slow, zombie-like jerky action and groan for good measure for a fun and scary costume

Judith Grimes:

Rick's daughter Judith makes a fantastic costume for children (or small-ish adults). Twitter Known coterie: Her wardrobe often comprises practical, childlike survival clothing — flannel shirts, leggings, boots, and, occasionally, Rick’s sheriff hat (which she wears as a tribute). A toy katana might also work as a small nod to her link with Michonne. Her outfit is a delightful mix of the innocent and the powerful.

Alpha and the Whisperers:

If you’re looking for something darker and more original, you can also go as Alpha or any member of the Whisperers. Their grotesque fusion of walker masks and human camouflage is creepy yet also creative. To recreate this, simply dress in torn and tattered layers of clothing, and of course wear a zombie mask that covers your entire head. With the addition of a hooded jacket or cape, you can complete the mysteriousness, and a prop knife will add a chilling aspect to the outfit. But for voice accuracy, be sure to talk in a hushed, haunting whisper the way the characters do in the series.

Group Costume Idea:

Costume Ideas And Designs For A Group Group costumes based on The Walking Dead can be very effective. Consider making an entrance with a posse of survivors—Rick, Michonne, Daryl, and Carol—or add a few zombies to emphasize the contrast. It’s an assortment of characters that doesn’t lock anyone into playing a single way, and they come with a good mix of action responses, be it taking charge, trying to sneak, being viciously intent, or casting a match into a powder keg. It's the variety that also makes group cosplay exciting and enjoyable.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can you dress like The Walking Dead for Halloween?

Yes, The Walking Dead costumes are great for Halloween because of the drama and recognizable characters. Whether you go with a hero, a villain or a walker, they are open to pestilence, drama and a hint of things that go bump in the night — perfect for spooky season.

Q: Where can I buy costumes, shoes or wigs?

Many of the costume pieces can be found online, on sites like Amazon, Etsy or via costume-focused stores such as Spirit Halloween. A lot of them you can create yourself if you find jackets, flannal shirts, boots and accessories at thrift stores.

Q: What’s the best way to do zombie makeup at home?

Begin with a light foundation, dark eyeshadow around the eyes and sparingly use fake blood around the mouth and wounds. Special effects makeup, such as latex scars or prosthetics, can be applied for added realism, and you can use YouTube tutorials if you’re a beginner.

Q: Are these good costumes for cosplay cons?

Definitely. Costumed Walking Dead characters are comic con standouts, so focus on the details and give the same energy to your actions as your character and you’re bound to win fans at any con.

Q: Can kids be costumed as Walking Dead characters?

Yup, but make them age-appropriate characters, like Judith Grimes, or dumb down Rick or Glenn. Skip the overly gory makeup, and make sure props are safe and soft for smaller participants.

Final Thoughts

Whether you see yourself as the heroism of Rick Grimes, the badassery of Michonne, or the creepy-as-hell aura of a walker, The Walking Dead offers a wellspring of costume ideas. These characters aren’t just survivors of the apocalypse; they’re survivors who did so with flair. A little imagination and you can make their world a reality at any gathering. So strap on your gear, role-play, and come prepared to see if you can survive the night — Walking Dead style.