Cosplays for the Holidays: 11 Costume Ideas for Your Holiday Party

Vanessa Ives and Sir Malcolm (Penny Dreadful S1-E3 promotional image via Showtime)

Penny Dreadful

Vanessa Ives is the original Goth. She is so goth, both The Devil and Dracula plan complex machinations to try to win her because they are so impressed by her level of dark darkness.

In Penny Dreadful Season 1, Episode 3: “Resurrection,” the dress Ms. Ives wears is black, like 99% of the rest of her dresses. This one is one of the easier to recreate, because of its lack of visible corsetry. But by all means, don’t let me stop you from wearing a corset underneath your costume, er, party dress, to emulate Eva Green’s willowy physique.

What you need to create this outfit: black tank top; long black skirt; two additional skirts; black lace turtleneck (or, alternatively, a black lace long-sleeved shirt and black high-neck dickie. Yes that is a thing that exists that you can find with the Google machine.); a wide, black belt; lace-up and pointy-toed black boots; black wavy-haired wig or extensions; and black mascara and eyeshadow.

First, put on the tank top. Then put on the black lace turtleneck or black lace dickie and long-sleeved shirt. Slip into the two additional skirts, and wear the long, black skirt on top of them. Tuck your black lace top into the skirt, and finish it off with the belt and boots. For makeup, if you want, cover your face in pale powder or foundation. Coat your lashes with plenty of black mascara and swipe some of the black eyeshadow under your eyes for a haunted look. Style the wig into a messy bun.

For an accessory, I recommend a crucifix. If you don’t own one, construct one by nailing together two sticks into the shape of a cross. Glue an action figure onto the cross with its arms outstretched. Paint the crucifix black to go with your outfit. If anyone asks, tell them it’s his birthday, and the walls between realms are thinnest at the equinoxes. Ask your host for absinthe. Stand in the corner looking like you are privy to dark secrets.

from Morit Chatlynne