8 Christmas Costumes With a Red Dress You Already Own

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A red dress is the most Christmas-y thing in your closet. Add two or three pieces and it turns into Mrs. Claus, a candy cane, a reindeer or a nutcracker, and nobody at the party will guess you spent ten minutes on it.

Every idea below keeps the dress as the base, so you can wear it again on New Year’s Eve.

Jump to a Costume

1. Mrs. Claus
2. Santa’s Elf
3. Christmas Present
4. Candy Cane
5. Reindeer With a Red Nose
6. Poinsettia
7. Nutcracker Soldier
8. Christmas Ornament

1. Mrs. Claus

The obvious pick, and the best. A red dress with white trim next to someone dressed as Santa is a holiday party classic.

How to do it: Add a white faux fur collar or stole, a small white apron, round wire glasses perched on your nose and a gray or white bun. A wide black belt and black boots finish it. Carry a plate of cookies.

Worth buying: a Mrs. Claus accessory set.

Full guide: our full Mrs. Claus costume guide

2. Santa’s Elf

Red and green is an elf’s whole color scheme. A red dress with green accents looks like you just clocked out of the North Pole workshop.

How to do it: Green and white striped tights, a green felt collar with pointed edges, pointed elf ears and a red-and-green elf hat with a bell. Curly-toe slippers if you can find them.

Worth buying: elf ears and a jingle-bell hat.

Full guide: our full Elf costume guide

3. Christmas Present

This one’s funny and takes about five minutes. You’re the gift.

How to do it: Wrap a wide gold or white ribbon vertically down the front and back of the dress, then add a big bow on your head or shoulder. Pin a gift tag that says “To: Everyone, From: Santa.”

Worth buying: an oversized gift bow.

4. Candy Cane

Red and white stripes are all it takes. It’s a great pick for a short or fitted dress.

How to do it: Wrap wide white ribbon or white fabric tape around the dress in diagonal stripes. Red and white striped tights, a peppermint hair clip and a candy cane to carry.

Worth buying: red and white striped tights.

5. Reindeer With a Red Nose

The most famous reindeer has a glowing red nose, and a red dress makes the whole costume match.

How to do it: Brown antler headband with little bells, a light-up red nose and a brown faux fur stole or cardigan. Brown boots and a bit of brown eyeliner on the nose bridge.

Worth buying: a light-up red nose.

Full guide: our full Reindeer costume guide

6. Poinsettia

The Christmas flower is a pretty, unexpected costume. It’s great if your dress has a full skirt.

How to do it: Make a collar of red felt petals with a gold center and pin it around the neckline, then wear a matching flower clip in your hair. Green tights or a green belt for the leaves.

Worth buying: a poinsettia hair clip.

7. Nutcracker Soldier

The toy soldier from the ballet is a bold, structured look. A red dress is the jacket.

How to do it: Add gold ribbon trim across the bodice like jacket braids, a tall black hat (a top hat works), white gloves, black boots and rosy painted cheeks. Stand stiff and salute.

Worth buying: a nutcracker soldier hat.

Full guide: our full Nutcracker costume guide

8. Christmas Ornament

Shiny and round. A sequin or satin red dress already looks like a glass bauble.

How to do it: Add a silver or gold “hook” headband (a small ornament cap glued to a headband), lots of glitter and maybe a few smaller ornaments as earrings.

Worth buying: Christmas ornament earrings.

Making a Red Dress Look Like a Christmas Costume

Add one Christmas-only piece. Fur trim, antlers, a giant bow or elf ears. Without it, people will just think you dressed up for the party.

Pick tights on purpose. Striped tights instantly say elf or candy cane, and they’re the cheapest upgrade there is.

Keep it removable. Pin ribbons and felt instead of gluing, so the dress survives for New Year’s.

Want more holiday looks? See the full Christmas costumes section, or browse the costume encyclopedia from A to Z.

Red Dress Christmas Costume FAQ

What Christmas costume can I make with a red dress?

Mrs. Claus, an elf, a Christmas present, a candy cane, a reindeer, a poinsettia, a nutcracker soldier or an ornament.

What’s the easiest red dress Christmas costume?

A Christmas present. Add a ribbon and a big bow and you’re done in five minutes.

What red dress costume is good for a work Christmas party?

Mrs. Claus or a candy cane. Both are festive and office-friendly.

What couples costume goes with a red dress at Christmas?

Mrs. Claus with Santa, or a candy cane with a gingerbread man.