Queen of Hearts Costume
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The Queen of Hearts comes from Lewis Carroll’s 1865 book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where she yells “Off with their heads!” at pretty much everyone. She’s a fun villain to play, and the red-and-black look is dramatic without being scary.
What Makes It Work
Start with red and black. A red dress with black panels, or a black dress with red details, both work. A full skirt looks the most regal.
The stand-up collar is the signature. A tall, stiff collar that frames the back of the head makes it look royal right away. Use a costume collar, or cut one from stiff felt and pin it to a cape.
Add a small gold crown with heart details, red lips and dark arched brows. Hearts everywhere help: a heart scepter, heart earrings, a heart drawn on one cheek. A deck of cards or a flamingo makes the perfect prop.
What People Get Wrong
Forgetting the hearts. A red dress and crown alone reads as any queen. The other miss is a floppy collar. If it doesn’t stand up, it doesn’t work.
Buy It or Build It?
Queen of Hearts dresses run $30 to $70. A collar, crown and scepter set is $15 to $30 if you’re using your own red or black dress.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
What group costume works with the Queen of Hearts?
Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. A deck of playing card guards is great for big groups.
How do I make a Queen of Hearts collar?
Cut a tall fan shape from stiff red or black felt, add wire along the edge, and pin it to the back of a cape or dress.
Can I use a red dress I already own?
Yes. Add a collar, a heart crown and black accents.
What makeup goes with a Queen of Hearts costume?
Red lips (a small heart-shaped lip is classic), dark arched brows and a little blush.
Next up: Rosie the Riveter Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.