Disguising as Catwoman is a great idea: she is a strong and sexy woman, and her costume is instantly recognized, despite the various interpretations it has been subjected to over the years. Arguably the most popular version we have at the moment is the feline interpretation made famous by Michelle Pfeiffer in Tim Burton's Batman Returns, although Halle Berry's sexy Catwoman suit and Anne Hathaway's more sophisticated reinterpretation in The Dark Knight Rises are equally famous. In this article, you'll be given all the information you need to recreate each of these looks, and you'll also find a tutorial for doing a classic Catwoman makeup.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Creating Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman Costume
Step 1. Get a black PVC jumpsuit
A glossy black vinyl jumpsuit is generally the foundation of any Catwoman-inspired costume, and Michelle Pfeiffer's reinterpretation is no exception to the rule. Try to buy a jumpsuit with a front zipper, high collar and long sleeves. This type of garment can be found without too many problems in most costume shops for Carnival or Halloween. Alternatively, look for one online, for example on eBay.
- If you don't have the time or money to research and buy a vinyl jumpsuit, you can create a similar look using items you already have in your wardrobe. Skinny leather pants, leather or shiny leggings or even a tight pair of black jeans can be used for the lower part of the suit.
- A fitted black turtleneck sweater will form the top.
Step 2. Sew jagged white lines onto the material
Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman costume featured this detail all over, so this is the look you need to try to recreate. First, take some white chalk and draw an outline of the jagged lines you want to make.
- Draw the outlines randomly all over the PVC costume (or pants and shirt) using an image from the film as a reference point. Then, take a needle, cut some white thread and start sewing in different parts of the suit making white lines.
- If you don't have a lot of time, you can just use white chalk to create the stitching effect, or you can apply white-out over the chalk.
Step 3. Buy or make the Catwoman mask
It can be said that the most important part of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman costume is this piece: a black vinyl half mask with cat ears. To get an authentic looking piece, it would be best to buy a mask on Amazon or eBay. These sites often sell sets that include a mask, gloves, and claws. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can make the mask yourself. That's how:
- Get an old pair of black and cotton sweatpants. Make sure the fabric is stretchy enough to tuck the pant leg over your head.
- Cut the bottom of the pants: the piece you cut should be long enough to cover half of the head, coming right up to the tip of the nose. The fabric should have a few extra inches beyond the top of the head to create the ears.
- Take a piece of white chalk and draw a semicircle on the side of the fabric you are going to cut. It is the line you will cut out to form pointed ears on either side of the mask. Also, draw two large eyes with a photograph from the film as a reference point.
- Take a sharp pair of scissors and cut the semicircle along the chalk line. Also, cut out the two eye holes. Take a needle and some black thread to sew and close the top of the mask. Now, you should have two pointed ears on the top of your head. Try the mask on - if it feels too loose on the sides, add a couple of stitches to tighten it.
- You can wear the mask as it is, or add the same serrated white stitching you created on the suit. Again, use a photo of Michelle Pfeiffer's boss for a point of reference.
Step 4. Make claw gloves
To have claws worthy of a cat woman, all you need to do is find a pair of black gloves that reach up to the elbow. If you can find them in a shiny material, great, otherwise any fabric will do. Take a sharp pair of scissors and make gashes at the tip of each finger.
- Get a pack of black fake nails - the longer and pointed, the better. Apply them to your natural nails, then put on your gloves. The pointy ends of the false nails should protrude from the gashes. Voila!
- Of course, you also have the option to buy Catwoman gloves online, with the nails already attached, but the method we showed you gives you the option to take them off and still have cat claws!
Step 5. Put on knee-length black boots
To complete the look, you need knee-high black boots with a noticeable heel. Before putting them on, polish them well: Catwoman wouldn't dare leave the house with her shoes scuffed!
Part 2 of 4: Creating Halle Berry's Catwoman Costume
Step 1. Get some black PVC pants or leggings
Halle Berry's Catwoman features a slightly different look than the other versions, so you don't need to have a jumpsuit in this case. For the bottom, you'll need leather or shiny pants - they can be found in any store, even those that sell costumes for Carnival or Halloween.
- The pants should be tight at the top, but should widen slightly at the bottom - in the movie, Halle Berry's pants are flared, not tight.
- Take some white chalk and draw lightning-like jagged shapes all over the trouser legs, both on the front and on the back. Then, take a sharp pair of scissors and cut along the lines for a ripped effect.
- Don't worry about making neat cuts - the look you're aiming for is that of a person being attacked by a bunch of angry felines!
Step 2. Buy a faux leather bra or bodice that leaves your belly uncovered
You have to be ready to show a few extra inches of skin with this costume! If possible, get a vinyl or leatherette bra or belly-up bodice to mimic Halle Berry's sexy lingerie in the movie. If you can't find anything suitable in these materials, silk is a viable solution.
- By the way, if you have time before actually putting on the costume, why not work towards getting a flat stomach? The outfit will enhance you even more!
- If you don't feel comfortable exposing all this skin, or the party will be outdoors and it will be cold, a good alternative is instead to wear a black bodysuit that is uncovered and has ribbons on the belly area. Just make sure to add a few tears and gashes again to make it look like she's been attacked by cats.
Step 3. Wrap two black belts around your waist
Hally Berry's is a complicated device in the shape of a belt with crisscross lines that ties the straps of the bra to the pants. It would be difficult to find an exact imitation of this accessory, but you can create a similar effect by simply wrapping two belts around the waist, crossing them to form an X. In theory, the belts should be canvas, black or a dark khaki green, but any type of belt would work for this purpose.
Step 4. Buy or make a Catwoman mask
Much like Michelle Pfeiffer's interpretation of feline anti-heroine, Halle Berry's includes a black half-mask with cat ears. In this case, it's black and matte, with no details or white stitching. It would be ideal to purchase an exact imitation online, although you can still make it yourself using the method outlined in Step 3 of the previous section.
Step 5. Wear open front black shoes
If you want to completely recreate the Catwoman from the film, you should wear the same black open-front shoes or boots, with a mid-height heel. In any case, other types of footwear would also be fine, the important thing is that the legs of the trousers cover them, are not tucked inside them.
Step 6. Get a whip and gloves
The final details to recreate this Catwoman look consist of a pair of gloves (they should go beyond the elbow if possible) and a black leather whip. You can find them at Carnival or Halloween costume shops or online, or make an impromptu version by dyeing a skipping rope black.
Part 3 of 4: Creating Anne Hathaway's Catwoman Costume
Step 1. Buy a black jumpsuit
The most recent incarnation of Catwoman was portrayed by Anne Hathaway in the movie The Dark Knight Rises. It is perhaps the simplest version of Catwoman's costumes, but that certainly does not diminish her sensuality!
- The base of the costume consists of the black jumpsuit, with long sleeves and with a front zipper. If possible, try to get a black and matte one, but if not, a shiny PVC suit is fine too.
- If you can't find a jumpsuit, you can play the outfit with black skinny pants or leggings, a black cardigan with a zipper or a turtleneck.
Step 2. Wear a wide black belt around your waist
This accessory should wrap around the waist to mimic Catwoman's belt, where she keeps everything she needs. Either way, if you can find a real gun holster, that would be even better!
Step 3. Buy or make a black mask and cat ears
Unlike the others, Anne Hathaway's Catwoman does not wear a mask that covers half her head, she uses a simple black mask and a headdress in the shape of ears, with her hair down on the back. In that sense, it's similar to Julie Newmar's version of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series. Any black mask (which only covers the eyes) is fine for this outfit, and you can add a headband or hair clips after attaching cat ears to it.
- You can make the mask yourself using black felt (a black embossed one is ideal for this particular costume). Just draw the outline of the mask on the piece of felt, cut it neatly and attach black elastic on each end to finish it off.
- To make the cat ears yourself, cut two triangular-shaped pieces from black construction paper, glue black PVC or felt to both sides of the paper, then attach each ear to a black alligator clip.
Step 4. Put on black gloves
Any type of long black glove is fine for this costume, just try to choose a pair that goes beyond the elbows.
Step 5. Buy thigh-high boots
Perhaps this is Hathaway's Catwoman accessory that catches the eye: the black leather thigh-high boots. If you already have a couple in your wardrobe, better this way. If not, you should rummage through shoe stores or online to find the perfect one. Heels should measure 10-12cm.
Of course, black knee-high boots are just as good, it all depends on how much you want the costume to look like the original
Step 6. Carry a fake gun with you
Instead of the whip, Anne Hathaway's Catwoman has a gun: this is no joke! Get a faux black one at any costume shop. If you've managed to find a holster, you can keep it inside!
Step 7. Hair should be smooth and voluminous
Contrary to the other versions, with hair gathered or tucked under the mask, this look allows you to leave it loose. Anne Hathaway's are smooth, but have a lot of volume. To achieve a similar effect, apply mousse to damp hair, then blow dry it upside down using a brush to straighten it. Remove them from your face and let them fall on your shoulders; secure them using the headband or cat ear clips.
Part 4 of 4: Doing your Catwoman makeup
Step 1. Choose the right foundation
To start, apply your favorite foundation, but first mix it with a dash of white face dye, because Catwoman is usually pale. Blend it well using a flat bristle brush to create a perfect finish. Fix it with clear loose powder. Do not use concealer under the eyes: you must have slight dark circles.
Step 2. Focus on the eyes
Apply a matte and dove-colored eyeshadow all over the mobile eyelid; this way, you will create depth and shadows. Blend the taupe eyeshadow down towards the side of the nose. Next, apply a dark brown eyeshadow in the crease of the eye, and apply a completely black eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid, blending it outwards.
- Apply the black eyeshadow along the lower lashline with an angled brush; bring it to the inner corner of the eye. The result must be inaccurate.
- Use a cotton ball to blend the eyeshadow under the lower lashline for a smudged, smoky effect.
- Outline the lower inner rhyme with a black pencil. Curl your lashes, then generously apply black mascara to both upper and lower lashes.
Step 3. Define your brows
To do this, use a special pencil and create an elaborate bow. Apply a white pencil under the eyebrows to give more depth, and apply a matte white eyeshadow over the brow bone to highlight. Set the eyebrows using a specific gel.
Step 4. Apply a red lipstick
Outline the lips with a red pencil, then fill them with your favorite red lipstick. Use a small brush to create a precise shape; for reference, see a photo of Catwoman showing the area clearly. Use a concealer to further define the lip contour. Apply a red lip gloss to the center of the lips after applying the lipstick. They should look plump and sensual.
Advice
- Thicker fabric generally lasts longer and lends itself better to being customized because it is less likely to tear.
- When you mark the cut point on the fabric to create the mask, leave a few more inches considering the hair on the back.
- When sewing the mask, make sure the eye holes are in the right place before continuing.
- The glow-in-the-dark or yellow thread would be great for going to a club, and can make the costume quite unique.
