Halloween Costumes for Women With Braids

Four Braided Looks to Start With

Choose Wednesday for two simple plaits, Katniss for a side braid and familiar layers, Annabeth for long box braids, or Elsa for a dressed-up blonde braid. The clothes matter just as much as the hair, so start with the outfit you would enjoy wearing.

Wednesday AddamsTwin black braids · White collar

Katniss EverdeenSide Dutch braid · Brown hunting jacket

Annabeth ChaseLong box braids · Camp Half-Blood shirt

ElsaBlonde side braid · Blue gown

Compare Costumes With Braids

Costume	Start With	Preparation
Wednesday Addams	Twin black braids · White collar	A few specific pieces
Dorothy Gale	Two ribbon-tied braids · Blue gingham	A few specific pieces
Katniss Everdeen	Side Dutch braid · Brown hunting jacket	A few specific pieces
Annabeth Chase	Long box braids · Camp Half-Blood shirt	A few specific pieces
Elsa	Blonde side braid · Blue gown	Full costume or styling
Rapunzel	Flower-decorated blonde braid · Lavender dress	Full costume or styling
Jinx	Extra-long blue braids · Classic game outfit	Full costume or styling
General Leia Organa	Braided updo · Resistance layers	Full costume or styling

Browse All 20 Costume Ideas

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Costumes With Two Braids

Two braids can read completely differently with a change of clothes. Wednesday’s black dress is a simpler starting point than Cammy’s fitted fighting outfit, while Dorothy and Anna depend on very specific dress colors. Jinx and Mitsuri belong here when you want braids to become a bigger, brighter cosplay feature; Mitsuri adds a third braid at the back.

Twin black braids · White collar

1. Wednesday Addams

Start with a black dress with a white collar, black tights, and Mary Janes, then part your hair down the middle and bring both braids forward. The classic Addams Family version is a good choice when you want the hairstyle to stand out against simple clothing. A detachable collar is a practical adaptation for a dress you own; the doll and toy knife are not necessary.

Two ribbon-tied braids · Blue gingham

2. Dorothy Gale

Blue-and-white gingham, a white puff-sleeve blouse, and red shoes give Dorothy her unmistakable Wizard of Oz look. Finish two brown braids with blue ribbons rather than letting a big hair accessory cover them. A pinafore set keeps the clothing straightforward, while socks and comfortable red shoes can come from your own wardrobe. A small Toto in a basket adds storybook charm without changing the basic outfit.

Two auburn braids · Fuchsia cape

3. Anna

Anna’s traveling outfit combines a pale blue shirt, black vest, royal blue skirt, and fuchsia cape with two auburn braids. This version is built from separates, so it is a useful route if you would rather assemble colors than buy an embroidered replica dress. Keep the blue skirt and pink cape together: switching to her green coronation gown would mean choosing a different hairstyle and costume version.

Ribbon-tied braids · White doll dress

4. Annabelle

Annabelle’s white dress, red waist sash, and ribbon-tied brown braids turn a sweet-looking doll outfit into a horror costume. The kit includes a mask with attached hair, but using your own two braids is a deliberate, more open-faced adaptation. Keep the red ribbons and doll-like dress doing the recognizable work. White flats finish the look; elaborate blood effects are not what makes this character read.

Long blonde twin braids · Red beret

5. Cammy White

Choose Cammy’s classic green leotard outfit with a red beret, red gauntlets, and sturdy brown lace-up boots. Her two long blonde braids should remain visible below the hat, making the hair as important as the red-and-green color contrast. This is the classic Street Fighter look, not her newer jacket-and-leggings outfit. Plan for a character costume or suitable leotard rather than treating it as an ordinary-clothes shortcut.

Extra-long blue braids · Classic game outfit

6. Jinx

Jinx’s classic League of Legends outfit pairs extremely long blue braids with a pink-and-black strappy top, shorts, mismatched legwear, and chunky boots. It is a bigger cosplay project than simply adding blue hair to black clothes. This guide follows her original game styling rather than an Arcane outfit. For a party, a shorter braided wig is a practical adaptation that keeps the recognizable color without dragging the ends.

Three pink-and-green braids · White haori

7. Mitsuri Kanroji

Mitsuri’s hair is pink with green ends, arranged into three thick braids, including the two visible at the front. Pair that distinctive styling with her dark Demon Slayer uniform, white haori, green legwear, and flat shoes. A pre-styled character wig is worth considering here because both the color placement and braid arrangement matter. A sword is secondary to the hair and uniform for a recognizable party costume.

Costumes With One Main Braid

A single braid works with both everyday adventure clothes and full princess costumes. Katniss and the classic-inspired Lara look start with jackets, tanks, and boots; Elsa and Rapunzel put more of the work into a gown and longer styled hair. Choose by the clothing you have first, then decide whether your own braid needs any extra length.

Side Dutch braid · Brown hunting jacket

8. Katniss Everdeen

A brown leather-look jacket, black long-sleeve top, olive jeans, and brown combat boots give Katniss a practical hunting outfit. Add a Mockingjay pin and sweep one Dutch braid around your shoulder so it shows beside the jacket. This is the outdoorsy version, not a Capitol gown or arena bodysuit. The knit cowl adds another recognizable layer, but the jacket-and-pin combination is the clearer place to start.

Blonde side braid · Blue gown

9. Elsa

Elsa’s thick blonde side braid belongs with a shimmering blue gown and a pale, flowing cape. Bring the braid forward over one shoulder so it is visible in photos instead of disappearing behind the cape. The gown and hair are the main investment in this look; snowflake clips are finishing details. Choose this blue Snow Queen outfit consistently rather than mixing in her later white dress or coronation styling.

Flower-decorated blonde braid · Lavender dress

10. Rapunzel

Rapunzel’s lavender dress and long blonde braid make a bright Tangled costume, especially when small flowers are spaced along the hair. The guide includes a braided wig, so you can choose the flower-braid version even though the character also wears her hair loose. Keep the braid short enough to carry comfortably, and finish with ballet flats. A Pascal plush is a lighter character extra than carrying a real frying pan.

Red braid · Green medieval gown

11. Princess Fiona

Fiona’s red braid, little tiara, and long green gown give you the fairytale princess before any transformation extras are added. The guide follows her ogre look with Fiona ears and green shoes; using the clothing, wig, and ears without green face paint is a simpler adaptation. Position the braid where it will show against the dress, and make sure the tiara sits securely without hiding the hairstyle.

Red braid and yellow bow · Cowgirl outfit

12. Jessie

Jessie’s red cowgirl hat and red braid work with a white Western shirt, yellow trim, blue jeans, and brown boots. Tie a yellow bow at the braid’s end and keep it visible below the hat. The guide offers both a full costume and a DIY shirt route using yellow felt and red trim. Cow-print chaps belong to the fuller toy-cowgirl version; jeans and a decorated shirt are the simpler adaptation.

Blonde side braid · Viking layers

13. Astrid Hofferson

Astrid’s blonde side braid is paired here with a red tank, a leather-look skirt, brown leggings, and furry boots and cuffs. A headband and shoulder pieces give the How to Train Your Dragon outfit its Viking character. These separates are a DIY interpretation, not a replica of the heavier armor seen in later appearances. Check how the braid falls over the shoulder pieces before committing to a bulky costume set.

Brown braided hair · Straw hat

14. Sophie Hatter

Young Sophie’s long brown hair, muted blue-green dress, and straw hat with a red ribbon create a quieter storybook costume. The guide suggests braiding the hair and securing it with a bow, with leggings and lace-up boots beneath the long dress. Use the brown-haired look as your starting point rather than mixing it with older Sophie’s silver hair. Test the hat after styling so the brim does not crush the braid.

Classic-inspired back braid · Teal tank

15. Lara Croft

Use a teal tank, black shorts, a sturdy belt, fingerless gloves, and lace-up boots for a classic-inspired Lara Croft. The clothing kit supplies that starting point; styling one long braid is the intentional change from the ponytailed reference pictured in the guide. This is a braid-forward interpretation, not a claim that every Lara version wears one. Holster straps add detail, but weapons are not needed to enjoy the costume.

Box Braids, Half-Up Styles, and Braided Crowns

You do not have to take down a full head of braids to join in: Annabeth’s live-action look makes them part of the character. The other choices use smaller braids around loose hair or pinned into an updo. These are subtler hairstyle matches than Wednesday or Elsa, so the camp shirt, fantasy dress, or Resistance outfit has more work to do.

Long box braids · Camp Half-Blood shirt

16. Annabeth Chase

Annabeth’s live-action look is a strong choice if you already wear long box braids. Start with the orange Camp Half-Blood shirt, olive cargo pants, and brown ankle boots, then add a denim jacket and beaded camp necklace. Those clothes tell the Percy Jackson story without changing your hairstyle. A Yankees cap and crossbody satchel are useful extras; choose the camp-shirt outfit rather than layering every alternate top together.

Half-up blonde braids · Flowing blue dress

17. Daenerys Targaryen

Choose the blue-dress interpretation of Daenerys with a braided half-up blonde wig, a woven belt, and a dragon-tooth necklace. The flowing dress in this kit is an accessible fantasy adaptation rather than an exact copy of her fitted screen costume. Keep the small crown-level braids visible above the loose lengths. A gray cloak and a small dragon complete the idea without pulling in pieces from her separate Dothraki outfit.

Platinum braided styling · Red or purple gown

18. Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra is a choice for someone who enjoys styling smaller braids into long, pale hair. The guide offers several medieval dresses and recommends a white-blonde wig worn in waves or braids; choose a red or purple gown and the braided option for this collection. A red pendant and matching cloak finish the royal interpretation. Pick one dress version first, since the listed alternatives are not meant to be worn together.

Small half-up braids · Pale green dress

19. Lyanna Stark

Lyanna’s pictured hair uses small braids around the sides with the remaining brown lengths left loose. A pale green dress, silver-toned decorative jewelry, and delicate flower pins give the costume its softer Game of Thrones feel. The simple strappy dress in the kit is an adaptation of the more ornate screen gown. This is a subtle fan-oriented choice: keep both the half-up braids and the pale dress, rather than relying on hair alone.

Braided updo · Resistance layers

20. General Leia Organa

General Leia’s Force Awakens look puts the braids into an updo instead of leaving two plaits loose. Pair the hairstyle with the guide’s brown jumpsuit, brown vest, black belt, and brown boots for a Resistance-inspired outfit. This is not the white princess gown and side-bun version. Allow styling time for the pinned hair, and keep the clothing in muted earth tones so the finished look remains tied to this particular Leia.

Make the Braids Work With the Outfit

Choose the costume first, then make a hair plan you can actually wear for the event. A good braid does not need to be the same length, texture, or shade as the character’s to work with recognizable clothing.

Choose an Arrangement

Decide whether you want two front braids, one side braid, a full head of box braids, or smaller pinned braids. Wednesday and Dorothy suit the first option; Katniss and Elsa suit the second. Annabeth is the clearest starting point here for box braids.

Keep the Clothes Recognizable

Two braids alone could belong to dozens of characters. Add Wednesday’s white collar, Dorothy’s gingham, Anna’s fuchsia cape, or Annabeth’s orange camp shirt before spending time on fine hair details.

Plan for Wearable Length

Rapunzel and Jinx have exaggerated hair. A costume braid that stops above the floor is a useful real-world adaptation. Try sitting down, putting on a jacket, and carrying your bag with the braid in place.

Treat Color as a Choice

You can keep your own hair color and let the clothing explain the character. If exact color placement is the fun part—especially Mitsuri’s green ends or Jinx’s blue braids—a pre-styled wig avoids a lasting color change.

Try Hats and Capes Together

Cammy’s beret, Jessie’s cowgirl hat, and Sophie’s straw hat change how the hair sits. Elsa’s cape and Astrid’s shoulder pieces can hide a braid. Rehearse the complete outfit and move the braid into view for photographs.

Check Front and Back

Take a front photo and a rear or side photo before the event. This is especially helpful for half-up styles and Leia’s pinned braids, where the defining detail may disappear from a straight-on view. Bring spare hair ties that suit your hairstyle.

A Few Questions Before You Choose

Which braided costume is easiest to build from ordinary clothes?

Wednesday is a useful starting point if you have a black dress and white collar; Katniss works with a brown jacket, black top, olive pants, and boots. Annabeth becomes straightforward when you already have box braids and cargo pants, though the Camp Half-Blood shirt is the specific piece to find.

What costume can I wear with box braids?

Live-action Annabeth Chase is the most direct match in this list: long box braids, an orange Camp Half-Blood shirt, olive cargo pants, and a denim jacket. You can also adapt other characters around your own braids. Keep the defining clothes and accessories rather than feeling you must change a protective style for one evening.

What works with two braids?

Wednesday, Dorothy, Anna, Annabelle, and classic Cammy all have clear twin-braid looks. Choose by the clothes: black and white for Wednesday, gingham for Dorothy, layered blue and fuchsia for Anna, a white doll dress for Annabelle, or green and red for Cammy. Jinx adds a much longer blue cosplay version.

Which characters have one side braid?

Elsa and Katniss are the strongest starting points for a visible braid brought over one shoulder. Astrid and Fiona also make good single-braid choices. The princess and Viking costumes need more specialized clothing, while Katniss starts with practical layers you may already own.

Can I use short hair or a braided wig?

Yes. Several guides include a braided wig, including Wednesday, Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, and Cammy. Look at the actual braid arrangement and length, not just the character name on a listing. A short natural braid is also a valid adaptation when you would rather use your own hair and emphasize the outfit.

Do the braids need to match the character’s color?

No. Wednesday’s collar or Dorothy’s gingham can make the costume clear with your own hair color. For a closer replica, a wig is an option, particularly for Elsa’s pale blonde or Jinx’s blue. The goal is a costume you want to wear, not changing your natural features to qualify.

Are these the same as pigtail costume ideas?

Not quite. Pigtails describe two tied sections of hair, which may be loose or braided. This collection focuses on plaited hair and braided updos, so an unbraided ponytail or a pair of loose pigtails is not enough on its own. Each recommendation identifies the braid arrangement or explains a deliberate adaptation.

The best match is usually the character whose hairstyle and clothing both fit your plans. Keep existing braids if you like them, use a wig if styling is part of the fun, and choose the version before buying extra pieces. A clear collar, cape, camp shirt, or gown will do more for recognition than adding every prop in a kit.

Adult cosplayer wearing a brown jacket, black top, olive jeans, boots, and a dark side braid as Katniss Everdeen. — Explore the Katniss Everdeen guide.

Choose the Character, Then Style the Braids

Start with one complete idea: Wednesday’s black dress and twin plaits, Katniss’s jacket and side braid, or Annabeth’s camp clothes and box braids. Try the key clothing pieces together before deciding whether you need a wig, ribbons, a hat, or a more elaborate braided finish.

For a bigger transformation, Elsa, Rapunzel, Jinx, and Mitsuri make the hairstyle a major part of the costume. Give those looks time for a full dress rehearsal. The finished outfit should be recognizable, comfortable to move in, and something you are excited to wear—not a checklist of every accessory.

Sources and guide references

Outfit details were reviewed against the individual Costume Wall guides and their pictured kits. Suggested adaptations are described in the recommendations. Product sizes and availability must be checked separately.

Tomb Raider: The Evolution of Lara Croft — background reading on the collection topic.
StarWars.com: Leia’s Wardrobe Across the Films — background reading on the collection topic.

Individual costume references: Wednesday Addams; Dorothy Gale; Anna; Annabelle; Cammy White; Jinx; Mitsuri Kanroji; Katniss Everdeen; Elsa; Rapunzel; Princess Fiona; Jessie; Astrid Hofferson; Sophie Hatter; Lara Croft; Annabeth Chase; Daenerys Targaryen; Rhaenyra Targaryen; Lyanna Stark; General Leia Organa.