How to Dress Like Edgar Allan Poe

DIY Costume Items

Best Edgar Allan Poe Costume Guide

Edgar Allan Poe is a world-renown American writer and literary critic, mainly known for the somber and grim tone of his poetry and short stories. One of the earliest short story writers, he is regarded as an essential figure in American literature. Some of his most well-received work like The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket is noted to have influenced many different writers and artists that came after him. Such notables include Henry James, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Alfred Hitchcock. Who wouldn’t want to dress up as this iconic gothic writer? Get the look of the dark intellectual with this Edgar Allan Poe costume guide.

Write your way into Edgar Allan Poe’s look. To get in costume, wear a White Button-Down Shirt, Chiffon Scarf, Victorian Frock Coat, Black Pants, Black Dress Shoes, Black Hair Wig, and a Fake Moustache. Don’t forget a Feather Pen and a Black Raven Prop to complete the look.

Edgar Allan Poe Cosplay Costumes

Poe was orphaned at a young age. This fact of his life, many believe, underscored the tone by which he wrote much of his work. He focuses much of his writing on death and the philosophy of it. Popular culture depicts Poe as either a “tormented artist” or a “mad genius.” Many of his depictions also merge the personalities of characters from his stories. Similar personalities often suggest that his fictional characters share identifying traits with him. Edgar Allan Poe’s death, itself, was distressful. He was found wandering the streets, in clothes that weren’t his, delirious, and calling out the name “Reynolds” repeatedly. While most of his records are gone, some sources have said that his last words were “Lord, help my poor soul.”

Take on the character of the tortured artist, Edgar Allan Poe, with the items found in this costume guide. You can also invite friends to come as other famous authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

About Edgar Allan Poe

Following Edgar Allan Poe’s death, his contemporary rival Rufus Griswold wrote a scathing obituary full of falsehoods that depicted him as a lunatic. The lengthy, slanted obituary appeared on the New York Tribune on the day Poe was buried. But, Griswold didn’t stop. His grudge for Poe led him to write a biographical article entitled, “Memoir of the Author.” Once again, he depicted Poe here as a depraved, drunken, and even drug-addicted madman. He included Poe’s letters as evidence and somehow convinced Poe’s mother to sign off on the publishing rights despite many of the claims being untruthful.

Those who knew Edgar Allan Poe well denounced Griswold’s article. However, it still became a popularly accepted biographical source around the world. Its acceptance was in part due to it being the only biographical source and partly because readers’ interests were piqued by the idea of the famous author’s immortality. The letters Griswold presented as evidence, however, were later found to be forged.