DC’s Femme Fatale: How to Cosplay as Harley Quinn
Pop culture has made Harley Quinn an iconic figure, the erratic and immensely popular DC Comics character. Harley is the ideal pick for cosplay because of her wild energy, vibrant attire, and aggressive personality. Here’s all you need to know, from DIY hair, dress, and makeup ideas to help you become Gotham’s most diabolical antihero and make the perfect Harley Quinn costume, whether your goal is to recreate her iconic jester look or her contemporary Suicide Squad aesthetic.
Hair

Harley Quinn’s look from head to toe is a story of its own, but if I asked you: what’s the first thing you notice when you see or think of her, you’d probably say: her hair. While you can work with what you have for the other parts of your costume (DIY an old tee, skirt and pants, or create the makeup look with shades you already have in your cosmetic bag), you can’t do the same with your hair.
Unless you’re a long-haired blonde girl, ready to dye the ends of her hair red and blue for the Suicide Squad look or cut her bangs short for the classic look, getting a playful and striking wig from Harley Quinn is your best bet for a successful cosplay.
Whether you need your wig for a whole-day comic convention, mere cosplaying, or simply adding a touch of mischief to your look, chances are you’ll wear your Harley Quinn wig for a longer period, which means it’s essential to feel comfortable on your head. When shopping, opt for a one-size fit and a traditional cap with a skin part and adjustable size straps, as these are designed for comfort and durability.
If you decide on a genuine wig Harley Quinn featuring blonde pigtails adorned with red and blue tips, it’s best to go for a high-quality soft synthetic fibre, as these are more affordable than human hair options. If you wear wigs regularly, investing in a classic blonde human hair wig can be worth it. In both cases, choose a heat-resistant, washable and reusable wig; that way you can style it accordingly to embody Harley Qinn’s bold and eccentric personality perfectly.
Costume
Cosplayers now have various costume alternatives thanks to the evolution of Harley Quinn’s costume over time. Her iconic jester appearance from Batman: The Animated Series and her more contemporary look from Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey are the two most well-liked variations. Choose the version that best expresses Harley’s audacity and frenzied personality!
Classic Jester Harley Quinn
A red-and-black jester jumpsuit with diamond patterns and alternate coloured portions is a staple of the iconic Harley Quinn ensemble. This tight-fitting full-body costume also features a jester cap with pom-poms. You can use a red and black bodysuit to create your own Harley Quinn jumpsuit, or you can buy one online. Use fabric paint or stitch red and black diamonds onto areas of the opposite colour to replicate the diamond pattern. Wear the jumpsuit with matching red or black boots.
Suicide Squad Harley Quinn
One of the most identifiable components of the costume in The Suicide Squad is a top, or a “Daddy’s Lil Monster” shirt, which is a white baseball-style shirt with tattered ends and scarlet sleeves. Her rebellious flair is further enhanced by her gleaming red and blue bomber jacket with gold details. For a punky, edgy style, wear fishnet tights with metallic red and blue shorts. Finish the look with white-heeled boots or sneakers with blue and red embellishments.
Birds of Prey Harley Quinn
Harley adopts a more eclectic look in Birds of Prey, frequently donning brightly coloured crop tops (yellow, pink, etc.) with overalls or high-waisted shorts. Her fringed jacket, which is made of shredded material or colourful streamers, is a particularly striking piece from the movie; it exudes a lively, chaotic atmosphere. While she wears different shoes, the most frequent choices are striking boots or sneakers with metallic or vibrant hues.
Makeup

Once you style your hair and find the right costume, it’s time to get the makeup done. For a classic Harley Quinn look, start with applying a white or very light foundation, or a white face paint to achieve a pale, clownish complexion. Draw a mask over your eyes using eyeliner or black face paint. As an alternative, you can buy a pre-made mask or use a black mask template. To finish the look, apply bold red lipstick and, if desired, add a tiny black accent for contrast.
A pale face, but not as white as the classic Harley, should be the base for the Suicide Squad-inspired makeup. To create that messy, worn-in look, apply pink eyeshadow to one eye and blue to the other, smudging both down your cheeks. Harley has been through a lot, so you want her makeup to appear a touch sloppy!
The “Rotten” tattoo inscribed across Harley’s jawline and the little black heart beneath her right eye is the most noticeable of her many tattoos from Suicide Squad. To replicate these designs, apply temporary tattoos or draw them using an eyeliner pencil. Complete her rebellious, edgy style with bold red lipstick.
Harley’s makeup is more vibrant and fun for Birds of Prey. To create a vivid, cluttered effect around your eyes, use bright pinks, blues, and yellows. For a punk look, use eyeliner to draw tiny dots, hearts, or stars on your face and magnetic lashes to get an instant length and volume.
Accessories
Every look needs its finishing touches and a complex character like Harley Quinn even more. As she’s never seen without a weapon of choice, a mallet for the classic look and a baseball bat for the Suicide Squad one is a must-have. Alternating black and red or fingerless leather wristbands and gloves, bold jewellery pieces like necklaces and chokers, and studded belts all give an edgy look to her modern outfits.