Last updated: May 5, 2026· By Serdar

Costume Guide

Ariel Little Mermaid Halloween Costume Guide

The Little Mermaid 2023  ·  Halle Bailey  ·  Mermaid Princess

The Ariel costume: braided red wig, seashell bikini top, mermaid tail or fish skirt, holographic green glitter, and the dark expressive eyes of the most curious princess under the sea.

Halle Bailey The Little Mermaid Black Eyes Braid Hair Mermaid Princess Red Hair
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Quick Answer: The Ariel Halloween costume has two build paths across ten items.
  • Red dreadlock braiding wig (essential)
  • Mermaid tail, fish skirt, or mermaid legging (essential)
  • Seashell bikini top or mermaid costume bikini top
  • Holographic green face glitter and Ariel black contact lenses

The Ariel Halloween costume is one of the most iconic and most flexible Disney princess builds available, with a completely reimagined visual identity introduced by the 2023 live-action film starring Halle Bailey. The 2023 version of the ariel outfit replaces the classic straight red hair with flowing red braids and dreadlocks, adds bioluminescent green glitter and dark expressive contact lenses, and delivers a mermaid princess look that is both true to the original and distinctly contemporary. This guide covers the 2023 live-action ariel costume in full. You can read more about the 2023 film on the The Little Mermaid 2023 Wikipedia page.

Items Total10 Items
DifficultyEasy
VibeMermaid Princess
Cost$40-$80

Ariel Little Mermaid Halloween Costume: All Items

Ariel Little Mermaid 2023 Halloween costume infographic showing all ten items: red dreadlock braiding wig, brown long braiding wig, mermaid costume bikini top, Ariel black lens, seashell bikini top, holographic green face glitter, mermaid fish skirt, mermaid legging, mermaid tail for swimming, and mermaid costume

Ariel Costume Items

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Ariel Little Mermaid 2023 Halloween Mermaid
  • 1 Red Dreadlock Braiding WigThe red dreadlock braiding wig is the most essential item in the 2023 live-action Ariel Halloween costume. The textured red braids and dreadlocks are the single most character-specific visual detail of Halle Bailey’s portrayal and the item that most immediately identifies this ariel outfit as the 2023 version rather than the classic animated Ariel costume.
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  • 2 Brown Long Braiding WigThe brown long braiding wig is an alternative ariel outfit wig option for a softer, more subtle interpretation of the 2023 live-action look. A strong choice for cosplayers who prefer a longer, looser braided style while maintaining the textured braided quality that defines the 2023 Ariel costume.
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  • 3 Mermaid Costume Bikini TopThe mermaid costume bikini top is the dedicated ariel outfit top option, designed specifically to reference the mermaid aesthetic of the Little Mermaid character. Works as the primary top for any mermaid bottom in this guide.
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  • 4 Ariel Black LensThe Ariel black contact lenses replicate the deep, expressive dark eye look that defines Halle Bailey’s portrayal in the 2023 film. The lenses are the makeup-adjacent accessory that most elevates the ariel halloween costume at close range and in photography, adding the intense gaze quality associated with the character’s underwater world origins.
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  • 5 Seashell Bikini TopThe seashell bikini top is the most classically recognisable top option in the Ariel costume, consistent across both the animated and live-action versions of the character. The seashell detail is the most immediately character-specific top choice for any version of the ariel outfit and the item that most clearly communicates Ariel rather than a generic mermaid.
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  • 6 Holographic Green Face GlitterHolographic green face glitter adds the bioluminescent underwater shimmer quality to the 2023 Ariel Halloween costume. Applied to the cheekbones, temples, and collarbone, it creates the subtle glow effect associated with Ariel’s life beneath the sea and is the makeup detail that most clearly differentiates the 2023 live-action ariel costume from a classic mermaid look.
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  • 7 Mermaid Fish SkirtThe mermaid fish skirt is the most practical and most mobile bottom option for the Ariel Halloween costume at events where full movement is required. The scale-textured skirt maintains the mermaid aesthetic while allowing walking, dancing, and general movement throughout a full Halloween event.
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  • 8 Mermaid LeggingMermaid leggings are a comfortable, mobile alternative bottom for the Ariel Halloween costume, offering the scale-print mermaid aesthetic in a form that allows full leg movement. A strong choice for outdoor Halloween events or any event requiring extended walking.
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  • 9 Mermaid Tail for SwimmingThe mermaid tail for swimming is the most visually spectacular bottom option for the Ariel Halloween costume, delivering the full mermaid silhouette for photography-focused events or poolside Halloween parties. Best suited to events where mobility is not required for extended periods.
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  • 10 Mermaid CostumeThe complete mermaid costume is the all-in-one build option for the Ariel Halloween costume, providing a full matched set that covers both the top and bottom of the ariel outfit in a single purchase. The most streamlined option for anyone who wants the complete ariel costume look without assembling individual pieces.
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Ariel from The Little Mermaid 2023 in the water with only her braided red hair and face visible, showing the braided wig detail and expressive eyes that define the 2023 Ariel Halloween costume

How to Style the Ariel Little Mermaid Halloween Costume

To build the Ariel Halloween costume, start by choosing your bottom half based on the event. For photography or poolside events, step into the mermaid tail. For parties requiring movement, put on the mermaid fish skirt or mermaid leggings. Put on the seashell bikini top or mermaid costume bikini top. Insert the Ariel black contact lenses before applying any eye makeup. Apply holographic green face glitter to the cheekbones, temples, and collarbone for the underwater shimmer effect. Put on the red dreadlock braiding wig last, letting the braids fall naturally around the shoulders.

Ariel’s in-character Halloween register is pure, unguarded wonder at everything around her. She picks up objects she has never seen before and studies them with complete fascination. She smiles at everyone. She is confident in her identity as a mermaid princess and entirely open to the human world she finds herself in. The braided red wig and the shimmering green glitter communicate the character visually; the curiosity and warmth complete the ariel outfit performance.

The Braiding Wig: Loose and Natural All Night

The red dreadlock braiding wig is the most character-specific visual in the 2023 Ariel Halloween costume and should be worn as naturally as possible to reference Halle Bailey’s underwater flowing hair in the film. Before fitting, gently shake the wig to separate the braids and give them natural movement. Position it centrally and secure with wig pins at the temples. Avoid pulling the braids back or tying them up during the event, as Ariel’s hair in the film is consistently worn loose and flowing. The loose braid silhouette is the detail that reads most clearly as the 2023 live-action ariel outfit at any distance and should be maintained throughout the event by leaving the wig entirely unstyled after fitting.

Choosing the Right Bottom: Mobility vs Visual Impact

The Ariel costume offers three bottom options and the choice between them depends entirely on the event format. The mermaid tail for swimming delivers the maximum visual impact and the most complete ariel outfit silhouette but restricts leg movement significantly, making it suitable only for events with long seated or stationary periods and photography opportunities. The mermaid fish skirt is the most balanced option, delivering strong visual mermaid identity with full walking and dancing mobility. The mermaid leggings are the most comfortable option for extended wear and outdoor events, maintaining the scale print aesthetic while allowing all movement. For most Halloween parties, the fish skirt is the optimal choice: strong ariel halloween costume visual identity without any mobility restriction.

The Green Glitter: Application for Maximum Effect

Holographic green face glitter is the makeup detail that most clearly differentiates the 2023 live-action Ariel Halloween costume from a classic mermaid look and should be applied with intention rather than scattered randomly. Apply the glitter to the tops of the cheekbones with a damp brush or your fingertip, building upward toward the temples in a curved line that follows the natural cheekbone shape. Add a lighter application across the collarbone and the tops of the shoulders. The holographic quality means the glitter shifts colour in different lights, which photographs particularly well and reinforces the underwater bioluminescent quality of the ariel outfit at any event. Apply after all other makeup is complete, as glitter applied too early tends to migrate during the rest of the makeup process.

The Black Contact Lenses: Fitting and Comfort

The Ariel black contact lenses are the most impactful accessory in the 2023 ariel halloween costume at close range and in photography, adding the deep, expressive dark eye quality most associated with the 2023 film’s visual interpretation of the character. If you have not worn contact lenses before, practise inserting and removing them at home at least two days before the event. Bring a lens case and solution to the event. Do not wear the lenses for longer than eight hours in a single session and remove them immediately if any discomfort develops. If contact lenses are not suitable, bold dark mascara and a smoky eye shadow in deep brown or charcoal delivers a similar intensity of expression without the fitting requirement and is a strong alternative for the ariel outfit at any Halloween event.

Ariel Halloween Costume: Group Ideas

Little Mermaid Family

Ariel 2023, Classic Ariel and Princess Melody

A three-person Little Mermaid group that pairs the 2023 live-action Ariel with her animated classic counterpart and her daughter Princess Melody. The 2023 Ariel’s braided red wig and green glitter alongside Classic Ariel’s straight red hair and Princess Melody’s dark-haired mermaid look creates a group that spans the full visual history of the Little Mermaid universe. The contrast between the two Ariel interpretations makes this one of the most visually interesting Disney Halloween group concepts available.

Ariel 2023 Classic Ariel Princess Melody

Disney Royals

Ariel, Princess Mindy and Rachel Flax

A three-person group that combines the mermaid world of The Little Mermaid with the deep-sea royalty of SpongeBob’s Princess Mindy and the eccentric coastal energy of Rachel Flax from Mermaids. Ariel’s braided red wig and mermaid tail alongside Princess Mindy’s oceanic royalty and Rachel Flax’s free-spirited mermaid aesthetic creates a water-world themed Halloween group with strong individual costume builds and cross-generational recognition.

Ariel Princess Mindy Rachel Flax

One Piece Crossover

Ariel, Monkey D. Luffy, Usopp and Sanji

A four-person ocean-themed group pairing the mermaid princess of The Little Mermaid with three of One Piece’s most beloved Straw Hat pirates. Ariel’s mermaid tail and braided red hair alongside Luffy’s straw hat and red vest, Usopp’s goggles and slingshot, and Sanji’s suit and cigarette creates an unexpected but visually vibrant ocean-world group with strong individual costume builds and wide anime and Disney fan recognition at any Halloween event.

Ariel Monkey D. Luffy Usopp Sanji

Dark and Light Contrast

Ariel, Wednesday Addams, Goody Addams and Boy George

A four-person Halloween group that places Ariel’s bright mermaid wonder directly alongside three of pop culture’s most iconically dark and eccentric characters. Ariel’s red braids, green glitter, and mermaid tail alongside Wednesday Addams’s deadpan black, Goody Addams’s colonial witch, and Boy George’s Karma Chameleon maximalism creates a group with maximum visual contrast and strong individual costume identities that reads immediately at any Halloween event as a deliberate and committed group concept.

Ariel Wednesday Addams Goody Addams Boy George
Ariel from The Little Mermaid 2023 with her entire body including her tail visible on the rock, showing the complete Ariel Halloween costume with braided red hair, seashell bikini top, and full mermaid tail

Ariel Halloween Costume: DIY Tips

What to Buy vs What to Already Own

The Ariel Halloween costume has two essential dedicated purchases: the red dreadlock braiding wig and any mermaid bottom from this guide. The wig is the detail that identifies the 2023 live-action ariel outfit specifically and cannot be replicated from a typical wardrobe. The mermaid bottom is the second visual anchor of the ariel halloween costume. Everything else has substitution potential. Any seashell or ocean-themed bikini top already owned works in place of the specific tops listed. Any iridescent or sparkly green eyeshadow or craft glitter substitutes for the holographic face glitter. The contact lenses are optional but high-value for photography. A complete ariel costume can be assembled for as little as $40 if only the wig and a mermaid skirt are purchased new, rising to around $80 for a full build with lenses and glitter.

  • Red dreadlock braiding wig = essential, most character-specific purchase
  • Mermaid bottom = essential, fish skirt is most practical for events
  • Seashell bikini top = any ocean-themed bikini top substitutes
  • Holographic green glitter = any iridescent green eyeshadow substitutes
  • Black contact lenses = optional, high-value for photography
  • Complete mermaid costume = all-in-one alternative to building separately

2023 Live-Action vs Classic Animated Ariel Outfit Ideas

The most common question for anyone exploring ariel outfit ideas is which version of the character to reference. The 2023 live-action build covered in this guide is the more current and more photographically distinctive option, with the red braiding wig, holographic green glitter, and black contact lenses creating a look that is immediately identifiable as the Halle Bailey version at any Halloween event. The classic animated Ariel costume, covered separately in the classic guide linked in the character description above, uses a straight long red wig and a cleaner, more familiar Disney princess aesthetic. For events with a younger audience or mixed familiarity with the 2023 film, the classic animated ariel outfit ideas may generate broader recognition. For events with Disney fans familiar with the 2023 film, the live-action build delivers a more striking and more specific Halloween costume result.

  • 2023 live-action build: braiding wig, green glitter, black lenses
  • Classic animated build: straight long red wig, classic seashell top
  • 2023 build is more distinctive and more photographically striking
  • Classic build has broader recognition across all age groups

Ariel Halloween Costume: FAQ

For Halloween 2026, the Ariel Halloween costume centres on the red dreadlock braiding wig, seashell bikini top or mermaid costume bikini top, mermaid fish skirt or mermaid legging, holographic green face glitter, and Ariel black contact lenses. The red braiding wig and mermaid bottom are the two essential items. The complete mermaid costume is a streamlined one-garment alternative. Add the green glitter and black lenses for the full 2023 live-action ariel outfit effect.

Ariel’s most famous line is her declaration that she wants to be where the people are, capturing her longing for the world beyond the sea. For Halloween in-character delivery, approach every person with genuine curiosity, treat every ordinary object as something fascinating and unfamiliar, and maintain Ariel’s specific quality of warm, irrepressible openness. She is never intimidated. She is always interested. The braided wig and mermaid tail communicate the character; the wonder does the performance.

Ariel is the protagonist of The Little Mermaid, a mermaid princess who longs to explore the human world. The 2023 live-action film stars Halle Bailey in the role, with a visual interpretation that emphasises Ariel’s braided red hair, her expressive dark eyes, and a bioluminescent quality to her underwater world. The ariel outfit from the 2023 film has become one of the most searched Disney ariel costume builds since the film’s release.

The key visual differences are the hair and the makeup. The 2023 ariel halloween costume uses a red dreadlock braiding wig reflecting Halle Bailey’s portrayal, along with holographic green face glitter and black contact lenses. The classic animated ariel outfit uses a straight long red wig and a cleaner Disney princess makeup look. The mermaid tail, seashell bikini top, and green and turquoise palette are consistent across both versions.

In the 2023 live-action film, Ariel’s hair is styled in red braids and dreadlocks, worn loose and flowing in the water. The red dreadlock braiding wig in this guide is the closest match to her on-screen look. The brown long braiding wig is an alternative for a more subtle braided ariel outfit style. Both capture the textured braided quality that defines the 2023 ariel halloween costume and distinguishes it from the classic version.

The best ariel outfit ideas range from the full mermaid tail build for photography events to the mermaid fish skirt or legging for parties requiring movement. The seashell bikini top plus mermaid fish skirt plus red braiding wig is the most balanced and most mobile ariel halloween costume combination. Adding holographic green glitter and black lenses elevates any build to specifically 2023 live-action screen-accuracy.

Yes. The Ariel Halloween costume is one of the most flexible Disney princess builds available. The red braiding wig and any mermaid bottom are the two essential purchases. The seashell top, green glitter, and contact lenses are low-cost additions. A complete ariel costume can be assembled for as little as $40 with just the wig and a mermaid skirt, or around $80 for the full build with lenses and glitter included.

Ariel’s makeup in the 2023 live-action film is defined by deep, expressive dark eyes and a subtle bioluminescent shimmer quality. The Ariel black contact lenses and holographic green face glitter in this guide replicate both details. Apply the green glitter to the cheekbones and temples with a damp brush, and use the black lenses to deliver the intense eye quality most associated with Halle Bailey’s portrayal. Both are optional but together they complete the 2023 ariel halloween costume makeup look.