The Notre Dame Leprechaun is a symbol of school spirit, a dash of luck, and a whole lot of Irish charm. This costume guide will help you recreate the Leprechaun's iconic look, explore ways to bring his feisty personality to life, and inspire you with fun group costume ideas. Over the years, I've gained a ton of experience crafting costumes, and I have a particular fondness for this spirited mascot. Let's dive in and transform you into the ultimate Notre Dame Leprechaun!
- Difficulty: 5/10 While some elements are straightforward (green clothes, gold shoes), the DIY tailcoat and top hat require some crafting skills.
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe: You might have the basic green clothes, but the more formal vest, knickers, and hat are less likely to be everyday wear. Thrift stores could be a great resource!
- Scare factor: 1/10 -The Leprechaun is more mischievous than scary, especially in his Notre Dame iteration.
- Cost: $$$$$ Here's a rough breakdown:
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- Basic (from your wardrobe or thrifted): ~$10- $30 (assuming you need to purchase a hat, socks, and maybe a vest).
- Mid-range (mix of new and pre-owned items): ~$30- $75 (if you need new elements like the tailcoat fabric or fancy buckles).
- High-End (replica pieces): ~$150+ (if you want an exact replica hat or a tailored tailcoat).
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Notre Dame Leprechaun Costume Essentials
You will need the following items for your Notre Dame Leprechaun Costume:
How To DIY Notre Dame Lerechaun Costume
The Notre Dame Leprechaun's classic look is a blend of tradition and a splash of Irish whimsy. While we have provided ready-made versions above, let's get crafty and add our own unique touches for those who feel crafty! The Leprechaun's hat, his jaunty tailcoat, and those vibrant green socks – these are the elements that create an instantly recognizable image. Let's tackle them one by one.
The Tailcoat
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What You Need:
- Green felt (at least 2 yards, depending on your height and build)
- Gold fabric (a smaller amount for trim)
- Sewing machine or fabric glue
- Large gold buttons
- Pattern paper and pencil
- Scissors
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How To Do It:
- Create the Pattern: If you're comfortable drafting patterns, search online for a basic frock-coat design. Otherwise, find a long-sleeved coat that fits you loosely and trace its outline onto pattern paper, lengthening it and flaring out the bottom.
- Cut and Assemble: Cut out two mirrored "front" pieces, two "back" pieces, and two sleeves from your green felt. Sew or glue the front and back pieces together along the shoulder and side seams. Attach the sleeves.
- Embellish: Cut thin strips of gold fabric for the collar, cuffs, coat edges, and pockets (if desired). Attach using fabric glue
- Buttons: Add those large, shiny gold buttons down the front of your coat.
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Bonus Tips:
- If sewing is a challenge, fabric glue is your friend! Look for a sturdy variety.
- I've found that thrift stores sometimes have old-fashioned coats perfect for upcycling into this project.
- For beginners, consider simplifying the pattern by leaving off the sleeves (the vest underneath will cover your arms).
The Jaunty Vest
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What You Need:
- Yellow or gold fabric (satin or velvet look festive)
- A plain, button-down vest as a template (optional)
- Sewing machine or fabric glue
- Pattern paper
- Scissors and pins
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How To Do It:
- Use a Template: If you have a simple vest, trace it onto pattern paper for your base shape. Modify it as needed (shorter length, etc.).
- Freehand Option: Draw a basic vest shape directly onto your folded fabric (front pieces mirrored, plus a back piece).
- Cut and Assemble: Cut out your pieces, leaving room for seams. Sew or glue front and back pieces together along the sides and shoulders.
- Finishing Touches: Hem the edges neatly for a polished look. You can add buttons, but it's not essential.
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Bonus Tips:
- Consider adding a touch of fancy trim along the edges for extra flair.
- If you're short on time, a premade yellow vest can be embellished with trims to add the right touch of Notre Dame Leprechaun style.
The Iconic Green Hat
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What You Need:
- Green felt or stiff fabric
- Cardboard or poster board
- Glue or hot glue gun
- Gold fabric or ribbon
- A large, decorative gold buckle
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How To Do It:
- The Base: Design a tall top-hat shape on paper. Create a base by rolling the cardboard into a cylinder and securing it.
- Covering: Wrap your cardboard forms in your green fabric, gluing neatly.
- Brim: Cut a circle of cardboard wider than the hat base. Make a smaller hole in the center to fit the hat snugly. Cover in fabric.
- Assembly: Glue the hat to the brim. Add a gold band around the hat and attach your gold buckle.
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Bonus Tips:
- A jaunty tilt to the hat makes it extra "leprechaunish." Consider wiring the brim slightly to achieve this.
- If you're intimidated by hat-making, start with a green top hat base from a party store and embellish it!
Accessories
- Footwear: Sturdy gold dress shoes with large buckles can be found at thrift stores.
- Socks: Tall knee socks in green (bonus points for green-and-gold stripes).
- Optional Shillelagh: Craft your own from a found stick, or find a toy version.
Now you have the core elements of your DIY Notre Dame Leprechaun costume! Get ready to bring it to life with the leprechaun's spirited attitude in the next section!
Notre Dame Leprechaun Cosplay
It's not just the outfit that makes the Notre Dame Leprechaun – it's that spark of Irish mischief and unwavering team spirit! Let's explore those trademarks to add another layer of authenticity to your Notre Dame Leprechaun costume.
How to act like Notre Dame Leprechaun at the Halloween Party:
Fiery Determination
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What to Do: The Notre Dame Leprechaun embodies the fighting spirit of his team. He's never one to back down from a challenge.
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How to Do It:
- Posture: Stand tall, chest slightly puffed out, head held high. This conveys a sense of confidence and pride.
- Chin Up: Keep your chin slightly tilted upwards, communicating a sense of fearlessness.
- Focused Gaze: Even when playful, there's always an underlying intensity in those eyes. Practice a determined and focused stare.
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Bonus Tips:
- Think of your favorite Notre Dame sports moment – channel that excitement and competitive energy into your body language.
- Practice a few victory shouts or playful taunts suitable for game day!
A Dash of Mischief
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What to Do: Leprechauns are known for their tricks and playful nature. The Notre Dame Leprechaun is no different.
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How to Do It:
- The Gleeful Grin: Practice a wide grin with a glint in your eye.
- The Wink and Nod: Even a simple wink can have a knowing, mischievous quality.
- Playful Gestures: Occasional shrugs, a finger-tap to your nose like you've got a secret, a quick thumbs up – all add a touch of whimsy.
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Bonus Tips:
- "Hiding" a pretend pot of gold or lucky charm is a fun touch.
- Watching videos of classic leprechauns in movies can spark some great ideas!
Proud and Spirited
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What to Do: The Leprechaun's pride in his school is a huge part of his personality!
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How to Do It:
- Emphatic Gestures: Use grand, sweeping arm movements when speaking about Notre Dame.
- Team Colors: Incorporate a flash of gold or green into your every move – twirling your shillelagh, adjusting your hat, etc.
- Cheers and Chants: Even if it's just a simple "Go Irish!", let your enthusiasm ring out.
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Bonus Tips:
- Learn a few Notre Dame fight songs – humming or singing softly under your breath adds a fun layer.
- I've seen some great cosplayers subtly work the Notre Dame logo into their movements (an "ND" traced with a finger, etc.). Get creative!
Reacting to the Crowd
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What to Do: A good mascot thrives on crowd interaction. The Leprechaun is no exception.
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How to Do It:
- Exaggeration: Respond with big, enthusiastic gestures to cheers or playful boos.
- Acknowledge Others: Point and wave at excited fans, especially kids.
- Prop Play: Use your shillelagh to playfully "spar" with rival team mascots, or use it as a microphone for mock announcements.
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Bonus Tips:
- Have a good-natured retort ready if someone teases you (in keeping with the Leprechaun's playful spirit).
- Practice mirroring the crowd's energy – if they're hyped, you're hyped! If they're getting tense before a big play, reflect that anticipation.
The best way to embody the Notre Dame Leprechaun is to have fun! Combine these traits – the pride, the mischief, the fighting spirit – and you'll create a mascot that brings a smile to any true Notre Dame fan's face. Now, let's explore how to turn your awesome Notre Dame Leprechaun costume into a group experience!
Couple, Group and Family Costume Ideas
Take your Notre Dame Leprechaun costume to the next level! Whether it's a fun duo, a whole team of spirited characters, or a family adventure, the world of Irish folklore (and beyond) is full of inspiration. Let's get creative!
Couple Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Mascot and the Team (Difficulty: Easy)
Who's a better sidekick for the Notre Dame Leprechaun than a Notre Dame football player? This one's a classic for a reason– it celebrates the team spirit and highlights the mascot's unwavering support.
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Idea 2: Luck and Mischief (Difficulty: Moderate)
Pair up with a classic black cat! It's a lighthearted play on good and bad luck, with the Leprechaun's playful mischief contrasted by the cat's traditional superstition. This one is my favorite couple's costume idea!
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Idea 3: Leprechauns Across the Pond (Difficulty: Moderate)
Team up with King Brian from "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" for a double dose of iconic Irish charm. Bonus points if you can work in some witty banter from the film!
Group Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: Notre Dame Spirit Squad (Difficulty: Varies)
Assemble a whole crew! Cheerleaders, other sports mascots, even iconic Notre Dame figures (think famous coaches or alumni) make a fantastic team to back up your Leprechaun.
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Idea 2: Luck of the Irish (Difficulty: Easy)
Go full-on mythical! Include a pot of gold, a four-leaf clover, a rainbow... embrace all the traditional symbols of Irish luck for a whimsical group theme.
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Idea 3: Leprechaun Convention (Difficulty: Challenging)
This is for the truly ambitious! Gather other pop-culture leprechauns – Lucky the Leprechaun (Boston Celtics), the villain from the "Leprechaun" horror films, Mad Sweeney, Hornswoggle, even Lucky Charms! It's quirky, chaotic, and sure to be unforgettable.
Family Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Lore and the Legend (Difficulty: Moderate)
Incorporate figures from Irish mythology! A banshee, a fairy, even a majestic Irish Wolfhound – it adds a magical layer to the classic Leprechaun.
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Idea 2: Colors of the Emerald Isle (Difficulty: Easy)
Go for a green gradient! Dress each family member in a different shade of green, perhaps incorporating whimsical hats or accessories with varying levels of fanciness.
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Idea 3: The Gold at the End of the Rainbow (Difficulty: Easy)
The Leprechaun leads the way to a pot of gold... which younger members of the family can happily embody! Don't forget some scattered gold coins along the way.
About The Notre Dame Leprechaun
The Notre Dame Leprechaun is far more than just a mascot – he's a symbol of school pride, Irish heritage, and a healthy dash of playful competition. Let's dig deeper into this iconic figure to discover what makes him so enduringly popular.
Character Overview
- Role in...: The University of Notre Dame's official mascot, the embodiment of the Fighting Irish spirit.
Background and Personality Traits
- Personality: Spirited, mischievous, competitive, undeniably proud of Notre Dame. He possesses a playful energy that can be both endearing and a little bit intimidating to rivals.
- Appearance: Short, stocky build, bright red hair, an impish grin. His iconic attire – the tailcoat, vest, knickers, and top hat – are instantly recognizable symbols of Notre Dame.
Role in the "Story"
- Rallying Point: The Leprechaun's actions on game day set the tone for the crowd, inspiring cheers and fueling the competitive spirit among fans.
- Tradition Bearer: He upholds the legacy of Notre Dame athletics, reminding fans of the team's history while also looking to the future with determination.
Cultural Impact
- Fan Favorite: The Leprechaun is one of the most beloved college mascots, frequently appearing on lists and polls.
- Cosplay Inspiration: His unique look makes him a popular cosplay choice, with fans adding their own variations.
- Symbol of Irish-American Pride: For many, the Leprechaun is a celebration of Irish heritage, particularly within the context of American college sports.
With his blend of tradition, playful energy, and unwavering spirit, it's easy to see why the Notre Dame Leprechaun holds such a special place in the hearts of fans. Now that you have this deeper understanding, let's wrap up with some final tips for an unforgettable costume!
Further Reading
Conclusion
You've got the outfit, you've practiced the mischievous grin, and you understand the spirit that drives the Notre Dame Leprechaun. With the knowledge and inspiration gained from this guide, you're more than ready to bring this iconic figure to life. Whether you're cheering on your team, charming the crowd at a party, or simply having a blast with a fun costume, your Notre Dame Leprechaun transformation is sure to be a memorable one!