Squirrel Girl is a beloved Marvel hero known for her upbeat personality, incredible powers, and close bond with her squirrel companions. This costume guide will help you recreate Squirrel Girl's iconic look with detailed outfit instructions and tips on embodying her spirited nature. We'll explore how to transform into a fun-loving hero, perfect for couples costumes or larger group ensembles! With my years of costume design experience and in-depth knowledge of Squirrel Girl, I'll provide insights and resources to ensure your costume is both authentic and impressive.
Our Verdict:
- Difficulty: 4/10
- Most items can be found at home, thrifted, or modified with basic sewing skills. The wig and ears might be the trickiest elements.
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe:
- It depends! If you own the basics (brown jacket, tank top, grey leggings), you're well on your way. Otherwise, thrift stores are your best friend.
- Scare factor: 0/10
- Squirrel Girl is about as far from scary as you can get! This costume is all about cheerful energy.
- Cost: $$$$$ Here's a rough breakdown:
-
- Basic (from your wardrobe or thrifted): ~$10-$25 (This assumes you need to buy acorns, fabric markers, and maybe a cheap wig)
- Mid-range (mix of new and pre-owned items): ~$30-$50 (If you need to buy a new jacket, better quality wig, or a pre-made ear headband, costs will increase)
- High-End (replica pieces): ~$100+
(If you go for custom tailoring, a higher-end wig, or a replica utility belt, it'll get pricey)
-
Additional Notes on Cost:
- The plush squirrel is optional but adds a cute touch if you can find one cheaply.
- Don't underestimate the power of thrift stores!
- Consider borrowing items from friends or family to save.
Squirrel Girl Costume Essentials
You will need the following items for your Squirrel Girl costume:
How To DIY Squirrel Girl's Iconic Look
Squirrel Girl's playful energy comes through in her quirky outfit. Get ready to transform into this upbeat hero with a mix of everyday items and clever DIY touches. Remember, we've got a shopping list if you prefer ready-made pieces, but if you're on a budget or love crafting, let's get started!
The Essential Jacket
-
What You Need:
- A brown zip-up jacket (leather, faux-leather, or even a fleece for a cozy feel)
- Fabric scissors
- Brown thread and needle (or fabric glue for a no-sew option)
- Optional: Brown dye
-
How To Do It:
- The Perfect Fit: Find a jacket that fits well but isn't too precious. We'll be altering it! If it's a bit oversized, that works too.
- Cropping it Short: Try the jacket on and mark where you want it to end (usually around the waist). Carefully cut off the bottom portion for that classic Squirrel Girl crop.
- Hemming Options: If you're handy with a needle, add a simple hem to prevent fraying. Fabric glue can also create a no-sew hem in a pinch.
- Dye Drama (Optional): If the jacket isn't the ideal shade of brown, a fabric dye can be your best friend. Just follow the dye instructions carefully!
-
Bonus Tips:
- Don't stress if the hem isn't perfect – Squirrel Girl has a slightly rough-and-tumble vibe.
- Raid thrift stores for cool jackets at bargain prices.
- Raid your closet! You might own the perfect base jacket already.
The Simple Tank
-
What You Need:
- A plain tan or light brown tank top
- Brown fabric marker or pen
-
How To Do It:
- Keep it Basic: A scoop-neck or V-neck works well, and the fabric should be smooth. No need to DIY this one, unless…
- Design Time! Feeling ambitious? A brown fabric marker lets you draw subtle lines on the tank, mimicking Squirrel Girl's comic book look where her costume colors sometimes blend.
-
Bonus Tips:
- Check your dresser drawers – you might have the ideal tank hiding there!
- If drawing is intimidating, skip it! Plain looks just as good.
That Iconic Squirrel Hair
-
What You Need:
- A vibrant red wig (short bob or shoulder length – avoid super long styles)
- Hairspray
- Hair teasing comb
- Bobby pins
- Optional: Fake fur remnants in brown (if not already part of your headband)
-
How to Do It:
- The Fluff Factor: This is about volume! Start by teasing sections of the wig gently with your comb, then spraying them to hold the style.
- Shape it Up: Tease and spray until the hair stands slightly out from your head, creating that fluffy squirrel ear effect. Pin back any sections that fall too forward.
- Ears Galore (Optional): If your headband's ears aren't prominent, hot glue some faux fur pieces to the wig itself, just above the ears, for an extra squirrel touch.
-
Bonus Tips:
- I've had great luck finding affordable red wigs online or in stores around Halloween.
- Don't be afraid to go big! Squirrel Girl's hair is full of personality.
- If styling wigs is tricky, check YouTube for helpful tutorials.
Squirrel Essentials – Ears, Acorns, & Squirrel Friend!
-
What You Need:
- Squirrel ear headband (brown faux fur with lighter accents is ideal)
- 2 large acorns (or craft acorns)
- Earring posts and backs
- Hot glue gun
- Small plush squirrel toy
-
How To Do It:
- Crafting Acorns: Hot glue your acorns (real or craft) to the earring posts. Let dry completely.
- Squirrelly Ears: This is where you can express yourself. Some Squirrel Girl versions have subtle ears, others are gloriously huge!
- Your Furry Friend: A plush squirrel is the perfect prop! Clip it to your belt, or let it peek from a pocket.
-
Bonus Tips:
- Can't find the perfect headband? A brown beanie with glued-on fur ears works too!
- Forage for acorns after a hike, or find craft versions online or at craft stores.
With these key pieces, you're well on your way to looking like Squirrel Girl! Next, we'll tackle her spirited personality and how to bring her to life.
Squirrel Girl Cosplay
A great costume is more than just clothes. Embracing Squirrel Girl's unstoppable enthusiasm and quirky charm is what will truly make you shine. Let's dive into her world!
How to act like Squirrel Girl at the Halloween Party:
Boundless Optimism
-
What To Do: Squirrel Girl sees the good in everything! She approaches challenges with a cheerful, can-do attitude.
-
How To Do It:
- Positive Spin: Try to put a positive twist on even frustrating situations. Instead of "this is too hard," think "I'm going to figure this out!"
- Enthusiastic Voice: Speak with upbeat energy. Replace sighs and mumbles with exclamations like "Awesome!" or "This is going to be fun!"
- Big Smile: Squirrel Girl radiates joy – let that show through in a genuine grin.
-
Bonus Tips
- I find that reciting positive affirmations in the mirror helps me slip into her mindset.
- Squirrel Girl's optimism is infectious – it'll likely brighten your own mood too!
The Power of Words
-
What To Do: Squirrel Girl's a master communicator – she even talks to her squirrel friends! But, she's also known to disarm villains with her words.
-
How To Do It:
- Squirrelese 101: Practice making squeaking and chattering noises for when you hang out with your squirrel pal.
- Find Your Persuasive Voice: Instead of arguing, try framing things positively. Replace "you're wrong" with "let's try it my way!"
- Compliment Power: Share genuine compliments freely – it's Squirrel Girl's way of disarming tension.
-
Bonus Tips:
- I love watching videos of real squirrels to get inspiration for my 'Squirrelese'!
- Remember, Squirrel Girl is kind even when talking down foes – no insults needed!
Squirrelly Energy
-
What To Do: Squirrel Girl is always on the move – climbing, leaping, and full of boundless energy.
-
How To Do It:
- Bouncy Walk: Add a bit of pep to your step, like you're ready to leap into action.
- Big Gestures: Don't be afraid to use expansive hand motions and expressive poses when you talk.
- Quick Reactions: If something surprises you, let out a little gasp or jump slightly with wide eyes – playful and exaggerated!
-
Bonus Tips:
- Warming up with light stretches will get your body feeling flexible and agile.
- Don't aim for perfection – Squirrel Girl has a bit of a goofy side!
A Friend to All
-
What To Do: At her core, Squirrel Girl is kind and fiercely loyal. She treats everyone, from superheroes to squirrels, with respect.
-
How To Do It:
- See the Best: Assume positive intentions in others, just like Squirrel Girl.
- Lend a Helping Hand: Offer genuine assistance to those around you, even in small ways.
- Protect Your Pals: Squirrel Girl always defends her friends, both human and furry! Stand up for what you believe in.
-
Bonus Tips:
- Having your plush squirrel with you is a reminder of her compassion.
- This trait comes naturally when you tap into the joy of being Squirrel Girl!
Combine these traits and you'll exude Squirrel Girl's irresistible charm. Remember, practice makes perfect, so have fun experimenting until you find your unique portrayal of this beloved hero!
Couple, Group and Family Costume Ideas
Take your Squirrel Girl costume to the next level! Incorporate her friends, foes, and maybe even characters from other universes for unforgettable group ensembles.
Couple Costume Ideas
-
Idea 1: Tippy-Toe: Best Friends Forever (Difficulty: Easy)
- This one is my favorite couple costume idea. Your partner dresses as Squirrel Girl's loyal squirrel companion Tippy-Toe. Simple brown clothes and DIY ears/tail are all it takes!
- Why it Works: It celebrates Squirrel Girl's unique bond with her furry friends and is incredibly adorable.
-
Idea 2: Monkey Joe: Squirrelly Soulmates (Difficulty: Moderate)
- A classic! Your partner goes as Squirrel Girl's original sidekick. A bit more DIY for the monkey costume, but oh so charming.
- Why it Works: Monkey Joe and Squirrel Girl are an iconic duo, perfect for showcasing that playful, retro comic feel.
-
Idea 3: Koi Boi: The Ultimate Crossover (Difficulty: Challenging)
- Squirrel Girl's buddy Koi Boi is a talking fish... from another dimension! Your partner needs some creativity (think fishbowl helmet!).
- Why it Works: It's unique, hilarious, and shows off your knowledge of obscure Marvel lore! Perfect for the adventurous couple.
Group Costume Ideas
-
Idea 1: The Unbeatable Great Lakes Avengers (Difficulty: Varies by Character)
- Assemble! Options include Mr. Immortal, Flatman, Big Bertha… the wackier, the better.
- Why it Works: Squirrel Girl's team is quirky and fun, ideal for a diverse group with varying DIY skills.
-
Idea 2: Squirrel Power! (Difficulty: Easy)
- Go full squirrel-mania! Everyone wears a variation of Squirrel Girl's costume, using those DIY skills from earlier.
- Why it Works: High impact, easy to execute, perfect for a swarm of Squirrels taking over the party!
-
Idea 3: Heroes vs. Villains Crossover (Difficulty: Moderate)
- Squirrel Girl's defeated foes like Doctor Doom or Thanos make excellent additions. Mix in familiar heroes for epic clashes!
- Why it Works: Great for comic-savvy groups wanting a battle scene vibe.
Family Costume Ideas
-
Idea 1: The Green Family (Difficulty: Easy)
- Squirrel Girl's parents, Dorian and Maureen, are just regular folks – comfy clothes work! Add in siblings, pets... everyone can be part of this.
- Why it Works: It's heartwarming and showcases Squirrel Girl's supportive origin story.
-
Idea 2: Animal Avengers (Difficulty: Varies)
- Go wild! Kids love animal costumes – lions, tigers, bears... alongside Squirrel Girl, it's a furry, fun-filled team.
- Why it Works: Perfect for younger kids who might feel intimidated by superheroes.
-
Idea 3: The Chris Evans Squad (Difficulty: Depends on the Character)
- Did you know Chris Evans plays Captain America, Human Torch, and more? This idea has options for all ages!
- Why it Works: It's a fun meta-joke for superfan families and celebrates an iconic actor.
About Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl might seem silly on the surface, but she's a surprisingly complex and beloved hero. Let's uncover what makes her tick and why she's captured the hearts of so many.
Character Overview
- Role in the Marvel Universe: Often underestimated, Squirrel Girl is a force to be reckoned with, defeating powerful villains with her wits, squirrel army, and unwavering optimism.
- Created By: Steve Ditko (artist) and Will Murray (writer)
- First Appearance: Marvel Super-Heroes Vol. 2 #8
Background and Personality Traits
- Personality: Bubbly, enthusiastic, compassionate, and a brilliant strategist. She sees the good in everyone and prefers to resolve conflicts through conversation.
- Appearance: Brown hair often styled in a high ponytail, a signature bushy squirrel tail, large buck teeth, and her iconic brown and yellow costume.
Role in the Story
- Unpredictable Victories: Squirrel Girl famously defeated Doctor Doom in her debut, setting the tone for unlikely wins against foes like Thanos and Galactus.
- Comedic Force: Her lighthearted approach and unusual wins provide comedic relief within the often-serious Marvel universe.
- Heart & Hope: She champions kindness and understanding, reminding heroes and readers alike of the power of positivity.
Cultural Impact
- Fan Favorite: Adored for her quirkiness and ability to triumph against the odds, she's a popular cosplay choice and inspires countless memes.
- Pushing Boundaries: Squirrel Girl challenges superhero norms – strength isn't always physical, and humor is a powerful weapon.
- Symbol of Optimism: In a world of brooding heroes, she embodies a joyful perseverance that resonates with many.
Further Reading
Additional Tips
- Practice squirrel-inspired movements and gestures to enhance your portrayal of Squirrel Girl.
- Watch or read Squirrel Girl comics to gain a deeper understanding of her character and personality.
- Carry acorns or small squirrel-themed props to further connect with your superhero persona.
- Engage in conversations about squirrels, superheroes, and the power of optimism to bring Squirrel Girl to life.
- Have fun and embrace the joyous spirit of Squirrel Girl. Let your enthusiasm and positivity radiate throughout the Halloween party.
Conclusion
With your DIY costume, a grasp of Squirrel Girl's infectious optimism, and the knowledge you've gained from this guide, an unbeatable transformation awaits! You have all the tools you need to embody the quirky, compassionate, and surprisingly powerful Squirrel Girl. Now, get out there and show the world the true meaning of being Unbeatable!