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Every great superhero and villain needs a sidekick, but you could argue that Harley Quinn, who is the Joker’s main squeeze, is just as exciting and interesting as her number one companion.
Who is Harley Quinn?
Harley Quinn, whose real name is Harleen Frances Quinzel, was a psychiatrist introduced in the Batman comics who just happens to fall in love with one of her patients, the Joker. After a rather tumultuous on-off relationship with Joker, and an injection she receives from Poison Ivy that causes her strength to increase, Harley becomes a member of the Suicide Squad.
What You Need To Dress Up As Harley Quinn From Suicide Squad For Halloween This Year
If you take this holiday really seriously, aka you want to look cute AND have a clever costume, you should consider a Harley Quinn Halloween costume.
The DC Comics character was played by Margot Robbie in Suicide Squad and Suicide Squad 2, and will be played by none other than Lady Gaga in the forthcoming Joker sequel Joker: Folie à Deux next year. Harley Quinn is the perfect combination of bad-ass grit and effortless cool. Did you know that this version of the character was inspired by Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, specifically this 1976 look. So cool, right?
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Harley Quinn’s main features are the red and blue pigtail hair (which you can get by buying a wig, or if you have blonde or light-colored hair by creating pigtails and using hair dye like Manic Panic on the ends), her Daddy’s Lil Monster raglan tee, Puddin choker, Good Night baseball bat, red and blue sequin hotpants, fishnet tights, gold jewelry and studded belt.
What You Need For A Harley Quinn Halloween Costume
Harley Quinn From Suicide Squad (2016)
1. Harley’s Colorful Blonde Hair
Rubie’s Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Wig
If you already have platinum blonde or light blonde hair, we’ve got good news: you can get away with purchasing fun wash-out dyes in pink and blue, throwing your hair up in pigtails, and spray painting away (and, also, saving yourself money). Everybody else: this Harley Quinn wig does all of the work for you and costs much, much less than most wigs.
2. A Daddy’s Lil Monster Top (Ripped Up)
Harley Quinn strolls around wearing her baseball shirt-style ‘Daddy’s Lil Monster’ shirt with three-quarter inch sleeves like she owns every place she walks into. And, short of purchasing a white shirt that is similar in style and adding lettering (which won’t save you much money in the long run), this piece is perfect for your costume. Even better: it comes pre-ripped in all of the right spots. You won’t have to do a single thing other than pull it on over your head.
3. Temporary Tattoos
Harley is a girl who loves her body ink, and these temporary tattoo sheets are a *must* for elevating your costume! Go wild applying them to your legs, belly, everywhere — and don’t forget to add a heart and the word ‘Rotten’ written in eyeliner on your cheek.
4. A Satin Varsity Jacket
Who doesn’t love Harley’s shiny, red and blue baseball-style varsity jacket? Save money, while keeping true to Harley’s style with this alternative jacket, which costs much less than the official bombers you’ll find. Or, if this piece is out of your Halloween budget, ditch the jacket altogether — Harley’s shirt, shorts, and the rest of her costume make it clear just who you’re paying homage to this Halloween.
5. Blue Boy Shorts
Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn dresses in extremely teeny shorts that almost look like underwear. You can get away with these blue boy shorts, which have the same low-rise waist but are slightly longer, less clingy, and more comfortable. And if these don’t make you feel comfortable, a pair of blue leggings or even Harlequin-style leggings are a totally fine substitute, as well.
6. A Punk-Style Double Grommet Belt
This double grommet, punk-style belt should sit a little low on your waist. It’s adjustable, thanks to holes located throughout, and made from leather, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the perfect fit.
7. Black Fishnet Stockings
Grab a pair of black fishnet stockings and wear them under your boy shorts, in true Harley Quinn style. These are one-style-fits-most and are both stretchy and comfortable.
8. A Bat
We’re all for buying miniature or toy versions of film props to save money, but this Harley Quinn inflatable bat is actually cheaper than most — and it’s an exact replica of the one Harley carries around.
9. Knee-High Black And White Canvas Sneakers
ANUFER Women Fashion Canvas Dance Boots
These knee-high canvas sneakers vary from the shorter black and white sneakers with heels you’ll see most Harley Quinns sporting on Halloween, but the upside to wearing these instead is that they are super comfortable and you’ll be able to stay on your feet and dance all night.
10. Puddin Choker
To top off the look, you’ll need the Puddin choker that Margot wears in the film. You could also wear any gold or spiked choker or bangles that you have. At this point, you’re just making the look feel more custom and cool.
Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad 2 (2021)
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As fun as buying lots of different pieces for a Harley Quinn costume is – even more so if they’re pieces you either already have or can use again when it isn’t Halloween (the blue shorts and fishnet stockings are just two examples) – sometimes it’s also great to invest in some costumes that do the hard work for you!
Easy Harley Quinn From Suicide Squad 2 (2021) Costumes To Buy
Luckily anyone wishing to take on a Suicide Squad 2 Harley Quinn costume is in luck, as we found some pretty great affordable options that only require a few extras to elevate and transform the look! And best of all, some of the extras are versatile enough to be worn with other Harley Quinn costumes, so you can mix and match for many years (or many parties!) to come!
Harley Quinn Red And Black Jumpsuit Costume
1. Red and black jumpsuit
This jumpsuit with an attached belt and jacket does all the hard work for you. Additionally, there’s a lot more fabric in this costume (it’s not hard considering the 2016 look contained a pair of barely-there hotpants!) so it’s a great option if you want something a little less revealing, or just something to help keep out the chill when Trick or Treating. It is October, after all!
2. A blonde wig you can dye yourself!
No need to splash out on a specific Harley Quinn wig. Have some fun with a cheaper blonde wig and use wash out hair dye to color one side black and one side red. Don’t forget the hair ties to secure your DIY braids in place!
3. Black biker boots
Add a pair of fierce black biker boots (you probably already have some in your closet!) and your look is complete!
Harley Quinn Red Dress
1. Sexy halter neck red dress
This red dress is a great option for those of you who like to wear dresses whatever the occasion!
2. A blonde wig you can add colors to!
See above for our tips on the DIY blonde wig, only this time braids aren’t necessary, and you can style your hair in much simpler pigtails.
3. Black biker boots
Again, no Harley Quinn costume will be complete without a sturdy pair of biker boots – bonus points if they’re flat as you can Trick or Treat and then dance the night away in utter comfort!
Maybe this time next year we’ll be searching for new looks to try and replicate Lady Gaga’s version of Harley Quinn, because we are already confident that her version is going to be iconic! Watch this space!