Are you a Wednesday Addams fan? Today I’m sharing an easy Wednesday Addams costume with an updated twist on her signature braids.
Wednesday Addams has always been a favorite character for many of us who grew up watching The Addams Family. Her simple, iconic look is easy to recreate and makes a perfect Halloween costume for any age.
For this version I modernized Wednesday’s braids with fishtail pigtails and paired them with a simple black-and-white outfit. The result is a cute, recognizable costume that’s quick to assemble—ideal for last-minute plans.
Anyone can wear this costume: toddlers, kids, teens and adults. It keeps the classic mood but feels fresh and less likely to be duplicated at every party.
Wednesday Addams DIY Braids
This DIY look includes a collared shift dress, a hair tutorial for fishtail pigtails, and a dramatic eye makeup approach. Below is a straightforward hair tutorial to create the fishtail braids.
Traditionally, Wednesday wears two braids with a center part. For a modern twist, try a side part and fishtail braids instead—still recognizable, but a little more contemporary.
How to Create Fishtail Pigtails
1. Start by adding texture to your hair. Spray a sea salt spray or another texturizing product evenly through your hair to give it grip and body.
2. Divide your hair into two sections. You can use a side part for a modern feel or a center part to stick closely to Wednesday’s original style.
3. Work on one side at a time. Split the section into two even parts. Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to join the opposite section. Repeat, alternating sides, until you reach the ends.
Secure each braid with an elastic band.
4. For a slightly undone, natural finish, rub a small amount of volumizing powder or texturizing powder into each braid and gently pull at sections to widen and loosen the braid for a lived-in look.
Wednesday Addams Costume
After the hair, move on to makeup. Instead of going extremely pale, consider a bold smoky eye paired with a neutral or nude lip for a striking yet wearable Halloween look. A dramatic eye creates the right mood without heavy face paint.
The outfit is the final piece. You only need a simple black dress and a white collared shirt to wear underneath, or find a dress with a built-in white collar to simplify the outfit. A collared black shift dress captures Wednesday’s aesthetic perfectly.
My dress is one I’ve owned for years, but there are many similar options available if you don’t already have one in your closet.
- Look for black dresses with white collars or a detachable white collar to get the signature contrast.
- Short, knee-length shift dresses or A-line styles work well for a classic Wednesday silhouette.
- Finish the outfit with simple black shoes—flats, Mary Janes or low-heeled mules maintain the character’s understated style.
Wednesday Addams Halloween Costume (and Fishtail Pigtail Braids)
Brittni
Instructions
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Prep hair by spraying sea salt spray or another texturizing product throughout to add grip and volume.
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Separate hair into two sections. Use a side part for a modern look or a center part to stay true to the original style.
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On one side, split the section into two equal parts. Take a small piece from the outer edge of one part and cross it over to the other part. Continue alternating sides down to the ends.
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Secure the braid with a hair tie and repeat on the other side.
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Add a touch of volumizing powder and gently pull at the braid sections to create a slightly messy, natural finish.
Notes
For makeup, choose a bold smoky eye and a nude lip rather than an overly pale base. This keeps the look dramatic but wearable.
For the outfit, pair a black dress with a white collared shirt underneath or find a dress with a built-in white collar to simplify the costume.
Did you make this?
Share your look and tag @paperandstitch or use the hashtag #paperandstitch to show your version.
Hair and makeup: Rachel Brewer
Photography: Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling: Brittni Mehlhoff
That’s the Wednesday Addams costume in a nutshell. Are you planning to try this look for Halloween this year?