How to DIY a 'Squid Game' Halloween Costume

This Halloween, why not take inspiration from the biggest television hit of 2021? Squid Game (opens in new tab) hit Netflix last year and quickly became one of the streamer's all-time biggest shows, drawing audiences far and wide with its edge-of-your-seat storylines and unforgettable cast of characters. (opens in new tab) Whether you want to go as a player, a guard, or the "red light, green light" doll this Halloween, the global success of the series means that you have endless options for where to buy or DIY your Squid Game costume. Below, our guide to the characters to consider channelling this October, and how to put together (or buy) the costume and supplies you'll need.

The Players' Green Tracksuits

Squid Game has inspired an entire tracksuit fashion trend (opens in new tab), so finding a full suit in the right color might mean a scroll through Etsy (opens in new tab). If you can find a plain green tracksuit, and have a spare white tee, some iron-on decals of a three-digit numbers of your choice. Some white slip-on sneakers (opens in new tab) will complete the costume.

As for which number to choose, you can match with your favorite main character, or one of the more interesting side players (so you won't be one of a dozen 067s (opens in new tab)). You can also customize the suit with a number that has its own unique meaning, as long as it isn't greater than 456.

The Guards' Red Uniforms

If you want to go with the scarier option, the intimidating guard's uniform is a bit harder to DIY, so you might have choose between the options popping up on Etsy (opens in new tab) or Amazon (opens in new tab). If you can get your hands on a plain red jumpsuit (opens in new tab) with a hood, then all you need to do is add a black belt, since there were no tags or decals in the show, and black boots.

As for the mask, fans have said that it resembles a black fencing helmet (opens in new tab). Halloween and party stores also sell all-black ghoul masks (opens in new tab), with fabric that covers the entire head. All you'll need is some white paint to draw the Game symbol. You can even choose your rank: circle for workers, triangle for supervisors, squares for managers. Whichever you choose, we recommend foregoing a fake machine gun.

The Front Man's Black Uniform

The Front Man's all-black outfit centers around the 3D face-shaped mask, so unique it requires another trip to Etsy (opens in new tab). Besides that, you need a long black leather coat, black boots, and black gloves. Since the mask alone ensures everyone will know your costume, feel free to use the occasion to buy the coat and boots of your dreams, that you can wear long after October 31.

The "Red Light, Green Light" Doll's Dress

This is the costume where your imagination can run wild (unless you'd rather turn to a Halloween store for the traditional style (opens in new tab)). Look wherever you prefer–boutiques, thrift stores, maybe your own closet– for a yellow short-sleeve shirt (opens in new tab), an orange mini-dress (opens in new tab), white knee high socks, and black Mary Janes (opens in new tab). For the finishing touches, style your hair in pigtails and practice the Korean phrase 무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다  (opens in new tab)(it translates to "the mugunghwa flower has bloomed."

Gi-Hun's Finale Look

To minimize the chance of someone wearing the same costume, you could go with this deep cut and evoke Gi-hun's post-Game transformation (well, really his post-001 (opens in new tab) transformation). All you'd need is a sleek suit and some neon red hair, which can be accomplished either through temporary hair dye (opens in new tab) or a vibrant wig (opens in new tab).

Props: The Games

No Squid Game Halloween party would be complete without playing at least one of the real-life children's games (opens in new tab) from the show. You can also carry one of the games as a prop for your costume. Some classic marbles (opens in new tab) or dalgona candy (opens in new tab) would set your costume above and beyond.