The Rocky Horror Picture Show first premiered over 40 years ago, but it still remains a cult classic to this day — just ask the cast, who reunited as recently as 2015 [1]. Whether it's on stage, on screen, or in movie theaters across the world, these costumes have been replicated time and time again, and there's no wrong way to do it yourself. Whether you want to keep it simple as Brad, Janet, or Riff Raff, or go all out as Frank-N-Furter or Columbia, we're looking back at the film's characters and how to make them a part of your Halloween [2].
Columbia
- What to wear: Anything with sequins. The real focal points are the gold, sequined hat and jacket and the big red sequined bow tie. Underneath, if you can't find more sequins, just wear a black tank top and black short shorts. Add fishnet tights and a red wig to finish off the look.
- How to act: Like a highly energetic, slightly giggly maniac.
Riff Raff
- What to wear: An old black suit or tuxedo. The dirtier and more ragged, the better. Put a pillow in your jacket to make a humpback, and do your best to find a long blond wig, a bald cap, or a combination of both.
- How to act: Creepy, but like you've got a plan up your sleeve. Add a slight touch of crazy.
Magenta
- What to wear: Find a maid outfit, and then paint your face so that it's extremely pale. Tease your hair until it's at least twice the size of your head.
- How to act: Totally ridiculous and melodramatic. Everything you do is exaggerated. If you have a Riff Raff, spend a lot of your time hanging all over him.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter
- What to wear: A dark corset, a black Afro wig, pearls, fishnets, and shiny gloves. If you want to go all the way, mimic his makeup too.
- How to act: Very eccentric and over the top, like a crazed theatrical genius. Act like you own the place or the entire world.
Brad Majors and Janet Weiss
- What to wear: For Brad, wear slacks, a button-up shirt under a v-neck sweater, a tan jacket, and thick black glasses. For Janet, wear a pink dress with a white cardigan, and style your hair conservatively. Or, if you can't seem to find the right clothes, you could always go as the two in their underwear!
- How to act: If you're Brad, do your best to be brave and protect Janet. If you're Janet, act constantly frightened.
Rocky
- What to wear: All you really need is a shiny gold Speedo. You can put on a very short, platinum-blond wig for added effect. And maybe start doing sit-ups?
- How to act: Rocky might look like a man, but he's got a newborn's brain. Don't speak; just stand there, grunt, and let everyone ogle you. Have a general look of confusion and worry.
Dr. Everett Scott
- What to wear: A suit, glasses, and a blanket. Sit in a wheelchair. If you want to add the Rocky Horror edge, wear fishnet tights and black heels under your blanket, like Dr. Scott just before he joins the floor show.
- How to act: Annoyed, angry, and indignant. You want to stop Dr. Frank-N-Furter at all costs.
Eddie
- What to wear: Eddie is grunge-punk all the way. Wear a leather jacket (or a leather vest), a pair of torn jeans, a bandanna, motorcycle boots, and basically anything that's studded. Carry around a saxophone, if you can find one.
- How to act: Eddie is a reckless performer. Get wild and dance around, plant kisses on unsuspecting bystanders, and don't forget to dance and sing.
The Criminologist
- What to wear: A vintage suit with an ascot. If you want to give more of an impression, carry around a globe or a pipe.
- How to act: Very businesslike and authoritative. You've made your research your life's work.