When devising a DIY Harry Potter costume, it's all about mixing a little bit of magic with a whole lot of creativity. Whether you're aiming to rock Harry's signature glasses and scar or channel the mysterious allure of Bellatrix Lestrange, crafting your own DIY Halloween costume adds a personal touch to your wizardly style. You can emulate your favorite Hogwarts professors like the wizened Dumbledore or Head of Gryffindor House Minerva McGonagall. (Wands up for the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith who passed away this year. 🥲🪄) You can even make it a Halloween costume for three people by teaming up with friends to go as the iconic trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione!
From transforming graduation gowns into Hogwarts robes to handcrafting wands that would make Ollivander proud, there's something truly special about bringing these characters to life with your own flair. So grab your wand and join us as we explore some of the coolest and most affordable costume ideas that'll make you feel like you've just stepped out of Diagon Alley.
Harry Potter Costume
To whip up a DIY Harry Potter costume, grab a black or dark grey robe (a repurposed graduation gown works wonders!), a white collared shirt, and a striped tie in Gryffindor colors (think burgundy and gold). Pair these with black or grey trousers and don't forget those iconic round glasses and lightning bolt scar! For extra charm, wrap yourself in a Gryffindor scarf and don't leave home without your trusty wand and broomstick.
Gryffindor Striped Tie
Round Eyeglasses
Hermione Granger Costume
To recreate Hermione's look, raid your closet for a white collared shirt, a cozy grey or black sweater (bonus points for a v-neck), and a Gryffindor tie just like Harry's. Add a pleated skirt and accessorize with a robe and wand to complete the look. And for the full Hermione vibe, be sure to throw on a bushy wig!
Women's Stretch Button Down Shirt
Long Fluffy Wig
Pleated Skater Skirt
Ron Weasley Costume
To channel your inner Ron Weasley, start with a white collared shirt and a Gryffindor sweater (maroon with gold stripes works perfectly). Pair these with grey or black trousers and a Gryffindor tie, and finish the look with a classic robe like Harry's or Hermione's. Craft your own wand, grab a Gryffindor scarf for added flair, and if you're feeling extra bold, top it all off with a red wig or a temporary dye job.
Ron Wizard Wig
V-Neck Sweater
Albus Dumbledore Costume
For a Dumbledore transformation, find a majestic robe in a deep, enchanting color like purple or maroon (you can sew one up or repurpose an old gown). Don a matching hat with a tassel and don't forget to sport a wise beard and wig in shimmering white or silver. Accessorize with some round glasses, a wand, and a stuffed phoenix to complete the look of this iconic wizard.
Long Gray Costume Wig
Tasseled Hat
Plush Phoenix
Professor McGonagall Costume
To dress up as Professor McGonagall, don a long-sleeved black robe and a pair of spectacles. With a flick of your wand, you'll look just like her. Here's a fun party idea: Since McGonagall is often depicted with a book in hand, you can imitate her by walking around the room with this book on Harry Potter trivia and quiz people on their knowledge of the Wizarding World. ("Ten points to Gryffindor!")
Professor Robe and Witch Hat
Glasses
McGonagall's Magic Wand
'Awesome Facts for Potter Fans'
Bellatrix Lestrange Costume
To be Bellatrix Lestrange for the night, distress an old black dress or robe, cinch it with a bold corset or belt, and slip into some fierce fingerless gloves. Embrace your dark side with dramatic makeup, tousled hair (or a wild wig), and a wand with sinister vibes. For added flair, don a Death Eater mask or carry a vial of mysterious potion—it's all about capturing Bellatrix's dark and evil vibes.
Asymmetrical Layered Lace Dress
Fingerless Spider Web Gloves
Curly Cosplay Wig
Lace-up Corset
Lord Voldemort Costume
Shh! Say it under your breath: He Who Must Not Be Named. To arrive at the party as the Dark Lord himself, you'll need a swishy black cape and a bald cap. Accessorize with Tom Riddle's wand made of yew with a Phoenix feather and you can point it at innocent passersby while shouting, "Avada Kedavra!" Bonus points if you can speak Parseltongue with a replica of Nagini on your arm.
Black Cape
Toy Rubber Snake
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
