How to Dress Like Lydia Deetz

Even though the film *Beetlejuice* was released in 1988, the character Lydia Deetz’s style still holds a unique charm. In the film, Lydia’s look is inspired by Gothic fashion: she dresses in black, accessorizes with dark items, and appears pale and worn-out. To achieve this distinctive look, you can try following some easy-to-implement fashion tips below.

Opt for a black dress or a black skirt paired with a long-sleeve black sweater as the base of your outfit. Lydia consistently wears all-black attire, so search your wardrobe for a simple black shift dress or an oversized long-sleeve sweater. If you choose a sweater, pair it with a black skirt and black tights underneath.

• Choose a simple or classic style. Avoid clothes with asymmetrical cuts or trendy pieces as Lydia’s fashion is often minimalistic.

Opt for lace clothing or incorporate a lace shawl into your all-black outfit. Lydia’s style may be simple, but black lace will add a captivating touch to your look. Choose a black dress or top with lace sleeves or lace trim. If you can’t find one, you can buy some black lace and drape it over your shoulders like a shawl.

• If you don’t want to buy new lace, you can dye an old lace outfit black.

Wear a red puffed dress if you want to recreate Lydia’s wedding dress look. Lydia steps away from her all-black attire during a scene in *Beetlejuice* where she almost wears a wedding dress. To recreate this look, find a bright red dress with multiple layers of tulle on the skirt. Add red elbow-length sleeves and a red veil to complete the outfit.

• Carry a bouquet of bright red roses and wear a red lace choker.

Don’t stress too much about Lydia’s shoes! While Lydia often wears black high-heeled boots, you can choose any pair of black shoes. If you don’t have high-heeled boots like hers, combat boots or black sneakers will work just fine.

• If you’re not a fan of boots or heels, don’t worry! Lydia Deetz’s style still works perfectly with black flats.

Wear a black choker necklace or a black chain necklace. Lydia doesn’t wear earrings or bracelets, but she’s often seen with a black lace choker. Occasionally, she pairs a black chain necklace with her outfits. If you have a long necklace, you can wrap it twice around your neck.

• If you don’t have a lace choker, you can opt for a plain black choker or a simple black ribbon.

Use a light powder all over your face and dark eyeshadow. Lydia always looks pale, so you can skip the blush and lipstick. Instead, apply a light or white powder to achieve a ghostly complexion. Then, use dark brown eyeshadow for your eyelids and inner corners of your eyes. Apply a bit of black eyeshadow to the outer corners of your eyes to make them appear deeper.

• If your eyebrows are light and sparse, darken them with an eyebrow pencil or dark eyeshadow.
• If you have rosy skin, apply a layer of concealer or light foundation. Smooth it over your face with your fingers and blend it with a brush.

Go for a messy hairstyle with a slightly thin fringe. Skip washing your hair to let it become a bit greasy. Next, pull your hair back and tie it in a half-updo, then tousle the top section of your hair to add volume. Apply a small amount of mousse or hair gel between your fingers to create 3 to 5 pieces of bangs that fall across your forehead.

• If your hair color is different, don’t worry! You can wear a black wig and trim the hair over your forehead to create the bangs.

Complete Lydia Deetz’s look with a wide-brimmed hat. Lydia often wears a large black straw hat when she’s out taking photos. You can also wear a similar hat indoors with a large lace veil, just like Lydia.

• Opt for a hat with a strap so you can tie it under your chin.

Carry a film camera and Lydia's books. In the movie, Lydia is often seen with a copy of Handbook for the Recently Deceased. If you want to embody her style, look online or in bookstores for magazines or notebooks with iconic covers. Then, add a film camera around your neck, and you’ll become the second Lydia!