🔪 “Purge Costume” DIY: 3 Simple Outfits You Can Make Tonight

The sirens have sounded, and the annual purge is upon us. For a truly terrifying and instantly recognizable Halloween look, nothing beats the classic Purge costume. The best thing about the aesthetics of this franchise? It’s all about chaos, anarchy and using what you have – making this one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective DIY costumes you can make at the last minute.

Forget complicated sewing or expensive store-bought kits. We’re going to use thrift store finds, old clothes, and a little fake blood to bring NFFA’s scariest characters to life.

Here’s your ultimate guide to creating three simple, yet spooky, purebred costumes tonight!

🎭 The Foundation of Every Killer “Purge Costume”

Before diving into the three specific looks, remember the basic principles that tie every Purge outfit together:

• Mask: This is non-negotiable. Whether it’s the iconic smiling LED mask, a simple white blank mask, or a custom-painted horror mask, the face is the focal point.
• Tattered look: Clothes should look old, worn, dirty and preferably blood-stained. You’re not going to a black-tie event (unless you’re a rich purge character, which we’ll cover).
• Weapons: A simple, non-functional prop weapon (baseball bat, plastic knife, toy gun) adds a significant element of danger.
• Slogan: A sharp marker can turn any piece of clothing into a fiery political statement. Think: “Kill,” “God,” or “Purify.”

Now, let’s purify!

1. 🌟 The Classic: Neon LED Light-Up Purger

This is the most iconic and recognizable Purge costume. It’s simple, spooky, and guaranteed to attract attention when the lights go down.

Outfit blueprint

• The vibe: anonymity, neon glow, and urban danger.
• Key items to buy: LED light-up mask (cheap online or at seasonal stores).
• Items to DIY/reuse: hoodie, jeans/black pants, a baseball bat (optional).

Step-by-Step Assembly

Step 1: The Iconic Mask ($10 – $20)

The entire outfit hinges on this. While you can DIY a plain white mask with paint, the LED Light-Up Purge Costume Mask is a staple.

• Purchase: Get a plastic mask with an attached EL (electroluminescent) wire. The most common colors are red, blue or green. The battery pack usually clips easily to a pocket or belt.
• Pro Tip: Choose a mask where the wires form the outline of a sinister smile or a cross/”X” above the eyes.

Step 2: The Stealthy Clothes (Thrift/Closet)

The costume itself should be simple and blend in shade, allowing the mask to stand out.

• Bottoms: Black jeans, dark fatigues, or even simple athletic pants.
• Top: A dark hoodie (black, gray or dark red works best) or a simple black t-shirt.
• Weathering: Gives clothes a dirty, worn appearance. Use a cheese grater to roughen the edges of the hood and cuffs.

Step 3: The Bloody Details (Crucial)

A purger needs proof of anarchy.

• Spills: Lay your hoodie flat. Using a paintbrush dipped in spray fake blood or DIY fake blood (corn syrup, red food coloring, and a drop of cocoa powder for thickness), create a realistic splatter effect on the sleeves, chest, and hood.
• Props: A simple wooden or plastic baseball bat is an ideal prop. Spray blood on the tip and wrap the handle with black electrical tape for a more menacing look.

Estimated DIY time: 20 minutes

2. ✝️ The Terrifying Politician/Cultist: The “God” Purger

This look is inspired by the satirical, white-collar, or cult-like purgers seen in The Purge: Election Year and The Purge: Anarchy. It offers a more sophisticated, yet deeply unsettling, vibe.

Outfit blueprint

• Vibe: Dark satire, high-contrast, religious/political fanaticism.
• Key items to buy: A plain white mask (blank or with a simple smile), black tie.
• Items to DIY/reuse: an inexpensive white button-down shirt, a blazer/suit jacket, dark pants.

Step-by-step assembly

Step 1: The Simple, Sinister Mask ($5 – $15)

The focus here is not on light, but on paint and dirt.

• Face: Take a cheap, blank white mask. Use a black Sharpie or black acrylic paint to write the word “God” prominently on the forehead.
• Dirt: Use a mixture of black and gray to add dirt and shadows around the mask’s eyes, nose, and mouth. A little soot makes it look like you’ve been out all night.
• Blood Details: Add a few strategic, thin lines of fake blood dripping from the mouth or eyes.

Step 2: The Business Casual Carnage (Thrift/Closet)

Contrast is everything. The outfit should look like business attire gone through hell.

• Shirt: Buy an inexpensive, slightly oversized white button-down shirt. You may also tear the collar and cuffs a bit.
• Suit: A black or dark gray suit jacket or blazer works perfect. Roll the sleeves up slightly.
• Tie: Wear a simple black necktie, but loosen it dramatically.

Step 3: Accessorize with Religious Irony (DIY)

This is where you lean into terrible satire.

• Splatter: Go heavy on the fake blood on the white shirt. Soak the front and cuffs. The contrast of bright red on white is extremely effective.
• Props: Carry a small toy cross or a cheap, oversized toy hammer/machete with blood on it.
• Touch: Don’t forget a pair of black dress gloves (if you have them) to complete the creepy, formal look.

Estimated DIY Time: 30 minutes (for blood/paint to dry)

3. 👯‍♀️ The “Kiss Me” Candy Girl: A Tattered Siren “Purge Costume”

Inspired by the memorable female antagonists of The Purge: Election Year and Anarchy, this look combines femininity with pure fear for a high-impact Purge costume.

Outfit blueprint

• The vibe: twisted innocence, sexy horror, and highly stylized violence.
• Key items to buy: A white/pink/light colored skirt or tutu, fishnet stockings.
• Items to DIY/reuse: plain t-shirt/tank top, a headband/bow, a fake lollipop.

Step-by-step assembly

Step 1: The Sweet but Scary Mask ($10 – $20)

You can use the classic smiling mask or one with a simple, sweet design.

• Phrase: A white mask with “Kiss Me” written in bold, stylish red or black letters on the forehead or cheek is the signature look. Use permanent marker or red color.
• Glam Horror: Around the eyes, add an inexpensive pair of false eyelashes or use a sharp eyeliner to create an exaggerated, cracked makeup effect on the mask.

Step 2: The Frilly, Bloody Ensemble (Thrift/Closet)

Think about the school uniform or cheerleader outfit that went horribly wrong.

• Top: A plain white tank top, camisole, or a T-shirt.
• Underneath: A short, frilly skirt, a cheerleader skirt, or a tulle tutu in a light color (white, pink, or light blue).
• Legs: Ripped fishnet stockings or knee-high/thigh-high socks are perfect for this look. Use scissors to strategically tear the fishnet for an authentic “chase” effect.

Step 3: The Signature Accessories (DIY)

These details range from general horror to recognizable Purge costumes.

• SPLASH: Get skirts, tops and even socks drenched in fake blood. Don’t be shy – the more saturated, the better.
• Hair: Tie your hair into pigtails or a messy bun. Secure with a brightly colored bow or headband.
• Props: Carry a large fake lollipop (you can buy a large foam lollipop or make one out of cardboard and paint) with a bleeding stick. Alternatively, a small baseball bat or golf club works great.

Estimated DIY time: 25 minutes

🩸 The DIY Secret Weapon: Making Your Own Fake Blood

Want all that cinematic gore without the chemical smell? This is the best, cheapest, and most realistic looking fake blood recipe for your Purgatory costume:

What you need:

• 1 part corn syrup (base for thickening)
• Red food coloring (a lot!)
• A few drops of blue food coloring (to deepen the red and keep it from looking too pink/cartoony)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (this adds a deep, realistic clot of color and thickness)

Instructions:

• Pour the corn syrup into a bowl.
• Add red food coloring until it becomes a deep, bright red.
• Add cocoa powder and mix until completely dissolved. This is the key to making it look like real, dark blood.
• Add a few drops of blue food coloring until the red color darkens to a deep, veiny red.
• Apply with a sponge or paint brush for a splatter effect!

This recipe is non-toxic, tastes sweet (if you get some in your mouth!), and washes most clothes (although test an inconspicuous area first!).

Your “Purge Costume” Checklist: Ready to Purge?

With just a few minutes, a basic white mask, and some fake blood, you can transform your everyday clothes into a frighteningly authentic Purge costume tonight. Stay safe, and enjoy the cleanse!