Austin Powers Costume Secrets: Make Yours Stand Out

austin powers costume

Groovy, Baby! The Ultimate Austin Powers Costume Guide

Want to transform into the International Man of Mystery this Halloween? An Austin Powers costume delivers instant recognition, laughs, and that unmistakable 1960s swagger. The shagadelic spy with questionable dental work but undeniable charm makes for a costume that’s both iconic and fun to wear. Whether you’re heading to a Halloween bash, themed party, or just want to channel some serious mojo, I’ve got everything you need to create the perfect Austin Powers look.

The beauty of an Austin Powers costume lies in its distinctive elements – from the vibrant blue velvet suit to those signature oversized glasses. With a few key pieces and the right attitude, you’ll have everyone at your next event saying “Yeah, baby, yeah!” faster than you can explain why sharks with laser beams attached to their heads might be impractical.

Creating the Perfect Austin Powers Costume

The iconic Austin Powers look combines several distinctive elements that instantly transform you into the groovy 1960s spy. While you can purchase complete costume sets, understanding the essential components helps whether you’re buying or creating your own.

The Essential Austin Powers Outfit Elements

The Blue Velvet Suit – This is the foundation of any authentic austin powers costume. Look for a bright blue velvet jacket with matching pants. The suit should have a distinctly 60s cut with slightly flared legs.
Frilly Shirt or Jabot – That distinctive white lace ruffle at the neck (called a jabot) is crucial for the authentic look.
Black-Framed Glasses – Oversized, thick black frames complete the facial transformation.
Shaggy Wig – Unless you already sport a shagadelic mop-top, you’ll need a brown, slightly messy wig.
Austin’s Teeth – Those famously bad British teeth are an optional but highly effective addition.

For an authentic austin powers girl halloween costume, pay attention to the details. The original costume designer for the films, Deena Appel, created a very specific silhouette that became instantly recognizable worldwide. The bright colors were deliberately chosen to contrast with Dr. Evil’s gray world.

DIY Austin Powers Costume Tips

If you’re crafting your own austin powers outfit rather than buying a complete set, here’s how to nail the look:

Thrift Store Gold – Check secondhand shops for blue velvet blazers or suits that can be modified. Even a regular blue suit can work with the right accessories.
Create Your Own Jabot – A white dress shirt with lace trim sewn or glued to the collar area makes a convincing jabot.
Accessorize Properly – Add a male symbol pendant necklace, rings, and possibly a toy spy gun to complete the look.
The Right Shoes – Cuban-heeled boots or any black shoes with a slight heel work perfectly.
Chest Hair – For the truly dedicated, consider a fake chest hair piece to achieve Austin’s famously furry look.

The key to a successful austin powers halloween costume is confidence. Once dressed, practice saying “Yeah, baby!” and “Oh, behave!” in your best exaggerated British accent to really sell the character.

Austin Powers Movie Costume Variations

While the blue velvet suit is Austin’s signature look, the austin powers movie costumes evolved throughout the trilogy, offering several options for your costume:

Classic Blue Velvet (International Man of Mystery)

The most recognizable austin powers outfit features the bright blue velvet suit with ruffled jabot. This appeared in the first film and became the character’s signature look. If you’re going for instant recognition, this is your best bet. Our Austin Powers 60s Costume captures this iconic look perfectly with its vibrant blue color and authentic styling.

Red Velvet Suit (The Spy Who Shagged Me)

In the sequel, Austin sports a striking red velvet suit for several scenes. This makes for a slightly less common but still instantly recognizable austin powers costume idea. The red suit works especially well for couples costumes when paired with a Felicity Shagwell outfit. For a great look at the red suit’s details, see this analysis at BAMF Style.

Union Jack Outfit (Goldmember)

For the third film, Austin rocks a Union Jack-patterned outfit that screams British spy. This more colorful variation stands out at parties and shows your deeper knowledge of the austin powers movie outfits. The Union Jack look also draws inspiration from classic Bond costumes—explore how James Bond influenced Austin’s style in this feature on Bond Suits.

Prisoner Jumpsuit (Goldmember)

Another option is the orange prison jumpsuit Austin wears briefly in the third film – a less common but still recognizable choice for fans of the series.

Austin Powers Group Costume Ideas

The Austin Powers universe offers fantastic opportunities for group halloween austin powers costumes. Coordinate with friends to create an ensemble straight out of the movies:

Classic Character Combinations

Austin Powers and Dr. Evil – The classic hero/villain pairing. One friend wears the blue velvet suit while another dons a gray suit, bald cap, and small finger to the lip pose.
Austin, Dr. Evil, and Mini-Me – Add a third friend (preferably shorter) dressed identically to Dr. Evil for this iconic trio.
Austin and Fembots – Perfect for mixed groups, with women wearing 1960s-style baby doll dresses, blonde wigs, and futuristic accessories.
Austin, Felicity Shagwell, and Fat Bastard – A memorable trio from the second film, with Felicity in her 70s-inspired outfits and someone brave enough to tackle the Scottish villain.
Entire Villain Gallery – For larger groups, add Number Two, Frau Farbissina, Scott Evil, and Goldmember to create the complete rogues’ gallery.

Group halloween costumes austin powers themed always get attention at parties, especially when everyone stays in character. Practice some of the iconic lines and interactions from the films to really sell the ensemble.

Couples Austin Powers Costume Ideas

For couples looking to coordinate their austin powers halloween costumes, several perfect pairings exist:

Austin and Agent Kensington – The classic pairing from the first film, with the female partner wearing a stylish 60s-inspired outfit.
Austin and Felicity Shagwell – From the second film, with Felicity in her 70s-inspired attire.
Austin and Foxxy Cleopatra – For the third film fans, with Foxxy in her gold disco-inspired outfit.
Dr. Evil and Frau Farbissina – An alternative for couples who prefer playing villains.
Austin and a Fembot – For a sexy couple’s option, with the Fembot in a retro baby doll dress and futuristic accessories.

These austin powers characters costumes work wonderfully for couples who want to stay together at parties while maintaining a cohesive theme. The contrasting styles of Austin’s bright colors against the other characters’ distinctive looks creates an instantly recognizable pairing.

Accessories to Complete Your Austin Powers Look

The right accessories transform a basic austin powers halloween costume into an authentic recreation of the International Man of Mystery:

Must-Have Austin Powers Props

To truly channel your inner Austin Powers, don’t forget these essential accessories:

Male Symbol Necklace – That distinctive pendant Austin wears in all three films.
Fake Teeth – Those infamously bad British teeth complete the facial transformation.
Union Jack Accessories – Items featuring the British flag reinforce Austin’s nationality.
Martini Glass – Austin’s drink of choice makes for a perfect prop.
Vintage Camera – Perfect for playing up Austin’s cover as a fashion photographer.

These small details elevate your austin powers costume ideas from good to groovy. They also provide opportunities for in-character interactions throughout the night – offering someone a sip of your “shaken, not stirred” martini or snapping photos with your vintage camera.

DIY Austin Powers Costume Ideas That Stand Out

While store-bought options provide convenience, creating your own austin powers costume allows for personalization and often better quality. The blue velvet suit might be iconic, but with a little creativity, you can create a version that stands out from every other International Man of Mystery at the party.

Creating a Custom Austin Powers Suit

The foundation of any great austin powers halloween costume starts with the right suit. Here’s how to create something truly unique:

Vintage Shopping – Thrift stores and vintage shops often have 60s-style suits that can be modified. Look for bright colors and interesting patterns beyond the standard blue.
Fabric Upgrades – If you find a suit with the right cut but wrong material, consider having patches of velvet added to lapels and cuffs for that luxurious 60s feel.
Custom Tailoring – For a truly perfect fit, take a thrifted suit to a tailor and have it adjusted to match Austin’s distinctive silhouette with high-waisted pants and a slightly oversized jacket.
Pattern Mixing – For an advanced look, mix patterns like Austin occasionally does in the films – perhaps a solid jacket with patterned pants or vice versa.

Remember that the austin powers movie outfits evolved throughout the trilogy, so you have creative freedom to mix elements from different films while maintaining the character’s essence.

Advanced Accessories for Authentic Austin Powers Looks

Take your austin powers halloween costume to the next level with these detailed accessory ideas:

Custom Teeth Prosthetics – While novelty teeth work, a custom-made dental prosthetic from a costume shop creates a more comfortable, realistic look.
Authentic Period Glasses – Search online auction sites for actual vintage 1960s frames instead of modern replicas.
Hand-Crafted Jabot – Create a custom lace jabot using vintage lace and proper fasteners for a more authentic look than store-bought options.
Vintage Spy Accessories – Add authentic-looking spy gadgets like a shoe phone, miniature camera, or vintage recording device.
Period-Correct Cufflinks – Find genuine 1960s cufflinks featuring male symbols or other mod designs.

These detailed touches help your austin powers outfit stand apart from mass-produced costumes and show your dedication to the character. For further inspiration on clever group and character costume ideas, check out the Inflatable Costumes for a hilarious twist or explore The Hardest Ever Game of Thrones Quiz for group concepts from another iconic franchise.

Austin Powers Halloween Costume Character Embodiment

The perfect austin powers halloween costume goes beyond just the outfit – it’s about becoming the character through mannerisms, speech patterns, and attitude. If you enjoy immersing yourself in character, you might also enjoy challenging your knowledge with fun pop culture quizzes like Spiderman Trivia or explore who your favorite JB is in Which JB Is Your Favorite?.

Mastering Austin’s Signature Moves

To truly embody Austin Powers, practice these characteristic movements:

The Austin Dance – That iconic swinging dance with exaggerated arm movements and hip swivels is instantly recognizable.
The Raised Eyebrow – Practice Austin’s suggestive eyebrow raise for photographs and flirtatious moments.
The Mini-Pose – Master the crouched position with both hands framing an imaginary camera while saying “Yes! Work it, baby!”
The Finger Point – That distinctive pointing gesture Austin uses when making a groovy observation.

These physical mannerisms complete your halloween austin powers transformation and make your costume interactive and entertaining for others.

Perfecting Austin’s Catchphrases

No austin powers costume is complete without the character’s iconic verbal expressions:

“Yeah, baby, yeah!” – Practice the rhythm and emphasis of this classic line.
“Oh, behave!” – Master the playful, slightly scandalized tone.
“Groovy, baby!” – Get the elongated “ooo” sound just right.
“Shall we shag now or shag later?” – Deliver with Austin’s characteristic cheeky innocence.
“I put the GRRR in swinger, baby!” – Roll that “R” for maximum effect.

The exaggerated British accent is crucial for all these phrases. Watch clips from the austin powers movies to perfect your delivery and timing.

Austin Powers Characters Costumes Beyond Austin

The Austin Powers universe offers many character options beyond the main man himself. These alternative halloween austin powers costume choices can be refreshing at parties where multiple people might dress as Austin. If you love superhero showdowns, don’t miss The Greatest Ever Superhero Stand-Offs for more group inspiration, or learn about action heroes like Max Steel for your next costume idea.

Villain Costume Options

The rogues’ gallery from the austin powers movies provides excellent costume alternatives:

Dr. Evil – The quintessential villain requires a gray Nehru suit, bald cap, and scar. Don’t forget to practice placing your pinky finger by your mouth.
Mini-Me – Perfect for shorter individuals, this requires the same gray suit as Dr. Evil but in miniature.
Goldmember – This distinctive villain needs gold face paint, a gold tracksuit, and a Dutch accent.
Fat Bastard – A challenging but memorable costume requiring a padded suit, kilt, and Scottish accent.
Number Two – Requires a business suit, eye patch, and silver-haired wig for the perfect corporate villain look.

These villain costumes from the austin powers characters costumes collection often get as much attention as the main character himself.

Female Character Costume Ideas

The women of the Austin Powers universe offer fantastic costume options:

Fembots – These deadly robot women require baby doll dresses, blonde wigs, and futuristic accessories.
Felicity Shagwell – Capture her 70s spy style with high-waisted pants or mini-skirts and go-go boots.
Foxxy Cleopatra – Embrace the disco era with a gold outfit, massive afro wig, and hoop earrings.
Frau Farbissina – This severe villain needs a gray suit, short dark hair, and glasses.
Vanessa Kensington – For a more sophisticated look, opt for tailored 60s-inspired suits and sleek hair.

These female austin powers costume ideas allow women to participate in the theme while maintaining their own distinctive look.

Practical Tips for Wearing Your Austin Powers Costume

Once you’ve created the perfect austin powers halloween costume, keep these practical considerations in mind for maximum comfort and impact throughout your event.

Comfort Considerations for Long Events

Wearing an elaborate costume for hours requires planning:

Fabric Choices – Authentic velvet can be hot, so consider lightweight velvet alternatives for summer events or heated indoor parties.
Teeth Management – If using fake teeth, bring a case so you can remove them discreetly for eating and drinking.
Wig Security – Use proper wig caps and additional bobby pins to ensure your shaggy mop stays in place during enthusiastic dancing.
Breathable Layers – Consider wearing moisture-wicking undergarments beneath your costume for comfort during extended wear.

These practical considerations ensure your austin powers outfit remains comfortable throughout the night, allowing you to stay in character without discomfort. For holiday-themed parties, get inspired by Office Christmas Party Mishaps or discover Our Epic New Christmas Sweaters for a festive twist on your group costume ideas.

Making an Entrance with Your Austin Powers Costume

Plan how to maximize the impact of your halloween austin powers costume:

Themed Arrival – Consider arriving in a vintage car or with appropriate 60s music playing.
Character Introduction – Prepare a brief in-character introduction that captures Austin’s essence.
Signature Pose – Enter with Austin’s iconic pose and catchphrase for immediate recognition.
Props at the Ready – Have your key props visible immediately to complete the impression.
Group Choreography – If arriving with friends in austin powers characters costumes, consider a choreographed entrance.

A well-planned entrance sets the tone for the night and immediately establishes your commitment to the character. For costume design insights straight from the source, read this interview with Deena Appel on Clothes on Film.

Where to Find Quality Austin Powers Costumes

For those seeking the perfect austin powers costume ideas without the DIY effort, several excellent sources exist.

Specialty Costume Retailers

Professional costume shops offer high-quality options:

Dedicated Costume Stores – Specialty retailers often carry licensed austin powers outfits with better materials and more accurate details than general party stores.
Theatrical Supply Companies – These professional-grade suppliers offer higher quality costume elements that last beyond a single wearing.
Vintage Clothing Specialists – Some vintage clothing stores create authentic period-appropriate austin powers halloween costume packages.
Custom Costume Creators – For the ultimate austin powers outfit, consider commissioning a custom-made costume from a professional costumer.

Our Austin Powers 60s Costume offers exceptional quality with attention to detail that captures the character’s iconic look perfectly.

Rental Options for Premium Austin Powers Costumes

For one-time events, consider these rental possibilities:

Theatrical Costume Shops – Many offer high-end austin powers movie costumes for rent at a fraction of the purchase price.
Film Production Rentals – Some movie costume rental companies allow public rentals of professional-grade costumes.
Formal Wear Shops – Some tuxedo rental places offer specialty costumes including austin powers outfits during Halloween season.
University Theater Departments – Some college theater programs rent costumes to the public during certain seasons.

Rental options often provide higher quality materials and more authentic details than purchased costumes, perfect for making your austin powers halloween costume truly stand out.

Whether you choose to create your own custom costume or purchase a ready-made option, the key to success lies in the details and your commitment to embodying this iconic character. With the right outfit, accessories, and attitude, you’ll have everyone at your next event saying “Yeah, baby, yeah!” in no time.

Group Austin Powers Costume Ideas

Planning a group halloween event? The austin powers universe offers perfect opportunities for coordinated costumes that work together brilliantly. When everyone commits to the theme, you’ll create an unforgettable impression.

Recreating Iconic Movie Scenes

Take your austin powers halloween costumes to the next level by recreating famous scenes from the films:

Dr. Evil’s Lair Conference – Gather friends as Dr. Evil, Number Two, Frau Farbissina, Scott Evil, and Mini-Me around a table for photo opportunities.
The Ministry of Defense – Create a group with Austin, Basil Exposition, and various British agents in 60s attire.
Austin’s Unfreezing Scene – Include scientists in lab coats, Vanessa Kensington, and a newly-thawed Austin Powers.
Fembot Attack – Combine Austin with several Fembots for a memorable group ensemble that’s instantly recognizable.

These scene recreations elevate simple halloween austin powers costumes into interactive experiences that tell a story and create memorable photo opportunities.

Decade-Spanning Group Costume Ideas

The austin powers movies span multiple decades, offering creative group costume possibilities:

60s Swinging London – Austin in his blue suit alongside mod girls, British agents, and hippies.
70s Disco Era – Austin with his velvet suit paired with Foxxy Cleopatra and 70s-styled villains from the second film.
90s Modern Day – Austin looking confused alongside contemporary characters adjusting to his outdated behavior.
Evil Organization – Dr. Evil with his entire staff of henchmen, including identical jumpsuit-wearing minions.
Multiple Austins – Different versions of Austin from each film (blue suit, paisley suit, Union Jack outfit) for a creative twist.

These era-specific group austin powers costume ideas create a visually cohesive ensemble while allowing each person to have a distinct character.

Photography Tips for Austin Powers Costumes

Once you’ve perfected your austin powers halloween costume, you’ll want to capture the moment with photographs that do justice to your efforts.

Setting Up Austin Powers-Inspired Photo Shoots

Create memorable images with these themed photography ideas:

60s Backdrop – Set up a simple backdrop with psychedelic patterns or Union Jack imagery.
Spy Camera Props – Use vintage cameras as props while posing in Austin’s signature photography stance.
Recreate Movie Posters – Study the original austin powers movie posters and recreate their iconic poses and compositions.
Silhouette Shots – Create dramatic backlighting for the instantly recognizable Austin Powers silhouette with tousled hair.

These themed photography setups showcase your austin powers outfit while creating shareable images that highlight your attention to detail.

Capturing Austin’s Signature Poses

Master these photogenic poses to truly embody the character:

The Power Stance – Legs spread, hands on hips, chin slightly raised with a cheeky smile.
The Photographer – Crouched low, framing an imaginary shot with hands while looking over glasses.
The Seductive Lean – Leaning against a wall with one hand, eyebrow raised suggestively.
The Freeze Frame Jump – Mid-air jump with arms and legs spread wide in celebration.
The Villain Confrontation – Face-to-face with someone in a Dr. Evil costume, both making your signature gestures.

These character-specific poses instantly communicate the essence of your austin powers halloween costume and create memorable photographs.

Maintaining Your Austin Powers Costume

Quality austin powers costumes represent an investment of time and money, so proper care ensures they remain usable for future events.

Cleaning and Storage Solutions

Preserve your austin powers outfit with these care techniques:

Velvet Care – Clean velvet suits with a soft brush and professional dry cleaning only, never machine wash.
Accessory Organization – Store smaller accessories like glasses, teeth, and medallions in compartmentalized containers.
Wig Maintenance – Keep wigs on styrofoam heads or wig stands to maintain their shape between wearings.
Costume Bags – Invest in breathable garment bags rather than plastic to prevent moisture damage during storage.

Proper maintenance ensures your austin powers costume remains in excellent condition for multiple uses, maximizing your investment.

Refreshing Your Austin Powers Look

Keep your costume fresh and exciting with these update ideas:

Seasonal Variations – Add holiday-specific elements for different events, like a Santa hat for Christmas parties.
New Accessories – Refresh your look with different glasses, medallions, or shoes each time you wear it.
Upgraded Elements – Gradually replace basic components with higher-quality versions as budget allows.
Character Evolution – Progress through different austin powers movie outfits from the trilogy to keep the costume interesting.
Crossover Concepts – Create unique variations like “Zombie Austin Powers” or “Steampunk Austin Powers” for creative twists.

These refresh strategies extend the life of your austin powers halloween costume investment while keeping it interesting for repeat wearings.

Austin Powers Costume Contest Strategies

Many halloween events feature costume contests where your austin powers outfit can shine with the right approach.

Winning Presentation Techniques

Maximize your impact with these contest strategies:

Character Commitment – Stay in character throughout judging, using Austin’s mannerisms and catchphrases.
Prepared Routine – Develop a brief 30-second performance highlighting Austin’s best moments.
Attention to Detail – Point out the authentic details of your costume that might be overlooked.
Interactive Elements – Incorporate audience participation moments that showcase your character knowledge.

These presentation techniques help judges appreciate the full extent of your austin powers costume ideas and execution.

Conclusion: Making Your Austin Powers Costume Truly Groovy

The perfect austin powers costume combines careful attention to visual details with a commitment to embodying the character’s unique personality. Whether you choose our premium Austin Powers 60s Costume or craft your own custom creation, the key lies in capturing both the iconic look and the irrepressible spirit of the International Man of Mystery.

With the right outfit, accessories, and attitude, you’ll create an austin powers halloween costume that stands out from the crowd and creates lasting memories. So embrace your inner 60s spy, practice those catchphrases, and get ready to be the grooviest person at any costume event. Yeah, baby, yeah!

Check out our 1960S Costumes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Austin Powers wear?

Austin Powers is known for his flamboyant 1960s-inspired wardrobe, most notably his colorful velvet suits in shades like blue or red. His outfits often include frilly, ruffled shirts, large horn-rimmed glasses, and a medallion necklace. The look is completed with Chelsea boots and his iconic mop-top hairstyle, reflecting the swinging London fashion of the era. It’s no surprise that the Austin Powers costume has become a popular choice for themed parties and Halloween, capturing the character’s groovy and over-the-top style perfectly.

Who is Austin Powers a parody of?

Austin Powers is a parody of the suave British spy archetype popularized in the 1960s, most notably James Bond. The character exaggerates the eccentricities, catchphrases, and fashion of that era’s spy films, blending in elements of ’60s pop culture and British humor. Created by Mike Myers, Austin Powers satirizes the over-the-top masculinity and style of classic spy heroes.

Why was Elizabeth Hurley removed from Austin Powers?

Elizabeth Hurley was originally cast as Vanessa Kensington in the first Austin Powers film but was replaced because the filmmakers felt her portrayal didn’t quite capture the comedic tone they wanted. The role ultimately went to Elizabeth Hurley, who brought a sharper, more playful energy to the character. It’s a common occurrence in movie productions where casting changes happen to better suit the director’s vision.

What does Austin Powers call breasts?

Austin Powers humorously refers to breasts as ‘moobs,’ a playful term that blends ‘man’ and ‘boobs’ and is used in a cheeky, lighthearted way throughout the films. This slang fits with his campy, irreverent style and adds to the comedic tone of his character. His quirky language is part of what makes the character memorable and entertaining.

What is the thing Austin Powers wears around his neck?

Austin Powers often wears a gold medallion necklace around his neck, which is emblematic of 1960s fashion and adds to his flashy, over-the-top persona. This accessory complements his velvet suits and ruffled shirts, enhancing the retro spy aesthetic. The medallion helps to emphasize his playful and confident character style.

What Colour is Austin Powers suit?

Austin Powers’s signature suit is most famously a bright blue velvet, though he also sports other vibrant colors like red in different scenes. The bold colors reflect the psychedelic and mod styles of the 1960s, helping to underscore his flamboyant and eccentric personality. These vivid hues make his character instantly recognizable and visually striking.

About the Author

Joe is the chief contributing writer for the MorphCostumes Blog.

MorphCostumes is the Costume Brand that gives you the costumes that make your best times in life even better.

We are the brand for people who want to make Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Birthdays or BBQ Parties even better with great costumes.

We know that many people have experienced having these events ruined by a rubbish costume they have bought online from a no-brand Chinese factory. The costume might turn up not looking like it was advertised, badly fitting, of poor quality so it tears easily. The material may be see-through, non-breathable or itchy. It also might be missing key accessories that complete the look.

MorphCostumes ensures that it makes your best times better by doing the following:

Having thousands of innovative and unique costume designs.
Ensuring fit by testing 30 or more separate measurements on each costume design.
Guaranteeing quality by performing over 500,000 in-person quality checks each year.
Always using 125 GSM or more material for a soft, breathable and quality feel.
Always being clear on what is included in the costume so you are never disappointed.

Through sticking to these values since launching in 2009, we have won awards such as Disney Product of the Year, and the business has been recognised as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist (twice), featured on the FEBE 100 fastest growing companies list (twice), the Sunday Times Fast Track, and the Maserati Top Companies List.

We have also appeared across publications such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, BBC, Wired, BuzzFeed, The Times, The Telegraph, The Financial Times, and The Guardian.