Honestly, if you walked into a Spirit Halloween anytime between 2016 and, well, now, you’ve seen the "Daddy’s Lil Monster" tee. It’s unavoidable. But when we talk about harley quinn suicide squad outfits, most people just think of the sequins and the baseball bat from the first movie. There is actually a massive tug-of-war happening behind the scenes between comic book accuracy, "male gaze" criticisms, and a director’s specific vision for what a crazy anti-hero should actually look like when they’re dodging bullets.
Harley’s look didn’t just change because of fashion trends. It changed because her character was literally trying to find herself.
The 2016 Era: Punk Rock and Controversy
When David Ayer’s Suicide Squad dropped in 2016, Margot Robbie’s look was an overnight sensation. It was everywhere. Costume designer Kate Hawley has mentioned in several interviews that she looked at 70s rock icons like Debbie Harry and Courtney Love for inspiration. She wanted something that felt gritty, DIY, and a little bit "trashy-chic."
The core of this outfit was basically a uniform for the summer of 2016:
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- The "Daddy's Lil Monster" raglan tee (which was purposefully distressed and aged).
- Micro-mini sequined hot pants in a split red-and-blue color scheme.
- A satin souvenir-style bomber jacket with "Property of Joker" emblazoned on the back.
- High-heeled Adidas boots (which, let’s be real, look impossible to run in).
But here’s the thing—a lot of fans felt it was way too sexualized. It was a far cry from the full-body jester jumpsuit from the 90s cartoon. Even Margot Robbie admitted later on that wearing those tiny shorts while eating a burger on lunch break was... a lot. Yet, you can't deny the impact. That specific harley quinn suicide squad outfit defined a whole era of cosplay because it felt like something a person could actually piece together from a thrift store and some fabric dye.
The "Hidden" Details You Missed
If you look closely at the 2016 gear, the details are actually pretty dark. Her "Puddin" choker wasn't just a cute accessory; it was a dog collar. Literally. It signaled her obsession with the Joker. Her tattoos were also designed to look like "jailhouse" tattoos—messy, hand-poked, and impulsive. One of them originally said "Property of Joker," which becomes a major plot point for her wardrobe later on.
The 2021 Pivot: Tactical Meets "Princess"
Fast forward to James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad in 2021, and the vibe shifted completely. Gunn is a huge comic book nerd, and he wanted to bring back the classic red-and-black color palette. He famously ditched the "Rotten" face tattoo because he (and Margot) just didn't like it.
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The main harley quinn suicide squad outfits in this movie are actually some of the most practical things she’s ever worn. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky (who also did Guardians of the Galaxy) went for a "biker-military" aesthetic for the opening mission.
- The Biker Suit: This was a heavy leather look inspired by the Injustice 2 video game. It featured a corset, sturdy leather pants, and a jacket that now said "Live Fast, Die Clown." That’s a huge character moment right there. She’s no longer the Joker’s "property."
- The Red Dress: This is the one everyone remembers from the palace escape. It’s a tiered, ruffled red gown that looks like something out of a twisted Disney movie.
What’s cool about the red dress is how it functions as a weapon. Harley literally shreds the bottom of it to make it easier to fight in. By the end of the movie, it’s covered in mud, blood, and bird feathers. It’s the ultimate subversion of the "princess" trope. She looks like a royal, but she’s carrying a javelin and taking out a whole hallway of guards.
Why the Colors Keep Switching
You might have noticed that she goes from Red/Black to Red/Blue and then back again. In the original 1992 Batman: The Animated Series, she was strictly Red and Black.
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When the "New 52" comics launched in 2011, DC moved her toward Red and Blue. The 2016 movie followed that trend. But by 2021, the filmmakers realized that the classic Red and Black just felt more "Harley." It’s her signature. It connects her to the harlequin roots that gave her the name in the first place.
Does it actually work as armor?
Not really. None of these outfits are "tactical" in the way Bloodsport or Peacemaker’s gear is. Harley’s "armor" is basically her chaos. In the 2021 film, the leather suit offers some protection, but the red dress is purely about the aesthetic of the scene.
Actionable Tips for Cosplay or Style
If you're looking to recreate any of these harley quinn suicide squad outfits, don't just buy the cheapest bag costume you find online. The "human" feel of her clothes comes from the imperfections.
- Distress the Shirt: If you’re doing the 2016 look, soak the white tee in a light tea bath to make it look "dirty" and used. Use a sandpaper block on the edges of the sleeves.
- The Hair Transition: Notice how the pigtails in the first movie are very pastel and "dipped," whereas in the second movie, the colors are much more saturated and solid. Pick the one that matches the "vibe" of the character era you like.
- Check the Tattoos: If you want to be accurate to the 2021 version, you have to remember to not include the "Rotten" tattoo on the cheek.
- Footwear Matters: If you’re actually going to a convention, skip the 2016 heels. The 2021 combat boots are much more "Harley" anyway—she’s a survivor, and survivors wear sturdy boots.
The evolution of these costumes is really just a mirror of Harley's journey from a sidekick to a leader. She went from wearing a collar and "property" jackets to wearing whatever the hell she wants, whether that’s a heavy biker suit or a shredded ballgown.
To get the most authentic look, focus on the "Live Fast, Die Clown" era of her wardrobe. It represents the character at her most independent and fierce. Start by sourcing a solid pair of combat boots and a red-and-black leather jacket, then work your way into the smaller details like the javelin or the signature pigtails.