Let’s be real. It’s October 28th. You’re staring at your closet, and every "clever" costume idea you had back in August now feels like a massive chore. You want something that says "I have taste" but also "I didn't spend three weeks sewing this in a basement." That’s exactly why the American Psycho costume girl aesthetic has become an absolute juggernaut on TikTok and Pinterest. It’s the perfect intersection of high-fashion satire and low-effort execution.
Patrick Bateman is a monster. We know this. But Mary Harron’s 2000 film—based on the equally disturbing Bret Easton Ellis novel—didn't just give us a slasher movie; it gave us a blueprint for corporate-gothic style that feels strangely relevant in our current era of "quiet luxury" and "clean girl" aesthetics. When a girl steps into the shoes of a 1980s investment banker, she isn't just wearing a suit. She’s subverting the ultimate symbol of toxic masculinity. It’s a power move. Honestly, it’s just a great look.
The Aesthetic of Corporate Nihilism
So, why does this specific look work so well for women? Part of it is the sheer contrast. You take the sharp, rigid lines of an 80s power suit—think Valentino or Armani—and you splatter it with fake blood. It’s jarring. It’s funny. It’s visually striking in a way that a generic "sexy cat" never will be.
The American Psycho costume girl look usually goes one of two ways. You have the "Female Patrick Bateman" approach, where you're wearing the pinstripes, the Oliver Peoples glasses, and the clear plastic raincoat. Then you have the more niche, meta-references, like Dressing up as one of the "Hardbody" victims. But let’s face it: most people are going for the Bateman vibes. It’s about that "mask of sanity" that’s about to slip.
You need to nail the details. This isn't just about a suit. It’s about the skin. In the film, Bateman has a rigorous morning routine. If you're doing this costume, your makeup should be flawless—almost too perfect. Think heavy moisturizer, a subtle glow, and maybe a peel-off mask if you want to be literal about the bathroom scene. The goal is to look like you spend $1,000 on skincare but haven't slept in three days because you're too busy returning video tapes.
Essential Components of the Look
If you're actually going to pull this off without looking like a random office worker who had a nosebleed, you need the props.
- The Clear Raincoat: This is non-negotiable. It’s the most iconic visual from the movie. It keeps the "blood" off your expensive-looking clothes and creates that sterile, clinical vibe that makes Bateman so creepy.
- The Axe: Plastic, obviously. Unless you're going for a very different kind of party. Some people go for the nail gun or the chainsaw, but the axe is the classic.
- The Business Card: This is the pro tip. Carry a stack of cards that say "Pierce & Pierce." Use a font like Silian Rail or Bone. If you want to get really into the weeds, make sure the card has a watermark. People will lose their minds over the commitment to the bit.
- The Walkman: If you can find an old-school yellow Sony Sports Walkman, you’ve won. Bonus points if you’re actually listening to "Hip to Be Square" on a loop.
The suit itself is where you can have some fun. You don't need to drop four figures at a boutique. Hit up a thrift store. Look for oversized blazers with shoulder pads. The 80s silhouette is back anyway, so you might actually end up wearing the blazer again. Go for navy, charcoal, or a subtle pinstripe.
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Why We’re Still Obsessed With Bateman in 2026
It’s weird, right? We’re decades removed from the book and the movie, yet Patrick Bateman is more of a cultural touchstone than ever. You see it in the "Sigma" memes, though the American Psycho costume girl trend usually treats the material with a lot more irony. It’s a critique of consumerism that we’re consuming as a costume. It’s meta.
Fashion historian Valerie Steele has often talked about how we use clothing to project an identity we don't actually possess. When you put on the Bateman suit, you’re trying on a specific kind of 80s greed and vanity. It’s theatrical. It’s also a great excuse to act a little unhinged for a night. You get to talk about your skincare routine in excruciating detail. You get to judge people’s business cards. It’s a role-playing dream.
But there’s also a darker layer. The movie is a satire of a world where people are interchangeable and only appearances matter. By adopting the American Psycho costume girl persona, you're sort of poking fun at the modern pressure to be "perfect" on social media. We all have our own versions of the morning routine now. We all have the "mask" we put on for Instagram.
Making it "Fashion" vs. Making it "Horror"
You have to decide on the ratio. Are you going for high-fashion Bateman or slasher Bateman?
If you want the fashion route, keep the blood minimal. Maybe just a small spray across the cheek or the collar of the white shirt. Focus on the tailoring. Slick your hair back into a tight, wet-look bun or a perfect side part. Wear heels that look like they could double as a weapon. This version of the American Psycho costume girl is about the "psycho" being hidden under a veneer of extreme wealth.
If you want the horror route, go nuts with the SFX makeup. Drench the raincoat. Get some of that sticky, dark red theatrical blood that stays looking "wet." This version is more about the carnage of the Paul Allen scene. It’s messier, louder, and definitely more fun if you’re heading to a house party rather than a lounge.
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Don't forget the shoes. Bateman would never wear scuffed shoes. Whether you're wearing loafers or pumps, they need to be polished. It’s that obsessive-compulsive attention to detail that makes the character—and the costume—actually work.
The "Hardbody" and Other Deep Cuts
If you want to move away from the suit, there are other ways to tackle the American Psycho costume girl theme. You could go as a 1980s aerobics enthusiast—the "hardbodies" Bateman is obsessed with. Think high-cut leotards, leg warmers, and a look of sheer terror.
Or, go as the Dorsia hostess. You’ll spend the whole night telling people they don't have a reservation and that you're "totally booked." It’s a niche reference, but for the film buffs in the room, it’s a goldmine.
There's also the "Jean" look. Chloe Sevigny’s character is the moral center of the movie. A soft, late-80s secretary look—cardigans, modest skirts, and a pining expression. It’s the antithesis of the Bateman look, which makes it a great choice if you’re doing a duo costume. One person is the predator; the other is the only person he might actually care about.
Avoiding the "Generic Office Worker" Trap
The biggest risk with the American Psycho costume girl aesthetic is that people just think you came straight from your job at a law firm. You have to lean into the uncanny valley.
The raincoat is the primary way to avoid this, but if you don't want to wear plastic all night, you need "the look." It’s in the eyes. It’s that blank, thousand-yard stare. It’s the way you hold your drink. Bateman is a man who is constantly performing being a human. If you can capture that slight "off-ness," the costume transcends being just clothes.
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Also, consider the soundtrack. If you're hosting, play a mix of Phil Collins, Huey Lewis and the News, and Robert Palmer. It sets the mood. It makes the pinstripes feel intentional.
Actionable Steps for the Perfect Execution
To truly nail the American Psycho costume girl vibe, follow these specific moves:
- Source the pinstripes early. Thrift stores are overflowing with 80s and 90s corporate wear. Look for "Boardroom" brands that haven't been cool in twenty years.
- Order the "Pierce & Pierce" cards. You can print these at home on heavy cardstock. Use a cream or "eggshell" color. Avoid bright white; it looks cheap.
- Master the "Wet Hair" look. Use a high-shine pomade or a mix of gel and hair oil. It needs to look like you just stepped out of a shower after a particularly vigorous workout/murder.
- Practice the monologue. You don't need the whole thing, but knowing the "Do you like Phil Collins?" bit or the "I have to return some videotapes" line is essential for when someone inevitably asks who you are.
- Get the right blood. Cheap, bright red blood looks like strawberry jam. Look for "Scab Blood" or "Old Blood" gels from theatrical supply stores. It has a brownish tint that looks much more realistic on fabric.
The beauty of this costume is its durability. You can wear it to a dive bar, a fancy rooftop, or a casual house party, and it always fits the vibe. It’s sophisticated, slightly mean, and visually iconic. Just remember to keep your reservation at Dorsia.
Next Steps:
Start by scouring local vintage shops for a grey pinstripe blazer with significant shoulder padding. Once you have the anchor piece, head to a hardware store for a roll of clear painter’s plastic or a dedicated transparent raincoat to ensure the silhouette is instantly recognizable. Finally, download a "Pierce & Pierce" business card template to print—it’s the small detail that elevates the outfit from a generic suit to a cinematic reference.