Honestly, the Gen Z obsession with nostalgia is hitting a fever pitch, and nowhere is that more obvious than the sudden, massive resurgence of Mattel’s "Ghouls." If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed that basic vampire capes and generic witch hats are out. People want lore. They want specific aesthetics. This is why monster high couple costumes have shifted from being a niche "kids' brand" throwback to the absolute blueprint for duos who want to win Halloween.
It’s weirdly nostalgic.
Most of us grew up with the 2010 dolls, the webisodes, and that distinct "freaky-fabulous" vibe that felt way more inclusive than anything else on the toy aisle at the time. Now, those same fans are adults with a budget and a desire to serve looks. But here’s the thing—doing these costumes right isn't just about buying a bagged set from a Spirit Halloween. It’s about nailing the specific monster-lineage details that make the characters recognizable. If you show up as just "a werewolf and a vampire," you’re just a cliché. If you show up as Clawd Wolf and Draculaura? Now you’re a power couple.
The Chemistry of Clawd and Draculaura
Let’s talk about the undisputed GOAT of monster high couple costumes: Clawd Wolf and Draculaura. This isn't just a popular choice because they’re the main couple in the series; it’s popular because the visual contrast is a designer’s dream. You have the "preppy-punk" pink and black aesthetic of Draculaura clashing against the athletic, varsity-jacket-heavy style of Clawd.
It works.
To pull this off without looking like a cheap imitation, you have to focus on the textures. Draculaura isn't just "pink." She’s Victorian-inspired lace, mesh sleeves, and that signature white jabot. If you’re going for her classic look, the pigtails are non-negotiable, but please, for the love of all things spooky, get a wig that actually has the heart-shaped highlight. For Clawd, it’s all about the Letterman jacket. You can actually find authentic-looking Monster High crest patches on sites like Etsy to sew onto a thrifted teal and gold jacket. It adds a layer of "I actually put effort into this" that a store-bought costume just can't touch.
The height difference is often a funny point of discussion in the fandom, too. Since Clawd is canonically much taller, some couples lean into that for the photoshoots. But honestly, if you're the same height, just have the "Draculaura" wear some massive platform boots. It fits her character anyway.
Why Cleo and Deuce are the High-Maintenance Choice
If you and your partner are the type who don't mind spending four hours on makeup and hair, Cleo de Nile and Deuce Gorgon are your best bet. This is a high-effort, high-reward situation.
Cleo is royalty. Period.
Her outfit needs to scream Egyptian decadence mixed with modern runway fashion. We’re talking turquoise accents, gold wraps that look like stylized bandages, and a heavy, heavy emphasis on the "eye of Horus" makeup. It’s a lot of glitter. It’s a lot of eyeliner. Deuce, on the other hand, is the quintessential "cool guy," but his accessories are the dealbreaker. You cannot do Deuce without the green scales on the arms and, most importantly, the sunglasses.
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Remember: Deuce wears shades so he doesn't turn his friends to stone.
If you take them off for a photo, you’re breaking character. It’s those little "lore-accurate" choices that separate the casual fans from the experts. One tip for Deuce’s hair? Don’t try to find a wig that looks like snakes. Most of them look like green noodles. Instead, many pro cosplayers use molded foam or even 3D-printed snake attachments that sit on a mohawk-style base. It looks significantly more "editorial" and less "party store."
The "Best Friends" Pivot
Sometimes a "couple" isn't romantic.
Frankie Stein and Jackson Jekyll (or his alter-ego Holt Hyde) make for a fantastic duo, especially if one of you likes the idea of a mid-party outfit change. Jackson is the quiet nerd; Holt is the literal fire of the party. If your partner is willing to carry around a pair of headphones and maybe some blue body paint, the Holt/Frankie dynamic is electric.
But let’s be real. A lot of people looking for monster high couple costumes end up going as Frankie and Abbey Bominable or Frankie and Clawdeen. The "ghoulfriends" vibe is arguably more iconic than the actual romantic pairings in the show. Frankie’s patchwork skin is a makeup artist's playground. You can use SFX makeup or even just a very steady hand with a liquid liner to create the stitches.
Tackling the "Inhuman" Skin Tones
This is where things get tricky. How do you handle the skin tones?
Abbey Bominable is blue. Frankie is mint green. Spectra Vondergeist is pale/translucent. Lagoona Blue is... well, blue-ish.
You have two options: full body paint or "aesthetic interpretation." Honestly, full body paint is a nightmare for a long party. It smudges, it gets on the furniture, and by hour three, you look like a melting popsicle. A lot of the best monster high couple costumes I've seen lately use "color-coded" makeup instead.
- Use a high-pigment eyeshadow in the character's skin tone around the eyes and cheekbones.
- Wear colored tights or long-sleeved mesh tops to mimic the skin color.
- Focus on the wig and the outfit silhouette to do the heavy lifting.
If you must go full pigment, use a professional water-activated cake makeup (like Mehron Paradise AQ) and set it with a literal cloud of setting powder and Ben Nye Final Seal. It’s the only way you won’t leave a blue trail on your friend’s white couch.
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The Underrated Pairings
Everyone does Draculaura. Everyone does Cleo.
If you want to stand out, look at the later generations or the side characters. Think about Scarah Screams and Invisi Billy. Scarah is incredibly easy to pull off—it’s basically a 60s mod aesthetic with all-white contact lenses. The contacts are the kicker. They make the look instantly haunting. Invisi Billy is a bit of a meta-joke for the partner who hates dressing up; they can just wear a beanie and a blue-tinted outfit and claim they’re "fading out."
Then there’s Ghoulia Yelps and Slow Moe.
This is the "hipster" choice. Ghoulia is a fan favorite because she’s the smartest ghoul in school, and her 50s-style glasses and cherry motifs are adorable. Slow Moe is... well, he’s a zombie. It’s an easy out for a partner who wants to be comfy but still participate in the monster high couple costumes theme.
Getting the Details Right (The "Expert" Touch)
The reason Monster High works so well as a costume theme is that it’s inherently fashion-forward. These aren't just monsters; they’re monsters who subscribe to Vogue.
When assembling your look, don’t ignore the "skullette." The little Monster High skull logo with the bow is everywhere in the brand. Incorporating that into a belt buckle, a hair clip, or even a subtle embroidery on a lapel signals that you know the source material.
Also, consider the era.
Mattel rebooted the franchise (G3), and the character designs changed. Draculaura is now a witch-in-training with a slightly different color palette. Frankie is non-binary and has a prosthetic leg. If you’re doing a couple’s look, make sure you both match the same "Generation." It looks a bit disjointed if one person is doing the 2010 "G1" look and the other is doing the 2022 "G3" version. It’s like wearing a 1960s Batman costume next to a 2022 Robert Pattinson Batman. It’s fine, but it’s not cohesive.
Budget vs. Boutique
You don't need to spend $300 at a specialty shop.
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Most of these outfits are based on "human" clothes with a supernatural twist. A plaid skirt for Frankie, a fur-trimmed vest for Clawdeen, a gold sequin dress for Cleo. You can find 90% of this at a thrift store. The "monster" part comes from the ears, the tails, the fangs, and the makeup.
One thing you should never cheap out on? The fangs.
If you’re doing a vampire or werewolf look, skip those plastic "glow-in-the-dark" teeth that make you drool and prevent you from speaking. Spend the $20 on Scarecrow brand fangs. They use a dental-grade molding kit to snap onto your actual teeth. You can talk, drink, and breathe normally. It makes a massive difference when you're trying to stay in character all night.
Actionable Tips for Your Monster High Transformation
If you're planning on pulling this off for your next event, here’s the game plan.
First, pick your generation. If you want the "classic" skinny-doll silhouette, go G1. If you want more modern, diverse body types and updated outfits, go G3. This helps you narrow down your shopping list immediately.
Second, focus on the "silhouette-defining" accessory. For Abbey, it’s the fur. For Clawdeen, it’s the ears. For Lagoona, it’s the fins (which you can actually find as slip-on leg warmers). If you have that one key element, the rest of the outfit can be surprisingly simple.
Third, do a makeup trial run. Do not—I repeat, do not—attempt to paint your face green for the first time thirty minutes before you have to leave for a party. Professional-grade face paint behaves differently than normal makeup. It’s thicker, it dries faster, and it requires a specific removal process (usually oil-based).
Finally, think about your shoes. These characters are known for their "killer" footwear. If you can’t walk in 6-inch heels, don’t try. There are plenty of platform sneakers or chunky boots that give the same "Monster High" height without resulting in a broken ankle by midnight.
The beauty of monster high couple costumes is that they celebrate being a "weirdo." The whole tagline of the franchise is "Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster." So, even if your costume isn't a 1:1 replica of the doll, as long as you capture that spirit of freaky-chic confidence, you’re going to look incredible.
Start looking for those specific base pieces—like a red vest for Holt or a striped tie for Frankie—now. The closer we get to October, the harder it is to find the "perfect" thrift store finds. And honestly, the hunt is half the fun. Get your partner on board, pick your favorite ghoul, and get to work on those stitches.