So, you want to look like a vampire from Staten Island. It's a vibe. Honestly, the hardest part about nailing a What We Do in the Shadows costume isn't finding a cape—it's looking like you’ve been wearing that same cape since the 1840s. These characters aren't "movie monsters." They’re roommates who happen to be immortal and remarkably bad at laundry.
Most people make the mistake of buying a shiny, polyester Dracula kit from a big-box store. Don't do that. It looks cheap, it feels cheap, and Laszlo Cravensworth would absolutely scoff at your lack of "quality tailoring." To get this right, you have to think about textures. Velvet. Brocade. Real lace that’s slightly yellowed from age (or tea staining).
The Nandor Aesthetic: Layers, Leather, and Fragile Masculinity
Nandor the Relentless is basically a walking museum of the Ottoman Empire mixed with a guy who stayed too long at a Renaissance Faire. If you're going for the Nandor look, you need a heavy red velvet cape. It shouldn't look new. In the show, costume designer Amanda Neale (who did the original film) and later designers like Wendy Chuck and Laura Montgomery focused on the "lived-in" feel.
Start with a tunic. A long, dark, quilted or embroidered tunic serves as the base. You'll want some faux-fur trim around the shoulders, but keep it shaggy, not sleek. He’s a warrior. Or he was, a few centuries ago. The key detail most people miss? The jewelry. Nandor wears rings on almost every finger and heavy medallions. If it doesn't look like it could give you a neck ache by the end of the night, it’s not heavy enough.
Dealing With the Hair
Nandor’s hair is iconic. It’s long, wavy, and often looks like it hasn't seen shampoo since the fall of the Al-Quolanudar Empire. If you aren't blessed with natural mane, get a high-quality lace-front wig. Avoid the "vampire" wigs in the plastic bags; they have a synthetic sheen that screams "I'm a costume." Brush it out, use some sea salt spray to give it grit, and maybe some dry shampoo to take away the fake shine.
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Laszlo and Nadja: The Victorian Power Couple
Laszlo is all about the waistcoat. He thinks he’s the peak of masculine style, which usually involves high collars and dark, rich colors like burgundy and forest green. His What We Do in the Shadows costume is incomplete without a cravat. A cravat isn't just a tie; it’s a statement. It should be puffed out, held together by a vintage-looking brooch.
Nadja is a different beast entirely. Her look is heavily inspired by 19th-century mourning attire, but with a Greek twist. Think Gibson Girl hair meets Gothic Lolita. To pull off Nadja, you need volume. Puffed sleeves are non-negotiable. You also need a corset or a bodice that cinches the waist, paired with a floor-length black skirt.
The Cursed Flutes and Other Props
Nadja is often associated with her "mini-me" doll, but if you really want to impress the fans, carry a fake vial of "blood" or a very old-looking candle. For Laszlo, it's about the attitude. And maybe a top hat. But not just any top hat—one that looks like it’s seen some things. If you're feeling brave, you could try to recreate the "Witch's Hat," but just remember the cursed big bloody hole in the back of it.
The Colin Robinson "De-Skilling" Method
Everything I just said? Ignore it if you’re going as Colin Robinson. This is the easiest and yet most difficult What We Do in the Shadows costume to pull off because the goal is to be aggressively unremarkable. You are an energy vampire. You thrive on boredom.
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You need:
- A beige or light grey cardigan (slightly ill-fitting).
- A pair of pleated khakis.
- A checked button-down shirt from a brand like Haggar or Croft & Barrow.
- Sensible, rubber-soled brown shoes.
The magic is in the accessories. A lanyard with a generic ID badge. Maybe a pocket protector. If you want to go the extra mile, carry around a briefcase filled with boring documents—like the terms and conditions of a software update—and actually read them to people at the party. That’s the real costume.
Guillermo de la Cruz: The Van Helsing in the Room
Guillermo has had a major style evolution throughout the seasons. Early Guillermo is pure "anxious familiar." We’re talking sweaters over collared shirts. It’s a very specific brand of "unobtrusive." You want colors like mustard yellow, olive green, or navy blue.
If you want "Vampire Hunter" Guillermo, the vibe shifts. You’ll need a tactical vest, or at least a sturdy utility jacket with plenty of pockets for wooden stakes. The stakes are the deal-breaker here. Don't use plastic ones. Go to a craft store, buy some thick wooden dowels, and sharpen them yourself. It adds a level of authenticity that really pops in photos.
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The Secrets of Aging Your Garments
Pro-level costumers know that "new" is the enemy. To make your What We Do in the Shadows costume look like it’s been in a damp Staten Island basement for decades, you have to age it.
- The Sandpaper Trick: Lightly scuff the edges of collars, cuffs, and hems. It breaks down the fibers and makes the clothes look worn.
- The Tea Soak: If you have white lace or a white shirt that looks too bright, soak it in a tub of strong black tea for an hour. It gives it that perfect antique yellow tint.
- Fuller’s Earth: This is a professional trick. It’s basically a fine clay powder. Dust it into the creases of your coat or the shoulders of your cape. It looks like literal centuries of dust.
- Avoid Symmetry: Put your rings on weird fingers. Let one side of your collar stay popped while the other is flat. These characters are messy.
Fangs and Contacts: The Details That Kill
You can spend $500 on a custom frock coat, but if you have cheap plastic fangs that prevent you from speaking, the illusion is gone. Scarecrow Fangs are the industry standard for a reason. They use a molding plastic that fits to your actual teeth, so they stay in place and you can actually talk (and drink, though be careful).
For the eyes, the vampires in the show often have a subtle glow or specific colors. Nadja has those deep, dark eyes that occasionally flash. Nandor's eyes sometimes get that golden "predator" look. If you use contacts, please buy them from a reputable source. Your vision isn't worth a $20 pair of "creepy" lenses from a sketchy website.
Why This Costume Still Matters in 2026
We're several years out from the show's peak, but the characters have become archetypes. They represent the "fish out of water" trope taken to the extreme. Wearing a What We Do in the Shadows costume isn't just about the clothes; it's about the performance. It's about being incredibly confident while also being completely out of touch with modern reality.
People love these costumes because they allow for personality. You aren't just a "generic vampire." You're a specific, flawed, hilarious person.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Build
- Visit a Thrift Store Immediately: Look for "old lady" velvet blazers for Nadja or heavy wool coats for Laszlo. These are gold mines for texture.
- Invest in a Steamer, Not an Iron: You want to get the shipping wrinkles out of your cape, but you don't want it looking crisp. Steam it, then let it hang naturally.
- Practice Your Accent: Laszlo's voice is 50% of the costume. If you can't say "BAT!" with absolute conviction, start practicing in the car now.
- Mix and Match Eras: These vampires don't understand fashion trends. If you find a cool Victorian vest but have a pair of 1970s trousers, wear them together. It actually makes the character more believable as someone who just grabs whatever is in the closet.
- Focus on the Makeup: Use a pale foundation, but don't go pure white. You want "anemic," not "clown." Use a bit of purple or grey eyeshadow under your eyes to give that "I haven't slept in 300 years" look.
The beauty of this show is that it celebrates the absurd. Your costume should do the same. If it feels a little ridiculous, you’re doing it right. Just avoid the Witch's Hat unless you're prepared for a very unlucky night.