Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video features an array of fierce and empowering looks that can make for exciting Halloween costumes for kids. The video's action-movie aesthetic provides plenty of inspiration for creative and bold outfits. Here are the top 10 "Bad Blood" costume ideas for children, along with details on how to put them together:
1. Catastrophe (Taylor Swift's Character)
Catastrophe is Taylor Swift's main character in the "Bad Blood" video, sporting several memorable looks. For a kid-friendly version of her iconic black outfit:
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Black crop top or tank top
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Black shorts or skirt
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Black knee-high socks or tights
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Black combat boots or sneakers
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Fake leather harness (made from felt or foam)
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Red wig (optional)
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Toy weapons like a foam sword or plastic nunchucks
To create the harness, cut strips of black felt or foam and attach them with velcro or safety pins in a criss-cross pattern over the shirt. Style hair in a high ponytail or use a red wig for authenticity. Apply dramatic eye makeup using washable face paint if desired.
This costume allows kids to channel Taylor's fierce persona while remaining age-appropriate. Emphasize that the weapons are just props and part of the costume's action-hero theme.
2. Lucky Fiori (Lena Dunham's Character)
Lucky Fiori's look is perfect for kids who want a slightly quirkier costume:
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Bright green wig
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White button-up shirt
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Black bow tie
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Black suspenders
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Black pants or leggings
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Black shoes
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Toy cigar (optional)
The key to this costume is the vibrant green wig, which can be found at party supply stores. Pair it with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and suspenders for the dapper look. Skip the cigar prop for younger children.
3. The Trinity (Hailee Steinfeld's Character)
The Trinity's martial arts-inspired outfit is both cool and comfortable:
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White karate gi or bathrobe
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Black belt
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Black leggings
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White sneakers
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Toy nunchucks or bo staff
Use a white bathrobe as an easy substitute for a karate uniform. Tie it closed with a black belt or sash. Add black leggings underneath for modesty. Foam nunchucks or a cardboard bo staff complete the look.
4. Knockout (Karlie Kloss's Character)
Knockout's boxing-inspired ensemble is great for sporty kids:
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Red tank top or t-shirt
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Black shorts
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Red knee-high socks
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Black sneakers
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Boxing gloves
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Braided pigtails
This costume is easy to assemble with items from home or inexpensive sportswear. Boxing gloves can be found at toy stores or made from red foam. Style hair in two braided pigtails to mimic Karlie's look.
5. Dilemma (Serayah's Character)
Dilemma's futuristic outfit can be adapted for kids:
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Silver metallic top
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Silver leggings or pants
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Silver boots or sneakers
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Silver face paint
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Toy bow and arrow set
Look for shiny silver clothing at costume shops or use silver fabric paint on regular clothes. Apply silver face paint in geometric patterns. A toy archery set adds to the futuristic warrior vibe.
6. Slay-Z (Gigi Hadid's Character)
Slay-Z's sporty look is perfect for active kids:
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White crop top or tank top
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White shorts or skirt
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White knee-high socks
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White sneakers
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Toy baseball bat
For a more modest version, use a regular white t-shirt instead of a crop top. Draw "Slay-Z" on the shirt with fabric markers. Style hair in two buns on top of the head. The baseball bat can be a foam toy or made from cardboard[4].
7. Homeslice (Martha Hunt's Character)
Homeslice's ninja-inspired look is mysterious and cool:
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Black long-sleeved shirt
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Black pants or leggings
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Black shoes
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Black face mask or ninja hood
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Toy katana sword
This all-black ensemble is easy to put together. Use a black turtleneck or add a separate face mask. A toy katana sword can be found at costume shops or made from cardboard. Remind kids that the sword is just for show.
8. Cut-Throat (Zendaya's Character)
Cut-Throat's edgy look can be adapted for younger fans:
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White button-up shirt
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Black tie
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Black vest
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Black pants or leggings
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Black shoes
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Toy knife (optional)
This costume has a cool secret agent vibe. Use a clip-on tie for convenience. Skip the toy knife for younger children or make a cartoonish version from cardboard.
9. Destructa X (Ellie Goulding's Character)
Destructa X's futuristic outfit is great for sci-fi loving kids:
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Silver metallic dress or top and skirt
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Silver leggings
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Silver boots or sneakers
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Silver face paint
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Toy laser gun
Look for shiny silver clothing or use metallic fabric paint. Apply silver face paint in angular patterns. Make a futuristic "laser gun" from cardboard and paint it silver.
10. Frostbyte (Lily Aldridge's Character)
Frostbyte's icy look is perfect for kids who love winter themes:
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White fur vest or jacket
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White top
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White shorts or skirt
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White knee-high socks or tights
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White boots or sneakers
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White face paint
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Blue hair chalk or temporary hair color spray
Layer white clothing for a snowy effect. Use white face paint to create a frosty complexion. Add streaks of blue to hair with washable hair chalk or temporary color spray.
Tips for Creating Kid-Friendly "Bad Blood" Costumes:
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Prioritize comfort: Choose breathable fabrics and ensure kids can move easily in their costumes.
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Maintain modesty: Adapt revealing outfits with longer hemlines, higher necklines, and additional layers as needed.
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Safety first: Use only soft, foam weapons as props. Avoid sharp edges or small parts that could be hazardous.
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DIY elements: Encourage kids to help create parts of their costume, like decorating t-shirts or making cardboard props.
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Makeup considerations: Use kid-friendly, hypoallergenic face paints and makeup. Always do a patch test first.
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Weather-appropriate: Layer costumes for warmth if needed, or choose breathable fabrics for warmer climates.
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Group costume potential: Coordinate with friends to create a squad of "Bad Blood" characters.
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Add personal flair: Let kids put their own spin on the costumes with additional accessories or color variations.
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Consider durability: Choose materials that can withstand active play and potentially be reused for dress-up.
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Explain the context: Help kids understand the empowering message behind the video's strong female characters.
Making It Educational:
While creating these costumes, use the opportunity to teach kids about:
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Teamwork and friendship, as exemplified by the diverse cast in the video
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The art of filmmaking and music video production
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The importance of imagination and creativity in storytelling
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Basic sewing, crafting, and DIY skills while making costume elements
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Discussions about appropriate ways to portray strong, confident characters
Conclusion:
Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" video offers a wealth of inspiration for exciting and empowering Halloween costumes for kids. By adapting these looks to be age-appropriate and comfortable, children can embody their favorite characters while expressing creativity and confidence. Remember to emphasize the fun, imaginative aspects of dressing up and the importance of respecting others' costumes and choices.
Whether opting for Catastrophe's bold black ensemble, Lucky Fiori's quirky green-haired look, or any of the other character-inspired outfits, these costumes allow kids to step into a world of music video magic. With some creativity and DIY spirit, you can create memorable "Bad Blood" costumes that are sure to be a hit at any Halloween event or costume party.
