How to Create a Hermione Granger Costume

Last Updated: February 5, 2023 Approved

Although the days of dressing up for Harry Potter book release parties are long gone, you never know when you'll need to look your wizarding best! You can easily look like Hermione Granger with the right outfit, signature hair and minimal makeup, and magical accessories. So get started and be fully prepared for Halloween or your next costume party!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating the Outfit

1
Wear a white shirt. Find a basic white button down shirt.
2
Find a skirt. Look for a gray or black skirt that almost reaches your knees. Pleats are optional.

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3
Choose a vest and tie. Pick a V-neck vest in gray or black to wear over your white shirt. Select a tie in Gryffindor colors (scarlet and gold) to wear underneath the vest.
- You could also wear a button-down cardigan instead of a vest, especially if you're not going to be wearing a robe.
4
Select socks and shoes. Look for knee-high socks in a solid color, such as gray or black. Wear black or brown shoes in a simple style, such as Mary Janes or loafers.
5
Wear a robe. You can find one at academic bookstores, costume stores, or charity and thrift stores. Just be sure to find one in nice condition, as Hermione wouldn't have had ragged or worn robes.
- Ask any lawyers or academics in your family if they have a robe you could borrow. If so, be careful not to permanently attach a Hogwarts insignia to the robe.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Styling Hair and Makeup

1
Decide which Hermione hairstyle you want. If you're portraying a younger Hermione, go for a bushy, somewhat large hairstyle. If you're depicting an older Hermione, go for loose waves that may be pinned against the side of your head.
- Remember, Hermione has medium-brown hair, so avoid light brown or blonde hair colors.
2
Style your hair. If you're portraying a younger Hermione, blow dry and brush your hair to create lots of volume. Don't use hairspray, but let your hair be frizzy and loose. To easily create wavy hair, rub mousse through your wet hair, part your hair into two sections and braid each part. You should end up with two braids running down the sides of your head. Let your hair dry in braids before unbraiding. Your hair should now have kinks and waves.
3
Keep the makeup minimal. Hermione isn't known for stylish dressing and lots of makeup. Instead, keep your look natural. Consider applying concealer, a basic powder, and a bit of blush. Use a pale pink lip gloss for a younger Hermione or a matte lipstick for an older Hermione.
4
Apply eye makeup, optional. If you're portraying an older Hermione and want to wear eye makeup, use natural shades, such as taupes or beiges and avoid eyeliner. Use a basic mascara and keep the eye makeup simple.
- Avoid any eye makeup if you're going for young Hermione, but consider filling in your eyebrows to make them bushier.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Choosing Accessories

1
Carry books. You can simply carry a few around or use a book bag. Be sure to carry magical books. To do so, choose several books and make covers for them out of brown butcher paper. Then decorate the covers and title them appropriately. For example, these could be textbooks like, "Muggle Studies," "Divination," or "Potions."
- To use a book bag, stuff the bag almost full of book-sized objects. Real books would be too heavy. Try using small, empty cardboard boxes or square chunks of Styrofoam underneath a few real books that you've decorated.
2
Wear a time turner. Find a tiny hourglass and place it on a gold chain around your neck. If you can, find one with rings that encircle the hourglass. This will be the Time-Turner that Hermione used to get to all her classes in "The Prisoner of Azkaban."
3
Attach a Hogwarts badge to your robe. Make or buy a Hogwarts badge that shows the four houses. You could also make a silver S.P.E.W. badge like Hermione wears to support the Society for Promotion of Elfish Welfare. Simply use silver-colored paper or stretch Aluminum foil over cardboard. Write S.P.E.W. in decorative lettering.
4
Carry a wand. You can purchase a wooden wand or craft your own. If you plan to make your own, decide how realistic you'd like it to be. You can make a wand out of rolled up decorative paper or carve your own. Whatever you choose, make her wand a little less than a foot long.
- Consider adding embellishments, such as vines, along the end of the wand. Make it reflect Hermione's character.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if I don't have the right hair or eye color, and can't wear wigs or contact lenses?

Community Answer

Hair color and eye color are really minimal. Most people don't even pay attention to eye color. Hermione's most distinguishing features are her intelligence and bushy hair. If you can act smart and get your hair bushy, then you are good to go. You can be a blue-eyed, blond-haired Hermione, or even an African American Hermione.
Question

What do I do if I can't get grey stockings?

Community Answer

Grey is best, but black would be a fine substitute. Definitely don't wear white.
Question

Do I have to have a robe?

Community Answer

No, robes are not necessary. Hermione does not always wear her robes. You can dress as Hermione in her Muggle clothes. If it is a particularly hot day, you can wear the uniform, but leave the robes off; just make sure that your uniform is neat.