DIY Goth Schoolgirl Costume: 30-Min Paint Build

DIY goth schoolgirl costume built from plaid skirt or black skirt, white collared shirt, and black cardigan or sweater

AI-generated concept photo

Pictured: the goth schoolgirl in her plaid uniform.

Time30 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

A plaid skirt, a black cardigan over a white collar, and hair in two tight braids with pale makeup and dark liner. The deadpan schoolgirl stare does the rest. Thirty minutes, easy: a plaid or black skirt, a white collared shirt, and a black cardigan or sweater. The braids should be tight and center-parted; loose braids read as casual.

1 of 8 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Still need:

Plaid skirtWhite collared shirtBlack tightsHair tiesWhite face paintBlack face paintRed face paint / lipstick

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Tip: paint the nails dark and carry a stack of books.

Materials

Plaid skirt or black skirt, 1 (own, or buy: thrift store)
White collared shirt, 1 (own)
Black cardigan or sweater, 1 (own)
Black tights, 1 pair (own, or buy: dollar store)
Hair ties, 2 (own)
Pale foundation or white face paint, 1 (buy: drugstore or craft store)
Black eyeliner, 1 (own, or buy: drugstore)
Dark lipstick, 1 (own)

Steps

Pull on the white collared shirt, the plaid skirt, the black cardigan, and the black tights.
Part hair down the middle.
Braid two low pigtails.
Tie each off.
Put on the pale foundation evenly.
Blend at the jawline.
Safety: keep all makeup clear of the eyes, and do a small skin patch test first if the skin is sensitive.
Line the eyes with black eyeliner.
Finish with dark lipstick.
Optional pro finish: paint the nails dark and carry a stack of books.

Start this costume in the planner