Elphaba Costume from Wicked the Musical

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Elphaba's Costume: Wicked In Every Way

Loathing. Unadultrated loathing. For your face, your voice, your clothing.

Now some might say that Elphaba's costume is simply the same as The Wicked Witch of the West from the MGM Musical. And while there are similarities, there are also stark differences. Such as the hat and the detail on the dress. Elphaba's costume has a bit more sex appeal without showing anymore skin than that of Margaret Hamilton's. However, finding a costume that's close to Elphaba's? Not so easy. But let's give it the old Shiz try. 

The Distressed Elphaba Costume

This photograph shows Julia Murney in Elphaba's second act costume. Elphaba has been on the run from the Wizard's henchmen and, as a result, her costume has seen some wear and tear. This is one of Elphaba's more intricate costumes.

The dress is said to weigh around 40 lbs., is worth anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 and has a zipper down the back that can be easily replaced.



Another photo of the Act 2 dress with the incomparable Idina Menzel as Elphaba:



The dress is made from dark, patchworked fabrics. You can see a bit of sheen in the contrasting fabric at her waist.

Elphaba's Opening/Act 1 Costume

This is the first costume in which we see Elphaba (unless you're counting infant Elphie - and I'm not). This is a rather normal costume obviously giving the audience a taste of the very ordinary girl she was - save for the greenification that is.





This costume features a very modest cap, her spectacles and she wears her hair in a long braid. This costume and her ballroom wear are probably the most easily reproduced costumes.

Elphaba's Emerald City Costume

This is the costume worn by Elphaba when she visits The Emerald City for the first time with Glinda. In the first photo, she's wearing her green specs. This was a bit in the book that was omitted by the MGM film. When you came to The Emerald City, you had to be fitted with green specs.



Here you can see the bodice and hat a bit better.



A backstage photo of Elphaba which allows you to see the dress from the side:

Elphaba's OZ Dust Ballroom Costume

Elphaba wore this to the OZ Dust Ballroom. Sleeveless with a slanted waistline, a pleated skirt and detail on the bodice, this is probably the most understated of all Elphaba's costumes.

Elphaba actually wears this one under the coat of her school day outfit. She also wears a sweater under the dress when she wears it this way.



Elphaba's Shiz Costume

Elphaba's Shiz uniform isn't one I see talked about all that often.

Get Wicked Tickets!

Elphaba's Costume on Flickr

Best Elphaba Of The Day (In My Opinion) by thesolaris5
curated content from Flickr

Wicked CDs and Books

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Fabulous Elphaba Style Costumes!

Wicked Witch Elite Collection Adult Costume


Wicked Witch Elite Collection Adult Costume


This picturesque full-length fully finished black gown comes with a tulle petticoat, witch hat with tulle sash and stick on black fingernails. Makeup and shoes sold separately.

The Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch Adult Costume


The Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch Adult Costume


Another play on Elphaba's classic costume. While this one is described as "Wizard of OZ," implying that it might look more like Margaret Hamilton's than Wicked's Elphaba, I see quite a bit of influence of Wicked on this costume.

Wicked Witch Plus Elite Collection Adult


Wicked Witch Plus Elite Collection Adult


Plus size version of the Elite costume.

Proper Elphaba Shoes!

Shoes. Just a pair of shoes.

Click on any photo for more information.

Witch Adult Boots


Witch Adult Boots

Elphaba Costume Links

Musical Schwartz - Susan Hilferty's Designs for Wicked
This site gives a bit of information about the costume designs for Wicked.

Purchase Wicked Witch of the East Costumes

Don't want to make your own? Use these or simply modify them.

Adult Wicked Witch of the East Costume
The Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch Adult
Costume includes a full length black polyester dress and cape trimmed in shades of green with jagged edges, and matching hat. Broom not included.
Click Photo for More Product Information

Do you have any photos of the costume?

Have you made your own? Let me know!

  • April Jul 11, 2011 @ 4:41 am | delete
    As a costume designer myself this is what I loved so much about Wicked the musical really interesting techniques used and to great effect. As the reader below says, an ideal halloween costume!
  • Ashleigh13 Oct 17, 2009 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    I watched it a couple of nights ago. That was when I fell in love with the music, costumes and cast. I want to watch it again! I'm going as her for halloween!
  • Abbey Bailey Oct 9, 2010 @ 9:29 am | delete
    i total agree i whent to london with my mum and was exactly like you absoloutley loved my mum asked me recentley what am i going to be for this years holoween and i said ELPHABA OF CORSE.
  • Elphie Lover Oct 5, 2009 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    I agree. I LOVE Wicked and am going with my school to see it for my second time. I wish to Elphie too. Im thinking of being her for Halloween if I can find a costume I can afford that is.
  • dangergirl215 Oct 3, 2009 @ 9:45 pm | delete
    I tried making the Act II Elphaba costume for Halloween 2008. It turned out pretty good, I think, as people at the Henri David Ball in Philadelphia were pointing and saying, "Elphaba!"
    I did the entire thing by hand and it took a month and a half to construct. Crazy amazing! I'm wearing it again this year for Halloween when we go to a Ren. Fest near Houston, TX
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blondeheroine

Kel has a love of the 80s, Muppets, Disney and other assorted madness. You can usually find her flitting between the 80s and present day in her Delorian.... more »

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