Harry Potter Costume: Bellatrix LeStrange

by Sasha Muradali, guest blogger

Bellatrix Lestrange is the ultimate, well-intentioned mean girl.

She's beautiful (pre-Azkaban), smart, savvy, loyal and one hell of a woman.

Bella is a true to a fault and her style throughout the Harry Potter reflects that. Described as having gone a little mad because of her time spent in Azkaban, her clothes are a bit faded, or are torn. However, they are always made of the finest materials.

To recreate the ultimate Bellatrix Lestrange, especially using Helena Bonham-Carter's portrayal in the films, is easy and can be done numerous ways.

Wardrobe:-

All Black clothing is mandatory.

The following items are suggested and can be used in any type of combination you desire.

• Corset
• Mesh or see-through black long-sleeved top
• Above the ankle, but below the knee, skirt -- evenly hemmed or stylishly unaligned.
• fitted black dress
• Obi Belt
• Fitted corset-like belt
• Solid or tastefully decorated bolero jacket.
• See-through, sheer stockings are optional. (Opaque tights or leggings are a big NO!)

Examples:

Shoes:-

Stiletto heels are mandatory.

Whether you choose to wear boots, or true stilettos -- these shoes, thanks to the films -- are the mark of Bellatrix.

Knee-high, NOT thigh-high.

In order to be the most recognizable, it is strongest suggested that you wear black, patent leather, stiletto boots.

Makeup:-

Red lipstick (think cherry, strawberry or ladybug red. Bellatrix was "Old Hollywood, 1940s GLAMorous" in her day, not a Goth.)

Black eyeliner (optional) w/ medium brown eye shadow (see below)

Red or reddish amber blush (think of a blush to accentuate your cheekbones, but also provide a darker, if not bronzing appeal)

Black mascara (a must. My personal favorites are Diorshow Blackout and MAC's Mascara X)

Solid Black false lashes (optional)

Highlight blush (typically iridescent, peach or pale pink with shimmer. Used to highlight, not bronze, and NO, it is not glitter. Bellatrix would never wear glitter.)

*Use all of your powder, foundation, concealer etc. as normal.

• With eyeliner

Using the brown eyeshadow, apply it lightly and evening, only in the crease of your eye in order to create depth.

Apply a think and even line with a 'romantic' small wing across the top lid. (Think 1940s 'cat' eye -- but think w/ eyeliner)

Add mascara. Let dry.

Apply blush.

Apply highlighter on apples of the cheeks and temples brush it to just above your eyebrows (not on your eyebrows).

Red lipstick (my favorite is MAC Ladybug with MAC Venetian Lipglass on top).

Apply second layer of mascara.

• Without eyeliner

Apply highlighter to top eyelid, as if it is an eyeshadow.

Using the brown eyeshadow, apply it lightly and evening, only in the crease of your eye in order to create depth.

Add mascara. Let dry.

Apply blush.

Apply highlighter on apples of the cheeks and temples brush it to just above your eyebrows (not on your eyebrows).

Red lipstick (my favourite is MAC Ladybug with MAC Venitian Lipglass on top).

Apply second layer of mascara.

Jewelry:-

Minimal.

Possible choices include:-

• Silver or green bangle in the shape of a snake
• Silver solid bangle with eastern patterns on it
• Small pearl earrings (a stud or some sort is fine)
• Small white or green diamond earrings (again, a stud)
• Necklaces should be chosen with the ultimate care and to your taste. If you should desire to wear a necklace with your outfit, make sure to pick something silver. Something with jade or green beads is okay too. The item should be exceptionally simple, Victorian or Victorian-inspired, minimalist steampunk OR Eastern-inspired (think Middle-Eastern, Indian etc.)

If you don't wish to wear Slytherin friendly jewelry with your outfit, other acceptable colors are dark ruby reds, navy blues, royal purples, even deep pinks.

Bellatrix thought of herself as royalty. In a sense she was.

She was born into an exceptionally noble and ancient household and probably grew up being treated as golden. Even when she joined the Dark Army with Lord Voldemort, it is quite obvious from the books that he also treated her better than some of his other followers. For example, when she died in Deathly Hallows, it was on of the few times, he showed emotion.

Therefore, when choosing clothing, make sure that it illustrates some type of 'royal' flavoring to it.

Good luck!

–

Sasha Muradali runs the Little Pink Book. She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida with a minor in Dance (’07) and an M.A. in International Administration from the University of Miami (’08). She loves Twitter and all things social media, so you should find her @SashaHalima or get a copy of the Little Pink Book delivered to your Kindle.

Online Stores

• Trendy Wear Yoga & Pilates Gym, Workout & Yoga Exercise & Fitness
• Avon Blush Makeup Store
• Eastern Tennessee Books & Video Fishing
• Canada Non-U.S. Silver Silver Antiques
• Pink Sets Boxing Exercise & Fitness

Related posts:

1. Harry Potter Costume: Death Eater
2. Harry Potter Costume: Rita Skeeter
3. Harry Potter Costume: Voldemort
4. Harry Potter Costume: Luna Lovegood
5. Harry Potter Costume: Moaning Myrtle

Tagged as: Bellatrix costume, Bellatrix LeStrange, Bellatrix LeStrange costume, costume ideas, death eater, Death Eater costume, harry potter, Harry Potter costumes, Helena Bonham-Carter