- Best Elf Cosplay Ideas Guide – More Than Pointy Ears - July 28, 2022
- Starfire Cosplay Outfits and Costume Guide – Sweet or Sensual? - May 19, 2022
- Best Cyberpunk Cosplay Ideas Guide - March 14, 2022
Scarlet Witch cosplay seems to become more common every year. Why? Because she’s becoming such an important part of the MCU, and each year, her relevance grows. We have WandaVision and the prospect of Wanda Maximoff getting her own movie. But it’s not just her relevance that makes her fun to cosplay; it’s the fact that she’s one of the strongest beings in the Marvel universe. She has the most potential, by far, of any Avenger, and the excitement for her future is enough to make me want to do her justice.
But this isn’t Captain America, who has at most three reliable cosplay versions. This is Scarlet Witch, who is the queen of style and versatility. How does one choose which Scarlet Witch to cosplay, and more importantly, how does one execute that version? That’s what I’m here to help you figure out.
Related read: Comprehensive Movie Cosplay Ideas Guide.
Who is Scarlet Witch?
Scarlet Witch is a hero a Sokovian Marvel hero. She and her twin brother, Pietro, were born with mythical powers, which is the ability to harness Chaos Magic. Though once an enemy to the Avengers, especially Tony Stark, she now fights side-by-side with them in the MCU.
Her history in the comics is much deeper and more profound. Now, I’d rather not get into spoilers, so I won’t walk you through each of her appearances and give you her entire background. Let’s instead move on to how to become Scarlet Witch and my top picks for cosplaying her.
Becoming Scarlet Witch
Wanda Maximoff is a passionate and strong-willed individual. Due to her inability to control her powers and the trauma she went through as a child, she can even appear unstable at times. However, she has a wonderful heart set on the greater good. She often gets stuck worrying about her past mistakes and what others think of her. She is quick to anger, but in the end, she does what she feels is right.
The version of Scarlet Witch that you choose should affect the personality you need to display. While early versions are troubled, innocent, and confused, later versions are unstable in a comical way. If you choose a traditional approach to encompass her personality, then a wave of underlying anger mixed with guilt and determination may be your best bet.
Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff Quotes
?file=Wanda_-_Age_of_Ultron_Textless.png)
- “You took everything from me.”
- “I don’t need you to tell me who I am.”
- “We will say hello again.”
- “There is no defense against the Scarlet Witch’s HEX!”
- “While I live – and until I die – I am an Avenger.”
- “Sooner or later, every man shows himself.”
- “Everyone’s afraid of something.”
- “I’m Sorry, But This Will Hurt.”
- “Do you know how it felt? It felt like that.”
- “Don’t worry, darling, I have everything under control.”
- “You guys know I can move things with my mind, right?”
- “You were right, Billy. I am the Scarlet Witch…and I remember everything.”
- “No. Your ego binds you to the truth, Pietro. It always has. Synapse nearly died because of you and you alone. Until you can accept that and atone for it, you will not be welcome here.”
- “Don’t look back – the past is exactly where it belongs.”
- “Our imperative now is to join with the Avengers and bring Stark to justice. May the Lord have mercy on us all.”
- “And she has sealed your fate!”
- “No more mutants.”
- “We are an unusual couple.”
- “You are my sadness and my hope. But mostly, you are my love.”
- “I used to think of myself one way, but after this, I am something else. And still me, I think.”
- “I just feel you.”
Versions of Scarlet Witch to Cosplay
There are dozens of versions of Scarlet Witch spanning across comic books, movies, and more. I can assume that most people aren’t going to choose something extremely obscure, so I decided to choose the most popular versions of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.
There are only a couple of different hair choices for Scarlet Witch. You can get a long reddish wig or a dark one if you choose an early version. The red one is easy to recognize, but the dark one is bolder and more niche.
Avengers Scarlet Witch
- Long red leather jacket
- Red corset
- Fingerless gloves
- Black leggings
- Simple necklace
- Black boots
The Avengers’ Scarlet Witch is legit the most popular because of how iconic it has become. I love the long leather jacket, but the rest isn’t my favorite, primarily because of the way that Elizabeth Olsen feels about it.
That being said, the best Scarlet Witch cosplay I’ve seen was with this outfit. If you want to play it safe or buy an outfit online, then this may be the way to go.
WandaVision Scarlet Witch
- Headgear
- Fingerless gloves
- Black leggings, marked with paint/fabric tape
- Black boots, marked with paint/fabric tape
- Cape
- Asymmetrical top
I am in love with this one. The WandaVision version of Scarlet Witch lets us see the hero’s new outfit, and the best part about it is that the actress got to help with the design. A few years ago, Elizabeth Olsen told Elle that she wanted to tweak Scarlet Witch’s outfit. She noted that she didn’t want a “cleavage corset.”
She said that she does like corsets but she wanted a higher neckline. When she noticed that Tessa Thompson, who plays Valkyrie, and Scarlett Johansson, who plays Black Widow, had higher necklines than she did. She appreciates not being a copy of the comic book version but she didn’t appreciate being the only one whose costume seemed to objectify her.
This is such an important step for her. Everyone should feel comfortable in their own clothing. The fact that Marvel changed Scarlet Witch’s outfit to suit the actress is astonishing and pleasing. However, it is definitely the most difficult to replicate without buying merch. If you have experience with EVA foam, then the top is fairly simple. It is one later that needs to be carved out and molded.
Even if you don’t use foam for the top, I strongly suggest using strong foam or foam and wire for the headpiece. If you’ve never used it before, this is a good time to start.
Although I commend Olsen’s efforts towards equality, don’t let it stop you from choosing this version for your cosplay. If you feel uncomfortable with the corset, then tweak it to your comfort zone.
WandaVision Wanda
Although each decade in WandaVision had multiple outfits, I’ve chosen only one or two from each. There are way too many to list them all.
I’ve chosen the most iconic of her outfits, giving a large range of styles.
1950s Kitchen Dress
- Short 1950s curled hair
- Button-up ’50s dress
- Floral apron
- Pearl necklace
The Lucy-style outfit is one of my very favorites. Her makeup is spot-on, and I adore the vibe. The most difficult part is choosing whether to bring color to the look or try to do a black and white cosplay, which is not easy.
1950s Gown
- White jewelry
- Long white gown
- Sheer gown with fur sleeves
This look is for the bold. The long Marilyn Monroe gown complete with the sheer cover-up is so alluring. If you can pull this off at a convention, then you deserve a prize, in my opinion.
1970s Maternity Dress
- Long straight hair
- Red and teal striped maternity dress
- Tan boots
I’ve skipped to the 1960s because I don’t believe that the 1960s outfits will pay off. They’re quite basic compared to the others. My favorite 1970s outfit to cosplay is the striped maternity dress. If you’re pregnant, this will definitely get you noticed in the best way.
1980s Casual
- Chill, curly ’80s hair
- Short-sleeved plaid button-up
- Dark suspenders
- ’80s jeans
This Home Improvement look is stellar. I don’t remember what her shoes looked like, but they are the least important part of this ensemble. If you want to go ’80s but don’t love this look, Agnes’ Jane Fonda gear is Bellissimo.
2000s Bathrobe
- Messy low ponytail
- Blue plaid robe
- Plain navy tee
- House shoes
- Sweats
Unfortunately, WandaVision skipped the 1990s. This was likely deliberate to show that the previous structure that the show followed was weakening, and Wanda was slipping.
This wasn’t ideal for those looking forward to the decade, but at least the early 2000s did have a similar vibe. The bathrobe was just as ’90s as it was early 2000s.
2000s Sweats
- Red zip hoodie
- Navy tee
- Sweat pants
- Tennis shoes
It’s not just a nod to the early 2000s to see that the two outfits that Wanda wears are this chill. It also shows that she’s again slipping. She didn’t wear laced jeans, mini skirts, and popcorn tops.
She dressed down, something she hadn’t done thus far. The sweats are iconic because it’s the last outfit she wears before donning her Scarlet Witch gear.
Casual Wanda in Movies
- Long, casual brunette hair
- Heavy eyeliner and dark lips
- Red leather jacket
- Wrist bands
- Black dress
- Black boots
Though Wanda has a lot of outfits from the Avengers movies to choose from, the most iconic in my eyes is her black dress and red leather jacket. This is epic and is an outfit I would wear when not cosplaying.
Comic Book Scarlet Witch
- Red one-piece halter swimsuit or bodysuit
- Red leggings
- Headgear
- Red cape
- Red gloves
- Red boots
The comic book Scarlet Witch is seen in WandaVision and, of course, the comics. The version in WandaVision is easy to replicate if you have enough time to shop around for the right pieces.
Remember that the red in this outfit is much, much brighter than the deep red in the other outfits.
Wild Card Scarlet Witch
- Dark, long messy hair
- Barefoot (or sandals)
- Dingy mid-length, long sleeve dress
My wild card Scarlet Witch is Wanda’s first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She is being trained at Strucker’s base and is as sinister as can be.
If you want a Halloween cosplay but don’t want to stray from Marvel, this could win the creepy hearts of the judges.
FAQs
Question: What Cosplay Goes Well With Scarlet Witch?
Answer: If you want a good couple’s costume idea, then I suggest Pietro, Agatha/Agnes, or Vision. These three will complement Scarlet Witch rather well and give the two a better chance of attracting attention.
Question: What Props Are Good For Scarlet Witch?
Answer: Props can be tricky because there are a lot of regulations when bringing them. But if you know the rules, you can get by with props that will help you succeed—creating magic with a few handy materials. Resin, tulle, and even tissue paper can come in handy. Get a light for the center, and you have magic in your hands.
Question: Are Any Of Scarlet Witch’s Costumes Against Regulations?
Answer: If you don’t bring any props and play your cards right, you can get by with any of her outfits. However, always wear thick leggings when paired with swimsuits or leotards. Everything else should take care of itself.
Final Notes on Scarlet Witch Cosplay Ideas
Scarlet Witch cosplay is popular, so if you go to a big convention, the chances are that you’ll see another Scarlet Witch. If you still want to stand out and be confident about your cosplaying skills, then go with something a little more obscure, or take the time and work on your cosplay for months.
Professional cosplayers are often working ahead of the game. They will work on a cosplay meant for a convention three conventions after the one they are attending. This is a genius way to always be working on a project and still be ready in time for the convention.
For Scarlet Witch particularly, it’s important to work on her vibe. Early 2000s emo vibes on an intense level are important for non-WandaVision versions. For WandaVision, you get more creative freedom yet can dedicate your studies to one decade. There are so many ways to go with Scarlet Witch, and it pleases me that you’ve taken an interest in giving it your best shot.