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Halloween makeup Dia de muertos catrina representation of Mexican Culture© saraidasilva

essential accessories

Catrina Costume: Accessories that will elevate your look for Día de Muertos

These striking outfits pay homage to the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead, making them perfect for both festive occasions.


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
NOVEMBER 1, 2024 5:41 PM EDT

Catrina costumes have become a classic and sophisticated choice for Halloween and Día de Muertos. They capture a blend of elegance, cultural significance, and a subtle hint of spookiness. These striking outfits pay homage to the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead, making them perfect for both festive occasions. 

If you're seeking inspiration for your Halloween attire or want to celebrate Día de Muertos in style, consider this comprehensive guide to essential accessories that will elevate your Catrina costume from the traditional to the truly unforgettable. Start with the iconic Catrina makeup, often featuring intricately designed sugar skull elements. 

Day of the dead, the catrinas its an icon of Mexican celebration.© Arturo Peña Romano Medina
Day of the dead, the catrinas its an icon of Mexican celebration.

Choosing vibrant colors like deep purples, bright pinks, and luminous greens will add a lively flair, while embellishments like rhinestones or glitter can enhance the overall effect.  Next, think about the attire. A beautifully tailored dress or skirt with lace and floral patterns captures the essence of the Catrina style. Opt for rich fabrics like satin or tulle to create a dramatic silhouette. 

Accessories that will elevate your Catrina look

Floral Crown with Marigolds and Roses© Anastasia Dobrusina

Floral Crown with Marigolds and Roses

 The floral crown is the quintessential Catrina accessory, symbolizing life and honoring the dead. Opt for marigolds, the traditional Día de Muertos flower mixed with red and black roses to add a hauntingly beautiful touch. A bold floral crown can add height, color, and drama, making it a fantastic focal point.

Veils and Lace Shawls© Igor Ustynskyy

Veils and Lace Shawls

 The floral crown is the quintessential Catrina accessory, symbolizing life and honoring the dead. Opt for marigolds, the traditional Día de Muertos flower mixed with red and black roses to add a hauntingly beautiful touch. A bold floral crown can add height, color, and drama, making it a fantastic focal point.

Traditional Mexican Serape or Rebozo© FG Trade Latin

Traditional Mexican Serape or Rebozo

Incorporating a Mexican serape or a rebozo into your Catrina costume adds authenticity to your look. These traditional shawls come in various colors and patterns; you can drape them around your shoulders or use them as a head covering under your crown.

Feather Accents© Europa Press News

Feather Accents

Feathers add height, texture, and elegance to your outfit. Integrate them into your crown, veil, or standalone earrings to create a dramatic silhouette. Black feathers are striking against a colorful floral crown, lending a touch of the dramatic.

Skull Face Jewels© Jan Sochor

Skull Face Jewels

Face jewels are a great way to add some sparkle to your makeup. Use rhinestones around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead to emphasize the iconic skull design. A set of adhesive jewels made explicitly for the Day of the Dead can simplify this part of your costume, making it easier to perfect that intricate, glittering skull pattern.

Colorful Fan© OMAR TORRES

Colorful Fan

A hand fan is a subtle accessory that instantly adds a touch of refinement. Look for designs featuring intricate patterns or black, red, or gold embellishments to accentuate your Catrina costume. The fan looks elegant, keeps you cool, and adds an interactive element to your photos.

A Mexican woman, dressed as La Catrina and wearing Huichol beaded mask and dress, takes part in the Day of the Dead festivities on November 1, 2022 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a religious holiday which combines the Death veneration rituals of Pre-Hispanic cultures with the Catholic practice. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed return to this world on that day, it is widely celebrated throughout Mexico. People gather while praying or joyfully eating, drinking, or parading in costumes through towns, to remember friends or family members who have died. (Photo by Jan Sochor/Getty Images)© Jan Sochor

Skeleton Arms and Gloves

Skeleton gloves add extra detail and enhance the illusion of Catrina's skeletal hands. Choose gloves that feature bone designs or intricate lace patterns to match the rest of your look. This adds a ghostly touch that keeps the theme cohesive.

These accessories make your Catrina costume unique and help convey the grace and tradition behind Día de Muertos. By incorporating these into your look, you're not only honoring the tradition but also creating a Halloween look that's unforgettable.