Do you want to dress up as Count Dracula? Then you’ll need a Count Dracula costume.

gothic vampire eliteThe classic image of Count Dracula comes from Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula Costume in the Broadway play and later the famous 1931 movie, “Dracula.”

In the original book by Bram Stoker, the vampire’s clothing is described in vague detail that varied from scene to scene. However later on when the movie was adapted for the stage, the costume directions were standardized so the vampire, Dracula, wore the same clothing in every scene.

It is this Count Dracula Costume which we usually think of when we think of Dracula now and that has become part of our shared notion of the character. In every scene of the 1931 movie, Count Dracula is shown in evening wear popularized in the late 19th century, which was seen as slightly old-fashioned at the time of the movie.

Count Dracula wore a classic gentleman’s evening suit consisting of black trousers, dark dress shoes  and jacket and a blazing white shirt and he often carried a decorative cane as well. However, the most unusual aspect of the Count Dracula character’s costume – and one of the most memorable aspects taht we all think of – was the addition of that long black opera cape he wore over his nice suit.

To pull of the best Count Dracula Costume there must be a cape or cloak of some sort – of course! You can find total black cloaks, although one with a red lining would be ideal. The cape length doesn’t really matter as long as it hangs correctly over the shoulders without looking bulky or weird.

toddler dracula costumeWhile the Dracula film was filmed in black and white, the artwork and movie posters indicate that the sturdy Dracula  cape was lined in bright red silk. This particular cape, whether flowing behind him or held dramatically in front of the vampire’s face as he approached his victim, has become permanently linked with our mental image of Dracula.

Now, to take care of the dress of Count Dracula you can also opt between either pure black or black cloaks with a red interior, but a cloak is a must have piece of equipment for any Count Dracula Costume. The best choice is a free falling cloak with a full wide collar.

It was used in all portrayals of Dracula in later movies, including that of Christopher Lee in the 1960s, and in comic strips and cartoons too. Some variations of Count Dracula Costumes also include a medal or large gem, usually a ruby, worn around Dracula’s neck on a ribbon or heavy chain and also a large ruby ring.

And you couldn’t pick a more classic costume than a Count Dracula Costume either. Vampires are really popular right now thanks in part to the popularity of Twilight and all the vampire TV shows and books that are out right now. But still, if you must be only one vampire this year, and if you’re over the age of 15, it should be Count Dracula.

In spite of this, it is the classic Lugosi costume that most people immediately think of when they hear the name “Dracula.” The vampire’s personal appearance was also heavily influenced by Lugosi’s original portrayal. He played the vampire with pale skin and dark slicked-back hair, and this particular Count Dracula Costume choice became linked to almost all portrayals of the Count Dracula character.