Ursula

The look

The classic animated Ursula is an exaggerated, theatrical sea witch with a large upper-body silhouette and a black-and-purple octopus-inspired lower body. Her design uses a dramatic contrast between lavender skin, white hair, black costume elements, purple accents, and red lipstick. The lower half is especially important because Ursula's body transitions into multiple dark octopus tentacles rather than human legs.

Base costume

1. 01Black strapless/sweeping bodice forming the upper portion of her costume.
2. 02Black/purple octopus-inspired tentacle lower body replacing human legs.
3. 03Lavender/pale purple skin makeup or bodysuit.
4. 04White/silver short hair wig with the characteristic swept-back shape.
5. 05Large gold shell necklace containing the magical conch shell.
6. 06Red lipstick creating one of the strongest facial color accents.
7. 07Black/purple tentacle detailing extending the aquatic visual language through the lower silhouette.
8. 08Optional body padding to reproduce Ursula's exaggerated animated proportions.

Character details

The most important construction challenge is the tentacle silhouette. A conventional mermaid tail is incorrect—the lower body needs to communicate multiple octopus arms/tentacles. For a wearable convention build, a structured skirt base can support lightweight EVA-foam, upholstery- foam, fabric, or flexible tentacle forms. The bodice should emphasize the dramatic hourglass shape. Padding can be used to reproduce the stylized proportions while keeping the costume comfortable. The shell necklace is extremely important because it is both a character accessory and a story-critical magical object.

Hair / face / makeup

• Skin: Lavender/pale purple.
• Hair: White.
• Length: Short.
• Style: Swept-back, voluminous animated shape.
• Eyes: Light-colored with heavy animated definition.
• Brows: Dark and strongly shaped.
• Lips: Bright red.
• Makeup: Heavy theatrical eye makeup.
• Facial expression: Dramatic, confident, theatrical.

Props

• Essential:
• Gold shell necklace / magical shell. Optional:
• Contract scroll.
• Magical sea-witch effects.
• Potion bottles.
• Large animated-style shell props.

What makes the cosplay read as Ursula

1. Lavender skin. 2. Short white hair. 3. Red lipstick. 4. Black/purple octopus silhouette. 5. Gold shell necklace. 6. Exaggerated hourglass body shape. If only a few details can be perfected, prioritize the purple skin + white hair + red lips + tentacle silhouette + shell necklace.