How to Make a Voldemort Costume

Determine which version of Voldemort to use. Tom Riddle, the young Lord Voldemort was a handsome, if cold, young man. In the first Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the disembodied Voldemort was attached to the back of Professor Quirrell's head. Later in the series, he regains human form, although he definitely lacks his earlier handsome looks.

Wear a dark robe. Whether it's as young Tom at Hogwarts, Professor Quirrell's "headache" or Voldemort in full wizard form, a dark robe is necessary. A black scholar's robe or graduation gown is the best option, although any dark robe will work. A very large black t-shirt could also be used for smaller children.

Mimic Voldemort's long fingers. J.K. Rowling writes about Voldemort's extremely long fingers. Use large gloves and stuff the extra length with cotton. For young Tom, keep the fingers flesh colored. For the restored human Voldemort, make sure the gloves are white or almost white. Add fake fingernails to the end of the glove; paint or color the fingernails yellow or pale blue.

Apply makeup. Voldemort is very pale and skull-like. He has no lips and reddish eyes. To achieve this look, use very pale or white face makeup. Use the makeup all over the face and neck, especially on the lips. This will give the impression of no lips. Line the eyes with red eye liner to make them appear red. Voldemort masks are also available.

Go hairless. Voldemort is bald and his head is skull-like. Cover the hair to achieve a bald look; theatre supply stores have a head cap that makes a head look bald. Otherwise, cut off a large white balloon or use a pair of pantyhose, preferably white, and fit over the head. If going as the Professor Quirrell Voldemort, attach a stuffed mask to the back of the head. The mask should be very pale and death-like.

Carry a wand. While Voldemort's wand was a twin to Harry's, he also uses other wands. In the final book, Voldemort borrows Draco Malfoy's wand and eventually acquires the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand ever made. Use a pointed stick as a wand.

Pay attention to details. Additional props will help with the costume. Carry a toy snake; Voldemort could speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes and kept a snake, Nagini, as a pet. Use the voice; Voldemort on Quirell's head spoke in a high, reedy voice. Later, he spoke coldly and sarcastically. The Tom Riddle, Voldemort should carry a diary, as the diary is the most important feature of the second book.