How to Style a Kiki’s Delivery Service Costume (Easy DIY Closet Cosplay Guide!)
(Kiki Cosplay Photographer: Dale L Photography @vancouverlightshaper)
This content may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a commission that helps me continue this blog. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
Ever dreamed of soaring over a Ghibli-style skyline with nothing but a broom and a sassy talking cat? Same. Kiki’s Delivery Service isn’t just one of the most beloved Studio Ghibli films—it’s also home to one of the easiest closet cosplays of all time.
I whipped her together in less than a week once I decided I wanted an anime-themed cosplay to go to Harumatsuri Vancouver 2025.
Today, I’m showing you how to transform into everyone’s favorite teenage witch using items you might even already own (or can easily thrift).
This Kiki’s Delivery Service costume is budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and completely adorable. Plus, I’ve included links to some cute (affiliate) finds in case your closet needs a little boost. 💜
Why Kiki Is the Perfect Closet Cosplay
Kiki’s look is iconic because it’s so simple: navy dress, red bow, broomstick, red flats, sassy cat (and maybe a brown bob wig if your natural hair doesn’t match). That’s it. She’s totally cosplay-able without spending a fortune or sewing until your fingers hurt.
Whether you’re headed to a con, dressing up for Halloween, doing a photoshoot, or just want an excuse to wear a bow bigger than your head, this is your sign to channel your inner witch.
Cosplay Inspo:
What You Need for a Kiki’s Delivery Service Costume (Closet + Shopping Options)
Table of contents for Kiki’s costume essentials:
Navy or dark purple DRESS (It’s hard to tell what Kiki's delivery service dress color is tbh). (Click Here)
Red BOW or headband (Click Here)
Brownish/Orange/Peach crossbody satchel BAG (Click Here)
BROOMWSTICK (real or prop) (Click Here)
Red SHOES/flats (Click Here)
Brownish-maroon/dark brown/mahogany short bob WIG with wispy layers. (Click Here)
Optional: Jiji plush CAT (Click Here)
Let’s break it down, piece by piece.
1. Kiki’s Dress
Closet Option:
Any short sleeve, loose-fitting navy or dark purple dress will work. Like I mentioned earlier… it is hard to see exactly what Kiki's delivery service dress color is. It changes depending on the reference image and movie scene lighting. But regardless of the dress colour you choose, go for simple lines, a loose fit, and T-shirt to 3/4 length sleeves.
Below is a picture of the one I found on SHEIN. I liked it because it had a bit of texture on it. I find that sometimes when I cosplay cartoons or anime that they are a bit plain/flat in real life, but I think choosing fabrics with unique texture makes cartoon/anime cosplays POP and seem more visually interesting. But you do you!
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
2. Kiki’s Red Bow
Closet Option:
If you have a wide red ribbon or bow headband, you’re golden. Heck you could even sew one with some scrap red fabric if you’re feelin’ crafty.
Alas, I did not have one on hand so I went to the internet to find something in a pinch. Below is a picture of the one I found for about $3 on SHEIN.
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
3. Kiki’s Crossbody Satchel Bag
Closet Option:
Any orangish brown or peach-ish crossbody bag gives major Kiki delivery vibes. It was hard for me to find the exact colour from the film, so I just thrifted a bag that was “close enough” and looked sort of like orange/tan leather. It was about $30 (which was a bit higher than I was hoping for a thrifted bag, BUT it is genuine leather and I now use it often in my daily life!).
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
4. Kiki’s Broom
Closet Option:
Grab a basic broom from your garage, borrow one from a friend/relative, or check out your local dollar store and wrap some twine around the handle (or paint it).
I ended up borrowing the one I used from my mother-in-law. It’s not the exact colour I was looking for, but I thought the ones on Amazon were a bit pricey… and you just can’t beat free LOL. Plus I think the blue is kind of pretty and ads some nice contrast to her look.
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
5. Kiki’s Shoes
Closet Option:
Any red flats will do the trick. If you are thrifting and can’t find red, see if there’s a pair of white or light ones that you can paint. Acrylic paints grips well to suede and faux-suede shoes, but if you’re getting plastic or leather/faux leather ones, try a de-glazer first and then leather paints like I did for Rikku’s boots.
As for the shoes I used, they were already in my closet because I just repurposed my Velma ones.
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
6. Kiki’s Wig
Closet Option:
If you already have short dark brown, blackish or mahogany hair then you’re good to go! But you want to wear a wig like I did then, then this wig is VERY affordable and easy to style.
Shop It:
Check out this YouTube video tutorial to see how I styled it in under 10 minutes:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
7. Bonus: Jiji the Cat
Optional but adorable. The one I found on Amazon was the cheapest one but it was palm size. Unfortunately it’s no longer available. But below are some other options I found.
Shop It:
(Click here to go back to the Table of Contents)
Want the Whole Look Ready to Go?
If DIY isn’t your jam (no shame!), there are some full sets out there like this one I found on Amazon: Kiki Costume Set for Adults – Amazon
These usually come with the dress, bow, and sometimes the bag. Add your own broom, shoes, wig + FLAIR, and boom—instant Kiki costume goodness.
My Version of Kiki
So there you have it! As you can see I put my own twist on Kiki using pieces I already owned , borrowed, thrifted, or bought online, and it was SO easy.
I used a loose-fit navy dress and red bow from SHEIN, a pair of red shoes from my Velma cosplay, a Jiji plushie and cheap wig from Amazon, a thrifted bag, and a borrowed outdoor broom from my mother-in-law’s garage. Done and DONE!
What I’d tweak next time? If I had time I’d try and find a closer match to the orangey-peach bag she wears and invest in a bigger Jiji plushie. But honestly, even with zero upgrades, the vibes were still on point.
(Kiki Cosplay Photographer: Dale L Photography @vancouverlightshaper)
Bonus Tips to Elevate Your Kiki Costume
Props = Personality: Try adding a baguette, vintage radio, or bakery box for next-level detail.
Photoshoot Setting Ideas: Quaint city streets, seaside boardwalks, cobblestone streets, vintage cafés, small Europeans bakeries, grassy fields, forest trails, historic villages, or an old log cabin.
Anime-inspired Kiki Makeup below: (YouTube makeup tutorial coming soon!)
Final Thoughts
As you can see, cosplaying doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Kiki is proof that you can pull off a magical and memorable look with just a few thoughtful pieces. Whether you DIY it from your closet, find the perfect item at the thrift store, or snag some affordable pieces online, the magic is all in the VIBE—and you’ve got that covered (what I’m saying is it doesn’t have to be 100% canon to be good cosplay!).
I hope this DIY closet cosplay guide was helpful! Let me know in the comments below if you want me to make more shopping/closet cosplay guides like this.
And if you end up creating your own Kiki’ Delivery Service costume look—I’d love to see it! Follow/tag me on Instagram @queenamydalacosplay and I’ll reshare it!
