Annie O’Sullivan

No matter what team you root for come football season, it was hard not to be one of the millions of people tuning in over the summer to watch the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) in the Netflix documentary America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The DCC squad is just as legendary as the Dallas Cowboys football players themselves. They’ve long embraced the idea of being an “iconic symbol of America,” performing routines well above the standard of other NFL cheerleading organizations and getting involved in multiple charities and tours with the USO. And while not everyone can be part of the elite squad of 36, you can live out your dreams on Halloween night with our top Dallas Cowboys cheerleader costume ideas.

Of course, you probably won’t be the only one donning the star-embossed white-and-blue uniform on October 31st. But with our help, you can make sure that your version is the best one on the block for any Halloween party you attend. We’ve even included DIY costume ideas to recreate the (now retired) red velvet “Santa Baby” uniforms the squad used to break out during the Christmas season or the well-known bedazzled pink-and-navy workout outfits from training camp.

Rock the outfit solo or grab a few friends for an epic group costume. Now all you have to do? Cue up “Thunderstruck” by ACDC and have fun!

Classic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Costume

Although this all-in-one costume, which includes the top, vest and shorts, isn’t as authentic as versions you can make yourself, it does the job. Simply add boots and some pom poms to complete the outfit or pair with some white sneakers for a bit more comfort. As for your hair and makeup? The real-life Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders share their gameday beauty and hair routines and tutorials here.

DIY Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Costume

There’s something nostalgic about making your costume. Although the DIY version of the DCC cheerleader look takes more time and effort to create, we think it will really steal the show. Finding the right tie-top is tricky, so we recommend dyeing this white version that’s almost a perfect match and then building the rest of the outfit from there. Although the fringe on the jacket is a lot longer than their uniforms, you can keep it at its long length or cut the fringe shorter if you want to get it as accurate as you can. Use the star appliques on the belt and jacket. If you really have an eye for detail, try using small silver adhesive stars to make sure the knee-high boots have their own bit of shine — just like they do come game day.

Quick tip: If you’re hoping to wear the vest or belt again but don’t want the blue stars to be permanent, perhaps try velcro strips cut to size so they stay on for the night. You can then peel them off your clothing the day after.

“Santa Baby” Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Costume

Technically, the “Santa Baby” costume is retired, but it’s so much fun (and still very memorable) that we had to bring it back for Halloween. With a thin piece of feather boa like below, cut to size and hot glue or sew it around the neckline. Trade in your blue-and-white pom poms for some shiny silver ones and, of course, don’t forget your star-studded belts, boots and maybe even add a red lip if you’re feeling it.

Training Camp Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Costume

Folks who remember the old CMT series Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader: Making the Team show — which ran from 2006 to 2021 and showed the grueling audition process — know the navy-and-pink training camp practice gear has been around forever. It’s a classic and a fun way to channel your inner cheerleader. Although the bedazzling might not be for the impatient (details take time!), just think about how awesome the finished product will look when you’re done. You’ll be sparkling all night long!