Cabaret (1972) Emcee Costume Guide

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What You’ll Need

Joel Grey’s Emcee in Cabaret wears a distorted version of formal 1930s European evening dress. The costume balances tailored theatrical tailoring with decadent details that reflect the decaying atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub.

Recreating this outfit relies on two main components: getting the proportions of the vintage formalwear right, and executing the sharp, stylized stage makeup that pulls the face into the character’s eerie cabaret grin.

The Tailcoat and Layering

A traditional black evening tailcoat forms the core of the silhouette. Unlike a standard tuxedo jacket, a tailcoat is cropped high across the front waist and extends down into two distinct tails at the back. For the Emcee, the fit should be snug across the shoulders and chest rather than boxy. Pairing it with a matching black vest underneath establishes the proper formal layers. A low-cut formal waistcoat sits below the jacket lapels, leaving plenty of room to showcase the shirt and tie.

Underneath the vest, a crisp white dress shirt provides high-contrast staging against the black fabric. A wing-collar shirt gives the neckline an authentic period look, though a standard stiff-collared dress shirt works well if the collar points stay pressed flat. Fasten a neat black bow tie directly at the collar band. The Emcee wears his ties straight and taut, steering clear of oversized novelty bows in favor of classic formal proportions.

Striped Trousers and Footwear

Rather than solid black dinner trousers, pair the coat with black striped trousers. Fine vertical pinstripes or formal morning-suit stripes break up the dark fabric and lean into early twentieth-century German cabaret styling. The trousers should sit at your natural waist rather than your hips, which prevents the white shirt from peeking out between the bottom of the vest and the waistband. Hem them with minimal break over polished black dress shoes or patent leather oxfords.

Stage Accessories and Prop Handling

A black top hat and a wooden or metal cane serve as the Emcee’s primary performance tools. Choose a top hat with a structured crown that fits snugly enough to tilt forward over the brow without sliding off. When selecting a cane, aim for one that reaches comfortably to your palm while your arm rests naturally at your side. This allows you to twirl, plant, or lean on it without awkward shoulder tension.

A classic monocle hangs from a cord around the neck or tucks into the vest pocket between gestures. If you plan to hold it in your eye socket during photos, practice relaxing the surrounding cheek muscles so your expression does not look strained. Alternatively, letting it dangle loosely against the lapel keeps your hands free and preserves the theatrical look.

Hair and Piercing Cabaret Makeup

The makeup defines the character just as much as the tailoring. Start by creating a pale, porcelain complexion with a full-coverage foundation set with translucent powder. Heavily shade the hollows under your cheekbones with cool-toned contour or dark blush to give the face a hollow, exaggerated structure. Draw thin, high, arched brows in solid black pencil, and rim the eyes with dark eyeliner blended slightly into the crease.

Deep maroon lipstick completes the look. Apply it precisely with a lip brush, defining an exaggerated, sharp cupid’s bow and crisp outer corners. To keep the lipstick from bleeding or smudging during long wear, outline the perimeter with a matching lip liner and blot with powder. For hair, part it sharply down the middle or slightly off-center, applying a heavy dose of high-shine pomade or gel to flatten every strand directly against your scalp.