Zelena’s presence in Once Upon a Time is anchored by structured black tailoring, sharp Victorian lines, and unapologetic Oz drama. Her outfits rely on high-contrast textures—velvet, sequins, plush fur, and leather—set against fiery hair and an occasional sweep of emerald green skin. It is an ensemble that feels equal parts fairytale villain and gothic high-society matriarch.
When recreating this costume, depth in the fabrics prevents the all-black color scheme from disappearing into a flat dark mass under indoor lighting. The silhouette comes together through clear focal points: a dramatic shoulder line, a tilted feathered hat, tailored gloves, and her unmistakable auburn curls.
The Base Dress and Separates
You have two solid directions for the foundation: an unbroken floor-length gown or a combination of separates. A solid Black Dress creates an elegant, uninterrupted line from shoulder to floor that simplifies the build while capturing her grand storybook entrance. Choose a garment with enough hem clearance to walk comfortably without stepping on the fabric during long convention days.
If you prefer extra texture on the torso, pairing a Black Sequin Top with a structured Black Skirt allows you to mimic the intricate beading seen on her screen-worn bodices. Tucking a fitted sequined bodice into a high-waisted skirt also gives you greater control over proportion, making it easier to adjust your waistline and torso length to suit your frame.
Cloaks and Fur Wraps
Zelena’s outerwear establishes her imposing royal profile, framing her neck and shoulders with rich pile and sweeping drape. A Black Faux Fur Collar Cloak delivers instant volume across the neckline and trails cleanly behind you as you walk. Cloaks with fastened neck clasps sit securely across the chest, leaving your hands free for props or convention badges.
If you expect to spend most of your time in crowded, heated indoor venues, a full-length cloak can occasionally feel heavy or cumbersome. Swapping the full cloak for a Black Faux Fur Wrap pinned across the upper chest gives you the identical regal collar aesthetic while significantly reducing bulk and body heat.
Customizing the Tilted Hat
A small, sharply tilted hat is one of Zelena’s defining style choices. A classic Black Trilby provides the sturdy buckram-like base necessary to hold its tilt throughout a full day of wear. Its pre-formed crown and crisp brim hold up far better than soft crushable wool hats, giving you a firm foundation for mounting trims.
To recreate her signature headpiece, gather long Pheasant Feathers and mount them along one side of the hat band. Align the quills so the plumes sweep upward and back past the crown. Securing the quill bases with a few tight hand stitches through the band, reinforced by a drop of fabric adhesive, ensures the feathers stay firmly anchored even if brushed against doorways or crowds.
Glove Options
Sleek, covered arms complete her villainous aesthetic and cleanly transition your sleeves into the rest of the outfit. Long Black Faux Leather Gloves pull over the forearms, providing a fitted finish that pairs naturally with shorter sleeve cuts or sequined bodices. Leather-style finishes reflect light well and give the arms a sharp, tailored definition.
For outfits focused more heavily on Victorian fur motifs, Black Faux Fur Trim Gloves offer a shorter cuff option with matching plush trim around the wrists. These tend to offer slightly better dexterity for handling phones, drinks, and props while retaining the rich textural rhythm of the cloak.
Wig and Green Skin Makeup
Her vivid hair provides the primary splash of color against the dark clothing. A Wavy Copper Red Wig with long, cascading curls matches Zelena’s rich ginger tone. Lightly tease the crown to give the hat a stable perch, and use bobby pins inserted directly through the inner hatband into the wig’s mesh cap to prevent the tilted brim from slipping forward.
If you choose to portray her in her full Wicked Witch transformation, Green Body Paint completes the transition. Water-activated cakes work best for broad coverage across the face, neck, and ears, going on smoothly with a damp synthetic sponge. Applying two sheer layers rather than one thick layer prevents caking around the mouth and eyes. Finish with a heavy dusting of translucent setting powder followed by a generous layer of barrier spray to prevent the green pigment from rubbing off onto your fur collar and dress lining.
