Dark Universe Outfits: Universal Monsters Style Guide for Epic Universe
- Ashlie & Lauren
- Sep 12
- 6 min read
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Jump to the Fits
When Epic Universe announced the themes of the portals, I was extremely excited—and also a little nervous—about Dark Universe. Spooky season is my favorite time of year because I love fall nights, cider, wearing layers of black and olive, and watching reruns of The Twilight Zone.
I am not someone who enjoys modern scary movies—or even the beloved Halloween Horror Nights at Universal—so I wasn’t sure what direction this portal would take in terms of scare factor. But I was delighted to find that Universal created the perfect mixture of vintage monster vibes with incredible, immersive dark theming that’s just right for this spooky girl.
Dark Universe Outfits
As a girl who loves classic movies and wearing the color black, creating outfits for Dark Universe makes me so happy. I’m going to share some looks that will hopefully inspire you to create outfits of your own. At Once Upon a Wardrobe, we always encourage you to shop your closet first before making new purchases—you never know what you’ll find! If you’d still like some extra help putting together Epic Universe outfits, you can check out our customized outfit planning services.
It’s important to note that while the vibes of Dark Universe call for dark colors and layers, the weather in Florida during the summer months does not. Whatever you plan on wearing, don’t sacrifice your health for fashion. The heat is brutal, and many of these outfits are better suited for the cooler months. I also really love the Universal Monsters Collection from Cakeworthy for when it’s finally chilly enough in the evenings to add a layer!
Bride of Frankenstein Outfit for Dark Universe (What I Wore)
Unfortunately, August always seems to be the month when my family can travel. We’re so lucky to have the opportunity to go on adventures together, but August in Florida is just… miserable. When planning my outfit for our kid-free day at Epic, I wanted to make sure my look was Darkmoor-themed while also keeping me as cool as possible. Combining fashion and comfort is a challenge I enjoy. When I came across this two-piece set, the trim immediately reminded me of the Bride of Frankenstein and her infamous hair.
I paired it with a lightning bolt choker necklace and body glitter to give it some electric appeal. When I met the Bride of Frankenstein, she noticed those details, which made our interaction even more special. A few details in this look didn’t go exactly as planned. My hairstyle, for example—I had hoped to recreate the Bride’s iconic updo, but the summer heat had other plans. I added the hair clip here in case the wavy effect works better for you!
My ears aren’t pierced, but I thought these broken-heart studs were a perfect touch since the end of this movie always breaks mine. For our trip, I wore my Vessi Sohos, but sneakers with lace details would be a great nod to the Bride’s dress. Lastly, I carried my trusty Lapelling mini backpack (highly recommend for pin lovers) and added a couple of extra bags to tie the theme together.
Igor Bound Outfit for Dark Universe
Character interactions are one of the best parts of Dark Universe. During our visit, we encountered Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and plenty of monster hunters. All were wonderful and made our day even better. But one character truly takes the cake when it comes to unforgettable experiences: Igor. Dr. Victoria’s right-hand man roams Darkmoor looking for anyone or anything to further her research.
Bounding as a character is always fun, and even better when you can create a look that’s both functional and comfortable. This brown athletic dress does a great job of mimicking Igor’s overalls. Even in the summer, I like to pack a light layer since ride queues and shops can be freezing, so if it’s too hot to wear his white shirt over your dress, I’d still recommend tying it around your waist.
The accessories might be a bit gory, but they represent his work—collecting “items” from the cemetery is a big part of his job. My favorite accessory is the crossbody bag, which looks similar to the one Igor hauls around Darkmoor, but is cute enough to add back into your fall wardrobe once you’re home from vacation!
Frankenstein’s Monster Outfit for Dark Universe
This outfit is dedicated to all of the original Universal Monsters—but mostly Frankenstein’s Monster. 😅 (Hopefully, there are some Muppet fans who get that line!) Darkmoor’s centerpiece is Frankenstein’s Manor, and she is glorious. Here you’ll find Monsters Unchained, a dark ride featuring many original Universal Monsters brought to life through incredible animatronics and screens. We rode it twice, and I loved it both times.
While this shirt from ShopLBV represents all the classics, Frankenstein’s Monster is the star. He’s my favorite, so it only felt right to style the accessories around him. I added plenty of studs and bolt details to tie in my favorite green guy. (Sorry Kermie) If the skirt feels like too much, bike shorts or another skort would absolutely work. This look leans toward a punk-goth aesthetic but can easily be adjusted to fit your own style.
Curse of the Werewolf Outfit for Dark Universe
When I started thinking about an outfit to represent Curse of the Werewolf at Dark Universe, I was also watching the second season of Wednesday. And while characters from that show aren’t found in Darkmoor, it still gave me fun inspiration for a look based on what Enid might wear if she stopped by for a visit.
This outfit is split into two parts. Think of it as a choose your fighter situation. There are elements that represent Enid’s love for her pack, but I also added accessories inspired by Maleva—the tarot card earrings, headscarf, and moonstone ring. I wasn’t thrilled with the Wolfman purse options, so I chose one that reminded me of a full moon instead. This outfit is definitely better suited for milder Florida days. Swapping the jeans for boho denim shorts or a flowy skirt could make it more summer-friendly.
Dracula Outfit for Dark Universe
Darkmoor is filled with eerie nods to the OG Universal Monster, Dracula. Overall, Dark Universe is more spooky than scary, and there aren’t any jump scares—but there are plenty of unsettling details tied to Dracula and other vampires. One of the most subtle is the well near Darkmoor’s entrance.
At night, it glows red to represent vampire lore and bears the inscription: “Never forget that you exist by our will alone.” For a more intense vampire experience, head to Das Steakhouse. The food is good, but the views are terrifying. If you have little ones who scare easily, you may want to dine elsewhere.
We originally planned this look before Epic officially opened. Even though Dracula isn’t an official meet-and-greet character (which I find interesting), his presence is everywhere. Plus, he’s the main monster in Monsters Unchained. I love this look because the details bring together Dracula’s dark world while keeping it twirly and girly. If it’s too hot, swap the boots for comfy black sneakers and ruffle socks—but don’t forget slip shorts!
As always, I hope these outfits give you a little inspiration. If you’re a fan of classic Universal Monsters, you’ll truly love Dark Universe and visiting Darkmoor. Tell us all about your visit and what you wore in the comments! And remember: theme park fashion doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to make you smile.