Dark Universe Outfits: Universal Monsters Style Guide for Epic Universe
Updated: 5 days ago
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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 a new purchase. 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, like 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 recommended 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, as collecting “items” for 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
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.
We love this Frankenstein and Bride shirt from Mischief Made Me, and actually the entire shop is amazing. The monster of Frankenstein is one of my favorite characters, and meeting him and the Bride is a must. They are fun and sweet, and I’m sure they will love this outfit!
Curse of the Werewolf Outfit for Dark Universe
When I started thinking about an outfit to represent the 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. 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. Curse of the Werewolf is such a fun ride, but some words of wisdom from experience: you should fear losing your phone on this roller coaster more than being cursed!
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. 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. If you are a Dracula fan, make sure to stop by Das Steakhaus. The food is excellent, and the theming is incredible. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s truly one of the coolest places to grab a bite in Dark Universe.
The Invisible Man Outfit for Dark Universe
One of the most interesting character meets is The Invisible Man. Before our first trip to Epic Universe, my husband and I watched all the Universal Classic Monster Movies, and The Invisible Man was by far the scariest one for me. He doesn’t have an official meet and greet, but you can often find Dr. Jack Griffin lurking in the shadows near the Lion’s Head Inn. And let’s just say he likes to get close to his subjects.
We wanted this Invisible Man Outfit to be casual yet cute. There isn’t a lot of merchandise available for Dr. Jack Griffin, so we had to get creative with accessories. The white hat helps represent his wraps, and the necklace ties in his interests.
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.
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