Alice in Wonderland is one of the easiest stories to costume, because almost every character arrives with a color code people already know: Alice's pale blue and white, the Queen's red and black, the Cheshire Cat's purple stripes. So most of the looks below start from thrifted or closet pieces, and the character is carried by one or two handmade details. For each one I've given the hair, makeup, shoes and prop I'd actually reach for, and where a piece tends to cause trouble over a long evening, I say so. There are solo characters, couples, a family set and a full group cast.
What Makes Each Wonderland Character Read
Before buying anything, I work out the two details that carry each character, because that's where the effort and money should go. Get those right and the rest can be ordinary clothes from your closet.
- Alice: a pale blue dress with a crisp white apron and a black headband. The blue dress alone just looks like a blue dress.
- White Rabbit: tall white ears and a big pocket watch. The red coat helps, but the watch is what people point at.
- Mad Hatter: an oversized hat with the price tag in the band. Without the tag he's a man in a top hat.
- Queen of Hearts: hearts on the clothes and a small crown. Red and black on their own could be anyone.
- Cheshire Cat: purple-and-pink stripes and the wide grin.
- Caterpillar: blue, antennae, and something drifting in the air like the bubble wand.
If a character only makes sense with its prop, as the Doorknob and the Drink Me bottle do, I make the prop first and build the outfit around it.
1. Classic Alice Costume With Blue Dress
This is the one I'd hand to anyone who wants a sure thing, at any age. Look for a knee-length light blue dress with short puff sleeves and put a fitted white apron over it. The apron is what turns a plain blue dress into Alice, so it needs to be bright white and sit flat. White tights and low-heeled black Mary Janes keep it storybook, and a blonde wig or your own hair brushed into soft waves takes a wide black ribbon headband near the crown. Rosy cheeks, pink lips and a little mascara are plenty. For a prop, a small hardcover book, a blue ribbon or a tiny key. On a cold night I slip a white cardigan under the apron, which keeps the blue-and-white palette intact.
2. Modern Alice Costume With Blue Skirt
Separates are the smart route if you'd like to wear the pieces again in November. A fitted white blouse, a high-waisted blue skater skirt and a small white apron give you the outline, and white ankle socks with black loafers let you walk all evening or sit through an office party. I'd wear the hair half-up and smooth under a black velvet headband, with defined lashes, peach blush and a rose lip. A gold key on a ribbon and a little book-shaped bag carry the story. One thing I watch for: a skater skirt in thin jersey clings to tights, so a slip underneath saves you tugging at it all night. Add a cropped blue cardigan if the room is cool.
3. Dark Alice Costume With Black Apron
Navy, black and crisp white make Alice moodier without losing her. I use a navy fit-and-flare dress under a black apron edged in white lace, and that lace edge matters, because a plain black apron on navy disappears in dim party lighting. Patterned white tights and black lace-up ankle boots give the outfit weight. Loose, slightly tousled blonde curls with a black satin bow, charcoal liner, cool pink blush and a berry lip keep it theatrical rather than frightening. Carry an antique-style key, a miniature clock or a black book trimmed with paper card symbols, and pull on black lace gloves. It stays tasteful enough for a public event or a street full of families.
4. White Rabbit Costume With Red Coat
Everything about the White Rabbit is about being late, so the pocket watch is the piece I'd spend time on: oversized, gold, and on a chain long enough to pull out and check. The clothes are a red tailcoat over a cream vest and white button-down, white trousers or leggings, striped socks and polished black shoes. Tall white ears on a headband sit over a white bob wig or neatly styled light hair. If the ears flop, slide a pipe cleaner or a length of millinery wire into each one. Pale makeup, a small pink nose, fine whiskers, white gloves and a burgundy bow tie do the rest. For an outdoor night, a red blazer and a fluffy white scarf are the warmer swap.
5. Mad Hatter Costume With Colorful Tailcoat
The Hatter only works if the mismatch looks deliberate. I pick one color that repeats in the coat, the vest and the hat band, then let everything else clash around it. A bright tailcoat over a patterned vest, ruffled shirt and cropped trousers, with striped socks and sturdy lace-up boots, will carry you through a long party. Orange hair or an orange wig brushed out fluffy goes under an oversized hat loaded with ribbons, feathers, fabric scraps and the handmade price tag. Go light on white face makeup, which creases by the end of a warm evening, and put the color into the eyeshadow and brows instead. Carry a decorative teacup and saucer that won't shatter, and add fingerless gloves and a big bow at the neck.
6. Queen Of Hearts Costume With Red Gown
Red, black and white is the formula, but the heart shapes are what make her the Queen of Hearts rather than any queen in red. A long red gown or a shorter fit-and-flare dress with heart appliqués and black trim both work. I'd choose the shorter one for trick-or-treating with kids. Striped or opaque black tights go with red heels or, more kindly to your feet, ankle boots. Pin a small gold crown into a high updo through its base, not just the front, so it doesn't tip forward. A heart-shaped red lip and strong arched brows do most of the work on the face. A painted cardboard heart scepter, a standing white collar, black gloves and a red cape for cold weather keep her regal and still playful.
7. Red Queen Costume With High Collar
This is the more elaborate royal, with a big head, a stiff collar and rich textures. Wear a black-and-red brocade dress with a fitted bodice, full skirt and tall white collar, over black tights with red or gold ankle boots. The heart-shaped red updo is the part people remember, and it needs support. I build it on two rolled hair pads pinned to the wig, then smooth the wig hair over them and pin it into the heart. Light foundation, thin curved brows, blue eyeshadow and a carefully drawn small red lip give the theatrical face. Carry a heart-shaped fan or a velvet jewelry box, and add a miniature crown, lace cuffs and gold trim on the bodice. Keep the skirt light, because heavy brocade in a crowded room gets warm fast.
8. Cheshire Cat Costume With Striped Bodysuit
You don't need a mascot suit for the Cat. Purple-and-pink stripes do the work, as a bodysuit, a jumpsuit or a matching top and leggings, with purple sneakers or soft ankle boots. A purple wig in loose waves takes ears made from the same striped fabric. The wide curved grin is the character, so I sketch it with a pencil liner before filling in the pink and violet, then press translucent powder over it so it doesn't smear onto a collar. Add a small nose, whiskers and lightly winged eyes. Hang the striped tail high enough that nobody can step on it, and finish with fuzzy wrist cuffs and a purple collar. Reflective accents are worth adding if you'll be outside after dark.
9. March Hare Costume With Brown Suit
A slightly rumpled brown suit is where I start, and I mean the rumple. A crisp suit makes him look like a groom who happens to have ears. Choose a tweed blazer, matching trousers and a cream shirt with an oversized bow tie, then brown lace-up shoes and patterned socks that flash when you move. Messy brown hair or a messy wig goes under tall hare ears. Warm brown shading on the cheeks, a soft pink nose, whisker lines and lifted brows give him that startled look. Carry a lightweight teapot or a cup that won't break. Let the tie, vest and pocket square clash on purpose, and add a fluffy tail and fingerless gloves.
10. Dormouse Costume With Cozy Pajamas
Of all the costumes here, this is the one I'd steer a chilly or tired guest toward. It's brown or gray flannel pajamas under a soft robe, with fuzzy slippers that have nonslip soles. Check those soles, because plain fleece slippers are slick on a hard floor. A bonnet or sleeping cap goes over short tousled hair, a brown wig or low braids, with rounded mouse ears stitched to the cap so they stay visible. Keep the face sleepy: rosy cheeks, a pink nose, tiny whiskers and smudged neutral eyeshadow. Carry an oversized lightweight teacup lined with a small cushion, or a plush pillow printed with clocks and teapots, and pin a thin tail to the back of the robe.
11. Caterpillar Costume With Blue Layers
Layered blues and a segmented outline give you the Caterpillar without a full body suit. A turquoise tunic or long blue sweater over dark blue leggings is the base. For the segments, I stitch padded fabric rings loosely around the torso, attached at the side seams only, so you can still bend and sit. Blue sneakers or flat ankle boots keep it practical. A bright blue bob wig takes two flexible antennae on a headband, and teal and cobalt eyeshadow with a shimmer of blue highlighter finish the face. Carry a big craft-foam mushroom or a question-mark sign. I'd replace the book's smoking prop with a bubble wand, which still gives you something drifting in the air and is fine around kids.
12. Tweedledee And Tweedledum Costume For Two
Twins live or die on matching proportions, not identical clothes. Thrifted pieces are fine as long as both people's shirts, shorts and socks end at the same points. Each wears a yellow shirt with a big white collar, a red bow tie, blue shorts, red suspenders, striped knee socks and comfortable black shoes, with matching red propeller caps in lightweight craft foam. Keep the makeup identical on both faces, just rosy cheeks and a few freckles. Label the collars so people know who's who. I'd stitch or iron on the letters, because glued felt letters tend to peel off polyester shirts within an hour. Each of you can carry half of a cardboard direction sign.
13. White Queen Costume With Silver Dress
The White Queen is about light fabric that moves. A floor-length white dress with sheer sleeves, lace panels or a flowing skirt is the base, with silver ballet flats or low boots hidden under the hem. Long white hair or a wavy platinum wig, parted in the center with the side sections held back by jeweled clips, frames the face. Pale luminous foundation, silver eyeshadow, pink blush and a deep berry lip give her the contrast she's known for. A silver wand topped with a paper snowflake, star or white rose, a small crown, a translucent cape and layered crystal-style necklaces finish her. A long white hem picks up dirt fast outdoors, so for a garden or street party I'd take it up to just above the ankle.
14. Knave Of Hearts Costume With Card Tabard
The Knave is mostly one easy piece, the tabard. I cut it from two rectangles of felt joined at the shoulders with fabric ties, which costs little and goes on over anything. Wear a white poet shirt beneath the red-and-black tabard with large felt hearts, plus slim black trousers, a wide belt and knee-high boots or plain black shoes. Dark hair can be slicked back or tucked under a soft black cap with red trim. Lightly defined eyes, warm contour and a small red accent near one temple give him a roguish note. Carry a rolled royal message tied with ribbon or a bundle of oversized cardboard tarts, since he's the one who stole them. Black gloves and a short red cape fill it out.
15. King Of Hearts Costume With Red Robe
He's simpler than he looks. A white shirt, black trousers and a red vest with felt hearts make the base, with a long red robe or cape over it and polished black boots. Short neat hair or a soft white curled wig both suit him. Rosy cheeks, an optional drawn or stick-on mustache and a small red heart near one cheek are all the makeup he needs. I make the crown from metallic card stock backed with craft foam, because card alone creases the first time someone hugs you. A lightweight gold scepter with a heart on top, a white ruffled collar and a gold belt bring it together, and soft materials keep him safe in a crowd.
16. Playing Card Soldier Costume With Red Hearts
A plain black base becomes a card with one board. Wear a black long-sleeve shirt, black leggings or trousers and comfortable boots, then hang a large white panel front and back, painted with red hearts and a number. Foam board looks crisp but snaps if you sit on it, so for a long party or a car ride I'd use stiff felt or cardboard cut to end above the knee. A red cap or craft-foam helmet goes over smooth hair. Sharp black eyeliner, red symbols on the cheeks and a clean red lip keep the face graphic. White gloves make your hands show up against the panel. Carry a red-and-white pennant or a cardboard paintbrush rather than a weapon.
17. Ace Of Hearts Costume With Card Cape
If a full card soldier feels bulky, the Ace is the slimmer version. Start with a fitted red jumpsuit, or a white shirt with red trousers, and add a white cape with one oversized red heart and a black felt “A”. Black loafers, white ankle boots or clean sneakers all suit it. Hair goes into a high ponytail or a smooth side part with a tiny card-shaped fascinator. Red winged liner, glowing skin and a small heart under one eye carry the face. Carry a fan of oversized handmade cards fixed at the base; I punch them and use a single paper fastener so the fan opens and closes. A red belt and white gloves pull it together, and the Ace can lead a whole group of card soldiers.
18. Rose Garden Costume With Red Flowers
This one is a concept rather than a character, and it's what I suggest to people who'd rather not be anyone in particular. A green dress, jumpsuit or matching top and trousers is the leafy base, with large red and white fabric roses on the shoulders, skirt and waist. Sew each rose on with a few stitches through its center; a safety pin lets heavy flowers droop forward. Green tights and green ballet flats keep the garden unbroken. A braided crown with smaller flowers and leaf clips, green eyeliner, red lipstick and petal-shaped cheek accents do the face. Carry a broad cardboard paintbrush tipped with red fabric paint, for the gardeners painting the white roses red, and add green gloves and vine bracelets.
19. Talking Flower Costume With Petal Collar
The petal collar makes this costume, and it's also where it goes wrong. Wear a green fitted top with leggings or a long green dress, with matching flats or ankle boots. Cut the collar from colorful felt and keep it removable. I check side vision in a mirror before I attach the last petals, because a wide collar blocks more than you'd expect when you turn your head. Tuck hair into a green cap or a bun under the flower headpiece, and match the eyeshadow to the petals with rosy cheeks and a glossy pink lip. Carry a small watering can or a bunch of fabric flowers, and wrap leaf gloves and loose vines around the arms. Stiff felt holds the petals up; soft felt wilts by midnight.
20. Doorknob Costume With Gold Tunic
Hardly anyone picks the Doorknob, which is exactly why it gets a laugh. A metallic gold tunic over black leggings or fitted trousers, with gold sneakers or black ankle boots, is the base. A round padded collar around the shoulders stands in for the plate behind the handle. Hair goes into a smooth bun or under a gold hood. Gold eyeshadow, warm highlighter and curved black lines near the cheeks suggest ornate metalwork. Carry a large foam key, and add gold gloves and spiral details on the tunic for depth. The rule I'd follow: keep that collar narrower than your shoulders, or you'll be turning sideways through every doorway, which is funny exactly once.
21. Drink Me Bottle Costume With Blue Dress
The label carries the joke, so make it big and legible. A pale blue shift dress or blue jumpsuit gets a wide white panel reading “Drink Me” across the front. I letter it with fabric paint or stitched felt, since marker bleeds into cotton. White tights and blue sneakers, flats or ankle boots go below, and a high bun takes a cork headpiece made from painted foam. Icy blue eyeshadow, glossy lips and a little sparkle on the cheeks suggest glass. A translucent cape gives you the bottle shape without stiff plastic. Carry a miniature key or a tiny door, with silver gloves and a ribbon tied at the neck. It reads best standing next to an Alice or an Eat Me partner.
22. Eat Me Cake Costume With Pink Skirt
A pastel cake is the sweetest thing you can add to a Wonderland group. A white top goes with a full pink skirt decorated with felt frosting swirls, fabric sprinkles and the words “Eat Me”, plus striped tights and pink Mary Janes or sneakers. A small cake-slice headpiece sits on a comfortable headband above a high bun. Pastel eyes, rosy blush and a berry lip, with a few sprinkle-shaped face gems if you like them. Carry a lightweight tray with a removable foam cake on top, and add white gloves and a scalloped collar. Keep the skirt decorations flat. Raised swirls catch on chair backs and on other people's tulle in a busy room.
23. Pocket Watch Costume With Gold Clock Face
A big clock face reads from across a room, which is the whole point. Over a black or gold fitted base, such as a long-sleeve top and trousers or a jumpsuit, attach a round gold foam clock panel to the front and keep it above the hips so your legs move freely. Gold boots or black shoes continue the color. Slick hair into a low bun or cover it with a small gold cap with a loop on top, like the crown of a watch. Metallic eyeshadow, precise black liner and clock hands drawn near one cheek do the face. I run the decorative chain from shoulder to waist with a safety pin at each end so it can't swing into anything. A small white rabbit plush, gold gloves and Roman numerals finish it.
24. Teacup Costume With Pastel Skirt
There's no stiff cup here, which is why it's comfortable all evening. A pastel blouse, a full white skirt painted or appliquéd with florals, white tights and pastel flats make the cup. The handle is a padded curve fixed to one side of a wide waist belt, and I stitch it flat against the body so it doesn't hook passing elbows. Soft curls sit under a saucer-shaped fascinator made from foam board and fabric. Pastel eyeshadow, pink cheeks and glossy lips give a porcelain finish. Carry a small spoon or an unbreakable teapot, and add lace gloves and gold edging around the hem. Stand it next to the Hatter, the March Hare or the Dormouse and you have a tea party.
25. Flamingo Croquet Costume With Pink Feathers
The croquet scene is one of the story's oddest, and the flamingo is the fun way to wear it. A pink fitted top and pink leggings go under a short feather-trimmed skirt or layered tulle, with pink sneakers or flat boots. Heels and a feather skirt on a lawn don't mix. A high curved ponytail in pink hair or a vivid wig takes a feathered headband, and coral and pink blend around the eyes with a small black accent at the tip of the nose. Carry a lightweight foam flamingo mallet with no hard parts. Pink gloves, feather cuffs and striped socks fill it out, and a small hedgehog plush makes the croquet joke land. Feather trim sheds, so I give it a good shake outdoors before I wear it.
26. Dodo Bird Costume With Blue Coat
The Dodo is a bird in a gentleman's clothes, so I build the outfit first and add the bird second. That means a blue tailcoat over a cream vest, white shirt and rust trousers, with blue or brown lace-up boots and striped socks. Fluffy gray or blue hair, or a short feathered wig under a small cap, goes on top. The orange beak should sit on a headband above the face, not over the mouth, so you can eat and talk. Blue eye makeup, orange cheek accents and feathery brows bring the face in. Carry a rolled race map or a small checkered flag for the caucus race. Soft blue wings attach to the coat sleeves, with a fan tail at the back. Keep the feathers short; long ones shed and get in the way.
27. Walrus Costume With Brown Vest
Warm brown layers make the Walrus look whimsical and a bit dapper. A brown vest over a cream shirt, wide-leg brown trousers and sturdy boots are the base, with a long tan coat if it's cold, and gray hair or a gray wig swept back. The tusks are the giveaway. Put two soft white tusks on a mustache piece that rests above the lip so you can still speak, and make them from soft foam or stuffed fabric, never anything stiff that pokes when you turn. Warm brown eye makeup, rosy cheeks and textured brows suit him. Carry a light picnic basket of fabric oysters or paper snacks, and add brown gloves with flipper cuffs and a padded belly. He really needs a Carpenter beside him.
28. Carpenter Costume With Work Apron
The Carpenter is a thrift-store costume through and through. A cream work shirt, brown trousers, a worn canvas apron, suspenders and sturdy lace-up boots with nonslip soles make the whole base. If the apron is new, I soak it in strong tea for an hour to knock the brightness off. Hair goes into a slightly messy side part under a soft cap or a folded paper hat. Brown shading, lightly smudged liner and rosy cheeks give the storybook laborer. Carry a foam ruler, a blueprint or a cardboard toolbox instead of real tools. Roll the sleeves, tuck a pencil behind one ear and add fingerless gloves and patched knees. Next to the Walrus, the pair explains itself.
29. Mock Turtle Costume With Green Shell
The Mock Turtle is a sad sea creature in a smart jacket. Wear a green shirt and leggings under a brown vest or cropped jacket, with green sneakers or soft brown boots. The shell goes on your back with backpack straps, and quilted fabric is my pick over painted cardboard: it squashes when you sit, springs back, and doesn't go soft in drizzle. Green or teal hair in loose waves takes small fins on a headband. Aqua eyeshadow, green accents and a slightly downturned lip give him his famous misery. Carry sheet music or a small dance card for the Lobster Quadrille. Green gloves, a short tail and textured knee patches finish him. Measure the shell against a doorway before you leave the house.
30. Gryphon Costume With Gold Wings
The Gryphon blends bird and lion, so I make sure both animals show: feathers at the head, wrists and ankles, fur at the collar and tail. Start with a tan jumpsuit, a gold dress or a fitted shirt with matching trousers, and brown boots with gold feather accents at the ankle. Golden hair or a honey-colored wig gets swept back with volume. Small feathered ears and a soft beak detail sit on a headband, leaving the face clear. Bronze eyeshadow, winged liner and warm gold highlight do the face. Lightweight wings attach at the shoulders, and a soft lion tail clips on at the back. Carry a scroll or a dance program. The faux-fur collar is what stops it looking like two costumes worn at once.
31. Jabberwock Costume With Purple Wings
A Jabberwock for a family crowd should look fantastical, not frightening. A dark purple or forest-green jumpsuit with layered felt scales, sturdy black or purple boots and matching gloves make the body. I stitch or fabric-glue the scales in overlapping rows starting at the hem and working up, so each row hides the edge of the one below. Spike dark hair or use a textured purple wig under two curved foam horns, and add shimmery green eyeshadow with small scale patterns at the temples. Wings should strap on like a backpack and fold close when you pass people, and the padded tail must clear the floor. Carry a lantern or a scroll of the poem instead of a weapon, with metallic shoulder pieces and a high collar.
32. Alice And White Rabbit Couple Costume
Blue against red is what lets this pair read at a glance. Alice wears the blue dress, white apron, white tights, black Mary Janes and a black headband over soft blonde curls, with fresh rosy makeup and a small gold key. The White Rabbit wears a red blazer, cream vest, white trousers, black shoes and tall ears over light hair, with a pink nose, whiskers, white gloves and an oversized watch. I tie the two together with one shared detail, gold on her key and his watch chain, and keep both outfits in similar matte cottons so neither looks shinier in photos. Both of you need comfortable shoes: he's supposed to be hurrying, and she's supposed to be following.
33. Mad Hatter And Queen Of Hearts Couple Costume
One costume mismatched on purpose next to one that's rigidly controlled is why this couple is fun to look at. The Hatter takes the colorful tailcoat, patterned vest, cropped trousers, striped socks, lace-up boots, orange wig and overloaded hat, with bright eye makeup, a big bow tie and an unbreakable teacup. The Queen wears a red-and-black dress, striped tights, black boots, a heart-shaped lip, a gold crown on a high dark updo and a light scepter. I link them with a red ribbon on his hat that matches her dress and a card symbol tucked into his hat band. Without some shared detail like that, the two can look as if they came to separate parties.
34. Alice In Wonderland Family Costume
Families work best when every person has their own color and nobody is stuck in something they hate. One adult takes the blue Alice dress and apron, another the Hatter's coat and hat. A child can be the White Rabbit in soft ears, white clothes, a red vest, sneakers and a foam watch, and a younger child or baby can be the Dormouse in brown pajamas with round ears and slipper shoes. With kids, I skip anything itchy at the neck and keep face paint to a nose and whiskers, because little ones rub their faces all evening. Layer everything over warm clothes. A stroller can become a giant teacup with removable cardboard panels, and matching card-symbol pins tie the family together.
35. Alice In Wonderland Group Costume
In a big group, the trap is five friends picking similar blue-and-white looks. Cast it like a play instead: Alice, the Hatter, the Queen of Hearts in red and black, the White Rabbit in his red coat and the Cheshire Cat in purple, then add the Caterpillar, March Hare, Dormouse, White Queen, the Tweedles or a handful of card soldiers. Each person needs character hair, simple makeup, shoes they can stand in and one clear prop. A shared gold detail or small card symbol unifies the group. For photos I line people up by height and spread the reds apart so they don't merge into one block. There's room in this cast for every age, body and budget.
An Oversized Hatter Hat That Stays On
The big hat turns up in the Hatter look, the Hatter and Queen couple, the family set and the group. It's also the piece most likely to slide off by nine o'clock. This is how I make one from board and fabric that holds its shape for a whole evening.
- Measure around your head where the hat will sit, over the wig if you're wearing one, and add a finger's width for ease.
- Cut the crown from poster board or thin craft foam as a tube that flares slightly toward the top, and the brim as a ring about three to four inches wide. Snip tabs around the bottom edge of the crown.
- Hot glue the tabs under the brim, then cover the whole hat in fabric with spray adhesive. Felt and cotton grip the board well; slippery satin wrinkles.
- Glue a strip of soft foam inside the head opening. That grip is what stops the hat creeping backward as the night goes on.
- For an outdoor party, pin the hat to your hair or wig with a bobby pin through the inner band at each side. Hot glue can let go in cold air, so add a few stitches through any trim that carries weight.
- Load the band last with ribbons, feathers, fabric scraps and the 10/6 price tag. Keep tall feathers toward the back so they don't brush everyone you turn to.
A very tall crown starts to pull backward on the head. If yours does, shorten it and widen the brim instead; it still reads as oversized and sits far better.
Card Panels, Wings and Shells in a Crowded Room
Plenty of these costumes rely on something rigid or wide: the card soldier panels, the Pocket Watch face, the Mock Turtle shell, the Jabberwock and Gryphon wings, the Doorknob collar. They look great standing still and cause the most trouble once you move, so I check four things before the night.
Sitting down and car rides
Board panels crease or snap the first time you sit. Cut them to end above the knee, or hang them from ties at the shoulders so you can lift them off for the drive.
Doorways and hallways
Stand with your arms at your sides and look at your widest point. If wings or a shell stick out more than a hand's width past your shoulders, make them fold or hinge, or you'll be turning sideways all night.
Rain and damp lawns
Plain cardboard softens and curls in drizzle. Felt, quilted fabric and craft foam shrug off a little rain, so I use them for anything worn outdoors, and I seal painted cardboard with a clear spray if it has to go out.
Squeezing through a crowd
Rigid edges catch on other costumes and on furniture. Round off the corners, keep tails above the floor, and remember that a wide piece hides your hands from the people standing beside you.
Walk Around in It Before the Party
Most of these costumes start in your closet or a thrift shop, with the character added through color and one strong prop. A thrifted blazer becomes a royal coat, and felt, ribbon and craft foam cover crowns, card symbols, ears, clocks and hats. Before the night, wear the full costume around the house for half an hour. You'll find the collar that blocks your view, the ears that slip and the shoes that pinch while there's still time to fix them. Follow the book closely or make your own version. The costume that holds together is the one where the hair, makeup and props all point to the same character.
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