A cartoon character is drawn with a handful of colors and one unmistakable hairstyle, and that is exactly why these make such good costumes for grown women. You don't need a replica. You need the right shade of the right garment, the hair, and one prop that tells people who you are before you say a word. Most of the characters below can be pulled from your own closet or a thrift rail, with a few felt or cardboard details made at the kitchen table. I've mixed sitcom favorites, action heroines, classic animation and a few villains, and for each one I note where you can add coverage, warmth or flat shoes without losing her.
Why a Cartoon Look Lives or Dies by the Wig
Animators simplify. Most of these characters come down to a hair shape, a hair color and two or three blocks of clothing color, so the hair is often half the costume. That's why I put more of the budget into the wig than the dress, and why I'd rather see a decent wig over plain clothes than a perfect dress under flat, shiny hair.
Getting an inexpensive wig to behave
- Shake it out and comb it gently with a wide-tooth comb before the first wear. Cheap wigs shed loose fiber at first, and it's better on your bathroom floor than on your outfit.
- Relax the packing kinks with a handheld clothes steamer held a short distance away, keeping it moving so the fiber never gets too hot.
- Only use a flat iron or curling tongs if the label says heat-resistant. Standard synthetic fiber frizzes or melts.
- Wear a wig cap and pin through the wig into the cap at the crown and behind each ear. Tall styles like Marge's beehive need extra pins.
- Trim bangs with the wig on your head, a little at a time, snipping up into the ends so they look natural.
If your own hair is close in color and length, use it. Velma, Daria, Tina and Wendy all work with natural hair, and you'll be far more comfortable without a wig on a warm night.
1. Velma Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma is the costume I suggest most often to someone who wants to be comfortable, because it's really a sweater and a skirt. Look for an oversized orange turtleneck; the slouchier it is, the more it reads as her, so size up. A red pleated skirt at whatever length you like, orange knee socks or opaque tights, and red loafers or low Mary Janes take care of the rest. A short auburn bob wig gives you her hair, though naturally short hair tucked behind the ears gets close. The glasses matter more than anything, so go big and square. Peach blush, a neutral lip, and a magnifying glass or small flashlight in hand. If you'll be out for hours, pick a stretch skirt and cushioned shoes.
2. Daphne Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne's colors do all the talking: purple dress, green scarf, pink tights. Pick a long-sleeved purple mini or midi depending on how much coverage you want and how cold the night will be. The scarf should be a true kelly green rather than olive, because olive turns muddy in photos next to purple. Purple block heels, flats or knee boots keep the palette tight. Give a long red wig some volume at the crown and a soft side part. Lavender eyeshadow, defined lashes and pink lipstick for the face, and a small purple bag in hand. On a chilly night I'd add thermal shorts and a fitted undershirt under the dress; nobody will see them.
3. Kim Possible Costume With Green Cargo Pants
Kim Possible is the one I'd hand to anyone who plans to dance, chase kids or stand for hours. Olive-green cargo pants and a fitted black mock-neck top are the base, with a brown utility belt and chunky black combat boots. Her long red hair carries a lot of the identity, so either style your own in loose layers or go for a vivid copper wig; a dull auburn won't read from a distance. Keep makeup to groomed brows, mascara and a peach lip, and add black gloves if you like. For the communicator, paint a piece of cardboard or an old phone case green. It's the detail people point at.
4. Shego Costume With Green And Black Jumpsuit
Shego is all about the split, one side green and one side black. Start from a black long-sleeved jumpsuit, or a black top and leggings. Removable fashion tape will hold green fabric panels for a short while, but it lets go on stretch fabric once you start moving, so I'd tack the panels down with a few hand stitches instead. Another route is a green cropped top and a single green leg warmer over the black. Add black gloves with green cuffs, sturdy ankle boots and a long black wig with a sleek side part. Green eyeshadow and sharp liner give her the sneer. Skip props. If a catsuit isn't your thing, black joggers and a black hoodie with felt panels keep you warmer and still work.
5. Daria Costume With Green Jacket
Daria is close to normal clothes, which is both the joke and the appeal. Put a rust-orange T-shirt under a structured green utility jacket, then a black pleated skirt, black tights and lace-up combat boots. A straight brown wig at shoulder length, or your own dark hair parted down the middle, handles the hair. The round black glasses are the whole character. Buy a lightweight pair with clear lenses or none, because heavy novelty frames slide down your nose all night. Matte skin, soft brows and a muted pink lip, with a paperback under your arm. Play her neat and slightly unimpressed rather than theatrical.
6. Jane Lane Costume With Red Jacket
Jane Lane is the darker, arty counterpart to Daria, and the two make an easy pair. A fitted black V-neck, gray shorts or a knee-length skirt, opaque black tights and solid-soled lace-up boots form the base. The cropped red jacket on top is what people read first, so keep it the brightest thing you're wearing. A short black bob with side-swept bangs gives her shape. I'd do smoky gray eyes, black liner and a cool berry lip, toned down for a daytime or family event. A sketchbook or a few paintbrushes says artist. Silver hoops are fine; more jewelry than that starts to blur her.
7. Tina Belcher Costume With Blue Skirt
Tina takes minutes. A pale blue short-sleeved tee tucked into a navy pleated skirt, white tube socks with thin stripes and black canvas sneakers you can walk in all evening. Hair is a straight shoulder-length bob with blunt ends and a center part, your own or a wig. Choose the large black square glasses before anything else, since they carry the character. Barely-there makeup and a soft pink lip are enough. A notebook labeled as her writing journal is the prop. When it's cold, skin-tone thermals under the shirt and skirt keep the shape intact.
8. Louise Belcher Costume With Pink Bunny Hat
The hat is Louise. Everything else, a loose green T-shirt dress or oversized green top with a skirt, white ankle socks and black slip-ons or low sneakers, is supporting cast. You can buy a hot-pink bunny-ear hat or make one by stitching stuffed felt ears onto a fitted cap. If you make it, stuff the ears lightly and run a strip of stiff felt up the back of each one; fully packed ears flop forward and drag the cap off your head. Let dark hair fall loose underneath, or wear a shoulder-length black wig. Rosy cheeks, a neutral lip, and a clipboard with a scheme scrawled on it.
9. Marge Simpson Costume With Green Dress
Marge reads from across a room because of the hair, so that's where I'd spend the time. A tall blue beehive wig is top-heavy. Put it over a wig cap and pin it through the cap in several places, or it will tilt by the second hour. The rest is simple: a strapless or sleeveless green midi dress, a matching cardigan if you want coverage, red low pumps or flats and a chunky red bead necklace. Yellow skin makeup is optional and messy; if you skip it, blue liner, red lipstick and big lashes do plenty. A grocery list or small handbag is a fine prop.
10. Lisa Simpson Costume With Red Dress
Lisa adapts to almost any age or body type. A sleeveless red A-line dress with a zigzag hem is the literal version, and a plain red fit-and-flare is the wearable one. Add a chunky white pearl necklace and red Mary Janes, flats or low heels. A spiky yellow wig is warm and heavy, so I often suggest a yellow headband with stiffened felt points instead; it's cooler and won't shift around. Mascara, pink blush and a glossy red-pink lip. A toy saxophone, or a gold cardboard one hung from a ribbon, is the prop. If you add a red cardigan and neutral tights for coverage, keep the cardigan as close to the dress color as you can find.
11. Wilma Flintstone Costume With White Dress
Wilma's dress is the easiest DIY on this list. Take an inexpensive white shift dress, cut one shoulder away and cut a jagged hem with sharp fabric scissors. Knit jersey won't fray, so you can leave those edges raw. A woven cotton will fray, and I'd run a quick zigzag stitch or a line of anti-fray liquid along the cut. Add a chunky white bead necklace and white, tan or brown sandals, then style an orange-red wig into a high bun with a curl at the front. Warm peach makeup, winged liner and coral lipstick. Carry a foam rolling pin, never a real one. A nude long-sleeved bodysuit and tights underneath handle a cool night.
12. Betty Rubble Costume With Blue Dress
Betty Rubble is the natural partner for Wilma, so this is a good one to plan with a friend. A sleeveless blue halter with a jagged hem, or a blue shift you cut down, is the base. The black neckline and small bow under the collar are felt. Felt glued straight onto a polyester dress tends to peel at the edges after a few hours, so I'd stitch it down or use fabric glue and let it cure overnight. Wear blue or black flats, low heels or cushioned sandals. A short black wig with rounded bangs, blue eyeshadow, curved liner and soft rose lipstick finish her. A stone-print clutch is plenty, and a fitted black top beneath gives coverage.
13. Judy Jetson Costume With Pink Space Outfit
Judy Jetson looks complicated in pictures but is mostly layering. A bright pink cropped top over a fitted white mock-neck, a matching pink mini skirt, white opaque tights and low white ankle boots. The space-age collar and pointed skirt accents are pink felt. Cut them from stiff felt rather than the floppy craft kind so the points stay up, and removable fabric tape will hold them for an evening. A white-blonde wig goes in a high flipped ponytail tied with pink ribbon. Silver eyeshadow, sharp liner and pink gloss for the face. A small metallic bag and a silver belt add the shine without any weight.
14. Jessica Rabbit Costume With Red Gown
Jessica Rabbit can be glamorous without showing a lot of skin. I look for a floor-length red sequin gown with a modest slit and a neckline that stays put when you lean forward. Sequins scratch the inner arm, so check the underarm seams before you commit. Long purple opera gloves and red or purple closed-toe heels at a height you can actually stand in for hours. A long copper-red wig goes in smooth side-swept waves, with one section falling across the face. Purple eyeshadow, winged liner, lashes, sculpted cheeks and red lipstick. A small purple clutch is the only prop, and fashion tape plus supportive underwear keep the dress where it belongs.
15. Betty Boop Costume With Red Flapper Dress
Betty Boop is red, black and a lot of curl. Choose a knee-length red dress with fringe, sequins or a ruffled hem, then sheer black tights and red Mary Janes or black low pumps you can dance in. A short black curly wig with defined finger waves is her hairstyle. If the waves drop, a light mist of hairspray and a few pin curls set overnight bring them back. Thin arched brows, rounded liner, rosy cheeks and a small red heart-shaped lip. Gold hoops and a garter worn over the tights are her signature details. A black wrap or cropped cardigan keeps you warm without hiding the fringe.
16. Olive Oyl Costume With Red Sweater
Olive Oyl is long lines and a ribbon hem. Wear a red long-sleeved sweater with a white ruffled collar and a black knee-length skirt, with yellow ribbon around the hem. Tape on a skirt hem lifts after you've sat down a few times, so I'd tack the ribbon on with a running stitch; it only takes a few minutes. Brown ankle boots or low black lace-ups, dark hair in a tight low bun, curved brows and red lipstick. A can with a homemade spinach label is the obvious prop. She's covered from neck to ankle, which makes her a good choice for handing out candy on a cold porch.
17. Spinelli Costume With Red Beanie
Spinelli is casual enough to wear all day. Layer a black leather-look jacket over an orange-red dress or long tee, then add mustard or orange striped tights and black combat boots. Pull the red slouchy beanie low on the forehead with two short pigtails poking out underneath, because that pigtails-under-beanie combination is what people recognize. Smudged brown liner, strong brows and a muted berry lip. A kickball or whistle makes a good playground prop. Try the faux leather jacket on with your arms raised before you buy; cheap ones are cut tight across the back and pull every time you reach.
18. Helga Pataki Costume With Pink Dress
Helga is surprisingly comfortable: a sleeveless pink shift dress over a white short-sleeved shirt, with a big pink bow at the waist, white crew socks and black or pink Mary Janes. Her pigtails need to stick outward, which a long blonde wig won't do on its own. I'd wrap a pipe cleaner inside each pigtail or set them with strong hairspray, then add the large pink bow on top. Light mascara and rosy cheeks are all the makeup she needs. A notebook with a heart on the cover is a sly nod to her secret crush. Pale pink tights and a white cardigan add warmth. Leave off extra trim; the shape and the bow are the character.
19. Angelica Pickles Costume With Purple Dress
Angelica is layered color. A purple sleeveless dress goes over a red or orange long-sleeved shirt, with blue-green horizontal striped leggings and purple sneakers or simple lace-ups. Two high blonde pigtails tied with purple bows handle the hair. Slightly exaggerated lashes, pink blush and berry gloss give her attitude without looking too grown-up. Her doll with orange yarn hair is the prop people remember. A loose A-line dress and stretch leggings are kinder than anything tight. Match the warm red against the cool stripes as closely as you can, because if one shade is off the whole thing starts to look like random clothes.
20. Eliza Thornberry Costume With Yellow Dress
Eliza is for anyone who wants flat shoes and somewhere to put their phone. A loose yellow-orange T-shirt dress or oversized top goes over brown cycling shorts, with white crew socks and sturdy brown hiking boots. Add round glasses and a red-orange wig in two low braids. I draw freckles with a brown brow pencil, then press each one with a fingertip so it looks like skin rather than a dot. Binoculars or a plush animal for the prop, and a green backpack to carry your things. For an outdoor event, thermal leggings under the dress and a brown utility jacket over it keep you out all night.
21. Debbie Thornberry Costume With Green Crop Top
Debbie Thornberry is barely a costume, which makes her easy to wear for hours. A loose green cropped tank or camisole, wide-leg distressed blue jeans, a black belt, a simple pendant and chunky boots. Her long blonde wig has a center part and some texture; roughing it up with your fingers gets closer than brushing it smooth. Smudged liner, neutral shadow and a brown-pink lip. Headphones or an old portable music player sell the '90s. If you want coverage, layer the green over a fitted black tee. A plaid shirt tied at the waist adds warmth and one more grunge clue.
22. Mabel Pines Costume With Colorful Sweater
Mabel is all sweater. Find the brightest knit you can, pink, purple or rainbow, with a single motif on the front such as a star, a heart or a shooting comet. If you can't find one, cut the motif from felt and stitch it on; knit stretches, and glue cracks as soon as the sweater moves. A knee-length purple skirt, white ankle socks, black flats and a purple headband over long brown waves come next. Pink blush, glossy lips and a handful of colorful clips. A plush pig or a cardboard grappling hook is the prop. She's warm and covered, which makes her a sensible pick for an outdoor fall party.
23. Wendy Corduroy Costume With Plaid Shirt
Wendy might be the easiest closet costume here. A green plaid flannel, dark blue straight or skinny jeans, brown lace-up work boots and a brown trapper hat. Let a long red wig fall straight with a loose side part. Freckles, brown mascara, peach blush and tinted balm keep the face outdoorsy. Roll the shirt sleeves to the elbow, and carry a flashlight or a stack of admission tickets. The hat and the red hair are the clues people actually use, so if you only buy one thing, buy the wig. A thermal underneath keeps you warm.
24. Marceline Costume With Gray Tank Top
Marceline uses basics many women already own: a gray sleeveless tank, fitted blue jeans and bright red knee-high boots. The straight black wig should fall well below the shoulders. Long synthetic wigs tangle at the nape where they rub against a collar, so finger-comb it a couple of times during the night. Pale gray skin makeup is optional; if full color feels like too much, use a cool-toned foundation, smoky plum eyes and dark berry lipstick. Small pointed ear cuffs suggest her features without any adhesive. Make her axe-shaped bass from foam board with rounded edges, and pull on a black cardigan if it's cold.
25. Princess Bubblegum Costume With Pink Dress
Princess Bubblegum is pink on pink, so the challenge is keeping the shades friendly with each other. A long pink gown, maxi or fit-and-flare dress with short puffed sleeves, purple flats or low block heels, and a slim purple belt if the dress needs a waist. A long bubblegum-pink wig with a smooth finish. I make the crown from craft foam or metallic cardstock with a blue circle near the top, then glue a loop of elastic to the back so it doesn't slide off when you look down. Pink eyeshadow, glowy cheeks and a rosy lip. A pink notebook beats a glass beaker for a prop, and pick a skirt you can walk a parade route in.
26. Star Butterfly Costume With Mint Dress
Star Butterfly mixes a sweet dress with fantasy bits. A mint-green short-sleeved dress with a white collar, pink-and-purple striped tights, and magenta knee boots or pink ankle boots with boot covers. A long blonde wig hangs loose under a red headband with small rounded horns. Paint the pink cheek hearts with cosmetic-grade face paint, never craft paint. Blue mascara, rosy blush and pink gloss finish the face. The wand has foam wings and a star on top, and it should be light enough to wave for hours without any sharp points. For coverage, a knee-length dress with fitted shorts or thermal leggings under the tights.
27. Raven Costume With Purple Cape
Raven can stay family-friendly because her look is all clean lines. A long-sleeved black leotard over opaque black tights, or a fitted black top and skirt, then a deep purple hooded cape and purple ankle boots. The cape is where cheap versions fail. Thin satin flaps around and shows every crease, so look for a heavier knit or a polyester with some weight to it. A short violet bob wig, a red gem brooch and a matching belt add her color. Smoky purple eyes and plum lipstick for the face. A small forehead gem goes on with cosmetic adhesive, and I'd test the adhesive on your inner wrist the day before. No prop needed.
28. Starfire Costume With Purple Outfit
Starfire gives you a superhero look without any armor. A fitted purple long-sleeved top, a matching skirt, skort or stretch pants, a silver belt and silver wrist cuffs, plus purple knee boots with a sensible block heel. Her long red-orange wig should contrast hard with the purple. Green eyeshadow, black liner, peach blush and a rosy lip. I'd skip colored contact lenses unless they've been properly fitted by an eye-care professional; green shadow around the eye gets you most of the effect. Reflective fabric tape makes light metallic trim. A battery-operated light or a green orb-shaped purse is the prop.
29. Blossom Costume With Pink Dress
Blossom is pink, black and white with one big red bow. A sleeveless pink A-line dress, a thick black belt, white knee socks and black Mary Janes or flat loafers. The long orange-red wig needs full bangs. If they come too long, trim them a little at a time with the wig on your head, snipping up into the ends rather than straight across so they don't look chopped. Pin the oversized red bow at the crown. Pink eyeshadow, defined upper lashes and a red-pink lip. Any dress length works as long as the color blocking stays clear. She's a third of a group, so ask two friends to be Bubbles and Buttercup.
30. Bubbles Costume With Blue Dress
Bubbles is sky blue and white. A sleeveless sky-blue dress with a wide black belt, white knee socks and polished black Mary Janes. High pigtails on a synthetic wig sag when they're held by a single band, so I secure each one with an elastic wrapped twice and put the blue ties over the top. Blue eyeshadow, long curled lashes, pink blush and light pink gloss. A plush octopus is a soft, easy prop to carry. A fitted white top underneath gives you sleeves, and the skirt should have enough room to move.
31. Buttercup Costume With Green Dress
Buttercup is the sporty one of the trio. A bright green shift or skater dress with a wide black belt, white knee socks and flat black shoes or ankle boots. The short black bob with outward-curving ends is her shape. A flat iron on a low setting can flip a heat-resistant synthetic wig, but test a hidden strand first, because regular synthetic fiber melts. Green liner, defined brows and a neutral lip. A green lightning-bolt purse is a fun prop. Keep the blocks of green, black and white clean, and in cold weather put a black long-sleeved shirt and white tights underneath.
32. Coraline Costume With Yellow Raincoat
Coraline is the one I'd pick for an outdoor night with rain in the forecast, since her signature piece is a bright yellow raincoat. Wear it over a red-and-black striped sweater and dark jeans, with yellow rain boots or dark lace-up ankle boots. A short cobalt-blue bob with a side part and a little blue dragonfly clip handles the hair. Keep makeup natural, with freckles and a berry-tinted balm. A small key or a stuffed black cat is the prop. If you want the button eyes, sew oversized black buttons onto a separate fabric mask you can lift off, rather than covering your eyes for long stretches.
33. Sally Costume With Patchwork Dress
Sally's patchwork dress is the most handmade-looking piece on the list. You want a knee or maxi dress made from blue, yellow, pink and black print panels, with striped tights and black lace-up ankle boots. If sewing a whole dress is too much, stitch irregular patches onto a cheap blue shift; a big, uneven running stitch in contrasting thread gives you her visible seams for free. Long auburn-red wig, center part. Pale blue skin makeup, lavender eyeshadow and deep rose lips, with a few seam lines drawn in cosmetic pencil instead of wound effects. Carry a small basket of faux leaves. Aim for whimsical, not frightening.
34. Cruella Costume With Black And White Coat
Cruella is black and white with red accents. A fitted black midi dress goes under a long faux-fur coat split into black and white halves, with red gloves, sheer black tights and pointed red or black pumps at a heel you can manage. The half-black, half-white bob wig needs volume, so tease it at the roots before you put it on. Faux fur sheds heavily the first few wears; I give the coat a hard shake outdoors and a pass with a lint roller before it goes anywhere near a black dress. Smoky gray eyes, sharp brows, red lips and red nails. A structured red handbag is enough of a prop, and if you want her long holder, make it a rolled paper fan rather than anything smoke-related.
35. Scary Godmother Costume With Purple Dress
Scary Godmother is Halloween itself, bright and friendly. A short or knee-length purple dress with uneven layers, stripes or stars, black-and-purple striped tights and chunky black boots. A tall purple curly wig with a small pointed hat set at an angle; pin the hat through to the wig cap, not just into the wig, or it creeps sideways all night. Lavender shadow, winged liner and plum lipstick rather than dark makeup. Patterned gloves, a moon necklace and a foam star wand. A purple capelet adds warmth without hiding the dress. Keep the accessories bright so she comes across as a cheerful hostess, not a dark figure.
Getting Flat Cartoon Color Out of Real Fabric
A drawn character has perfectly flat, saturated color. Real fabric has texture and sheen that shift the shade, and a camera flash at a party exaggerates the difference. These are the things I check before buying anything for a cartoon look:
- Hold the pieces together in daylight. Purple and green, red and pink, or two blues that look fine on separate hangers can fight once they sit side by side.
- Matte fabric photographs closer to the cartoon. Shiny satin goes white where the light hits and dark in the folds.
- Felt is the quickest way to add collars, panels and bows, but glue alone often peels off polyester and stretch knits. Stitch the edges, or use fabric glue and let it cure overnight.
- Fashion tape is fine for a short evening on a woven dress. On stretch fabric, or anything you'll sit and stand in all night, a few hand stitches last far longer.
Before the night, take a photo of yourself in the full outfit with the flash on. If the character still comes through in the picture, she'll come through at the party.
Yellow, Blue or Gray Skin Without Ruining Your Clothes
Marge, Sally and Marceline all tempt you toward colored skin. It's optional for every one of them, and I'd only do it if you're comfortable with makeup and have the time to apply it evenly. If you go ahead:
- Use cosmetic face and body paint made for skin, never craft or acrylic paint, and test a small patch on your inner arm the day before.
- Water-activated paints dry matte and transfer less than cream paints, though they can crack or streak if you sweat.
- Set cream colors with a generous layer of translucent powder, press it in, then brush off the excess.
- Paint before you dress, and fade the color out just under the jawline. Collars and the shoulders of a dark dress catch whatever hasn't set.
- Take it off with an oil cleanser or makeup remover first, then wash. Soap alone leaves a tint behind and irritates the skin.
On a warm night or in a crowded room, suggest the color instead of painting it: blue liner and a little contour for Marge, a few drawn seams for Sally. The character still reads.
The Hair Decides Which Cartoon You Can Pull Off
If you're stuck between two characters, go with the one whose hair you can get right. The hair and the main color carry nearly every look here, and you don't need a commercial replica for either. Get the signature colors, the hairstyle, the shoes and one or two accessories that belong to her, then adjust the rest with a longer skirt, a warm layer, flat shoes or a looser fit. The closet-based ones like Velma, Daria and Wendy can be pulled together tonight, while Judy Jetson, Sally and Scary Godmother reward a weekend of crafting.
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