A costume comes together far faster when you build it as an outfit first and treat the accessories as the finishing layer. That's how I've laid out the women's ideas below: witches and vampires, storybook characters, film and cartoon favourites, decade throwbacks and a few funny homemade ones, each with the clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes it needs. Most of them use pieces you already own or can thrift, and the key garments can be swapped for a different length, cut or level of coverage without losing the character. I've added notes on where these looks usually go wrong, from wigs that slip to wings that won't fit through a door.
Wigs That Pass for Your Own Hair
Almost half of these costumes rely on hair you probably don't have: Cruella's split bob, Marilyn's platinum curls, Velma's blunt bangs, the Bride's tower. A wig saves you dyeing, but a poor one is what makes a costume look cheap. A few habits help a lot.
- Wear a wig cap, and braid or pin long hair flat underneath first. Bumps under the cap show through a short bob.
- Pin it in four places: two at the temples and two behind the ears, through the cap. Elastic alone shifts as soon as you turn your head.
- Cut the fringe down a little, as costume bangs are usually too long and too thick. Trim in small vertical snips rather than one straight line.
- Brush a synthetic wig gently from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb. Cheap fibre sheds and tangles, especially where it rubs against a collar or cape.
- Keep it away from heat. Most costume wigs are synthetic and frizz or melt near curling tongs, candles and even an oven door.
A little powder or concealer along the hairline where the wig meets your forehead helps it blend. If you'd rather not wear a wig at all, choose a character close to your own hair colour, or use a temporary spray only on the ends, which washes out far more easily than a full head of colour.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Black Dress
The witch is the costume I'd hand to anyone who wants something easy that still feels dressed up. A long black dress, or a black blouse with a flowing maxi skirt, is the base, with a velvet cape or a sheer shawl for movement. The pointed hat is what says witch, and a wide brim needs grip: I sew a small elastic loop inside the band so it can be pinned to the hair. Soft waves or a long black or silver wig, smoky purple eyes and berry lips finish the face. Striped tights, a moon necklace and a light broom add the fun, and lace-up ankle boots or block heels get you through a night of walking.
2. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
A glam vampire is an evening outfit with a cape on top. A fitted black midi dress, a velvet jumpsuit or a lace blouse with tailored trousers all work under a burgundy cape with a high collar. That collar needs interfacing or a strip of buckram sewn inside, otherwise it folds flat within the hour. Long black gloves and a jewelled choker give the period touch, with polished waves or a sleek centre-parted wig. Go only slightly paler with the foundation and let the dark red lip carry it. Small fangs are fine for photos, but I'd take them out to eat and talk. A goblet makes a good prop.
3. Wednesday Addams Costume With Black Dress
Wednesday Addams is one of the easiest characters to pull from a wardrobe. A black long-sleeve dress with a white collar and cuffs is the whole costume; if yours doesn't have them, wear it over a white button-down and pull the collar out. Opaque black tights and chunky loafers or lace-up boots finish the outfit. The braids are what people recognise, and I'd plait them tight and low behind the ears, with a little gel on the parting for that severe line. Keep the makeup matte with softly shaded eyes and a muted plum lip. Carry a black satchel or an old hardback and keep a straight face; that's half the character.
4. Barbie Costume With Pink Jumpsuit
A head-to-toe pink Barbie looks good in any photo. A bright pink jumpsuit, fitted midi dress or a matching waistcoat and trousers set is the base, plus a cropped pink jacket if you need warmth. A high ponytail with curled ends, or a smooth blonde wig tied with a pink ribbon, does the hair. Not every pink matches, so I'd shop for the main piece first and match the accessories to it in daylight. Glowing skin, pink eyeshadow and a glossy lip suit it, with heart-shaped sunglasses, big earrings and a small structured bag. White boots or pink block heels keep it wearable, and a cardboard doll box is a photo prop to leave by the door.
5. Glinda Costume With Pink Tulle Gown
Glinda is the costume for a big, sparkly fantasy look. A pale pink tulle gown, a layered maxi skirt with a fitted top or a formal dress with a little sequin work is the base, with sheer puff sleeves or a glittery capelet. Soft blonde curls, pearly eyeshadow and pink gloss finish the face. The crown is the piece I'd plan most carefully. I cut it from silver card, back it with a second layer for strength and glue it to a padded headband, because a tall crown on a thin band pinches behind the ears within an hour. A painted cardboard star wand and silver flats or low glitter heels keep it graceful.
6. Elphaba Costume With Black Cape
Elphaba is all about the green skin, so that's where the effort goes. A high-necked black dress or a fitted blouse tucked into a layered maxi skirt is the base, with a long black cape, a pointed hat and a dark belt. A long dark braid or wavy black wig does the hair. Green makeup is a cream or water-activated face paint, and I'd test it on the inner wrist a day ahead. Apply it thin in layers with a damp sponge, take it under the jaw onto the neck, then set it with powder so it doesn't transfer onto the collar. Defined brows and a muted berry lip keep your own features visible. Black tights and lace-up boots finish it.
7. Audrey Hepburn Costume With Black Dress
Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's look is the most polished costume here. A sleeveless black column dress is closest to the film, but a knee-length sheath reads just as well and gets worn again. Long black gloves, oversized sunglasses and layered faux pearls are essential. The high bun is the part that needs practice. I build it over a doughnut sponge or a padded hair roll so it has height, then add a small jewelled pin at the front. Classic makeup, a small black clutch or a takeaway coffee cup, and kitten heels or pointed flats finish it.
8. Marilyn Monroe Costume With White Dress
Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress is the classic old-Hollywood costume. Choose a white halter midi with a full or pleated skirt, and check that the neckline feels secure before you buy it; a halter that only ties at the neck needs a little toupee tape inside to stay put. A short platinum curled wig or soft vintage waves, winged eyeliner, arched brows and a red lip finish the face, with a drawn-on beauty mark. Hold one side of the skirt for the famous photo rather than chasing a gust of wind. White or silver closed-toe heels and a faux-fur wrap for outdoors complete it.
9. Rosie The Riveter Costume With Denim Shirt
Rosie the Riveter is built from closet basics. A long-sleeve denim or chambray shirt is tucked into high-waisted dark jeans with a wide brown belt, sleeves rolled above the elbow. The red bandana with white dots is the giveaway, tied at the top of the head with a little hair showing at the front. I fold it into a long strip, wrap it from the nape and knot it on top, then pin it in two places so it doesn't creep back. A matte red lip and defined brows give the 1940s face. Brown work boots or canvas sneakers keep you comfortable, and one flexed arm makes the poster reference for photos.
10. Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
A 1920s flapper is the one to wear for dancing, because the fringe moves every time you do. A knee-length black, gold or emerald dress with rows of fringe or sequins is the base, with sheer tights and low T-strap heels. Finger waves on short hair, a pinned faux bob on long hair or a sleek cropped wig do the hair. Smoky grey eyes, rounded brows and a deep red lip suit the period. Fringe tangles if you hang the dress folded, so I hang it by the straps and give it a shake before wearing. A beaded headband, long faux pearls and a small evening bag finish it.
11. Disco Queen Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
A disco queen is sparkle plus a strong seventies shape. A silver, gold or rainbow sequin jumpsuit is the simplest base, or metallic flares with a shimmering wrap top. A wide belt and oversized hoops add to it, with big curls, a feathered blow-dry or a full natural style dotted with glitter clips. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms after a while, so I'd wear a thin long-sleeve layer underneath if the jumpsuit is sleeveless. Glossy makeup with blue or purple shadow, tinted round sunglasses and platform boots or stable block heels under the flares finish it.
12. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Leg Warmers
An eighties aerobics costume is the comfortable one, and it's great for an active party. A neon leotard or fitted tank goes over shiny black leggings, with high-cut shorts on top for more coverage, a wide belt and bright leg warmers over white sneakers. A high side ponytail with a big scrunchie, or a curly wig with a sweatband, does the hair. Pink blush, blue eyeshadow and a glossy lip give the decade. Thrift shops often have old sportswear; I'd look there before buying anything new. Plastic bangles and a rolled exercise mat or foam dumbbells finish the photo.
13. Cher Horowitz Costume With Plaid Skirt
Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid from Clueless is the outfit everyone remembers. A yellow plaid pleated skirt and matching blazer go over a white fitted top or sweater vest, with white knee-highs and black Mary Janes. A smooth blonde blow-dry or a long golden wig with a centre part does the hair, with soft brown liner and a glossy nude lip. Matching the yellow of the skirt and blazer is the tricky part; if you can't find a set, I'd go for a plaid skirt in the right yellow and a plain white blazer rather than two clashing plaids. A mini backpack and a fluffy pen finish it.
14. Cowgirl Costume With Denim And Boots
A cowgirl costume is practical and easy to build from denim. A plaid button-down goes into bootcut jeans or a knee-length denim skirt with a brown belt and a big buckle, plus a suede-look waistcoat for texture. Loose waves, low braids or a ponytail sit under a wide-brimmed western hat. Warm bronze shadow and a neutral lip keep it natural. The boots are what matter most, and I'd only wear ones that are already broken in, because new western boots rub the heel within a couple of hours. A bandana, a coiled rope and a denim jacket for a cold night finish it.
15. Pirate Costume With Striped Shirt
A pirate costume can be fun without anything restrictive. A black-and-white striped blouse goes with black trousers, leggings or a layered midi skirt, plus a fitted waistcoat, a wide belt and a burgundy sash. A light brown coat adds warmth and drama. Tousled waves with a few small braids and beads, smoky brown eyes and a muted red lip finish the face. Top it with a soft tricorn or a tied headscarf; I tie the scarf low at the nape so it holds better than a hat on a windy night. Carry a map, a compass or a treasure pouch rather than a sword, and finish with tall or buckled ankle boots.
16. Greek Goddess Costume With White Gown
A Greek goddess is flowing white fabric and a touch of gold. A white maxi dress, a one-shoulder gown or a long pleated skirt with a draped blouse is the base, with a gold cord or metallic belt at the waist. Soft curls, a braided crown or a low bun go under a gold leaf headband. Bronzed cheeks and a little shimmer on the lids suit the look, with cuff bracelets and drop earrings. White fabric shows every mark, so I'd pick a hem that clears the ground by a finger's width. A gold scroll and flat metallic sandals or low gold heels finish it.
17. Mermaid Costume With Sequin Skirt
A mermaid costume can look magical and still let you walk normally. A fitted teal, turquoise or lavender top goes with a high-waisted sequin maxi skirt that widens gently at the hem. Skip the very narrow fishtail shapes if there are stairs or crowds, as they make you shuffle. Long waves or a blue-green wig with pearl clips and small shells does the hair, with iridescent purple and aqua shadow and some highlighter. I'd wear flat sandals or even hidden sneakers under the skirt, since nobody sees your feet. A shell purse and an organza wrap for warmth finish it.
18. Fairy Costume With Tulle Skirt
A woodland fairy can be done in almost any soft colour: sage, lavender, blush or icy blue. A fitted corset-style top or velvet blouse goes with a layered tulle midi skirt and sheer wings on comfortable shoulder straps. Loose curls or braids threaded with fake flowers, pastel eyeshadow and face-safe shimmer finish the face. Tulle catches on everything, so I trim any loose threads at the hem and add a lining layer if the skirt is scratchy against tights. Ballet flats or flat sandals beat heels on grass, and a cropped cardigan can go under the wings when it turns cold.
19. Little Red Riding Hood Costume With Cape
Little Red Riding Hood is one bold outer layer over a simple base. A white blouse with a black or brown fitted waistcoat and a knee-length skirt, or a plain black dress, goes under a bright red hooded cape that falls around the knee. The hood needs to sit back, not over your eyes; I add a small weight or a couple of stitches at the back of the hood so it rests on the shoulders. Soft curls or low braids, rosy cheeks and a berry lip finish the face. A wicker basket lined with gingham, white ankle socks and brown Mary Janes, or tights and ankle boots for warmth, complete the story.
20. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
Alice in Wonderland is a blue dress and white accessories. A knee-length blue fit-and-flare dress goes under a white apron, with white tights or knee socks and black Mary Janes. Natural hair with a black headband, or a long straight blonde wig with curled ends, does the hair. Keep the makeup fresh and young. I tie the apron with a double knot at the back, because a single bow loosens every time you sit down. A teacup, oversized playing cards or a plush white rabbit is the prop, and a pale blue cardigan keeps you warm without changing the character.
21. Queen Of Hearts Costume With Red Skirt
A Queen of Hearts doesn't need a ball gown. A red midi skirt with a black fitted top or structured bodice, a white ruffled collar and removable felt hearts on the skirt do the job. A high curled updo or a red-and-black wig goes under a light gold crown. Sharp black liner, rosy cheeks and a red lip drawn into a small heart shape give the theatrical face. The ruffled collar is the piece that makes it read as a queen, and I'd stiffen it with spray starch so it stands up rather than drooping. A heart-topped sceptre from a painted dowel, black tights and red or black boots finish it.
22. Snow White Costume With Blue Bodice
Snow White is a primary-colour princess that people recognise from across a room. A blue fitted top with short puffed sleeves goes with a long yellow skirt, a white collar and a short red cape. A smooth dark bob, longer hair pinned under or a short black wig, plus a red bow headband, does the hair. Defined eyes, rosy cheeks and a classic red lip finish the face. I'd pick a yellow skirt in a warm buttery shade rather than a bright lemon, which looks closer to the film. An artificial apple, red ballet flats and tights for warmth complete it.
23. Cinderella Costume With Blue Gown
A pale blue Cinderella can feel formal without an enormous skirt. A light blue maxi or tea-length fit-and-flare gown with tulle sleeves, a ribbon choker, crystal earrings and elbow-length gloves are the base. A smooth blonde high bun or an updo wig with a blue headband does the hair, with pale blue shadow and a glossy rose lip. Clear plastic costume shoes look the part but pinch and slip, so I'd wear silver ballet flats or low glitter heels instead. A silver clutch and a sheer blue wrap finish it.
24. Cruella Costume With Black And White Coat
Cruella is all hair and coat. A fitted black dress, a black jumpsuit or a white blouse with slim black trousers goes under a long black-and-white faux-fur coat, or a split-colour cape in soft fabric. The half-black, half-white bob wig is the one thing you can't skip. Cheap two-tone wigs often have a messy join down the middle, so I'd check the parting and brush it smooth before wearing. Arched brows, smoky eyes and a red lip, plus long red gloves and red nails, finish the face. Carry a sketchbook of made-up fashion designs and wear black pointed boots or red block heels.
25. Catwoman Costume With Black Jumpsuit
Catwoman can look sleek without a restrictive catsuit. A comfortable black jumpsuit, a fitted long-sleeve top with leggings or an opaque stretch unitard is the base, with a black utility belt and a short black jacket for coverage. A low bun or braid sits neatly under the cat-ear mask or headband. Masks narrow your view more than you'd think, so I'd choose an open-sided one or a headband with ears and do the mask shape in eyeliner. Smoky eyes, sharp liner and a neutral lip, black gloves and flat knee-high boots finish it.
26. Wonder Woman Costume With Blue Skirt
Wonder Woman works well from bold separates. A red structured top goes with a blue pleated skirt or wide trousers dotted with removable white stars, plus a wide gold belt and gold wrist cuffs. A red cape adds warmth and comes off indoors. Long dark waves and radiant makeup with a red lip finish the face. The tiara is the part I'd make from EVA craft foam, which bends to fit the head and holds its curve after a little heat, then takes gold paint. Red knee-high boots or red sneakers with white trim, and no combat props, complete it.
27. Harley Quinn Costume With Red And Blue Jacket
Harley Quinn's red-and-blue scheme is energetic and easy to put together. A white T-shirt goes with red-and-blue shorts over opaque tights, or fitted trousers for more coverage, plus a satin bomber split between the two colours. Blonde pigtails with temporary pink and blue on the ends do the hair. Spray hair colour comes off on everything, so I'd apply it outdoors, let it dry fully and keep it away from a light-coloured jacket collar. One pink eye, one blue eye, black liner, a red lip and a little heart beauty mark finish the face. Red-and-blue high-tops and a deck of oversized playing cards complete it.
28. Velma Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma is comfortable and easy to thrift if you get all the signature pieces. An oversized orange turtleneck goes with a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks and red Mary Janes or low loafers. A short dark bob, longer hair pinned under or a brown bob wig with blunt bangs does the hair. The thick square glasses make the character, so I'd buy a clear-lens pair you can actually see through. Warm blush and a neutral lip keep the face simple, and a big mystery book or a plastic magnifying glass is the prop. It layers over thermal tights, so it's a good one for cold trick-or-treating.
29. Daphne Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne gives you a bright purple outfit in a sea of black costumes. A long-sleeve purple mini or knee-length A-line dress goes with a lime-green scarf and a purple headband, plus opaque pink or lavender tights if the dress is short. A smooth shoulder-length blow-dry with curled ends, or a bright auburn wig, does the hair. I'd knot the green scarf on the side and tuck the ends in so it doesn't slip round the back. Lavender shadow and a glossy pink lip finish the face. A small handbag, purple block heels or ankle boots, and a purple coat on a cold night keep the palette.
30. Beetlejuice Costume With Striped Suit
A Beetlejuice-inspired costume brings graphic stripes and playful ghostly makeup to a tailored look. A black-and-white striped blazer with matching trousers, or the blazer with plain black trousers, goes over a white shirt and black tie. Teased short hair or a messy greenish-white wig, light foundation, smoky grey shading round the eyes and a little green near the hairline give the face. Buy the suit slightly oversized; Beetlejuice looks right when it's baggy, and it's easier to move in. Black platform loafers or lace-up boots and a cardboard sign as a prop finish it.
31. Bride Of Frankenstein Costume With White Gown
The Bride of Frankenstein is about the dramatic hair. A long white dress with draped sleeves, or a white maxi skirt with a fitted long-sleeve top, gets strips of soft white fabric wrapped around the arms and bodice. A structured black wig with white streaks on both sides makes the tall shape. I build that height over a foam cone or a padded roll pinned to the head, because loose teasing collapses by midnight. Pale foundation, cool grey shadow, black liner and a deep plum lip finish the face. Practise walking in the dress so the hem doesn't trail, and carry a small bouquet of fabric flowers.
32. Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Shirt
A scarecrow is cosy, cheap and well suited to an outdoor night. A plaid flannel shirt goes under denim overalls, with removable fabric patches on the knees and pockets and a rope belt. Keep the raffia at the cuffs short so it doesn't scratch. Two low braids or loose waves go under a floppy straw hat, with orange blush, a painted triangle nose, freckles and stitched lines at the mouth. I'd do the freckles with a brown brow pencil and press them with a fingertip so they look soft, not drawn. A small sunflower bouquet, brown boots and thermals underneath for a cold night finish it.
33. Black Cat Costume With Tulle Skirt
A black cat is a reliable last-minute costume, but a full outfit makes it look planned rather than thrown together. A fitted black long-sleeve top goes with leggings, tailored trousers or a layered tulle skirt, plus a slim belt with a soft fabric tail. I stitch the tail to the belt rather than pinning it to the clothes, so it moves when you walk and doesn't drop off when you sit. A high ponytail, sleek bun or waves go under black ears, with eyeliner whiskers and smoky eyes. A velvet choker with a bell, black flats or ankle boots and a cropped jacket for the cold finish it.
34. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
A butterfly costume is built around one statement piece: the wings. A fitted dress or matching top and skirt in a colour that suits the wings is the base; black, turquoise, purple and pink all work. Large printed fabric wings that fasten at the shoulders and wrists open when you lift your arms. I'd measure the wingspan against a doorway before the party, because wide wings catch on every frame and in every crowd. A braided bun or loose curls under an antenna headband, colourful shadow blended out in a wing shape and glossy lips finish the face. Black tights and flats keep it comfortable.
35. Popcorn Costume With Striped Skirt
A popcorn costume is a funny homemade idea that's easy to wear. A white fitted T-shirt goes with a red-and-white striped skirt or wide trousers. Glue light white craft puffs to a removable felt panel at the neckline, with a few pale yellow ones for butter, and add a small cluster to a headband. Hot glue lets go of felt in the cold, so I'd stitch the panel's corners as well. A high ponytail or a curled bob, rosy blush, winged liner and a bright red lip finish the face. A striped cardboard popcorn box makes a purse, and white sneakers or red flats complete it.
Tulle Skirts, Wings and Capes at a Busy Party
The princesses, fairies, Glinda, the mermaid and the butterfly all take up more room than everyday clothes. It's worth thinking about how they behave once you're in a crowded kitchen or a car.
Volume
A full tulle skirt gets squashed in a car and comes out with flat patches. I lay it across the back seat rather than sitting on it during the drive, then fluff it with my hands when I arrive. Two layers of tulle over a soft lining give plenty of volume without being scratchy against tights.
Wings
Choose wings on soft elastic straps rather than rigid ones, and check they come off easily, as you'll take them off to sit, eat and drive. Fabric wings fold flat; wire-framed ones bend out of shape if you lean back against a sofa.
Capes and long hems
A cape that ties only at the throat pulls back on the neck all night. I sew a pair of loops inside the shoulders and slip them over the arms so the weight sits on the shoulders. Hem anything floor-length to just clear your shoes, and wear the shoes you'll actually be in when you measure.
What Makes a Costume Comfortable Until Midnight
The costume worth wearing is the one that looks finished and still lets you walk, sit and enjoy yourself. This list covers spooky classics, storybook characters, old-Hollywood glamour, superheroes and a few funny homemade looks. Build on a wearable base, then add the hair, makeup, accessories and one light prop. Skirt lengths, sleeves, shoes and outer layers can all be changed to suit you, the venue and the weather. I always do a test run at home with the full look on, sitting down, raising my arms and walking through a door, because that's when a wig slips or a hem drags. Pick the character you'll have fun being.
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