A Disney movie is the easiest way I know to give a whole family a costume, because every film comes with a ready-made cast: a role for each parent, each child, the baby and sometimes the dog. What makes a family group work on the night is less about matching every detail and more about comfort. Kids who are warm, can see, and can walk in their shoes will happily stay in character for a school parade or a long evening of trick-or-treating. Classic animation, Pixar and the live-action favorites all give you plenty to cast from. Buy a few pieces, thrift the rest, or mix the two. Each group below covers clothes, hair, makeup and props, with room to add or drop people depending on how big your family is.
Casting the Family Before Anyone Shops
When I help a family plan a group, I assign roles before buying a single thing. The trick is to match the character to the person, not just the size. Give the fiddly costumes, the wigs, capes and tall hats, to the adults and the older kids who will put up with them.
- Babies and toddlers get soft, one-piece roles: a romper, a hooded onesie or pajamas with felt ears. Anything they can pull off, they will.
- Children under about six do best with costumes they can use the toilet in alone, so skip back zips and bodysuits for them.
- Kids who hate face paint should get a character that reads from a hat or hood instead.
- The person carrying the baby needs the simplest costume and the best shoes.
Once everyone has a role, write each costume down as a few pieces and check the closets. Most families find half the group is already dressed in what they own.
1. Mickey And Friends Family Costume
The Mickey and Friends gang is the group I suggest to families trying a theme for the first time, because every role is built from plain colored clothing. One adult is Mickey in a black top, red pants, yellow shoes, white gloves and round ears; Minnie wears a red polka-dot dress, black flats, gloves and a bow headband. Donald gets a blue sailor shirt and cap, Daisy goes lavender with a matching bow, and Goofy wears an orange shirt, green vest, blue pants and a floppy hat. Felt ears and hats instead of full masks keep faces visible, which matters for younger kids who panic when they can't see a parent. A little black eyeliner and rosy cheeks are plenty. Babies and pets make a sweet Pluto in golden-brown pajamas with floppy felt ears and a light tail.
2. Toy Story Family Costume
Toy Story suits mixed ages because the roles range from simple to fiddly, and you can give the fiddly ones to the adults. Woody needs a yellow checked shirt, cow-print vest, red bandanna, jeans, brown boots and a cowboy hat. Jessie wears a white western shirt, cow-print chaps, a red braid or yarn wig and a matching hat. Buzz is white clothing with green and purple foam panels, a fabric hood and white sneakers. A toddler makes a sweet alien in a blue outfit with a green hood and felt ears, and that hood keeps little ears warm. Bo Peep wears a pale blue jumpsuit, pink cape, hair bow and ankle boots. For photos, carry light cardboard building blocks or a cloud-print sign rather than anything bulky that a small child will drop halfway down the street.
3. The Incredibles Family Costume
If nobody in your house sews, this is the one. Everyone wears the same red long-sleeve athletic top, matching leggings or joggers, black shorts, black gloves and black sneakers, so you're buying in multiples and the youngest can wear sleepwear-weight cotton. Add a printed or felt emblem to every chest. Soft black eye masks need testing on kids before the night; if the eye holes sit too close together they block side vision, and I'd rather draw a mask on with face paint for anyone under five. Mr. Incredible keeps neat hair, Elastigirl gets a smooth brown bob, and Dash can take a blond color spray. Violet wears a long black wig over a wig cap, and the baby is Jack-Jack in a red footed romper. Leave out capes and rigid pieces so everyone can run around safely.
4. Monsters Inc. Family Costume
Monsters Inc. covers adults, children and babies with soft, fuzzy clothing, which makes it a warm-weather and cold-weather option at once. Sulley is a turquoise sweatsuit with purple felt spots, soft horns, a fuzzy tail and blue sneakers. Mike needs a lime-green outfit, one big felt eye on the shirt, tiny fabric horns and green shoes. Boo wears an oversized pink T-shirt, purple leggings, white socks, sneakers and high pigtails, and it's a role a reluctant four-year-old usually accepts because it's just comfy clothes. Celia wears a purple dress, turquoise tights, ankle boots and a soft yarn wig in purple. Another adult becomes Roz in a mustard cardigan, brown skirt, cat-eye glasses and a gray wig. Keep the face color light and bring a cardboard door for the family photo.
5. Frozen Family Costume
Frozen gives you icy blues against warm winter browns, and that contrast helps a group read together in photos. Elsa wears an icy-blue dress, sheer cape, silver flats and a long platinum side braid. Anna needs a black embroidered vest, blue skirt, magenta cape, braided auburn wig and sturdy boots. Kristoff is a dark tunic, brown belt, charcoal pants, a faux-fur-trimmed hat and weatherproof boots. Olaf suits a baby or toddler perfectly: a white romper with black felt buttons, an orange nose on a headband and white sneakers. Sven is brown fleece, a soft antler headband and matching boots. Add pale blue eye makeup and snowflake clips. If your Halloween is mild, the heavier fabrics are optional; if it's cold, this is the group that dresses warm without trying.
6. Encanto Family Costume
Encanto works for big families, cousins included, because there are so many named Madrigals to hand out. Mirabel wears a white embroidered blouse, teal floral skirt, green glasses, a curly bob and sandals. Isabela gets a lavender dress covered in flowers, long dark hair, floral clips and purple flats. Luisa wears a white blouse, blue skirt and red hair ribbon with brown shoes, and soft felt weights give her a prop kids love to show off. Bruno's look is a green hooded poncho, brown pants, a curly wig, sandals and a cardboard vision tile. Add Dolores in a red-and-yellow ruffled dress and matching headband, or Antonio in a yellow shirt, rust vest, shorts and sneakers. Natural makeup is right here; the embroidery and flowers carry the theme, so put your effort into the skirts.
7. Moana Family Costume
Moana is light enough for children who won't stop moving. Moana herself wears a red patterned crop-style top over a fitted tank, a cream skirt, a flower crown, a long wavy wig and brown sandals; on a cold night, swap in leggings and closed shoes under the skirt. Maui can wear a tan shirt printed or drawn with swirls, a leafy green wrap over brown shorts, a curly wig and sandals. A child becomes Pua in white clothing with pink felt ears, a soft snout headband and gray patches. Someone else wears a red rooster outfit with blue and green feather details for Heihei. Gramma Tala gets a patterned coral dress, gray wig, shell necklace and flats. A light oar and a woven basket are safe props, and the basket doubles as a candy bucket.
8. Peter Pan Family Costume
Peter Pan has enough roles for a family of three, four or five, and the crocodile is the best job in the house for a toddler. Peter wears a green tunic over leggings with a brown belt, a green felt cap, pointed ear pieces and brown ankle boots. Wendy has a pale blue ankle-length dress, a blue ribbon, a curled ponytail and simple flats. Tinker Bell wears a green dress, translucent wings, a blond bun, sparkly makeup and green ballet flats. Captain Hook gets a long red coat, white ruffled shirt, black pants, feathered hat, curled dark wig and buckled shoes; make the hook from a foam cup and a painted cardboard curve. Smee wears a striped shirt, blue shorts, red beanie and sandals. The toddler crocodile goes in a green hooded onesie with a soft tail.
9. Alice In Wonderland Family Costume
Wonderland lets everyone clash on purpose, which makes it forgiving for families who are thrifting. Alice wears a blue dress, white apron, black bow headband, white tights and black flats. The Mad Hatter has a patterned jacket, colorful vest, cropped pants, an oversized top hat, a bright orange wig and lace-up boots. The Queen of Hearts is a red-and-black dress, heart-shaped crown, high collar, red lipstick and black shoes. The White Rabbit wears white pants, a red vest, bunny ears, gloves and loafers, carrying a big cardboard clock. A child makes a great Cheshire Cat in pink-and-purple stripes with ears, a soft tail and striped face makeup. Striped tops are easy to find, but stripe widths rarely match between shops, so I'd buy the cat's top and leggings together.
10. Winnie The Pooh Family Costume
Winnie the Pooh is my pick for a family that trick-or-treats in genuinely cold weather, since every character is built on fleece and sweats. Pooh wears mustard-yellow sweats with a cropped red T-shirt on top, round bear ears, rosy cheeks and yellow sneakers. Piglet has a pink striped outfit, pointed ears, a curled felt tail and pink shoes. Tigger is an orange hoodie and joggers with black felt stripes, plus ears and a long padded tail; pin the tail up for car rides or it bends flat. Eeyore wears gray-blue fleece, drooping ears, a black mane and a detachable tail with a pink bow. Christopher Robin wears a yellow polo, blue shorts, white socks and brown shoes. A painted Hunny pot ties the whole group together and makes a good candy pail.
11. Lilo And Stitch Family Costume
Lilo and Stitch is bright and easy, and it suits families who travel somewhere warm for Halloween. Lilo wears a red dress with large white leaf prints, long dark hair, sandals and a small camera or handmade doll. Stitch is a blue hooded onesie with large felt ears, a pale blue belly panel, blue face makeup and matching sneakers; a child who hates face paint can skip it, since the hood carries the character. Nani wears a coral crop-style top over a fitted tank, denim shorts, long waves and sandals. David has a casual printed shirt, relaxed shorts, a necklace and slip-ons. Add Jumba in a tan utility outfit with rounded purple ear pieces, or Pleakley in a lime-green dress, oversized glasses, head wrap and low heels.
12. The Little Mermaid Family Costume
The Little Mermaid group looks glamorous without anyone stuck in a tail. Ariel wears a purple top and a shimmering green ankle-length skirt, a bright red wig, pearl clips and flat sandals. Prince Eric needs a white shirt, blue pants, a red waist sash, dark hair and black boots. Ursula is a black dress with purple accents, a white wig, shell necklace, lavender eye makeup and comfortable black shoes. A child becomes Flounder in yellow with blue felt stripes and fins, and Sebastian works in a red hoodie and pants with soft claw mittens and red shoes. Claw mittens make it hard to hold a candy bag, so give Sebastian ones that slip off. King Triton wears a pale top, teal wrap, white beard and crown, with a cardboard staff painted gold.
13. Beauty And The Beast Family Costume
Beauty and the Beast is the group where the kids get the funniest parts. Belle wears a golden-yellow dress, half-up brown hair, elbow gloves and gold flats. The Beast needs a royal-blue jacket, white ruffled shirt, black pants, a soft brown ear headband, a styled mane and dress shoes. Gaston wears a fitted red shirt, black pants, yellow collar, brown belt, ponytail and tall boots. Children become Lumiere and Cogsworth in gold or brown clothing with light foam shapes; foam candles on a child's hands should be soft and short so they don't poke a sibling. Mrs. Potts wears a white-and-purple dress with a teapot hat, and Chip wears white with purple trim. Finish with rosy makeup and an artificial rose under a clear plastic cover.
14. Aladdin Family Costume
Aladdin is all jewel tones and loose fabric, which means kids can sit on the floor at a party without a costume crisis. Aladdin wears a purple vest over a cream shirt, loose white pants, a red sash, a small red cap and brown slip-ons. Jasmine gets a turquoise jumpsuit or matching top and pants, gold jewelry, a long bubble ponytail, jeweled headband and flat sandals. The Genie is a royal-blue outfit with gold cuffs, blue face makeup, a dark topknot and curled shoes. Jafar's look is a long black-and-red robe, a tall curved hat, dramatic eyeliner and dark boots. A younger child plays Abu in brown with monkey ears, a vest, tiny cap and sneakers. Paint a plastic lamp gold and it's light enough for anyone to carry.
15. The Lion King Family Costume
The Lion King is warm earth tones and soft animal pieces, and it's an easy group for families with a baby. Simba wears a golden-brown sweatshirt and pants with round ears, a soft tail, tan face makeup and brown sneakers. Nala is lighter beige with matching ears, subtle whiskers and flexible shoes. Mufasa needs a rust-colored faux-fur mane on a hood, brown clothing and sturdy boots; long faux fur sheds, so give it a shake outdoors before anyone puts it on. Timon wears a tan outfit with pointed ears, a thin tail and playful eye makeup. Pumbaa suits a baby in a brown romper with a soft snout hood and tiny felt tusks. Rafiki rounds it out in gray, with a blue-and-red face design, white mane, brown sandals and a light walking stick.
16. 101 Dalmatians Family Costume
Dalmatians is the cheapest group on the list to expand, so it's what I'd pick for a family with lots of cousins. Children wear white sweatshirts and leggings with irregular black felt spots, floppy ears, red collars, soft tails, a black nose and white sneakers. Cut the spots in different sizes; identical circles look like polka dots, not a dog. Cruella wears a fitted black dress, spotted faux-fur coat, red gloves, red heels or flats, green eye shadow and a half-black, half-white wig. Roger needs a brown sweater, collared shirt, neutral pants and loafers, while Anita wears a pale blouse, midi skirt, short brown wig and flats. Extra puppy roles suit babies, cousins and pets. Leashes are for photos only; take them off before you walk.
17. Snow White Family Costume
Snow White is the classic answer for a family with lots of children, because seven dwarfs is a lot of roles. Snow White wears a blue bodice dress with a yellow skirt, a red cape, a short black bob, a red bow and low yellow shoes. The Evil Queen gets a long purple dress, black cape, white collar, gold crown, sculpted brows and black boots. Prince Florian wears a blue tunic, red cape, gray pants, brown belt and tall boots. Each child plays a dwarf in an oversized colored shirt, brown pants, a soft beard, a floppy hat and practical shoes. Yarn beards itch, so I'd attach them to the hat brim rather than looping elastic around the ears. Name patches for Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey help strangers keep up. Add a red apple and a hand mirror.
18. Cinderella Family Costume
Cinderella is the soft, pastel option, and the mice are a gift for small children. Cinderella wears a pale blue ball gown, matching headband, a neat blond updo, elbow gloves and clear-looking flat shoes. Prince Charming has a white formal jacket with gold trim, red pants, dark hair and polished black shoes. The Fairy Godmother wears a light blue hooded robe, a pink bow, comfortable flats and a silver star wand. Children become the mice in gray or brown sweats with round ears, tiny caps, soft tails and sneakers, which is about as comfortable as a costume gets. Lady Tremaine wears a burgundy dress, high gray hair, green jewelry and black heels. A painted cardboard pumpkin carriage sign gives you a photo backdrop without dressing anyone as the pumpkin.
19. Sleeping Beauty Family Costume
Sleeping Beauty mixes royal clothing with the three fairies, who make a nice trio for siblings close in age. Aurora wears a pink gown, gold crown, long blond curls, a delicate necklace and pink flats. Prince Phillip has a gray tunic, black shirt, red cape, fitted pants, a brown belt and tall boots. Maleficent wears a long black-and-purple robe, a sculpted horn headpiece, purple eye makeup and black shoes, kept regal rather than scary if small children are in the group. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather wear red, green and blue caped dresses with pointed hats, small wands and matching flats. A baby can be the owl in a soft brown romper with felt wings and a feathered hood. Light crowns and headpieces matter most here; pointed fairy hats tip over unless you add a thin elastic under the chin.
20. Tangled Family Costume
Tangled is warm purples and greens with one show-off piece: the braid. Rapunzel wears a lavender dress with puffed sleeves, a very long blond braid woven with artificial flowers, soft pink makeup and purple flats. On a child, I'd stop the braid at the knee so it doesn't trail on the sidewalk. Flynn Rider wears a white shirt, teal vest, brown pants, a belt, a cross-body satchel and tall brown boots. Mother Gothel is a deep burgundy gown, black curly wig, defined brows and matching low heels. A child plays Pascal in a bright green hoodie and leggings with felt eyes, a curled tail and green sneakers. Someone else wears a brown horse outfit with a soft mane and ears for Maximus. Carry a paper lantern or a foam frying pan.
21. The Princess And The Frog Family Costume
The Princess and the Frog has a polished, party look, and the frogs are the easiest kids' costumes in the whole post. Tiana wears a pale green petal-shaped gown, a floral tiara, a neat bun, green eye makeup and gold flats. Prince Naveen needs a cream shirt, green vest, brown pants, a patterned scarf and dress shoes. Dr. Facilier stays family-friendly in a purple jacket, striped vest, black pants, tall top hat and polished shoes, with no dark ritual props. Charlotte wears a dramatic pink dress, blond curls, a small crown and pink flats. Children become frogs in green hoodies, leggings, eye headbands and sneakers. Louis wears green with a rounded snout cap and carries a cardboard trumpet. Felt frog eyes on a headband stand up best if you stuff them lightly.
22. Wreck-It Ralph Family Costume
Wreck-It Ralph uses bold, cheap pieces, and Vanellope is a dream role for a kid who likes candy. Ralph wears an orange shirt, red overalls with one loose strap, oversized brown felt hands, messy brown hair and work boots; the felt hands come off easily for eating. Vanellope wears a mint hoodie, brown skirt, striped leggings, a black wig in a high ponytail, candy clips and black sneakers. Fix-It Felix has a blue work shirt and matching cap, jeans, a brown belt, boots and a foam tool. Sergeant Calhoun wears a black utility outfit, short blond wig, structured boots and silver makeup accents, with no toy weapon. King Candy completes it in a red jacket, white pants, bow tie, tiny crown, curled white wig and dress shoes.
23. Inside Out Family Costume
Inside Out is color-coded, so strangers figure out the group as soon as you walk up. Joy wears a yellow dress with blue flowers, a short blue wig, gold face shimmer and blue flats. Sadness has a cream turtleneck, blue pants, round glasses, a blue bob wig, blue face makeup and slip-ons. Anger wears a white shirt, red tie, brown pants, red face makeup and a felt flame headpiece. Disgust is a green dress, purple scarf, green wig, long lashes and matching flats. Fear needs a lavender shirt, checked vest, bow tie, purple face color and black shoes. Add Anxiety in orange stripes with high orange hair if you need another role. Full-face color on kids goes on easier as a light layer patted with a sponge, and a quick patch test on the arm the day before is worth doing.
24. Cars Family Costume
Cars works without putting anyone inside a cardboard box, which is good, because a box costume on a child means they can't see their feet. Everyone starts with a racing jumpsuit or a shirt-and-pants set in their character's colors. Lightning McQueen is red with yellow lightning patches, and Mater mixes rusty brown, turquoise details and a tow-truck emblem. Sally is a sleek light-blue outfit, and Luigi wears bright yellow with black-and-white racing accents. Soft felt headlights, grilles, numbers and wheels go straight onto the clothing. Matching caps, sporty sunglasses, cheek decals and sneakers come next. A baby can wear a red or blue car romper. Small checkered flags and a light Pit Crew sign help in photos.
25. Finding Nemo Family Costume
Finding Nemo brings bright ocean color to an evening event, and orange is easy to spot in a dark street. Nemo and Marlin wear orange sweats with white and black felt stripes, fin-shaped sleeves, hooded eyes and orange sneakers. Dory needs a royal-blue outfit with yellow side panels, a blue wig or fin hood and yellow shoes. Crush wears green with a soft turtle-shell backpack, green face accents and flexible sneakers. A toddler makes a charming Squirt in lighter green with a padded shell and flipper mittens. Darla gets a purple sweatshirt, plaid skirt, pigtails, braces drawn with safe makeup, white socks and Mary Janes. The shell backpack is padding as well as costume, which is useful for little ones who tumble. Bubble wands make a fun photo.
26. Up Family Costume
Up is built from retro clothing, and Russell's badge sash is a great crafting job to give a child the week before. Carl wears a brown suit jacket, white shirt, bow tie, square black glasses, a gray wig and comfortable brown shoes. Russell needs a tan scout shirt and matching shorts, an orange neckerchief, a yellow cap, a sash covered in handmade badges, a backpack and hiking shoes. Ellie wears denim overalls, a patterned blouse, a red hair scarf and flats. A baby or pet plays Dug in golden-brown clothing with floppy ears, a soft tail and a fabric collar. Kevin is a bright blue outfit with purple, green and yellow feather panels, a tall headpiece and sneakers. Tie balloons to an empty light suitcase, and keep balloon strings away from babies.
27. Ratatouille Family Costume
Ratatouille pairs kitchen whites with mouse ears, and the costumes come straight from a uniform shop or thrift rail. Linguini needs a white chef jacket, checked pants, a tall chef hat, a curly auburn wig and non-slip black shoes. Colette wears a fitted white chef coat, dark pants, a short auburn bob, subtle eyeliner and black ankle boots. Remy suits a child in gray sweats with round ears, a pink nose, whisker makeup, a soft tail and gray sneakers. Emile wears a warmer brown with the same mouse pieces and a red scarf. Another adult plays Anton Ego in a dark suit, purple cravat, slicked-back black wig and polished shoes. Tall paper chef hats crush quickly, so stiffen the band with card. Carry wooden spoons, an empty pot and fake vegetables, never real kitchen tools.
28. Zootopia Family Costume
Zootopia is a good fit for families who prefer separates kids can wear again. Judy Hopps wears a blue shirt, navy vest, dark pants, gray bunny ears, a cotton tail, nose makeup and black boots. Nick Wilde needs a green short-sleeve shirt, striped tie, khaki pants, fox ears, an orange tail and brown shoes. Chief Bogo wears a dark blue uniform-style shirt, black pants, a buffalo ear headband and sturdy boots. Bellwether has a mint jacket, small glasses, cream clothing, sheep ears and white sneakers. A child becomes Flash in a pale green collared shirt, patterned tie, brown pants, sloth eye makeup and loafers. Clip-on ties are safer than real ones for small kids. Felt badges and a cardboard skyline sign pull the group together.
29. Big Hero 6 Family Costume
Big Hero 6 mixes streetwear with one big, huggable character, and the tallest family member should usually be Baymax. He's a white padded jumpsuit, a rounded hood, a black eye line, white gloves and white sneakers; padding makes it warm, so it's a cold-night role. Hiro wears a red T-shirt, dark hoodie, cropped pants, a messy black wig and high-tops. Go Go has a yellow jacket, black leggings, a purple-streaked bob, fingerless gloves and sporty sneakers. Honey Lemon wears a bright yellow coat, colorful tights, pink glasses, long honey-blond hair and platform flats. Wasabi needs a green shirt, dark utility vest, headband, pants and boots. Fred joins in a green monster hoodie with soft spikes, orange hair and matching sneakers.
30. DuckTales Family Costume
DuckTales is made for families with several children, because the triplets dress almost identically and only the color changes. Scrooge McDuck wears a royal-blue coat with red trim, white pants, a black top hat, round glasses, orange shoe covers and a white feathered collar. Huey, Dewey and Louie wear matching white tops with red, blue and green caps and hoodies. Webby has a pink-and-purple outfit, a large hair bow, white tights and purple sneakers. Donald joins in a blue sailor shirt, red bow tie, white pants, sailor cap, orange leggings and orange shoes. Daisy wears a lavender dress, pink bow, white tights and matching flats. Shoe covers slip on pavement, so I'd only use them on adults. A little yellow makeup on the lips suggests a beak without any mask.
31. The Muppets Family Costume
The Muppets reward a family that likes texture and a bit of silliness. Kermit wears a green suit or sweatsuit, a pointed felt collar, an eye headband, subtle green face makeup and matching shoes. Miss Piggy needs a glamorous dress, long blond curls, a pig-ear headband, pink nose makeup, gloves, pearls and heels or sparkly flats. Fozzie Bear wears brown fleece, a porkpie hat, polka-dot tie, round ears and brown sneakers. Gonzo has a blue suit, purple jacket, blue hair and a soft curved nose on a headband. Animal is the role for the loudest kid: red-and-orange fuzzy layers, wild yarn hair, a chain-print fabric collar and sneakers. Fuzzy fabric gets hot indoors, so layer it over a T-shirt that can stand alone. Keep all face pieces light and easy to remove.
32. Haunted Mansion Family Costume
The Haunted Mansion group gives you spooky without anything gory, which is what I'd want with young children. Dress everyone in faded formal clothing in dusty green, gray, black and deep purple. One adult wears a Victorian-style suit, top hat, white wig, pale makeup and polished boots. Another wears a long vintage gown, lace gloves, curled gray hair and low heels. Children become mansion attendants in green jackets, striped vests, black pants or skirts, small hats and comfortable shoes. Soft gray contour around the cheeks and eyes gives a ghostly look; gray eyeshadow patted on with a brush is gentler on kids' skin than heavy face paint. Antique-style keys, a few cobweb accents, battery lanterns and a framed cardboard portrait make safe group props.
33. Hocus Pocus Family Costume
Hocus Pocus is dramatic and fun, and Binx is the obvious role for the child who wants to be a cat anyway. Winifred wears a green-and-purple velvet-style dress, a high red wig, dark lipstick, striped tights and buckled boots. Sarah has a purple corset-style top over a cream blouse, a full skirt, a long wavy blond wig, soft pink makeup and ankle boots. Mary wears a rust-and-red dress with a striped apron, a dark curly wig with a purple streak, rosy cheeks and black shoes. Billy is a vintage gray suit, tousled hair and pale makeup, kept neat rather than frightening. Binx wears a black outfit with cat ears, whiskers, a tail and sneakers. Black on a dark street is hard for drivers to see, so add reflective tape to the cat's shoes. Carry light brooms and a closed book.
34. Mary Poppins Family Costume
Mary Poppins uses vintage pieces you'll wear again, which is a nice change from single-use costumes. Mary needs a white high-neck blouse, dark navy midi skirt, fitted jacket, red bow tie, flowered black hat, neat bun, black ankle boots and a closed umbrella. Bert wears a striped jacket, red vest, white pants, straw hat, bow tie and white shoes for the park version. For his chimney-sweep look instead, use a black shirt, dark pants, a neck scarf, a cap and smudged gray makeup. Jane and Michael wear Edwardian-style coats, hats, knee socks and practical boots. A child can be a penguin in a black-and-white hooded outfit with orange shoe covers and a soft beak headband. Keep Mary's umbrella closed in crowds; the tips are at a child's eye level.
35. The Emperor’s New Groove Family Costume
The Emperor's New Groove is the surprise pick, and families who love the film always get a laugh. Kuzco wears a red tunic with gold trim, black pants, a gold sunburst headpiece, a long black wig and sandals. Pacha needs a mustard-yellow poncho, brown pants, a green cap, a dark wig and sturdy shoes. Yzma wears a long purple dress, a feather-style collar, a tall black headpiece, exaggerated purple eye makeup and black flats. Kronk has a blue tunic, purple sash, short brown wig and wrist cuffs, plus sandals and a small felt squirrel. A baby becomes llama Kuzco in a red-brown hooded romper with soft ears and hooves. Tall headpieces need a light card or foam core and a strap under the hair, or they tip over by the first doorstep.
Small Children Out After Dark
Disney colors are bright in photos, but plenty of these characters are black or navy, and those disappear on a dark street. I put strips of reflective tape on shoes, the back of a cape or a candy bag, where it won't spoil the look. A small glow bracelet on each child's wrist helps you count heads in a crowd.
Hems should clear the top of the shoe for anyone under ten, since a long gown on stairs is the classic Halloween fall. Masks that cover the eyes narrow a child's view, so I'd draw the mask with makeup instead. Props should be soft and short. And pack a spare layer for each child in a tote, because a cold child stops caring about the costume fast.
Saving the Pieces for Next Year
Family costumes are worth keeping, since younger siblings grow into the roles. Wash fleece and sweats inside out to protect felt spots, and pull any glued pieces off first if they're starting to lift. Store wigs in a bag with a little tissue inside to hold their shape, and keep headbands and ears in a box so they don't get crushed. A label on each bag with the film and the character saves a lot of hunting next October.
How Big Is Your Disney Cast This Year?
Start with your head count, the weather and how far you'll walk, then look for the film whose cast fits. Comfortable base clothes come first; colors, wigs, makeup and light accessories go on top. A group that reads together matters more than matching every movie detail. Felt patches, thrifted pieces, printed emblems and plain headbands keep the cost down. Let the kids pick their own roles, because a child who chose to be Pua will wear the snout all night. And before you head out, do a full dress run at home, with shoes, headpieces and props, so the itchy or wobbly bits show up in your hallway and not three streets from home.
Related posts:
