A packaged costume in a bag usually looks like one, and I'd rather build a character from real clothes, a good wig and a couple of honest props. That's how every look below is put together, from witches and vampires through film and cartoon characters, superheroes, fantasy figures, decade looks and a few last-minute closet ideas. For each one I've covered the base garment, hair, makeup, props and shoes, plus the small fixes that keep it comfortable after midnight. Lengthen hems, add sleeves or drop the heel as you like. The character comes from a handful of signature details, and those survive almost any adjustment.
Pulling a Character Out of Your Own Closet
Most of these costumes start with a garment you already own or can find at a thrift shop in one trip. I always shop my own wardrobe before buying anything, and I go about it in a set order.
- Find the one piece the character can't do without. For Velma it's the orange sweater, for Holly the black dress, for Leia the white column. If you can't find that piece in the right colour, pick a different character.
- Check the colour under the light you'll be in. Party lighting and street lamps both shift colour, and a navy that looks black at home can read blue at night.
- Fill the gaps with cheap, specific accessories: the scarf, the headband, the gloves. These are where buying new makes sense, because they're what strangers recognise.
- Leave the wig and makeup for last. Once the clothes are settled, you know what colours the hair and face need to match.
This way you end up with a costume made of real clothes that fit, and most of it goes straight back into your wardrobe on November first.
1. Classic Black Witch Costume
The hat is ninety percent of a witch, so that's where I'd spend money if you spend it anywhere. A cheap felt hat collapses at the tip, and a little stuffing or a cone of card slipped inside keeps it standing. Underneath, a flowing black maxi or a fitted top with a long tiered skirt, a velvet cape, striped tights and buckled ankle boots do the rest. Loose waves or a long black wig with a purple streak, plum shadow, defined liner and berry lipstick. Silver rings, a moon pendant and a small broom finish her, and thermal leggings go under everything if you're outside.
2. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
Glamour is what keeps a vampire from tipping into horror, and texture is how you get it. I put velvet and satin together on purpose: a fitted black midi dress, a lace-sleeve jumpsuit or a high-neck blouse with tailored trousers, under a red-lined black cape, with opaque tights and block-heel boots. Glossy waves or a sleek centre-parted wig. Go light on pale foundation, since a heavy chalky layer cracks around the mouth by the end of the night, and build the drama with burgundy smoky eyes, precise liner and dark red lips. Fangs only if they fit snugly. An ornate hand mirror or a faux red rose, a jewelled choker and vintage rings.
3. Cute Black Cat Costume
Need something quick that still reads in a photo? A black long-sleeve bodysuit, a fitted jumpsuit or a matching sweater and leggings make the cat. Add a tail that clips on and a soft ear headband, then black flats or low ankle boots. Tails sewn to the back seam drag the waistband down, so I'd attach yours to a belt worn under the top instead. A high ponytail or a smooth bun suits the ears. Draw the nose and whiskers with a soft eyeliner pencil, wing the liner and add pink lips. Gloves with claw stitching and a loose ribbon collar with a tiny bell, and a cropped faux-fur jacket if it's cold.
4. Wednesday Addams Costume
Wednesday comes almost entirely from basics. A knee-length black dress with a crisp white collar and cuffs, opaque tights and chunky loafers or lace-up shoes; if your dress has no collar, layer it over a white button-down and pull the collar out. The braids should be tight and smooth with a sharp centre part, and I'd seal the ends with clear elastics rather than coloured ones. Matte skin, softly shaded eyes, strong brows and a muted berry lip, plus a straight face. A vintage hardcover book does more than a bulky cello prop. Add a fitted black cardigan for outdoors, and keep everything black, white and tidy.
5. Morticia Addams Costume
Morticia is all long lines and slow movement. Choose a floor-length black dress with flared sleeves, lace panels or a gentle fishtail hem, close to the body but with room to walk and sit. Fishtail hems hide your feet, so pointed flats or low heels make more sense than anything tall. Straight hair with a centre part or a waist-length black wig, luminous skin, soft contour, smoky grey eyes and a crimson lip. Long red nails, a black statement ring and a rose stem with the bloom snipped off are the details people catch. Practise walking in the dress at home; that unhurried glide sells the character more than any accessory.
6. Pink Cowgirl Costume
Pink cowgirl is pure fun, and the boots and hat carry it. A pink denim vest with matching flared pants, or a pink button-down with a white denim skirt, plus a rhinestone hat, a patterned neck scarf, a decorative belt and white or metallic cowboy boots. Brand-new Western boots rub at the heel, so wear them around the house a couple of evenings first. Big brushed waves or a long blonde wig, rosy blush, pink shimmer shadow, fluttery lashes and gloss. A star purse or a loop of soft rope, silver fringe on the sleeves for movement, and a fitted white thermal top underneath when it's cool.
7. Glinda Pink Witch Costume
Glinda is about volume and sparkle, and both can be had without a rigid hoop. A blush or bubblegum ball gown, a tulle maxi, or a full skirt with a fitted satin top, plus silver flats or low glitter heels. Cut the tall crown from silver cardstock, back it with a second layer so it doesn't bend, and decorate with rhinestone stickers; a foam star on a painted dowel makes the wand. Blonde curls are the signature, natural or from a wig. Pearly shadow, pink blush, highlighter and rose gloss, then crystal earrings and sheer gloves. Soft skirt layers beat hoops for stairs and crowded rooms.
8. Elphaba Green Witch Costume
The green is the hard part of this witch, and gloves are your friend. A long black dress with textured sleeves, a high neck and an uneven or tiered skirt, a black cape or fitted jacket, striped tights and lace-up boots set her up. Black gloves cut the amount of skin you need to paint by half. Use a green face makeup made for skin, patch-test it a day ahead, and blend carefully into the hairline and over the ears. Smoky eyes, strong brows and a muted plum lip give dimension. Long dark hair falls under a tall pointed hat, with a broom or a thick old schoolbook in hand. Pack cleansing wipes and an oil cleanser for later.
9. Daphne Blake Purple Costume
Purple and green are what make Daphne, and the scarf needs to be the right shade of green or the whole thing drifts. A long-sleeve purple dress in a simple A-line, pink tights, purple flats or low boots and a narrow green scarf knotted at the side of the neck. For cold nights a structured purple coat can stand in for the dress. A long red or strawberry-blonde wig with curled ends and a purple headband. Fresh makeup in peach, lavender and coral-pink. A small magnifying glass or retro flashlight, and a compact crossbody bag for your phone that disappears into the outfit.
10. Velma Dinkley Orange Costume
Velma might be the most comfortable character costume ever designed. An oversized orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks and red loafers or low Mary Janes; red shorts over opaque tights work if you want to move freely. Knee socks slide down during the evening, so a dab of roll-on fabric glue at the top or a thin elastic band inside the cuff keeps them up. A dark brown bob with curved ends, natural or a short wig, and thick black frames. Matte skin, groomed brows, a little mascara and a neutral lip. Carry a notebook or magnifying glass, and the sweater means you can skip the coat on most nights.
11. Holly Golightly Black Dress Costume
This is the costume to choose if you want something you'll actually wear again. A sleeveless black dress with a narrow line, long black gloves, layered faux pearls, oversized sunglasses and low pumps or pointed flats. A high French twist holds best with a little texture spray first and a few long U-pins pushed in along the fold; slippery clean hair won't hold the shape. A jewelled comb at the front, defined liner, full lashes, peach blush and soft pink lips. A plain paper coffee cup and a pastry bag, and a cropped black coat for chilly evenings.
12. Marilyn Monroe White Dress Costume
The white halter dress is the whole costume, so fit it well. Look for a pleated halter midi with a full skirt, then nude tights and comfortable white, silver or nude heels. Skip the vent-and-fan pose; a full skirt and a gust of wind outdoors can be more than you planned for, so I'd add fitted shorts and a strip of fashion tape at the neckline. A short platinum curled wig or soft vintage waves, arched brows, black wings, fluttery lashes, a small beauty mark and classic red lips. Crystal studs and a vintage compact, plus a white faux-fur wrap for warmth.
13. Cher Horowitz Plaid Costume
Yellow plaid is what everyone remembers, so I'd hunt for the right pattern before anything else. A yellow plaid blazer with a matching pleated skirt, a white fitted top and knee-high socks, with white Mary Janes, loafers or low block heels. If a matching set won't turn up, a yellow cardigan over a plaid skirt in similar tones gets close. Long straight blonde hair with softly curled ends and small clips near the face. Natural makeup with peach blush, brown liner and glossy pink lips. A fuzzy mini backpack or a flip-phone prop, gold hoops, and a neutral trench on cold nights so the plaid stays visible.
14. Elle Woods Pink Costume
One consistent shade of pink is what makes Elle look polished instead of messy, so I'd buy the blazer first and match everything else to it. A fitted pink blazer with a matching skirt or tailored pants over a pale pink top, with nude or pink pumps, ballet flats or heeled loafers. Pinks from different shops rarely agree under artificial light, so check them together under a lamp before committing. A smooth blonde blowout or a curled wig, rosy blush, defined lashes and pink gloss. A pink notebook, a faux law textbook and a feather pen, a small plush dog in place of a real one, a heart pendant and a structured handbag.
15. Princess Leia White Costume
The hair is what makes Leia, and side buns are easier than they look. Make two high-ish ponytails, twist each into a flat coil around a bun form, and pin with plenty of hairpins pushed toward the centre. Use a character wig if your hair is short. The rest is simple: a long white mock-neck dress with loose sleeves, or a white tunic over straight white pants, and a belt made from elastic trim faced with silver craft foam. White ankle boots keep it clean. Natural makeup, a painted cardboard communicator instead of a blaster, and white thermals underneath for warmth.
16. Wonder Woman Costume
Strong primary colours are what make this hero read, so don't soften them. A red fitted top with a blue pleated skirt or wide-leg shorts, with gold trim in fabric tape, and red knee-high boots or red sneakers. A metallic gold belt, wrist cuffs and a star headband. I'd cut the cuffs from craft foam faced with gold vinyl, because thin metal cuffs dig into the wrist when you bend your hands. Full dark waves, strong brows, bronze shadow, red lips and highlighted skin. A short coil of gold cord, and nude tights, blue leggings or a red cape if you want more coverage.
17. Catwoman Black Jumpsuit Costume
A good black jumpsuit does almost all the work for Catwoman. A long-sleeve utility jumpsuit, a fitted catsuit, or leather-look leggings with a matching zip jacket, plus flat over-the-knee boots or sturdy ankle boots. Leather-look fabric gets hot and doesn't breathe, so a thin cotton layer underneath helps on a crowded night. Cat ears and a soft eye mask that leaves your side vision clear, a low ponytail or a fitted hood, sharp winged liner and sculpted cheeks. Black gloves and a small belt bag, a faux jewel pouch instead of a whip, and reflective piping for walking outdoors after dark.
18. Harley Quinn Red And Blue Costume
Red and blue split down the middle is the signature here, so I'd plan the whole outfit around that line. A satin bomber over a white graphic-style T-shirt, red shorts over fishnet tights, and high-top sneakers or ankle boots. Keep any printed words generic. Two high pigtails with the ends tinted pink and blue in washable colour; spray it outside, holding a sheet of card against your neck. One pink eye and one blue eye, black liner, rosy blush and bright red lips. A choker, studded bracelets, fingerless gloves and a deck of oversized foam playing cards instead of a bat. The sneakers mean you can dance all night.
19. Poison Ivy Green Costume
Ivy can be lush without being revealing, and faux greenery is easier to work with than you'd think. A green velvet dress, a long-sleeve jumpsuit, or a fitted top with a flowing midi skirt, with artificial ivy around the neckline, waist and cuffs. Fashion tape holds for a party, but for a full night I'd use a few hand stitches through the stems. Green tights and dark green ankle boots. Voluminous red waves or a copper wig, emerald and bronze shadow and brick-red lips. A leafy headband, green gloves and a small vine-wrapped bag. Stick to artificial leaves; some real plants irritate skin.
20. Little Red Riding Hood Costume
The red hooded cape is the costume, and its weight decides how it hangs. A cape in mid-weight fabric such as cotton drill or felt falls straight, while thin satin billows and slides off the shoulders. Wear it over a white peasant blouse and a knee-length skirt, or a simple red-and-white dress, with opaque tights and low lace-up boots. A fitted belt defines the waist. Loose curls, braids or a low bun under the hood, rosy cheeks, brown liner and berry stain. A wicker basket covered with gingham, and a shorter cape for indoor parties or a lined one for outside.
21. Snow Queen Costume
Icy blue and silver turn a plain gown into a snow queen with very little sewing. A pale blue maxi, a flowing jumpsuit, or a long tulle skirt with a fitted silver top, plus a sheer glittered cape and silver flats or low heels. Cut the pointed crown from metallic cardstock with clear rhinestones, and glue a strip of felt inside so it sits without slipping. White-blonde hair in a long braid or a structured updo with snowflake clips. Silver-blue shadow, pearly highlighter and cool pink blush. A clear acrylic wand, white gloves and a faux-fur wrap, and cosmetic-grade shimmer only near the face.
22. Woodland Fairy Costume
Picture autumn woods: moss, bark and a few dried leaves. A sage-green dress, a layered brown-and-green skirt, or a corset-style top over a long-sleeve blouse, with textured tights and brown ankle boots. Choose small translucent wings that sit close to the body; big ones knock drinks off tables. Silk leaves and tiny flowers pinned into loose waves or braids, earthy green shadow, peach blush, faux freckles and tinted balm. A small battery lantern or a pouch of artificial acorns, a leaf crown, and every ribbon and hem kept off the floor.
23. Mermaid Costume With Sequin Skirt
A mermaid doesn't need a tail to read; shimmer and colour do it. A fitted lavender, aqua or shell-pink top with a high-waisted sequin maxi that flares at the hem, or wide-leg metallic pants if a narrow skirt feels restrictive. Low iridescent shoes. Long beachy waves with pearl clips along one side, turquoise and lilac shadow, highlighter and glossy pink lips. Shell earrings and a pearl-covered handbag. A translucent shawl suggests fins and adds coverage. Self-adhesive face pearls come loose with sweat, so press each one with a dot of lash glue and keep them well away from the eyes.
24. Greek Goddess White And Gold Costume
A goddess costume lives or dies on whether the drape stays where you put it. A white maxi, a one-shoulder gown or a draped jumpsuit with room for a full stride, a braided gold belt and flat metallic sandals. I safety-pin every draped panel from the inside at the shoulder and the waist before leaving, because loose drapery creeps all evening. A soft braided updo with a gold-leaf headband, bronze shadow, glowing skin and a warm neutral lip. Gold cuffs and drop earrings, an artificial olive branch, and a white long-sleeve bodysuit plus a cream shawl over one shoulder on a cold night.
25. Medusa Green And Gold Costume
Medusa is really a headpiece costume with an elegant dress attached. An emerald maxi or jumpsuit, gold sandals and a metallic waist belt are the base. For the crown, attach small rubber snakes to a wide headband and paint them green and gold; acrylic paint cracks on bendy rubber, so I mix in a little fabric medium or use a flexible craft paint. Build a textured updo around the band, leaving a few loose curls. Green-gold shadow, winged liner, soft contour and a deep rose lip, with light stencilled scales at one temple. Gold arm cuffs, a draped shawl and a small gold hand mirror.
26. Female Pirate Costume
A pirate doesn't need a sword to look adventurous; the layers do the talking. A white ruffled blouse under a fitted brown or burgundy vest, black cropped trousers or a striped midi skirt, a wide sash and knee-high or sturdy lace-up boots. A sash knotted at the hip holds better if you wrap it twice and tuck the knot under the first wrap. Loose waves under a tricorn or a patterned head scarf, bronze shadow, smudged liner and a muted red lip. Gold hoops and coin necklaces, a rolled map or a pouch of plastic coins, and a long burgundy coat for warmth and swagger.
27. Rhinestone Cowgirl Costume
Rhinestones are the point here, so keep the clothes plain enough to let them show. A fringed Western shirt, a fitted denim jumpsuit, or a white blouse with high-waisted jeans, plus a crystal belt, a metallic hat and silver or white Western boots. Glue-on rhinestones pop off denim in the wash, so if you're adding your own, use hot-fix stones pressed on with an iron. Loose curls, a high ponytail or two braids under the hat, silver shimmer, lashes and pink lips, with a few skin-safe gems at the outer eye. A star handbag and a fringed jacket for movement and warmth.
28. Disco Queen Sequin Costume
Want something that moves under party lights? A silver, gold or rainbow sequin jumpsuit with flared legs is the disco queen; a metallic wrap dress with opaque tights is the softer version. Platforms with a stable block heel, or metallic sneakers if you plan to dance all night. Big brushed curls or a voluminous centre-parted wig, sparkling shadow, graphic liner and glossy lips. Oversized hoops and tinted round sunglasses pin the decade. Sequins scratch the inner arm, so try the outfit on and swing your arms for a minute before deciding. A mirrored clutch and a white faux-fur jacket.
29. 1920s Flapper Costume
Fringe and deco accessories are what turn a simple dress into a flapper. A knee-length black, emerald or gold fringe dress with a soft lining, sheer tights and low T-strap heels or embellished flats. Long hair pins up into a faux bob by rolling the ends under and pinning them at the nape; a sleek bob wig is quicker. A jewelled stretch headband across the forehead, long faux pearls, softly smoky eyes and a deep cupid's-bow lip. A beaded clutch or feather fan, long gloves for warmth, and a hem that stops above the ankle. Fringe tangles if you hang it, so store the dress flat.
30. 1980s Aerobics Costume
Neon makes this one obvious from across the room, and every layer stretches. A bright leotard over shiny leggings, a cropped sweatshirt, leg warmers, wristbands and supportive white sneakers; a fitted tank and high-waisted bike shorts give more coverage. Tease your hair into a high side ponytail and hold it with an oversized scrunchie, using a backcombing brush at the roots rather than spraying the whole head stiff. Bold blue or purple shadow, bright pink blush and gloss. A rolled exercise mat or a cardboard music-player prop, and big plastic earrings. It's the best choice on the list for an active party.
31. Retro Roller Skater Costume
Colour blocking carries the roller skater, so pick two or three shades and repeat them across the shirt, socks, hair accessories and makeup. High-waisted shorts, a striped fitted T-shirt, a varsity jacket and tall tube socks are the base. Wear clean sneakers for parties and streets, and save real skates for a proper rink; carry a pair by their tied laces as the prop instead. A visor, sweatbands and a small belt bag. A high ponytail, bouncy curls or pigtails, peach blush, pastel shadow and coral gloss. Tube socks bag at the ankle after a while, so buy them a size snug.
32. Female Astronaut Costume
A white jumpsuit is a clean, comfortable astronaut, and the patches make it believable. Start with a white utility jumpsuit or white cargo pants and a zip jacket, add fabric patches of your own design, white boots or sneakers and a silver utility belt. Iron-on patches peel at the edges on synthetic jumpsuits, so I stitch around them by hand as well. A secure braided ponytail or low bun fits under a lightweight costume helmet, though most people end up carrying it. Silver eyeliner, defined lashes and a neutral lip, a clipboard of fictional mission notes, metallic gloves and reflective tape for walking at night.
33. Female Race Car Driver Costume
Racing stripes and numbered patches do this costume without any branding. Choose a red, black, white or checkered zip-front jumpsuit, sew on a few generic patches with numbers and flags, belt it at the waist and add lace-up boots or sneakers. Jumpsuits are awkward in a bathroom queue, so I'd tie the top half around the waist with a fitted tee underneath for part of the night; it still reads. A high ponytail or smooth braid, long-wear foundation, sharp liner, warm blush and red lips. Carry a painted helmet under your arm, add checkered earrings and driving gloves, and a cropped moto jacket for warmth.
34. French Artist Costume
Short on time? This one comes straight out of most wardrobes. A black-and-white striped top, cropped black trousers, a red neck scarf, black flats or loafers and a black beret, with a paint-splattered smock or apron over the top. Berets slide off unless you tuck the back edge down behind the ears and pin it through. A low bun or a loose bob, winged liner and red lips. A light wooden palette dabbed with dried craft paint and a few clean brushes, or a sketchbook if you want your hands freer. Skip any exaggerated accent; the art supplies tell the story.
35. Glam Skeleton Costume
A glam skeleton gives you a strong Halloween look without any gore. Wear a black long-sleeve jumpsuit, a maxi dress, or a fitted top and leggings, then add white bone shapes in felt, reflective tape or fabric paint; felt bones held on with safety pins come off after the night so the clothes can be worn again. Black boots, white gloves and a slick ponytail or a silver-white wig. Map the skull shapes around the eyes, nose and cheekbones in black-and-white makeup and keep them smooth and graphic. Rhinestones along the brow, glitter liner and metallic lips add the glamour. Test the paint a day early to check it feels fine and washes off.
Where Your Phone and Keys Go When There Are No Pockets
Gowns, catsuits, sequin jumpsuits and draped dresses almost never have pockets, and carrying a bag you keep putting down is how phones get lost at parties. I plan the storage when I plan the costume.
Make the bag part of the character
A crossbody pouch reads as a utility belt on Catwoman or the race driver, a pearl clutch suits the mermaid and the flapper, and a basket is already part of Red Riding Hood. If the prop can hold your phone, you're carrying one thing instead of two.
Hide a pocket
A thigh holster or a pair of fitted shorts with pockets under a full skirt holds a phone and a key without showing. Capes take an inside patch pocket well; sew it near the shoulder seam so the weight doesn't pull the cape sideways.
Pack a small repair kit
Safety pins, a few bobby pins, a strip of fashion tape, blotting papers and a lip colour fit in a coin purse. Those cover a slipping drape, a loose wig, a popped hem and a shiny forehead, which between them are most of what goes wrong on a night out in costume.
A Costume You Can Sit Down In
The costume that wins the night is the one people recognise straight away and you can still dance in at midnight. Classic witches and vampires, film characters, superheroes, decade looks and quick closet builds can all get there with the same approach. Start from the weather, the venue, how far you'll walk and how much time you really have for makeup and hair. Then choose breathable layers, accessories pinned or stitched in place, makeup made for skin and shoes you've already broken in. Adjust the coverage and the shape until it feels like you. None of it has to be expensive to look finished.
Related posts:
