A good movie costume gets recognised before you've said who you are. That happens because film costume designers build characters out of a few strong signals: one colour palette, one outline, one hairstyle and maybe one object in the hand. When I recreate a screen look, I work out which of those four signals carries the character and spend most of my effort there. The rest can come from your wardrobe or a thrift rail. This list has 35 characters, from Old Hollywood glamour and comedy favourites to fantasy heroes, villains and a few you can put together from your own closet. For each one I've covered the base, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes, plus the detail that most often goes wrong, so you're ready for Halloween, a film night or a themed party.
Thrifting a Film Costume One Piece at a Time
Most of the characters below can be built without buying a packaged costume, and the result usually fits better. The trick is knowing what to look for on a rail, because the exact screen piece almost never turns up.
- Work out the outline first. Holly Golightly is a long column, Sandy is fitted black, Austin Powers is flares and ruffles. Shop for that shape, then worry about details.
- Match the colour to the film, not to your memory. Pull up a still before shopping; Marty's vest and Willy Wonka's coat are both easy to get slightly wrong.
- Check the fabric. Velvet, satin and coated leggings all read on camera, while flat cotton jersey can look like pyjamas next to them.
- Try sizing up on jackets and coats. You can take in a side seam in an evening, but you can't let out a jacket that's tight across the shoulders.
- Leave a day for the hair. A wig that needs trimming, teasing or pinning into buns always takes longer than the clothes.
1. Dorothy Gale Costume
Dorothy Gale is sweet, practical and very forgiving to make. Start with a blue-and-white gingham pinafore over a short-sleeve white blouse, then add white ankle socks and sparkly red flats. Braid the hair into two pigtails tied with pale blue ribbons, keep the makeup fresh with rosy cheeks and soft lashes, and carry a small wicker basket lined with blue fabric with a plush dog inside for Toto. The gingham check size matters more than you'd think. A large check reads as picnic tablecloth, so I look for a small, even blue check. If you glitter your own shoes, seal them with a clear spray or you'll leave a red trail through the house.
2. Holly Golightly Costume
Holly Golightly is classic glamour that needs no construction at all. Choose a sleeveless black maxi or midi dress with a clean fitted shape, then add long black gloves, layered faux pearls, oversized black sunglasses and sparkly studs. Put the hair in a polished high bun with a small jewelled clip or tiny tiara at the front. Makeup is defined brows, black winged liner, full lashes and a soft pink lip, with low black pumps or pointed flats. Carry a takeaway coffee cup and a small paper pastry bag. Opera-length gloves are the piece I check first. Stretch satin ones stay up; cheap cotton ones slide down to the wrist within an hour, so a little toupee tape inside the top edge helps.
3. The Girl White Dress Costume
The Girl's white dress from The Seven Year Itch is one of the most copied vintage looks there is. Build it around a white halter dress with a pleated, flared skirt that falls around the knee, or a sleeveless white fit-and-flare if a halter is uncomfortable. Add nude or white low heels, small studs and a simple vintage bracelet. Short platinum curls or a softly waved blonde bob wig finish the head, with black liner, defined lashes, arched brows and red lipstick. A white clutch is enough of an accessory. The skirt is the whole costume, so I look for real knife pleats that swing when you walk; a gathered skirt just hangs. Stand tall and smile, because the attitude counts here.
4. Sandy Olsson Costume
Sandy's final look from Grease is made entirely of wearable separates. Pair fitted black pants or coated leggings with a black off-the-shoulder top, a cropped black jacket and a wide black belt. Red peep-toe heels give you the famous colour pop, though red flats or block-heel pumps are kinder over a long night. Style the hair into big blonde curls or use a curled shoulder-length wig, with smoky liner, full lashes, defined brows and glossy red lips. Add gold hoops and a retro black clutch, and a camisole under the top for more coverage. Coated leggings are less forgiving than they look in photos. They show every lump at the waistband, which is where that wide belt earns its place.
5. Marty McFly Costume
Marty McFly is built from clothes that are comfortable enough to wear all night. Layer a red quilted puffer vest over a blue denim jacket and a red checked button-down shirt, then add straight-leg jeans and clean white sneakers. Tousle brown hair with a little styling cream and keep it natural. A skateboard is the key prop if the venue allows it; otherwise paint a cardboard one with wheels drawn on. A digital watch adds a period touch. I always tell people to leave every layer visible, since zipping the vest over the denim jacket hides the stack that makes Marty read. Puffer vests also run warm indoors, which is worth knowing for a packed party.
6. Cher Horowitz Costume
Cher Horowitz is bright preppy fashion, and the tailoring is what makes it. Start with a yellow plaid blazer and matching pleated miniskirt over a white cardigan or fitted sweater, then add white knee-high socks and black Mary Janes. Opaque white tights or yellow plaid shorts under the skirt give extra coverage. Style long blonde hair straight with softly turned ends, or use a smooth blonde wig, and keep the makeup fresh with pink blush, mascara and glossy nude-pink lips. A small white shoulder bag and a chunky vintage phone prop finish it, with a fluffy pen if you like. If the plaid suit is thrifted, I take in the blazer at the side seams so it sits close; a boxy blazer turns Cher into a generic schoolgirl.
7. Elle Woods Pink Costume
Elle Woods is for anyone who loves head-to-toe pink. Wear a fitted pink dress, or a pink blazer and matching skirt over a light camisole, with pink block heels, pointed flats or pumps. Give blonde hair a smooth blowout with curled ends, or wear a long golden-blonde wig. Keep makeup bright with defined lashes, rosy blush and glossy pink lips. A structured pink handbag holding a small legal pad and a fluffy toy dog is the prop that tells people who you are, and a heart necklace and pink sunglasses add the rest. The common mistake is mixing five pinks from five shops. I stick to one or two shades of pink repeated throughout, which is what keeps the look polished instead of chaotic.
8. Mia Wallace Costume
Mia Wallace is minimalist, and you probably own most of it already. Wear a crisp oversized white button-down shirt with slim black ankle pants, loose or lightly tucked at the front, and black ballet flats or low block heels. The blunt black bob is the costume, so either style dark hair into a smooth chin-length shape or wear a wig with short bangs. Makeup is pale foundation, softly smudged black liner and deep red lipstick. Carry a small black clutch or a retro diner menu prop. Cheap bob wigs often have bangs that sit too long and puffy. I trim them a little at a time with sharp scissors while the wig is on a head or a balloon, cutting into the ends rather than straight across, until they skim the brows.
9. Wednesday Addams Costume
Wednesday Addams has been in several films, and her black dress is still one of the most dependable costumes around. Choose a long-sleeve black dress with a white pointed collar and white cuffs, knee-length A-line for the traditional look or longer for drama. Add opaque black tights and flat black Mary Janes or lace-ups. Part dark hair down the centre into two smooth braids, or wear a black braided wig. Makeup is pale and matte with light brows, grey shadow under the eyes and a muted berry lip. A small fabric doll that looks a bit headless keeps it playful. If you can't find a dress with a collar, I stitch a detachable white collar and cuffs from cotton poplin; it takes an evening and makes any black dress work.
10. Barbie Pink Gingham Costume
Barbie's pink gingham look is bright and very readable. Start with a pink-and-white gingham fit-and-flare dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt, a coordinating pink belt, white or pink heels and little daisy earrings. Soft glossy waves with the front pulled back from the face suit it. Makeup is glowing skin, pastel pink shadow, curled lashes, rosy cheeks and glossy pink lips, with a structured mini handbag and a daisy pendant. A lightweight tulle petticoat under the skirt makes a real difference. Without one, a cotton gingham skirt collapses flat after an hour of sitting, and the whole doll shape goes with it. Keep the palette clean and candy-coloured.
11. Ken Rollerblading Costume
Ken's neon rollerblading outfit is all about matching brights. Wear a sleeveless multicolour striped vest over a bright pink tank top with matching neon shorts, then add a visor, wristbands, knee pads and fingerless gloves in yellow, pink, green and turquoise. White high-top sneakers are much safer than real skates indoors. A small belt bag is useful and fits the sporty idea. Give blonde hair volume and a swept-back front, or use a short wig, with minimal bronzer and groomed brows. Neon pieces bought from different places rarely match. I lay everything out together in daylight before committing and return whatever looks off, because a slightly wrong yellow makes the outfit look random rather than planned.
12. Cruella De Vil Costume
Cruella de Vil is dramatic without any complicated construction. Start with a fitted black dress, or a black top and tailored pants, and throw a large white faux-fur coat or stole over it. Wear one red glove and one black glove, red heels and an emerald costume ring. The half-black, half-white hair is essential, so use a split-colour wig with plenty of volume. Makeup is pale foundation, sharp brows, grey smoky shadow, red lipstick and a small beauty mark. Carry an empty cigarette holder, or a red clutch for school settings, and a spotted plush dog for a laugh. Faux fur sheds everywhere, so I give it a good shake outdoors and a pass with a lint roller first. Keep the split wig brushed so the two colours don't blend at the parting.
13. Mary Poppins Costume
Mary Poppins is family-friendly and very tidy. Wear a high-neck white blouse with a red bow tie and a long navy skirt, a fitted navy jacket, dark tights and sensible black lace-up ankle boots. Top it with a black boater hat trimmed with small faux daisies and red berries. Put dark hair into a neat low bun with a centre or side part, with rosy cheeks, defined lashes and red lipstick. Carry a structured carpet-style bag and a closed umbrella, and white gloves for the finishing detail. The boater is what I'd spend money on. A floppy straw sun hat never looks right, and you can stiffen a cheap boater with a spray of fabric stiffener and pin it into the bun so it stays level.
14. Willy Wonka Purple Coat Costume
Willy Wonka is a colourful vintage costume with plenty of personality. Wear a long purple velvet-look coat over a patterned vest and white button-down shirt, a large bow tie, tan trousers and brown dress shoes or ankle boots, then a tall brown top hat. Let short curled brown hair peek out from under the hat, and keep makeup natural with rosy cheeks. Carry a decorative cane where permitted, or an oversized golden ticket cut from metallic cardstock, with wrapped sweets in the pocket. Stretch velvet coats are warm and heavy. I'd wear a thin shirt under the vest and keep the coat on a hanger in the car until you arrive, because velvet crushes and shows every seat crease.
15. Beetlejuice Striped Suit Costume
Beetlejuice stays playful as long as the makeup is theatrical rather than gruesome. Wear a black-and-white vertically striped blazer with matching trousers, a plain white shirt, a narrow black tie and black lace-up boots. Tease a white or pale grey wig up and out for the messy hair. Makeup is a pale base, dark shading around the eyes and a few touches of green powder near the hairline; skip wounds and gore. Carry a little handbook-style prop with a made-up cover. Slightly rumple the suit so it looks eccentric. When I tease a synthetic wig this hard, I backcomb in small sections and set it with hairspray, then never brush it out again. That wig becomes the Beetlejuice wig for good.
16. Lydia Deetz Red Dress Costume
Lydia's red wedding look from Beetlejuice is dramatic but still easy to move in. Choose a long red dress with tiered tulle, lace sleeves or gathered ruffles, red tights and red ankle boots or low pumps so the colour runs from head to toe. Style dark hair into a spiky half-up shape with texture spray and a small red veil or tulle headpiece. Makeup is pale skin, smoky plum shadow, smudged liner and a muted red lip, with a small vintage camera. Keep jewellery minimal if the dress is busy. It's very doable from a thrifted prom or bridesmaid dress plus cheap tulle. I add the extra tulle as a separate gathered layer on elastic under the skirt, which is quicker than altering the dress and comes off afterwards.
17. Princess Leia White Costume
Princess Leia's white outfit is clean and comfortable, with a silhouette people know at once. Wear a long white mock-neck dress with wide bell sleeves and a slightly relaxed fit, belted with silver metallic fabric, craft foam or a plain adjustable belt. Add white flat boots to the knee or calf. The side buns are the costume, so style brown hair into them or use a pre-styled wig. Makeup is natural with defined brows, light mascara, peach blush and a rosy lip, and a small silver communicator prop is enough. White fabric shows everything underneath, so choose an opaque one or wear a white slip. I build the buns around foam bun donuts pinned to the head, since bare braids coiled on their own sag by the end of a party.
18. Darth Vader Costume
Darth Vader is all shape, movement and black. Start with a long-sleeve black shirt and straight black pants, then layer a structured black vest or padded chest piece and a floor-length cape. Add black gloves, tall black boots and a helmet with good ventilation and a clear view. A simple light-up chest panel made from craft foam is a nice touch. Leave lightsabers and combat props at home for schools, workplaces and crowded venues. No makeup is needed apart from dark paint around the eyes if any skin shows. Helmets are hot, loud inside and cut off side vision, so I'd only wear it for photos and carry it the rest of the time. Hem the cape so it clears the floor, and move slowly; that walk is half the character.
19. Harry Potter School Costume
Harry Potter's uniform suits adults, teens and children equally well. Wear a white button-down shirt under a grey V-neck sweater, black trousers and a burgundy-and-gold striped tie, with a long black robe and black lace-ups. Tousle dark hair on purpose and draw a small lightning mark above one eyebrow with skin-safe makeup. Round black glasses are the one piece you can't skip. Carry a thick spellbook-style notebook and a small plush owl, or a wand where props are allowed. A burgundy-and-gold scarf can replace the robe on a warm night. Robes catch on car doors and step under your own feet, so I take up the hem until it clears the ankle when you walk.
20. Hermione Granger School Costume
Hermione Granger uses the same school setting but has her own polished details. Pair a white collared shirt with a grey cardigan or V-neck sweater and a pleated charcoal skirt, a burgundy-and-gold tie, black tights and sturdy black loafers, plus the long black robe if the weather allows. The hair should be full and brushed out with a bit of frizz, especially for an early-film look. Keep makeup fresh, with natural brows and a pink lip. Carry two or three light hardcover books tied with a ribbon, a small plush cat and a structured brown satchel. Most people under-do the hair. I brush out plaits that were braided damp the night before; it gives big, believable volume without a wig, and the uniform stays tidy against it.
21. Neo Black Coat Costume
Neo is sleek and built entirely from black basics. Wear a fitted black mock-neck shirt with straight or slim black trousers, a long black coat and polished black ankle boots. Narrow rectangular sunglasses are the signature, but take them off in dim rooms and on stairs. Keep dark hair short and slightly textured, with matte skin and stronger brows. Instead of action props, carry an old mobile phone or a small red-and-blue sweet tin as a quiet reference. The coat matters most. It should be long, swing when you turn and stop above the floor, so I'd pass on anything that's stiff or ends at the knee. A calm, still posture finishes it.
22. Trinity Black Vinyl Costume
Trinity is the other strong monochrome look from the same film, and it's more fitted. Start with a high-neck black top and black faux-leather pants or coated leggings, a long black trench coat and heeled ankle boots with grippy soles. Narrow sunglasses again, off whenever visibility drops. Slick dark hair back into a short cut or use a smooth cropped wig, with matte skin, defined cheekbones, neat brows and neutral lips. A small vintage phone or a black crossbody pouch is the safest prop. Faux leather doesn't breathe, and it gets clammy within an hour in a warm room. Coated stretch leggings give the same shine and let you sit, which is why I'd pick them over stiff PVC trousers.
23. Indiana Jones Adventure Costume
Indiana Jones is durable, neutral-coloured clothing with one great hat. Wear a light beige button-down with rolled sleeves, brown straight-leg pants and a weathered brown leather-look jacket, sturdy brown lace-up boots, a wide brown belt and a dark brown fedora. A canvas satchel worn across the body holds a folded paper map and a small notebook. Keep the interpretation about exploring rather than the dangerous accessories. Light brown makeup along the jaw gives a bit of stubble. The fedora is the piece to get right; a shiny costume fedora with a thin brim reads as gangster rather than archaeologist. I'd look for a felt one with a wider brim and crush it a little by hand so it looks lived-in.
24. Forrest Gump Running Costume
Forrest Gump's running look is comfortable for a casual party or an outdoor event. Wear a pale yellow T-shirt with red athletic shorts trimmed in white, white crew socks, retro running shoes and a plain red cap. Let medium brown hair sit a little long under the cap, and add a full brown beard with a costume piece or skin-safe makeup. Carry an empty chocolate box or a water bottle, and wear sweatbands if you like. Choose breathable fabrics and real supportive shoes. Stick-on beards itch and lift when you talk. For a long night I use a light layer of spirit gum, patch-tested first, and press the beard on in sections from the chin up, which holds far better than the strip that comes in the packet.
25. The Dude Cardigan Costume
The Dude is the costume for anyone who just wants to be comfortable. Wear a loose white V-neck T-shirt with plaid pajama-style pants or patterned lounge trousers, and layer a thick beige-and-brown patterned cardigan over the top. Add dark slip-on sandals with socks, or brown loafers if open shoes won't work for the venue. Style medium-length brown hair a little messy and add a full beard, plus tinted aviator glasses. Carry a reusable coffee tumbler so it works anywhere. The cardigan has to be the star, and that's the one thing I'd hunt for in a thrift store. A thin modern cardigan won't do; you want a chunky, patterned shawl-collar knit in earthy browns.
26. Napoleon Dynamite Costume
Napoleon Dynamite is funny, fast and cheap. Start with a white crew-neck T-shirt with a simple animal drawn on it in dark red fabric marker, then add high-waisted blue jeans, plain black boots, a brown belt and a basic digital watch. The short, tight reddish-brown curls come from a wig or a temporary curling method, and large clear aviator glasses are the giveaway. A few light freckles with a brown pencil are enough makeup. Carry a doodled school notebook or a homemade campaign poster with your own wording. Fabric marker bleeds on jersey if you go slowly. I put a piece of cardboard inside the shirt, draw with quick light strokes and heat-set it with an iron so it survives the wash.
27. Austin Powers Velvet Suit Costume
Austin Powers is loud retro comedy in a velvet suit. Wear a blue velvet-look suit with flared trousers and a fitted jacket, a white ruffled shirt and a white lace neckpiece if the shirt needs more froth. Black heeled boots or dress shoes with a slight platform finish the bottom. Style brown hair shaggy and side-swept, wear bold black rectangular glasses, and draw in sideburns. Carry a small vintage camera or a Union Jack-style clutch, and add a silver costume ring. Keep the jacket fitted through the shoulders, which stops the ruffles and flares from swallowing you. When the shirt isn't frilly enough, I tack a strip of gathered lace down the placket by hand and unpick it afterwards.
28. Ace Ventura Costume
Ace Ventura is bold, comfortable and very tropical. Wear a bright floral short-sleeve shirt open over a white ribbed tank, red-and-black striped trousers, a black belt and sturdy black boots. The hair is a tall swept-back shape held with strong gel, leaving one curl at the front. Keep makeup minimal with sharp brows and plenty of facial expression. A small plush monkey or dog carries the pet-detective idea, and a clearly fictional investigator badge can clip to the belt. Roll the sleeves and keep the collar wide. Striped trousers are the hardest piece to find. If they're nowhere, I make them by sewing strips of red ribbon down a pair of black pull-on trousers, which takes about an hour.
29. Ferris Bueller Costume
Ferris Bueller is laid-back and very 1980s. Wear a plain white crew-neck T-shirt with charcoal pleated trousers, a patterned cream-and-brown sweater vest and a light grey or tan jacket, plus clean white sneakers and a dark belt. Keep brown hair neat with a little tousle and natural volume. Carry a folded city map, a museum leaflet or a retro car-key prop, and tuck sunglasses into the jacket pocket instead of wearing them indoors. The sweater vest is what links the plain pieces, so it's worth the search. A vest with a busy pattern and a slightly loose fit looks right; a slim, plain one makes it read as office wear.
30. Black Panther Costume
Black Panther looks powerful with no props at all. Choose a long-sleeve black bodysuit, or a fitted athletic top with matching black pants, and add silver geometric lines in reflective fabric tape. Then black gloves and light black boots or trainers, with a cat-style mask that lets you see and breathe, or silver accents around the eyes and natural hair neat if you'd rather go unmasked. A silver claw-shaped collar from soft craft foam, every point rounded, finishes the neck. Tape lines crack and peel wherever the body bends, so I break the lines at the knees, elbows and shoulders rather than running them across. Stretch sportswear moves far better than a stiff moulded suit.
31. Wonder Woman Costume
Wonder Woman can be heroic and still comfortable enough to wear all night. Wear a structured red sleeveless top with a gold emblem cut from fabric or foam, a knee-length blue pleated skirt or blue shorts over opaque tights, and red knee-high boots. Add gold wrist cuffs and a gold headband with a small red star, and style long dark hair in big polished waves. Makeup is glowing skin, defined brows, neutral shadow and a red lip. Skip the sword and carry a gold rope-style belt or a light foam shield-shaped bag. Foam cuffs and emblems need smooth edges. I sand cut foam edges lightly and seal them before painting, because raw foam drinks gold paint and looks blotchy.
32. Superman Costume
Superman is a classic that suits adults and kids alike. Begin with a royal blue long-sleeve shirt and matching blue pants or leggings, and fix a red-and-yellow felt shield to the chest. Add a knee-length red cape, a yellow belt and red boot covers over supportive sneakers. Style dark hair neatly with the little curl at the forehead, with even skin and defined brows. For a quick-change version, wear an open white shirt and loosened tie over the blue so the emblem peeks out. A cape that's too long gets stepped on, by you or by others, so I keep it at the back of the knee and attach it with snaps at the shoulders so it pulls away instead of choking you if it catches.
33. Harley Quinn Red And Blue Costume
Harley Quinn's film look can be playful and still easy to recognise without the bat. Wear a red-and-blue satin bomber over a white T-shirt with your own lettering, red-and-blue shorts over fishnets or opaque black tights, and black-and-white high-tops. Put blonde hair into two high pigtails and tint one end pink and the other blue with temporary colour. Makeup is pale foundation, smudged pink and blue shadow, black liner, bright red lips and a small heart drawn under one eye. A red-and-blue mini backpack replaces the usual prop, and a studded bracelet and wide belt add texture. Temporary hair colour rubs off onto satin, so I spray it before getting dressed and let it dry fully before the jacket goes on.
34. Joker Purple Suit Costume
The Joker's purple suit works best theatrical and clean, not graphic. Wear a purple blazer and matching trousers over a green vest and patterned shirt, a coordinating tie, dark socks and brown or black dress shoes. Green hair comes from temporary spray or a wig, brushed back loosely. White face makeup goes on lightly, then dark grey shadow around the eyes and soft red around the lips, with no scars or wounds. Carry a small box of blank calling cards, and add green socks or a pocket square. White face paint looks chalky and cracks if it's too thick. I sponge on a thin layer, let it dry, add a second, then press translucent powder over the lot so it doesn't end up on the shirt collar.
35. Glinda Pink Gown Costume
Glinda from The Wizard of Oz is soft and sparkly, a proper fairytale look. Choose a floor-length pale pink gown with puff sleeves and layers of tulle or organza, with silver or pale pink ballet flats underneath. Make a tall star-shaped crown from silver craft foam and rhinestones, with the points rounded and flexible. Style blonde hair in smooth vintage curls to the shoulders, with luminous skin, pastel pink shadow, rosy blush, curled lashes and glossy pink lips. Carry a star wand where allowed, or a glittery silver handbag, and add a delicate rhinestone necklace. A tall foam crown tips backwards unless it's anchored. I glue it to a plastic headband and add a comb at the back, then pin it into the curls.
Props, Helmets and Sunglasses at a Party
Many of these characters come with an object people expect to see: a wand, a cane, a skateboard, an umbrella, a lightsaber. Lots of venues, schools and workplaces now ask that nothing looks like a weapon, so I plan a version of each costume that reads without the obvious prop.
- Swap hard props for cardboard, foam or paper ones. A golden ticket, a calling card box or a paper map is safer and fits in a pocket.
- Anything you carry has to be held all night. If it's bigger than a handbag, expect to put it down and lose it.
- Dark lenses on Neo, Trinity and Holly are for photos. Take them off on stairs, in the street at night and in dim rooms.
- Masks and helmets narrow your view and get hot quickly. Wear them for the entrance and the photos, then carry them.
Getting Beards, Wigs and White Makeup Through a Long Evening
Joker white, the Beetlejuice pallor and Forrest's beard all rely on makeup or adhesive staying put on a warm, busy evening. Patch-test any paint or skin glue on the inside of the wrist the day before. Apply cream paint in thin layers and press translucent powder over each one, and take a small kit for touch-ups. Remove it at the end with an oil cleanser or the adhesive remover made for the glue, not by scrubbing. Synthetic wigs melt near heat, so keep them away from ovens, candles and hot tools, and pin them over a wig cap so they don't creep backwards.
Which Character Fits the Night You Have Planned?
Every look here depends on more than the main garment. Hair, makeup, shoes and the one prop in your hand all help tell people who you are, and most of it can come from your own wardrobe, a charity shop, some craft foam and a can of temporary hair colour. Before you commit, think about the evening itself: how long you'll be standing, whether there are stairs and coats involved, and what the venue allows you to carry. Then pick the character you'll enjoy being for a few hours. Someone who stands, moves and pulls faces like the character will always look better than someone in a perfect costume who forgets to play the part.
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