A good costume holds up for the whole night, not just the first photo. I judge one on whether it tells a stranger who you are from across the room and whether you can still sit, eat and dance in it at midnight. That usually takes a clear base outfit, recognisable hair, simple makeup, shoes you can walk in and one or two props that explain the idea. None of it needs gore or an expensive packaged set; closet basics, thrift finds, face paint and cardboard go a long way. Below are 35 ideas, from spooky classics and glamorous characters to puns, couples, groups and family themes.
Headpieces and Wings You Can Wear for Five Hours
Half the costumes below rely on something worn on the head or the back: crowns, antennae, a cloud hat, snake headbands, fairy wings. These are the pieces that end up in a coat pocket by nine o'clock, and nearly always for the same few reasons.
- Plastic headbands pinch behind the ears within an hour. Wrap the ends in a strip of felt or ribbon, or switch to a fabric-covered band.
- Anything tall or heavy needs anchoring at the back of the head, not just the top. Two bobby pins crossed in an X through the band and into your hair hold far better than one.
- Keep the weight low and centred. A crown or cloud that leans forward will keep sliding toward your eyes however tightly it's pinned.
- For wings, run the elastic straps in an X across the chest or hide them under a top layer. Clear elastic disappears in photos.
- Craft foam can be shaped with a hair dryer: warm it, bend it, and hold it until it cools. It keeps the curve and weighs very little.
Wear the headpiece around the house for half an hour before the party. If it gives you a headache at home, it will give you one at the party, only sooner.
1. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
The glam vampire is drama without gore. I build it on a fitted black dress or a tailored black suit, with velvet somewhere for depth, and a long red-lined cape that moves when you walk. Hair goes glossy: soft waves, a sharp side part or slicked back. Pale foundation, smoky eyes, defined brows and deep berry lipstick do the supernatural part. Costume fangs are optional; if you wear them, practise talking in them at home, because most people lisp for the first hour. A vintage-style goblet, a decorative key or a black rose works as the prop, with lace gloves, a jewelled collar and black ankle boots you can stand in.
2. Haunted Doll Costume With Ruffled Dress
A haunted doll turns soft colours eerie. Choose a knee-length ruffled dress in a faded shade, like dusty blue or old pink, over a high-neck blouse if you want coverage or warmth. White tights, Mary Jane shoes and an oversized satin bow come next, with hair in two curled ponytails or a neat wig with blunt bangs. The makeup carries this one: round rosy cheeks, defined lower lashes, a small heart-shaped lip and fine painted crack lines at the mouth and jaw. Cream colours crease by the second hour, so I set the cheeks and lines with translucent powder before adding the last lashes. A small teddy bear or a cardboard wind-up key, lace gloves and a pearl necklace finish the doll.
3. Moonlight Witch Costume With Silver Details
This witch trades all-black for silver, navy and deep purple. Start with a flowing maxi dress or a fitted top over a layered tulle skirt, then add a silver belt hung with cardboard stars and crescent moons. A navy cape and pointed hat keep it clearly a witch. Witch hats blow off outdoors, so I stitch a length of hat elastic inside the brim to run under your hair at the nape. Wear long hair in loose waves or a silver-gray wig, with cool-toned shadow, shimmering highlighter, plum lipstick and tiny painted stars at the temples. A glittering wand or a small book covered in celestial paper and silver boots or metallic flats round it out. It's magical without any occult imagery.
4. Skeleton Costume With Black Suit
A skeleton in a black suit looks far sharper than a printed bodysuit. Wear a black blazer and trousers over a fitted shirt decorated with white felt bone shapes, attached with fabric tape so the shirt can be worn again. Fabric tape lifts where the shirt bends, so I put the ribs on with a few stitches and keep tape for the flatter pieces. Slick your hair back or wear a short white wig, and apply white face paint lightly before adding black shading at the eyes, nose and cheekbones. Clean lines read better than fussy detail from across a room. White gloves with painted finger bones, a black top hat or a costume walking cane, and loafers or white sneakers finish it.
5. Scarecrow Costume With Patchwork Overalls
The scarecrow is all texture and very little effort. Denim overalls go over a plaid flannel shirt, with colourful patches fixed by safety pins, removable tape or loose hand stitches. Tuck raffia or tan felt strips at the cuffs, pockets and hems. Real raffia sheds bits on every floor you cross, so for indoor parties I use felt strips or raffia ribbon instead. Hair can go in messy braids or under a floppy straw hat. Warm orange eye shadow, rosy cheeks, freckles and short stitch lines at the mouth make friendly scarecrow makeup. A fabric crow or a small basket of artificial leaves, striped socks and worn lace-up boots finish it, and it's warm enough for an outdoor evening.
6. Gothic Bride Costume With Black Veil
A gothic bride gets her drama from the dress, so there's no need for distressing. I'd look for a long black lace dress or a dark bridesmaid dress at a thrift store; they turn up often and in many sizes. Add a light black veil on a comb or floral headband, and wear your hair in an undone updo with a few curls framing the face. Smoky gray eyes, softly contoured cheeks and dark red lipstick suit it. Carry a bouquet of black, burgundy and deep purple artificial flowers, with lace gloves, a vintage pendant and a velvet ribbon choker at the neck. Thrifted formal dresses are often long, so check the hem against the shoes you'll wear. For a long night, pick block heels or ankle boots over pumps.
7. Fortune Teller Costume With Velvet Skirt
A fortune teller is about layering rich fabrics and a lot of jewellery. Pair a jewel-toned peasant blouse with a long velvet skirt or flowing palazzo pants, then add a fringed shawl, a decorative sash and stacks of inexpensive bangles. Tie a patterned headscarf over loose curls or a long dark wig. Bronze shadow, winged liner, berry lipstick and small cosmetic gems at the outer corners of the eyes finish the face. Cosmetic gems pop off as your face warms, so press them on with lash glue rather than the backing alone. Carry oversized playing cards, a light toy crystal ball or a pouch of paper fortunes. Keep the character clearly fictional rather than borrowing real cultural or religious dress, and wear embellished flats or low boots.
8. Ghost Costume With Flowing White Layers
A ghost can be stylish without a sheet. Build it from a white maxi dress or loose trousers with a sheer white robe over the top, using fabrics of different lengths so the layers move around your arms and legs. A white or pale-gray wig looks otherworldly, though your own hair dusted with temporary white colour works too. Light foundation, cool gray shadow, pearl highlighter and muted lips finish the face. Carry an old-looking picture frame or a battery-candle lantern, and add white gloves and a delicate veil. Sheer white fabric goes see-through in a camera flash, so I always check the underlayer in a flash photo at home. Wear pale ballet flats or white boots, and keep the hems short enough for a crowded room.
9. Spooky Ringmaster Costume With Striped Jacket
The spooky ringmaster starts with a red-and-black striped jacket. Wear it over a white ruffled shirt with fitted black trousers, shorts and opaque tights, or a knee-length skirt. Gold trim, decorative buttons and fringed shoulder pieces from the craft aisle dress it up; I sew the fringe on with a few stitches because fringe glued at the shoulder lets go when you raise your arms. A mini top hat sits over curls, a polished ponytail or a short black wig. Winged liner, sculpted cheeks, red lipstick and one small star under an eye make the face. Carry a light hoop, tickets or a striped cardboard baton, and wear black riding boots or lace-up ankle boots.
10. Black Cat Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
A sleek jumpsuit makes a black cat feel like a party costume rather than leggings and a tee. Choose a black sequin jumpsuit or a long-sleeve bodysuit with high-waisted trousers. Add a thin stuffed-fabric tail fixed securely at the waistband; I sew it on with a short loop of elastic so it swings instead of tearing out when someone steps on it. A cat-ear headband goes over sleek hair or a high ponytail. Black eyeliner draws the nose, whiskers and lifted cat-eye wings, with a little shimmer on the lids. A yarn-ball purse or a collar with a costume bell, black gloves and supportive ankle boots finish it. It's easy to move in, and coverage is simple to adjust.
11. Werewolf Costume With Faux Fur Jacket
A werewolf can be wild and textured without any prosthetics. Start with a plaid shirt, distressed-looking jeans and a brown or gray faux fur vest, with a cropped faux fur jacket on top if it's cold. Tease your hair into a big shape or wear a shaggy brown wig with pointed ears. Blend brown face paint over the forehead, cheeks and jaw, then add a dark nose and heavy brows. Faux fur cuffs and fingerless gloves tie the top and bottom together. I'd keep every bit of fur away from the eyes and mouth; it tickles, sheds into lip colour and makes your eyes water by the end of the night. A paper full-moon sign or torn-looking map and rugged hiking boots finish him.
12. Mummy Costume With Draped Fabric
Rather than wrapping the whole body tight, build a mummy from layered cream clothes. A beige tunic with loose pants, or a long-sleeve dress, makes the base. Attach strips of gauze, muslin or torn cotton at different angles, leaving the knees and elbows free to bend. Torn cotton frays softly and looks old, which cut edges don't, and a cup of cooled tea dabbed on the strips gives an even aged tone. Wrap a few pieces loosely through your hair or around a neutral headband. Tan and taupe eye shadow give a dusty look without anything graphic. A cardboard tablet with decorative symbols, beige gloves and fabric-covered sneakers finish it. Tack down every trailing end so nothing catches under shoes or in doors.
13. Pumpkin Queen Costume With Orange Gown
The pumpkin queen makes the season's best-known symbol regal. Begin with an orange maxi dress, full skirt or velvet jumpsuit, then add a green belt, leafy shoulder pieces and gold trim. Hair goes in a braided crown or under a long copper wig with a small gold crown on top. Orange and bronze shadow, glowing highlighter and soft green liner keep the makeup colourful without making you look like a carved face. A miniature pumpkin or a leaf-covered scepter made from a dowel and foam, gold gloves, vine jewellery and metallic flats complete her. One flat orange reads like a mascot suit in photos, so I mix textures like velvet, tulle and satin to give it depth.
14. Dark Fairy Costume With Purple Wings
The dark fairy mixes delicate details with deep colour. Wear a black or purple corset-style top over a modest blouse, with a layered tulle skirt or flowing trousers. The wings are the part that causes trouble: keep them sitting between the shoulder blades and no wider than your own shoulders plus a hand's width each side, or you'll knock drinks off every table. A long violet wig, braided hair or a messy updo with artificial flowers goes on top. Plum shadow, sharp liner, berry lipstick and shimmer on the cheekbones make the face. Carry a twisted wand of painted cardboard or craft foam, and add fingerless lace gloves and a vine crown. Ballet flats or ankle boots beat narrow heels for outdoor parties.
15. Mad Scientist Costume With Neon Details
A mad scientist gets plenty of impact from cheap basics. Wear a white lab coat over a bright green shirt, a patterned bow tie and black trousers or a knee-length skirt, and splash the coat with removable neon fabric shapes rather than real stains. Tease your hair upward, use temporary white spray or wear a wild silver wig. Temporary white spray can flake onto dark shoulders, so I let it dry fully and brush off the excess before the coat goes on. Round safety glasses, bright eye shadow, strong brows and a little silver highlight finish the face. Carry clear test tubes of coloured water with the caps sealed tight, plus rubber gloves and an oversized name badge. White sneakers or black loafers keep it school-friendly.
16. Creepy Clown Costume With Polka Dots
A creepy clown can stay on the playful side of creepy. Start with a polka-dot jumpsuit, colourful overalls or wide trousers with a ruffled blouse, and keep the palette to two or three colours, like black, white and red. A curly wig, two high pigtails or a tiny cone hat on a headband goes on top. Paint a round red nose, exaggerated lashes, arched brows and a wide but neat lip. Big painted shapes slide on a warm face, so I build them in thin layers and set each one with powder. Carry bright balloons, oversized cards or a flower that sprays only clean water, with striped socks and chunky lace-up shoes. A ruffled collar and cuffs keep it fine for a mixed-age party.
17. Victorian Ghost Costume With Lace Dress
Old-fashioned clothes give a Victorian ghost detail even with simple makeup. Choose a high-neck lace dress in white, gray or faded lavender, or build the shape from a long skirt and a puff-sleeve blouse. Wear your hair in a loose bun or a pale wig with curls around the face. Matte foundation, gray shadow under the eyes and a dusting of white powder through the hair make you look faded rather than frightening. Use dry shampoo or a dedicated hair powder, not talc, which settles on your shoulders as you move. A framed black-and-white portrait, a folding fan or a battery candle, a cameo brooch, lace gloves and a small veil add to the period feel. Button-style ankle boots with a stable heel go underneath.
18. Disco Alien Costume With Metallic Jumpsuit
Shimmering silver turns a disco outfit into an alien. Choose a metallic jumpsuit, a silver mini dress with opaque tights, or a foil-finish top with flared pants. Add a holographic belt and a headband with soft antennae. Hair goes in a high silver ponytail, rounded space buns or a sleek bob wig. Iridescent shadow, silver liner, highlighter and small cosmetic gems placed evenly across the temples make the face. Metallic and foil fabrics don't breathe at all, so I'd wear a thin cotton layer underneath at a crowded party. Carry a glittery planet bag or a cardboard control panel. Platform sneakers or silver ankle boots suit the retro mood and walk better than very high heels, and reflective cuffs and star earrings catch the light.
19. Pirate Captain Costume With Burgundy Coat
A polished pirate captain starts with a long coat in burgundy or navy. Layer it over a ruffled cream shirt with black trousers, a full midi skirt or fitted leggings, then add a wide belt, a striped sash and a tall costume hat. Loose waves, ribbon-threaded braids or a dark curly wig give pirate hair without copying a particular film character. Smoky brown eyes, defined brows and muted red lipstick suit it. Carry a rolled paper map, a small treasure chest or a pouch of plastic coins, and leave realistic weapons at home, since many public events don't allow them. Long thrifted coats are the best find here; check the lining isn't shredded before you buy. Knee-high or cuffed ankle boots, gold buttons, costume rings and a feather in the hat finish it.
20. Mermaid Costume With Shimmering Skirt
A mermaid can look the part and still let you walk normally. Pair a fitted teal or sea-green top with a shimmering fishtail-shaped skirt that opens below the knees, or swap to wide-leg metallic pants if you'll be on your feet all night. A true fishtail hem stops you climbing stairs, so I make sure the flare starts at or above the knee. Style long waves, a colourful braid or a blue-green wig with pearl clips. Iridescent shadow, glossy lips and scale patterns pressed through a mesh stencil make the face. Carry a shell-shaped purse or a pearl-and-ribbon staff, and add pearl bracelets and a crown of artificial shells, every piece smooth and fixed down. Metallic flats or low boots are safer than hidden heels under a long skirt.
21. Medusa Costume With Green Draped Dress
Medusa looks powerful and is still fine for a family party. Start with a draped green maxi dress or a one-shoulder tunic over matching trousers. Fix lightweight rubber snakes or hand-cut felt snakes to a structured headband rather than into your hair. Rubber snakes are heavier than they look, so I glue them to a wide padded headband and add a comb at each side to stop it sliding forward. Natural curls, a braided updo or a dark-green wig go underneath. Emerald shadow, winged liner, gold highlighter and a subtle scale stencil at the temples finish the face. Carry a round mirrored shield of cardboard and reflective paper, with gold arm cuffs, a braided belt, snake jewellery and gold sandals or metallic flats.
22. Shadow Magician Costume With Tailcoat
The shadow magician pairs formal clothes with stage details. Wear a black tailcoat over a white shirt and fitted vest, with black trousers or a knee-length skirt and opaque tights. Add a deep purple bow tie, satin gloves and a collapsible top hat. Slick your hair back, go for a polished bun or wear a short black wig with one silver streak. Smoky eyes, clean contour and plum lipstick add drama while leaving your expressions readable. Carry oversized cards, coloured scarves or a wand that is obviously a stage prop, plus a stuffed rabbit peeking out of the hat. An all-black outfit disappears in party photos, so I always add purple at the lining or lapel. Polished loafers or block-heel ankle boots go underneath.
23. Ice Queen Costume With Blue Cape
An ice queen relies on cool colour and sparkle. Choose a pale blue gown, a silver jumpsuit or a satin skirt with a crystal-trimmed top, and add a sheer blue cape fixed at the shoulders that ends above the floor. Wear a braided updo, silver waves or a white-blond wig. Icy blue shadow, pearl highlighter, silver liner and pale pink lipstick make the face. The crown is the focal point; clear plastic snowflake ornaments or silver craft foam both work, and I glue them to a wire or foam base rather than straight onto a thin plastic headband, which flexes every time you move and pops the pieces off. Carry a ribbon-covered wand or a crystal-shaped purse. Silver flats, white boots or low block heels, rhinestone gloves and shimmery tights complete her.
24. Poison Garden Costume With Green Vines
The poison garden turns botanical details into something odd and spooky without any graphic touches. Begin with a dark green dress, a black jumpsuit or a fitted top with a flowing skirt. Wind artificial vines loosely around your waist, shoulders and sleeves, fixing them with fabric-safe pins, then add purple flowers and oversized leaves for contrast. Artificial vines have wire stems that poke through fabric, so I wrap the cut ends with floral tape before pinning. Style a textured updo or a deep-green wig threaded with smaller vines, with green shadow, berry lipstick and leaf shapes painted at one temple. A black-painted watering can or a basket of artificial flowers, lace gloves and a leaf crown finish the top. Wear green boots or black flats, and keep greenery away from your soles.
25. Raven Costume With Feathered Cape
A raven gives you a dramatic bird silhouette with little construction. Wear a black dress, a jumpsuit, or a tailored shirt and trousers, then add a feather-trimmed cape or wing-like sleeves made from layered strips of black fabric. Keep real feathers to removable pieces; feather trim sheds steadily, and you'll find it in the car for weeks. Hair goes in a high ponytail, a sleek bob or a blue-black wig. Extend smoky shadow toward the temples and add glossy black liner and deep plum lipstick. A small feathered headpiece suggests a crest without covering your face. A silver key or decorative scroll, black gloves and pointed ankle boots finish it, with blue and purple highlights so the black doesn't look flat.
26. Cereal Killer Pun Costume With Mini Boxes
The cereal killer pun is the kind of costume that gets a laugh at work or school with nothing scary in it. Wear a plain black sweatshirt with comfortable jeans or trousers, then attach clean, empty mini cereal boxes across the front with removable fabric tape or hook-and-loop dots. Empty boxes crush in a crowd, so I stuff each one with tissue paper and tape the flaps shut. Big paper X marks, silly speech bubbles or cartoon 'case closed' labels make the joke read. Hair can be messy or under a casual cap, with simple makeup like playful under-eye lines or bright lipstick. An oversized spoon, a craft cereal-bowl bag, colourful sneakers and patterned socks finish it, and it costs very little.
27. Storm Cloud Costume With Silver Rain
A storm cloud makes a bold weather costume from soft, light materials. Wear a gray sweatshirt with matching pants, a fitted gray dress or a silver jumpsuit. Shape polyester stuffing into a fluffy cloud on a wide hat or headband, keeping it clear of your eyes, and hang short strands of blue ribbon and silver raindrops from the brim. Loose stuffing pulls apart within an hour, so I glue it onto a felt base first and then glue the felt to the hat. A low ponytail or a steel-gray wig goes underneath, with silver shadow, blue liner and painted raindrops on the cheeks. Carry a clear umbrella with removable cloud shapes, and wear silver gloves, reflective shoe covers and gray sneakers or boots. It works indoors and on a trick-or-treat route.
28. Couple Bee And Beekeeper Costume
This couple uses two characters that read well together or apart. The bee wears a black-and-yellow striped top with black trousers or a tulle skirt, sheer wings, an antenna headband, yellow eye makeup and black sneakers. The beekeeper wears beige coveralls or neutral pants with a utility jacket, gloves, boots and a wide-brim hat with soft mesh held away from the face. I sew the mesh to the brim and leave it short at the front so the beekeeper can still eat and drink. Keep the beekeeper's makeup natural, with a clean empty honey jar or a small flower pot to carry, while the bee holds a sunflower or a honeycomb purse. Yellow details on both outfits tie the pair together.
29. Couple Sun And Moon Costume
Sun and moon puts opposite colours into one celestial theme. The sun wears a gold dress, a yellow suit or a shimmering jumpsuit with a ray crown, warm curls, gold shadow, glowing highlighter and orange lipstick. The moon wears navy or silver with a crescent headpiece, cool-toned makeup and a silver or white wig. Each carries a small star-covered clutch or a celestial wand, and matching star pins connect them. Gold shoes go with the sun and silver boots or flats with the moon. Make both headpieces from lightweight craft foam; foam rays over about a hand's length droop by evening, so I back long rays with a strip of thin card or wire.
30. Couple Ghost And Ghost Hunter Costume
Ghost and ghost hunter tells a clear story with nothing frightening in it. The ghost wears a layered white dress, a loose robe or a white suit with a sheer cape, plus pale makeup, silver hair spray, white gloves and light shoes. The hunter wears neutral utility pants, a button-up shirt, a vest and sturdy boots, with handmade badges and a cardboard detector with painted buttons on soft straps. I'd skip anything that looks like real equipment or a weapon. The ghost can carry a small frame or a battery lantern. Gray and silver accents on both outfits make the pairing look planned. Both are easy to move in, so they suit parties, contests and neighbourhood events.
31. Three-Person Traffic Light Costume
A traffic light gives three friends a simple shared idea and each person a full look. Everyone wears one main colour, red, yellow or green, in matching tops and trousers, dresses with tights or jumpsuits. Each outfit gets a black rectangular panel with one large coloured circle in the middle. I cut the panels from black foam board rather than cardboard because foam board stays flat and weighs almost nothing. Coordinate hair with clips, temporary colour or headbands, and add matching liner with a small circle painted on one cheek. Each person carries a light cardboard sign reading 'Stop', 'Wait' or 'Go', with black gloves and black sneakers for everyone. Standing in the right order is what makes the photo work.
32. Group Playing Card Costume
Playing cards fit four friends or a much bigger party. Each person wears black, white or red in a simple dress, suit, jumpsuit or shirt and trousers. Attach an oversized card panel front and back with ribbon shoulder straps; I tie the two panels together at the waist with a short ribbon on each side as well, so they don't swing apart when you turn. Coordinate hair with red bows, black headbands, slick ponytails or small crowns for the face cards. Crisp makeup with red lipstick, graphic black liner and tiny suit symbols on the cheeks suits it. Carry a fan of oversized cardboard cards rather than small pieces. Black loafers, red sneakers or ankle boots tie the group together, and light panels make it possible to sit and dance.
33. Family Garden Costume
A family garden lets each person pick a different role under one cheerful theme. Adults go as gardeners in overalls, plaid shirts, sun hats, gloves and boots. Children can be flowers, ladybugs, butterflies or bumblebees in bright clothes, with soft wings and light headbands. Babies do best in a soft flower or caterpillar outfit with nothing loose. Braids, ponytails or curls take artificial flowers well, and rosy cheeks, colourful shadow and small painted petals beat any face covering. Carry empty watering cans, foam garden signs or baskets of artificial vegetables, with sneakers or flexible boots for everyone. Repeat one shade of green across every costume and the family reads as a set in photos.
34. Family Weather Forecast Costume
A weather forecast gives everyone in the family a different role. One person wears a yellow sun outfit with a ray headband, another a white cloud with soft stuffing on a hat, and the others become a rainbow, a raindrop, a gust of wind or a silver snowflake. Build each on matching shirts, dresses, jumpsuits or comfortable pants, and match hair accessories and makeup to each colour. A cardboard television frame labelled with weather symbols makes a great group prop; whoever holds it becomes the forecaster. Skip long hanging pieces on the kids, which trip them on steps. White sneakers, rain boots or silver flats go underneath, and the bright colours keep everyone visible.
35. Classic Movie Star Costume With Black Gown
The classic movie star ends the list on glamour rather than fright. Choose a floor-length black gown, a satin jumpsuit or a tuxedo with a crisp white shirt, then add elbow-length gloves, sparkling costume jewellery and a faux fur wrap. Style sculpted waves, a sleek updo or a polished short wig. Sculpted waves drop fast in a warm room, so I set them with a firm-hold spray and pin each wave in place while it cools. Defined brows, winged liner, softly contoured cheeks and deep red lipstick finish the face. Carry a small trophy, a vintage clutch or a cardboard clapboard, and keep oversized sunglasses for photos. Low black heels, polished loafers or jewelled flats suit it. Black and white leaves every accessory room to shine at an elegant party.
Fastening a Cape So It Doesn't Pull at Your Throat
The vampire, the witch, the ice queen, the raven and the ghosts all wear capes, and a cape tied only at the neck pulls back on your throat every time it catches on a chair. I move the weight onto the shoulders instead. Sew a snap or a strip of hook-and-loop tape at each shoulder and press it to the top layer of your outfit, or loop a ribbon from the cape over each bra strap or vest seam. Small wrist loops sewn to the inside edges let you lift the cape when you sit, and keep the ends out of the food. Hem it at the ankle or above; a floor-length cape gets stepped on in the first hour.
Makeup That Survives a Warm Room
Party rooms get hot, and pale bases, painted lines and bold lips are the first things to go. Patch-test any face paint or new product on the inside of your wrist a day ahead. Apply cream colours in thin layers and press translucent setting powder over each one with a puff before adding the next. Carry a small kit for repairs: a cotton bud, a little powder and your lipstick. At the end of the night, take it off with an oil-based cleanser before washing your face, rather than scrubbing; heavy paint left on overnight is what usually leaves skin irritated.
Shoes Decide How Long the Night Lasts
Picking from this list gets easier when you look past the main garment. Every costume here is identified by a mix of colour, silhouette, hair, makeup, props and shoes, and the shoes are what most people get wrong. Build on pieces you can walk and sit in, then add only the details that make the character clear. Homemade crowns, cardboard signs, artificial flowers, thrifted jackets and removable fabric decorations can change a simple base completely. Vampire, cereal pun, couple or family theme, keep it polished and easy to read, and leave out anything you'll want to take off by ten o'clock.
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