A scarecrow is the costume I point people to when they want something homemade that still looks finished. Almost everything comes out of a normal fall closet: a flannel shirt, overalls or jeans, boots and a hat. The real work is in three small things, the patches, the straw and the stitched face, and each one has a right and a wrong way to go on. Below are 35 versions for adults, couples, families, little ones and even dogs, with notes on what I'd actually do with my own needle and what I'd skip.

Raffia That Stays Put Instead of Shedding Everywhere
Loose straw is what makes a scarecrow costume look homemade in the wrong way. Pushed into a cuff on its own, raffia works its way out within an hour and leaves a trail across the car, the couch and the party floor. The fix is to fasten it to something first and attach that, not the straw itself.
- Cut a strip of ribbon or bias tape long enough to wrap the wrist or ankle with a little overlap.
- Lay short bunches of raffia along it, fold each bunch in half over the tape and stitch or hot glue the fold down. Stitching holds better if you'll be outside on a cold night, since hot glue turns brittle in the cold.
- Trim the hanging ends to the length you want. Two or three inches reads as straw without catching on things.
- Sew the finished band inside the cuff with a few loose stitches, or slip it under an elastic band so it comes out for washing.
Natural raffia is softer than paper raffia and less likely to scratch, but it sheds small fibres. Paper raffia holds its shape and comes in more colors. For anyone with sensitive skin, and for every child, yellow yarn or strips of felt give the same look with no itch at all.
1. Classic Scarecrow Costume With Overalls

This is the baseline every other version borrows from: faded denim overalls over a red, orange or brown plaid shirt. I pin the mismatched patches on first and wear the overalls for a minute before committing, because a knee patch that looks right flat often lands on the shin once you bend. Trim the raffia at the cuffs short enough that it peeks out rather than flaps. A floppy straw hat with one patch and a small sunflower, loose braids or tousled waves, an orange nose, rosy cheeks and short black stitches at the mouth finish the face. Brown work boots, a rope belt and a light basket of faux corn or mini pumpkins give your hands something to do.
2. Cute Scarecrow Costume With Tulle Skirt

Tulle is the quickest way to make a scarecrow sweet instead of rustic. Layer orange, mustard and burgundy tulle over bike shorts, then add a fitted plaid shirt or a soft chambray top. Burlap patches on the sleeves and waistband tie it back to the farm. One thing I've learned the hard way: tulle snags on raffia, so keep the straw at the wrists and away from the skirt. A rope belt with faux sunflowers, low pigtails under a mini straw hat headband, peach blush, freckles, an orange triangle nose and fine stitches around the lips do the rest. Striped tights help on a cold night, and lace-up ankle boots plus a little harvest basket keep it easy to walk and sit in.
3. Spooky Burlap Scarecrow Costume

You can get spooky here without anything gory. Loose brown pants, a dark plaid shirt and a distressed burlap vest set the base, with black patches pinned or stitched on and raffia tied loosely at wrists and ankles. If you want a hood, look for a soft breathable burlap-look fabric and cut the eye holes larger than you think you need, since sackcloth hoods narrow your side vision fast. Tan face makeup with uneven black stitches over the cheeks and smoky brown eyes gives the same texture with no hood at all. A weathered wide-brim hat, dark boots, fingerless gloves and a light wooden-look sign with a pumpkin symbol finish it. Keep the straw short so it doesn't tangle around your ankles.
4. Glam Gold Scarecrow Costume

Metallic fabric turns the farm look into something you'd wear to a dressier party. Start with a gold or bronze jumpsuit, or shimmering high-waisted pants with a fitted plaid top. Sequined, velvet and metallic faux leather patches look sharp, but cut them with pinking shears or a little edge glue, because sequin fabric drops sequins the moment you snip it. A structured tan hat with gold leaves gives the outfit a more polished shape. Full waves or a sleek low ponytail, gold eye shadow, defined lashes, bronzer and crisp black stitches from the mouth corners suit it. Gold raffia cuffs stand in for straw, and bronze ankle boots, leaf earrings, a rope belt and a small glitter pumpkin clutch round it off.
5. Sunflower Scarecrow Costume

Sunflowers read as harvest from across the street, which is why I like them as the main accent. Denim overalls over a mustard plaid blouse, with sunflower heads clipped along one strap, at the hip and around the hat brim. Pull the faux flower heads off their stems and sew them on through the center; glued ones pop off the first time you hug someone. Yellow and brown gingham knee patches, relaxed braids tied with raffia, golden eye shadow, flushed cheeks, freckles, an orange nose and fine lip stitches fit the palette. Secure the raffia in the sleeves and cuffs, wear brown cowboy boots or flat lace-ups, and carry a small galvanized-look pail full of sunflowers.
6. Pumpkin Patch Scarecrow Costume

Here two fall symbols share one costume. Olive overalls or brown corduroy pants with an orange plaid shirt make the base, and felt pumpkin patches go on the knees and pockets. Felt is the right choice for shaped patches because it doesn't fray when you cut curves. Raffia sits at the cuffs, and a floppy hat gets faux vines, green leaves and one small foam pumpkin. Loose waves, braided pigtails or a low bun all suit it. Paint the nose orange, curl a few green vines near the temples and add simple black mouth stitches. Brown ankle boots and orange socks tie the colors together, and a light pumpkin bucket doubles as the candy holder on a trick-or-treat route.
7. Vintage Prairie Scarecrow Costume

A long prairie dress gives a gentler, old-fashioned scarecrow. Look for a modest floral dress in faded rust, cream, brown or mustard, ideally with full sleeves and a tiered skirt. Layer a patched apron over it and tie it with a braided rope belt. I tuck short raffia under the cuffs and around the apron pockets rather than the hem, since a long skirt kicks hem straw loose with every step. Two loose braids under a weathered straw bonnet or floppy hat suit the era, and the makeup stays warm and simple: freckles, rosy cheeks, an orange nose and thin stitches around the smile. Lace-up brown boots and a small wicker basket of faux apples, wheat or leaves finish it.
8. Denim Scarecrow Costume

All-denim is the tidiest version and one of the easiest to pull together from your own wardrobe. A light chambray shirt with relaxed jeans or dark denim overalls, broken up by rust, yellow and green plaid patches. Denim is heavy enough to hold a hand-stitched patch without puckering, so this is a good one to practise a quick running stitch on. Add a wide rope belt and small raffia bunches at wrists, ankles and the chest pocket. A straw cowboy hat with a band of matching plaid suits the base. Hair loose or in a low ponytail, bronzed cheeks, freckles, an orange nose and short stitches. Brown western boots, a bandana and a mini hay bundle tied with twine finish it.
9. Flannel Dress Scarecrow Costume

A roomy flannel shirt dress is my favorite shortcut for an adult scarecrow, because the dress already does half the job. Choose a knee-length plaid in autumn colors and wear fitted shorts or leggings under it. Burlap patches near the hem and elbows, a rope belt at the waist and raffia under the sleeve cuffs give the stuffed look. Burlap frays badly, so run a line of clear glue or a zigzag stitch around each patch before it goes on. Loose pigtails or casual waves under a tilted straw hat, orange eye shadow, strong blush, freckles and clean mouth stitches suit it. Knee-high brown socks and flat ankle boots keep you warm and comfortable, and a small basket of faux corn and sunflowers is all the prop it needs.
10. Black Gothic Scarecrow Costume

For a darker take, swap the harvest colors for black, charcoal and deep burgundy. Distressed black overalls go over a dark plaid shirt, with matte burlap patches and short strands of black raffia. Natural raffia can be dyed with ordinary fabric dye, but it often comes out patchy, so I buy it already black when I can. A wide-brim black hat with dried-looking faux leaves gives the dramatic outline. Keep the makeup stylized: charcoal around the eyes, soft contour and black stitches across a muted beige nose and lips. Black combat boots, dark gloves and a small faux crow fixed firmly on one shoulder finish it. Since the whole outfit is dark, sew a strip of reflective tape inside a cuff or the hat brim for walking after dusk.
11. White Ghostly Scarecrow Costume

Cream, ivory and pale gray make a scarecrow look haunting rather than cheerful. White denim overalls or loose cream trousers with a faded plaid blouse are the base, and the patches mix cotton, felt and soft burlap in gray and beige. Pale raffia at the cuffs looks weathered, and a distressed ivory hat keeps the palette light. Messy waves or a loose braid can take a dusting of temporary white hair color, though it rubs onto a pale collar, so put the shirt on first. Pale foundation, taupe eye shadow, gray freckles and thin stitched lines complete the face. Cream lace-up boots, off-white gloves and a small bundle of faux wheat go with it. Keep everything washable, because white shows every leaf and puddle.
12. Pink Pastel Scarecrow Costume

Soft pink makes the scarecrow friendly and a bit unexpected. Pink denim overalls with a lavender, peach or mint plaid shirt make the base. Heart-shaped gingham patches look sweet on the knees and pockets, and I'd cut them from a stiffer cotton so the points stay crisp. Pale raffia goes around the sleeves and ankles, and a blush-pink straw hat takes daisies, ribbon and one small fabric bow. Curled pigtails, bubble braids or relaxed waves, pastel eye shadow, faux freckles, a pink triangle nose and neat stitches around the smile keep it soft. White or tan ankle boots and a mini watering can or flower basket of matching blooms finish it.
13. Rainbow Patchwork Scarecrow Costume

Rainbow patches make this the costume people find first in group photos. Start with neutral denim overalls and a white or pale plaid shirt, then add red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple squares. The mistake I see most is covering every inch; leave plenty of plain denim so each patch actually reads. Matching ribbons around a straw hat and short natural raffia at the cuffs keep it farm-based. Braid colorful yarn into the hair, and carry the rainbow through multicolored eye shadow, painted freckles, a yellow nose and black stitches. Bright sneakers or patched ankle boots are comfortable, and a small fabric crow with colorful felt feathers is a playful prop.
14. Woodland Scarecrow Costume

Earthy textures pull a scarecrow toward a woodland theme. Moss-green overalls or brown cargo pants with a rust plaid shirt and a soft corduroy vest are the base. Felt leaves, acorns, mushrooms and small patches go across the vest and knees. I slip the tan raffia under elastic bands at the wrists and ankles; elastic holds it far better than tying, and you can pull it out later. A brown floppy hat with faux moss and autumn leaves is the main accessory. A loose braid or textured bun, copper eye shadow, freckles, a muted orange nose and a few vine details near the cheeks suit it. Sturdy hiking boots, leaf earrings and a light basket of fabric mushrooms and pinecones finish it.
15. Cornfield Scarecrow Costume

Golden yellow, warm tan and faded green look like a field late in the season. Layer tan overalls over a yellow plaid shirt and add green felt patches shaped like corn leaves. This version carries the most straw, around the shoulders, pockets, wrists and ankles, so keep it all well below the chin; raffia near the face itches within the hour. A floppy straw hat with faux corn husks tied around the crown sets it off. Braided, tousled or tucked-under hair, warm yellow eye makeup, freckles, an orange nose and simple brown stitches work. Scuffed brown boots and a small bundle of faux corn finish it, and for crowded events a soft fabric corn prop is lighter and won't poke anyone.
16. Patchwork Clown Scarecrow Costume

A little clown influence adds bold color without losing the harvest story. Wear loose striped trousers with a plaid shirt and a cropped suspender vest, then mix diamond, square and circle patches in orange, teal, yellow and red. The raffia at the wrists and ankles is what keeps it a scarecrow rather than a clown, so don't skip it. High pigtails, loose curls or a short tousled wig all work. Colorful eye shadow, round blush, an orange nose and big but friendly stitches around the mouth keep it cheerful. Choose a small patched straw hat instead of a clown hat, and finish with bright lace-up boots, striped socks and a fabric sunflower on a bendy stem.
17. Steampunk Scarecrow Costume

Mechanical details and harvest textures make an odd pair that works. Brown trousers, a cream blouse or shirt, a fitted vest and suspenders go under a short distressed coat. Add burlap patches, raffia cuffs, decorative gears and bronze buttons throughout. I sew the gears on through their holes rather than gluing them, because glued metal findings drop off cotton almost straight away. Lightweight goggles sit around the crown of a brown top hat or a structured straw hat. A braided updo, low ponytail or soft curls, bronze eye shadow, defined brows, an orange nose and tiny gear-shaped stitches on the cheeks fit the style. Brown lace-up boots and a painted cardboard spyglass with sanded smooth edges finish it.
18. Garden Scarecrow Costume

A garden scarecrow can carry flowers, vegetables and friendly bugs instead of only fall leaves. Green overalls over a gingham shirt are the base, with fabric carrots, tomatoes, daisies and ladybugs on the pockets and patches. Straw-colored raffia goes at the cuffs, and a flower-covered straw hat sits over braided or wavy hair. Bright makeup suits it: green eye shadow, peach blush, freckles, an orange nose and curved stitches near the smile. Yellow, green or red rain boots fit the theme and keep feet dry on wet grass. A light watering can filled with faux flowers is the obvious prop. This is the one I'd suggest for a daytime festival or a school event where you want comfort and bright colors over spooky.
19. Scarecrow Costume With Crow Companion

This version puts the crow back into scarecrow. Brown corduroy overalls with a mustard-and-black plaid shirt, patched elbows and trimmed raffia cuffs make the base. Fix the faux crow to your shoulder with a wide fabric loop or a few stitches through the shirt; clip-on birds slide forward and end up hanging off your collar by the second hour. A floppy hat with black feathers and one sunflower suits it, with hair slightly messy or in a low braid. Golden-brown makeup, scattered freckles, an orange nose and mouth stitches work, plus small black wing shapes at the outer eyes. Brown work boots, fingerless gloves and a pouch of faux seeds finish it. Check that the bird stays out of your side vision.
20. Matching Scarecrow Couple Costume

Shared fabric is what makes a couple read as a pair, more than identical outfits. One of you can wear denim overalls and a rust plaid shirt, the other a chambray dress with patches cut from that same plaid. When I make these, I buy one piece of plaid and cut both sets of patches from it, which ties the outfits together better than any matching accessory. Coordinated straw hats, raffia cuffs, rope belts and brown boots follow. Hair can stay natural, in waves or braids. Use the same orange nose and stitched smile on both faces, with your own freckles or eye shadow. A sunflower basket for one and a soft bundle of faux corn for the other, plus the same three colors across both outfits, keep you clearly matched in photos.
21. Scarecrow And Crow Couple Costume

Here the farm pairing turns into two contrasting looks. The scarecrow gets the usual patched overalls, plaid shirt, raffia cuffs, straw hat, stitched makeup and brown boots. The crow wears layered black with a feather-textured cape, fitted pants or a knee-length skirt, black boots and a soft beak headband. Feather trim sheds, so I stitch it to the cape in rows rather than gluing it on in one sheet. Slicked-back hair or a short black wig suits the bird, and smoky winged eye makeup beats a full mask for visibility. Matching sunflower pins or yellow pocket details link the two outfits. The scarecrow carries faux corn and the crow a small cloth seed pouch, so the joke lands at a glance.
22. Family Harvest Scarecrow Costume

A family looks cohesive when everyone shares one fabric palette but dresses for their own age. Adults can wear patched overalls, plaid shirts, rope belts, raffia cuffs and supportive boots. Kids do better in soft denim pants, flannel tops and sneakers, with felt patches stitched or taped firmly. Only put straw hats on the people who will actually keep them on; most kids pull theirs off within the first block. Give each person a different harvest accent, a sunflower, a pumpkin, a corn cob or a leaf. Simple braids or pigtails and the same freckles, orange nose and stitched smile on everyone pull the group together. Plush vegetables beat rigid props, and thermal shirts under the flannel help on a cold night.
23. Mommy And Me Scarecrow Costume

Matching overalls and plaid make a mommy-and-me scarecrow that's still easy to move in. The adult wears full-length denim overalls, a fitted flannel shirt, raffia cuffs and brown ankle boots. The child gets soft overalls or a denim dress over a cotton plaid top, with flexible sneakers. Cut both sets of patches from the same scraps and put small sunflowers on both hats. Matching braids, pigtails or loose waves look sweet together. Use skin-safe makeup for freckles, rosy cheeks, orange noses and small stitched smiles, and test it on the child's wrist the day before. The adult carries a wicker-look basket and the child a light pumpkin bucket. Keep the raffia very short on the little one and leave nothing loose around the neck.
24. Best Friend Scarecrow Duo Costume

Two friends can share one color scheme and still look like different people. One wears mustard overalls with a red plaid shirt, the other red overalls with a mustard gingham blouse. Swap fabric scraps so each of you has a patch from the other's outfit; that small trade is what makes the pairing click. Add raffia at the cuffs, your own straw hats and brown lace-up boots, with sunflowers on one hat and fall leaves on the other. Style your hair differently on purpose. Matching freckles and orange noses with your own eye colors keep the faces linked. Complementary harvest baskets or fabric signs with simple fall symbols finish the duo.
25. Rainbow Scarecrow Group Costume

Giving each person one color is the easiest way I know to organize a scarecrow group. Everyone wears denim overalls or jeans with a plaid shirt in their assigned red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple. Patches, hat ribbons, socks and small accessories all follow that color. Natural raffia at every cuff is the one constant that keeps the group reading as scarecrows. Hair is each person's own choice under a straw hat. Use one makeup pattern for all, freckles, a bright nose and a stitched smile, and only change the eye shadow to match each color. Comfortable boots or sneakers, plus fabric flowers or light baskets in matching shades, make the lineup look planned.
26. Rugged Men’s Scarecrow Costume

A rugged scarecrow can come almost entirely from work clothes you already own. Distressed jeans or brown work pants, a thick plaid shirt, suspenders and a canvas vest are the base. Rough-edged patches go at the knees and elbows; canvas and heavy denim are tough to hand-sew, so a strong fabric glue or big safety pins are fine here. Tuck trimmed raffia under the cuffs and collar, and add a weathered straw or canvas hat. Keep hair tousled or use a short brown wig. Smudge brown makeup along the cheekbones, paint a muted orange nose and draw simple stitches beside the mouth. Work boots, fingerless gloves and a soft fabric corn bundle in a pocket finish it. Pick the lighter layers if the party is indoors, since flannel plus canvas gets hot fast.
27. Plus-Size Scarecrow Costume With Patchwork Dress

A patchwork dress gives this plus-size scarecrow shape and movement without fuss. Choose a soft plaid midi dress or an adjustable denim overall dress over a breathable blouse. Place colorful patches around the skirt, pockets and sleeves, but keep them flat; thick layered patches add bulk exactly where you don't want it. A flexible rope belt can define the waist, or leave the dress loose. Short raffia cuffs and a wide-brim straw hat that sits securely finish the farm look. Waves, braids or a low ponytail, warm eye shadow, bright blush, freckles, an orange nose and mouth stitches suit it. Supportive brown ankle boots and anti-chafing shorts underneath matter more than any prop over a long night of parties or trick-or-treating.
28. Maternity Scarecrow Costume With Pumpkin Belly

A bump makes a natural pumpkin, and this version leans into it. Soft maternity overalls go over an orange stretch top. I build the pumpkin on a removable layer, curved strips of green and darker orange felt sewn to an overshirt or a belly panel, never stuck to skin. Plaid patches, short raffia cuffs and a comfortable straw hat with leaves keep the scarecrow side clear. A loose braid or low ponytail and simple makeup, freckles, peach blush, an orange nose and stitched smile lines, are plenty. Supportive flat boots and a light sunflower basket finish it. Skip tight belts, long straw, heavy props and anything that presses across the stomach.
29. Teen Scarecrow Costume With Cropped Flannel

Teens want a scarecrow that feels current, and school events usually want something modest, so this one balances both. An open cropped flannel goes over a fitted tank or long-sleeve top, with high-waisted loose jeans or overalls. Pin or sew colorful patches on the knees and back pockets. Keep raffia to the wrists and hat brim; a teen dancing at a party will shed a full costume of straw onto the floor in minutes. Bubble braids, a high ponytail or soft waves under a small straw hat suit it, along with graphic stitched eyeliner, faux freckles, blush and an orange nose. High-tops or combat boots, layered fall-colored bracelets and a mini canvas tote with felt sunflowers finish it.
30. Kids’ No-Sew Scarecrow Costume

No-sew is the right call when the clothes have to go back into a child's drawer afterward. Soft overalls, jeans or joggers go over a cotton plaid shirt. Attach felt and flannel patches with removable fabric tape, or large safety pins placed where small fingers can't reach the clasp. Slip short raffia bundles under elastic wrist and ankle bands, then rub the inside of the band against your own wrist to check it doesn't scratch. A soft fabric hat, or a light straw hat with a chin strap that releases easily, sits on natural hair or simple braids. Skin-safe makeup for freckles, rosy cheeks, an orange nose and small stitches, closed-toe sneakers and a light pumpkin bucket finish it. Take off anything dangling before playground or classroom time.
31. Toddler Scarecrow Costume With Tutu

Toddlers need soft layers that bend when they sit and climb, and this one does. Pair a brown, orange or yellow tutu with a cotton plaid bodysuit or long-sleeve shirt, with leggings under it for warmth. Oversized felt patches on the shirt are easier for small kids to tolerate than lots of little ones. Use only a few short raffia strands at the waistband, stitched or taped where hands can't pull them. A soft fabric hat with one flat sunflower is lighter and safer than a rigid straw hat. Pigtails for longer hair, natural for shorter. If your toddler likes it, add a few freckles and a tiny orange nose with child-safe face paint. Grippy boots or sneakers and a soft pumpkin treat bag without long straps finish it.
32. Baby Scarecrow Costume With Soft Overalls

With a baby, comfort decides every piece. A cotton plaid bodysuit goes under soft denim-look overalls with printed or firmly sewn patches. I use strips of yellow cotton or felt instead of raffia for babies, since loose straw is scratchy and small bits end up in mouths. A light bonnet made to look like a floppy straw hat, with a flat sunflower, covers the hat idea. Skip wigs, and leave the hair uncovered if the baby fusses. A small orange nose and two freckles are fine only with baby-safe makeup, and you can skip makeup entirely. Soft booties finish it. A plush corn cob or sunflower makes a good photo prop with an adult watching, and it comes out of the car seat and crib.
33. Dog Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Vest

For dogs, I go by one rule: if it changes how the dog walks, it comes off. Start with a soft plaid vest or a bandana-style harness cover that leaves the collar, leash, legs and tail free. Add flat felt patches and short fabric strips that look like straw, kept well away from the mouth, because dogs chew raffia. A soft hat is only for dogs already used to headpieces, and it needs a quick-release strap. Never use face paint, wigs or makeup on a pet. Fabric boot cuffs are only for dogs who already wear booties; otherwise leave the paws bare. A plush sunflower sewn firmly to the vest is enough of a harvest detail. Watch for panting and take the vest off if the dog seems warm.
34. Last-Minute No-Sew Scarecrow Costume

Short on time, this is the scarecrow you can make in an hour from your closet. Jeans or overalls, a plaid shirt and brown boots or comfortable sneakers are the base. Cut patches from old fabric scraps and attach them with safety pins or double-sided fashion tape; the tape grips cotton and denim well but lets go of fleece and stretchy knits, so pin those. A cord or braided scarf works as a belt. Yellow yarn or raffia tucks into the wrists and ankles, a few strands only. Any neutral sun hat, floppy hat or cowboy hat will do. Tousle the hair or make quick pigtails, then draw eyeliner stitches, freckles, blush and an orange eye-shadow nose. A reusable shopping basket of faux leaves makes it look planned.
35. Storybook Scarecrow Costume

The storybook scarecrow inspired by The Wizard of Oz leans on soft green, faded blue, brown and rope details. A green long-sleeve shirt with loose brown pants and a worn-looking blue jacket or vest makes the base. Tie natural cord at the waist and cuffs, and add patches in several muted colors. Tuck short raffia around the collar, sleeves and hat. The pointed or floppy blue-green hat is what people recognize first, so spend your effort there. Tuck your hair under the hat or wear a shaggy straw-blond wig. Paint a warm tan nose, rosy cheeks, expressive brows and tidy mouth stitches. Brown lace-up boots and a rolled paper diploma tied with ribbon make it a fan-made tribute without buying a full costume set.
Pin, Iron or Stitch? Each Patch Method Holds Up Differently
Patches are the other half of a scarecrow, and the right way to attach them depends on what the clothes are made of and whether they need to go back to normal afterward.
- Safety pins are fully reversible and fine on adults, but corners curl up between pins, so use four per patch. On children, pin from inside the garment so the clasp sits against the fabric, not the skin.
- Iron-on adhesive grips cotton and denim well. It struggles on polyester, fleece and stretchy knits, which is why felt shapes peel off a synthetic shirt halfway through the night.
- Fabric tape is quick and peels off cleanly, though it lets go once it gets damp.
- A big running stitch in contrasting embroidery thread is my favorite. It holds through anything, it looks like part of the scarecrow, and it snips out in minutes.
Stitched Smiles and Orange Noses That Last Until Midnight
Nearly every look here uses the same face, and it is simple to do well. Try any product on the inside of your wrist the day before, especially on kids. A soft brown or black eyeliner pencil is easier to control for the stitch lines than liquid liner and smudges more kindly if it moves. Draw one line out from each corner of the mouth, then short crossing marks over it.
For the nose, orange eye shadow pressed on with a fingertip or a cream product both work. Cream gives brighter color but creases and transfers on a warm night, so press a little translucent powder over it to set. Freckles go on last with a brown pencil, dabbed and lightly blotted. At the end of the night an oil-based cleanser or balm lifts all of it without scrubbing, then wash as usual. Keep tissues in a pocket, because a flannel collar will pick up whatever is on your chin.
The Overalls I'd Patch Up First
Thirty-five versions show how far one idea stretches across ages, styles, group sizes and sewing skill. Overalls and flannel are the dependable start; tulle, metallic fabric, flowers, black or rainbow patches take it somewhere more personal. Whichever you make, the parts that decide whether it survives the night are the same: straw that's fastened, not tucked; shoes you can walk in; makeup you've tested; and a prop light enough to carry for hours. Pins and fabric tape cover most of these without a single stitch. For kids, babies and pets, soft materials and clear vision come before any detail. Make the version you'll be glad to still be wearing at the end of the evening.




























