Zombies stay a Halloween favorite because they can be spooky, funny, glamorous or plain silly, and they're easy to make your own with thrift-store clothes, washable makeup, teased hair and one simple prop. When I plan one, I start with who the person was before they turned. A teacher, bride, athlete, chef or disco dancer gives you a theme people get at a glance. Faded fabric, uneven hems, faux dust, pale face paint and shaded eyes keep it playful and fine in public, with no graphic details. Comfortable shoes and light accessories matter more than people expect at a party, a school event or on a long trick-or-treat route. Below are thirty-five characters, from quick closet fixes to a full group theme.

A Pale Base and Crack Lines You Can Do at Home
Almost every zombie in this list shares one face: a pale base, shadowed eyes and a few fine crack lines. None of it needs special-effects skill. I do it with water-activated face paint or a cream foundation a few shades lighter than your skin, plus an ordinary eyeshadow palette and a fine brush.
- Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist the day before, especially for children or sensitive skin.
- Start on clean, moisturized skin. Sponge the pale base on thin; two light layers crack and flake far less than one thick one.
- Press gray or lavender shadow into the eye sockets, under the cheekbones and at the temples, then blend the edges out with a clean brush.
- Draw the cracks with a fine brush and dark gray or brown, branching them like dry mud, and keep them few. Three or four read better than a whole face of them.
- Set everything with translucent powder, and add a setting spray if the room will be warm.
Cream bases transfer onto collars, veils and white shirts, so I powder the jaw and neck twice and stop the color a little short of the collar line. To take it off, massage in an oil or balm cleanser, wipe, then wash with your usual cleanser; water-activated paint usually lifts with soap and water alone. Keep paint off the lips and away from the inner eye, and let children decide how much goes on, because a child who hates the feel of it will rub it off within minutes anyway.
1. Classic DIY Zombie Costume

The classic starts with ordinary clothes that look aged and forgotten: an oversized gray T-shirt, faded jeans and comfortable lace-up boots or sneakers. Roughen the hems, add a few uneven patches, and brush washable gray or brown color over the clothes for dust. I sand the shirt at the shoulders and neckline first, because that's where fabric fades on its own. Tease the hair or add temporary white and gray streaks. A pale base, soft charcoal around the eyes and a few subtle cracked lines along the cheeks handle the face. An old newspaper or a light cardboard sign is enough of a prop, and a slouch and slow shuffle do the rest for almost no money.
2. Last-Minute Zombie Costume

No time is no excuse for a muddled costume. Wear a white button-down over black jeans or leggings, with the collar crooked and one side half untucked. Add a loose striped tie, mismatched socks and old sneakers. Dark neutral eyeshadow or washable fabric chalk dusted over the clothes ages them in a minute. Dry shampoo makes hair look days unwashed, and a few pins at odd angles help. Pale powder, gray under the cheekbones and smudged black liner do the face. I'd add a coffee cup marked “Monday Again” or a crumpled folder, because the joke is what makes a five-minute costume work.
3. Zombie Bride Costume

Bridal details turn eerie in the best way here. Begin with a thrifted white maxi or lace dress, or a long white skirt with a fitted ivory top. Gray tulle around the waist adds age, and I distress the hem just enough to look weathered rather than wrecked. White flats, low block heels or lace-up boots keep you comfortable. A loose bun with face-framing strands holds a short veil on a decorative comb; slide the comb in against the direction of the hair so its teeth grip. Pale makeup, smoky gray eyes, muted lips and delicate painted cracks give the undead effect. Carry white and gray artificial flowers tied with ribbon, and finish with pearl earrings and lace gloves.
4. Zombie Groom Costume

A crooked suit and a wilted boutonniere tell you who he is straight away. Choose a charcoal suit, a thrifted tuxedo or a mismatched blazer and trousers, with a wrinkled white shirt and a loosened bow tie. Black boots or dress shoes with cushioned insoles will save his feet. Brush gray fabric chalk across the knees, elbows and jacket edges. I comb the hair neatly on one side and tousle the other, which looks deliberate rather than just messy. Pale foundation, charcoal at the temples and eyes and a muted gray lip handle the face. Pin an artificial flower to the lapel and carry a folded wedding program; a vintage pocket watch or ring box adds character without bulk.
5. Zombie Prom Queen Costume

Sparkle and spooky sit well together on a prom queen. Wear a secondhand sequined dress, tulle party dress or satin midi in a pastel or silver. Add a distressed sash reading “Prom Queen” and a light plastic tiara tipped to one side. Sequins shed when you cut into them, so I distress the sash and any tulle, never the sequined fabric itself. Block heels, ballet flats or glittery sneakers keep it party-friendly. A messy updo with loose curls and temporary gray streaks, pale makeup, purple-gray eyes, faded blush and porcelain-style cracks build the face. Carry a small bouquet or a metallic clutch wrapped in faux cobweb, and add rhinestone earrings and long gloves for a theatrical but non-graphic finish.
6. Zombie Cheerleader Costume

Cheerleaders bring school-spirit energy to the undead. Start with a pleated athletic skirt, a varsity-style top and fitted shorts underneath so you can move. Faded team colors like burgundy and cream, or navy and gray, look aged without any effort. Wear knee-high socks and supportive white sneakers. Tie uneven high pigtails with frayed ribbons and add temporary silver streaks. Pale makeup, softly shaded eyes and a few thin cracks near the forehead are enough. I make the pom-poms from muted paper or fabric strips, since bright plastic ones look too new. A handmade pennant reading “Go Undead!” delivers the joke and keeps it cheerful for a public event.
7. Zombie Football Player Costume

This one pairs an athletic uniform with dusty, end-of-season details. Wear an old jersey over a long-sleeve compression shirt, with padded football pants or plain joggers, tall socks and sturdy athletic shoes. Costume shoulder pads are fine if they're light; real pads make doorways and car seats a struggle. Leave actual sports gear at home and carry a foam pennant or wear a cardboard scoreboard sign. Tousle the hair, or add a soft headband with a helmet-style stripe. Pale skin with gray along the jaw and under the eyes, smudged eye black and washable faux dirt on the uniform finish it. A team name like “The Walkers” is the detail I'd never skip.
8. Zombie Baseball Player Costume

Baseball gives you a nostalgic zombie. Build it from a pinstriped jersey, cropped athletic pants, tall socks and cleat-style sneakers, with a soft cap carrying a handmade team logo, worn a little crooked over messy hair. Washable gray and brown pigment on the knees and elbows suggests a long game on a dusty field. For makeup, use pale foundation, hollow-looking shadow, faded lips and small crack lines. A foam ball, a scorecard or a light pennant beats a hard bat, which is exactly the kind of prop that gets turned away at the door. My favorite touch is a cardboard player card with a silly stat like “Runs: Very Slow.”
9. Zombie Ballerina Costume

Delicate layers and ghostly colors make a graceful zombie. Wear a gray, dusty pink or ivory leotard with an attached tulle skirt, or a fitted top with a knee-length tutu, plus opaque tights and ballet flats. Wrap the ribbons snugly around the ankle and tuck the ends in, so they can't come loose and trip you. Pull the hair into a loose bun dotted with faded fabric flowers. A pale base, smoky lavender eyes, cool blush and fine porcelain cracks keep the face soft. Carry a small music box, a ribbon wand or a theater program. I trim the outer tulle layers unevenly and crumple them a little, but leave the base garment intact so it can be worn again.
10. Zombie Nurse Costume

A retro nurse can be spooky and still tasteful. Start with a white or pale blue collared dress over opaque tights or leggings, then add a cropped cardigan, a handmade nurse cap and supportive white sneakers. Gray fabric chalk at the pockets, cuffs and hem weathers it. A loose low bun with flyaways sits well under the cap; I pin the cap through the bun itself with two crossed bobby pins, or it drifts off by the second hour. Pale makeup, cool shadow around the eyes, muted lips and a few subtle cracks at the temples are plenty. Fill a first-aid style box with wrapped candy, and pin on a “Night Shift” badge. Keep medical symbols generic and the props gentle.
11. Zombie Doctor Costume

The zombie doctor is easy because the workwear is easy: a white lab coat over navy scrubs, with cushioned sneakers or slip-resistant clogs. Wrinkle the coat and shade its seams with washable gray chalk. Pens, a notepad and a plastic name badge go in the pockets. Slick the front of the hair back and tousle the crown, like the end of a very long shift. Pale foundation, dark gray under the eyes, gentle cheek contour and fine crack lines finish the face. A clipboard labeled “Undead Checkup” or a toy stethoscope is the main accessory. I find the scrubs and coat carry this one so well that the makeup can stay simple and subtle.
12. Zombie Teacher Costume

After a long school day, every teacher already feels like this. Wear a patterned cardigan over a button-down, with ankle-length trousers or a modest pleated skirt, and loafers or supportive flats. Pencils in a messy bun are a great touch, but use blunt ones or keep the points covered if you'll be around children. Pale powder, smudged gray shadow and thin crack details on the cheeks are enough. Carry a grade book, light folders or a miniature chalkboard reading “Class Never Ends,” and add a lanyard, reading glasses and an apple pin. I keep the distressing light at the cuffs and elbows, which matters if you're actually wearing it to work at a school celebration.
13. Zombie Office Worker Costume

Workplace basics make a witty undead employee. Pair a wrinkled button-down with tailored pants, a pencil skirt or loose slacks, then add a crooked tie, a mismatched blazer and practical loafers or low block heels. Chalk gray smudges at the cuffs and knees, and tuck one side of the shirt in unevenly. Overworked hair can be a lopsided bun, rumpled waves or a half-loosened comb-over. Pale makeup, shaded eyes and muted gray lips give the undead finish. Carry a folder marked “Urgent,” a coffee cup or an oversized cardboard badge. I'd make the name tag read “Still in a Meeting,” which gets a laugh at any office party.
14. Zombie Chef Costume

A zombie chef is funny and simple to put together. Wear a white chef jacket or double-breasted shirt with checked trousers and slip-resistant black shoes. Tie on a gray apron dusted with washable brown and charcoal. A soft chef hat goes on at an angle over messy hair dusted with dry shampoo or a little cornstarch for flour; both brush out, though cornstarch can leave a film on dark hair, so I test a strand first. Pale skin, cool gray shadows under the eyes and cheeks and a few fine cracks do the face. Carry a light mixing bowl, a big wooden spoon or a recipe card reading “Recipe for Disaster,” never real knives. A striped neckerchief and an oven mitt finish the kitchen story.
15. Zombie Farmer Costume

Earthy layers make the farmer easy to build from thrift basics. Wear faded denim overalls over a plaid flannel, with one sleeve rolled higher than the other. Add work boots, gardening gloves and a floppy straw hat. Brush washable gray and brown pigment onto the knees, pockets and cuffs for field dust. Loose, tousled hair or messy braids under the hat both suit it. Pale skin, soft charcoal eyes, hollow cheek shading and subtle cracks build the face. A light basket of artificial vegetables, or a cardboard sign reading “Freshly Unearthed Produce,” makes the joke. I'd wear this one to an outdoor event, since overalls and boots handle damp grass and a cold evening well.
16. Zombie Cowboy Costume

Western clothes give the zombie cowboy a strong shape with no complicated pieces. Begin with bootcut jeans, a pearl-snap shirt and a faux suede vest, then add cowboy boots, a weathered belt and a wide-brim hat. If the hat is wool felt, I bend the brim after holding it in kettle steam for a few seconds, which looks more naturally battered than crushing it. Keep props to a coiled rope, a bandana or a deck of blank cards, nothing weapon-shaped. Tousle the hair under the hat and add silver streaks at the temples. Pale makeup, gray eye shading, dust-colored contour and thin cracks set the undead effect, with washable dirt on the hems and elbows. A cardboard badge reading “Ghost Town Patrol” finishes it.
17. Zombie Pirate Costume

A weathered seafarer makes an adventurous zombie. Wear a loose white blouse or ruffled shirt with cropped black trousers or striped leggings, plus a burgundy vest, wide belt and comfortable buckle boots. Wrap a faded scarf around messy waves or braids, and add a light tricorn-style hat if you like. Pale makeup with blue-gray shading, smudged liner and delicate cracks suits a drowned sailor. Carry an aged treasure map, a fabric coin pouch or a foam telescope instead of a sword. I fray the shirt cuffs and brush gray chalk over everything for a salt-worn look, and a quick soak in cold tea followed by a good crumple ages the paper map convincingly. Mismatched earrings and a compass add the last detail.
18. Zombie Princess Costume

Fairytale sparkle meets Halloween in the princess. Pick a full-length pastel gown, a tulle party dress or a satin top with a maxi skirt, and add comfortable glitter flats and a light cape that ends above the ankle. Long capes get stepped on, so I keep the hem at least a hand's width off the floor. Loose curls or an undone braided updo hold a tilted silver crown. Pale makeup, lavender-gray shadow, faded pink lips and fine porcelain cracks across one cheek keep it pretty. Carry a small artificial bouquet or a satin-covered storybook. Distress only the outer tulle and ribbon so the dress stays secure. Rhinestone earrings, long gloves and a “Royal Undead” sash keep it enchanting rather than frightening.
19. Zombie Fairy Costume

Airy textures make the fairy easy to wear. Pair a sage, lavender or dusty blue dress with layered chiffon panels and opaque tights, plus ankle boots or lace-up flats that can handle walking. Attach light translucent wings securely to the back and check they clear a doorway before you leave; I sew on elastic shoulder loops rather than trusting the flimsy straps wings usually come with. Wear loose waves, messy braids or a twisted crown with muted fabric flowers. Pearly pale makeup, cool gray shadow, a little shimmer and tiny cracks at the temples keep it soft. Carry a short ribbon wand or a battery-powered mini lantern. Uneven chiffon edges and faded flowers age it without anything dark.
20. Zombie Student Costume

The zombie student suits teens, college parties and school-friendly events. Build it from a plaid skirt or chinos, a collared shirt, a sweater vest and comfortable sneakers, with knee socks, a loosened striped tie and a backpack slung off-center. Mess up whatever hairstyle you have and add temporary gray streaks with washable hair color. Keep the makeup light: pale powder, soft charcoal shadow, faded lips and a few small cracks. Fill the backpack with light notebooks, and carry a report card marked “Needs More Brains.” I wrinkle the shirt by balling it up damp and letting it dry that way, which looks more natural than creasing it by hand. Chalky smudges keep the uniform weathered but neat enough for school.
21. Zombie Rock Star Costume

Stagewear gives the rock star a bold entrance. Combine black faux leather pants or distressed jeans with a metallic top, fitted jacket and chunky platform boots, then add fingerless gloves, layered costume jewelry and a light cardboard microphone. Tease the hair high, shape a messy faux hawk, or wear a long silver-streaked wig. A pale base, smoky black and purple eyes, sharp contour and a few metallic cracks at one temple make the face. Scuff the jacket with removable gray chalk instead of damaging it. A handmade backstage pass and a small crossbody bag keep your hands free. It adapts to any gender, and I'd test the platforms on the stairs at home before a night out in them.
22. Zombie Disco Dancer Costume

Shimmering fabric gives the disco zombie movement and personality. Wear metallic flared pants with a fitted mock-neck top, or a sparkling jumpsuit with a defined waist. Platform shoes need stable, wide soles; I'd skip any pair that wobbles when you stand on one foot. Add oversized sunglasses and a sequined headband. A fluffy blowout or big curls with temporary silver streaks suit the decade. Pale foundation, smoky gray eyes, muted glossy lips and a few cracks touched with cosmetic shimmer build the face. Carry a foam record or a mirrored cardboard clutch. Weather the hems gently with charcoal chalk so the outfit still catches the light, and finish with hoops and a wide belt for a full 1970s zombie.
23. Zombie 1980s Workout Costume

Bright athletic layers make the 1980s workout zombie funny and comfortable. Wear a neon leotard or tank over leggings, then add leg warmers, a wide elastic belt and supportive high-tops. A cropped sweatshirt slipped off one shoulder is the detail that dates it. Pull the hair into a high side ponytail with a scrunchie and leave messy strands loose. Pale makeup, purple-gray around the eyes, faded bright lipstick and subtle cracks do the face. Carry a foam dumbbell or a cardboard aerobics cassette. Neon fabric shows chalk strongly, so I use less gray on the knees and sleeves than I would on dull clothing and blend it with a dry brush. Wristbands and big costume earrings finish it.
24. Zombie Diner Server Costume

A diner server brings retro charm to the undead. Choose a pastel collared dress, or a short-sleeve blouse tucked into an A-line skirt. Layer a white apron with a handmade name patch, and wear ankle socks with cushioned nonslip shoes. A high ponytail or soft curled bob holds a small paper serving cap. Keep the makeup vintage but eerie with pale foundation, winged gray liner, cool blush and muted red lips. Carry a light plastic tray of empty paper cups or artificial desserts; I fix them down with double-sided tape or a few dots of removable putty so nothing slides off when you turn. Weather the apron with charcoal smudges and wrinkle the skirt slightly. A cardboard order pad labeled “Table 13” finishes it.
25. Victorian Zombie Costume

Rich fabrics and old shapes make a Victorian zombie look detailed even with simple makeup. Wear a high-neck blouse with a long dark skirt, or a buttoned vest with straight trousers and a frock-style coat. Add lace-up ankle boots, cameo jewelry and fitted gloves. Long hair suits a loose low bun or a softly curled gray wig; short hair can be combed back with temporary silver color. Pale makeup, shadowed eyes, cool contour and fine cracks around the forehead keep it restrained. Carry a closed decorative book, a lace fan or a vintage-style portrait frame. I fray the lace with a pin rather than scissors, picking at a few threads, so it looks decayed but doesn't fall apart over the evening.
26. Glam Zombie Costume

Undead makeup works with a polished party outfit too. Begin with a silver, black or emerald sequined jumpsuit, a midi dress, or a top with wide-leg pants. Pick block heels, platform boots or jeweled flats according to how much standing the event involves. Brushed-out waves, a high ponytail or a sleek style broken up with temporary gray streaks all suit it. Pair a pale base with smoky jewel-toned eyes, luminous highlights, muted lipstick and delicate metallic cracks. Carry a rhinestone clutch, and keep statement earrings light. Rather than distressing good party clothes, I add a torn tulle shoulder drape or uneven mesh gloves. It's dramatic, plus-size-friendly and easy to adjust for comfort.
27. Cute Pink Zombie Costume

Pastels make a softer alternative to the usual gray. Wear a pink sweater with a layered tulle skirt, or a blush babydoll dress over opaque tights, with white combat boots or Mary Jane flats. Messy pigtails, loose curls or a pink-and-silver wig with small bow clips suit it. A pale base with dusty rose shadow, gray contour, little heart details on the cheeks and fine cracks keeps it cute. Carry a small plush or a pink sign reading “Sweet but Sleepy.” Gray the hems and cuffs lightly with washable chalk, because without it the costume just reads as pink. I'd point younger kids and anyone who dislikes scary costumes here first. Pearl jewelry and mismatched pastel socks finish it.
28. Neon Zombie Costume

Neon stands out at a lively party and is easy to build. Pair an electric green or hot pink top with black cargo pants, a mesh overshirt and reflective sneakers. Add colorful suspenders, glow-style bracelets without breakable parts, and a small belt bag. Pull the hair into spiky sections or mini ponytails and color the ends with temporary neon spray. Pale face paint, gray contour, bright eyeshadow, graphic cracks and UV-reactive accents make the face; if you use UV makeup, I'd make sure it's sold as cosmetic, since many craft neon paints aren't meant for skin. Carry a fluorescent cardboard warning sign or a light foam traffic cone. Charcoal smudges at the knees and sleeves keep the bright colors reading as undead.
29. Skeleton Zombie Costume

Two Halloween themes meet in the skeleton zombie. Start with a black long-sleeve top and pants printed or painted with simple white bone shapes. I paint the bones with fabric paint through a freezer-paper stencil ironed on shiny side down, which gives clean edges on knit fabric. Layer a distressed gray vest, torn-edge cardigan or tulle overskirt on top, with black-and-white sneakers or lace-up boots. Sweep the hair back or add white streaks at the face. Pale gray makeup with soft skeletal contours around the eyes, nose and cheeks, kept stylized, plus a few cracks, ties the two ideas together. Carry an anatomy chart or a bone-print treat bag, and weather the outer layers with washable chalk.
30. Mummy Zombie Costume

The mummy zombie gives you texture with far more movement than full-body wrapping. Wear beige leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top as the base, then attach loose strips of cream and gray fabric, leaving the knees, hands and face clear. Keep every strip short enough that it can't trail or tangle. I tack the strips on with a few hand stitches at each end rather than hot glue, which lets go once the fabric stretches. Add tan sneakers or flat ankle boots, tousle the hair and weave in a few thin gauze ribbons. Pale makeup, gray eye shading, dusty contour and subtle cracks bring in the zombie. Carry a small scroll or cardboard tablet, and age the strips with tea or washable brown chalk.
31. Zombie Bride And Groom Couple Costume

Matching formalwear makes the zombie wedding couple striking in photos. One wears a thrifted white dress, short veil, lace gloves and comfortable ivory shoes, carrying faded artificial flowers; the other wears a charcoal suit, loosened bow tie, boutonniere and black dress shoes. Give both outfits lightly chalked hems and uneven outer edges. The bride gets a loose updo and the groom a disheveled side part. I match the makeup exactly, same gray and same placement of cracks, because shared makeup is what makes two different outfits read as a pair. A cardboard wedding announcement or a decorative photo frame works as a light shared prop.
32. Zombie Best Friends Costume

Best friends can coordinate without dressing as copies. Pick a shared theme, two students or two party guests in opposite colors, then let the clothes differ: a dusty pink dress with sneakers on one, a faded blue jumpsuit with ankle boots on the other. Repeat the same gray smudges, mismatched accessories and tilted name badges on both. Style the hair differently but add matching silver streaks. Pale makeup, smoky eyes, cool contour and similar painted cracks connect the faces. I'd do both faces in one sitting from the same palette, which is the easiest way to keep the color identical. Connected signs reading “Best Friends” and “Forever,” or matching photo frames, finish the pair.
33. Zombie Family Costume

A family reads as one when everyone plays part of the same household story. Parents might wear weathered office clothes while children wear faded school outfits, play clothes or pajamas over comfortable shirts. Stick to a repeated palette of gray, navy, dusty green and cream. Everyone needs sneakers or boots they can walk in. Hair can be tousled, braided unevenly or streaked with washable gray. Keep children's makeup especially light, with pale powder, soft eye shading and tiny cartoon cracks; adults can go a little deeper on contour. I do the children's faces last, right before leaving, so there's less time for itching and rubbing. Carry a family portrait frame or matching name tags.
34. Kids Friendly Zombie Costume

For younger children, a zombie should feel playful rather than frightening. Dress them in an old striped T-shirt, elastic-waist jeans, colorful socks and sneakers that fasten securely. Add a soft vest or hoodie with a few stitched-on patches instead of cut holes, which fray into scratchy threads against small arms. Tousle the hair gently or chalk the tips with washable white hair chalk. A little pale face paint, soft gray under the eyes and a few cartoon cracks are plenty. Keep heavy prosthetics and anything near the mouth out of it. A plush toy in a matching scarf makes a sweet prop, along with a treat bag decorated with friendly zombie faces. It stays comfortable and comes off fast once the excitement wears off.
35. Zombie Apocalypse Group Costume

An apocalypse group works when every person plays a different former role, such as the office worker, athlete, chef, student and party guest. Each person needs a full outfit with comfortable shoes, lightly weathered fabric, messy hair, pale makeup, shaded eyes and subtle cracks. Tie the group together with a shared palette of gray, faded blue, olive and muted burgundy. Props might be a clipboard, foam pennant, mixing bowl, backpack and party invitation. Skip anything weapon-shaped and keep hands free. I like matching cardboard ID badges with funny lines like “Late for Work” or “Missed Practice.” The varied clothes keep it interesting, and the repeated makeup and colors make it look planned.
Adapting a Zombie for School Rules and Dark Streets
Several of these, like the teacher, the student and the kids' version, end up at school events, and those often come with rules. Common ones are no masks that cover the face, no fake blood, no toy weapons and costumes that go over regular clothes. The zombies here already skip gore, so most adapt easily: swap the face paint for a little gray eyeshadow and keep the props to a sign or a notebook. Check your own school's list before you buy anything.
- Put reflective tape on the back of a dark costume and the heels of shoes for trick-or-treating after dark.
- Hem tattered skirts, tutus and mummy strips above the ankle so nothing catches on porch steps.
- Carry a small flashlight or a glow bracelet, because gray, faded clothes disappear at dusk.
- Wear shoes that are already broken in; a night of walking in new ones ends early.
I also tuck a wet wipe and a small powder compact into a pocket. Smudged makeup suits a zombie, but a quick fix keeps it from sliding into anyone's eyes halfway down the street.
Decide Who They Were, Then Dress the Zombie
A good zombie begins with a clear character, and every detail follows from it. Once you know who the zombie used to be, the clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and props mostly choose themselves. Thrift finds, closet basics, washable fabric chalk and simple face paint can transform nearly any outfit on a small budget. Keep hems short enough to walk in, props light and shoes comfortable for the whole event. Pale makeup, soft shadows, faux dust and a few cracks give the undead effect without anything graphic. From glamorous party guests to playful family groups, there's a zombie here for every age, body type and skill level, and I'd start with whichever former life makes you laugh.

























