Animal costumes are the most forgiving kind to make, because nearly every one is the same recipe: a base in the animal's main colour, one or two signature features, and a little face makeup. A hoodie or jumpsuit gets you halfway, and felt, fleece, foam and cardboard do the rest. The list below runs from farm and woodland animals to birds, big cats and sea creatures, with each one's base, ears, tail, makeup, shoes and prop worked out for adults, teens and children. Ears alone rarely do it. As a sewist, the piece I'd spend time on is whichever feature tells people what you are from across the room, so I've put notes on making ears, tails and belly panels before the list.
Turning a Plain Hoodie Into Any Animal
Almost every costume below uses the same three add-ons: ears, a tail and a belly or chest panel. Fleece and felt are my first choice for all three, because neither frays, so you can cut a shape and stitch it straight on without hemming.
Ears that stand up
Cut each ear twice, stitch the pair right sides together, turn it out and slide in a piece of stiff felt or craft foam before closing the base. Stitch ears to the hood about two fingers back from the front edge; any further forward and they fold down when the hood moves.
Tails that don't drag
Sew the tail to a strip of elastic or a separate belt rather than safety-pinning it to trousers, which pulls the waistband down. Stuff it lightly, and stop it at least a hand's width above the ground so it won't get trodden on in a crowd.
Belly panels that lie flat
Pin the panel on while the top is on a body, not flat on a table, because a sweatshirt stretches when worn. Then sew it with a zigzag or stretch stitch so it moves with the fabric. Felt on a stretchy top puckers with a straight stitch.
1. Cute Black Cat Costume
A black cat is the simplest costume on this list and it suits any age. A long-sleeve black top with leggings, trousers or a jumpsuit is the base. Cut the ears from stiff felt or two layers of craft felt fused together; a single layer of soft felt flops over within the hour. A fuzzy tail, black sneakers or ankle boots, and hair in a high ponytail or slicked back. Draw a small nose, whiskers and upward flicks at the eyes with eyeliner. A collar with a light bell or metal tag finishes it, and a faux-fur vest adds texture if you want more.
2. Orange Fox Costume
Rust and cream are the fox's colours, and the white tail tip is what makes it read. Wear an orange sweater or fitted sweatshirt with rust leggings and brown ankle boots. Stitch a cream felt bib onto the front of the top for the chest. The tail is the most important piece; I make it from long-pile faux fur and stitch the white tip on separately so the colours don't blur. Pointed orange ears lined in black or cream sit on a headband. Tousled hair, a copper wig or a loose braid. Orange makeup at the temples, a small black nose and whisker dots. A felt leaf or a small basket is enough of a prop.
3. Woodland Deer Costume
Deer is the quiet, pretty option here, good for photos and family events. Start with a tan dress, a brown jumpsuit, or a fitted top with leggings, then add a cream chest panel and a small faux-fur tail. Brown boots or neutral ballet flats. The antler headband is the focal point, and its weight is the problem: I cut antlers from craft foam or stuff fabric ones lightly so the band doesn't slide forward. Loose waves, braids or two small buns around the antlers. Warm brown shadow, a dark nose and neat white spots across the cheeks and forehead. A few artificial leaves twisted round the antlers finish the head.
4. Colorful Butterfly Costume
A butterfly gives you the most colour for the least weight. Use a fitted black bodysuit, long-sleeve top or simple dress as the base with black leggings and flats or ankle boots. Big fabric wings in blue, purple, pink or orange are the costume. I sew a loop of elastic to each wing tip that slips over the wrist, so lifting your arms spreads the whole wing for photos. Make sure they sit securely without dragging. An antenna headband, hair in a bun or ponytail, and shadow matched to the wings with small dots at the outer corners. A small flower or a glitter-free floral bracelet.
5. Bumblebee Costume
Black and yellow stripes are all a bee needs to be recognised. A striped sweater or T-shirt goes with black leggings, trousers, or a knee-length skirt over opaque tights. If you can't find stripes, black felt bands stitched round a yellow top work; stretch fabric needs a stretch stitch or the seams pop when you raise your arms. Translucent wings should sit high on the back so they don't knock into people. Curved antennae on a black headband, a high ponytail or two buns, yellow shadow with thin black liner and a little rosy cheek. A felt flower or a small honey pot as a prop.
6. Red Ladybug Costume
A ladybug needs very few specialty pieces. Start with a red dress, sweatshirt, or top and skirt, attach evenly spaced black felt circles, and pair it with black tights or leggings and flat shoes. I attach the dots with a few stitches or removable fabric tape; glued felt on a sweatshirt cracks and peels the first time it bends. Rounded red wings with black dots and an antenna headband. A smooth ponytail, low buns or natural curls. Red blush, a touch of black liner and small dots by the temples. A green felt leaf or leafy wrist cuff, and flexible wings so you can sit down and store it after.
7. Fluffy Bunny Costume
Bunnies are sweet and practical for a long evening. Pick a white, gray, tan or pastel sweatshirt with matching leggings or relaxed trousers, then add an oval belly panel and a round pom-pom tail. Sneakers, fuzzy boot covers or simple flats. Tall ears give the silhouette, and they need structure to stand: I slip a strip of pipe cleaner or millinery wire into the seam allowance so they can be bent upright. Pink felt inside each ear adds contrast. Two low buns, a ponytail or soft curls. A pink nose, fine whiskers and flushed cheeks. A fabric carrot or a basket of artificial greenery, and fingerless paw gloves if you want more detail.
8. Dalmatian Dog Costume
Dalmatian spots are the easy part; making them look natural is the trick. Wear a white hoodie, sweatshirt or jumpsuit with irregular black felt patches, white leggings or joggers and black sneakers. I cut every spot freehand in a different size so it never looks like polka dots. A flexible tail and floppy spotted ears do the rest. Paint one black patch round an eye with skin-safe makeup, plus a black nose and whisker dots. Tuck hair under the ear headband or go for pigtails. A red collar and a light bone prop. For cold nights, use a white fleece onesie as the base.
9. Black And White Cow Costume
A cow is a reliable group-theme pick because it's so easy to make in multiples. Begin with a white sweatshirt and matching trousers, overalls or a jumpsuit, and stitch large irregular black felt patches across front, back and legs. Black rain boots, sneakers or soft shoe covers suggest hooves. Rounded ears, short horns and a tufted tail. A pink felt udder or belly panel adds a familiar detail; I'd keep it small for adults so it reads as fun rather than silly. Braids or hair tucked under the headband. A rounded nose and soft spots near the cheeks in eyeliner. A small faux hay bundle or a light pail.
10. Green Frog Costume
Frogs are all about the eyes. Choose a green hoodie, sweatshirt, dress or jumpsuit with matching leggings, and add a pale green or yellow felt belly. Green sneakers, rain boots or flipper-shaped covers. Two big foam eyes go on a headband or the top of a hood. I cut them from thick foam, paint a white ring and black pupil, and glue them to a felt base that's stitched to the hood, since foam glued straight to fleece lifts off. Smooth braids or hair tucked back. Fresh green shadow, a wide curved smile and small cheek dots. A felt lily pad collar and a soft fabric fly for a laugh.
11. Glam Peacock Costume
Teal, navy and green make the peacock the glamorous one on this list. Start with a fitted teal jumpsuit, a blue dress, or a velvet top with trousers, and add emerald flats, boots or low heels you can stand in. The tail is a fan of light feathers or painted fabric panels on a belt. I build it on a separate belt so it can come off when you sit; feather tails crush flat on a chair. A small feathered headpiece or blue-green clips echo the crest. Sleek ponytail or polished waves. Turquoise, navy and green shadow with gold at the corners, and feather-trimmed cuffs.
12. Pink Flamingo Costume
A flamingo is colourful and a little silly, which suits a party or a group theme. Wear a bright pink dress, jumpsuit or sweatshirt with matching leggings, and add pink feather trim round the shoulders or skirt, well away from the face. Feather boa trim sheds, so I shake it outside and run a lint roller over it before sewing it on. Pink flats or shoe covers carry the long-legged colour. The headpiece is a curved pink neck with a black-tipped beak on a cap or headband, or a smaller feather fascinator if you want it easier to wear. A high bun, rosy eye makeup and crisp black liner. A poseable plush flamingo or a tropical leaf.
13. Wise Owl Costume
Owls look detailed without any real feathers if you layer scallops. Begin with a brown, gray, cream or rust top and matching leggings, then stitch overlapping scalloped fabric pieces across the chest, sleeves and a short cape, working from the bottom up so each row covers the stitching of the one below. Brown boots or sturdy sneakers. Big owl eyes on a soft mask, or feather-shaped brows over subtle eye makeup. For children, a hood with pointed tufts beats a mask. Braids or textured short hair. Wing panels between sleeves and body spread when the arms lift. A paper scroll or a plush owl on one shoulder.
14. Classic Penguin Costume
A penguin is built almost entirely from winter basics. Wear a black hoodie or sweatshirt with black joggers, and stitch a large white oval panel from chest to stomach. Fleece doesn't fray, so the oval can be cut and topstitched straight on with no hem. Orange sneakers, shoe covers or felt pieces over your shoes are the feet. A hood with round eyes and a small orange beak is the head; if the hood comes down, slick your hair back or wear a black cap. Rosy cheeks and a dot of orange on the nose. Short black wings under the arms leave the hands free. A soft fish or a blue scarf for the ice.
15. Polar Bear Costume
A polar bear is the cosy one, and it's my pick for a cold night outdoors because the loose white base fits warm layers underneath. Choose a white fleece hoodie, sweater or jumpsuit with matching trousers or thick leggings, and white sneakers, boots or fluffy shoe covers. Rounded ears stitched onto the hood stay put better than a headband under a hood. A small tail and pale gray paw pads. Hair tucked back under the hood, a black nose, soft gray shading and whisker dots. A light blue scarf adds an icy accent; a cardboard snowflake or plush fish is the prop. White fleece pills fast, so I'd wash it inside out.
16. Cute Panda Costume
The panda's markings make a complete costume from very few pieces. Wear a white hoodie or sweater with black sleeves, black leggings and black sneakers or boots, and add rounded black ears to the hood or a padded headband plus a small black tail. Paint soft black ovals round the eyes, blended and tilted slightly down at the outer corner, which is what gives a panda its gentle look. A black nose and pale pink blush. Two buns under the ears or hair tucked away. A painted cardboard bamboo stalk or some artificial greenery. For a one-piece version, sew a white belly panel onto a black jumpsuit.
17. Gray Koala Costume
A koala is soft and relaxed to wear. Begin with a gray sweatshirt, fleece onesie or knit dress over matching leggings, and add a pale chest panel and a small round tail. Gray sneakers or fuzzy boot covers. Big round ears in felt or faux fur are the key piece, with a broad black nose. Fur ears get heavy, so I make the back of each ear from plain felt and only the front from fur, which halves the weight. A low bun, soft curls or hair under a hood. Smoky gray shadow and gentle cheek shading. A sprig of artificial eucalyptus or felt leaves on a wrist cuff.
18. Sleepy Sloth Costume
A sloth is for anyone who wants to spend Halloween in what feels like pyjamas. Wear a brown or taupe fleece jumpsuit, an oversized sweater, or a hoodie with joggers. Long fabric arm panels or faux-fur cuffs suggest the shaggy limbs, and slippers, sneakers or soft boot covers are the feet. Rounded ears on the hood, with cream-and-brown makeup round the eyes for the long dark eye stripe. Tousled hair or a loose brown wig. A light artificial branch or green felt vines over the shoulders. Curved foam claws on fingerless gloves leave your fingers free; I'd skip claws entirely for small children, who will pull them off anyway.
19. Golden Lion Costume
The mane is the lion, so put your time there. Start with a tan jumpsuit, a fitted top and trousers, or a gold dress over opaque tights, plus brown boots or tan sneakers and a long tail with a darker tuft. Build the mane from yarn, faux fur or strips of gold tulle round a hood or comfortable headband. For yarn, I wrap it round a book, cut one edge and knot each bundle onto a strip of felt, which gives a thick mane quickly. Hair can blend into it or tuck underneath. Bronze makeup, a brown nose, whisker details and a little contour. Padded paw gloves or fur cuffs, and a small crown only if you want it sillier.
20. Striped Tiger Costume
Uneven stripes are what make a tiger look like a tiger rather than a bee. Wear an orange sweatshirt, fitted jumpsuit or top with leggings, then add black fabric stripes across torso, arms and legs, with a white or cream chest panel. I cut stripes that taper at both ends and vary their spacing; straight even bands look like a uniform. Black sneakers or orange shoe covers. A striped tail and rounded ears. High ponytail, textured waves or hair tucked into a hood. Orange shadow, black liner, a dark nose, neat cheek and forehead stripes and white round the mouth. Soft paw gloves, not big claws.
21. Spotted Leopard Costume
Leopard can go playful or glamorous depending on the base. Choose a leopard-print jumpsuit, a matching top and leggings, or a spotted dress over black tights, with black ankle boots, flats or sneakers. Rounded ears and a long spotted tail, and make sure the print matches throughout; I buy enough of the same print for the tail when I buy the base. Big curls, a high ponytail or a pulled-back style. A golden-brown base, black nose, whisker dots and small outlined rosettes at the temples, with gold shadow for a party finish. Faux-fur cuffs or paw gloves. Mixing unrelated animal prints only confuses the look.
22. Black And White Zebra Costume
Zebra is pure graphic contrast. Start with a striped dress, jumpsuit, long-sleeve top or matching separates, adding black leggings if the base is short, and finish with white sneakers or black boots. A narrow striped tail with a yarn tuft and pointed ears on a headband. The mane is easy to make: a strip of black-and-white yarn loops stitched to a ribbon, running between the ears and down the back of a hood. A textured fauxhawk, braids or a sleek ponytail. White face makeup used sparingly with narrow black stripes on the forehead and cheeks. A bundle of artificial grass. Vary the stripe widths so it looks natural.
23. Tall Giraffe Costume
Giraffe patches are not spots; they're irregular blocky shapes with thin pale lines between them, and getting that right is what sells the costume. Wear a tan jumpsuit, dress, or sweatshirt and leggings with brown patches cut roughly square, then add brown boots or tan sneakers and a thin tail with a dark tuft. The headband carries rounded ears and two padded ossicones; stuffing them lightly keeps it secure but light. A high ponytail or a short brown mane behind the headband. Caramel makeup with a few brown patches near the temples, a black nose and long lashes. Artificial leaves on a tall cardboard branch.
24. Friendly Elephant Costume
Loose gray clothing keeps an elephant comfortable. Begin with a gray hoodie, sweatshirt or jumpsuit and matching trousers, plus gray sneakers or boot covers with pale felt toenails. Big light ears go on the hood or a reinforced headband. I interface the ears so they hold their shape and keep them no wider than the shoulders, because floppy wide ears catch on every door frame. A flexible fabric trunk rests in front without blocking vision or breathing, and a thin tail with a yarn tuft finishes the back. Gray shadow, pink inside the ears and soft cheek shading. A bunch of artificial leaves or a bright blanket panel across the back.
25. Playful Monkey Costume
Monkeys are for parties where you'll be moving a lot. Wear a brown hoodie, fleece jumpsuit or long-sleeve top with matching joggers, and add a tan oval belly panel and tan ear inserts. Brown sneakers, slippers or flexible boot covers. The tail is long and curled; I run a length of wire inside it so it holds a curl, and fix it high on the waistband so it doesn't drag. Tousled hair or tucked under the hood. Warm brown makeup at the temples, a tan muzzle shape, a small nose and a smile. A felt banana or artificial vine. Fingerless gloves with tan palm patches keep the hands usable.
26. Fuzzy Gorilla Costume
You don't need a hot full mascot suit to make a convincing gorilla. Start with a black sweatshirt and loose black trousers, then layer a dark gray faux-fur vest and matching forearm cuffs. Sturdy black sneakers with flexible covers instead of giant feet. A soft hood with small round ears and a raised brow gives the head shape. Keep your hair tucked away. Gray and black face paint defines the nose, cheeks and brow while leaving eyes and mouth clear. Faux fur sheds at every cut edge, so I cut it from the back with a craft knife, through the backing only, and shake it out outdoors. Open-finger padded gloves and a bunch of artificial bananas.
27. Ocean Shark Costume
The dorsal fin is the whole shark. Wear a gray hoodie, tunic or jumpsuit with a white belly panel, gray leggings and gray or blue sneakers. Attach a triangular dorsal fin to the back and small fins to the sleeves. I make the fin from two layers of fleece with light stuffing, not foam, so it bends when you lean back on a chair. Line the hood edge with soft white felt teeth. Hair stays under the hood; makeup is minimal, with silver-gray shadow, cool blue accents and gill lines on the cheeks in skin-safe paint. A cardboard wave, a blue fabric streamer or a plush fish.
28. Glowing Jellyfish Costume
A jellyfish depends on sheer layers moving together. Wear a white, pale blue, pink or lavender outfit with matching leggings and simple sneakers, and add a clear umbrella-style hat or a light domed headpiece with sheer fabric panels. Ribbons and streamers hang round the edge as tentacles; stop them above the ankles so you can walk safely. A low bun or hair under the headpiece. Iridescent shadow and small pearly dots on the cheeks. Battery fairy lights woven into the dome make it glow; I tape the battery pack inside the handle or pin it into a pocket so it isn't swinging. Translucent wrist ribbons float as you move.
29. Purple Octopus Costume
An octopus has a fun three-dimensional shape that still wears easily. Start with a purple sweatshirt, dress or jumpsuit over matching leggings, with purple sneakers or dark boots. Make six extra tentacles from fabric tubes stuffed lightly with batting and hang them from a belt; your arms are the last two. Stuff only the bottom half of each tentacle so it swings rather than sticking out. Pale felt circles make the suction cups. Big eyes on a purple hood or cap, braids or tucked hair, lavender shadow, pearly highlights and a small smile. A blue wave prop or a seashell. Keep every tentacle above the floor.
30. Bright Red Lobster Costume
Red from head to toe is what tells people you're a lobster. Wear a red hoodie, jumpsuit or sweatshirt with matching trousers and red sneakers, then add a segmented tail panel at the back, flexible enough to sit on. I make the segments as separate overlapping felt pieces stitched only along the top edge, which lets the tail bend. Soft padded claws can cover the hands but should still let your fingers grip. Long red antennae and small round eyes on a hood or headband, hair tucked back. Coral shadow and rosy cheeks rather than full red paint. Lighter red chest panels hint at the shell; a fabric wave or seaside sign is the prop.
31. Green Sea Turtle Costume
The shell is the turtle, and how it's worn decides whether you enjoy the night. Wear a green hoodie, long-sleeve shirt or jumpsuit with matching leggings, plus flat green sneakers or soft flipper covers that are safe to walk in. Make the shell from light foam or cardboard, painted in brown, olive and tan sections, and fix it with two backpack-style straps so it comes off in seconds. Cardboard softens in rain, so I seal a cardboard shell with a coat of clear varnish or decoupage glue. A small green tail and rounded hood details. Hair tucked away, green shadow and soft scale marks at the temples. A blue ribbon cuff or fabric wave.
32. Blue Dolphin Costume
A dolphin is all smooth lines. Choose a fitted blue-gray jumpsuit, a hoodie with leggings, or a long tunic with trousers, plus a pale belly panel and blue sneakers. A curved dorsal fin on the back and small side fins under the arms. A soft hood with a rounded forehead and short fabric snout, and a detachable tail that clears the ground. Hair inside the hood or in a low ponytail. Silver-blue shadow with pearly highlights on the cheekbones. A fabric wave or a light beach ball. I stuff fins with fibrefill rather than stiffen them, so you can dance and sit without the fin pushing you forward.
33. Classic Gray Mouse Costume
A gray mouse is quick to make from closet basics. Wear a gray sweater, hoodie or simple dress with leggings or joggers, add pink felt to a pale belly panel, and finish with gray sneakers or flats. Big round ears with pink centres are the key piece; I glue each ear onto a stiff felt backing, then stitch it to a headband so the round shape doesn't sag. A thin pink or gray tail on the waistband, short enough to stay off the floor. Two buns under the ears or a smooth ponytail. A pink nose, fine whiskers and cheek dots. A foam or cardboard cheese wedge, and white gloves with pink felt palms.
34. Masked Raccoon Costume
The raccoon's mask makes it readable from across a room. Begin with a gray hoodie, sweatshirt or jumpsuit with black leggings and sneakers, a pale gray belly panel, and a long ringed tail of alternating gray and black fabric bands. Rounded ears on the hood or a headband. A messy bun, tousled waves or hair hidden away. Charcoal face paint forms a soft mask round the eyes, and I blend the outer edge with a sponge so it looks like fur rather than a painted band. A black nose and whisker dots. Fingerless black gloves make little paws. A clean mini cardboard trash can, or a drawstring sack with felt leaves.
35. Black And White Skunk Costume
One white stripe does all the work on a skunk. Wear a black hoodie or jumpsuit with black leggings and sneakers, then run a wide strip of white faux fur from the top of the hood down the back and onto a big curved tail. Small round ears lined in white or pale pink. Keep hair tucked away so the stripe stays the focus. Simple black liner, a small dark nose and white highlights at the temples. Soft paw gloves or fuzzy cuffs, and a flower or woodland basket for a friendly touch. The upright tail needs a light frame; I use a bent coat hanger wire padded with batting and anchor it to a belt, not the waistband of your trousers.
36. Spiky Hedgehog Costume
Felt spikes make a hedgehog soft enough for a crowded room. Start with a brown sweatshirt, hoodie or tunic over tan leggings or trousers, then stitch pointed strips of brown, beige and dark gray felt across the hood, shoulders and back. Cutting the strips as long zigzags and layering three or four rows is much faster than cutting single spikes. Leave the front pale for the face and belly. Brown sneakers or ankle boots, round ears just in front of the spikes, and hair in a low ponytail or under the hood. Warm tan makeup, a dark nose and whisker dots. A felt apple or a leaf basket, with every spike well away from the eyes.
37. Bushy-Tailed Squirrel Costume
A squirrel is defined by its big curled tail. Wear a rust, brown or gray sweater with leggings, joggers or a jumpsuit, plus a cream belly panel and brown boots or sneakers. Build the tail from faux fur over a light wire frame, fixed at both the waist and the upper back. Fixing it in two places is what stops it flopping sideways as you walk. Small pointed ears on a headband. A high ponytail, loose waves or twin buns. Copper shadow, a dark nose and fine whiskers. An oversized felt acorn or a basket of leaves. Keep the tail narrow enough for doorways and detachable for the car.
38. Winged Bat Costume
A bat can be sleek and playful without being scary. Wear a black long-sleeve top or jumpsuit with black leggings and flat ankle boots, and attach scalloped fabric wings between the sleeves and sides of the body so they open when you lift your arms. Lightweight jersey or chiffon folds away neatly when your arms drop; stiff felt sticks out. Small pointed ears on a hood or headband, and a short faux-fur collar for texture. Slick ponytail or tucked hair. Smoky gray shadow, clean winged liner and a small black nose, without fangs. A cardboard crescent moon or silver star cuffs.
39. Gray Wolf Costume
A gray wolf works as cold-weather layering with the animal added on top. Begin with a charcoal sweater, hoodie or jumpsuit with gray leggings or rugged trousers, and sturdy gray boots or dark sneakers. A faux-fur vest, wrist cuffs and ankle trim give a coat without a hot full-body suit. Pointed ears and a gray tail with a darker tip. I line wolf ears with a paler gray felt and keep them tall and narrow, since short round ones look more like a bear. Tousled, braided or tucked hair. Silver and charcoal shadow, a black nose and fine white highlights on the cheeks, with a friendly expression. A pine branch or a blue-gray scarf.
40. Color-Changing Chameleon Costume
A chameleon lets you wear lots of bright colour at once. Choose a fitted green jumpsuit, a hoodie and leggings, or a layered tunic in lime, teal, blue and purple, with matching sneakers and textured felt scales along the arms and sides. The curled tail gives the shape; I coil it round a length of flexible tubing and stitch it firmly at the waist. Big round eyes on a hood or headband and a small ridged crest down the back. Temporary colour spray in the hair or hair tucked away. Green and blue makeup across the temples with tiny scales. A long pink ribbon tongue, rolled round the wrist between photos.
Whiskers and Noses That Last Under a Hood
Hoods and fur trim rub against the cheeks all evening, which is where whiskers smudge first. I patch-test any face paint on the inner wrist the day before, especially on children. Water-activated face paint dries matte and stays put better than greasy cream sticks, and a dusting of translucent powder over the nose and whiskers holds them longer.
- Draw whiskers with a sharpened brow or eyeliner pencil, not a felt-tip, which can stain.
- Keep dark paint away from the lash line on kids; it migrates into the eyes once they rub them.
- Remove with an oil cleanser or baby oil first, then wash, so black and white paint don't spread gray across the face.
Hot Rooms, Cold Streets and Fleece
Fleece jumpsuits are warm outside and far too warm at an indoor party. For any costume built on a onesie, I wear a thin short-sleeve top underneath rather than a sweater, so the jumpsuit can unzip to the waist without the costume falling apart. For trick-or-treating, add a strip of reflective tape to the back of a dark tail or hood; black cats, bats and gorillas vanish against a dark street, and the tape barely shows in photos.
One Signature Feature Is Enough
Every animal here comes down to everyday clothing in the right colour, simple makeup, comfortable shoes and one feature people recognise. Pick the mood you want, a glamorous peacock or a cosy polar bear or a lobster for laughs, then try the headpiece, wings, tail and props on together before the night. Walk, sit, look both ways and use your hands. Felt, fleece, foam and cardboard are easier to live with than anything rigid. A clear colour and one well-made feature carry the whole costume, even a cheap homemade one.
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