Brown hair opens up more Halloween characters than people give it credit for, and on a college budget that's a real advantage: no wig, no dye, no hat to hold everything down. Below are forty costumes where the hair is already part of the character, worn natural, braided, curled, pinned up or faked into a shorter shape. Each one includes makeup, accessories, a prop and shoes that can handle a night of walking between campus parties, and most of the clothes can be thrifted, borrowed or worn again in November. I've flagged which hairstyles take practice, which costumes hold up in the cold, and where a prop is more trouble than it's worth.
Hairstyles That Last Through a Night of Parties
Most of these costumes lean on the hair, so it has to hold for hours of walking, dancing and the odd rainy stretch between buildings. A few techniques come up again and again below.
The faux bob
Velma, Mia Wallace, Snow White, Dora and Eleven all want shorter hair than most people have. Make a low ponytail at the nape, fold it up and under so the ends tuck toward the scalp, and pin the fold flat with bobby pins crossed in an X. Pull the side sections loosely over the pins and spray. I'd check it from behind with a second mirror, because that's the side everyone else sees.
Braids and buns that stay tight
Braid slightly damp hair and finish with small clear elastics; dry, freshly washed hair is slippery and loosens by midnight. For buns, coil the ponytail around a foam donut or bun form and pin through the coil into the base, all the way round. A light texture spray before you start gives very silky brown hair something to grip.
Curls in damp October air
Curls drop fastest in humidity. Let each curl cool in your palm or pinned in a loop before you touch it, then mist with hairspray at the end rather than before. Velcro rollers set while you do your makeup are a good heat-free option if your hair takes a curl easily.
Carry ten spare bobby pins and a small elastic in your pocket. It's the cheapest insurance you'll buy all Halloween.
1. Wednesday Addams Costume With Braided Hair
Wednesday Addams suits long or medium brunette hair, and the braids are what make her. A black mini or midi with a crisp white collar and cuffs, or a black dress layered over a white button-down, takes care of the clothes. Part the hair exactly down the center and make two neat, low braids; tie them off with small black elastics so the ends read as neat, deliberate points. Matte foundation, soft gray shadow and a muted berry lip. Black tights and flat loafers handle the walking, a small black book or a plush hand prop adds the joke, and a fitted black blazer or long coat keeps you warm without breaking the look.
2. Velma Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma lets your own hair take center stage, because her bob is brown already. An oversized orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt and matching knee socks, then burgundy loafers or Mary Janes with a strap that won't slip off on stairs. If your hair is longer than chin length, roll it under and pin it at the nape for a faux bob; the method is below. Square black glasses are the one thing you can't skip. Peach blush, brown liner and a neutral lip, with a magnifying glass or notebook in hand. The turtleneck makes it one of the warmest costumes here for an outdoor campus event.
3. Lara Croft Costume With Brown Braid
Lara Croft is long brown hair and practical clothes, so it's easy to pull from a closet. A fitted olive or charcoal tank, black cargo pants or utility shorts over opaque tights, lace-up combat boots, fingerless gloves and a wide belt with empty fabric pouches. Her hair is a single long braid; braid it tight from the nape and finish with a clear elastic, then tuck the ends under so it stays put through dancing. Bronzed skin, defined brows and smudged brown liner. Leave the weapons at home and carry an old map, compass or faux artifact instead. A small backpack makes the costume read more clearly and holds your phone and keys.
4. Belle Costume With Yellow Dress
Belle's ballroom look is a yellow dress and soft brown curls, nothing more complicated. A yellow off-the-shoulder midi, a formal maxi, or a yellow top with a full skirt all work. Style the hair half up with loose curls framing the face, and tie a gold ribbon around the half-up section. Off-the-shoulder necklines slide down as you move; a strip of clear silicone elastic sewn inside the edge keeps them in place. Small pearl earrings and gloves if you want it formal, soft gold shadow, rosy blush and warm pink lips. A red artificial rose under a clear cover or a small vintage book, gold flats or low block heels, and a cropped shawl for the walk home.
5. Mia Wallace Costume With Black Bob
Mia Wallace is almost all everyday clothes: a crisp white button-down, cropped black trousers and black ballet flats. The bob is the work. Short brown hair can be straightened into it, and longer hair can be faked with hidden pins. Her hair is very dark, so if yours is a lighter brown, I'd go for a black wig or accept a softer version rather than spray it. Blunt clip-in bangs help a lot. Defined brows, black mascara and bold red lips, a small paperback or black clutch, and sleeves rolled once. It's comfortable enough to repeat over several nights of a Halloween weekend.
6. Princess Mia Costume With Tiara
Princess Mia from The Princess Diaries is a costume with a sense of humor. Start with a strapless white dress or white satin midi and long white gloves, then put brown hair into a neat updo with a few curled pieces around the face. The tiara needs a solid base, so pin it into the updo through its combs rather than resting it on top. Natural skin, pink blush, glossy lips and a touch of shimmer. White sneakers under a longer hem for comfort, or low silver heels. A small clutch and a handmade sash naming you a princess of a made-up country, and round glasses if you want to nod to her before-makeover scenes.
7. Blair Waldorf Costume With Plaid Skirt
Blair Waldorf belongs on a campus, which is the joke. A white blouse, a plaid pleated skirt, a fitted cardigan or structured blazer and opaque tights, with knee socks and loafers or low ankle boots. Polished waves in brunette hair topped with a padded headband in red, navy or black; the headband carries the whole character, so get a wide one and make sure it doesn't pinch behind the ears after an hour. Rosy cheeks, subtle liner and berry-pink lips. A structured handbag, a stack of notebooks and small pearl earrings. Match the cardigan to a color in the plaid, otherwise it just looks like a normal class day.
8. Rory Gilmore Costume With School Uniform
Rory's school uniform is understated and comfortable. A navy sweater vest over a pale blue button-down, a plaid knee-length skirt, dark tights and flat loafers or ankle boots. Brown hair straight with a side part, or soft brushed-out waves. Light foundation, mascara, blush and tinted balm. The props do the recognizing: several books, a notebook and a takeaway coffee cup with a made-up café name on it. A navy blazer finishes the uniform and keeps you warm. If you'd rather not wear theatrical makeup at all, this is the one to choose.
9. Gabriella Montez Costume With Red Dress
Gabriella Montez is a sweet, nostalgic pick for long brunette waves. Her finale look is a red sleeveless mini or midi, red flats and a delicate pendant. Curl the hair loosely, part it in the center and pin back the front sections. I set curls on a cool night with a little hairspray while they're still warm from the iron, since brown hair often drops its curl fast in damp air. Bronze shadow, soft blush, mascara and pink gloss. A silver microphone prop or a sheet of printed song notes makes it much easier to identify, and a cropped white cardigan covers the arms when it's cold.
10. Alex Russo Costume With Layered Outfit
Alex Russo is a shop-your-closet costume. Layer a printed tunic, bright tank or graphic top over dark skinny jeans, add a cropped jacket, long pendant necklaces, stacked bracelets and slouchy ankle boots. Brown hair straight, lightly waved or swept into a loose side part. Brown liner, warm blush and glossy lips. A homemade wand decorated with stars, clearly whimsical rather than realistic, and a crossbody bag for your things. Mix patterns freely, but repeat one color in two places, say the top and the bag, so it reads as a costume and not just a busy outfit.
11. Maddy Perez Costume With Purple Set
Maddy Perez is a purple two-piece and very precise makeup. A fitted purple crop top with a high-waisted skirt or flares, and a cropped cardigan for coverage. Dark brunette hair either sleek in a high ponytail with curled ends or straight with a razor-sharp center part. The eyes are the character: graphic wings and a few rhinestones at the outer corners. Use a lash or skin-safe adhesive for the stones, not craft glue, and try the adhesive on your wrist the day before. Nude lips, highlighter, silver hoops, a small shoulder bag and platform ankle boots. Fashion tape keeps the top where it should be.
12. Jennifer Check Costume With Heart Jacket
Jennifer Check gives you a horror-movie character without any gore. Pair a white cropped jacket or cardigan covered in pink hearts with a pink tank, a denim mini over opaque tights and heeled boots you can actually walk in. Cut the hearts from felt and stitch them on with a few stitches each, or use fabric paint on a thrifted jacket you don't mind keeping that way; glued felt peels off knits. Long brunette hair in glossy waves with a side part. Smoky brown shadow, wings, berry gloss and a cool-toned blush. A small pink bag or an artificial corsage, and the look stays fine for public campus events.
13. Katniss Everdeen Costume With Side Braid
Katniss is the warmest, most practical costume on this list. Black cargo pants, a fitted dark top, a brown utility jacket and sturdy lace-up boots. The side braid is her signature; start it high behind one ear and work it down and forward over the shoulder, adding a brown clip-in extension if your hair is short or fine. Matte skin, defined brows, brown mascara and a little bronzer. A gold bird pin like her mockingjay, a canvas backpack with rolled maps, fingerless gloves and a light scarf. No bow and arrows, please; they'll be turned away at most doors anyway. Everything here thrifts easily.
14. Hermione Granger Costume With Curly Hair
Hermione is made for thick, wavy or curly brown hair, so leave it full rather than fighting it. A white button-down, gray sweater, pleated skirt and a striped red-and-gold tie, then black tights, loafers and a long black robe; a thrifted graduation gown works well as the robe. If your hair is straight, braid it damp the night before and brush the waves out loosely. Light concealer, mascara, peach blush and natural lips. Old books, a wooden wand and a striped scarf, plus a crest patch tacked onto the sweater or robe. The tie is worth buying properly striped, since a plain red one makes it a generic school uniform.
15. Princess Leia Costume With Brown Buns
Princess Leia's side buns are the whole costume, and they're harder than they look. A long white mock-neck dress, robe-style maxi or white tunic with straight-leg pants covers the clothes. For the buns, part the hair down the middle, make two low ponytails at ear level, then coil each one around a foam bun form and pin all the way round; matching extensions add size if your hair is short. Clean skin, light brows, soft brown liner and muted rose lips. Silver ankle boots or white sneakers, a wide metallic belt and a painted cardboard tablet. Thermal layers hide under the long dress, which is a gift on a cold October night.
16. Padmé Amidala Costume With White Outfit
Padmé's white outfit is sleek and easy to adjust. A fitted white long-sleeve top with white leggings or tailored pants, a silver belt and structured wrist cuffs. Brown hair goes into a low braided bun, or a smooth ponytail wrapped with a few small braids. White leggings go see-through when they stretch, so I'd check them in daylight and wear nude underwear and a slip short underneath. Luminous makeup with taupe shadow, mascara, rose blush and a neutral lip. Silver boots, white sneakers or flat ankle boots, a silver clutch or foam communicator, and a white cape or hooded wrap for drama and warmth.
17. Wonder Woman Costume With Blue Skirt
Wonder Woman's red, blue and gold suit long brown waves. A red fitted top with a blue pleated skirt or shorts over opaque tights, a removable gold emblem on the top and a wide gold belt. Big glossy waves with a center or side part. Bronze shadow, wings, red lips and gold highlighter. Gold wrist cuffs, a star headband and a lightweight gold rope instead of anything weapon-like. Make the emblem from craft foam or felt and attach it with safety pins from the inside, so the top survives. Red boots or red high-tops, and a blue cape for outdoor events.
18. Catwoman Costume With Black Jumpsuit
Catwoman can look sharp without being uncomfortable. A fitted black long-sleeve jumpsuit, faux-leather leggings with a black turtleneck, or a catsuit under a cropped jacket. Pull brown hair into a low ponytail so the cat-ear headband or soft hood sits flat. Sharp wings, defined brows and muted red lips. Black gloves, a wide belt and flat knee-high boots with grippy soles; faux leather gets slippery and hot, so I'd pick the stretch-cotton version if you're dancing all night. A small zip pouch instead of a whip. Mixing matte fabric with a few shiny accessories adds depth, and a fitted trench keeps you warm.
19. Batgirl Costume With Purple Cape
Batgirl's purple and yellow are a nice break from all-black superheroes. A purple long-sleeve dress, jumpsuit or fitted top with leggings, a yellow belt, a short cape, a soft eye mask and felt bat ears. Brown hair loose in waves under the headpiece or up in a high ponytail. Purple-toned shadow, clean liner and rosy lips. Yellow ankle boots, high-tops or flat combat boots. Felt ears flop unless you back them with a stiff interfacing or a scrap of craft foam. A small yellow crossbody holds your essentials, and for cold weather a black thermal underneath and a longer cape that works as outerwear.
20. Dorothy Costume With Brown Braids
Dorothy is the friendliest costume here. A blue-and-white gingham pinafore over a white puff-sleeve blouse, two low braids tied with pale blue ribbons, and red ballet flats or glittery red sneakers instead of heels. Soft pink blush, mascara and rosy lips. A small wicker basket with a plush dog, a blue handkerchief and a few faux flowers, plus white ankle socks. If it's cold, a fitted white cardigan goes under the pinafore. Glitter shoes shed everywhere; a coat of clear spray sealer on store-bought or homemade glitter sneakers keeps most of it on the shoe. Keep the skirt about knee length so you can sit and dance.
21. Snow White Costume With Blue Bodice
Snow White's blue, yellow and red work with short or long brown hair. A blue fitted top or bodice over a flowing yellow midi skirt, red ribbon at the sleeves and a red bow headband over softly curled hair. Long hair can be pinned into a faux bob or a low roll; her hair is short and dark, so the faux bob gets you much closer than wearing it down. Red flats or low block heels, classic red lips, rosy cheeks and subtle liner. A polished artificial apple or a small basket of faux flowers, and a short blue cape for warmth. The primary colors do enough, so keep the jewelry minimal.
22. Holly Golightly Costume With Black Dress
Holly Golightly is the costume that goes straight back into your wardrobe afterwards. A sleeveless black midi or maxi with a clean neckline, brown hair in a high twisted updo with a small sparkly hairpiece, several strands of faux pearls, black elbow gloves and oversized sunglasses. I'd build the updo over a foam donut so it has height without hours of teasing. Defined brows, soft wings, peach blush and pale pink lips. Black kitten heels, ballet flats or pointed loafers, a small black bag and a paper pastry bag as a wink. A long black coat keeps you warm outside.
23. Priscilla Presley Costume With Beehive Hair
Priscilla Presley's sixties look is mainly the hair. A pastel shift dress or fitted lavender mini with opaque tights covers the clothes. For the beehive, tease the crown section at the roots in small sections, smooth a top layer over it with a soft brush, and pin the whole shape from underneath; a matching headband helps hold it. Practice it once before Halloween, because rushed teasing tangles and snaps hair. Bold wings, full lashes, peach blush and nude-pink lips, pearl earrings and a structured mini bag. White low-heeled boots or block pumps, and a pastel faux-fur-trimmed coat if it's cold.
24. Selena Quintanilla Costume With Purple Jumpsuit
Selena's purple sequined jumpsuit is one of her best-remembered stage outfits. Choose a sparkly purple jumpsuit with flared legs, or a purple long-sleeve top with high-waisted matching pants, ideally with stretch so you can dance. Long, straight, full brown hair brushed back from the face. Classic wings, sculpted cheeks and bold red lips, silver hoops and a light microphone prop. Silver platforms or purple block-heel boots. Sequins scratch inside the arms, so wear a thin base layer under them. Keep the focus on her performance clothes, her makeup and her joy on stage rather than any stereotype.
25. Veronica Lodge Costume With Plaid Dress
Veronica Lodge is preppy with deep jewel tones. A fitted plaid dress, a dark pleated skirt or tailored shorts with a jewel-toned sweater, and a black cape coat or structured blazer on top. Glossy waves with a deep side part; I'd set the waves with velcro rollers while you do your makeup, which gives that polished look without heat damage. Winged liner, plum lips and highlighted cheeks, pearl earrings, a delicate necklace and a structured bag. Black knee-high boots or loafers, and a small menu or takeaway cup from a made-up diner. Navy, burgundy, emerald and black keep it cohesive and suit the season.
26. Nancy Wheeler Costume With 1980s Outfit
Nancy Wheeler is a comfortable eighties look for a cool night. Tuck a striped or floral button-down into high-waisted mom jeans, add a corduroy jacket, a wide vintage belt and lace-up ankle boots. Brunette hair in shoulder-length waves with soft volume at the crown; a little root-lift spray and a round brush get most of it. Blue-gray shadow, peach blush, mascara and pink lips. A reporter's notebook, a retro camera or a flashlight, and a canvas shoulder bag. Secondhand denim and outerwear look more authentic than new. If you'd rather wear a dress, a modest floral midi, fitted cardigan and the same boots.
27. Eleven Costume With Pink Dress
Eleven's early pink dress is simple and nostalgic, easiest if your brown hair is short. A pale pink dress with a white Peter Pan collar, a navy bomber or oversized zip-front jacket, striped athletic socks and white sneakers. Long hair can be pinned into a faux bob or tucked low. Barely any makeup: a natural base, light mascara and tinted balm. A box of frozen waffles, or a lighter cardboard copy, is the prop everyone recognizes. Skip any blood effects. The jacket keeps it warm and casual, and breathable shorts under the dress give you coverage for stairs and sitting on the floor.
28. Black Swan Costume With Feathered Tutu
Black Swan is ballet styling and dramatic eyes, kept elegant. A fitted black bodysuit or tank, a layered black tulle skirt and opaque tights. Put brown hair into a smooth high ballet bun, slicked back with gel and a fine-tooth comb, then wrap a feathered headband or small black tiara around it. The eyes are an extended wing shape in silver and charcoal shadow; I'd sketch the shape lightly with a pencil liner first and fill it in, since it's easy to go lopsided. Berry lips, a little cheek shimmer, black flats or ribbon-tied sneakers. Keep the tulle full but short enough not to snag on furniture or other costumes.
29. Carmen Sandiego Costume With Red Coat
A bright red trench coat says Carmen Sandiego before you've added anything else. Wear it over a fitted black top and black trousers or leggings, then a wide-brim red hat, a yellow scarf and black gloves. Smooth brown waves under the hat, or a low ponytail if the hat keeps lifting. Precise liner, warm blush and red lips, black ankle boots or loafers, and a folded world map, passport-style notebook or small vintage suitcase. It's built for colder climates. Choose a soft, packable hat; a stiff wide brim is a nightmare to hold all evening in a crowded room.
30. Dora Explorer Costume With Pink Shirt
Dora is a playful last-minute costume. A bright pink T-shirt with orange shorts, over opaque tights if it's cold, yellow ankle socks, white sneakers and a purple backpack. Bob-length brown hair can be straightened with side-swept bangs, and longer hair tucked into a faux bob. Peach blush, brown mascara and pink balm. Roll up a paper map with a smiling face drawn on the outside, and put a plush monkey in the backpack or clip it to a strap. The backpack is the clever part, because it carries your phone, wallet and makeup for the whole night.
31. Betty Boop Costume With Red Dress
Betty Boop is a red dress and sculpted curls. A red knee-length dress with a sweetheart or rounded neckline, sheer black tights and red or black pumps you can walk in. Short hair goes into finger waves; longer hair can be pinned into a curled faux bob. Finger waves take practice, so I'd set them with a strong gel and pin curls while damp and leave them to dry fully before touching. Thin arched brows, lashes, rounded liner, rosy cheeks and red lips. Gold hoops, a small heart-shaped bag and a red garter-style ribbon on one wrist rather than the thigh. A cropped black coat keeps the dress visible.
32. Morticia Addams Costume With Long Black Dress
Morticia Addams loves dark brunette hair. A floor-length black dress with flared sleeves and a close but comfortable fit, in stretch fabric with a hem that clears the floor. Straighten your hair with a dead-center part; temporary black hair wax deepens the color, but it transfers onto pillows and collars, so a black top at the neckline is a good idea. A softly pale base, sculpted cheeks, gray shadow and deep red lips. A black stone ring and a single artificial rose with the head attached, as she snips off the blooms. Pointed black flats or low ankle boots are safer than steep heels with that long hem.
33. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
The glam vampire is classic Halloween with no gore. A black velvet midi dress or fitted jumpsuit and a sweeping red-lined cape. Brown hair in brushed-out waves, a sleek ponytail or a half-up style. Smoky plum eyes, soft contour and dark berry lips. Costume fangs are optional, and take them out before you eat or drink, since they make chewing and talking awkward. A jeweled choker, ornate ring and black lace gloves, block-heel ankle boots for stability, and a red clutch or velvet pouch. Velvet and that red lining carry the theme without any fake blood.
34. Classic Witch Costume With Purple Dress
A classic witch can be fun and stylish. A purple velvet dress, black layered skirt or plum jumpsuit with a fitted black cape, and a wide-brim pointed hat over loose brown curls. Pointed hats tip in the wind and slide on smooth hair; I sew a thin elastic from one side of the brim to the other to run under the hair at the back of the head, and the hat stays put outdoors. Shimmery purple shadow, wings, warm blush and berry lips. Black-and-purple striped tights, buckled or flat lace-up boots, and a small decorative broom or a fabric spellbook clutch. A moon-and-star necklace adds a whimsical finish.
35. Black Cat Costume With Tail And Ears
The black cat is the dependable last-minute choice, and it only looks lazy when nothing matches. A black long-sleeve bodysuit or fitted turtleneck with high-waisted black pants, a soft ear headband, a flexible fabric tail and black gloves. Brown hair sleek in a ponytail or loose. Draw a small nose and whiskers with a black eyeliner pencil and set it with a light dusting of powder so it doesn't smear when you touch your face. Silver shadow and nude gloss. Black flats, sneakers or low boots, a thin collar necklace with a light bell, and a tail attached securely and high enough that nobody steps on it.
36. Leopard Costume With Brown Makeup
A leopard suits brunette hair and warm neutral clothes. A leopard-print dress, set or top with black pants, a soft ear headband and a spotted tail. Brown hair in a full ponytail, loose curls or half up, away from the face. Make small, irregular spots at the temples with bronzer and a brown liner pencil; real leopard spots are broken rosettes rather than neat dots, so a C-shape around a lighter center looks more convincing. Gold shadow, mascara and caramel gloss, black ankle boots or tan sneakers, gold hoops and a small brown crossbody. Keep the print to one main garment so it doesn't overwhelm.
37. Cowgirl Costume With Denim Skirt
A cowgirl is cheap and comfortable, and most college wardrobes have half of it already. Tuck a plaid button-down or white tank into a denim skirt, shorts or bootcut jeans, then add a brown belt, western boots and a felt cowboy hat. Brown hair in loose waves or two relaxed braids. Bronzed skin, peach blush, brown liner and glossy lips. A red bandanna at the neck and a small fringed bag; no toy guns. Add a suede-look jacket for a cold night. New western boots are stiff, so if you'll be walking far, choose flat boots you've worn before and add a cushioned insole.
38. 1970s Disco Costume With Flared Pants
A seventies disco look brings color and movement to a party. Metallic or bright flared pants with a fitted halter, over a slim long-sleeve if you want coverage, plus a cropped faux-fur jacket or sequined cardigan. Brushed-out brown waves with volume around the face; set the hair on large rollers and brush them out with a paddle brush for that soft, feathery finish. Gold shimmer shadow, lashes, peach blush and gloss. Platform shoes make the shape, but pick a low, stable platform. Oversized hoops and a mirrored clutch. Hold the palette to two or three colors, say gold, brown and orange, so the shine looks deliberate.
39. Race Car Driver Costume With Checkered Pants
A race car driver is sporty and doesn't need a full bodysuit. Black-and-white checkered pants with a fitted red zip-front jacket or long-sleeve top. Make racing patches from plain felt shapes rather than copying real sponsor logos, and stitch or pin them on so they don't peel off. Brown hair in a high ponytail or two tight braids. Sharp wings, red lips and bronzed cheeks, white sneakers and fingerless gloves. A small fabric checkered flag and a light toy steering wheel if you like. A belt bag across the chest stores your things, and a half-zipped jacket over a comfortable base layer lets you cool down when the room heats up.
40. Detective Costume With Brown Trench Coat
The detective is for anyone who likes tailored clothes and useful layers. A white blouse, dark trousers, suspenders and a knee-length brown trench, then a plaid newsboy cap or neutral fedora with soft brown waves showing underneath. Understated makeup with matte skin, defined brows, brown liner and a muted rose lip. Lace-up oxfords, loafers or low ankle boots, a magnifying glass, a small notebook and a folder of made-up clues. A crossbody satchel holds your phone. Suspenders slip off a narrow shoulder; crossing them at the back, or using the clip style, keeps them up all night. It's warm and very easy to wear.
Three Nights of Halloween From One Pile of Clothes
College Halloween is rarely one party, and buying three costumes adds up fast. Plenty of the looks above share their base layer, so I'd plan the weekend around two or three core pieces and change the hair and accessories each night.
- A black bodysuit or fitted turtleneck becomes the black cat, Catwoman or the Black Swan, depending on whether you add ears, a belt or tulle.
- A white button-down covers Mia Wallace, Princess Leia's layers, the detective and Wednesday's collar.
- A plaid pleated skirt rotates between Blair Waldorf, Rory Gilmore and Veronica Lodge with a different top and headband.
- A long black dress can be Morticia one night and a vampire the next, with a red-lined cape thrown on.
Wash or air the base piece between nights, and keep each night's small parts in its own zip bag so the right headband and earrings are where you expect them.
A Dorm-Room Kit for Fixes on the Go
Dorm rooms have bad mirrors and no space, and something always needs fixing halfway through the night. A small pouch saves the evening:
- Safety pins in two sizes, a strip of fashion tape and a few spare bobby pins.
- Makeup wipes and cotton buds for smudged liner, plus blotting papers for warm rooms.
- A spare hair elastic and a travel-size hairspray.
- A thin layer you can roll up, for the walk back when the temperature drops.
Do your makeup near a window or under the brightest white light you can find. Warm dorm lamps hide patchy foundation and uneven wings that show up clearly in flash photos.
Brown Hair Already Does Half the Work
A good costume works with your hair, your budget and your feet from the first campus photo to the last party. Brown hair covers a surprising range here: classic characters, nostalgic favorites, Halloween staples and simple DIY outfits. Start with what you already own, then add one or two accessories that say who you are. Your own hair can become braids, vintage curls, a sleek ponytail or an updo, which saves you from an itchy wig all night. Choose secure shoes, layers for the weather and light props, and pick a character you'll have fun being.
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