I sew a lot of costumes, and the cute ones are usually the least sewing of all. A plain base from the closet, one or two handmade pieces and a few felt shapes will get you further than a bag of shop-bought extras. These forty ideas run from woodland animals and snack foods to soft takes on witches and ghosts, plus a handful of retro and storybook looks. For each one I've covered the base clothes, the hair, the makeup, the prop and the shoes, along with the sewing or gluing that holds it together. October nights get cold, so most of them have room for leggings or a long-sleeve layer underneath.
Which Felt to Buy for Ears, Spots and Petals
Almost every costume below uses felt, and the cheap sheets and the better sheets behave very differently. Knowing which is which saves you from ears that wilt and spots that pill after one wear.
- Thin acrylic craft felt is fine for flat shapes such as seeds, spots and bones. It's floppy, so it won't hold up an ear or a petal on its own.
- Wool-blend felt is thicker and cuts with cleaner edges. I use it for anything that stands up, like ears, antlers and petal collars.
- Stiffened felt comes in sheets that hold their shape, which is handy for hats and crowns, though it creases if you fold it.
- Craft foam holds curves well and weighs very little, so it's my choice for mushroom caps, crayon hats and big petals.
- Fiberfill and batting give soft volume for clouds and frog eyes. Hand-stitch them in place, as glue flattens them.
When something has to stand upright, two layers of felt with a pipe cleaner or a strip of interfacing between them works better than any single thick sheet.
1. Strawberry Costume With Green Leaf Headband
Start with a red dress, jumpsuit or red top and skirt. The seeds are small white or pale yellow felt teardrops, and they look best scattered with the points all facing up, the way they sit on a real berry. Green tights add color and coverage. A handmade green felt leaf headband sits over a ponytail, curls or two buns. Rosy cheeks and a few freckles keep the face sweet, and a little berry basket is the prop. Green sneakers or red flats finish it, with a green cardigan on top if it's cold; it reads as the leaves, so it doesn't spoil the fruit.
2. Bumblebee Costume With Tulle Skirt
A striped sweater or fitted tee in yellow and black is the base, worn with a black tulle skirt, leggings or pants. Tulle skirts are one of the easiest things to sew: gather a few layers onto a wide elastic waistband and you're done, no hemming needed because tulle doesn't fray. Sheer wings on elastic straps and a headband with pipe-cleaner antennae finish the bee. A high ponytail with yellow clips, golden eyeshadow and a tiny black heart on one cheek suit it. Carry a honey-pot treat bucket, and wear a thermal top under the stripes on a cold night.
3. Ladybug Costume With Polka Dot Wings
Red sweater dresses, rompers or a red top and skirt all work for the base, over black tights. Fabric tape holds felt dots on a smooth weave, but a sweater dress is knitted, so on that one I'd tack each dot with two or three stitches. The wings can be red felt or light cardboard with more black spots, fixed to shoulder straps. Two buns sit nicely under a curled antenna headband. Red lipstick, soft liner and dotted cheeks make the face. A felt leaf or flower is the prop, and black loafers or flats with a black cardigan keep the color scheme tidy.
4. Monarch Butterfly Costume With Orange Wings
A monarch is defined by its veining, so the wings are where I'd spend the time. Begin with a fitted black dress, black jumpsuit or a long-sleeve top and leggings. Soft orange fabric wings move well; paint the black veins and white edge dots with fabric paint and let them dry flat overnight, or the paint cracks when the wings fold. A sleek bun or braided ponytail keeps the antenna headband steady. Blend orange and gold shadow with small white dots at the outer corners to echo the wing edges. Black boots and a fitted black jacket keep you warm without breaking the outline.
5. Pastel Fairy Costume With Flower Crown
Choose one pastel, lavender, mint, blush or pale blue, for a dress with a floaty skirt, and add neutral leggings or shimmer tights. Translucent wings with a little glitter or painted vines carry the fairy idea. Loose curls or a low bun look lovely under a small flower crown. I'd keep glitter on the wings rather than the face; it travels everywhere, so a biodegradable face shimmer is the better choice for skin. A ribbon-wrapped wand with a felt star finishes it, with ballet flats or lace-up boots and a cropped cardigan in the same pastel.
6. Rainbow Cloud Costume With Colorful Streamers
Start with a white sweatshirt dress, an oversized sweater with leggings or a white jumpsuit. Cotton batting in small clusters makes the cloud. Hand-stitch each cluster with a few loose stitches rather than gluing, because glue makes batting flat and crunchy, and keep it below the collarbone so fibers don't drift into your eyes. Rainbow ribbon streamers along the hem swing as you walk. Two fluffy buns with pastel clips, pearly shadow and tiny rainbow lines near one eye make the face. Wear white sneakers. For a lighter version, swap the batting for felt clouds and a rainbow scarf.
7. Sunflower Costume With Petal Collar
The petal collar is the one piece worth sewing here. Cut yellow felt petals, overlap them in two rows and stitch them to a soft fabric band that ties or snaps at the back. A single row looks sparse; the second row, offset by half a petal, makes it full. The base is a brown dress, brown overalls or a brown top with a green skirt, with green tights for the stem. A braid or ponytail under a smaller petal headband, bronze shadow and a touch of yellow liner suit the colors. Carry a mini watering can, and wear brown ankle boots or green sneakers.
8. Mushroom Costume With Spotted Cap
Wear a cream sweater with beige pants, a cream dress or an ivory top and skirt. The cap is everything. I build it from a dome of flexible craft foam covered in red or rust felt, then glue on white felt spots in mixed sizes; foam keeps the round shape without the weight of papier-mache. Braids or a low bun sit under it. Warm brown shadow, rosy cheeks and small white freckles give a storybook face. A tiny basket of faux leaves, cream tights and brown lace-up boots finish it. A tan cap with white spots and a moss-green cardigan make a softer version.
9. Fox Costume With Orange Tail
Begin with an orange sweater dress, an orange hoodie with leggings or a rust top with brown pants. The white chest panel matters: cut it as a rounded bib from white faux fur or felt and stitch it on, since a fox without the white bib starts to look like a cat. Triangular ears and a soft orange tail tipped in white come next. Loose waves or a high ponytail keep the ears visible. Copper eyeshadow, black wings of liner and a painted nose with whisker dots make the face. Brown boots or loafers finish it. Fasten the tail high on the waistband so it clears the chair when you sit.
10. Deer Costume With Felt Antlers
Wear a tan dress, a brown sweater with leggings or a beige jumpsuit, and add a white felt chest panel and a small tail. Padded ears and felt antlers on a headband carry the deer. Felt antlers flop unless you stiffen them, so I fuse two layers together with a piece of pipe cleaner sandwiched inside each tine. A low ponytail or loose waves frame the headpiece. Warm brown shadow, a small black nose and white dots on the cheeks and forehead give the fawn face. A leafy branch, brown ankle boots and a cream cardigan for the cold finish it.
11. Black Cat Costume With Velvet Ears
This is my first suggestion when someone has an hour. A black jumpsuit, sweater dress or fitted top with pants is the base, plus a flexible tail, velvet cat ears and black gloves if you like. Velvet ears are easy to sew: two layers of velvet over a wire triangle, turned and stitched onto the band. A low ponytail or straight hair keeps the outline sleek. Black liner gives the nose, whiskers and an upturned eye, with a little pink blush or silver shadow. A ball of gray yarn or a fish-shaped felt purse is the prop. A fuzzy black cardigan or a bell collar adds texture.
12. Fluffy Bunny Costume With Pink Details
Soft textures make this bunny. A white sweatshirt dress, cream sweater and pants or a pale gray jumpsuit is the base, with a pom-pom tail and tall fabric ears lined in pink. Ears made only of fabric fold over by mid-evening, so put a strip of interfacing or thin craft foam between the layers. Two low buns or loose curls sit under them. Pink shadow, rosy cheeks and a tiny heart nose with whisker dots are sweet. Faux carrots or a carrot treat bag make the prop, with white sneakers or soft flats. Pink gloves and a bow tie are optional, and fleece-lined leggings fit underneath for warmth.
13. Green Frog Costume With Eye Headband
Wear a green hoodie dress, a green sweatshirt with matching joggers or a green top and skirt. A pale green or yellow felt oval on the front gives the frog belly. The eyes are padded: stuff two felt circles lightly with fiberfill and stitch them to a headband, set back far enough that you can still look up. Braids or a low ponytail sit under it. Green shadow, pink cheeks and painted freckles keep it playful, and a felt lily pad or plush fly is the prop. Green sneakers or rain boots finish it, and a red scarf can stand in for a cartoon tongue that comes off at mealtimes.
14. Yellow Duck Costume With Orange Beak
Start with a yellow dress, sweatsuit or yellow sweater and skirt. Skip loose feathers; they shed on everything. Small felt feather shapes stitched along the sleeves in overlapping rows give the same effect. A yellow headband carries soft eyes and an orange felt beak above the forehead. Short pigtails or a bun suit it, with golden shadow and peach blush. Orange tights with orange sneakers read as webbed feet without clumsy shoe covers. A felt pond sign makes a funny prop, and a yellow raincoat fits right in for damp outdoor events.
15. Pink Axolotl Costume With Frilled Headpiece
The gills are what tell people you're an axolotl and not a pink dragon. Cut three feathery fronds per side from pink and coral felt, layer the two colors and stitch them to a comfortable headband so they fan outward. Wear a blush hoodie dress, pink jumpsuit or matching sweatshirt and leggings, with a pale belly panel and a lightly stuffed tail that ends above the ankles. Straight hair or a low bun keeps the gills clear. Pearly pink shadow and dewy blush suit it, and a bubble wand is the prop. Pink sneakers are easiest; make the tail snap off for crowded rooms.
16. Scarecrow Costume With Patchwork Overalls
Wear denim overalls over a plaid flannel shirt, then add patches in rust, mustard and brown. Blanket-stitch around each patch in a thick contrasting thread; it reads from a distance and looks properly handmade. A floppy straw-style hat with an artificial sunflower sits over braids or tousled waves. Warm shadow, peach blush and short stitch lines at the mouth make a friendly face. A bundle of raffia or a fabric crow is the prop. Tie raffia loosely at the cuffs, over socks rather than bare skin, as it scratches. Thermal leggings fit under the overalls on cold nights.
17. Jack-O’-Lantern Costume With Orange Sweater
Choose an oversized orange sweater, sweatshirt dress or orange hoodie with black leggings. The pumpkin face is black felt, and I'd baste it on with a few long stitches rather than tape, since a sweater stretches and tape lifts at the corners. A green collar or felt leaves at the neckline bring in the stem color. Put your hair in a topknot tied with green ribbon. Copper shadow and a tiny green vine near one temple finish the face. Carry a pumpkin bucket, and wear black boots or green sneakers. A black thermal shirt and fleece-lined tights keep you warm underneath.
18. Friendly Ghost Costume With Tulle Layers
Wear a white dress, tunic with leggings or white separates. Tulle layered over the base makes the ghostly drift, and since tulle doesn't fray you can cut the wavy edges with sharp scissors and leave them raw. Keep it clear of the ground so nobody steps on it. A white headband with small fabric wisps or silver stars sits over soft curls or a loose bun. Pearly shadow, pale pink blush and silver dots around the eyes keep the face friendly. A small lantern or a sign with a cheerful greeting is the prop. Leave your face uncovered; you'll see better and people can see you smile.
19. Pastel Witch Costume With Star Cape
Begin with a lavender, blue or pink dress over matching tights. The short cape is an easy first sewing project: a half circle of fabric with a ribbon tie at the neck, with felt moons and stars stitched on. Keep it waist length, as long capes catch on chairs. A coordinating pointed hat, loose waves or a pastel wig add fantasy. Lilac shimmer and tiny painted stars near the temples finish the face. Carry a ribbon-wrapped broom or crescent-moon wand, and wear glittery ankle boots or pastel sneakers. A cardigan fits under the cape for warmth.
20. Pink Vampire Costume With Heart Cape
This vampire is pink, burgundy and black rather than blood red. Wear a pink dress, burgundy blouse with a black skirt or a velvet jumpsuit. The cape is short and lined in pink with a heart-shaped clasp; a sew-on hook and eye under the clasp takes the strain, so the decorative part doesn't snap. Polished waves or a dark bob wig suit it. Plum shadow, defined liner, berry lipstick and small pointed teeth if you like them complete the face. Carry a rose or heart-shaped bag, wear Mary Janes or burgundy boots, and add opaque tights for warmth.
21. Rainbow Skeleton Costume With Colorful Bones
Start with a black sweatshirt, jumpsuit or long-sleeve top and leggings. Cut the bones from bright felt in pink, blue, yellow, green and purple. I lay a real skeleton picture beside the shirt and trace simplified shapes onto paper first, because freehand ribs tend to come out lopsided. Fabric-safe tape or a few stitches fix them in place. A high ponytail with colorful extensions or a rainbow bob suits it. Soft skeletal lines in black liner and colored face paint around the eyes finish the face. Black sneakers with rainbow laces, and a black beanie with felt bones for a quick school version.
22. Cozy Mummy Costume With Soft Fabric Wraps
Wear cream leggings and a matching long-sleeve shirt, jumpsuit or sweatshirt dress. Tear ivory cotton into strips rather than cutting it; torn edges fray softly and look old, cut edges look like bandages. Tack the strips loosely across the base with a few stitches so they stay put but you can still bend. Wrap shorter pieces around a headband instead of the head or face. A messy bun, taupe shadow and soft liner give a gently aged face. Carry a small scroll or wrapped bucket, wear beige sneakers or cream boots, and check that no strip trails near your feet.
23. Retro Space Alien Costume With Silver Boots
Wear a silver dress, metallic skirt with a bright top or a reflective jumpsuit, with green or purple tights. Metallic fabric is slippery under the machine, so if you're altering it, use a fresh needle and tissue paper under the seam. A headband with soft antennae sits on a colorful bob, high ponytail or two space buns. Blend iridescent shadow in blue, green and lavender, and add small gem stickers at the temples. A cardboard flying-saucer purse makes a fun prop. Silver ankle boots or white platform sneakers finish it, and a holographic jacket over a thermal shirt keeps you warm.
24. Pastel Astronaut Costume With Star Patches
A white utility jumpsuit, or white pants and a zip-front jacket, is the base. The mission patches are the fun part: cut circles of felt in lavender, mint and pink, stitch on stars, planets or your initials with embroidery floss, then sew them to the chest and sleeves. Braids or a neat bun sit under a white cap. Silver liner and tiny painted stars make subtle space makeup. A cardboard helmet or moon bag is the prop, with white high-tops or silver boots. A pastel backpack plays the oxygen pack, and reflective tape on the sleeves helps you be seen after dark.
25. Pink Cowgirl Costume With Fringe Vest
Pink, white and soft brown make this cowgirl. Wear a white button-down with pink jeans, a denim skirt with leggings or a pink jumpsuit. The fringed vest is easy to make from faux suede, which doesn't fray: cut the fringe with a rotary cutter against a ruler for straight strands. Add a cowgirl hat over loose waves or braided pigtails. Rosy blush and pink lips suit it. A soft cord rope or star purse is the prop, with brown or white Western boots. A printed bandana adds color, and felt stars beat sharp metal studs if you'll be hugging friends.
26. Vintage Sailor Costume With Red Scarf
Pair a striped top with navy pants, a pleated skirt and tights or tailored shorts over leggings. The sailor collar is a quick sew: a square bib of white fabric with navy ribbon stitched along the edge, worn over the top and tied under a red neck scarf. A neat bob or high ponytail under a small white sailor cap, red lipstick and fresh pink blush suit the era. A cardboard anchor or small life ring is the prop, with white sneakers or navy flats. A navy pea coat goes right over it on a cool night.
27. Swan Ballerina Costume With Feather Headband
Wear a white leotard-style top or fitted shirt with a knee-length tulle skirt and opaque white tights. For the collar, I cut felt feather shapes and stitch them in overlapping rows onto a felt band; real feathers molt onto everyone you hug. Pull your hair into a smooth ballet bun with a swan-inspired headband or white floral clips. Pearl shadow and fine liner make the face. A ribbon wand or white bouquet is the prop, with white ballet flats. A cropped wrap cardigan adds warmth, and a knee-length skirt lets you sit and move without crushing the tulle.
28. Storybook Detective Costume With Plaid Coat
Fall clothes do the work for this detective: a plaid coat, cape or blazer over a cream sweater and brown pants, with a matching checked cap and a small satchel. If you can't find a matching cap, a simple six-panel cap is a short project from leftover plaid. Wear your hair low or tucked under the hat, with natural makeup and defined brows. An oversized cardboard magnifying glass and a pocket notebook full of funny mysteries are the props. Brown loafers or lace-up boots and a burgundy scarf finish the outfit.
29. Colorful Artist Costume With Paint Palette
Wear black pants or overalls over a striped shirt, then layer a white or denim smock on top. I decorate the smock with felt paint splashes stitched on, not wet paint, so it can go in the wash afterwards. A soft beret in red, blue or yellow sits over a low bun or side braid. Bright liner and a few washable dots on the cheeks keep it playful. Carry a cardboard palette and an oversized brush, and wear flats or canvas sneakers. A patterned scarf and a small portfolio bag add character.
30. Classic Mime Costume With Striped Shirt
A mime adjusts to any age or dress code. Wear a black-and-white striped shirt with black pants, overalls or a knee-length skirt and tights. Suspenders, white gloves and a small black beret follow; clip-on suspenders are fine, but sew-on buttons inside the waistband stop them popping off mid-pose. Tuck your hair under the hat. Light foundation, black liner, red lips and small cheek details work better than heavy white paint. An empty picture frame is the prop, and a red scarf adds one bright accent for photos.
31. Disco Dancer Costume With Silver Jumpsuit
Wear a silver, purple or turquoise flared jumpsuit, or a glittery top with wide-leg pants. Add a light sequined belt and big round sunglasses. Sequin fabric is heavy and itchy at the seams, so I line the waistband of a sequined belt with a strip of soft knit before wearing it. Bouncy curls or a rounded retro wig suit it, with shimmer, glossy lips and bright blush. A small mirrored-ball purse is the prop. White platform sneakers or low silver boots give the shape, and a metallic bomber adds warmth.
32. Retro Flower Child Costume With Bell-Bottoms
Floral bell-bottoms with a peasant blouse, or a patterned maxi dress over tights, set the scene. A faux-suede vest and wide fabric headband follow; the headband is a simple tube of fabric, turned and tied at the back. Long center-parted waves or loose braids suit it, with warm shadow, peach blush and painted flowers near one cheek. A daisy bouquet or a friendly cardboard sign is the prop, with ankle boots or clogs and a fringed crossbody bag. At the thrift store, look for earth tones that mix rather than a perfectly matched set.
33. Cupcake Costume With Sprinkle Skirt
Wear a pastel top with a pleated skirt in a matching shade. The wrapper goes over the skirt: fold felt or light poster board into pleats like a paper cupcake case and attach it to a wide band. Pleated felt keeps its folds if you press each fold with a hot iron under a cloth. Leave room to walk and sit. Felt sprinkles on the top and a red pom-pom cherry near the neckline add the icing. A high bun plays the frosting. Shimmery eyes and pink blush suit it, with pastel sneakers and a sprinkle treat bag.
34. Gumball Machine Costume With Pom-Pom Top
Pom-poms are the costume, so attach them properly. Stitch each one through its center to a white or clear-panel top; glue alone lets them pop off once the fabric flexes. Keep them away from the neckline so you can turn your head. Pair it with a high-waisted red skirt, red pants or red overalls, and add a silver felt rectangle at the waist for the coin slot. A ponytail with rainbow clips or a short colorful wig suits it, with bright liner and a red lip. A cardboard coin or bag of spare pom-poms is the prop, with red sneakers.
35. Bubble Tea Costume With Straw Headband
Begin with a beige dress, tan sweatshirt and pants or a caramel jumpsuit, with large black felt circles on the lower half for the pearls. A wide headband carries a light straw made from striped paper or foam; a foam straw survives being bumped, a paper one creases. A smooth ponytail or two buns suits it. Caramel shadow and a glossy nude lip match the colors. A clear cup-shaped bag or a big cardboard straw makes the prop, with black sneakers or brown boots. A short clear vinyl cape can suggest the lid, but vinyl doesn't breathe, so keep it short and away from the face.
36. Popcorn Costume With Striped Skirt
Wear a white top with a striped skirt, pants or overalls. The popcorn is crumpled yellow and white tissue or soft felt near the shoulders; felt survives far better if you'll be in a crowd. A headband topped with a few light pieces sits over a ponytail or bun. Golden shadow, red lipstick and rosy cheeks suit the snack colors. A striped popcorn box of wrapped treats is the prop, with red sneakers or white flats. If you need a red cardigan for warmth, pin a few felt pieces to its shoulders so the popcorn doesn't disappear under it.
37. Ice Cream Sundae Costume With Cherry Hat
A cream, pink or mint dress with a flared skirt is the base. Felt chocolate drizzle along the bodice and a small white ruffle at the neckline suggest the sundae. The ruffle is a strip of white fabric gathered with a long running stitch and sewn along the inside of the neckline. Colorful felt sprinkles, a red cherry headband and a short paper straw finish the toppings. A high bun or round curls suit it, with pastel shadow and glossy lips. A light cardboard spoon is the prop, with white sneakers, opaque tights and a cropped cardigan for coverage.
38. Crayon Costume With Pointed Hat
Choose a solid-color dress, jumpsuit or top and pants in one crayon shade. Black felt bands at the sleeves and hem mimic the wrapper; cut them a touch longer than the circumference and stitch the ends, since a gap at the back is obvious from behind. The pointed hat is craft foam in the same color, rolled into a cone and glued along the seam. Braids or a low ponytail help it sit securely. Matching liner and cheek details keep the color going. A cardboard drawing is a fun prop, and a jacket in the same color fits right in.
39. Blue Rain Cloud Costume With Raindrop Ribbons
Wear a pale blue sweatshirt dress, sweatsuit or blue top with leggings. White felt cloud shapes go across the shoulders and upper body, and short blue and silver ribbons hang from the sleeves as rain. Seal the ribbon ends with a dab of clear nail polish so they don't unravel. Two buns with silver clips, blue shadow and tiny raindrops under one eye suit it. A clear umbrella with removable felt clouds is the prop and actually useful. Silver rain boots and a light blue raincoat make this one of the few costumes that improve in wet weather.
40. Garden Gnome Costume With Red Hat
Wear a blue tunic, sweater dress or long-sleeve shirt with brown pants or leggings, plus a wide black belt. The tall red felt hat is the main piece. Cut a long triangle, sew the side seam, and put a light paper cone inside so it stands up; make sure the brim sits above your eyebrows so it doesn't slide over your eyes. Braids or curls work, and a soft white yarn beard is optional. Rosy blush and freckles suit it. A small watering can is the prop, with brown boots. Keep the beard short and on a loop over the ears so it comes off easily when you eat.
A Detachable Tail in About Half an Hour
The fox, deer, cat, bunny and axolotl all need a tail, and a tail sewn straight onto your clothes is a nuisance by the time you sit down. Here is how I make one that clips on and off.
- Cut two matching tail shapes from felt, fleece or faux fur, about as long as from your waist to the back of your knee for a fox, much shorter for a deer or bunny.
- Place them right sides together and stitch around the edge, leaving the top end open. Turn the tail right side out.
- Stuff it lightly with fiberfill. Overstuffed tails stick out stiffly; a loose fill lets them swing.
- Fold the open top end over a strip of sturdy ribbon or elastic and stitch it closed.
- Sew a large safety pin or a clip to the ribbon, and fasten it to the inside of your waistband at the back.
For the fox, add a white tip by stitching a piece of white fabric to the end of each tail half before you sew them together. Pom-pom tails for bunnies are even quicker: wind yarn around a fork, tie the middle tightly, cut the loops and trim it round.
Spots and Seeds That Look Evenly Cut
Freehand felt shapes are the giveaway of a rushed costume. I trace around a coin, a bottle cap or a jar lid for spots, which gives a ladybug, mushroom or gumball machine a much tidier finish. For teardrop seeds and petals, cut one paper template, fold it in half to check it's symmetrical, then trace it onto the felt with a fabric pen. Sharp scissors matter more than skill; dull ones chew felt edges into fuzz.
Sew the Signature Piece, Borrow the Rest
A cute costume works when people recognize it and you can wear it all evening. Begin with clothes you like, then make one or two clear details yourself: ears, wings, a collar, a hat or a few felt shapes. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Makeup can stay simple when the clothes already tell the story. Change the colors, hemlines and shapes to suit the coverage and fit you want, and keep the handmade pieces removable so your wardrobe goes back to normal in November.
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