Most good men's costumes start with clothes that already fit you: jeans, a suit, a work shirt, boots or gym gear. You don't need professional makeup or a packaged set in a plastic bag. What turns those basics into a character is a deliberate color choice, a bit of grooming and one or two accessories that do the identifying. The forty ideas below run from classic Halloween characters and film favorites to superheroes, throwbacks, jobs and quick last-minute builds. Each one comes with a full outfit, a hair or makeup note, a prop that's safe to carry and shoes you can stand in all night.
Three Wardrobes That Cover Most of This List
Before I suggest buying anything, I ask a man to open his closet. Nearly every costume below grows from one of three bases most men already own, and a base that fits you well does more for the finished look than any packaged costume.
The dark suit
A black or charcoal suit and a white shirt cover the secret agent, the vampire, the skeleton gentleman, the Jazz Age look, the pilot, Clark Kent and the zombie office worker. Change the tie, the hair and one prop and it's a different character. Check the jacket fits across the shoulders; a borrowed suit that's too big makes every one of them look like a schoolboy at a wedding.
Jeans, flannel and boots
Workwear carries the cowboy, lumberjack, scarecrow, werewolf, construction worker and ghost hunter. Dark jeans and leather boots you've already broken in are worth more than new ones, because you'll be standing for hours.
Gym clothes
Compression tops, track pants and sneakers sit under Batman, Spider-Man, Deadpool, the strongman and the lifeguard. They stretch and breathe, and they're the reason those costumes are wearable at all. If a superhero suit is going over the top, choose dark, close-fitting layers so nothing bunches.
1. Classic Pirate Costume
A pirate works because every layer adds texture. A loose white shirt, dark cropped trousers and a burgundy or black vest, with a striped scarf wrapped at the waist as a sash and a weathered faux-leather belt over it. Medium or long hair goes into loose waves, or a dark shoulder-length wig sits under a tied bandana. A little smudged brown eyeliner gives a sea-worn look without going theatrical. The shirt is where I'd spend the effort: a full-cut cotton or linen shirt with a soft collar looks right, while a fitted office shirt with a stiff collar never does, however much you open it. A rolled map or a foam telescope instead of a sword, striped socks, brown buckle boots, a hoop earring and a small shoulder pouch.
2. Classic Vampire Costume
The vampire is really an exercise in dark tailoring. Black trousers, a white dress shirt and a fitted black vest, under a long cape lined in deep red, with a high collar or a loosely tied neck scarf. Slick your hair back with gel, or wear a neat black wig with a slight widow's peak. Pale foundation, softly shaded cheekbones, dark brows and a muted berry stain on the lips. Small fangs give the signature detail. I'd try the fangs on at home with a drink in hand; plenty of men find they can't talk clearly in them and end up carrying them in a pocket. A medallion, a cane or a red artificial rose, plus black socks and polished loafers or ankle boots.
3. Western Cowboy Costume
A cowboy is the easiest costume here to pull out of an ordinary wardrobe. Straight-leg jeans, a plaid button-down and a brown or tan suede-look vest, with a wide belt and decorative buckle and a red bandana tied at the neck. Leave your hair slightly tousled under the hat. A touch of bronzer and some stubble shading suggests a day outdoors without looking dirty. Hats are the giveaway. I always check the fit first, because a cheap straw or felt hat that sits on top of the head looks like a costume, so buy one that fits down to your eyebrows or pad the inner band with a strip of foam tape. A coiled rope, a canteen or a deck of cards as props. Worn brown cowboy boots or sturdy work boots, and a fringed jacket if it's cold.
4. Black Suit Secret Agent Costume
Need something sharp at the last minute? The secret agent comes straight from your formal wardrobe. A tailored black suit, a crisp white shirt and a narrow black tie, with matching trousers and no pattern anywhere. Comb your hair neatly with a little gel. Dark sunglasses and a clear coiled earpiece tell people the theme on their own. A blank ID badge or slim black folder makes a safe prop, and a little mattifying powder stops the shine if the room gets warm. The tie matters: a wide or patterned tie softens the look, so go for the narrowest plain black one you can find and a tight, small knot. Black leather shoes, black socks. I'd pick it for an office or restaurant party where props would get in the way.
5. Retro Space Explorer Costume
A retro space explorer is playful science fiction with shiny fabric. A silver or white coverall is the base, with removable colored tape around the cuffs, chest and knees, and a wide utility belt with small empty pouches and handmade mission patches. Keep your hair neat or cover it with a light silver hood that leaves the face clear. Metallic shadow at the temples and a little highlighter give a futuristic finish without full face paint. Carry a clear helmet, a blinking wrist panel or a foam communicator, with white high-tops or silver rain boots. I warn people that silver coveralls are hot; most are made of nylon or vinyl that doesn't breathe, so wear a thin cotton tee underneath and expect to unzip by midnight. Skip dangling tubes and electronics in a crowded room.
6. Mad Scientist Costume
Wild hair gives the mad scientist his energy, but the rest needs to be finished too. A white lab coat over a pale shirt, a patterned bow tie and dark trousers, with pens, rulers and plastic test tubes in the pockets. Tease your own hair upward with temporary spray, or wear a fluffy gray wig with big sides. A little charcoal smudged at the temples and oversized safety glasses. A clipboard of made-up formulas or a beaker full of colored pom-poms is family friendly. Practical lace-ups or clean sneakers, plus bright socks that flash when you move. Lab coats run long in the sleeve; if yours covers your knuckles, roll the cuffs once and it reads as deliberate. Cheap, easy and fun to thrift.
7. Ghost Hunter Costume
The ghost hunter is utility clothing plus homemade equipment. Khaki cargo pants, a neutral work shirt and a dark utility vest, with printed patches or handwritten investigation labels that don't copy any official uniform. Hair stays natural, since the kit does the talking. A little gray shadow under the eyes suggests a sleepless night. Build a light detector from a small cardboard box, plastic tubing, bottle caps and battery lights, and add a flashlight and notebook. Black work boots or supportive hiking shoes. Fix every piece of kit to the vest with clips or Velcro rather than letting it hang, because loose gadgets swing into people and catch on door handles.
8. Skeleton Gentleman Costume
The skeleton gentleman is a dressier take on bones. Paint or iron a rib cage and arm bones onto a black dress shirt with washable white fabric paint or iron-on shapes, then add black trousers, a fitted vest and a white or silver bow tie. Slick your hair back, or wear a black top hat with a white ribbon. Black and white skull makeup around the eyes, nose and jaw, kept clean rather than cracked. White gloves printed with hand bones. Paint the bones with the shirt on a hanger, not flat on a table, so the rib spacing follows the way the shirt actually hangs on a body. A black cane with a silver handle or a single white flower, plus polished black boots.
9. Farm Scarecrow Costume
Flannel and denim make the scarecrow a warm choice for a cold night. Faded overalls over a plaid shirt, with checked fabric patches on the knees and pockets. Tie short lengths of raffia or tan yarn at the cuffs rather than stuffing loose straw inside the clothes; real straw itches, sheds everywhere and leaves bits in every car seat for weeks. A floppy brown hat with a sunflower or fabric patch on the band, tousled hair, and stitched lines beside the mouth in brown eyeliner, with warm blush on the cheeks. An artificial crow, a fabric pumpkin or a bundle of faux wheat. Brown work boots, with a thermal underneath.
10. Classic Werewolf Costume
A werewolf can look transformed without a frightening mask. A brown plaid shirt worn open over a dark thermal top, with distressed jeans and faux-fur patches sewn behind a few fabric openings. A fluffy brown wig, temporary hair color or teased natural hair for the wild outline, then brown face paint blended across the forehead, cheekbones and jaw with a dark nose and thick brows. Furry gloves with rounded costume nails, soft ears on a headband and a tail pinned securely to the waistband. Rugged lace-up boots. Faux fur sheds heavily when you first cut it, so give the cut pieces a shake outdoors and run a lint roller over the edges before sewing them in. Keep the face open so you can breathe.
11. Zombie Office Worker Costume
The zombie office worker turns old business clothes into something funny, with no blood or wounds needed. An older gray suit, a wrinkled white shirt and a crooked striped tie, lightly dusted with washable gray fabric chalk. Mess up the hair with a styling paste, then pale makeup with soft gray shading under the eyes and muted lips. A coffee cup labeled "Monday", a bent clipboard or a cardboard laptop. Scuffed-looking dress shoes and mismatched socks. Dust the chalk on outdoors and brush it into the fabric, or you'll leave a gray trail on every office chair. It's a natural fit for a workplace party.
12. Victorian Ghost Costume
A Victorian ghost is faded formalwear rather than a sheet. Charcoal trousers, a collarless white shirt and a gray or black brocade vest, with a long frock-style coat, a loosely tied cravat and an antique-looking watch chain. Dust washable white fabric chalk over the hems and shoulders for an aged look, comb your hair back, and add temporary gray at the temples if you like. Pale foundation, cool gray contour and slightly darkened eyes. A frock coat is rare in shops, but a long dark overcoat from a thrift store with the lapels pressed flat gets you most of the way. An old hardcover book or an unlit lantern, with black lace-up boots or formal shoes.
13. Circus Ringmaster Costume
The ringmaster is all bold tailoring. Black fitted trousers, a white shirt, a gold vest and a red tailcoat with removable gold braid, plus a black bow tie or a tall collar. A clean side part, or a black top hat over tucked hair. A curled costume mustache and light contour define the face. A small hoop, a rolled program or a decorative cane instead of a whip. Knee-high black riding boots or polished ankle boots, and white gloves. Red tailcoats are hard to find, so I'd look for a red blazer and add a pair of tails cut from matching felt, stitched inside the back hem. Red, black and gold read clearly at any distance.
14. Vintage Strongman Costume
The vintage strongman is a funny athletic costume with almost no construction. A red and white striped tank or fitted short-sleeve top with high-waisted black shorts, over opaque black leggings if it's cold or you'd rather be covered. A wide faux-leather lifting belt, striped socks and lace-up boots. A neat part and a curled mustache give the old circus look; matte powder and lightly defined brows are enough makeup. Make the barbell from a cardboard tube and two big foam circles painted gray, and keep it obviously light. I'm strict about sizing here: a striped top that's too loose loses the whole effect, so pick the snug size. A sleeveless robe makes a warm extra.
15. Classic Detective Costume
A detective looks smart rather than theatrical when the tailoring is neutral. Brown or gray trousers, a white shirt, a dark tie, a sweater vest and a knee-length trench coat, with a checked flat cap to contain your hair. For a modern version, a tidy side part and no hat. Natural makeup with a little under-eye shading. A magnifying glass, notebook and manila folder of blank pages, and no realistic police badge. Brown brogues or comfortable lace-up boots. I always belt the trench rather than leaving it hanging open; a knotted belt instantly makes it read as a detective coat. Every layer here also keeps you warm.
16. Jazz Age Gentleman Costume
The Jazz Age gentleman is an evening outfit with a period accent. Pinstriped trousers, a white dress shirt, a buttoned vest and a matching jacket, with a patterned tie or bow tie, and suspenders for when the jacket comes off. Smooth your hair into a side part with a light pomade, maybe with a neatly shaped mustache, and keep the skin matte. A pocket square, a watch chain and a folded newspaper. A straw boater, a fedora-style hat or a flat cap depending on the suit. Two-tone brogues or polished brown shoes. Trousers of that era sat at the natural waist, so wearing yours a little higher with suspenders changes the whole shape more than any accessory.
17. Rugged Lumberjack Costume
Red plaid does nearly all the work in a lumberjack costume. A buffalo-check flannel with dark jeans, suspenders and a brown work belt, over a cream thermal if it's cold. A knit beanie suits short or long hair, and temporary brown beard color can fill out real facial hair. If you're clean-shaven, use a soft costume beard rather than drawing one on; drawn beards almost always look like dirt from a few feet away. A bundle of cardboard logs tied with rope or a foam tree slice, and no ax or anything that looks like one. Thick wool socks and brown work boots. It fits any build and every piece goes back into your wardrobe afterward.
18. Tacky Tourist Costume
The tacky tourist is readable in seconds. A bright tropical-print shirt over a plain tee, khaki shorts, crew socks and walking sandals or white sneakers. A floppy sun hat, bucket hat or visor, and a neat stripe of white cream on the nose for sunscreen. A camera, map, binoculars and a souvenir tote, with sunglasses on a neck cord and an empty water bottle clipped to the waist. The joke is overpacking, not anyone's culture or accent, so keep it about vacation gear. I'd buy the shirt a size too big; a loose fit is funnier than a tailored one. Best for warm indoor events and last-minute plans.
19. Retro Lifeguard Costume
A retro lifeguard brings summer to an indoor party without actual swimwear. Red shorts over a fitted white or red tee, with a light zip jacket for coverage. A plain cross emblem made from removable fabric tape, nothing copied from a real uniform. Hair swept back casually, with a little bronzer or faux freckles. A plastic whistle, a bright visor, sunglasses and an empty rescue float. White crew socks and red or white sneakers, not bare feet or flip-flops in a crowd. A belt bag holds your keys and phone, since lifeguard shorts rarely have proper pockets.
20. Race Car Driver Costume
A race car driver depends on patches and a streamlined shape. A solid red, blue or black mechanic-style coverall decorated with original checkered patches, numbers and invented team logos, cinched at the waist with a matching belt. A light racing-style costume helmet with the visor up so your face shows. Simple matte makeup and a little shading at the jaw. A checkered flag, driving gloves or a cardboard trophy. High-tops or black ankle boots. Iron-on patches stay put far better than glued ones on a cotton coverall, and they survive a wash if you want to keep it for next year. Skip real commercial logos.
21. Vintage Airline Pilot Costume
A vintage pilot looks polished as long as the uniform details stay simple. Navy trousers, a white button-down, a slim black tie and a fitted navy blazer, with removable gold ribbon at the cuffs and handmade wing pins, no real airline branding. Hair neat under a navy captain's hat, with groomed facial hair and natural skin. A blank boarding pass, a small rolling case or a made-up flight log. Black socks and polished loafers, and a navy overcoat for warmth. Pin the cuff ribbon from the inside of the sleeve rather than gluing it, so a borrowed blazer goes back undamaged. Good for office parties and travel themes.
22. Classic Firefighter Costume
A firefighter costume should look clearly fictional, not like working emergency gear. Dark cargo trousers and a navy or tan T-shirt, with a costume jacket carrying reflective tape and an invented station number. A light plastic helmet that fits securely and doesn't block your view. Tuck your hair away and use a little washable gray makeup on the cheeks for a long shift, no burns or injuries. A silver-painted cardboard hose or a plush rescue dog. Black work boots. No real department names or badges. The jacket is roomy, so it takes a warm hoodie underneath on a cold night outdoors.
23. Construction Worker Costume
High-visibility pieces make the construction worker one of the fastest costumes to put together. Relaxed jeans or tan work pants, a plaid shirt and a bright reflective vest. A clean plastic hard hat and a simple utility belt with a tape measure, pencil and plastic level. Hair tucked under the hat. A little brown makeup on the cheekbones for the end of a shift. A paper blueprint or a cardboard sign showing an imaginary building plan. Brown work boots and sturdy gloves. The first thing I do with a plastic hard hat is find the adjuster inside; tighten the ratchet so it doesn't tip forward every time you look down at a drink.
24. Head Chef Costume
Crisp white layers make the head chef obvious and comfortable. A double-breasted white chef jacket with black and white checked trousers, or a white button-down with fabric-covered buttons and plain black pants if you can't find kitchen clothing. A tall chef hat over tucked hair and a red or black neckerchief at the collar. A curled costume mustache adds personality. A wooden spoon, a recipe notebook or a covered tray of artificial pastries, but no sharp tools or messy food. Black nonslip shoes or clogs. Paper chef hats flop by the end of the night; a fabric one with a stiff band holds its height. Hosts like this one for the pockets.
25. Bob Ross Costume
Bob Ross is all about the hair, the shirt and the palette. A pale blue button-down with the sleeves rolled neatly to the elbow, relaxed dark jeans and a brown belt. A round brown curly wig is essential unless your own hair has that volume, plus a softly groomed beard or a costume beard in a matching shade. Keep the face natural. A palette with dried dots of nontoxic paint, a few unused brushes and a small canvas of trees and clouds. Brown loafers or casual lace-ups. Let the paint dots on the palette dry for a full day, or they'll end up on the shirt. Hold the brushes upright so they don't poke anyone.
26. Beetlejuice Costume
Beetlejuice is bold stripes, wild hair and over-the-top makeup. A black and white striped suit with a slightly wrinkled white shirt, and a narrow black tie or an open collar. Tease a white or pale green wig upward so the strands point everywhere. White foundation used sparingly, purple-gray shadow around the eyes and small touches of green at the hairline, kept whimsical rather than decayed. Carry a handbook with a made-up title or a striped ticket. Black boots or dress shoes. In my experience striped suits are easy to find in costume shops but often thin and shiny; a striped pair of pajama trousers with a thrifted blazer painted or taped to match can look better under a camera flash.
27. Western Ken Costume
Western Ken is campy, colorful and very coordinated. Black flared trousers and a black button-down decorated with white fringe, a pink bandana at the neck, a white cowboy hat and a wide silver-colored belt. A sleeveless vest adds more fringe and structure. Short blond hair styled with volume, or a neatly combed blond wig, with light bronzer and defined brows. Bright sunglasses or a small sign with a beach-themed phrase. White cowboy boots give the best finish, though white ankle boots or sneakers are easier. Buy fringe trim by the meter and sew it along the yoke seams; glued fringe sags and pulls away as soon as the shirt moves. Everything should look deliberately more glamorous than a real cowboy.
28. Maverick Fighter Pilot Costume
The Maverick pilot starts with an olive-green flight suit and well-placed patches. Use invented patches or plain geometric designs rather than copying real military insignia. A fitted white tee underneath, the suit unzipped a little, short neat hair and classic aviator sunglasses. Natural makeup, groomed brows and a little matte bronzer. A light costume helmet or a blank checklist instead of anything that looks like military kit. Black lace-up boots. For a closet version, a brown bomber jacket replaces the flight suit. Flight suits are cut long in the body, so if yours bags at the seat, a belt pulled snug at the waist fixes most of it.
29. Clark Kent Superman Costume
Clark Kent with a hint of Superman is a clever mix of office clothes and a reveal. Dark dress trousers, a white button-down and a loosely knotted tie over a bright blue top with the red and yellow chest emblem. Leave several buttons open so the color shows. A fitted navy blazer completes the business side. Comb your hair neatly with one small curl at the forehead and wear black rectangular glasses. A folded newspaper or a reporter's notebook. Polished black dress shoes, not superhero boots. A shirt that's a size up is easier to pull open and doesn't strain across the emblem underneath. It switches easily between casual and dressy events.
30. Wolverine Costume
Wolverine is mostly grooming and attitude, and it works without claws. A yellow and navy fitted long-sleeve top with dark utility pants, or the casual version: a white tank, jeans and a brown faux-leather jacket. The hair goes up into two points at the sides with strong gel, and the thick sideburns come from skin-safe costume hair or brown makeup. A little contour at the cheekbones and brows for intensity. A metal-look belt buckle and blank ID tags, with durable brown boots. A soft yellow eye mask turns it toward the comic version. Gel the hair points in stages and dry each one with a cool hairdryer; doing it all at once leaves a single flat clump.
31. Spider-Man Costume
Spider-Man suits anyone who wants to move freely. A comfortable red and blue printed jumpsuit with built-in shoe covers, or a fitted web-pattern top with blue athletic pants. Look for stretch through the shoulders and knees. A detachable fabric mask is easier to take off indoors; without one, use red face paint around the eyes and a simple web in black cosmetic pencil. Light red sneakers are safer than thin costume booties, which give no grip on stairs. A small camera or science notebook is a nice nod to the character. Printed suits often turn see-through at the seat and knees when stretched, so check them in a bright light and wear dark shorts underneath.
32. Batman Costume
Batman looks strongest when the black and charcoal layers build a structured outline. A long-sleeve compression top and matching pants, with soft foam chest and shoulder panels, a simple bat emblem and a yellow or black utility belt. A light scalloped cape that ends above the ankle so it doesn't drag. A flexible half-mask that leaves the mouth and jaw free, hair tucked under, and a little black eye makeup so no skin shows at the openings. Black gloves and supportive combat-style boots, with a flashlight or a made-up city map. Foam panels attach best with a stretch fabric glue on compression fabric; ordinary craft glue goes stiff and cracks the first time you raise your arms.
33. Deadpool Costume
Deadpool keeps its humor and colors without any weapons. A red and black stretch jumpsuit, or a red athletic top with black cargo pants and red knee panels, plus a black utility belt with empty fabric pouches. A breathable red mask with big white eye shapes, chosen for clear vision and easy removal. Your hair stays covered. If you'd rather show your face, red and black cosmetic paint around the eyes. A taco-shaped plush, handwritten joke cards or a tiny unicorn toy. Black gloves and sturdy black boots. Full masks get hot within the hour, so I'd keep it on for the entrance and the photos and push it up the rest of the time.
34. Mario Costume
Mario is primary colors and very little effort. Blue denim overalls over a bright red long-sleeve shirt, with oversized yellow felt circles on the bib as buttons. A red cap with a handmade white circle and letter emblem, your own hair underneath and a rounded brown costume mustache. A little peach blush gives the cheerful face, and white gloves make hand gestures show up in photos. A plush mushroom, a cardboard coin or a small steering wheel. Brown work shoes or rounded ankle boots. I go loose on the overalls; tight-fitting bibs look like farmwear, while a slightly baggy pair gives the cartoon shape. There's room to layer, and it works solo or in a group.
35. Luigi Costume
Luigi uses the same workwear but has his own green. Blue denim overalls over a vivid green shirt, long-sleeved for cooler weather, with yellow felt buttons on the bib and a green cap with a handmade white circle. Hair tucked under the hat and a neat brown mustache with rounded ends. A little peach blush and defined brows. White gloves, a plastic flashlight and a plush ghost keep it fun rather than scary. Brown work shoes or cushioned ankle boots. Costume mustaches with a peel-off adhesive often lose grip once you sweat, so carry a small roll of skin-safe tape. He's strongest next to a Mario but stands fine alone.
36. Link Adventurer Costume
Link is earthy green layers with a comfortable fantasy feel. A belted green tunic over a cream long-sleeve shirt and slim brown trousers, with a soft pointed cap, brown wrist cuffs and a diagonal faux-leather chest strap holding a small pouch. Blond hair with side-swept bangs, or a short blond wig that frames the face, and softly defined brows and cheekbones. Pointed ears are optional and should fit comfortably. A rolled map, a small blue bottle or a cardboard instrument instead of a sword. Brown knee-high boots. A long-sleeve green tee lengthened into a tunic with a belt works if you can't sew; buy it two sizes up so it reaches mid-thigh.
37. Ash Ketchum Costume
Ash Ketchum is sporty and easy with casual clothes. Light-wash jeans, a black T-shirt and a short blue vest with white trim, plus fingerless green gloves and a red and white cap over short, messy hair. A dark wig can give the pointed hairstyle, but natural texture works too. Minimal makeup, defined brows and a little cheek color. A red and white foam ball and a yellow creature plush. Black and white sneakers, and a small green backpack for your things. If you can't find the vest, a short-sleeve blue overshirt with the sleeves cut off and white bias tape glued along the edges is close enough. Great for nostalgic parties and outdoor events.
38. Willy Wonka Costume
Willy Wonka is rich color over formal tailoring. Slim black trousers with a patterned vest, a white shirt and a deep purple velvet-look coat, plus a big bow tie or a narrow ribbon tie in a contrasting shade. Brown hair in soft waves or a neat chin-length wig, depending on the film version, under a tall brown top hat. Pale foundation, rosy cheeks and lightly defined eyes. A cane, a golden ticket or a basket of wrapped pretend sweets, avoiding branded candy. Black dress boots or polished loafers. Velvet-look coats shed pile at the seams and crush when you sit, so hang it up between photos rather than leaving it over a chair.
39. Ace Ventura Costume
Ace Ventura is loud vacation clothes and big hair. Red and black striped trousers with a white tank or a tropical shirt worn open over it, a patterned belt, and the shirt tucked unevenly at the front. Sweep dark hair up into an exaggerated point with strong gel, or use a sculpted wig. Natural makeup with strong brows for the faces. A plush animal, a small pet carrier with a stuffed toy inside, or a detective-style notepad. Black lace-up boots or sturdy sneakers. The costume is half the character; the other half is movement and faces, so it's a good choice if you're happy to perform a little.
40. Napoleon Dynamite Costume
Napoleon Dynamite turns basic thrift clothes into an early-2000s classic. High-waisted dark jeans and a white ringer T-shirt with a handmade liger drawing or a simple retro graphic, tucked in a little with a plain brown belt. A short, tightly curled red wig and large clear-framed glasses do the face, with a sprinkle of freckles. A spiral notebook, homemade campaign flyers or a small tetherball. White athletic socks and black lace-up boots. I'd pull the jeans right up to the natural waist; that awkward rise is more important than the shirt. Practice the stiff stance or a few dance moves for photos.
Stick-On Mustaches, Sideburns and Beards That Stay Put
A dozen of these costumes rely on facial hair you may not have: the ringmaster, the strongman, the chef, Mario, Luigi, the Jazz Age gentleman, Wolverine's sideburns and Bob Ross's beard. Fake facial hair is also the thing most likely to fall off in your drink.
- Shave the area a few hours before, not right before. Freshly shaved skin is often a little irritated, and adhesive stings on it.
- Clean the skin with a gentle cleanser and let it dry fully. Moisturizer or sunscreen underneath stops any adhesive from gripping.
- Patch-test whatever adhesive comes with the mustache, or a skin-safe costume adhesive, on the inside of the wrist the day before.
- Press the piece on and hold it for half a minute. Avoid touching it for the first few minutes while it sets.
- Eat and drink carefully around it, and keep a small roll of skin-safe tape in a pocket for repairs.
Taking it off matters as much as putting it on. Peel slowly from the edge, in the direction of hair growth, and use the remover sold for that adhesive or a little oil rather than tugging it off dry. If you'd rather avoid glue altogether, brown makeup pencil sideburns and a stubble shading in matte brown shadow look better than you'd expect, as long as you keep them soft at the edges rather than drawing hard lines.
Get the Fit Right and Let the Props Talk
None of these needs to be uncomfortable, expensive or hard to put together. Start with clothes that fit and suit the event, then build the character with color, hair, a little makeup, shoes and one clear prop. Detectives, tourists, agents and lumberjacks come out of a normal wardrobe; superheroes and film characters give more impact for more effort. Pick masks you can breathe in, shoes you can stand in and props that weigh nothing, and swap anything weapon-like for a map, notebook, plush toy or sign. Wear the one you'll be comfortable in at midnight, not just at the door.
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