Three people is my favourite size for a family costume. It's small enough that everyone gets a real character, and big enough that the theme reads from the end of a driveway. Every idea below covers clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes, and I've written each one so a parent can swap roles with the child or shrink a part down for a baby, a toddler or someone using a mobility aid. My rules for all of them are the same: soft layers you can add under the costume, faces left uncovered, and nothing in a small hand that weighs more than a full candy bucket.
Give the Smallest Person the Simplest Part
In almost every trio I put together, the child ends up in the softest costume, and that's on purpose. A sweatsuit with felt patches survives a car seat, a nap, a fall on the sidewalk and a sticky candy hand. The grown-ups can carry the fussier pieces, like wigs, capes and tall hats, because adults will put up with a little discomfort for a photo and a four-year-old won't.
Here is the order I work in when I'm building three costumes at once:
- Settle the child's role first, then cast the adults around it. A child who chose their own character keeps it on all night.
- Buy or pull the three base layers in the same week, so the colours match under the same light.
- Do the face and head pieces last. Ears, hats and masks are the parts most likely to be rejected, so test them on the child before you build anything to match.
- Leave one hand free for each adult. Somebody has to hold a hand at the kerb, open the candy bag and carry a shed jacket.
If you only have one evening to sew, put the time into the child's piece and borrow the adult outfits from your own closet. Nobody remembers whether the grown-up's vest was perfect.
1. Toy Story Family Costume
Woody, Jessie and a little green alien are a good first family costume because most of the pieces already live in a closet. Woody gets jeans, a yellow plaid shirt, a cow-print vest, a red bandana, brown boots, a cowboy hat and a few drawn-on freckles. Jessie needs denim, a white Western shirt with yellow details, a red hat, braided red yarn hair and boots she can walk in. The child goes in bright blue or turquoise with a purple collar and three felt eyes on a soft headband; a baby can simply wear an alien bodysuit. I'd stitch the yarn braids to the inside of the hat band rather than glue them, because hot glue lets go of a felt hat once the night turns cold. A cardboard toy box sign or a cloud-print candy bucket ties the three together without anything heavy to carry.
2. Wizard Of Oz Family Costume
Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion give you three very different silhouettes, which is exactly what makes a trio read in photos. Dorothy wears a blue gingham dress over a white blouse, braids tied with blue ribbon, rosy cheeks and red flats. The Scarecrow takes patched brown pants, a green shirt, a rope belt, a floppy hat, straw-coloured yarn at the cuffs and scuffed boots. For the lion, a tan sweatsuit, a faux-fur mane, round ears, a tail and brown sneakers; paint a nose and whiskers instead of using a mask. I use yarn rather than real raffia at the Scarecrow's wrists, since real straw scratches and children pull it out within an hour. A small wicker basket, a plush dog and a yellow brick road sign finish the scene.
3. Super Mario Family Costume
Mario, Luigi and Toad come together fast because the two brothers share one base. Mario wears blue overalls over a red long-sleeve shirt, white gloves, brown shoes and a red cap with a felt initial; Luigi swaps in green. Washable mustaches work, though I prefer felt ones taped to craft sticks so nobody has adhesive on their lip all night. The child is Toad in white pants, a blue vest, brown shoes and a soft mushroom hat with big red circles. Check that hat from the child's eye level before you commit, because a wide cap brim cuts off the view of steps and kerbs. Gold cardboard coins and cube-shaped candy buckets painted in game colours are the only props you need.
4. Bluey Family Costume
Bandit, Chilli and Bluey are the trio I suggest most often for a family with one young child, because every piece is a sweatsuit. Bandit gets a blue sweatshirt and joggers with navy felt patches, a soft tail and blue ears. Chilli wears orange and cream with brown markings, floppy ears and a tail. Bluey needs a bright blue hoodie, leggings or sweatpants, dark blue patches and cushioned sneakers. Paint rounded noses and a few freckles but leave the eye area alone. I attach the felt markings with removable fabric tape or safety pins on the inside, since iron-on adhesive tends to lift from fleece after one wash. Matching paw-print candy bags, and you're ready for a long, cold walk or a night with the stroller.
5. The Incredibles Family Costume
The Incredibles is a uniform, so the trick is getting the red to match. Everyone wears a red fitted tee or sweatshirt over black leggings or athletic pants, with black gloves, a yellow waistband and black sneakers. I buy all three red tops in one go, because two different reds side by side look like a mistake in photos. Use soft fabric masks that leave side vision clear, or paint a small black mask around the adults' eyes and keep the child's face bare. Parents take Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, and the child picks Dash, Violet or Jack-Jack. Felt logos and red candy buckets are all the extra detail it needs.
6. Shrek Fiona And Donkey Costume
Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey lean on soft layers and a bit of green makeup. Shrek wears brown pants, a cream tunic, a brown vest, dark boots and a green ear headband. Fiona needs a long green dress, a braided red wig or a red ribbon in her own hair, a small crown, green ears and flat ankle boots. Keep the green face makeup to a sheer, washable layer; I'd patch-test it on the inside of the wrist a few days before, and dust it with translucent powder so it doesn't end up on Fiona's collar. Donkey is a gray hoodie and joggers with a felt belly, floppy ears, a black yarn mane, a tail and gray sneakers. A plush waffle or a small swamp sign is the prop. For a baby, skip the hood and use a loose ear headband or a gray hat.
7. Monsters Inc Family Costume
Sulley, Mike and Boo can be cast almost any way you like, which is handy when the child is still a baby. Sulley is a turquoise sweatsuit with removable purple felt spots, a soft horn headband, a furry tail and blue sneakers. Mike is lime green with one big felt eye on the chest, tiny horns and matching shoes. Boo wears pink leggings, an oversized pink T-shirt dress, white socks, purple hair ties and white sneakers. Adults can add a little blue or green face paint while the child goes without. I cut Sulley's spots in uneven sizes; perfect circles look like polka dots rather than fur. A lightweight cardboard door, or a stroller dressed as a bedroom door, sets the scene.
8. Peter Pan Family Costume
Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell is a sweet storybook pick, and the green hem is where I spend my time. Peter wears a green tunic with a jagged hem, brown leggings, a slim belt, a pointed felt hat, brown ankle boots, tousled hair and a little colour on the cheeks. Cut that zigzag hem in felt, which doesn't fray, rather than cotton. Wendy's outfit is a pale blue midi dress with a blue ribbon belt, a half-up hairstyle, light makeup and black flats. Tinker Bell wears a green dress or romper over warm tights with soft wings, a high bun, a ribbon wand and green ballet flats. If the child is Tink, choose fabric wings over wire ones; wire frames poke the back of the neck and catch on car seats. A pouch of biodegradable paper stars is the photo prop.
9. Alice In Wonderland Family Costume
Alice, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit have the most distinct colours of any trio here, so the group reads even in a dark photo. Alice wears a blue dress, white apron, black headband, white tights, black flats and pink cheeks. The Hatter mixes a colourful blazer, a patterned vest, cropped pants, odd socks, boots, an orange wig and a tall handmade hat. The White Rabbit gets white sweats with a red vest, a blue jacket, soft ears, round glasses and white sneakers. I build tall hats from a cardboard tube covered in felt and tack in an elastic chin strap, because a top-heavy hat falls off every time its wearer bends to a candy bowl. A cardboard pocket watch and teacup candy bags round out the scene.
10. Little Red Riding Hood Family Costume
Little Red Riding Hood, the grandmother and the Big Bad Wolf is a classic with three clear parts. Red wears a white blouse, a dark skirt or simple dress, a red hooded cape, braids, boots and a wicker candy basket. The grandmother puts a floral nightgown over warm leggings, adds a knitted shawl, a gray wig or temporary hair powder, round glasses and slippers with proper outdoor soles. The wolf is gray sweats, furry ears, a tail, dark sneakers and a painted nose and whiskers. Skip full-face masks, especially once it's dark. I'd hem the cape to hip length on a child; a floor-length one gets stepped on going up the first set of porch steps. If the child wants to be the wolf, give them a soft hood and let a grown-up carry the basket.
11. Goldilocks And Two Bears Costume
Goldilocks and two bears is a cheap theme, since the bears are just brown hoodies. Goldilocks wears a yellow or blue dress, a white apron, curled hair or a curly blond wig, a ribbon headband, knee socks and brown flats. The bears need brown hoodies, matching joggers, round felt ears, oval belly patches, soft tails and brown sneakers. I tell Mama and Papa Bear apart with one accessory each, a floral scarf for one and a bow tie for the other, so nobody has to explain who is who. Paint brown noses and a few dotted whiskers rather than wearing furry masks. Three small bowls in different sizes, or a candy container made to look like a porridge bowl, carries the story.
12. Winnie The Pooh Family Costume
Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet suit a cold night because every role can hide fleece underneath. Pooh wears yellow pants or leggings, a yellow hooded top under a cropped red tee, round ears and red or yellow sneakers. Tigger needs an orange sweatsuit with black felt stripes, a cream belly, a springy tail, tiger ears and orange shoes. Piglet wears pale pink pants, a striped magenta shirt, pointed ears and pink sneakers. I stuff Tigger's tail with a coil of pipe cleaner inside the fibrefill so it stays curved instead of dragging. Paint small noses and rosy cheeks and leave the rest of each face clear. A honey-pot candy bucket and a few felt leaves set the scene, and any role resizes for a baby in a warm zip-up bodysuit.
13. Sesame Street Family Costume
Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird are the characters toddlers name on sight, which makes them easy to wear. Elmo is red fleece separates, a soft eye headband, an orange felt nose and red sneakers. Cookie Monster gets a royal-blue hoodie and pants, oversized felt eyes on the hood, blue shoes and a lightweight foam cookie. Big Bird wears a yellow sweatshirt dress or top and pants with layered felt feathers, striped tights, a yellow headband with soft eyes and orange shoes. Those feathers are the slow part, so I cut them in strips with a fringe already snipped instead of one feather at a time. Keep makeup to a small accent. Round candy buckets painted like cookies or alphabet blocks keep the trio connected.
14. Peanuts Family Costume
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock come almost entirely from everyday clothing. Charlie wears a yellow polo or sweatshirt with a bold black zigzag stripe, black shorts over warm leggings, brown shoes and a round-head cap if you like. Snoopy is white sweats, black floppy ears, a black back patch, a red collar, white sneakers and a painted black nose. The smallest family member is Woodstock in a yellow hoodie and pants with a spiky feather headpiece and orange or yellow shoes. I draw Charlie's zigzag on paper first and pin it in place before cutting the felt; freehand zigzags always come out lopsided. A red doghouse candy bag or a foam football is the only prop, and that plain colour blocking is what makes the family read in a picture.
15. Gru And Minions Family Costume
Gru with two Minions is the easiest trio on the list if the child loves yellow. Gru needs black pants, a dark zip-up jacket, a gray-and-black striped scarf, black boots and a bald cap or a snug skin-tone beanie. Keep his makeup to defined brows. Each Minion wears denim overalls over a yellow sweatshirt, black gloves, black shoes and a yellow beanie. I make the goggles from one or two large felt eyes on a soft silver band, not rigid plastic eyewear, which fogs and digs in behind the ears. The child carries a plush banana or a yellow candy bucket, and a baby Minion can wear a yellow onesie instead of overalls.
16. Ghostbusters And Stay Puft Costume
Two Ghostbusters and a small Stay Puft are a fun trio for parents who grew up with the film. The adults wear tan coveralls, or cargo pants with button-down shirts, black boots, utility belts and homemade name patches. Build the backpacks from cardboard with flexible paper tubes; I strap them on with wide ribbon rather than string, which cuts into the shoulders inside an hour. A little gray eyeshadow under the eyes gives that tired ghost-chasing look. The child wears a white sweatsuit with a blue sailor collar, a red neckerchief, a soft white hat, rosy cheeks and white sneakers, and a baby can wear the same details on a fleece bunting. A printed ghost symbol on every candy bucket ties the three together.
17. Jurassic Park Family Costume
Two park explorers and a little dinosaur is the theme I'd pick for a family planning a long walk, because the adult parts are just outdoor clothes. The explorers wear khaki shorts or cargo pants, neutral button-downs, brown belts, hiking boots and wide-brim hats, with felt park patches, a bit of dusty makeup and toy binoculars. The child wears a green, brown or orange dinosaur hoodie with soft back spikes, a padded tail, matching pants and nonslip sneakers. Fill the spikes with a little fibrefill only; stiff spikes press into a child's back once they sit in a wagon or car seat. Paint a few scales on the cheeks and keep the eyes and mouth clear. A wagon dressed as a leafy safari vehicle, or a cardboard dinosaur egg basket, does the rest.
18. Star Wars Family Costume
Han Solo, Princess Leia and a little Ewok give the child the coziest part of the three. Han wears dark pants, a cream shirt, a black vest, tall boots and a low-slung belt, without any blaster. Leia needs a long white dress, a silver belt, white boots and her side buns, or a brown yarn headpiece if her hair won't cooperate. I make yarn buns on a soft headband for children, because real hair coiled that tight gives most kids a headache before dinner. The Ewok is a brown fleece jumpsuit with a textured vest, a soft ear hood, a tan cowl and brown sneakers. A baby carrier wrapped in removable woodland fabric is a sweet version for an infant. Star-shaped candy buckets are light enough for everyone.
19. Guardians Of The Galaxy Family Costume
Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot are three very different looks that still sit together. Star-Lord wears dark pants, a gray shirt, a red faux-leather jacket, brown boots and swept-back hair; leave the helmet at home and bring a light metallic eyepiece just for photos. Gamora wears black pants, a fitted dark top, a long coat, ankle boots, wavy dark hair with coloured ends and a sheer layer of green face makeup. Set that green with translucent powder or it rubs off on the coat collar by the third house. Groot suits the child: brown sweats with felt bark strips, leafy accents, a twig headband and brown sneakers. A tiny potted plant or galaxy candy bags beat any action prop.
20. Frozen Family Costume
Elsa, Anna and Olaf is the request I hear most from little ones, and the cold is the only real problem with it. Elsa wears an icy blue dress, a sheer cape, a side braid or pale-blond wig, silver eyeshadow and glitter flats. Anna wears a dark skirt, an embroidered vest over a blue blouse, a magenta cape, two braids, warm tights and black boots. The child as Olaf gets white sweats with black felt buttons, a soft orange nose on a headband, brown felt twig hair and white sneakers. I size the two dresses up enough to fit a thermal top underneath, since a fitted gown and an October night don't mix. Rosy cheeks are plenty of makeup. Snowflake candy bags and a bit of removable shimmer finish it.
21. Moana Maui And Hei Hei Costume
Moana, Maui and Hei Hei make a bright trio, and Maui's tattoos are where I'd take care. Moana wears a red patterned top, a cream tiered skirt, long wavy hair, natural makeup, a blue-green pendant and brown sandals or flats. Maui gets tan pants, a leafy green overskirt, a long dark wig, printed bodysuit sleeves and comfortable sandals. Printed fabric is easier than drawing the markings on skin, and it doesn't smear or need an hour of scrubbing at bedtime. The child is Hei Hei in a blue outfit with layered red, orange and green felt feathers, a soft bird headpiece, yellow leggings and yellow sneakers. If the night is cool, swap the sandals for closed shoes. A woven candy basket and faux tropical flowers are enough props.
22. Encanto Family Costume
Mirabel, Bruno and Antonio share a family, which makes the trio feel natural rather than assembled. Mirabel wears a white embroidered blouse, a teal skirt covered in colourful butterflies and flowers, green glasses, curly hair and teal flats. Bruno needs brown pants, a muted shirt, a green poncho with a hood, a tousled dark wig and brown sandals or boots, with a little soft shadow under the eyes. Antonio wears tan pants, a mustard vest over a cream shirt, curly hair, brown shoes and a small plush rainforest animal. Mirabel's skirt is the time sink, and I'd buy felt flowers already cut and stitch them on in clusters rather than paint each one. If the child wants to be Mirabel, either adult takes Antonio. Butterfly clips and leafy candy buckets connect the group.
23. Inside Out Family Costume
Joy, Sadness and Anxiety run on colour, so the wigs matter more than the clothes. Joy wears a sleeveless yellow dress over a warm fitted shirt, a blue bob wig, yellow flats, bright eye makeup and a glowing orb made from a light plastic ball. Sadness needs navy pants, a pale blue sweater, round glasses, a blue bob wig, simple blue face makeup and comfortable flats. Anxiety gets orange pants, a striped orange sweater, a tall messy wig, orange sneakers and wide-eyed makeup. Cheap bob wigs shed and tangle, so I brush them out with a wide-tooth comb and a little detangling spray before the night and never near a heater or a candle. If coloured face makeup isn't comfortable for your child, use coloured blush and accessories instead. Memory-orb candy buckets close the theme.
24. Scooby-Doo Family Costume
Shaggy, Velma and Scooby-Doo come together from very cheap basics. Shaggy wears brown pants, an oversized green tee, messy light-brown hair, faint chin stubble and black sneakers. Velma needs an orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks, red flats, a short brown bob wig and thick black glasses with no lenses. The child as Scooby wears a brown hoodie and joggers with black felt spots, floppy ears, a long tail, a blue collar, brown sneakers, a painted nose and freckles. I make the tail shorter than you'd expect, about knee length on a child; a long one drags and gets trodden on. A box-shaped candy bucket painted like snacks, or a wagon turned into the Mystery Machine, gives you a great picture.
25. Addams Family Costume
Gomez, Morticia and Wednesday need almost nothing but black clothing and good hair. Gomez wears a dark pinstripe suit, a white shirt, a black tie, polished shoes, combed hair and a drawn-on mustache. Morticia needs a long black dress with flowing sleeves, straight centre-parted black hair, pale foundation, a smoky eye, deep red lipstick and low black heels. Wednesday wears a black dress with a crisp white collar, braided pigtails, gray tights and black flats. I'd use a detachable white collar on Wednesday, pinned in, so it stays crisp and comes off for the wash after face makeup rubs on it. Keep the makeup theatrical but not frightening. A small black bouquet is a good prop, and warm black coats disappear into the look.
26. Beetlejuice Family Costume
Beetlejuice, Lydia and a friendly striped ghost hang together on one graphic palette of black, white and red. Beetlejuice wears a black-and-white striped suit, a white shirt, dark boots, messy pale hair and lightly smudged green-gray makeup. Lydia wears a layered red dress, or a black dress with a red cape, with teased dark hair, pale makeup, black liner and lace-up boots. The child is a ghost in striped pajamas or a soft black-and-white poncho with white leggings, simple face makeup and sneakers. Teasing hair with hairspray is fine for one night, but I'd brush it out gently with conditioner the next morning instead of yanking a comb through it. Skip prosthetics. A small cardboard house or a handbook-style candy bag is the finishing prop.
27. Classic Monster Family Costume
A vampire, a mummy and Frankenstein's monster is the old-school Halloween trio. The vampire wears black pants, a white shirt, a dark vest, a red-lined cape, slicked hair, pale makeup and black shoes; add fangs only if they're comfortable, and take them out to eat. The mummy wears cream sweats wrapped loosely in fabric strips that are stitched or pinned in place, with beige shading on the face and neutral sneakers. I always secure mummy strips at both ends, because a loose strip unwinds around the ankles halfway down the street. Frankenstein's monster gets black pants, a dark jacket, green-tinted makeup, flat-topped hair, soft neck bolts on the collar and platform-look shoe covers over safe flats. Matching vintage monster candy buckets tie it together.
28. Witch Black Cat And Pumpkin Costume
A witch, a black cat and a pumpkin let the child pick whichever part feels right, and all three are easy. The witch wears a black midi dress, a purple cape, striped tights, a pointed hat, soft curls, shimmer eyeshadow and buckled ankle boots. The cat needs a black top and leggings, an ear headband, a soft tail, whiskers, black gloves and flexible black sneakers. The pumpkin wears an orange sweatshirt or padded tunic with black felt face shapes, a green collar, a leafy headband, dark leggings and orange shoes. I pad the pumpkin with a layer of quilt batting rather than stuffing, so it keeps its round shape but still folds into a car seat. The witch carries a small light broom; the other two carry matching buckets.
29. Friendly Ghost Family Costume
Three friendly ghosts are one of the quickest family costumes to make at home, and you don't need a bedsheet. Use white ponchos, oversized sweatshirts or light fabric tunics instead; sheets block vision and drag on the ground. Cut each one with its own scalloped hem and add black felt faces on the front, with white leggings and white sneakers underneath. White temporary hair spray, silver clips or fluffy headbands handle any visible hair. I put a little pale shimmer and soft gray eyeshadow on each face and leave every face fully uncovered. Give each ghost one small accessory so they're three ghosts, not one costume times three. White pumpkin buckets are the last piece.
30. Skeleton Family Costume
Matching skeletons make a strong picture with very little sewing. Everyone wears a black sweatshirt and joggers with bones in white felt or reflective fabric; I'd pick reflective, since it doubles as a safety feature once headlights hit it. Vary the three with a tutu, a jacket, a cape or a bow tie. Black-and-white sneakers keep the palette tidy. Adults can paint simple skull shapes around the cheeks and eyes while the child gets a nose triangle and a few lines. Skip full masks. Braids, slicked hair or a temporary white streak work for hair, and glow-stick bracelets with bone-print candy bags help everyone stay visible after dark.
31. Bat Family Costume
A family of three bats can look matched without wearing identical outfits. Start with black tops, leggings or joggers and black boots or sneakers. Add wing capes in lightweight fabric that attach at the wrists and stop well above the feet. Everyone gets a soft ear headband, plus a purple, gray or silver accent if you like. Swept-back hair, smoky gray shadow, a tiny black nose and a few cheek lines finish the face. I cut the child's wings shorter than the adults', roughly from wrist to hip, so they don't tangle in stroller wheels or the car seat buckle. Moon-shaped candy bags and silver star clips add a gentle night touch, and this one layers warmly for any age.
32. Scarecrow Family Costume
Three scarecrows are a low-cost costume built from flannel, denim and craft straw. Each person gets overalls or patched jeans, a plaid shirt, a rope belt, brown boots and a floppy hat. Attach short pieces of raffia or yellow yarn at the cuffs, pockets and hatband; I stitch the straw to the inside of a cuff so the scratchy ends never touch skin. Makeup is an orange nose, rosy circles, freckles and stitched lines at the mouth. Long hair goes into braids or low pigtails under the hat. A different plaid for each person helps the three stand apart in a group shot. A basket of faux apples, a sunflower candy bucket or a wagon dressed as a hay cart is the prop.
33. Astronauts And Alien Costume
Two astronauts and an alien share a silver, white and green palette that pops at night. The astronauts wear white coveralls or white joggers with matching zip-up jackets, silver belts, mission patches, white sneakers and light clear-visor headbands instead of closed helmets. Neat hair and a touch of silver shimmer are enough on the face. The alien wears a lime or metallic sweatsuit with a silver collar, a three-eye headband, soft antennae, green cheek makeup and matching sneakers. Metallic sweatsuit fabric looks great but doesn't breathe, so I'd put a cotton layer underneath for a warm evening. Swap the roles if the child dreams of being an astronaut. A cardboard control panel or a stroller dressed as a little spaceship makes the scene.
34. Sun Moon And Star Costume
A sun, a moon and a star give you three shapes that sit nicely in one frame. The sun wears a golden-yellow dress or sweatsuit, a felt ray collar, a gold headband, warm yellow makeup and metallic flats or sneakers. The moon needs silver or pale gray clothing, a crescent headpiece, blue-silver eyeshadow and silver shoes. The child is a star in navy or gold with a padded star-shaped tunic, a glitter headband, leggings and sneakers. Keep every point soft and away from the face. Battery fairy lights add sparkle if the wires are covered and the battery pack sits in a pocket, never against the skin. I'd skip loose glitter entirely, since it ends up in the car for months. Small cloud candy bags round it out.
35. Beekeeper Bee And Flower Costume
A beekeeper, a bee and a flower suit any mix of ages. The beekeeper wears beige coveralls, boots, light gloves and a wide-brim hat with soft mesh that hangs clear of the face. The bee needs a black-and-yellow striped top, black pants or a tulle skirt, sheer wings, an antenna headband, rosy cheeks and black sneakers. The flower is a green outfit with a petal collar, leaf wristbands, a petal headband and green shoes; a baby can wear petals around a soft bonnet. I sew the petal collar onto a ribbon that ties at the back, so it comes off in a second when a toddler decides it itches. A small watering can, a honey-pot bucket and a flower basket are the props.
36. Farmer Cow And Pig Costume
A farmer, a cow and a pig bring the barnyard along, and all three are warm. The farmer wears denim overalls, a plaid shirt, a straw hat, a red bandana, brown work boots and a few painted freckles, with a foam toy rake or a small produce basket. The cow wears white sweats with black felt spots, a pink belly patch, soft horns and ears, a tail, a painted nose and black sneakers. The pig wears pink leggings with a pink sweatshirt or tutu dress, a curled felt tail, floppy ears, a round painted nose and pink shoes. For babies I use a zip-up animal bodysuit with nothing detachable, since any small piece ends up in a mouth. Farm-label candy buckets help strangers get the joke.
37. Chef Spaghetti And Meatball Costume
A chef, a plate of spaghetti and a meatball is a family joke that gets laughs at every door. The chef wears black pants, a white double-breasted jacket or button-down, a neckerchief, a tall fabric hat, nonslip shoes and a curled drawn-on mustache. The spaghetti is a cream sweatsuit covered in loosely tacked yellow yarn noodles and red felt sauce, with a light colander-style hat and neutral sneakers. The meatball wears a round brown tunic over brown leggings with green felt herbs, a red sauce collar and brown shoes. I tack yarn noodles every few inches with a needle and thread, because long loose loops snag on door handles. Keep yarn away from the child's hands and feet. A foam serving spoon and a bowl-shaped bucket explain the theme.
38. S’mores Family Costume
A graham cracker, a chocolate bar and a marshmallow stack up into a s'more with simple boxy shapes. The graham cracker wears tan clothing under two light foam-board panels with dotted and scored details, plus tan sneakers. The chocolate bar is a brown tunic with a silver fabric wrapper at the waist, brown leggings and dark shoes. The marshmallow needs a soft white tube tunic over white sweats, a rounded white hat, rosy cheeks and white sneakers. Foam board snaps when it gets damp or bent, so I tape the edges and score it lightly instead of cutting deep lines. Make every panel short enough to sit down in, and add fleece underneath. A felt campfire bucket in red, orange and yellow is safer than anything that looks like real flame.
39. Peanut Butter Jelly And Bread Costume
Peanut butter, jelly and bread is a visual joke that relies on clear labels. One adult wears a tan peanut butter tunic over brown leggings, a matching headband, tan makeup accents and brown sneakers. The other wears a purple or red jelly tunic with berry hair clips, rosy makeup, matching pants and shoes. The child is a slice of bread in a cream padded tunic with a brown crust border, neutral leggings, a toast hat and tan sneakers, or let the child take the brightest spread instead. I cut the labels from felt in letters at least a hand tall; anything smaller vanishes at night. Felt letters peel off polyester if you only glue them, so stitch the corners. Sandwich candy bags finish it.
40. Circus Ringmaster Clown And Lion Costume
A ringmaster, a clown and a lion make a cheerful circus trio, and the clown is where I'd go gentle. The ringmaster wears black pants, a red military-style jacket, a white shirt, a mini top hat, neat hair, black boots and gold trim. The clown wears bright overalls, a striped shirt, colourful socks, suspenders, a big fabric bow tie, sneakers and happy face makeup. Skip full white face paint, which can upset small children and creases badly on a warm night. The lion gets a tan sweatsuit, a soft mane hood, round ears, a tail, a brown nose and tan sneakers. Give the ringmaster a cardboard ticket roll instead of a whip. A striped popcorn bucket and bunting tied securely to a wagon finish the scene.
41. Construction Crew Family Costume
A construction crew layers over warm clothes better than almost anything here. Everyone wears jeans or tan work pants, plaid or neon shirts, reflective vests, sturdy boots and light plastic hard hats. Add a clipboard for the boss, a soft foam tape measure and a child-sized tool belt filled with fabric tools. Tie long hair back and smudge on a little brown makeup for a hard day's work. I'd put the name patches on with safety pins from the inside, so the vests stay usable as real safety vests later. A toddler can wear an orange sweatshirt under the vest, and a baby's stroller becomes a cardboard bulldozer. Bucket-shaped candy containers fit the theme.
42. Firefighters And Dalmatian Costume
Two firefighters and a Dalmatian are adorable when the Dalmatian is a toddler or baby. The firefighters wear dark pants, red or tan jackets with reflective tape, black boots and light helmets, plus simple name badges and a coiled red fabric hose or a small foam extinguisher. Leave real emergency insignia off, so nobody mistakes you for crew. The Dalmatian wears white sweats covered in black felt spots, floppy ears, a soft tail, a red collar, a painted black nose and black or white sneakers, or a spotted fleece sleeper for a baby. I attach the collar with hook-and-loop tape instead of a buckle, so it pulls away if it catches on anything. Paw prints and ladder shapes on the candy buckets finish it.
43. Soccer Players And Referee Costume
Two soccer players and a referee might already be hanging in your laundry room. The players wear matching jerseys, athletic shorts over leggings, long socks, turf-style sneakers and fabric headbands, with numbers or family nicknames in removable vinyl or felt. Paint matching cheek stripes and carry a light foam ball. The referee needs a black-and-white striped shirt, black shorts or joggers, black shoes, a soft wristband and a costume whistle that stays in a pocket most of the night. I'd give the whistle to an adult; a child with a whistle is a long walk. Any role can belong to the child, and a round candy bucket with removable black shapes becomes the ball.
44. Rock Paper Scissors Costume
A rock, a sheet of paper and a pair of scissors turn the family into a hand game. The rock wears a rounded gray foam or felt tunic over gray clothes with textured patches, messy hair, gray cheek shading and matching sneakers. Paper is a white rectangular tunic with blue lines and a red margin, white leggings, a pencil headband and white shoes. Scissors gets a silver-gray outfit with two big crossed felt blades sewn flat across the front, red handles and gray sneakers. Nothing rigid or pointed, ever. I'd print the three words across each chest in big letters, because people guess the rock as a boulder or a potato otherwise. Game-card candy bags or the hand-sign poses make a fun photo.
45. Garden Gnome Mushroom And Snail Costume
The last trio is a garden gnome, a mushroom and a snail, and it's the one I'd make for a family with a baby who naps on the go. The gnome wears brown pants, a blue or green tunic, a wide belt, a tall red felt hat, boots, rosy cheeks and a soft white beard that clears the mouth. The mushroom needs a cream outfit, a red capelet or padded tunic with white spots, a light spotted cap, natural makeup and red or brown shoes. The snail wears green or brown sweats, soft antennae, rosy cheeks, sneakers and a spiral shell of rolled felt worn like a backpack. Keep that shell compact for doorways and strollers; I size it no wider than the child's shoulders. Leafy candy baskets and removable felt flowers pull the garden together.
What Holds Felt to a Sweatshirt All Night
Most of these costumes are felt shapes on fleece or cotton knit, and how you attach them decides whether the spots are still there at the last house. Here's what I've found holds up, from best to least reliable:
- A few hand stitches at the corners. Slow, but nothing beats it on stretchy knit, and it unpicks in minutes after Halloween so the sweatshirt goes back into the drawer.
- Safety pins from the inside. Fast and reusable. Close every pin fully and keep them away from where a child bends, like the elbows and the tummy.
- Removable fabric tape. Fine on flat areas such as a chest panel, weaker anywhere the fabric stretches.
- Fabric glue. Good on cotton tees, poor on fleece, which is too fluffy for glue to grip properly.
- Hot glue. I keep it for cardboard and foam props only. On knit it goes stiff, and in cold air it pops off.
Stretch the garment slightly while you attach anything, the way it stretches on a body. A patch fixed to a sweatshirt lying flat on the table will pucker or pull loose the moment someone puts it on.
One Photo of All Three Before the Sun Goes Down
Take the family picture at home, in daylight, before you leave. By the time you're out, it's dark, the child is excited and makeup has started to move. Stand the three of you so the child is in front or in the middle, slightly lower than the adults, with props held at chest height so they don't cover faces.
Shoot a couple of frames with everyone in the same pose and a couple of messy ones. In my experience the messy ones are the ones families frame. Then let the child take the headband off in the car if they want; the costume has already done its job.
Three Characters, One Story, One Night Out
Every trio here works on the same idea: give each person a clear role, keep the clothes soft and the props light. Before you settle on one, think about your child's age, the weather, how far you'll walk and whether a stroller or carrier is coming. I always ask for a dress rehearsal a few days early, with hats, wings, makeup and shoes on for at least half an hour, because that's when the itchy seams and the slipping headbands show up. Faces you can see and shoes you can walk in matter more than accuracy. Let everyone have a say in the theme, especially the smallest member of the family, and the pictures will take care of themselves.
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