Monster High characters are dressed like fashion dolls first and monsters second, which makes them unusually friendly to sew. Each ghoul has a fixed color story, a hairstyle and one or two creature details, so you can build most of them from thrifted skirts, a jacket, a good wig and some felt or foam. The cast is also much bigger than the famous five, running from vampires and sea monsters to ghosts, robots, werecats and plant girls. When I plan one, I settle the palette and the silhouette first, then pick a single prop and comfortable shoes, and only then think about makeup. Below are 45 ghouls with the details I'd focus on for each.
Two-Tone Wigs, Streaks and Keeping Synthetic Hair Tidy
Nearly every Monster High character is defined by streaked, brightly colored hair, so the wig matters more than any other piece. A ready-made two-tone wig saves time, but you can also start with a base color and add the streak yourself. I'd buy a few clip-in synthetic extensions in the accent color and sew them to the wig's wefts with a curved needle and doubled thread. It holds far better than clips alone, and you can place the streak exactly where the character has it.
- Brush a synthetic wig only with a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends up. Brushing from the top stretches and frizzes the fibers.
- Check whether the wig is heat-resistant before you use a curling iron on it. Regular synthetic fiber melts, and even heat-resistant fiber wants a low setting.
- Use a wig cap and a few bobby pins crossed in an X at the crown. Tight pigtails and high ponytails pull a loose wig backward over the evening.
- Trim bangs a little at a time, dry, with sharp scissors, and point-cut into the ends so they don't look like a straight blunt line.
If you'd rather use your own hair, temporary color sprays and hair chalk work for pinks and blues on light hair. They tend to rub off onto collars and pillows, though, so give them a mist of hairspray and wear something you don't mind marking.
1. Frankie Stein Cosplay With Plaid Dress
Frankie is built on black-and-white plaid, so I look for a pleated plaid skirt or dress first and layer a collared shirt, cropped black jacket, blue tie and studded belt over it. A long wig in black with white streaks gives her hair; if you'd rather use your own, temporary color strips work, though white is hard to get on dark hair. Her skin is mint, and a light wash is enough. Draw the stitch lines with a fine eyeliner along the neck, cheek and arms, then set them with powder or they smudge within an hour. Bolt earrings stand in for neck bolts, and striped socks with chunky platforms finish her.
2. Draculaura Cosplay With Pink Vest
Draculaura is pink, black and frilly. I start with a white blouse and a fitted pink vest, then a short skirt with lace or tulle at the hem; adding a tulle underlayer is a quick sewing job that gives the skirt that doll puff. Black tights, pink knee socks and platform Mary Janes cover the legs. Her long black wig with pink sections goes up in pigtails, and pigtails stay neater if you sew the pink wefts in before you tie them. Rosy blush, pink shadow, small fangs and the little heart under one eye are her face. A lace parasol is pretty but awkward indoors, so a heart bag may be easier.
3. Clawdeen Wolf Cosplay With Purple Jacket
Clawdeen dresses with confidence, so her pieces should look deliberate. A purple cropped jacket over a black top and an animal-print skirt or fitted trousers makes the base, then a wide belt, gold chains and lots of bracelets. Her wig is long and brown with purple streaks, and wolf ears go on a headband. I'd make the ears from faux fur glued over a felt backing so they stand up instead of flopping. Warm purple shadow, sharp liner and a small painted nose do more than full-face paint. Press-on nails suggest claws, but pick short ones if you need your hands. Tall purple boots and a moon purse finish her.
4. Cleo De Nile Cosplay With Gold Wrap Dress
Cleo is gold and turquoise with mummy wrappings, and the wraps are the part to think through. I cut strips of beige or cream knit fabric rather than woven cotton, because knit doesn't fray and drapes around the body without bunching. Wrap them over a fitted gold dress or turquoise mini and tack them in place with a few stitches so they don't unravel when you sit. Add a wide gold belt, stacked cuffs, a jeweled collar and a small structured bag. Her black wig with blunt bangs and gold streaks is essential. Keep the eye makeup to metallic shadow and long graphic liner, and wear gold platforms you can walk in.
5. Lagoona Blue Cosplay With Sea Print Outfit
Lagoona is a sporty sea monster, so I keep her outfit athletic rather than fussy. A scale-print tank over a fitted mesh top, with blue shorts or a ruffled skirt, gives the body. Her fins are where sewing helps: cut them from a stretch mesh or organza, stiffen the edges with a narrow zigzag or clear elastic, and stitch them to sheer leggings at the calf. Her wig is long and blonde with blue streaks, styled in loose waves, with small fins near the ears. Pearly blue shadow, glossy lips and a few iridescent scales at the temples finish her face. A clear bottle of blue beads is a cute, light prop.
6. Ghoulia Yelps Cosplay With Cherry Print Top
Ghoulia is one of the easiest ghouls to thrift because her clothes are almost normal. A cherry-print tank or graphic top with red trousers, a striped skirt or dark denim, a cropped black jacket and a striped belt get you most of the way. Her long blue wig sits under a red headband. The white cat-eye glasses are the detail I'd put money into, since they're what people recognize first. If you can't find them, white frames from a party pack with the outer corners built up in craft foam work fine. Light gray makeup, blue shadow and red lipstick are plenty. Carry comic books or a small brain purse.
7. Abbey Bominable Cosplay With Faux Fur Dress
Abbey is icy, furry and strong. A white or pale blue mini dress trimmed in faux fur over shimmer leggings, plus arm warmers and a fuzzy cropped vest, builds the winter shape. Faux fur sheds everywhere when you cut it, so I cut from the back with small snips through the backing only, not with scissors through the pile. Her long white wig with pink, blue and purple streaks brings the color. Lavender shadow, pearly highlighter and cosmetic glitter suggest frost; use only cosmetic-grade glitter near the eyes. Tusks are optional and only worth it if they fit securely. Fur boots or silver platforms finish her.
8. Spectra Vondergeist Cosplay With Purple Chains
Spectra floats, so I build her from fabrics that move. A purple dress with sheer sleeves, a high-low hem or mesh panels gives that drifting outline, and chiffon will move more than a stiff satin. Her chains should be plastic chain painted silver, never metal, which gets heavy and clanks against everything. A wide silver belt holds the waist. Her long purple wig with darker roots falls in soft waves. Lilac makeup, silver shadow and a strong highlighter finish the ghostly face. White or lavender platforms keep the palette tight. A clear phone case decorated as her gossip-reporter gadget is a fun prop and easy for a beginner.
9. Toralei Stripe Cosplay With Orange Jacket
Toralei is the werecat with attitude, all orange, black and tiger stripes. A cropped orange jacket over a striped top, with black shorts, trousers or a pleated skirt, plus a striped belt and fingerless gloves, gives her edge. Her wig is a short orange bob with darker stripes, which you can add with a fabric marker on the wig fibers or by sewing in thin black wefts. Pointed ears on a thin headband, a small painted nose, whisker dots and winged eyes do the face. A clip-on orange tail at the back of the waistband finishes the body. I'd sew a loop on the tail rather than relying on the clip alone.
10. Venus McFlytrap Cosplay With Vine Leggings
Venus is punk and plant at once. Start with a black-and-pink mini dress, graphic top or layered skirt over green vine-print leggings, then a cropped denim vest. The vest is where the plant comes in: I stitch felt leaves and soft foam thorns onto it, because glued leaves peel off a denim surface once it bends. Her wig is long, pink and green, and you can fake the shaved side by pinning one side flat and close to the head. Green shadow, bright pink lips and fine vine lines at the temples do the face. Pink lace-up boots and a small faux potted plant finish her. Keep every leaf soft.
11. Rochelle Goyle Cosplay With Stone Print Dress
Rochelle is a gargoyle with a romantic streak, all gray stone, pink and black. A stone-print dress or a gray fitted top with a pink-and-black ruffled skirt, a cropped jacket and textured tights make her body. Her pink-and-blue wig is styled in loose waves, with small gray ears or horn shapes on a headband. Gray makeup on the face and arms is optional; if you do it, a light sponge layer with pink blush and a few fine crack lines looks better than heavy coverage. Her wings should be soft and sit close to the back. I'd stiffen them with interfacing rather than wire so they don't catch on people.
12. Robecca Steam Cosplay With Metallic Corset
Robecca is a steampunk robot, so she needs bronze, gears and Victorian layers. A metallic bronze corset-style top over a blue blouse with fitted brown trousers or a tiered skirt is the base. A bought corset top is fine; if you sew one, add plastic boning, which is lighter and more forgiving than steel for a costume. A utility belt and fingerless gloves add detail. Her long black wig has blue streaks. Bronze makeup and small gears drawn at the temples finish her face. The gears themselves should be painted foam, not metal, and goggles on the head with tall brown boots complete her outline.
13. Operetta Cosplay With Rockabilly Dress
Operetta is rockabilly and music, so I go for a piano-print dress, or a red top with cropped black trousers and a flared overskirt. A short denim or faux-leather jacket with music-note patches adds her punk side, and patches stitched by hand around the edges stay put far longer than iron-on ones on leather. Her red wig goes up in a high ponytail with vintage curls. Leave one side of the face smooth for the music-note detail she wears there. Sharp liner and red lipstick do the rest. Saddle shoes or red heels and a guitar bag or cardboard instrument finish her.
14. Twyla Boogeyman Cosplay With Web Print Dress
Twyla is dreamy rather than scary, which makes her a good pick for anyone who prefers soft colors. A lavender dress, or top and skirt, with black web patterns forms the base; you can paint the web on with fabric paint if you can't find the print. Sheer sleeves, striped tights and a turquoise belt layer on top. Her long mint-and-purple wig takes soft waves and bangs. Lavender shadow, pale pink lips and a few shadow swirls on the wrists and temples finish her. Small rounded monster ears go on a headband. A lantern purse with battery lights or a dust-bunny plush is a sweet prop.
15. Jinafire Long Cosplay With Green Dragon Dress
Jinafire is a dragon, and I'd tell that story through scales and gold edging. A fitted green dress, jumpsuit or top and skirt with gold trim makes the base, plus a wide red belt, gold cuffs and scale-print panels at the shoulders or hips. A scale fabric with a little stretch sits better on a fitted bodice than a stiff sequin one. Her wig is long, black and green, with soft gold horns on a headband. Shimmery green shadow and gold liner do the face. Her tail is worth sewing: stuff it lightly with fiberfill and sew a strong loop that threads onto a belt. Gold ankle boots and a fan clutch finish her.
16. Honey Swamp Cosplay With Teal Ruffle Dress
Honey Swamp is all about teal curls and a swampy Southern-gothic doll dress. Wear a teal dress with a fitted bodice and layered ruffles, or a puff-sleeve blouse with a patterned skirt, with purple accents in the belt, gloves or a small cardigan. Ruffles are simple to sew from a long strip gathered on two rows of loose stitches, and they're cheaper than buying a ruffled skirt. The voluminous teal wig is the costume, so style the curls well away from the face. Aqua shadow, purple lipstick and a few scale dots near the cheeks finish her. A tiny film camera nods to her filmmaking.
17. Catty Noir Cosplay With Pink Performance Dress
Catty Noir is a pop star, so her outfit should look like a stage dress rather than a plain cat suit. A hot-pink dress with a full skirt, silver trim or layered tulle is the base, with a glittery belt and black sleeves or gloves. Her long pink wig goes up in a high ponytail, and black ears with a few small silver gems sit in front of it. Winged liner, pink shadow, a small cat nose and whisker dots do her face. A clip-on tail sits behind the skirt. I'd make the microphone from lightweight foam so you can hold it up in photos without tiring. Silver platforms suit her.
18. Catrine DeMew Cosplay With Art Print Skirt
Catrine is the artist, and her skirt can carry that. A purple fitted top with a flared skirt printed with paint splashes or city sketches gives the base; if you have a plain skirt, a few minutes with fabric paint and a stiff brush will give you real splatter. Add a black cropped jacket and a lavender belt. Her white wig with purple and pink streaks is styled in smooth waves, with white cat ears on top. Lavender shadow, precise liner, a small nose and whisker dots finish her face. A palette-shaped bag or sketchbook, a white tail and paintbrush jewelry keep her looking like an artist rather than a generic cat.
19. Elissabat Cosplay With Purple Cape Dress
Elissabat is a vampire film star, so her cape is the piece to sew. A short black cape lined with violet satin is a simple half-circle, and it hangs better if the lining is cut a touch smaller than the outer layer so it doesn't peek out at the hem. Fasten it with a jeweled brooch over a fitted purple dress with lace sleeves or a high collar. Her sleek black wig has deep purple streaks. Smoky violet shadow, berry lips and small fangs do the face, with a natural or cool-toned base. Black lace-up boots or purple platforms with insoles, plus a bat bag or faux script, finish her.
20. Viperine Gorgon Cosplay With Pink Snake Hair
Viperine is a retro-styled gorgon, so her pink curls hide snakes. Start with a fitted, colorful dress in pink, blue and black, a bright belt and a cropped jacket. The snakes are where I take care: lightweight rubber snakes or stuffed fabric tubes threaded through the wig, and each one stitched to the wig cap, not just tucked in, or they slide out by the end of the night. Big pink sunglasses are part of her look and can sit on top of the head when you need to see. Shimmery pink makeup, graphic liner and a scale stencil at the temples finish her. Carry a handheld mirror.
21. Gigi Grant Cosplay With Blue Harem Pants
Gigi is a genie, and I'd keep her colorful and easy to move in. Loose blue harem trousers with a fitted pink top and a cropped bolero are the base. Gold trim and sheer panels on the trousers add movement; a sheer chiffon panel shows every uneven seam, so a rolled hem is worth doing. A wide decorative belt holds it together. Her long pink-and-orange wig goes up in a high ponytail. Turquoise shadow, bright pink lips and small gold stars near the eyes finish her face. Gold flats or low sandals work for walking. A bottle-shaped purse is better than a breakable lamp.
22. Howleen Wolf Cosplay With Orange Vest
Howleen is Clawdeen's younger sister, and her look is more cheerful and mismatched. A purple or black top, denim shorts, patterned leggings and an orange faux-fur vest form the base, plus a neon belt and a stack of bracelets. Her short orange wig has textured curls, with brown wolf ears on a soft headband. Warm purple shadow, winged liner, a painted nose and whisker dots handle the face. A soft clip-on tail goes behind the shorts. High-tops or purple boots and a moon-print backpack finish her. She's a natural fit for a group with Clawdeen and Clawd, since the family resemblance is obvious.
23. Nefera De Nile Cosplay With Blue Gold Dress
Nefera is Cleo's older sister, and she should look a little grander. A fitted blue dress or structured set with gold trim and beige wrap panels is the base, plus a broad gold collar, stacked bracelets and a tall jeweled headband. A gold collar is easy to make from craft foam cut in a curve and painted, and it sits flatter than most bought ones. Her long turquoise or deep-blue wig takes sleek waves. Blue and gold shadow with long liner finishes the face. Gold platforms or metallic boots add height. Swap any staff for a fan, which is far easier to hold all night. She looks best standing next to a Cleo.
24. Amanita Nightshade Cosplay With Flower Dress
Amanita is a plant monster, so she needs big petals and rich purple. A fitted purple dress with layered petals at the skirt or shoulders makes the base, with bright green tights, leaf cuffs and soft vine trim. I cut petals from felt, sew a dart at the base of each one so it curves, and stitch them in overlapping rows. Her long purple-and-green wig can go up or into a big side ponytail. A small flower fascinator is easier than a huge rigid headpiece. Violet shadow, green liner and a few petal shapes at the temples finish her face. Use only soft foam and fabric; no real thorns.
25. Jane Boolittle Cosplay With Jungle Print Dress
Jane Boolittle loves animals, so I treat her like a jungle vet in school clothes. A purple dress or top with a leaf-print skirt, a teal vest and a wide brown belt form the base. Her long purple wig with blue streaks takes loose waves, with small rounded ears on a headband and a couple of leaf clips on one side. Purple shadow, a natural lip and soft animal markings near the cheekbones finish her face. Brown lace-up boots or green platforms are practical. A satchel full of small plush animals is a prop kids love. Use faux feathers and imitation materials throughout.
26. Kiyomi Haunterly Cosplay With Layered Ghost Dress
Kiyomi is a faceless ghost, and I'd interpret her as a modern fantasy dress rather than any traditional garment. A layered purple, pink and blue dress with wide sleeves and flowing sheer panels gives the shape. A wide sash at the waist works as a general costume detail. Her long blue-and-purple wig is styled in smooth layers. Rather than hiding your face, use pearly makeup, lavender shadow and a soft color fade around the temples. Blue platforms or purple boots keep her wearable. A translucent fan purse or a paper-style lantern with battery lights is a gentle prop, and ribbon hair ornaments add movement.
27. River Styxx Cosplay With Pastel Hooded Dress
River is a pastel reaper, which is a nice change from the usual black. A pastel pink, blue and purple dress with a fitted bodice and a layered sheer skirt forms the base. Her hooded cape should be light; a cotton voile or chiffon drapes well and doesn't get hot. Small chain or bone shapes cut from foam can be glued along the hood edge. Her long rainbow pastel wig is the fun part. Pink and blue shadow, a bright highlight and fine skeletal lines on the hands do more than face paint. Lavender platforms and an hourglass or lantern purse in place of a scythe keep her friendly.
28. Vandala Doubloons Cosplay With Pirate Coat
Vandala is a ghost pirate, and I'd give her the adventure without the weapons. A teal ruffled blouse, a striped skirt or fitted trousers and a purple pirate coat with gold trim form the base. If you're sewing the coat, ready-made gold braid stitched along the front edges and cuffs does a lot of the work. Add a wide belt, plastic chains and a small shoulder cape. Her long mint wig sits in waves under a soft tricorn hat, and a soft felt tricorn bends instead of crushing. Aqua shadow, berry lips and a pearly highlight finish her face. A rolled map or small treasure-chest bag is the prop.
29. Bonita Femur Cosplay With Moth Wings
Bonita is half skeleton, half moth, and her pink and black layers make that easy to read. A fitted black bodysuit or long-sleeve top with pink rib shapes stitched or painted on, plus a soft ombre skirt, forms the body. Patterned tights and pink platforms finish the legs. Her long pink-and-black wig wants volume at the crown. The moth wings should be large but light; I make them from sheer fabric stretched over flexible plastic tubing and attach them to a harness close to the back. Rosy shadow, dark liner and fine skeletal lines on the hands do the face, with a fuzzy antenna headband on top.
30. Avea Trotter Cosplay With Equestrian Jacket
Avea is a centaur-harpy, and I simplify her into an equestrian costume rather than attempting four legs. A purple riding jacket over a blue blouse with fitted black riding trousers is the base, plus a structured belt and a detachable fabric tail. Feather-textured shoulder panels are easy if you layer cut felt feathers onto a strip of fabric and stitch it under the jacket's shoulder seams. Her purple wig with blue streaks goes up in a high ponytail like a mane. Colorful shadow and a few feather patterns at the temples finish her face. Tall riding boots are better than fake hooves for walking.
31. Sirena Von Boo Cosplay With Mermaid Skirt
Sirena is part mermaid, part ghost. A fitted teal top with a long purple mermaid skirt that flares below the knee makes her outline, and sheer panels over the skirt add the floating look. A mermaid skirt needs a slit or a godet at the back, or you won't manage steps; I always check this before anything else. Her long purple-and-blue wig takes loose waves with pearl clips on one side. Aqua shadow, iridescent highlighter and a few scale details near the temples do the face. Teal platforms or hidden sneakers give stability. Sheer fins at the wrists and hips and a shell purse finish her.
32. Lorna McNessie Cosplay With Plaid Sea Dress
Lorna is a lake monster with a Scottish plaid twist. A turquoise dress with red plaid panels, or an aquatic top with a plaid skirt, forms the base, with fin-shaped cuffs, a matching belt and a small crossbody bag. If you're cutting plaid, match the lines at the side seams; a skirt with mismatched stripes looks homemade in the wrong way. Her long red-orange wig takes loose curls with small fins near the ears. Turquoise shadow, coral lips and soft scale patterns finish her face. Red boots, a camera prop and a little lake-monster plush add humor. Keep fins small and bendy.
33. Marisol Coxi Cosplay With Faux Fur Boots
Marisol is a bigfoot, so she's the coziest ghoul here. A pink or purple mini dress with geometric patterns and a turquoise faux-fur vest form the base, with textured leggings. Her big furry feet are boot covers made from faux fur, and I'd sew them as simple tubes with elastic at the top, worn over comfortable platform shoes, so you're never walking on fur. Her long pink-and-purple wig is styled thick and wavy. Bright blue shadow, rosy blush and a glossy lip finish her face, with small furry ears and soft costume nails. Keep the fur light on the legs or you'll overheat indoors.
34. Batsy Claro Cosplay With Green Wings
Batsy is a fruit bat in lime green, white and tropical prints. A green fitted top with white shorts, patterned leggings or a leaf-print skirt and a cropped white jacket form the base. Her green bat wings should attach close to the shoulders; I sew them with a scalloped bottom edge and a line of topstitching along each rib so they hold their shape without wire. Her long green-and-white wig goes up or loose. Green shadow, winged liner and a few tiny leaf shapes near the eyes do her face, with pointed ears on a headband. White platforms and a fruit purse finish her. Keep the wings compact enough to sit.
35. Mouscedes King Cosplay With Cheese Print Dress
Mouscedes is a mouse princess, and cheese prints keep her funny. A yellow cheese-print dress, or a gold top with a pink-and-yellow skirt, forms the base with a fitted bolero, a jeweled belt and pink tights. Her long pink wig is curled, with rounded mouse ears and a tiny crown on a headband. I make round ears from two felt circles with a thin layer of interfacing between them so they stay flat and upright. Pink shadow, a small painted nose and whisker dots do her face, and a thin tail clips behind the skirt. Gold Mary Janes and a foam cheese-wedge purse finish her.
36. Elle Eedee Cosplay With Silver Robot Dress
Elle Eedee is a robot DJ, so she needs sleek metallics and electric color. A silver fitted dress, jumpsuit or metallic top with a pleated skirt forms the base. Circuit patterns in blue and purple can go on with fabric paint or heat-transfer vinyl; vinyl gives crisper lines on metallic fabric, which doesn't take paint evenly. Her silver bob wig has blue streaks. Silver shadow, graphic blue liner and small circuit lines at the temples finish her face. Metallic gloves and a structured belt add shape. A record-shaped bag nods to her DJ act. LED bracelets look great; tape the battery packs securely so they don't swing.
37. Luna Mothews Cosplay With Yellow Wing Dress
Luna Mothews is a moth and a performer. A black dress with bold yellow panels, a fitted bodice and a softly flared skirt forms her base, with striped tights, a faux-fur collar and yellow gloves. Her black-and-yellow wig takes a neat bob or a dramatic updo. A fuzzy antenna headband and lightweight patterned wings show the moth; I keep her wings narrow and upright so they read in photos and don't hit people behind you. Golden shadow, black winged liner and a strong highlight do the face. Yellow platforms and a theater-mask purse or playbill notebook finish her.
38. C.A. Cupid Cosplay With Heart Print Dress
C.A. Cupid mixes romance and bones. A white-and-pink heart-print dress with black trim, a fitted waist and a layered skirt makes the base, with patterned tights and a heart-studded black belt. Her pink-and-black wig takes curls or a high ponytail. Rosy shadow and pink lips do the face, with fine skeletal lines on the hands and along the collarbone drawn in a long-wear liner. Small white wings sit close to the back. I'd skip the bow and arrow; many venues won't allow anything that looks like a weapon, and a heart purse or love-letter prop says Cupid just as well.
39. Scarah Screams Cosplay With Green Mod Dress
Scarah is the easiest ghoul here for a beginner sewist. A bright green mod mini dress with black geometric panels and a crisp white collar is a straight shift shape, and a shift is one of the first dresses most people learn to sew. Opaque black tights with white knee boots or black flats finish the legs. Her sleek black bob with blunt bangs matters most, so keep the jewelry simple. Soft green makeup is optional; bold liner and a pale pink lip are enough. Leave out any screaming effects. A small black bag or retro notebook and white hoops round her off.
40. Iris Clops Cosplay With Green Patterned Dress
Iris Clops is a cyclops, and the one rule I hold to is that you must still see. A green-and-black patterned dress, or a green top with a graphic skirt, forms the base, with a bright belt, striped tights and a cropped black jacket. Her long green wig with darker streaks should leave the middle of the forehead clear. For the eye, attach a lightweight decorative eye above the brows or paint a closed eye on the forehead, and use green shadow and graphic liner around your own eyes. Black platforms and an eye-shaped bag finish her. Test the forehead piece with a few head shakes before you go out.
41. Wydowna Spider Cosplay With Red Web Dress
Wydowna is a spider, so the extra arms are the big project. A fitted red top with a black skirt, or a dress with alternating panels, forms the base, with striped tights, a web-print belt and black gloves. The extra arms are stuffed sleeves sewn to a harness at the back. I fill them lightly with fiberfill and tack each arm to the next at the elbow so they hang together instead of swinging into people. Her long red-and-black wig goes up in a high ponytail. Sharp liner, red shadow and dots on the forehead finish her face. Trim every loose thread so nothing catches.
42. Meowlody Cosplay With Black And White Dress
Meowlody is a black-and-white werecat and half of a twin pair. A black-and-white patterned dress, striped tights and a fitted black jacket form her base; a red or blue belt is optional. Her long white wig with black sections takes smooth waves or twin tails. White cat ears with black centers and a matching clip-on tail handle the cat. Winged liner, a small black nose and whisker dots do far more than full animal face paint. Black Mary Janes or platforms finish her. A bell choker is a cute detail, though I'd stuff a little cotton in the bell if you'll be in a quiet room.
43. Purrsephone Cosplay With Black Cat Outfit
Purrsephone is Meowlody's twin, so I always plan the pair together. Start with a fitted black dress or black top and skirt with white stripes or panels, and add red accents in the belt, jacket lining or jewelry. Her long black wig with white streaks goes up in a sleek ponytail. Black ears, a soft tail and costume nails show the werecat. Smoky shadow, sharp liner, a small nose and whisker dots finish her face. Black boots or red high-tops work. The key is to reverse Meowlody's color placement, so where one twin is white the other is black, and the pair reads as a set.
44. Deuce Gorgon Cosplay With Green Vest
Deuce is the easy pick for anyone who'd rather wear streetwear. A black graphic tank or tee with a green vest, dark jeans and a studded belt is the base, plus fingerless gloves and a chain necklace. His snake hair is a green wig covered in short foam or rubber snakes, and I'd stitch each one to the wig base rather than gluing, because glue lets go in the heat of a crowded room. Sunglasses are part of his look and cut down the makeup to a few scale details at the temples and jaw. High-tops, a backpack or a basketball finish him. He's comfortable for a long day.
45. Headmistress Bloodgood Cosplay With Riding Coat
Headmistress Bloodgood is the grown-up in the cast, polished and a little stern. A fitted purple or black riding coat over a white blouse and tailored trousers forms her base, with a red cravat, structured belt and dark gloves. A cravat is easy to sew from a long rectangle of satin. Her deep-blue bob is smooth and neat, topped with a small riding hat. Cool purple shadow, sharp liner and a natural base finish the face. Tall black riding boots, a ledger or clipboard and a crest brooch complete her. I'd skip the detachable-head trick, which costs you your view. She's the natural leader for a student group.
Sewing Fins, Wings and Tails That Survive a Crowd
So many of these ghouls have something sticking out: fins, moth wings, bat wings, tails or extra arms. These pieces are what make the character, and they're also what gets bent, stepped on or knocked into a drink. A few habits I follow keep them in one piece.
- Attach to something structural. A tail sewn to a belt loop or a strap, or wings stitched to a small harness, hold far better than anything pinned to a thin skirt.
- Choose bend over break. Felt, interfacing, fleece and foam bend back into shape when bumped. Wire, cardboard and hard plastic snap or poke.
- Keep it close. Fins and wings that lie within a hand's width of the body don't hit people in a queue or catch on doorframes.
- Make it removable. A tail on a hook or wings on a snap let you sit down, drive or use a restroom without taking the whole outfit apart.
Mint, Gray and Purple Skin Without Painting the Furniture
Frankie's mint, Ghoulia's gray, Rochelle's stone and Spectra's lilac all tempt people into full face paint. I'd test any face paint on the inside of the wrist a day ahead, apply it thinly with a damp sponge and press a translucent powder on top once it dries. Stop at the jaw rather than painting the neck if you're wearing a collar. Much of the effect can come from eyeshadow, liner and highlighter in the character's colors, which transfers less and is easier to remove. To take paint off, use an oil-based cleanser first, then wash.
Settle the Palette, Then Sew the Ghoul Around It
Every ghoul above starts the same way for me: the color palette and the silhouette, then a wig, a little makeup, shoes you can walk in and one prop that belongs to that character. You don't need exact replica pieces. Thrifted jackets, a patterned skirt, felt and foam accessories and temporary hair color get you very close for a sensible budget. Keep wings, tails, extra arms and headpieces light and close to the body, especially in a crowd. And pick the character whose style you actually enjoy, because a comfortable, simple version you can wear all day will always look better than a complicated one you can't wait to take off.
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