Dressing up on your own is freeing. No group chat, no shared colour palette, nobody to wait for. The catch is that a solo costume has to carry itself, because there's no partner standing next to you to explain who you are. I've picked 45 looks for women that do that, from screen characters and classic Halloween figures to fantasy gowns, decade throwbacks and last-minute outfits built from everyday clothes. Each one covers clothing, hair, makeup, accessories, a prop and shoes you can actually walk in. Most can take a longer hem, a warm layer or flats instead of heels and still look like the character.

A Costume Nobody Has to Explain
In a group, one person's costume explains the next. On your own, you get about two seconds before someone asks "who are you?" When I style a solo look, I check three things in this order, and if all three are there, almost anyone at the party will get it.
- Hair or headwear. This is what people see first and from furthest away: Wednesday's braids, Cruella's split bob, the witch's hat. If you only spend money on one piece, spend it here.
- The overall shape and main colour. Velma is orange on top and red below, Daphne is purple with a green scarf. Get the big blocks of colour right before you worry about trim.
- One prop or accessory held where people can see it, like Alice's teacup or Elle's stuffed dog. If it's in your bag, it isn't helping.
Makeup and jewelry come after that. They matter in photos and up close, but nobody across a room will see your eyeshadow. If a character needs all three of those things to be exact, and you're short on time, pick a different character from the list rather than doing all three badly.
1. Wednesday Addams Costume

Wednesday is the costume I'd hand to anyone who hates crafting. A knee-length black dress with a crisp white collar and cuffs, black tights and chunky Mary Janes give you the school-uniform outline. Part your hair in the middle and plait two tight braids, or use a braided black wig. Pale matte base, soft brows, gray shadow and a muted plum lip. A black book is enough of a prop. A fitted black coat outdoors blends right in. The deadpan face sells it, so don't smile in the photos.
2. Pink Cowgirl Barbie Costume

Pink cowgirl is a happy, loud costume and one of the easier ones to assemble. Start with a fitted pink top and matching flares, a skort or a knee-length skirt, and add a light vest with white fringe or silver stars. Glossy waves in your own colour or a long blonde wig. Pink shadow, rosy blush, clear gloss and a little shimmer. Add a white cowboy hat, a decorative belt, a bandana and pink or white Western boots. Cowboy hats slide off at a party, so I'd tuck a thin elastic inside the band. A white turtleneck and opaque tights underneath keep you warm without breaking the colour.
3. Glinda Good Witch Costume

For Glinda, it's all about pink layers and sparkle. A floor-length pink gown works, or a tulle maxi skirt with a fitted sequin top. Sheer puff sleeves and silver star appliqués make plain separates look theatrical. Polished blonde curls or a curled golden wig under a tall silver crown. Luminous base, pastel pink shadow, rosy blush and gloss. Make the star wand from lightweight card, not anything heavy or pointed. Silver ballet flats are comfortable and peek out under the skirt. A sheer glittery cape finishes it, but tulle sheds glitter onto everything you touch, so leave the good coat at home.
4. Elphaba Green Witch Costume

Elphaba is black clothing and green skin with a sharp outline. A long black dress with structured sleeves is ideal, though a black blouse and full maxi skirt are easier to thrift. Add a cinching belt, a dark cape and a tall pointed hat. Twist dark hair low or wear a long black wig under the hat. Use skin-safe green makeup and blend it carefully at the jaw, neck and hands; the hands are what people forget. Dark liner and a berry lip. A light broom and lace-up black boots. A thermal top hides under the dress on a cold night.
5. Coraline Costume

Coraline is a costume you can wear in the rain, which I value more every October. A bright yellow raincoat over a red striped sweater and straight jeans, plus yellow rain boots. A short blue wig is what makes it Coraline; temporary blue colour can work on light hair. Pink cheeks, freckles and a soft berry lip. Carry a stuffed black cat or a blue messenger bag. Keep any oversized black buttons in a pocket, never near your eyes. The raincoat leaves room for a warm layer underneath.
6. Velma Dinkley Costume

Velma is one of the easiest solo looks on the list, and most people already own half of it. An oversized orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange or burgundy knee socks and red Mary Janes or low loafers. A short dark bob with blunt bangs, or longer hair tucked under to fake the shape. Square black glasses with clear lenses; I'd add a hidden cord, because the joke only works once you've dropped them. Freckles, warm blush, neutral lip. A magnifying glass or a flashlight is the prop.
7. Daphne Blake Costume

Daphne relies on colour more than anything else. A long-sleeved purple mini or knee-length dress, a lavender headband and matching tights. The bright green scarf tied close at the neck is the detail that makes her Daphne, so don't skip it. Purple flats, low boots or block heels depending on how far you'll walk. Smooth, curled red hair or a copper wig. Violet shadow, winged liner, peach blush and pink lips. A small purple bag, and a tailored purple coat if it's cold, keep the palette together.
8. Kim Possible Costume

Kim Possible proves practical clothes can make a strong costume. A fitted black long-sleeve top, loose olive cargo pants and a wide brown utility belt, with black combat boots that'll carry you all night. Long copper-red hair, natural or a side-parted wig. Fresh makeup: brows, brown liner, light blush, neutral lips. Fingerless gloves, plus a few empty fabric pouches clipped to the belt. A small toy communicator is easier to carry than anything big. Thermal leggings fit under the cargos without anyone knowing.
9. Shego Costume

Shego is all about graphic green-and-black blocking. Wear black leggings or cargo pants with a fitted black top and add bright green panels on one sleeve, the opposite leg and across the body. Fabric tape works if you won't sew, though it lifts at the corners on stretch fabric, so a few hand stitches there help. Thick-soled ankle boots and mismatched gloves. Long straight black hair, side or centre part. Pale base, smoky green shadow, sharp liner and a deep green or berry lip. A green glow stick is the prop. I'd keep green makeup to the eyes and cheekbones so it doesn't end up on your collar.
10. Holly Golightly Costume

Holly Golightly is the costume I'd suggest if you want a dress you'll wear again. A sleeveless black maxi or midi is the base, with long black gloves, layered faux pearls, big sunglasses and a small jeweled tiara. A high French twist or a neat dark updo wig with a few short pieces in front. Soft brows, black winged liner, peach blush and pale pink lips. Carry a pastry bag or a small black clutch. Kitten heels or pointed flats. Long gloves wrinkle down the arm unless they fit snugly above the elbow, so try them on before you buy.
11. Elle Woods Pink Suit Costume

Elle Woods works because of a pink suit that fits properly. A pink blazer with a matching knee-length skirt or straight trousers, over a fitted white or pink top. Nude pumps, pink loafers or ballet flats. Smooth blonde curls, or a wig for a bigger change. Glowing base, rosy blush, lashes and glossy pink lips. A bright notebook and a fake law textbook make the character clear, and a small stuffed dog peeking out of a structured bag gets a laugh. Pearl studs and a fine necklace. For warmth, a matching pink coat and fleece-lined sheer tights.
12. Cher Horowitz Plaid Costume

Cher's yellow plaid is one of the most quoted 1990s outfits, and the pieces work separately afterward. A yellow plaid blazer and matching pleated skirt over a white top, plus white knee socks and black Mary Janes. Long straight blonde hair with soft curled ends. Brown liner, peach blush, light mascara and a nude-pink lip. A mini backpack, a fluffy pen or an old-style mobile phone. Small hoops. If the skirt feels short or the night is cold, add opaque tights or swap in plaid trousers; the colour is what people recognise.
13. Mia Thermopolis Princess Costume

Princess Mia mixes a formal gown with a few deliberately relaxed touches. A strapless or short-sleeved white ball gown, or a fitted white top over a full tulle skirt. Elbow-length white gloves, a jeweled tiara and a blue satin-ribbon sash. Long brown waves, with the tiara pinned in place through the hair, not just pushed on. Luminous skin, soft gray shadow, mascara, rose blush and pink lips. A small diary is a nice prop for fans. Silver ballet flats still look regal, and a white faux-fur wrap adds warmth.
14. Sandy From Grease Costume

The final-scene Sandy look comes mostly from your closet. High-waisted black pants or coated leggings, a fitted off-the-shoulder black top, a wide black belt and a cropped leather-look jacket. Red peep-toe heels are the classic finish, but red flats or black block heels are easier to live in. Big shoulder-length blonde curls. Winged liner, lashes, warm blush and bright red lips. Large gold hoops. Off-the-shoulder tops creep up all night, so I'd tack a strip of silicone gripper inside the neckline. A black cami and thin thermals underneath add warmth.
15. Rosie The Riveter Costume

Rosie the Riveter is a last-minute costume made almost entirely from everyday clothes. Tuck a denim or chambray shirt into high-waisted dark jeans and roll the sleeves above the elbow. A brown belt and lace-up work boots or clean sneakers. Tie a red polka-dot bandana around a high bun with the knot on top. Neat brows, mascara, rosy cheeks and red lipstick. A rolled poster is an easy prop, but I'd keep your hands free in a crowd. A white thermal under the denim keeps the blue-and-red palette and adds warmth.
16. Cruella De Vil Costume

Cruella is high contrast and needs very little else. A fitted black midi or black trousers with a silky blouse, then a spotted faux-fur coat, or a white stole with removable black felt dots pinned on. The half-black, half-white bob wig is the one piece I wouldn't cut corners on. Arched brows, gray smoky eyes, sculpted blush and vivid red lips. Red gloves and a structured red bag add her other colour. A stuffed spotted dog is a funny prop. Use faux fur only, and size the coat up so it fits over warm layers.
17. Harley Quinn Costume

Harley Quinn can be fun and comfortable without any menace. A red-and-black bomber over a white graphic tee, with red-and-blue shorts over opaque tights, or joggers if you'd rather. Lace-up sneakers or ankle boots. High blonde pigtails with temporary pink on one end and blue on the other. Winged liner, red lips and smudged pink-and-blue shadow. Temporary hair colour rubs onto light jackets, so I'd spray it outdoors and let it dry before you dress. A choker, fingerless gloves and bracelets. Oversized handmade playing cards beat anything weapon-like.
18. Poison Ivy Costume

Poison Ivy is rich green clothing plus leaves you can add at home. A green jumpsuit, a midi dress or a fitted top with a flowing skirt. Attach artificial ivy at the neckline, waist and shoulders with safety pins; craft glue on fabric tends to pop off once you move. Green tights with matching ankle boots or gold flats. Loose red waves or a long copper wig with a few small leaves in it. Green shadow blended outward, lashes and a warm red lip. A dark green cape with a gold clasp adds warmth and makes the shape fuller.
19. Wonder Woman Costume

Wonder Woman uses red, blue and gold to look confident without much fuss. A fitted red top with blue shorts, a skort or a knee-length skirt with white stars. A wide gold belt and wrist cuffs cut from craft foam. Red boots look strongest; red sneakers are better for an active night. Long dark brushed waves and a gold star headband. Glowing base, bronze shadow, black liner, red lips and a touch of gold highlight. A coiled gold rope is the prop. Foam cuffs crease if you squash them in a bag, so carry them flat. A red cape and opaque blue tights add coverage and warmth.
20. Supergirl Costume

Supergirl is bright and easy to spot in a busy crowd. A long-sleeved blue dress, or a blue fitted top with a skater skirt. Add a handmade red-and-yellow shield on the chest; adhesive alone lifts at the points, so I'd stitch a few spots around the edge. A red cape, gold belt, opaque tights and red knee boots or sneakers. Soft blonde waves. Lashes, rosy cheeks and red lips. Thermal tights and a fitted base layer hide under the dress and cape on a cold night.
21. Black Widow Costume

Black Widow is comfortable because it's basically athletic clothing. A black long-sleeved jumpsuit, or a fitted performance top with black cargo pants. A wide utility belt with a small red felt hourglass on the buckle. Soft wrist cuffs and fingerless gloves. Low-heeled combat boots for walking and dancing. A shoulder-length wavy red bob, natural or a copper wig. Matte base, taupe smoky eyes, lashes and a muted rose lip. A fitted black moto jacket adds warmth without changing the outline.
22. Scarlet Witch Costume

Scarlet Witch looks dramatic in rich reds and stays family-friendly. A burgundy fitted top with black trousers or a long red skirt, under a flowing crimson coat or cape. Cut the crown from craft foam and glue it to a thin headband. EVA foam holds the curved shape better than thin craft foam if you warm it with a hairdryer first. Long auburn waves with a centre part. Warm red shadow, precise liner and a berry lip. Red gloves, two small light-up red spheres as props and knee-high black boots. A thermal bodysuit underneath keeps you warm without bulk.
23. Catwoman Costume

Catwoman is simple and easy to move in, and you can choose how much skin to show. A black long-sleeved jumpsuit, or a fitted turtleneck with faux-leather pants. A wide belt, elbow gloves and flat knee boots. Soft cat ears and a small eye mask; check the mask's eye holes line up with your eyes, because a mask that sits even slightly off blocks your side view on stairs. Sleek ponytail. Smoky gray eyes, sharp liner, sculpted cheeks and a deep rose lip. A ball of yarn is the prop. A long black coat on top for cold weather.
24. Maleficent Costume

Maleficent is a big black silhouette, horns and strong makeup. A floor-length black dress with structured shoulders and a sweeping black or deep purple cape. Wear a light horned headpiece over a fitted black cap. Horns tip forward if the weight sits in front, so I'd anchor the cap with pins at the back of the head. Your hair stays hidden, which saves time. Pale base, arched brows, violet-gray shadow, contour and rich red lips. Keep the staff short and light for crowded rooms. Platform boots or pointed flats, and a purple-lined cape for a flash of colour.
25. Queen Of Hearts Costume

The Queen of Hearts is bold in red, black, white and gold. A red fit-and-flare dress with black heart appliqués and a white ruffled collar, black tights and red ankle boots or low heels. A high heart-shaped updo, or a curly black wig with a small gold crown. Heart-shaped red lips, winged liner, pink blush and a tiny painted heart under one eye. Oversized playing cards or a heart-shaped bag. Felt hearts glued to a stretch dress peel off as you move, so I'd stitch them or use iron-on felt. White gloves, a gold belt and a red velvet cape for warmth.
26. Snow White Costume

Snow White is primary colours and a storybook shape. A blue bodice or blouse with short puff sleeves, a full yellow midi or maxi skirt, a white collar and a short red cape. Black ballet flats or low yellow shoes. A smooth chin-length dark bob and a red bow headband. Rosy blush, soft eyes, luminous skin and red lips. A shiny fake apple in a small basket. A long-sleeved blue layer and opaque tights add warmth. Keep jewelry minimal so the dress and bow stay the focus.
27. Alice In Wonderland Costume

Alice is a simple blue-and-white costume that still feels whimsical. A light blue fit-and-flare dress with a white apron, white tights, black Mary Janes and a narrow black headband. Straight blonde hair or soft curled ends. Pink cheeks, lashes and a rose-tinted lip. Carry a teacup, a pocket watch or a white rabbit plush, and tie a tiny key on a ribbon to the apron. White tights snag easily, so pack a spare pair if you're going out for the whole night. A white blouse under the dress and fleece-lined tights for warmth.
28. Tinker Bell Fairy Costume

Tinker Bell is a leafy green dress, wings and a neat blonde bun. Pick a green skater or handkerchief-hem dress you can move in, with nude or green tights and green flats with pom-poms. A high bun with a smooth side fringe, or a pre-styled wig. Luminous base, gold-green shadow, fine liner, pink blush and gloss. Attach the wings to the dress itself. Elastic wing straps dig into your shoulders within an hour, which is why I'd sew small loops onto the back of the dress instead. A star wand or a pouch of paper confetti, and a green cardigan if it's cold.
29. Little Red Riding Hood Costume

A big red cape makes Little Red Riding Hood clear even with simple clothes under it. A white peasant blouse, a black or brown lace-up vest and a red knee-length skirt, with opaque tights and sturdy brown ankle boots. The cape should hit mid-calf: long enough for drama, short enough that you won't step on it on stairs. Soft curls or two loose braids. Warm blush, lashes, freckles and a berry-red lip. A wicker basket lined with gingham is the essential prop. A thermal shirt and leggings fit underneath for cold nights.
30. Mermaid Costume

A mermaid costume you can walk in starts with a skirt that flares slightly, not a tight tail. A teal or purple sequin maxi with a little flare, a fitted shell-print top or a shimmery long-sleeved bodysuit, and metallic flats or low boots under the hem. Textured waves with pearl clips or shell barrettes. Aqua, lavender and silver shadow, pink gloss and highlighter. A shell-shaped bag. A sheer blue cape adds coverage. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so I'd choose a top with sleeves or a soft lining. Skip loose floor-length fins that you'll trip over.
31. Woodland Fairy Costume

A woodland fairy is softer and more wearable than the bright storybook fairies. Start with an olive, moss or sage maxi dress and a brown belt wrapped with artificial vines. Brown lace-up ankle boots and textured green tights. Loose waves or a relaxed braid tucked with small leaves and flowers. Bronze and green shadow, rosy blush, a few freckles and a natural berry lip. Leaf-shaped wings fastened securely across the upper back. A small lantern with a battery light is a nice prop. A hooded brown cape adds warmth. Trim any trailing ribbons short so they don't catch.
32. Greek Goddess Costume

A Greek goddess drape is comfortable for a long event and very easy to put together. A flowing white maxi dress, or a white blouse with a pleated skirt. A wide metallic gold belt and gold trim along one shoulder. Flat gold sandals indoors, metallic flats when it's cold. Soft waves, twists or a braided updo with a gold leaf headband. Bronze shadow, highlighter, peach blush and a warm nude lip. A cluster of artificial laurel is the prop. Thin white fabric is often see-through under flash, so I always check with a phone photo before I leave. Gold cuffs and a cream cape for outdoors.
33. Medusa Costume

Medusa is all about the hair. A deep green maxi dress or jumpsuit with a gold belt and arm cuffs, and gold sandals or stable metallic ankle boots. Weave light rubber snakes through a braided bun or fix them to a padded headband. Keep the snakes small and spread them evenly, or the headband tips toward the heavy side. Emerald and bronze shadow, winged liner, luminous skin, and a soft scale pattern pressed on through mesh. A round mirrored clutch is a clever prop. A dark green cape adds warmth. Keep it polished rather than scary.
34. Classic Witch Costume

A classic witch can look polished and playful. A long black dress with lace sleeves, or a black blouse with a full maxi skirt. Striped purple tights and buckled ankle boots. A wide-brim pointed hat makes the shape; trim it with ribbon or a few silk flowers. Wide brims catch wind outdoors, so a hat pin through your hair keeps it on. Loose waves in your own hair, or a long black or purple wig. Plum shadow, liner, rosy cheeks and a blackberry lip. A small craft broom, a purple velvet cape and star earrings.
35. Glam Vampire Costume

Velvet and deep red make a glamorous vampire without anything gory. A black or burgundy maxi dress with a high neckline and fitted waist, a long red-lined cape and black lace gloves. Pointed flats or low-heeled ankle boots. Glossy waves or a dramatic swept-back updo. Pale base, smoky plum eyes, precise liner, sculpted cheeks and a dark red lip. Small costume fangs are best worn just for photos, because they make talking and eating awkward. A red jeweled clutch or an artificial rose, and a velvet jacket for warmth.
36. Bride Of Frankenstein Costume

The Bride of Frankenstein pairs a vintage white gown with one of Halloween's best-known hairstyles. A long white dress with draped sleeves, with a few clean white fabric strips wrapped around the arms. White or silver flats keep the long hem manageable. A tall black wig with white streaks is far easier than building that height in your own hair. Pale makeup, gray shadow, strong brows and a deep berry lip; contour does enough without wounds. A small bouquet of white silk flowers and a white shawl for warmth.
37. Ghost Bride Costume

A ghost bride needs layers more than scary makeup. Start with a thrifted white or ivory maxi dress with lace, tulle or ruffled sleeves. Add a sheer veil on a floral headband and comfortable white boots under the hem. Loose, slightly undone waves, or a silver-gray wig for a more ghostly feel. Pearl-gray shadow, pale luminous base and a muted mauve lip. A bouquet of white and dusty lavender silk flowers tied with gray ribbon. A sheer shawl adds another floating layer. I'd have the hem taken up so it clears the floor, because a trailing hem gets trodden on all night.
38. Classic Mummy Costume

A mummy is far more comfortable built on clothes than wrapped tightly in bandages. Wear cream leggings and a matching long-sleeved top as the base. Attach loose strips of off-white gauze or torn cotton with stitches or safety pins, leaving the joints free so you can bend. Torn cotton frays more each time you move, which actually helps the look. Cream sneakers or ankle boots. A low bun with a few narrow strips woven in. Beige and taupe shadow, soft brows and a neutral lip. A gold scarab purse, and a cream cardigan under the layers if it's cold.
39. Cute Scarecrow Costume

A scarecrow is cheerful and easy to thrift. Denim overalls over a plaid flannel shirt, with fabric patches in autumn colours. Brown lace-up boots. Two low braids under a floppy straw hat with silk sunflowers. Peach blush, painted freckles, a small triangle nose and short stitch lines at the corners of the mouth, kept neat and cartoonish. A small artificial crow is a good prop. Real straw sheds everywhere and itches at the wrists, so I'd use straw-coloured raffia or ribbon at the cuffs instead. Gloves and a thermal shirt for warmth.
40. Black Cat Costume

A black cat adjusts to almost any dress code, which makes it my standby last-minute answer. A black jumpsuit, a midi dress or a fitted turtleneck with straight pants, with opaque tights if needed and black flats or ankle boots. Soft cat ears over sleek hair, a high ponytail or loose waves. Winged liner, a small nose and three fine whiskers each side, with pink blush and a berry lip. Sew the tail into the side of the waistband rather than the centre back, so you can sit down without squashing it. A yarn-ball bag and a cropped black jacket.
41. Monarch Butterfly Costume

Orange-and-black wings turn simple clothes into a monarch butterfly. A fitted black top with a flowing orange midi skirt, or a black jumpsuit with orange side panels. Black tights and comfortable ankle boots. Light wings with monarch markings that fasten across the shoulders and don't stick out far into a crowd. A high bun with a delicate antenna headband. Orange, gold and black shadow, rosy blush and a neutral gloss. A black cardigan fits under the wings for warmth. I'd choose flexible wing edges, because rigid ones bend permanently the first time you get into a car.
42. Western Cowgirl Costume

A Western cowgirl is a comfortable break from the more structured characters. A plaid button-down tucked into high-waisted jeans or a denim midi skirt, a suede-look fringed vest and a wide decorative belt. Brown cowboy boots and a matching hat set the theme straight away. Loose waves, a side braid or two low braids. Bronze shadow, sun-kissed blush, freckles and a warm rose lip. A red bandana at the neck and a small rope coil. Break in new cowboy boots at home first. They rub at the heel for the first few wears. A denim jacket for after sunset.
43. 1970s Disco Queen Costume

Disco is the costume I'd pick for a night of dancing. A metallic halter or long-sleeved sequin blouse with high-waisted flares, and silver platforms with a stable, manageable sole. Big curls, feathered layers or a large rounded wig. Sparkling gold shadow, dramatic lashes, warm blush and glossy berry lips. Oversized hoops and a glittering belt. A mirrored disco-ball purse is a fun prop. A silver bomber adds warmth. Hem the flares while wearing the shoes you'll dance in, so they swing clear of the floor instead of fraying at the back.
44. 1920s Flapper Costume

A flapper costume is fringe, beads and a straight silhouette. Choose a knee-length black, emerald or gold fringe dress with enough coverage to dance in, semi-sheer tights, and low T-strap heels or embellished flats. A faux bob, finger waves or a short wavy wig. A jeweled headband across the forehead with a small feather that won't poke anyone. Smoky shadow, defined brows, rose blush and a deep berry lip. Long faux pearls and a beaded bag. Fringe tangles if you sit on it, so when you sit, smooth it out under you first. A velvet wrap or cocoon coat for warmth.
45. Retro Astronaut Costume

A retro astronaut is comfortable and a nice change from spooky costumes. A white utility jumpsuit with zip pockets, silver trim at the cuffs, collar and belt, and handmade mission patches with stars, planets or your initials instead of official logos. White high-tops or silver ankle boots. A neat ponytail or low bun that fits under a light bubble-style helmet. Silver shadow, crisp liner, rosy blush and clear gloss. A small foam planet or a metallic backpack. Bubble helmets fog up and muffle sound, so I'd wear it for photos and carry it the rest of the night.
Where Your Phone and Keys Go
Women's costumes almost never have pockets, and a solo costume means nobody's holding your things for you. I sort this out before the party, not at the door.
- Choose a bag that's part of the character: Elle's structured bag, Red's basket, the disco-ball purse, Velma's satchel. Then it adds to the costume instead of breaking it.
- For fitted suits like Black Widow or Catwoman, a slim black thigh or belt pouch disappears against the outfit.
- If you can sew a straight seam, add a hidden pocket inside a cape or full skirt. A rectangle of lining stitched on three sides, sized to your phone, takes about twenty minutes.
- For a gown, a small wristlet in the same colour hangs out of the way and leaves both hands free.
Whatever you choose, put your phone in it and walk around the house for a few minutes. A pocket that's fine standing still often swings, sags or pulls the skirt out of shape once you're walking.
Wear the One You Can Still Dance In at Midnight
The costume I'd choose for you is the one that looks finished, feels comfortable and suits you, without needing anyone else's outfit to make sense. This list covers easy closet combinations, careful character looks, classic Halloween figures and fantasy gowns. Think about the venue, the weather, how far you'll walk and how many hours you'll be in it. Pin headpieces securely, keep props light and test your shoes at home. Swap skirts for trousers, add tights or slip a coat under a cape if you need to. Then go and enjoy the night as yourself, in costume.




























