Halloween parties reward a costume people can read from the doorway, and that's what this list is built around: witches and vampires, storybook heroines, decade dressing, a few occupations and some handmade ideas like a rain cloud. Most of these start from clothes you probably own or can thrift, with the character carried by one or two pieces you add. When I plan a party costume, I think about the hours, not the entrance: how far you'll walk, whether it's indoors, and how long the wig and shoes need to last. Each idea below covers hair, makeup and shoes so nothing is left to the last minute.
A Black Base Carries Half of This List
Look down the list and you'll notice how many of these share a foundation. The witch, vampire, cat, Wednesday, Morticia, Elphaba, skeleton and butterfly all start in black, and a good black base is the best costume purchase I know of because it comes back every year. What separates a good base from a cheap one is the fabric. Shiny polyester looks flat in photos and holds every bit of lint, while a matte jersey or ponte reads as solid black under party lights and lets capes and wings sit cleanly on top.
What I look for in the base
- A matte black jumpsuit or long-sleeve dress with enough stretch to raise your arms and sit on the floor.
- A neckline that clears your makeup line, so face color doesn't rub onto it.
- Pockets, or a waist where a small bag can hang, because many costumes leave nowhere for keys and a phone.
- Opaque black tights and one pair of flat black boots, which suit almost every dark costume here.
Once you have those, the character comes from what goes on top: a hat, a collar, ears, a cape. That keeps your money on the parts people actually notice, and next year you can switch characters without starting over.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Black Dress
The hat does more for a witch than anything else, so that's where I'd spend. A cheap felt hat goes floppy at the tip by mid-evening; a stiffened one, or one with wire in the brim, keeps the silhouette. Under it, any long black dress or a black blouse with a full skirt works, plus a velvet cape. Loose waves or a long black or silver wig, purple shadow, winged liner and a plum lip finish the face. Carry a small broom or spellbook, add striped tights if you want color, and wear lace-up ankle boots or low block heels you can stand in all night.
2. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
Red and black is the whole story here, and the cape lining is where the red should show. A red-lined cape over a black velvet maxi dress or a tailored jumpsuit reads as vampire before anyone sees the fangs. I'd test costume fangs at home first: the cheap moulded kind make talking and drinking awkward, and a party is mostly talking. Pale foundation, smoky burgundy shadow, defined brows and a deep red lip go with a jeweled choker and a few rings. A goblet of red juice is a fun prop if the venue allows it, and pointed flats or block-heel boots keep you steady.
3. Black Cat Costume With Tail And Ears
This is the one I suggest when someone has a party in two hours. Any black base works, from a jumpsuit to leggings with a turtleneck. Sew or safety-pin a fabric tail at the back waist, not the seat, so it isn't sat on all night, and choose an ear headband that doesn't press behind the ears. A high ponytail or sleek bun keeps the ears visible. Eyeliner whiskers smudge fast on a warm night, so draw them with a gel liner and set them with a little powder. A bell collar, black gloves and flats or ankle boots are all it needs.
4. Skeleton Costume With Bone Makeup
Skeleton makeup looks sharpest when the bodysuit does the bones, so the face can stay simple. Start with a black long-sleeve bodysuit or jumpsuit with white felt or printed bones. Felt bones glued onto stretch fabric tend to pop off at the elbows, so I stitch them at the corners. Pull hair into a tight bun or wear a straight white, silver or black wig. White face color, black around the eyes and a few clean cheek lines keep it stylized rather than gory. Bone-print gloves, a black flower crown and a small black-and-white bouquet are plenty, worn with combat boots or sneakers.
5. Ghost Bride Costume With White Veil
Thrift stores are the best source for this one, because a slightly worn white dress already looks like it has a history. Look for an ivory maxi with lace sleeves or ruffles, then layer gray tulle at the waist and shoulders. Tulle catches on everything, so keep it off the hem if you'll be walking outside. A long pale wig in undone waves, a lace veil on a comb, cool gray shadow and a muted rose lip set the mood, and a bouquet of white silk flowers wrapped in gray ribbon gives your hands a job. White tights add warmth, and flats or low silver boots keep the hem off the ground.
6. Wednesday Addams Costume With Black Dress
The collar is what makes Wednesday, so get that right before anything else. A knee-length black dress with a crisp white pointed collar and cuffs is ideal; if yours has none, a white collared shirt underneath does the job, and I press the collar points flat so they don't curl by evening. Opaque black tights, a center part and two tight braids, or a braided black wig. Keep the face matte and nearly bare with straight brows and a muted berry lip. A fabric doll or an old book makes the prop, and black loafers or flat Mary Janes the shoes.
7. Morticia Addams Costume With Long Black Gown
Morticia is all about a long, narrow line, so fit at the waist matters more than the fabric. A floor-length black gown with flared sleeves works, and so does a black maxi skirt with a long-sleeve top. The trap is the hem. A dragging gown gets stepped on in a crowd, so I'd hem it to just brush the floor in the shoes you'll actually wear. Long straight black hair with a precise center part, pale matte skin, smoky gray eyes and red lips do the rest, along with long red nails, a statement ring and one artificial red rose. Pointed flats or low-heel ankle boots.
8. Glinda Costume With Pink Ball Gown
Glinda needs volume, and the cheapest way to get it is a petticoat or two layers of tulle under a pale pink maxi, or a tulle skirt with a sequined top. Plan for doorways and car seats, because a skirt that wide crushes when you sit. Soft blonde curls or a curled golden wig with height at the crown, and a tall silver crown cut from lightweight cardboard with rhinestones and metallic paper. Pink shadow, rosy blush and a little face-safe shimmer. A star wand from a painted dowel and foam, nude tights if it's cold, and silver flats hidden under the skirt.
9. Elphaba Costume With Black Cape
Green makeup is the commitment here, so I'd decide on it first. Water-activated face paint goes on smooth and washes off easily, but it rubs onto collars, so wear a neckline you don't mind marking; black gloves cut down how much skin you need to cover. Pair a long black dress with a cape and a tall pointed hat with a curved brim. A long dark wig or textured natural hair, defined brows, smoky eyes and a berry lip. Patch-test the green on your inner wrist the day before. A twig broom or black book, and lace-up boots or black flats.
10. Cowgirl Barbie Costume With Pink Outfit
The trick with Cowgirl Barbie is keeping every pink the same pink, because mismatched shades read as random rather than Barbie. A pink denim vest with flared pants, or a pink shirt with a fringed skirt, goes under a white cowgirl hat trimmed with pink ribbon and rhinestones. Blonde waves or a long golden wig, rosy blush and glossy lips. A badge, a pink bandana and heart sunglasses add the doll details, and a soft cord rope loop is a safer prop than a real lasso. Pick low-heeled boots if you'll be on your feet for hours.
11. Daphne Blake Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne is mostly color blocking, so she's easy to pull from regular clothes. A long-sleeve purple mod dress, a bright green neck scarf and a lavender headband are what people look for. Wear natural red hair in flipped layers or a shoulder-length auburn wig; the flip holds better set on velcro rollers than with a curling iron alone. Lilac shadow, defined lashes, peach blush and pink lips. Carry a magnifying glass or flashlight, wear purple tights for an October night, and finish with lavender flats or low go-go boots.
12. Velma Dinkley Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma is the warmest costume on this list, which is why I steer people toward her for outdoor parties. An oversized orange turtleneck goes over a red pleated skirt, with orange knee socks or tights. A short dark bob with straight bangs, or naturally short hair tucked behind the ears. The square glasses are essential, but buy a pair with clear or no lenses; tinted novelty lenses make a dim party darker. Natural makeup, a magnifying glass and a notebook, brown Mary Janes or loafers, and fitted shorts under the skirt if you want extra coverage.
13. Fairy Costume With Tulle Dress
Wings decide whether a fairy costume is fun or a nuisance. Narrow detachable wings are easier in a crowded room than a wide pair, and elastic straps that cross at the chest stop them sliding off one shoulder. Under them, a pastel dress or a fitted top with a layered tulle skirt, and hair in loose curls or a bun with silk flowers. Use shimmer shadow, a few face gems and glossy lips, but skip loose craft glitter; it ends up on everyone you hug. A flower wand or paper lantern, sheer tights and ribbon-laced flats or low boots.
14. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
These wings are the attached kind, fixed at the shoulders and wrists so they open when you lift your arms, and that's what makes the costume worth doing. Use a lightweight fabric like chiffon or lining cloth, since anything heavier drags the sleeves down. Wear them over a black jumpsuit or a black top and leggings. A felt antenna headband on craft wire, a polished bun, and eye shadow that repeats the wing colors with a few symmetrical gems. Your hands are part of the wings, so a fabric blossom pinned on is easier than a clutch. Flats or sneakers.
15. Mermaid Costume With Sequin Skirt
Skip the tail. A high-waisted sequin maxi skirt that narrows a little and flares at the hem gives the mermaid shape and still lets you walk and sit; check that the sequins aren't scratchy where your arms swing past. Pair it with a fitted lavender, teal or pearl top. Long wavy hair in blue, aqua or red from a wig or temporary color, plus shell clips, pearls and a small sea crown. Turquoise and silver shadow with pearly highlighter. A shell purse or foam trident, and metallic flats indoors or silver ankle boots if it's cold.
16. Medusa Costume With Snake Headpiece
The snake headpiece is the build, and weight is what goes wrong. Rubber snakes look great but get heavy fast, so I use a few rubber ones at the front and lighter fabric snakes behind, wired onto a sturdy padded headband. Weave them through dark curls or a big wig. A draped green, black or gold maxi with a metallic braided belt, gold arm cuffs and layered necklaces carries the rest. Green and gold shadow, strong liner and scale marks pressed through a mesh stencil. A mirrored clutch is a clever prop. Gladiator sandals indoors, metallic ankle boots outside.
17. Greek Goddess Costume With Gold Accessories
Draped white fabric is forgiving, which makes this a good choice if you hate tight costumes. A white or cream maxi dress with gathered shoulders or a draped neckline, a wide gold belt or braided cord at the waist, and a light cape at the shoulders. I use safety pins hidden under the cuffs at the shoulder, because a brooch alone lets the drape slide. Loose waves, a low twist or a crown braid with gold leaves, plus warm gold shadow and highlight. Stacked cuffs, a leaf crown and a rolled paper scroll, with flat metallic sandals indoors or gold flats on a cold night.
18. Little Red Riding Hood Costume With Cape
Everything rides on the red cape, so make sure the hood actually fits over your hair. A hood cut too shallow slips back all night. Layer it over a white blouse and a black, brown or red midi skirt, or a simple red dress, with a belt and an optional white apron. Soft braids or loose curls under the hood, rosy cheeks and a berry-red lip. A wicker basket with a checked napkin and artificial flowers or wrapped treats gives your hands something to do. Opaque tights and brown lace-up boots make it easy to walk around outdoors.
19. Snow White Costume With Yellow Skirt
Snow White can come entirely from separates: a fitted royal-blue top, a long yellow skirt and short red ribbon details at the sleeves. If you sew, a white stand-up collar cut from stiff felt or interfaced fabric is what makes it look finished; a soft collar collapses. A smooth dark bob or a black chin-length wig, a red bow headband, rosy cheeks and classic red lipstick. Carry a shiny artificial apple or a small basket of flowers. A blue cape adds warmth outside, and yellow flats or red Mary Janes keep you comfortable.
20. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
Alice is one of the easiest costumes to assemble from reusable pieces, and one of the most family-friendly. A blue fit-and-flare dress, a white apron, white tights or knee socks and a wide black ribbon headband are all it takes. I tie the apron bow at the back with a double knot, because they come undone the moment you sit. Blonde hair loose with curled ends or a golden wig, pale blue shadow and rosy lips. A paper key, a teacup or a plush white rabbit, a white cardigan under the apron if it's cold, and black Mary Janes or ballet flats.
21. Queen Of Hearts Costume With Card Suit Details
Removable felt hearts are the smart move on this one. Pin or baste them to a red dress or a black top with a full red skirt, and the skirt is a normal skirt again in November. Add a structured white collar and a small gold crown fixed to a headband. A high heart-shaped updo or a polished bun, bold brows, red shadow and a heart-shaped lip. A foam and dowel heart scepter, black-and-white striped tights, and red block heels or flat Mary Janes depending on how long you'll stand.
22. Pirate Costume With Striped Shirt
Pirates are about layers, which conveniently means you can add or shed them through the night. A striped blouse with black pants or a layered midi skirt, then a fitted vest, a wide belt and a red sash knotted at the hip. Textured waves under a bandana or soft tricorn, smoky brown shadow, bronzed cheeks and a muted red lip. Gold hoops, layered necklaces and a faux coin pouch, plus a rolled map or cardboard telescope; plenty of hosts don't welcome even toy swords. Knee boots or lace-up ankle boots, and a long coat if it's cold.
23. Classic Cowgirl Costume With Denim
This is the costume I'd build almost entirely from a closet. A plaid shirt with high-waisted jeans or a denim skirt, a suede-look vest, a wide Western belt and a red or turquoise bandana. Hair in loose waves, two braids or a low ponytail under a cream or brown hat; a hat that's slightly loose can be snugged with a strip of felt inside the band. Bronzed cheeks and a peach lip. A soft cord rope or a hobbyhorse for laughs, fringe gloves and a star badge. Low-heeled boots are the sensible pick for a long party.
24. Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
A fringe dress is made to move, so this is the one for a party with dancing. Pick a knee-length dress with fringe, sequins or beading. Heavy beaded fringe is lovely but tangles if you store it folded, so hang it. Sheer tights and a long strand of faux pearls, then finger waves for short hair, longer hair pinned into a faux bob, or a sleek bob wig, with a jeweled headband across the forehead. Smoky eyes and a cupid's-bow red lip. A beaded bag or folding fan, and T-strap shoes or low heels with a strap that stays put.
25. Disco Queen Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
Under bright party lights a sequin jumpsuit sparkles from every side, and silver or gold catches the most light. Look for wide legs and a fitted waist, or pair metallic flares with a shimmering wrap top. Sequins scratch where your arms rub against your sides, so a smooth lining under the arms makes a long night far more comfortable. Voluminous curls, feathered layers or a big rounded wig, colorful shadow and cosmetic shimmer on the cheekbones. Oversized sunglasses, hoops and a glittery cardboard microphone. Platform boots suit disco, but check the hem clears the floor so you don't catch a heel.
26. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Leg Warmers
This one is comfortable enough to dance in all night, which is the whole appeal. A bright leotard over opaque leggings, or a fitted tank with high-waisted bike shorts, then a cropped sweatshirt, wide belt, slouchy leg warmers and wristbands. Leotards are a pain in a party bathroom, so the tank and shorts version is the more practical build. A high side ponytail with a big scrunchie, blue or purple shadow, bright blush and glossy pink lips. A foam dumbbell or water bottle, and white sneakers. The layers go on and off without losing the theme.
27. Clueless Cher Costume With Plaid Skirt
The yellow plaid has to match between blazer and skirt, so I look for a set rather than two separates that are almost the same. A cropped plaid blazer over a white top with a pleated mini, or plaid trousers for more coverage. Long blonde hair straight with turned ends, or a golden wig. White knee socks, a fuzzy backpack or small structured bag, and polished, glossy makeup. A painted cardboard vintage-style phone makes people laugh. Nude tights under the socks in cold weather, and white Mary Janes or platform loafers.
28. Y2K Pop Star Costume With Metallic Outfit
Y2K looks right when it's a little too much, but there's a line where it just looks cluttered, so I'd pick two colors and stick to them. A metallic two-piece works best: silver cargo pants or a pleated mini with a cropped jacket and a fitted tank. Rhinestone clips, a narrow scarf, tinted sunglasses and a headset microphone bent from craft wire and foam. Crimped waves or two mini buns with face-framing strands. Frosted shadow, glossy lips and tiny gems near the eyes. A music player prop or autograph book, opaque tights with a short skirt, and chunky white sneakers or platform boots.
29. Glam Rock Star Costume With Leather Jacket
Faux leather is the backbone here, and it gets warm indoors, so I pair it with a lighter metallic top rather than layering more. Black faux-leather pants or coated jeans with a studded jacket, a fringed scarf, stacked bracelets and big rings. A teased ponytail or a bright wig. Smoky eyes, graphic liner and red or plum lips, with star face stickers if you'd rather not draw. A toy microphone or inflatable guitar beats anything heavy you'll set down and lose. Fishnets under ripped jeans for texture, and combat or platform boots.
30. Pop Art Comic Costume With Bright Makeup
Pop art is a makeup costume first, and the dots are where people get stuck. I use the end of a pencil eraser or a small round sponge dipped in face paint so every dot is the same size, and I stop at the cheeks and forehead instead of covering the whole face. Outline features with a black pencil. Wear a solid red, blue or yellow dress with a fitted waist, a contrasting belt and bright tights, plus a foam-board speech-bubble purse. A smooth ponytail or curled bob, a comic headband, and white ankle boots or flats in one of the primary colors.
31. Classic Mime Costume With Striped Shirt
Mime is cheap to build and quick for a crowd to understand. A striped long-sleeve shirt with black high-waisted trousers or a pleated skirt, suspenders, white gloves, a black neck scarf and a soft beret. Tuck hair into a low bun or wear a short black bob. The white face goes on thin: a heavy layer cracks around the mouth after an hour of talking, so I sheer it out and set it with powder. Clean black lines at the eyes, brows and lips, maybe a painted teardrop. An empty picture frame for photos, and black loafers or flats.
32. Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Shirt
Scarecrow is built for a cold outdoor night, with flannel and denim doing most of the work. A plaid flannel shirt under overalls, or patched jeans with a rope belt. Raffia at the cuffs and pockets looks right but scratches, so I stitch it to the outside of the cuff only, never against the wrist. Two braids or low pigtails under a floppy straw hat with an artificial sunflower. Orange and brown shadow, rosy cheeks, a triangle nose and short stitch lines at the mouth, kept cartoonish. A fabric crow or bundle of fake wheat, brown boots, and a thermal underneath.
33. Retro Superhero Costume With Cape
An original superhero suits anyone who likes the cape and the boots but doesn't want to copy a character. A blue or red long-sleeve jumpsuit or a fitted top with leggings, a contrasting skirt, a wide metallic belt and a light cape. Make your own emblem from felt; I fuse it with iron-on adhesive before stitching the edge, so it stays flat on the chest. A high ponytail or big curled wig, sharp liner and bright lips, with a few star stickers. A cardboard shield with your symbol, metallic wrist cuffs, and knee boots or supportive sneakers.
34. Ladybug Costume With Red Dress
Ladybug is a cheerful break from all the black, and it's easy to do well. Start with a red dress or jumpsuit, or a red top with a full black skirt. Black felt circles pinned or basted on can come off later, while glued felt tends to peel off polyester after a few hours. Sheer black wings and a pom-pom antenna headband, with hair in a neat bun so the antennae show. Rosy cheeks, red lipstick and a couple of black dots at the outer eye. A flower bag or big artificial leaf, black tights, and flats or sneakers with red laces.
35. Sunflower Costume With Yellow Dress
The headpiece is the sunflower, so it has to sit flat and frame the face. I glue silk petals onto a wide padded headband rather than a thin one, because thin bands tip forward under the weight. Pair it with a yellow fit-and-flare dress or a mustard sweater and flowing skirt, and a brown belt for the flower's center. Loose waves or a low braid behind the petals, golden shadow and a soft coral lip. A small watering can or fabric flower, green tights or a leafy cape for the stem, and brown boots or green flats for fall weather.
36. Mushroom Fairy Costume With Red Hat
The cap is the fun part: a wide, light sun hat covered in red fabric with white felt spots. Stretch fabric pulled tight and pinned underneath keeps the curve smooth. Wear a cream blouse with a red skirt or a rust dress over ivory tights, plus a short cape with felt leaves. Loose curls, twin braids or a short pastel wig under the hat, with freckles, rosy blush and a touch of shimmer. Small wings and a moss basket of artificial mushrooms add charm, as long as everything is securely attached. Brown lace-up boots or red Mary Janes for outdoor photos.
37. Space Girl Costume With Silver Dress
Silver fabric reflects every flash, so this costume looks brighter in photos than in person. A metallic mini dress over silver leggings, or a reflective jacket with fitted trousers, with a wide belt and wrist cuffs cut from silver craft foam. Craft foam cracks if it's stretched tight, so I cut the cuffs a little loose and close them with velcro. A high ponytail or white-silver wig, icy blue shadow, graphic liner and pearly highlight, plus star stickers at the temples. A planet purse or cardboard control panel, white tights, and white go-go boots or metallic sneakers.
38. Astronaut Costume With White Jumpsuit
A white utility jumpsuit is the base, and it's one of the most comfortable options here for a long night. Decorate it with your own felt and silver-tape mission patches, and make a light backpack from two painted plastic bottles on a cardboard panel. I'd skip a full helmet: anything over the head fogs up, muffles you and makes eating impossible. A silver headband with a microphone says astronaut just as well. A low bun or braids under a white cap, silver shadow and subtle highlight, white gloves, and white high-tops or flat boots.
39. Cute Alien Costume With Green Jumpsuit
Cute alien gets you something futuristic without being scary, and it works in almost any color. A green, silver or iridescent jumpsuit with a metallic belt and a mesh top layered over it. Pom-pom or foam-planet antennae on a headband, and hair in two high buns or a pastel green wig. Green and purple shadow, pearly highlight and symmetrical face gems along the cheekbones; I stick gems on with lash glue because it holds well and peels off clean. A silver crossbody, a foam flying saucer or a sign with a greeting from another planet, and silver platform sneakers or white boots.
40. Mad Scientist Costume With Lab Coat
An oversized white lab coat is the base, and thrift stores often have one. Wear it over black trousers and a bright button-down, with removable patches, formulas and pens in the pocket. A wild gray-and-white wig is kinder than teasing your own hair, which can take days to recover. Round clear safety glasses, smoky gray shadow, strong brows and a streak of face-safe silver. Plastic test tubes of colored water or a clipboard of joke equations, bright gloves if you like, and loafers or sturdy sneakers.
41. Vintage Detective Costume With Trench Coat
A trench coat makes a detective with almost no effort, and it's warm enough for an outdoor party. Wear it over tailored trousers and a button-down, or a plaid midi skirt and turtleneck, with a checked cap, leather-look gloves and a small crossbody satchel. A low bun or a short curled bob under the cap. Matte skin, brown liner, softly sculpted brows and a muted red lip keep it period without heavy makeup. A magnifying glass, a notebook and a folder labeled with a made-up case, maybe a cardboard camera. Brown loafers or oxfords.
42. Flight Attendant Costume With Neck Scarf
A flight attendant lives or dies on neatness, so press everything the night before. A navy sheath dress, a skirt suit or a fitted blazer with straight trousers, with a red or patterned silk scarf tied at the neck. Silk scarves slip, and a hidden stitch or small pin at the knot keeps it in place. A metallic cardstock wing badge with no real airline name, and hair in a smooth bun or French twist. Defined liner, tidy brows and red lipstick. A small rolling bag or homemade boarding passes, an optional pillbox hat, and pumps, loafers or flats.
43. Race Car Driver Costume With Checkered Details
Start with a utility jumpsuit in red, black or white, decorated with your own number patches, stripes and checkered fabric rather than real team or sponsor logos. Felt numbers need stitching around the edge, because iron-on alone lifts at the corners on a jumpsuit that bends. A sturdy belt and racing-style gloves, and a high ponytail or low bun if you're wearing a light costume helmet. Sharp liner and a long-wear lip. A fabric checkered flag on a cardboard tube or a toy steering wheel, and black-and-white sneakers or flat boots.
44. Rosie The Riveter Costume With Denim Shirt
Rosie can come almost entirely from closet staples: a dark denim or chambray shirt with sleeves rolled above the elbow, and high-waisted jeans or wide work pants. The red-and-white polka-dot scarf is the signature, tied over a rolled style or high bun with the knot at the front. Defined brows, black liner and matte red lips. An original badge, a lunch pail or a rolled blueprint. Make sure the shirt has room in the sleeve for the arm flex, because everyone will ask you to do the pose. Brown work boots or sneakers.
45. Rain Cloud Costume With Blue Outfit
This is a clever one, and very cheap. A pale blue dress or a blue sweater with straight pants, then a cloud of white fiberfill fixed to a light gray hat or headband, with blue felt raindrops hanging on short ribbons. Keep the drops above shoulder level so they don't swing into your face. Fiberfill sheds, so I give it a light mist of hairspray to hold the fibers together. Loose waves or a low ponytail under the cloud, silver-blue shadow, pink blush and tiny face gems. A clear umbrella with ribbon drops, gray tights and silver rain boots.
Doorways, Sofas and the Party Bathroom
A costume that looks great at the door can be miserable by ten o'clock, and it's usually for the same few reasons. Before any party I do a rehearsal at home in the full costume: sit on a low sofa, walk through a doorway, climb the stairs and use the bathroom.
Wide and hanging pieces
Wings, capes and long gowns catch in doors and crowds. Wings should come off without help, so I attach them with elastic or snaps rather than glue. A cape tied at the throat pulls hard when someone steps on it; one fixed at the shoulders with snaps is safer and hangs better.
Headpieces and wigs
A headpiece that feels fine for ten minutes can give you a headache in two hours. Pad the inside of headbands with felt, keep heavy decoration at the front where it balances, and pin hats and crowns into the hair with bobby pins crossed in an X. Under a wig, a wig cap and two pins at the nape stop it shifting when you turn your head.
Jumpsuits and leotards
Several costumes here are one-piece. They look sharp, but think about the bathroom before you commit. A jumpsuit with a zip you can reach on your own, or separates that give the same line, will save you a lot of trouble.
Party Makeup That Holds Until Midnight
Plenty of these looks lean on makeup, from Elphaba's green to the skeleton and the pop art dots. I'm a stylist, not a makeup artist, but a few everyday habits make costume makeup last a party and come off without a fight.
- Patch-test any face paint or colored product on your inner wrist a day ahead, and skip it if the skin goes red or itchy.
- Start on clean, moisturized skin, build in thin layers, and press translucent setting powder over cream products so they don't crease or transfer onto collars.
- Pack a small kit for the night: cotton buds, the lipstick you're wearing, powder and a few spare pins.
- Take it off with an oil or balm cleanser before washing your face; scrubbing at green or white paint with soap mostly spreads it around.
The Signature Piece Comes First
Most of the ideas here come down to one strong signature piece and a comfortable base, so start with the piece and build around clothes you already trust. Think about the night itself: indoors or out, how long you'll stand and whether there'll be dancing. Pin or stitch anything that hangs, from capes to wings to snakes, and test the shoes and makeup before the party, not on the night. If I had to pick where to begin, it would be whichever costume's hat, wig or cape you can get hold of this week.
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