The Cheshire Cat comes down to two things people spot from across a room: pink-and-purple stripes and an enormous grin. Everything else, the ears, the tail, the hair, is support. That makes the character easy to bend into a sweater dress, a tailored suit, a tutu or a toddler's romper. Below I've gathered fifty versions, including ones for men, couples, families, pets, plus-size bodies, sensory needs and wheelchair users, with notes on how I'd build each and where it usually goes wrong.
Painting a Grin That Survives Dinner
The grin is the costume, so it's worth practicing once before the night. I sketch the outline first with a soft white or light pencil: a wide curve from cheek to cheek, sitting just above and below your real lips so your mouth stays in the middle. Then fill it with white water-activated face paint, which dries matte and moves less than cream. Draw the tooth lines last with a fine black or purple pencil, keeping them straight and evenly spaced.
- Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist the day before, especially for kids.
- Leave your actual lips in a lip color or a clear balm, not white paint, so eating and drinking don't smear the design.
- Press translucent powder over the finished grin. It cuts the shine and stops it transferring onto collars and cups.
- Drink through a straw and carry a white pencil for touch-ups after food.
- Remove it with an oil cleanser or baby oil on a cotton pad, then wash. Scrubbing with a dry wipe leaves the chin raw.
If paint isn't an option, a printed grin on a soft fabric mask or a felt grin on a headband gives the same message without touching the skin.
1. Classic Pink And Purple Cheshire Cat Costume
The classic version starts with a pink-and-purple striped sweater dress over opaque purple tights. Add a fluffy striped tail, pointed ears on a padded headband and either a shoulder-length purple wig or pink temporary spray on your own hair. I draw the wide white grin around the lips first, then outline each tooth with a fine black pencil. Pink shadow, purple liner, a small nose and fine whiskers finish the face. Purple ankle boots or cushioned flats, plus a little mushroom prop, make it easy to wear for a parade or a night of trick-or-treating.
2. Glam Sequin Cheshire Cat Costume
For a glam cat, a fitted purple sequin dress or sparkly jumpsuit goes over pink striped tights, so the stripes still show at the legs. A satin tail with a little crystal trim and a jeweled ear headband keep it dressy. Lavender waves with pink pieces suit the shine. Metallic purple shadow, a sharp wing, face gems and a carefully painted grin hold up under party lights. I'd add a pink faux-fur stole for texture but keep it off the grin, because fur sticks to wet face paint. Block-heel boots and long purple gloves round it out indoors.
3. DIY Hoodie Cheshire Cat Costume
A purple hoodie is the warmest, cheapest base here. Add wide pink stripes with removable fabric tape or stitched fleece strips, and wear matching joggers or leggings. I sew felt ears straight onto the hood so there's no headband to slip. The tail pins on from the inside of the waistband with a large safety pin. Pink shadow, a black nose, whiskers and a white grin are plenty of character. Purple sneakers and striped fingerless gloves keep your hands free, and a mushroom-shaped bag doubles as the prop.
4. Tutu Cheshire Cat Costume
A layered pink-and-purple tutu gives this version bounce. Pair it with a long-sleeve striped leotard and dance shorts underneath, then add striped knee socks, arm warmers, a wired tail and plush ears. Space buns wrapped in ribbon hold the ears in place better than loose hair. Rosy blush, purple eyes, a tiny nose and a toothy grin in skin-safe paint keep it cheerful. Ballet flats or low sneakers suit dancing. A small arrow sign is a nod to the cat pointing every way at once, and kids at a school party get the joke.
5. Striped Bodysuit Cheshire Cat Costume
A long-sleeve striped bodysuit gives the sleekest line. Choose a fully opaque one; I hold it up to a window before buying, because thin knit goes see-through when stretched. Add tights or leggings, and a short purple skater skirt if you want another layer. A flexible tail on a belt lets you sit without bending it. A short purple bob with pink streaks and small matching ears look neat. Blend magenta and violet shadow toward the temples, then paint the grin. Platform sneakers add height safely, and a belt bag holds the essentials.
6. Purple Velvet Cheshire Cat Costume
Purple velvet takes the cat in a storybook direction. Wear a knee-length long-sleeve velvet dress with pink striped tights and a wide magenta belt that carries a plush tail. Velvet-covered ears match the dress. Loose curls or a braided crown suit the texture. Here I keep the grin smaller, close to the lips, with plum shadow and soft blush, because a huge grin fights the elegant fabric. Velvet shows every crease from sitting, so steam it rather than iron it. Lace-up purple boots and a tiny velvet mushroom bag finish it for a costume dinner.
7. Cozy Pajama Cheshire Cat Costume
A striped hooded onesie with ears and a tail is the comfiest Cheshire Cat there is. If yours has no ears, stitch felt ones on and add a stuffed fabric tail at the back. Low braids sit flat under the hood. Keep the grin simple, since a hood rubs paint off the cheeks, and add pink-purple eyes, a nose and whiskers. Fuzzy socks with house-slipper style shoes are fine indoors, but I'd swap to rubber soles for the sidewalk. A plush mushroom is a funny prop for a movie night or a cold walk.
8. Last-Minute Closet Cheshire Cat Costume
If the party is tonight, look for a purple sweater and pink trousers, leggings or a skirt, then tape on removable stripes. Cut triangular cardstock ears and glue them to a plain headband. A scarf, or a pair of striped tights stuffed with plastic bags, becomes a tail tied at the waistband. A high ponytail keeps the ears visible. Regular eyeliner draws the nose and whiskers, and white face paint or a white lipstick makes the grin. I'd add a cardboard signpost with arrows pointing every which way, the clearest storybook nod you can make in five minutes.
9. Plus-Size Cheshire Cat Costume
For a plus-size Cheshire Cat, I start with something that moves: a striped swing dress, a relaxed jumpsuit or a tunic over stretchy purple leggings. An optional pink belt defines the waist and carries the tail. Wide padded headbands grip far better than narrow plastic ones, which pinch behind the ears after an hour. Natural curls, a high ponytail or a long lavender wig all suit it. Smoky purple eyes, rosy cheeks and a wide grin carry the face. Cushioned boots or sneakers, striped arm warmers and a roomy crossbody bag keep the whole night comfortable.
10. Maternity Cheshire Cat Costume
Pregnancy calls for soft pieces that never press on the belly. A pink-and-purple striped maternity dress gives the clearest base, with stretchy leggings for warmth. Fix the tail to a loose belt above the bump or to the back of a cardigan. Light felt ears and easy waves, braids or a low bun keep the head comfortable. I'd keep the grin around the mouth with lavender shadow, a nose and short whiskers. Supportive sneakers or flat boots beat heels. A round grin sign worn above the bump is a sweet joke, and nothing bulky should hang off you.
11. Men’s Tailored Cheshire Cat Costume
A fitted purple suit makes a sharp men's version. Wear it with a pink striped shirt and a violet bow tie, then add a slim striped tail at the back of the trousers and small ears covered in leftover suit fabric, if your tailor or a thrift seller has some. Temporary purple color or a neat lavender wig work for the hair. Plum shadow, a contoured nose and a crisp grin that reaches toward the cheeks give the face presence. Loafers or polished boots, striped gloves and a cane with a blunt tip finish it for a party or group.
12. Men’s Casual Cheshire Cat Costume
For a relaxed men's cat, a purple denim jacket, pink striped tee and dark violet jeans get you most of the way, and every piece gets worn again. A striped fabric tail clips to a removable belt, and pink-lined ears go on a simple headband. Leave your hair natural or add washable purple at the ends. Even guys who skip makeup should paint the grin; it's the one detail that turns stripes into the character. Purple high-tops and striped wrist warmers suit it, and a mushroom tote carries your phone and keys.
13. Gender-Neutral Cheshire Cat Costume
An oversized striped sweater with purple cargo pants is a gender-neutral version that layers over thermals and adjusts with a drawstring. A detachable tail, soft ears and striped fingerless gloves keep it easy. Your own hair, a short purple wig or temporary pink streaks all work. Purple and pink shadow, a small nose, whiskers and a broad grin carry the face. Chunky purple sneakers give it a streetwear finish. I like removable mushroom patches on a utility bag; they come off after Halloween and the bag goes back into rotation.
14. Teen Cheshire Cat Costume
Teens usually want something current and comfortable. A cropped striped sweater over a purple tank with a high-waisted skater skirt hits that, with opaque tights, striped leg warmers and sneakers. Plush ears, a bendable tail and a small purple backpack keep it practical. Space buns, bubble braids or a high ponytail with pink streaks all fit. I'd steer toward shimmery lavender shadow, graphic liner, whiskers and a neat grin rather than full-face paint, which sweats off in a crowded hallway. A beaded choker or friendship bracelets finish it.
15. Girls’ Cheshire Cat Dress Costume
A soft striped skater dress over purple leggings is an easy girls' costume, with a light long-sleeve shirt underneath when it's cool. Choose a plush tail with a breakaway snap so it lets go instead of tugging if it catches, and felt ears on a fabric-wrapped headband. Pigtails with pink and purple ribbon or a bit of hair chalk suit it. Keep the face minimal: lavender shadow, a tiny nose, short whiskers and a smile drawn close to the lips. Purple sneakers or flexible Mary Janes let her run, and a mushroom treat bag is the right size for small hands.
16. Boys’ Cheshire Cat Hoodie Costume
Boys who play hard need a costume that keeps up. A striped fleece hoodie with joggers works, or stitch wide pink felt stripes onto a purple sweatsuit. Sew light ears onto the hood and fix a short stuffed tail with a breakaway fastener. A little washable purple spray at the front of the hair is optional. Three whiskers per cheek, a black nose, purple shadow and a wide grin are enough. I'd choose gloves that leave the fingers free so he can still open wrappers. Supportive sneakers and a fabric mushroom pouch for candy handle the rest.
17. Toddler Cheshire Cat Costume
Toddlers need soft, roomy and simple. A purple fleece romper with pink stripes and easy snaps, sized up a little so clothes fit underneath, covers it. Rounded fabric ears go on the hood, and the tail stays short and lightly stuffed so it can't drag. I skip wigs and anything elaborate on the face, just a tiny pink nose and two or three whisker lines in washable, skin-safe makeup. Nonslip purple shoes help on hard floors. A light mushroom bucket is fine if they like carrying it. Leave off face gems, cords and tight headbands entirely.
18. Baby Cheshire Cat Costume
For a baby, one striped footed romper in breathable pink and purple says it all, with a front opening for quick changes. Flat fabric ears on a soft hood and a tiny padded tail placed where it won't sit under the baby's back are the only extras. I'd skip face paint, wigs, headbands, loose ribbons and anything that can be pulled off and chewed. Soft booties if needed. For photos, set a plush mushroom beside the baby rather than in their hands. Comfort while crawling and being carried matters more than any accessory.
19. Dog Cheshire Cat Costume
A dog can wear the stripes on a soft vest in breathable pink and purple that leaves the legs, neck and tail free. Add small fabric ears only if your dog already tolerates a hood; most shake it off, and I wouldn't push. A short decorative tail goes along the back, never near the real tail. No face paint, wigs, shoes or dangling bits. A collar bow is enough color. Familiar booties can stay. A plush mushroom beside the dog makes the photo, and the costume comes off the moment they seem unhappy.
20. Cat Cheshire Cat Costume
A real cat is the easiest Cheshire Cat of all, as long as you keep the costume tiny. A light striped harness or a small cape with quick-release closures is plenty. Put fabric ears on the back of the harness, not on the cat's head. Skip makeup, fur color, bells, footwear and long tails. For a photo, a striped blanket and a plush mushroom in good light do the work. Check that it doesn't stop walking or grooming, keep the session short, have treats ready and take everything off at the first flattened ear.
21. Alice And Cheshire Cat Couple Costume
Pair the cat with Alice and you have a couple everyone reads. The cat wears a striped purple jumpsuit, ears, tail, lavender wig, painted grin and purple boots. Alice wears a knee-length blue dress or blue shirt and trousers with a white apron, a black ribbon headband, white socks and black Mary Janes. Natural makeup and soft waves keep her side simple. I'd make the little key or “drink me” bottle from plastic or card, never glass. Comfortable shoes on both of you mean the pair lasts the whole evening.
22. Mad Hatter And Cheshire Cat Couple Costume
The Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat give you two very different shapes side by side. The cat wears a striped dress or suit with ears, tail, purple hair and feline makeup. The Hatter wears a bright jacket, patterned vest, cropped trousers, odd socks, lace-ups and an oversized top hat. A tall hat needs a strip of foam or an elastic under the hair at the back, or it tips forward all night. A teacup or a ribbon spool makes a light prop. Repeat purple or pink across both outfits, and it suits thrifted, handmade pieces well.
23. White Rabbit And Cheshire Cat Couple Costume
The White Rabbit's crisp white and red sets off the cat's stripes. The cat wears a striped sweater dress, tights, ears, tail, lavender wig, grin and boots. The Rabbit wears a white shirt, red vest, shorts or trousers, white socks and flats, plus soft ears, a fluffy tail and rosy cheeks. A big cardboard pocket watch tells everyone who the Rabbit is with almost no sewing. Put wrist straps on props if you're walking. Purple, pink, white and red together make the duo easy to read in a crowded room.
24. Matching Cheshire Cat Duo Costume
Two Cheshire Cats can match without being twins. Dress one in a purple striped suit with pink accents and the other in a pink striped dress with violet accessories, then flip the eye colors on each face. Both get ears, flexible tails, grins and purple shoes. Let one wear a short lavender wig and the other long pink waves or natural hair. Matching mushroom bags or arrow signs tie them together. I'd decide on stripe width together before buying, since that's what makes two different garments look like a set. It suits friends, siblings or partners.
25. Family Wonderland Cheshire Cat Costume
A whole family can build Wonderland around one cat. The cat wears a soft striped jumpsuit, purple wig, ears, tail, face paint and sneakers. Others become Alice, the Hatter, the White Rabbit or a red-and-black card queen, each with comfortable shoes and one light signature prop: a clock, a hat, a key or a heart fan. Repeat pink and purple accessories across everyone. Kids get soft headpieces and hems I'd shorten to the ankle so nobody trips on the porch steps. Characters can be added or dropped as the family changes.
26. Cheshire Cat Friend Group Costume
A friend group can each play their own Cheshire Cat. Give everyone a different silhouette, a dress, suit, hoodie, jumpsuit, tutu or skirt set, and a different shade from pink to magenta to lavender. Repeat the ears, tails, grins and color-matched shoes so the group connects. Mix up the hair with buns, curly wigs, braids, bobs and streaks. Each person carries a different light prop, a mushroom bag, an arrow sign, a teacup or a striped umbrella. I'd share one photo of the grin style so the smiles match; that detail alone makes a group read.
27. Wonderland Trio Cheshire Cat Costume
A trio of the cat, Alice and the White Rabbit gives three distinct silhouettes. The cat wears a striped bodysuit with a skirt, ears, tail, lavender hair, grin and boots. Alice has her blue dress, white apron, black headband, white socks and Mary Janes. The Rabbit wears a white shirt and trousers with a red vest, soft ears, a fluffy tail, a clock and lace-ups. Small purple accents across all three tie it together. Each color story is different enough that the trio reads from far away, and light props keep posing easy.
28. Pastel Cheshire Cat Costume
Lavender, blush and lilac make a softer cat. Wear a striped knit dress or sweater-and-skirt set with light purple tights, fuzzy pastel ears, a gently curved tail and white platform sneakers. A lavender wig or pink hair chalk in loose waves suits it. Outline the grin in lilac instead of black, which I find keeps a pastel face from looking harsh. Pearly shadow, soft purple liner, blush and a little heart nose finish it. A pale mushroom bag and a satin choker keep the stripes and the mischief without the strong magenta.
29. Neon Cheshire Cat Costume
Neon turns the cat loud and modern. Start with a hot pink top and electric purple leggings, then add contrasting stripes in reflective fabric tape, which also helps drivers see you after dark. Neon ears, a flexible tail, fingerless gloves and chunky sneakers follow, with high ponytails or a vivid bob. Pink and violet graphic liner and a white grin outlined in purple carry the face. Under blacklight at a glow party it pops even harder. A translucent mushroom bag or bright mini backpack finishes it.
30. Gothic Cheshire Cat Costume
Black and purple give a darker cat that still isn't scary. Wear a long black velvet dress or tailored black suit with deep purple striped panels, opaque tights, lace gloves, black ears lined in violet and a dramatic striped tail. Black waves with purple streaks or a dark lavender wig suit it. Smoky plum eyes, sharp liner and a clean white grin look striking against the dark clothes. I'd keep the grin crisp rather than cracked or distressed, so it stays family-friendly. Lace-up boots, a velvet choker and a black mushroom purse finish it.
31. Punk Cheshire Cat Costume
For a punk cat, wear a purple faux-leather jacket over a pink striped shirt with a black pleated skirt or ripped-look trousers and leggings. A fabric patch with a painted grin on the jacket back is my favorite detail, and it unpicks afterward. Make any spikes from soft foam or fabric. Purple combat boots, striped fingerless gloves, ears and a flexible tail follow. A fauxhawk or messy ponytail with streaks suits it. Graphic liner, violet shadow and a crisp grin finish the face, and a flat-studded crossbody holds your things.
32. Steampunk Cheshire Cat Costume
Steampunk mixes the stripes with brass and gears. Wear a purple high-neck blouse, a fitted striped vest, a layered skirt or trousers and a brown belt carrying a plush tail. Decorate the ears with light painted gears; I cut them from craft foam, because real metal gears drag a headband backward. A curled lavender wig or braided updo suits it. Bronze and plum shadow and a grin outlined in sepia tie the face to the palette. Brown lace-ups, fingerless gloves and goggles on the head finish it, with a cardboard clockwork mushroom as the prop.
33. Cottagecore Cheshire Cat Costume
A floral purple midi dress becomes a cottagecore cat with a lavender cardigan, striped tights and brown lace-up boots. Soft ears go on a floral headband and a fabric tail hangs from a woven belt. Natural curls or loose braids with lavender ribbon suit it. Keep the face fresh: rosy cheeks, purple shadow, a tiny nose and a delicate grin. A woven basket of fabric mushrooms and silk flowers stops small things rolling away. Lace cuffs or a ruffled collar add storybook charm, and I'd keep the grin small so the florals stay the focus.
34. Fairy Cheshire Cat Costume
Light wings turn the cat into a fairy. Start with a striped dress or a fitted top over a flowing skirt, add sheer purple tights, ankle boots, plush ears, a long striped tail and translucent lavender wings. Soft waves or a pastel wig with tiny flowers suit it. Violet shimmer, a few face gems, whiskers and a grin outlined in pink keep it bright. A foam mushroom wand with a rounded handle is safe in a crowd. I check wing width against a doorway at home first, because wide wings snag on every frame.
35. Royal Cheshire Cat Costume
A purple coat dress, or a velvet jacket over a full skirt, gives the cat a regal shape. Trim it with pink striped ribbon and add a soft faux-fur collar, opaque tights and polished boots. A jeweled ear headband that looks like a small crown, and a plush tail at the waist, make it royal. A curled lavender updo or long purple waves suit it. Plum shadow, rosy blush and a carefully shaped grin read formal. I'd round off every edge on the scepter. Satin gloves and a small velvet bag suit a costume ball.
36. Circus Cheshire Cat Costume
As a ringmaster, the cat wears a cropped purple tailcoat over a pink striped shirt, with high-waisted black trousers or a skater skirt. Suspenders, a small top hat with ears built into the brim, a flexible tail and lace-up boots follow. Bouncy curls or a purple bob suit the energy. Winged liner, pink blush and a large but tidy grin hold up in photos. White gloves and a foam hoop, or a ticket-style clutch, are the props. I'd leave out anything that hints at animal training, so it stays friendly for a family party or parade.
37. Disco Cheshire Cat Costume
A purple flared jumpsuit with pink striped panels makes a disco cat. A metallic belt carries the tail, glittery ears go on top, and silver or purple platforms with stable soles do the dancing. A big lavender wig or feathered waves set the era. Sparkling violet shadow, graphic liner, glossy pink lips and a white grin finish the face. Glossy lips and grin paint smudge into each other, so I paint the grin, set it with powder and only then add gloss. A mirrored mushroom bag catches the light, and breathable fabric matters if you'll dance.
38. 1980s Cheshire Cat Costume
An 1980s workout cat layers a striped leotard over purple leggings with pink leg warmers, a loose cropped sweatshirt, a wide belt and high-tops. The tail clips to the belt, and the ears sit over a bright sweatband, which also stops them sliding. A side ponytail with scrunchies or a teased lavender wig sets the decade. Vivid shadow, strong blush and a grin outlined in violet suit it. A foam cassette bag and fingerless gloves add retro detail. Most of it can be thrifted, and the stretch lets you dance without fixing anything.
39. Y2K Cheshire Cat Costume
For a Y2K cat, a striped baby tee goes over a purple mesh long-sleeve with wide-leg cargo pants. A plastic chain-look belt, a fluffy tail, small ears and chunky platforms follow. Mini buns with colorful clips or a sleek lavender wig suit it. Frosted pink shadow, thin purple liner, glossy lips and a compact grin capture the era. Narrow tinted sunglasses are fun for photos, but I'd take them off for walking after dark. A metallic lilac shoulder bag finishes it, and separates suit anyone who skips dresses.
40. School-Friendly Cheshire Cat Costume
A school costume has to survive a full day of sitting, lining up and recess. A purple striped sweater with pink trousers, or a knee-length skirt over leggings, does that. Add a small ear headband and a short tail on a breakaway clip, or leave the tail off if the school bans attachments; many do. Neat hair with purple ribbons or washable streaks is enough. I keep the makeup to lavender shadow, a tiny nose, whiskers and a smile close to the lips. Sneakers and a regular backpack with striped ribbon finish it.
41. Office-Friendly Cheshire Cat Costume
At the office, a purple blazer over a pink striped blouse with black or violet trousers carries the character quietly. A slim striped scarf draped at the back hints at a tail without catching on chairs. A small ear headband can come off for meetings. Keep hair neat or color one section lavender. Plum liner, soft blush, a black nose, short whiskers and a small grin read polished. I'd put a mushroom pin on the lapel; it's the detail colleagues comment on. Loafers and a structured purple tote keep it a normal workday outfit.
42. No-Sew Cheshire Cat Costume
No machine needed for this one. Start with a purple T-shirt dress or sweatsuit and press on horizontal pink stripes with removable tape. Glue felt ears to a headband; fabric glue holds felt on a headband well, but give it overnight to cure. A long striped sock stuffed with fiberfill becomes the tail, tied to a belt rather than pinned to the shirt. Purple leggings, striped arm warmers and sneakers follow. Space buns or washable spray suit the hair. Violet shadow, a nose, whiskers and a white grin finish the face, plus a painted cardboard mushroom bag.
43. Thrifted Cheshire Cat Costume
A thrift store can supply almost all of this. Look for a purple sweater, a pink skirt or trousers, striped tights, a bright belt and comfortable boots. Don't hunt for a perfect match; mixed shades suit a mad character. A striped scarf becomes the tail, and an old headband takes felt ears. Natural hair with purple clips or a refreshed cheap wig both work. The grin and the pink-violet eyes pull the mismatched pieces together. I wash everything secondhand before wearing it and check boot soles for cracks.
44. Cold-Weather Cheshire Cat Costume
Cold nights call for building the cat from real outerwear. A purple puffer or wool coat takes removable pink bands, over thermal leggings, a striped knit sweater, warm socks and waterproof boots. Plush ears go on a knitted hat, and a short stuffed tail ties to the coat belt. Temporary color on visible braids replaces a wig. I'd keep makeup to a nose, short whiskers and a compact grin; cold wind and a scarf rub off big designs. Striped mittens and a mushroom crossbody finish it, and nonslip soles matter on wet leaves.
45. Warm-Weather Cheshire Cat Costume
In heat, go light. A sleeveless purple top with pink striped shorts or a loose skater skirt, fitted shorts underneath, keeps you cool. A light mesh tail, fabric ears and low sneakers or strapped sandals follow. A high ponytail, braids or space buns keep hair off your neck. Sweat lifts face paint, so I use a little long-wear liner for the eyes and whiskers and keep the grin near the lips, then set it with powder. Skip faux fur, gloves and thick tights entirely, and carry a light mushroom belt bag.
46. Sensory-Friendly Cheshire Cat Costume
For a child or adult with sensory sensitivities, start from clothes they already love and wear without complaint. A tag-free purple tee and joggers with pink stripes painted on, or soft panels sewn in ahead of time, keep the texture familiar. Skip tulle, sequins, wigs, tight headbands and heavy paint. Ears can sit on a soft hood, and a clip-on tail is optional. If makeup is welcome, a tiny nose and whiskers; if not, a grin printed on a soft fabric mask worn only when they want. I'd do a full test wear a few days before.
47. Wheelchair-Adaptive Cheshire Cat Costume
For a wheelchair user, the chair becomes part of the costume, and everything has to stay clear of the wheels. A purple striped top with pink trousers, leggings or a striped lap blanket covers the wearer. Fix a short tail to the backrest, well away from moving parts. Light ears, purple hair accents, whiskers and a grin finish the person. Flat mushroom and grin shapes on the wheel guards, attached with removable fasteners, make the chair join in. I'd keep every decoration off brakes, controls, spokes and transfer areas.
48. Cheshire Cat Face-Paint Costume
Here the face is the costume, so the clothes stay simple: a purple jumpsuit or a striped sweater and leggings, ankle boots, ears, a tail and gloves. Slick hair back or wear a fitted wig so nothing covers your cheeks. Layer pink and violet shadow, sweep feline liner toward the temples, then add a dark nose and whisker dots. Build the grin in white paint with thin purple outlines, keeping it symmetrical and well clear of the eyes. Patch-test every product the day before. A small touch-up kit in a mushroom bag saves the grin after you eat.
49. Disappearing Cheshire Cat Costume
The disappearing cat plays on the character's famous trick of fading until only the grin remains. Wear black from neck to toe, black shoes and black gloves, then attach separate pink-and-purple stripe panels across the torso and limbs so they seem to float. Bright ears and tail, plus a large white grin, catch the eye while the rest of the face stays softly shaded. A striped scarf trailing from one shoulder adds to the fade. I'd stand under a good light for photos, because the illusion depends on contrast against a bright room.
50. Rainbow Cheshire Cat Costume
A rainbow cat runs its stripes from pink and purple into blue, green and yellow. Keep violet dominant so it still reads as the Cheshire Cat and not a generic rainbow. Multicolored ears, a soft rainbow tail, striped gloves and purple sneakers follow, with pastel streaks or a lavender wig with colored ends. Blend several shadow shades, then add whiskers, a black nose and a crisp grin. I'd keep the grin pure white here; with this much color, it's the anchor. A rainbow mushroom purse finishes it.
Turning Plain Purple Into Proper Stripes
Striped pink-and-purple clothing is surprisingly hard to buy outside October, so most of these looks start with plain purple and add stripes. How you add them depends on how long you want them to last.
Tape, felt or paint
Removable fabric tape is fastest and comes off afterward, but it lifts at the edges on stretchy knits, so I use it on sweatshirts and woven fabrics rather than leggings. Felt or fleece strips stitched on with a long running stitch hold up all night and can be unpicked later. Fabric paint gives the cleanest finish on cotton; mask the lines with painter's tape, paint, let it dry and heat-set it if the bottle says to. Paint makes stretchy fabric stiff, so keep it off elbows and knees.
Keep the stripes wide, roughly two to three fingers each, and keep them level. Thin stripes blur into one color from a few steps away, and slanted ones look like an accident. On a dress or sweater, mark the stripe lines with chalk while the garment lies flat, then check them standing in front of a mirror, since fabric hangs differently on a body. Curving the stripes slightly around the sleeves gives that slightly wobbly storybook look the character is known for.
Start From the Grin and Work Outward
Every Cheshire Cat above shares the same core: pink-and-purple stripes and a wide, wicked grin. Pick a base you'll be comfortable in for hours, whether that's a dress, suit, hoodie, jumpsuit or a thrifted mix, then add ears, a striped tail and color in the hair. Choose shoes you can walk in and props light enough to forget about. The character bends easily for couples, families, kids, pets, hot nights, sensory needs and mobility equipment, so make it fit the wearer first.
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