A Halloween costume shouldn't turn into another expensive project. Every look below is built from closet basics, a few thrift finds, simple makeup and a handful of craft supplies, and each one comes with a plan from hat to shoes: what to wear, what to do with your hair, and which accessory tells people who you are. You'll find classic spooky looks, animals, familiar characters, jobs and a few puns. I've also noted where a costume handles cold weather, a long night in flats, an office party or an outdoor event, so you can pick one that suits your evening as much as your taste.
Wearing a Costume to Work Without Breaking the Dress Code
A lot of the costumes below get worn to an office party or a day at work, and that changes what I'd pick. Most workplaces that allow costumes still expect you to answer the phone, sit through a meeting and walk to the parking lot without a fuss. The easiest way to manage that is to build the character on clothes that already pass at work, then add the costume part in a form you can take off.
- Start from a work outfit you already wear. The librarian, detective, magician and Rosie looks are almost office clothes as they are.
- Put the character in the headpiece or a removable layer: a headband, a cape, a hat or wings that come off for a client call.
- Skip masks, fake blood and anything that hides your face. Most workplace guidance asks for that anyway, and it's kinder to colleagues.
- Keep makeup to the eyes and lips so you can tone it down with a wipe if the day changes.
- Avoid props that look like weapons, even toy ones. A notebook, a teacup or a clipboard says just as much.
If you're unsure, ask whoever organizes the day what's allowed before you buy anything. I'd much rather dress a costume down a notch than spend the afternoon in a meeting room with a pair of wings folded behind my chair.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Black Dress
Start with whatever all-black outfit you already own: a midi dress, a skirt and blouse, or trousers and a knit. The hat is the part I'd invest in, because it's what makes you a witch and not just someone in black. If yours has a floppy tip, push a little stuffing into the cone. A purple, green or burgundy scarf adds color, and black tights with buckled ankle boots keep you walking. Smoky eyes, a deep plum lip and a drawn beauty mark finish the face. A light broom, a tiny cauldron or a cloth-covered book is enough prop, and the whole thing works at the office too.
2. Black Cat Costume With Cat Ears
An all-black base makes the cat one of the fastest costumes here. A fitted black top goes with jeans, leggings, a midi skirt or even overalls, plus black sneakers, flats or ankle boots. Add a cat-ear headband and pin a fabric tail to the back waistband. I pin the tail from the inside with two pins about an inch apart, so it hangs straight rather than spinning to the side every time you sit down. Draw a small nose and three whiskers per cheek with eyeliner and soften the lids with gray shadow. A ball of yarn or a bell choker helps it read in photos.
3. Easy White Sheet Ghost Costume
A white sheet can be wearable if you stop it covering your face. Drape it around your shoulders like a loose poncho and cut a comfortable head opening, then wear a white long-sleeve shirt, white jeans or leggings and white sneakers underneath. Trim the sheet so it can't trip you, cutting the hem uneven and softly scalloped. Polyester sheets are my pick here because cotton ones wrinkle into a crumpled mess by the second hour. Pale foundation, silvery shadow and muted lips give an airy face. White gloves and a small battery lantern make it feel finished and keep you visible after dark.
4. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
This vampire is built on smart clothes: a black dress, a tailored pantsuit, or a blouse and skirt. Over it goes a red-lined cape, with a lace choker and silver costume jewelry. Plastic fangs are the piece I'd leave out; they make talking awkward and you'll have them in your pocket within the hour. Sleek straight hair, a high bun or a long dark wig all work. Light foundation, defined brows, charcoal shadow and a deep red lip carry the character. Black tights with pointed flats or block-heel boots keep it comfortable, and a vintage-style goblet of red juice is a fun prop.
5. Simple Skeleton Costume With Black Leggings
A black long-sleeve shirt and black leggings are the base. For the bones, cut simple shapes from white felt and fix them with removable fashion tape, or sketch a rib cage and leg bones with white fabric chalk. Chalk rubs off on everything you lean against, so if you'll be sitting a lot I'd go with felt. Black sneakers or combat-style boots keep you comfortable. Keep the face manageable: a pale base, dark circles around the eyes and a few neat lines across the mouth. White gloves with drawn finger bones are the detail people notice, and you skip buying a full bodysuit.
6. Easy Mummy Costume With White Layers
Build the mummy on a white shirt, cream leggings and white or beige sneakers. Wrap strips of cheap gauze, cotton or an old white sheet loosely around your arms, torso and legs. Torn strips look better than cut ones, since the frayed edges read as old linen. Pin each strip underneath the layers so nothing drags, and leave enough slack at the elbows and knees to sit and walk. Tease your hair messy or cover part of it with a gauze wrap. Beige and gray shadow around the eyes gives a softly aged look, and a wrapped handbag holds your things.
7. Cute Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Shirt
A plaid flannel shirt is the foundation of this scarecrow. Pair it with denim overalls or relaxed jeans and tan ankle boots or clean work boots. Tie raffia or straw-colored ribbon around the cuffs and tuck a few strands into the pockets. I prefer ribbon to real raffia for a long night, because raffia sheds and scratches at the wrists. A floppy straw hat pulls it all together over two braids, low pigtails or loose waves. Peach blush, a small painted triangle on the nose and short stitch lines at the smile finish the face. If you're outside, wear thermals underneath.
8. Pumpkin Costume With Orange Dress
Turn a simple orange dress into a pumpkin with black felt and removable fabric tape. Cut triangle eyes and a cheerful jack-o'-lantern grin and place them across the front. If you'd rather wear separates, an orange sweater with black leggings or jeans works. Green tights, black ankle boots and a green scarf add the stem colors, and a leaf headband or tiny stem hat makes it clear. I'd choose a roomy dress over a fitted one here, because felt shapes on a tight knit stretch and pucker when you move. Warm orange shadow with a touch of green liner, and a pumpkin bucket as your bag.
9. White Angel Costume With Simple Wings
A white maxi dress, jumpsuit or blouse and trousers makes a graceful angel. Add light white wings from a costume shop, or smaller cardboard wings covered with white paper, and define the waist with a silver or gold belt. The halo is easy to get wrong: metallic pipe cleaners on a headband sag forward unless you twist two together for the stem. Wear white flats, sneakers or low block heels depending on the event, with loose curls or a smooth bun. Pearly shadow, rosy blush and clear gloss keep the face fresh, and a star wand or battery candle is your prop.
10. Easy Fairy Costume With Tulle Skirt
A pastel top and matching tulle skirt make a fairy without any sewing. Lavender, mint, pink or pale blue all work, with opaque tights underneath for coverage and warmth. Ballet flats or ankle boots with a bit of ribbon keep you comfortable. Light wings and a floral headband set the theme; I always check that the wing straps sit flat under the top layer, or they show as bra-strap lines in photos. Pin silk flowers around a loose bun or through small braids. Shimmery shadow and a few face gems at the outer corners of the eyes finish it. A cardboard star wand on a dowel is the prop.
11. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
Begin the butterfly with a black top and black pants, leggings or a midi dress. That neutral base lets a pair of colorful fabric wings take over. Pick orange, blue, pink or rainbow wings and match your eye makeup to them. Black pipe cleaners wrapped around a headband make the antennae, and a bun keeps them visible. Fabric wings with an elastic harness are far more comfortable than rigid ones over a few hours, and they fold flat in the car. Small dots of colored eyeliner around the eyes and a flower-shaped bag or silk flower finish a costume you can move in.
12. Bumblebee Costume With Striped Shirt
A yellow-and-black striped shirt is the obvious start for a bee. Pair it with a black skirt, leggings or jeans, plus black tights and sneakers. Sheer wings and an antenna headband are easy to buy or make from wire, fabric and pipe cleaners. Keep the stripes broad, because thin stripes blur into a muddy color from across a room. Style your hair in a high ponytail or two small buns, and use yellow shadow, black liner and rosy cheeks. On a cool night, wear a black jacket under the wings. A silk sunflower or a small honey-pot bucket is a clear prop.
13. Ladybug Costume With Red Dress
Use a red dress, a red sweater and skirt, or a red jumpsuit as the base. Cut black felt circles and attach them with removable tape, spaced across the outfit. Black tights and comfortable black boots or ballet flats go underneath, with small red-and-black wings and a curled antenna headband. I like the wings to be removable, because indoors you'll want them off the moment you sit at a table. A sleek ponytail or two buns sit under the headband nicely. Red lipstick, a black wing and tiny cosmetic dots at the temples keep the face bright, and a faux leaf is enough prop.
14. Woodland Deer Costume With Brown Clothes
Combine a brown sweater with tan pants, leggings or a suede-look skirt for a soft deer. Brown ankle boots and a cream scarf or faux-fur collar suggest the lighter markings. Attach felt ears and small antlers to a sturdy headband; a thin one bends under the weight and the antlers tilt backward. Most of the transformation is makeup, honestly: warm brown shadow, a dark nose, white dots across the cheeks and softly extended liner. Carry artificial leaves or a small basket of pinecones. This is one of the best costumes for a cold outdoor party, since sweaters, tights and layers are part of it.
15. Cute Bunny Costume With Pink Details
Build the bunny from a white, gray or black sweater with matching jeans, leggings or a skirt. A fluffy pom-pom tail goes on the waistband with a safety pin, and coordinating sneakers or flats keep you comfortable. The ears are the most important part, so I'd choose a headband that grips the head rather than a loose wide one, especially if you'll dance or walk outside. Draw a small pink nose and fine whiskers with eyeliner, add rosy blush and a light pink lip. White gloves and a bow tie make it more polished, and a basket of artificial carrots is the prop.
16. Leopard Costume With Animal Print
An animal-print dress is the fast route to a leopard, though a leopard blouse with black jeans works just as well. Add black ankle boots, gold-tone jewelry and a cat-ear headband covered in matching fabric, then pin a spotted tail to the waistband. Bronze shadow, a strong winged liner and a few brown-and-black spots at the temples and cheekbones carry the face. Keep the spots irregular in size and spacing, since neat round dots look more like a cheetah than a leopard's rosettes. A black nose and short whiskers finish it, and a spotted scarf helps if your print is subtle.
17. Mermaid Costume With Shimmer Skirt
Pair a fitted lavender, aqua or pearly white top with a green or blue sequin skirt. A stretchy midi skirt suggests a tail while still letting you walk, so skip restrictive costume fins and wear metallic flats or clean sneakers. Loose beachy waves with a few strands of temporary blue, purple or teal color look right. Temporary hair color can rub off on a light top and on pillowcases, so I apply it only to the lengths below the shoulder line. Shimmery shadow, iridescent highlighter and cosmetic pearls at the outer corners finish the face. A shell headband and shell bag reinforce the ocean.
18. Greek Goddess Costume With White Gown
A white maxi dress becomes a Greek goddess with a gold braided belt at the waist. Drape a light white or cream scarf over one shoulder and pin it discreetly from underneath so it doesn't slide off every time you lift your arm. Gold flat sandals keep it comfortable. A low textured bun or a braided crown suits the metallic leaf headband, gold cuffs and simple drop earrings. Warm gold shadow, bronzed cheeks and a neutral lip keep the makeup polished. The one thing I always check is length: fabric that pools at the feet catches on stairs, paths and other guests.
19. Easy Princess Costume With Pastel Dress
A pastel formal dress, an old bridesmaid dress or a flowing maxi can all become a princess. Add a sparkly belt, a costume tiara and short gloves. Ballet flats or low block heels let you move all night, and a cropped cardigan or faux-fur wrap covers bare arms if the dress is sleeveless. Polished curls or a half-up twist sit well under the tiara. I anchor tiaras with two bobby pins crossed through the combs, otherwise they slide forward as soon as you look down. Soft pink shadow and a glossy lip suit it, and a wand or small artificial bouquet is the prop.
20. Little Red Riding Hood Costume
Wear a simple white blouse with a black or brown skirt, then layer a bright red hooded cape over it. Without a cape, a red shawl tied with a ribbon below the chin does the job, though I'd keep that ribbon loose enough to slip two fingers under. Opaque tights and sturdy brown ankle boots suit the woodland idea. Two braids or soft waves show nicely below the hood. Rosy cheeks, subtle liner and a berry lip keep the makeup natural. A wicker basket lined with a checked cloth and filled with silk flowers or wrapped treats is the prop, and the red cape does the rest.
21. Wednesday Addams Costume With Black Dress
Wednesday Addams starts with a black knee-length dress layered over a white collared shirt; a black sweater and pleated skirt make the same shape. Add black tights and flat loafers or lace-up shoes. Part your hair in the center and make two neat braids, or wear a braided black wig. The white collar is the detail that makes her, so I iron it flat and make sure it sits outside the dress, crisp against the black. Pale foundation, muted gray shadow and a neutral berry lip finish the face. Keep a straight face for photos and carry an old-looking book.
22. Velma Dinkley Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma's outfit comes straight from bright closet basics: an orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks and red or brown loafers. Square black glasses are essential, clear lenses are fine. A short bob or a smooth chin-length brown wig sets the hair. Orange knee socks are the piece that's hard to find in October, so I'd look for them early or wear orange tights instead. Peach blush, subtle liner and a natural lip keep the makeup minimal. Carry a notebook or magnifying glass, and choose a skirt length you're comfortable in for a busy party.
23. Daphne Blake Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne's look is purple, green and pink: a purple mini or midi dress, a green neck scarf and pink tights, with purple flats or low block heels. A matching purple headband over smooth waves completes the hair. A long red or auburn wig gives the most faithful version, but your own hair works if the three colors are right. Cheap red wigs tend to look orange under party lighting, so pick a deeper auburn shade. Lavender shadow, defined lashes and a glossy lip suit her. A long-sleeve purple dress with opaque tights gives more coverage for a work event.
24. Rosie The Riveter Costume With Denim Shirt
A denim or chambray shirt is the center of Rosie the Riveter. Roll the sleeves above your elbows and pair it with high-waisted dark jeans or navy work pants, sturdy brown boots and a plain brown belt. Tie your hair back and arrange the red bandana with white dots over a bun or rolled front section. The bandana is where she lives or dies, so I tie the knot on top and secure it with two bobby pins on each side. Defined brows, black liner and red lipstick give the vintage face. Pose with one arm flexed, and carry a small lunchbox if you want a prop.
25. Cowgirl Costume With Denim And Boots
Start the cowgirl with a plaid shirt or fitted western blouse. Add jeans, a denim skirt with tights, or cutoffs over leggings. Brown cowboy boots are ideal, but ordinary ankle boots work. A wide-brim hat, a leather-look belt and a patterned neck bandana are what make it read. Cheap felt hats often sit too high on the head, so I tuck a strip of foam into the inner band for a snug fit. Two braids or a low ponytail look right under the brim. Warm neutral makeup and a muted red lip, and a coil of soft rope instead of anything weapon-like.
26. Easy Pirate Costume With Striped Shirt
A black-and-white striped shirt with black pants or a layered midi skirt is the base of an easy pirate. Add a wide belt, a red waist sash and tall black boots. A vest is simple to make by cutting the sleeves off a cheap black T-shirt, and jersey doesn't fray, so you don't need to hem it. Tie a red scarf over loose waves or a low ponytail and add big hoops and costume rings. Smudged black liner and bronzed cheeks give a weathered face. Carry a rolled treasure map or a cardboard chest of gold-wrapped candy, and leave hard accessories at home.
27. Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
A knee-length fringe dress is the easy route to a 1920s flapper, though a plain black dress with layered pearls and a feathered headband works too. Add opaque tights and low T-strap heels or Mary Jane flats. Pin longer hair into a faux bob or wear a short black wig. Fringe swings beautifully, but cheap fringe tangles if you sit on it, so I give it a shake and a quick finger-comb every time I stand. Thin defined brows, smoky eyes and a deep berry lip finish the face. Keep the feather modest and well pinned so it doesn't brush nearby guests.
28. Disco Queen Costume With Metallic Clothes
You can shine without any crafting: pair a metallic top with flared pants or a sequined skirt in silver, gold, purple or bright blue. Add platform-style shoes with a stable heel, big hoops and oversized tinted glasses. Volume is the hair rule here, curls or a rounded natural shape. Shimmery shadow, gloss and highlighter catch the light. Metallic fabrics show every sweat mark and crease, so I wear a thin cotton layer underneath if the venue will be warm. A reflective clutch or a silver foam microphone is the prop, and hem the trousers so they clear the floor.
29. 80s Aerobics Costume With Neon Leggings
Layer a bright bodysuit or fitted tank over neon leggings, then add a wide belt, cropped sweatshirt, leg warmers and clean white sneakers. Hot pink, turquoise, yellow and purple together make the decade obvious. A high side ponytail with a big scrunchie, or a curly wig under a fabric headband, sets the hair. Colorful shadow, bright blush and a glossy pink lip finish the face. Because it's all stretch, this is the costume I'd pick for a dance-heavy night. Wristbands and a water bottle complete the workout theme; just avoid slippery soles.
30. 90s Grunge Costume With Plaid Shirt
Combine a band-style tee with ripped jeans, or wear a simple slip dress over a fitted white T-shirt. Tie an oversized flannel around your waist and add black combat-style boots or canvas sneakers. A black choker and small backpack set the nineties. Loose, slightly messy hair or two small top buns suit it, with smudged brown liner, matte skin and a muted berry lip. The trap with grunge is that it can look like you just didn't dress up, so I lean on the choker and the boots to make it read as a costume. Headphones around the neck add one more period detail.
31. Classic Mime Costume With Striped Top
A fitted black-and-white striped shirt and black pants form the base, with suspenders, white gloves and black flats or loafers. A black beret gives the outfit its finishing touch, over a low bun or a short black wig. For the face, I use a pale foundation a shade or two lighter rather than solid white paint, which creases and transfers onto collars. Black liner, defined brows, red lipstick and one small line or a tiny painted teardrop under each eye keep it clean. Skip the prop and do the imaginary-box pose for photos. It's monochrome, cheap and fine for work.
32. Stage Magician Costume With Black Blazer
A black blazer and tailored black pants make a polished stage magician. Wear a crisp white button-down underneath and add a red bow tie or satin ribbon at the neck, with loafers, ankle boots or comfortable block heels. The top hat is what people recognize. Party-store top hats are often too small for an adult head, so I check the inner band and wear the hat tilted back if it perches. Sleek waves or a low ponytail fit under it. Winged liner and a red lip suit the stage look. Oversized cardboard cards or a soft fabric rabbit make a playful prop.
33. Artist Costume With Paint-Splattered Shirt
Wear an oversized white button-down or smock over black leggings, jeans or denim overalls. Add paint marks with washable fabric paint, on clothes you don't mind altering. I splatter the shirt a day ahead and heat-set it with an iron, so nothing transfers onto chairs or friends. Canvas sneakers or clogs suit the working-artist look. Tie your hair into a loose bun with two clean paintbrushes through it, or wear a bright head scarf. A few cosmetic paint dots on one cheek, a black beret and a cardboard palette finish it, plus a canvas tote with painted handprints for your things.
34. Librarian Costume With Cardigan And Skirt
Create the librarian with a buttoned cardigan, a collared blouse and a plaid or pleated midi skirt. Add opaque tights and loafers or low ankle boots. Wear your hair in a bun secured with clean pencils, or keep a short polished bob. Cat-eye glasses, even with clear lenses, define the look. A real stack of books gets heavy within the hour, so I tie a few slim paperbacks with ribbon instead. Neutral shadow and a rosy lip keep the makeup simple. A name badge and a fabric book bag add detail, and the whole outfit is modest enough for an office or school event.
35. Chef Costume With White Shirt
A white button-down shirt, black pants and non-slip black shoes make a practical chef. Add a white apron and a tall paper chef hat, which you can fold from cardstock. A cardstock hat collapses if it's too tall, so I keep it under about a foot and staple a band to fit the head. Tie your hair back neatly or tuck it under. Mascara, peach blush and a natural lip are plenty. A wooden spoon, a light mixing bowl or a tray of fake cupcakes is the prop, and a checked neck scarf adds detail. Leave sharp utensils and heavy pans in the kitchen.
36. Gardener Costume With Overalls
Wear denim overalls over a plaid, floral or solid long-sleeve shirt. Add rain boots, work boots or sturdy sneakers you can wear outdoors, plus a straw hat and gardening gloves. Braids or a low bun suit the hat. Rosy cheeks and a small cosmetic smudge of brown on one cheek give the outdoor face. Fill the bib pockets with silk flowers and carry a light watering can or an empty flowerpot. I like this one for anyone handing out candy on the porch, because overalls take a thermal layer underneath without looking bulky. A fabric butterfly on the hat finishes it.
37. Detective Costume With Trench Coat
Layer a tan trench coat over a white blouse and dark trousers, or over a simple knit dress. Add loafers or ankle boots and a neutral scarf. A soft-brimmed hat is optional, but the magnifying glass and small notebook make it clear. Keep hair in a low ponytail or smooth waves, with matte neutral shadow, defined brows and a muted red lip. Write funny clues in the notebook; they make good conversation starters. I'd reach for this costume on a cold night above almost any other, because the coat is the character and your warm layer at the same time.
38. Astronaut Costume With White Jumpsuit
Start with a white utility jumpsuit, painter's coveralls or a white shirt and pants. Wrap silver tape around the cuffs and add mission patches cut from colored felt. White sneakers or silver ankle boots finish the base. Pull your hair into a high ponytail or a secure bun and add a white cap, or carry a light cardboard helmet under your arm. I wouldn't wear a closed helmet at all, since it limits sight and gets hot fast. Silver shadow and iridescent highlighter suit it. A small backpack wrapped in silver paper stands in for a life-support pack and holds your things.
39. Mad Scientist Costume With Lab Coat
Wear a white lab coat over a bright blouse and black pants, leggings or a knee-length skirt, with closed-toe shoes and clear protective-style glasses. Tease your hair into a dramatic shape or wear a short white wig with colorful temporary streaks. Silver or blue shadow and a few pencil-like marks on the cheeks suggest an experiment in progress. For the test tubes, I seal the lids with a turn of electrical tape, because colored water and a party crowd always find each other. A clipboard covered in imaginary formulas, mismatched gloves and a bow tie add personality.
40. Weather Reporter Costume With Rain Gear
Practical rainwear turns into a funny weather reporter. Wear a bright raincoat over trousers or leggings, with waterproof boots. Style your hair neatly, then tease one side to suggest a gale. Waterproof mascara is a good idea here. Make the microphone from a paper-towel tube and a foil-covered foam ball, and carry a folded umbrella, a clipboard and a printed weather map on cardboard. Paper raindrops on fishing line tied to the umbrella are a fun touch, but I'd keep them above eye level. It's one of the few costumes that actually improves if it rains.
41. Tourist Costume With Floral Shirt
Choose a bright floral shirt and pair it with khaki shorts, relaxed pants or a practical midi skirt. Add walking sneakers, tall socks, a sun hat and a small belt bag. A casual ponytail or a visor suits it. Natural makeup with a white dot of cosmetic paint on the nose reads as sunscreen. A camera, folded map, sunglasses and travel guide make it clear. Shorts in October are cold, so I layer a thin neutral jacket under the floral shirt or swap to linen trousers. Wear the camera on a secure strap and carry an empty souvenir tote for your belongings.
42. French Girl Costume With Striped Shirt
A black-and-white striped top, black ankle pants and ballet flats are the base, with a red neck scarf and black beret. A low bun or short waves sit nicely under the hat. Winged liner, rosy blush and a classic red lip suit it. Carry a paper-wrapped baguette prop, a small flower bundle or a sketchbook. I keep this one on the playful postcard side rather than imitating anyone, and I'd add a black trench or fitted cardigan as the warm layer. A structured black crossbody bag holds your essentials without fighting the stripes.
43. Old Hollywood Movie Star Costume
A floor-length black, red or silver dress makes the old Hollywood star. Add long gloves, sparkling costume earrings and comfortable low heels, plus a faux-fur wrap or satin shawl for drama and warmth. The hair is the real costume. Polished side-parted waves take time, so I set them with large rollers or hot rollers well before dressing, or use a short curled wig. Defined liner, full lashes and a deep red lip finish the face. A metallic clutch and a gold-painted cardboard award are fun props. Without a gown, a simple maxi dress works; just keep the hem off the floor.
44. Vintage Doll Costume With Pinafore Dress
Layer a white blouse under a solid or floral pinafore dress, then add knee-high socks, Mary Jane shoes and a large bow headband. Two curled pigtails, neat braids or a smooth wig with blunt bangs set the hair. Round pink blush on the cheeks, defined lashes and a small heart-shaped lip carry the doll face. Draw a few lower lashes with liner rather than painting the whole face, which looks stiff and creases on a warm night. A toy teacup or small teddy bear is enough prop. Choose soft clothing and shoes you can stand in for hours, since the look is meant to be sweet, not stiff.
45. Pineapple Costume With Yellow Dress
A bright yellow dress, or a yellow top and matching pants, is the base. Cut small diamonds from brown felt and attach them across the outfit with removable tape. Add tan flats, white sneakers or green ankle boots. Make the crown from long green cardstock leaves on a wide headband. Cardstock can bend and crease in a crowd, so I score each leaf down the middle and fold it slightly, which stiffens it a lot. A high bun keeps the crown secure. Gold shadow, peach blush and a glossy neutral lip suit it, and a woven bag or a green cardigan adds color.
46. Strawberry Costume With Red Outfit
Wear a red dress, a red jumpsuit or a matching red sweater and skirt. Cut small teardrop seeds from white or pale yellow felt and attach them across the fabric, with green tights or a green cardigan for contrast and white sneakers, red flats or green ankle boots. A green cardstock leaf headpiece on a headband finishes the fruit. I scatter the seeds at slight angles instead of in neat rows, which looks far more like a real strawberry. Pink blush, a red lip and tiny seed-like dots near the temples tie the face in. A small berry basket lined with checked cloth is the prop.
47. Rain Cloud Costume With Gray Clothes
Dress in a gray sweater with gray leggings, trousers or a soft tulle skirt, plus silver sneakers or gray ankle boots. Cover a wide-brim hat or sturdy headband with light polyester stuffing and hang blue paper raindrops from short lengths of clear thread. Keep every drop above your shoulders so it doesn't tangle around your arms. Hot glue works for the stuffing, but I glue it in small tufts rather than one big sheet, which keeps the cloud lumpy and soft. Silver shadow and a touch of blue liner suit it. A yellow felt sun pinned to one side turns it into a brighter version.
48. Social Butterfly Costume With Name Tags
Turn the phrase into a costume with a colorful dress, or a coordinated blouse and trousers, plus butterfly wings and an antenna headband. Cover the clothing with name tags carrying cheerful greetings and made-up first names. Sticky tags peel off knits within an hour or two, so on a sweater I back them with double-sided tape. Bright flats or sneakers keep you moving, and a bun or high ponytail keeps the wings clear. Match your shadow to the wings and add small cosmetic dots around the eyes. The pun only works when both halves show, so keep the tags readable and the wings visible.
49. Smart Cookie Costume With Graduation Cap
Wear a tan or brown dress, sweater set or top and trousers as the cookie base. Attach dark brown felt circles as chocolate chips across the front and back, with brown flats, loafers or sneakers. A graduation cap and clear-lens glasses turn it into a “smart cookie.” Graduation caps slide off easily, so I pin mine through the elastic with two bobby pins at the back. A low ponytail or straight bob sits well under the cap. Warm brown shadow and a neutral lip suit it. A cardboard diploma tied with ribbon is the prop, and a cardboard cookie circle on the front is optional.
50. Error 404 Costume With White T-Shirt
For a genuinely last-minute look, wear a plain white T-shirt printed or hand-lettered with “Error 404: Costume Not Found.” Pair it with black jeans, comfortable sneakers and a zip hoodie if you need warmth. Iron-on letters, fabric markers or a paper sign pinned on with safety pins all work. Fabric marker is my choice if you have twenty minutes, because a paper sign curls and tears by midnight. A sleek ponytail, clean liner and a bright lip keep the face simple. Square glasses, a cardboard keyboard and a few paper pixel squares on the shirt and shoes make the joke look deliberate.
Cheap Wigs, Temporary Color and Your Own Hair
Plenty of these costumes suggest a wig, and plenty of readers would rather not wear one. You don't have to. Wednesday's braids, Rosie's bandana updo and the flapper's faux bob can all be done with your own hair and a handful of pins. When I do use a wig, a little preparation makes the difference between a costume and something that looks like it came out of a bag that afternoon.
Getting a party-store wig to behave
- Shake it out and brush it gently with a wide-tooth comb the day before, working up from the ends. Cheap wigs shed most in the first wear.
- Wear a wig cap and pin the wig to your own hair at the temples and the nape, so it can't slide back.
- Keep synthetic fibers away from candles, curling irons and oven doors. Ordinary synthetic hair frizzes or melts with heat.
- A light mist of hairspray tames static and fly-aways for the evening.
Temporary spray color is the other route, for Velma's bob or a mermaid's ends. It washes out, but it can rub onto light collars and pillowcases, and on very pale or bleached hair it sometimes leaves a tint for a wash or two. I test it on a hidden underneath section first, and wear it with darker tops when I can.
Your Black Dress Is Already Halfway There
None of these looks need elaborate sewing, expensive accessories or hours of prep. Everyday clothing becomes a costume through a clear color story, simple makeup, shoes you can stand in, and one or two well-chosen props. Look in your closet first for black basics, bright dresses, striped shirts, overalls and scarves, then pick a character that suits your event. Pin every accessory, keep hems off the floor and carry light props in a crowd. A simple outfit you can relax in will always beat a complicated one you spend all night adjusting.
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