Monster High characters are some of the easiest cartoon looks to read at a party, because each ghoul was designed around a colour code first and a story second. When I style one, I work out three things before buying anything: the hair colours, the one garment shape people remember, and the single prop or accessory that names her. Get those right and the rest can come from a thrift rack, a few seams and temporary hair colour. The fan favourites are Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein, Cleo De Nile and Lagoona Blue, but the list below also covers the newer and quieter characters, a few duos, and a six-person lineup. I've noted where I'd swap a skirt for leggings or a heel for a platform, because most of these looks get worn for hours.
Getting the Wig Right Before Anything Else
Almost every ghoul here is identified by her hair before anything else, so I buy and prep the wig first and build the outfit around it. A two-tone wig is not always easy to find. When it isn't, I buy a wig in the base colour and add clip-in streaks in the second colour, which also lets you place the streaks where the character has them.
- Wear a wig cap and pin the wig to it at the temples and nape. Monster High hair is long and heavy, and an unpinned wig slides backwards as the night goes on.
- Trim the bangs on the wig while it sits on your head, a little at a time. Costume fringes almost always come too long and fall in your eyes.
- Keep synthetic wigs away from curling irons and hair dryers unless the label says heat-friendly. Ordinary synthetic fibre frizzes or melts.
- Long synthetic hair tangles where it rubs a collar or a cape. Brush from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb and a little wig spray.
If you'd rather skip a wig, temporary colour sprays work for short looks like Deuce, Heath or Clawd, but they rub off on hats, pillows and light collars, so wear a dark top and expect to wash your hair twice.
1. Draculaura Costume With Pink Plaid Skirt
Draculaura is pink, black and frills, and the cape is what turns a cute school outfit into a vampire. I start with a white ruffled blouse or pink top under a black vest, then a short pink plaid skirt, black tights and knee-high lace-up boots. Line the cape in bright pink so the colour flashes when you turn; a cape cut from lining-weight fabric hangs well and doesn't drag on your neck. Her black pigtails with pink underneath are the real giveaway, so I clip pink extensions under a black wig rather than hunting for a two-tone one. Rosy shadow, winged liner, a little heart on the cheek and berry lipstick finish her face, and fangs are optional. A heart necklace, lace wrist cuffs and a pink parasol or bat purse are plenty. If you're outside, warm leggings under the skirt won't spoil anything.
2. Frankie Stein Costume With Plaid Dress
Frankie reads from across a room because of her hair: white with black streaks. I'd spend money there first. A black-and-white plaid dress, or a plaid skirt with a white collared shirt and skinny tie, gives the school-uniform base, and a cropped black jacket with silver hardware adds the edge. Mismatched striped socks with black platforms sell the pieced-together idea better than any amount of paint. For the stitches, I draw short neat lines on the cheek, neck and arms with an eyeliner pencil and set them with powder so they don't smear onto the collar. Cool blue shadow, dark liner and a metallic lip, bolt earrings and a lightning bag, then blue tights or gloves stand in for her mint skin without full-body makeup.
3. Clawdeen Wolf Costume With Purple Jacket
Clawdeen needs big hair. A flat wig makes her look like any girl in a purple skirt, so I look for a full, curly brown wig with purple streaks and tease the roots a little more once it's on. The outfit is a black top, purple pleated skirt and cropped faux-leather jacket, with leopard print in one place only, a scarf, belt or removable vest. Too much print and the purple gets lost. Soft wolf ears on a matching headband, bronze shadow, sharp liner, glossy lips and a few whisker dots do the face. Brown fingerless gloves hint at paws and still let you hold a drink. Purple or brown platform ankle boots, gold hoops, layered necklaces and a moon purse round her out.
4. Cleo De Nile Costume With Gold Wrap Dress
Cleo is blue, turquoise, black and a lot of gold, and the bandage wraps are where her costume usually goes wrong. Loose strips of gold fabric look lovely for the first ten minutes and then trail behind you on the floor. I stitch or safety-pin every wrap at both ends onto a fitted blue dress or a top-and-skirt set. A short black wig with straight bangs and blue streaks is her silhouette. Gold shadow, turquoise liner, strong brows and one jewel near the eye are enough. Gold cuffs, geometric earrings and a scarab-style bag add the royal part. Strappy gold sandals are fine indoors, but I'd wear gold ankle boots if there's any walking, and keep a jewelled scepter light enough to hold all evening.
5. Lagoona Blue Costume With Ocean Print Outfit
Lagoona's colours are turquoise and pink, and her look is surfer-casual, so don't overdress her. A shimmery blue tank with a black skirt or fitted shorts over iridescent leggings is the base. The fins are the fun part: I sew sheer or fish-scale fabric fins along the sleeve seam of a cropped jacket, because fins attached to the seam stay put while fins glued to the surface peel. A long blonde wig with blue streaks in loose waves does her hair. You can skip the blue face entirely; turquoise shadow, pink lips and pearl highlighter carry it. Fin ear cuffs, shell bracelets, a seahorse purse and blue platform sandals or aqua boots finish her. A clear tote of fake shells doubles as somewhere to keep your phone.
6. Ghoulia Yelps Costume With Red Pants
If you'd rather wear trousers, Ghoulia is the one I'd pick. Bright red skinny jeans, a black-and-white striped top and a fitted graphic vest, with suspenders or a studded belt for a little punk. The blue wig with straight bangs and red cat-eye glasses are what make her Ghoulia, and the glasses matter more than the makeup. Pale grey face makeup is optional; I'd usually do a light grey wash only if the wearer is happy to keep it powdered all night, otherwise silver shadow and red lips are enough. Add a few small stitches, red sneakers or black combat boots, striped wrist warmers and a book-shaped clutch. A notebook covered in science doodles suits her better than anything gory.
7. Abbey Bominable Costume With Faux Fur Boots
Abbey is the costume I recommend for a cold Halloween, because a yeti is supposed to be wrapped in fur. A white or pale blue sweater dress with lavender, aqua and pink patterned leggings goes under a cropped white faux-fur vest, and there's room underneath for thermals. Choose flat-soled faux-fur boots or boot covers; fluffy covers over heels are slippery on wet pavement. Her long white wig with blue, purple and pink streaks is the giveaway, so keep it brushed, since white synthetic fibre shows every tangle. Lavender shadow, pearly highlighter, cool pink lipstick and a few snowflake stickers on the cheeks finish the face. Crystal earrings, a clear blue belt and a plush snow creature or glitter snowball purse are her accessories.
8. Deuce Gorgon Costume With Green Vest
Deuce is mostly everyday menswear: a red T-shirt, dark jeans and a black or grey sleeveless vest, with a checkerboard wristband and green belt details. The snakes in his hair are the work. I sew small foam snakes onto a short green wig through the wig cap, not glued to the fibre, because glued pieces pull the hair out and drop off when you dance. Green hair spray works for a quick version, though it rubs off on hats and collars. Metallic green shadow, a hint of scales on the cheek and dark sunglasses give him his stare-proof look. Black high-tops keep him walkable. A chain necklace, fingerless gloves and a small shield-shaped backpack are enough. Cartoonish snakes read better than realistic ones.
9. Toralei Stripe Costume With Orange Cat Tail
Toralei is orange and black, tough and feline. An orange top under a fitted black jacket, a striped mini skirt or black shorts over orange tights, and black combat boots. The tail is where I see problems: a stuffed fabric tail stitched to a belt loop or waistband stays put, while one safety-pinned to the skirt fabric rips a hole. Keep it shorter than ankle length so nobody steps on it in a crowd. A short orange wig with darker stripes painted on, and pointed ears on a headband, give her silhouette. Orange shadow, winged liner, a small black nose and neat whiskers finish the face. Claw rings, a studded collar and a black crossbody bag are her details.
10. Spectra Vondergeist Costume With Purple Cape
Spectra can look ghostly without white face paint, which I prefer, because pale paint on a warm night creases and transfers to everything. A layered purple dress with sheer sleeves and a high-low hem, plus a light translucent cape, gives the floaty movement. Her chains should be plastic or fabric; real metal chain is heavier than people expect and drags the neckline down. A long purple wig with soft waves and a few lavender streaks is her hair. Smoky violet shadow, silver highlight and plum lipstick, white tights and lavender platform boots keep the colour story together. A silver envelope purse nods to her school reporter role, and shimmer lotion on the arms catches party lights nicely.
11. Venus McFlytrap Costume With Leafy Green Leggings
Venus is easier to make than she looks. A hot pink top, black pleated skirt and green vine-print leggings are the base, and a cropped green vest with artificial leaves sewn on, not glued, adds the plant. Her hair is long pink and green, shaved-looking on one side; I fake that with tight costume braids along one side of the wig rather than cutting anything. Green shadow, pink liner and a few small painted leaves at the temples do the face. Pink or green platform boots, vine bracelets, leaf earrings and a mini potted-plant handbag finish her. I'd skip long trailing vines, which catch on chair backs. A decorated spray bottle makes a funny prop, and you can fill it with water.
12. Operetta Costume With Red Polka Dot Dress
Operetta is rockabilly in red, black and white. A fitted red polka-dot dress, or a white blouse tucked into a red pencil skirt, with a cropped black jacket and a piano-key belt made from printed ribbon. I'd pick saddle shoes or red ankle boots with a block heel, because she's a dancing character and a stiletto won't last. Victory rolls are the hair, and they hold far better pinned into a wig on a foam head the day before than styled on the night. Winged liner, red lipstick and a musical-note beauty mark give her the face. Wear the half-mask on a headband so it sits above your eyes. Dice earrings, a record purse and a toy microphone finish her.
13. Rochelle Goyle Costume With Striped Top
Rochelle is Paris polish in stone grey and soft pink. A black-and-white striped top, a metallic grey skirt and pale pink tights, with a charcoal jacket or a structured vest painted with simple scrollwork. Grey ankle boots with pink laces are a small detail I like, since it pulls the pink down to the feet. A long pale pink wig with blue streaks and little gargoyle ears on a headband give her shape. Soft grey shadow, rosy lips and faint stone lines near the temples are enough makeup. Her wings are what I'd fuss over: foam wings on backpack-style elastic come off easily for car rides, and I keep them narrower than my shoulders so doorways aren't a problem.
14. Robecca Steam Costume With Blue Corset Vest
Robecca is steampunk, so bronze hardware against rich blue does most of the talking. A fitted blue corset-style vest over a puff-sleeve black blouse, brown shorts or a knee-length skirt over patterned tights, and lace-up brown boots with a few gears glued near the ankle. I use craft foam gears painted bronze rather than real metal, which is heavy and has sharp teeth. A long navy wig with black streaks under bronze goggles worn on the head gives her the look. Gold shadow, thin metallic lines and a few gear stickers on the cheek do the face. Wrist cuffs, a gear pendant, a brown satchel and a small clock or compass are all she needs.
15. Catrine DeMew Costume With Purple Artist Dress
Catrine is an artist, so her outfit can be quieter than the others. A fitted purple dress, or a lavender blouse with a black flared skirt, a patterned scarf at the neck and a narrow silver belt. White tights and purple ankle boots keep the line clean. Her long white wig with purple and pink streaks plus small white ears is the identifier, and white wigs are the ones that show grime fastest, so I wear it with a wig cap and keep makeup off the hairline. Lavender shadow, winged liner, a pink nose and fine whiskers. A flexible white tail at the back of the skirt. A foam painter's palette and a clean brush are better than a real palette with wet paint indoors.
16. Catty Noir Costume With Pink Stage Dress
Catty Noir is a stage look in hot pink and black. A pink dress with a layered high-low skirt and fitted black bodice, sparkly black leggings under the short front, and black platform boots or supportive lace-ups. A long black wig with pink streaks and pointed ears at the crown. I'd go big on the makeup here: pink smoky eyes, bold liner, glossy berry lips and highlighter, set well so it lasts under warm lights. A soft black tail, silver cuffs and star earrings, plus a light microphone and glitter clutch. If you add sequins or rhinestones, keep them on the neckline and away from underarms and inner elbows, where they scratch with every move.
17. Twyla Boogeyman Costume With Purple Sweater
Twyla is shy, and her costume should feel soft rather than loud. A lavender sweater or blouse with a layered purple-and-blue skirt in a faint web pattern, teal tights and low purple boots. Her long mint or turquoise wig with blunt bangs and purple streaks is the main identifier, so I'd trim the bangs on the wig to sit just above the brows, since costume wig fringes usually come too long. Lavender shadow, mint liner and some smoky swirls painted lightly on the forearms. A small hooded cape adds mystery without hiding the outfit. Key earrings, a rabbit-style plush and a crescent moon bag finish her. Choose soft knits and a light prop to keep her cozy.
18. Honey Swamp Costume With Green Ruffle Dress
Honey Swamp is swamp green dressed up Southern style. A sea-green ruffle dress with a fitted waist and layered skirt, a thin purple belt and green fishnet or patterned tights. Brown or moss lace-up ankle boots keep her steady. Her hair is a big mint-green mass of tight curls with a purple flower clip; textured curly wigs tangle at the nape where they rub on a collar, so I finger-detangle with a little leave-in spray rather than brushing. Green shadow, plum lips and soft shimmer on the cheeks. Vine earrings and a camera-shaped bag nod to her filmmaking, and a small clapboard is a good photo prop. Skip anything wet-looking on the fabric; ruffles and iridescent makeup suggest swamp without the mess.
19. Viperine Gorgon Costume With Pink Snake Hair
Viperine is pale pink and black with snake details, and she is glam, not scary. A fitted pink dress with a black waist panel, a short faux-leather jacket, scale-print leggings and pink platform ankle boots. Weave a few soft foam snakes into a long pale pink wig, and keep them small. I've found that more than three or four starts pulling the wig backwards off the forehead. Rose-gold shadow, dramatic liner, pink lips and a few scale shapes near the cheekbones do the face. Pink sunglasses on the head, snake jewellery, a makeup-case handbag and a clean makeup brush as a prop suit her job as a stylist. Cartoon snakes are friendlier than realistic ones.
20. Elissabat Costume With Purple Vampire Dress
Elissabat is the theatrical vampire, darker and more grown-up than Draculaura. A deep purple dress with a fitted bodice and lace sleeves over a layered black underskirt, plus a short cape or a high standing collar. A collar stiffened with interfacing holds its shape much better than one left soft. Black tights and purple platform boots are easier than a floor-length gown with heels. A long black wig with straight bangs and purple streaks, smoky plum eyes, strong brows and berry lips. Fangs are optional. A bat necklace, a few rings and a little movie-clapper purse reference her acting career, and a velvet ribbon choker frames the face. I keep her makeup polished rather than gory.
21. Wydowna Spider Costume With Red And Black Dress
Wydowna's extra arms are the hard part, and the trick is to build them as one accessory. I attach three pairs of stuffed fabric arms to a small harness or a fitted backpack and space them evenly behind the shoulders, so the whole set comes off in one go. Flexible wire inside helps them hold a pose, but pad every wire end well; bare wire works its way out through fabric. Underneath, a fitted red top, black skirt with web trim, red tights and black lace-up boots. A long red-and-black wig with straight bangs, red shadow, graphic liner and tiny dots above the brows. Web earrings, fingerless gloves and a spool purse. Try sitting down in the harness before the night.
22. Scarah Screams Costume With Green Mod Dress
Scarah is the easy one on this list, a clean 1960s mod look. A sleeveless green shift dress with black trim and a high neck, black tights and white or black knee boots. Her sleek black hair can be a high ponytail or a smooth shoulder-length cut. Pale green skin is optional; green shadow and matching gloves suggest it without the hassle of face paint. Bold black liner, pale lipstick and very little blush. Round earrings, a small black bag and white sunglasses pushed up on the head. Because there's so little to it, this is the one I'd suggest for a school or office day where elaborate costumes aren't allowed.
23. Howleen Wolf Costume With Orange Hoodie
Howleen is Clawdeen's little sister and dresses like it, in streetwear. An orange hoodie or sleeveless vest over a black graphic top, denim shorts over purple leggings, and high-tops or flat combat boots, because she's the energetic one. A short curly orange wig with soft wolf ears on a headband, plus purple clips or temporary streaks for contrast. Orange and purple shadow, defined brows, glossy lips and a few whisker dots. Brown fingerless gloves for paws. Stacked bangles, a paw-print backpack and a little music player prop. On a cold night I'd swap the shorts for ripped jeans; her colours carry the costume either way.
24. Nefera De Nile Costume With Teal Column Dress
Nefera is Cleo's older sister, so I make her longer and more commanding. A long teal column dress or wide-leg jumpsuit with gold geometric trim, a structured gold belt, and a sheer blue drape over the shoulders that stops above the floor. Metallic flats or gold ankle boots. A long blue-black wig with turquoise streaks and a sleek centre part; a little silicone wig spray keeps that part smooth. Teal shadow, sharp liner, gold highlight and deep rose lips. Wide cuffs, angular earrings and a jewelled clutch. A tall staff made from painted cardboard tubing is light and blunt, which matters once you're in a crowd. Keep it fictional monster royalty rather than copying real ceremonial dress.
25. Amanita Nightshade Costume With Flower Petal Dress
Amanita is a big floral look in deep purple and bright green. Start with a fitted purple dress and sew layered fabric petals around one shoulder and the hem. I'd cut the petals from a fabric that doesn't fray, like felt or a bonded knit, so you don't spend the evening trimming threads. Vine-patterned green tights and purple ankle boots. A long purple wig with green streaks and height at the crown, plus one large flower anchored to a headband. Violet shadow, green graphic liner, pink lips and small leaves at the temples. Vine bracelets, a flower-covered bag and a hand mirror suit her vanity. Flexible petals bend in crowded rooms rather than snapping.
26. River Styxx Costume With Pastel Hooded Dress
River Styxx is a pastel reaper, so she is sweet rather than scary. A short black dress with lavender, pink and blue tulle layered at the hem, a cropped pale purple hooded cape and pastel patterned tights. Black platform boots make the colours pop. A long rainbow-pastel wig with straight bangs and a few black streaks. I keep the skeleton detail to small line work around the wrists; it looks deliberate, and it's far less work than a full skull face. Lavender shadow and pink blush, plastic chain jewellery and a bag with friendly ghost patches. A pastel lantern is a good, safe prop. Leave the scythe at home; the hood and colours already say reaper.
27. Vandala Doubloons Costume With Pirate Coat
Vandala is a ghost pirate, and she needs no sword to look the part. A ruffled white blouse with teal shorts or a layered aqua skirt, a fitted purple pirate coat with gold trim and a wide belt, striped tights and buckled ankle boots. A long aqua wig with purple streaks and a small tricorn worn at an angle; I pin the hat through the wig to the wig cap, or it slides off the slippery fibre. Turquoise shadow, pearly highlight and violet lips. A peg-leg cover over one boot is fun only if it doesn't affect balance, and I'd skip it for trick-or-treating. A map scroll, shell jewellery and a chest-shaped bag finish her, and frayed translucent edges give the ghostly look.
28. Porter Geiss Costume With Paint Splatter Overalls
Porter Geiss is a good pick for a guy or anyone who wants trousers and a creative look. Black jeans or overalls splattered with neon fabric paint, done a few days ahead so it is fully dry and won't transfer, over a green T-shirt with a light translucent vest. Grey or green high-tops. A short bright green wig in spikes, with a purple beanie if you like. Green liner, silver highlight and a few colourful paint marks on the cheeks. Fingerless gloves, a belt with clean brushes tucked in, and a paint-can bucket for treats. Never bring wet paint to a party. Dried splatters give the same effect without ruining anyone's sofa.
29. Posea Reef Costume With Coral Skirt
Posea Reef is ocean colours shaped like coral and kelp. A turquoise fitted top with a layered green skirt cut into soft leaf or fin shapes, iridescent leggings and aqua platform sandals or ankle boots. A long turquoise wig with pink and lavender streaks, with artificial coral clips. I'd make any larger coral pieces from foam, which is light and soft if it bumps someone. Sea-green shadow, pearly cheeks and coral lipstick. Soft fabric fins along the forearms move nicely when you gesture. Shell bracelets, a seaweed necklace and a clear bag of fake pearls finish her. Aim for colourful reef fashion rather than a realistic sea creature.
30. Peri And Pearl Serpentine Duo Costume
Peri and Pearl are two heads of one sea serpent, so this works for two friends who don't want to be tied together. Each wears a matching blue-and-purple dress with an iridescent scale skirt, with the dominant colours swapped so they read as two personalities. Aqua tights, comfortable purple boots, one wig in deep blue and one in bright purple with matching shell clips. Both do shimmery eyes, graphic scales and glossy lavender lips. I connect them visually with matching fin shoulder pieces, never a physical attachment, which makes bathroom trips and stairs miserable. Each carries half of a shell purse. Side by side, the pair is obvious, and apart, each still looks finished.
31. Mouscedes King Costume With Pink Party Dress
Mouscedes is a city princess with mouse ears. A bright pink dress with a fitted bodice and layered skirt, silver trim, patterned tights and pink ankle boots with a stable heel. A long pink wig in soft waves with round ears on a jewelled headband. Her thin pink tail should be stitched to the waistband; a pin-on tail tends to twist round to the side within an hour. Silver shadow, pink liner, rosy lips and a tiny heart nose. Foam cheese earrings, stacked bracelets and a crown purse. A short faux-fur shrug keeps her warm outdoors and suits her glamour. Keep the mouse makeup small and stylized.
32. Luna Mothews Costume With Moth Wings
Luna is a moth, which gives you a change from the usual butterfly. A fitted black bodysuit or long-sleeve top, a layered blue-and-yellow skirt, black tights and bright blue ankle boots. The wings should be light and attached with backpack-style straps, painted in graphic yellow, blue and black. I build mine on a narrow frame and check the top edge sits below my head, so they don't catch on door frames or knock into people behind me. A short blue wig with straight bangs and soft antennae on a headband. Blue shadow, yellow inner corners, black liner and a neutral gloss. A fluffy collar suggests moth fuzz, and wing earrings and a theatre-ticket bag reference her love of the stage.
33. Elle Eedee Costume With Silver Metallic Dress
Elle Eedee is a robot DJ, so she should look sleek and electric. A metallic silver dress, or a silver top with a structured black skirt, electric blue leggings and silver platform sneakers. A long blue-and-black wig cut in graphic sections. Silver shadow, blue liner and a few circuit lines on the cheeks and forearms; I draw those with a fine liquid liner, which stays sharper than face paint. Silver gloves save you painting your hands. Square earrings, a holographic belt and a speaker-shaped purse, plus a foam control-panel cuff. Avoid stiff cardboard over knees or elbows. Stretch metallic fabric moves with you and still looks high-tech.
34. Batsy Claro Costume With Green Bat Wings
Batsy brings tropical colour to a bat. A lime-green top with teal shorts or a fitted skirt, purple patterned tights and green or brown lace-up boots. Compact bat wings in green and turquoise on comfortable shoulder straps; I widen the straps with a strip of felt underneath, since thin elastic digs in after an hour. A long green wig with blue streaks and small bat ears on a matching headband. Leaf-green shadow, purple liner, berry lips and fine wing shapes near the temples. Wood-look bangles, fruit earrings and a leaf-covered crossbody bag finish her. Keep every wing and ear piece soft so the whole thing stays light.
35. Bonita Femur Costume With Skeleton Moth Dress
Bonita is half moth, half skeleton, and she is meant to be pretty, not dark. A fitted black dress with white bone appliqués, a layered pink tulle skirt, striped tights and black lace-up boots. Pale pink moth wings on a light harness, painted graphically rather than realistically. A long pink-and-black wig in soft curls with feathery antennae on a headband. Pink shadow, black winged liner and simple white bone lines on the arms or on gloves. I'd draw the bones onto black gloves with fabric paint; it saves you painting skin and doesn't smudge. Skip the full skeleton face. A rib-cage necklace, a flower bracelet and a wing-shaped bag finish her.
36. Avea Trotter Costume With Blue Riding Jacket
Avea is part centaur, part harpy, and the trick is to suggest the horse body without building a frame. A fitted blue riding jacket over a purple top, black leggings, brown knee boots and a short bustle skirt at the back. A light stuffed horse body around the waist, hung from suspenders, ending well above the floor. Small blue feathered wings on the shoulders and pointed ears on a headband with a long blue wig streaked purple. Blue shadow, strong liner and berry lips. Riding gloves and a feathered purse. I always test the waist piece on stairs and in a chair, because anything bulky behind you is the first thing to knock over a drink.
37. Sirena Von Boo Costume With Mermaid Skirt
Sirena is a ghost mermaid, and I never use a real costume tail for her, since you can't walk in one. A fitted lavender top and a long turquoise skirt that flares below the knees, in light iridescent fabric, gives the mermaid shape while you still take normal steps. Aqua flats hidden under the hem. A long purple-and-blue wig in loose waves with shell clips. Violet shadow, pearly highlight, aqua liner and soft pink lips. Sheer fabric draped from the shoulders adds the ghostly float. Shell earrings, silver chain bracelets and a clear purse covered in pearls. If you need more movement, a high-low skirt or wide mermaid trousers work.
38. Jane Boolittle Costume With Animal Print Dress
Jane Boolittle is an explorer who loves animals, so her clothes need to be practical. A purple animal-print dress over black leggings, a cropped red or pink jacket and brown lace-up boots, which are good for an outdoor night. A long purple wig with pink streaks and a small feather or leaf clip by one ear. Purple shadow, pink lips and small dotted details at the temples. Stacked bangles, a belt with little fabric pouches and a sloth plush. I like a field-notebook bag as her prop; it's useful too. Keep the look built from fictional animal motifs and explorer gear rather than borrowing from any real culture's clothing.
39. Iris Clops Costume With Green Eye Headband
Iris Clops is green plus one big eye. A green sweater dress, or a fitted top with a black pleated skirt, purple tights and green platform sneakers or ankle boots. A bright green bob with blunt bangs. For the eye, I put a light cartoon eye on a headband above the forehead and leave the wearer's real eyes alone; anything covering one eye cuts your view on that side, which is a problem in a dark room. Lime shadow, purple liner and glossy pink lips. Round earrings, striped wrist warmers and an eye-shaped crossbody bag. Check the headband sits firmly and doesn't slip down over the brows.
40. Gooliope Jellington Costume With Circus Dress
Gooliope is a circus girl made of jelly, so she wants bright colour and big proportions. A striped pink-and-yellow dress with a fitted bodice and full layered skirt, blue tights and chunky pink platforms. A long neon-pink wig in a high ponytail adds height; I build that on a wig with a clip-in ponytail rather than pulling up a long wig, which shows the wefts. Pink shadow, blue liner, glossy lips and pastel swirls on the cheeks. A mini striped top hat on a headband, oversized bow jewellery and a ticket purse. A removable tulle bustle adds volume without making it hard to sit. A hoop or pinwheel is a harmless prop. Avoid scary clown makeup.
41. Kala Mer’ri Costume With Purple Tentacle Skirt
Kala Mer'ri has tentacles, and they have to stay off the ground. A fitted black-and-purple top with an asymmetrical teal skirt, with several short stuffed tentacles sewn around the waistband, all ending above the knee or angled outward. I stuff them loosely with fibrefill so they swing rather than stick out stiffly. Opaque purple tights and black platform boots. A long teal-and-purple wig with volume and a coral hair accessory. Purple shadow, turquoise liner and small shimmery dots on the cheeks. Shell cuffs, a wave necklace and an octopus bag. Never put tentacles at ankle height; they're a trip hazard for you and everyone near you.
42. Ari Hauntington Costume With Purple Pop Star Dress
Ari is a ghost pop star, and you can show the ghost through fabric instead of pale face paint. A sparkly purple dress with sheer lavender sleeves and a layered hem, silver tights and white or lilac ankle boots. A long pastel-purple wig with soft waves and pale pink highlights. Lavender shadow, silver liner, pearly highlight and glossy plum lips. A sheer cape fixed at the shoulders floats as you walk. Star earrings, a microphone and a holographic mini bag. If you need more coverage, put a fitted lavender top under the dress. I like reflective fabric here because it reads as glowing in photos with flash.
43. Moanica D’Kay Costume With Red Punk Outfit
Moanica is the zombie punk, red and black and a bit grubby, but I keep the grime stylized. A red plaid skirt or fitted red trousers with a black graphic top, and a cropped distressed jacket covered in patches and safety-pin charms with no sharp points. Black combat boots and striped socks. A long purple wig with bright teal streaks, tousled a little. Smoky purple shadow, dark liner and berry lips, plus a few neat stitch marks near the jaw drawn with skin-safe makeup. Fingerless gloves, a chain belt and a graffiti backpack. Sand or brush the jacket edges to distress them; it looks more convincing than painted-on dirt and won't rub off.
44. Silvi Timberwolf Costume With Blue Plaid Skirt
Silvi is the cool-toned werewolf: blue hair and plaid. A fitted blue top, a purple-and-black plaid skirt, a cropped faux-leather jacket, grey tights and sturdy black boots. A long blue wig with purple streaks and soft grey wolf ears on a headband. A short padded tail fastened to the waistband. Icy blue shadow, sharp liner and a few whisker dots. Grey gloves with small fabric claws give the paw effect and keep your hands warm, which I'd rather have than painted hands on a cold night. A moon pendant, layered bracelets and a music-note purse. A blue scarf can go on outdoors without breaking the colour scheme.
45. Treesa Thornwillow Costume With Branch Cape
Treesa is a tree, but I'd make her enchanted-garden fashion, not a branch costume. A fitted green dress or brown top with a layered leaf-shaped skirt, forest-green tights and brown lace-up boots. Her short shoulder cape is made from flexible fabric branches covered in fake leaves and small flowers; real twigs snap, scratch and shed bark everywhere. A long green wig with brown streaks with small vines woven through loose braids. Moss-green shadow, pink lips and fine vine lines on the cheeks. Leaf earrings, bark-textured cuffs and a flowerpot purse. Keep every branch soft and below head height so you can still move through a room.
46. Casta Fierce Costume With Purple Performance Dress
Casta Fierce is a witchy pop performer in purple, black and gold. A fitted purple dress with a layered black skirt and gold trim at the waist, patterned tights and black platform boots with supportive soles. A long purple wig with black streaks in big curls or a high ponytail. Gold shadow, purple liner, luminous highlight and deep plum lips. A small pointed hat on a headband gives the witch hint; I'd leave out any symbols that look ritualistic. Music-note earrings, stacked gold bracelets, a light microphone and a glitter record clutch. She should read as a monster pop star first and a witch second.
47. Clawd Wolf Costume With Red Varsity Jacket
Clawd is a relaxed, sporty werewolf and one of the easiest boys' looks here. A red varsity jacket over a black T-shirt and dark jeans, brown high-tops or lace-up boots and a sporty belt. A short textured brown wig with soft wolf ears on a narrow headband; on short hair, I find a thin headband hides much better than a wide one. Warm brown shadow, defined brows and a few whisker dots. Brown fingerless gloves for paws. A moon pendant, a small sports bag and an orange foam ball. A padded tail fixed above the belt. Because it's all layers and jeans, he's comfortable on a cold night out trick-or-treating.
48. Heath Burns Costume With Flame Print Shirt
Heath is all fire, and every flame should be fabric. A red-and-orange flame-print shirt, black jeans and a yellow bomber jacket, with orange high-tops or black boots with red laces. Spike a short orange wig with light hairspray and stitch soft yellow felt flames around the crown. I'd keep felt flames away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns, as felt catches easily. Orange shadow, red graphic liner and a little gold highlight. Flame wrist cuffs, a red belt and a water bottle with removable fire stickers. Reflective trim adds shine in photos. Nothing hot, no lights with exposed wiring, just fabric that is cool to the touch.
49. Jackson Jekyll And Holt Hyde Duo Costume
Jackson and Holt are one character with two sides, so this duo is best for friends who like contrast. Jackson wears a yellow sweater vest over a blue shirt, dark trousers, a bow tie, neat sneakers, short brown hair, natural makeup and square glasses. Holt wears a red jacket, flame-print shirt, black trousers and orange high-tops, with a bright blue wig tipped in orange and bold blue-and-orange eye makeup. Jackson carries a notebook and Holt a pair of headphones. I tie them together with matching watches, a small detail that people notice in photos. The concept is clear without quick changes or attaching the two of you.
50. Monster High Group Costume With Six Ghouls
A six-ghoul group works when every person owns a palette nobody else is wearing. Draculaura takes pink and black, Frankie black-and-white plaid, Clawdeen purple and animal print, Cleo blue and gold wraps, Lagoona turquoise and ocean textures, and Ghoulia red trousers with blue hair. I ask everyone to wear boots or platforms of similar height so the photos line up. Give each character one light prop and different skirt or dress shapes; six identical skater skirts make the lineup blur. Small matching school-crest patches tie it together. Before photos, arrange the line so colours alternate and nobody's wings, cape or prop blocks the person beside them.
Platform Boots You Can Stand In for Hours
Nearly every ghoul wears platforms, and they look right with these silhouettes, but a tall platform with no flex in the sole is tiring to walk in. I look for a chunky sole with a lower heel-to-toe drop, so the platform sits under the whole foot rather than just raising the heel. That kind of shoe is far kinder than a stiletto.
Break them in at home with the socks or tights you'll actually wear. Add a grip pad to the sole if the floor at the party is smooth. For kids and for anyone walking door to door, sneakers in the character's colour are a fair swap; nobody looking at Lagoona or Clawdeen checks the shoes first.
Wings, Tails and Tentacles in a Crowded Room
Add-ons are what make Luna, Rochelle, Wydowna and Kala Mer'ri, and they are also what break first. I treat each one as a separate piece with its own strap or belt, so it comes off for the car and goes back on at the door.
- Wings: build them narrower than your shoulders and keep the top edge below your head, so you fit through doors and nobody behind you gets poked.
- Tails: stitch them to a belt or waistband, never to the skirt fabric, and keep the tip off the floor so it won't get stepped on.
- Tentacles and extra arms: stuff them loosely so they swing, pad any wire ends, and test sitting down before you leave the house.
- Glue: hot glue lets go in cold air and on stretchy fabric. Sew anything that bears weight, and use glue only for decoration.
Her Hair Colors Do Most of the Work
You don't need an exact replica for people to know who you are. Recognition comes from hair colour, silhouette, one key accessory and makeup that matches the palette, and every look above can be built from thrifted pieces, simple sewing and temporary colour. Swap a short skirt for leggings, a heel for a platform, and keep wings, tails and props light. Coloured gloves or tights stand in for body paint on almost every character. Whichever ghoul you pick, I'd wear the full costume around the house for an hour first; that's when you find the tail that slips or the wing strap that digs in.
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