A ghost is the costume I get asked to sew more than any other, and it rarely needs to be a sheet with two holes. What makes one read as a ghost from across a street is a pale silhouette that moves, so most of these looks start with clothes you already own: an old dress, an oversized shirt, a thrifted suit, plus some gauze or tulle on top. Some are sweet, some are dressed up, a few lean faintly eerie, and there are options for couples, families and small kids. I've noted the hair, makeup, prop and shoes for each one, because a ghost falls apart fastest at the feet and the face.
Cutting Ghost Hems and Eyeholes That Behave
Most ghost costumes are one big piece of pale fabric, so the construction choices come down to three things: what the fabric does at the edge, where the wearer looks out, and how long the hem is. Get those right and almost any idea below works.
- Fleece and felt can be cut and left raw. Cotton sheets and gauze fray, so either hem them, run a line of fray check along the cut, or embrace the fray on purpose and trim it once it gets stringy.
- Mark eyeholes with the fabric on the wearer, never laid flat. I mark with chalk, take the piece off, cut a small hole, try it again, then widen. You can always cut more.
- Measure the hem standing in the shoes they'll actually wear. Two inches above the ankle is the longest I'd go for anyone walking stairs or curbs.
- Sheer layers like tulle and chiffon look best in two shades, white over pale gray. A single white layer tends to look like a curtain under flash.
Hot glue is fine for felt eyes on a poncho that stays indoors, but it turns brittle in cold air and pops off by the end of a long walk. For anything outside, a few hand stitches at each corner hold far better and take about the same time.
1. Classic White Sheet Ghost Costume
The sheet still earns its place when you need a costume tonight. Use a flat sheet that ends just below the knee, and mark the eyes while it is on the wearer's head, because the fabric drops and shifts once it settles and eyes marked flat always end up too high. Cut the holes small and back them with black mesh so you can see out but nobody sees in. A white cap underneath stops the whole thing rotating every time you turn your head. Wear a white T-shirt, leggings and sneakers below, and dust a little pale powder and gray shadow around whatever skin shows at the eyes. A cloud-shaped treat bag is a sweet extra.
2. Cute Ghost Poncho Costume
If a sheet feels too floppy, a poncho gives you the same shape with arms that work. I cut it from fleece as a wide circle, and fleece is the right call here because the scalloped hem can be left raw without fraying. Glue on black felt eyes, then wear a white long-sleeve top and leggings so the sides look finished when your arms lift. Two high buns or a white hood, rosy cheeks, a few white face dots and white mittens round it out, with a small plush ghost to carry. It is one of the warmest looks on this list, so it suits a cold walk round the block.
3. Victorian Ghost Costume With Lace Dress
For a Victorian ghost, an ivory lace dress with a high neck and long sleeves does most of the work. I add a pale gray petticoat under the skirt, because lace on its own hangs flat and the extra volume is what makes it look like a period gown. Age only the edges, with uneven lace or gray fabric chalk that brushes out later. A loose low bun with wisps, or a wavy silver wig, plus pale foundation, taupe shadow and a mauve lip keep the face soft. Lace gloves, a cameo brooch, a handful of faded silk flowers and cream lace-up boots finish it without any blood or stains.
4. Ghost Bride Costume With Tulle Veil
A ghost bride can start from a plain white maxi dress in chiffon or soft lace, anything that drifts when you walk. The veil is where most of the effect sits: I layer white and pale gray tulle to shoulder length and stitch it to a plain comb rather than gluing it, because glue lets go once the comb flexes in your hair. Loose curls or an undone updo with small white flowers suit it. Keep the makeup pearly with gray shadow and a cool pink lip, carry a light bouquet of white and dusty lavender silk flowers, and wear silver flats. Ankle length on the skirt matters more than it sounds; a floor-length hem gets stepped on all night.
5. Glam Ghost Costume With Silver Dress
This is the dressed-up party ghost. A silver midi dress, or a metallic top over a flowing gray skirt, with a sheer white cape on the shoulders gives you shine plus movement. Rather than spraying the whole head, I'd add temporary silver to just a few strands; full-coverage color sprays tend to flake onto a dark car seat and stiffen the hair. Silver shadow, defined lashes and an icy pink lip suit the dress. Add sheer gray gloves, crystal earrings, ankle boots with a stable heel and a mirrored clutch or star wand, and it reads clearly as a ghost under party lights.
6. Vintage Ghost Costume With Nightgown
An old cotton or linen nightgown with long sleeves and lace trim is one of the easiest ghosts to put together, and one of the most atmospheric. Hold it up to a window first; most vintage gowns are thin, so I put a white tank and leggings under them. Add a knitted shawl and a sleep cap or wide fabric headband, and leave the hair loose or in one relaxed braid. Matte pale skin, soft gray around the eyes and a rose lip stain are enough. A battery candle in an old-style holder is the prop that tells the story, and white socks with cream slippers indoors, or flat boots outside, finish it.
7. Ghost Ballerina Costume With Tulle Skirt
A fitted white or pale gray leotard with a layered knee-length tulle skirt makes a ghost ballerina, and a short sheer cape gives it that drifting edge. Opaque white tights add warmth. Pin the hair into a firm ballet bun, wrapped with ribbon or tiny flowers, because a loose bun under a cape gets pulled out the first time the fabric catches. Pearly skin, lavender shadow, a pale pink lip and a touch of silver shimmer on the collarbones suit the stage look. Carry a ribbon wand, and wear ballet flats with grippy soles. Skip pointe shoes unless you already dance in them.
8. Ghost Cheerleader Costume With Pom-Poms
The ghost cheerleader is a pleated white skirt with a pale gray varsity sweater or sleeveless top, and the letters do the explaining. I cut BOO from felt, but felt glued to a polyester sweater peels within an hour, so either stitch the letters at the corners or use iron-on adhesive tested on the inside hem first. White knee socks, good sneakers and a high ponytail with white and silver ribbon keep it sporty. Frosted makeup with gray liner and cool pink cheeks fits, and the pom-poms are just strips of tissue paper or light fabric bundled at one end. A small megaphone with ghost shapes finishes it, no sewing machine needed.
9. Ghost Cowboy Costume With White Denim
I like a ghost cowboy because it is so unexpected. White or faded gray jeans, a pearl-button shirt and a light denim vest are the base, and a white hat with frayed gauze wrapped round the crown sets the ghost tone. A sheer gray neck scarf and a silver buckle add texture. Brush washable gray fabric chalk over the shoulders and knees to make it look weathered; it sits on denim well and comes out in the wash. Loose waves or a low ponytail, pale skin with taupe shadow, a soft cotton rope and cream cowboy boots finish the look.
10. Ghost Pirate Costume With Striped Pants
A ghost pirate does not need a sword to read as a pirate. A loose white ruffled blouse with gray striped trousers or a striped skirt, a worn-looking silver vest, a wide sash and a gray head scarf tell the story on their own. Fray the cuffs and cut the hems unevenly; a few loose threads age a costume far better than any stain. Tousled waves with small braids, or a wavy white wig, smudged gray liner and a muted berry lip suit it. Hang pearl strands and costume coins from the belt, carry a rolled map or a light lantern, and wear gray lace-up boots.
11. Ghost Princess Costume With Crown
For a fairytale ghost, choose a white or icy gray gown with sheer sleeves and a full skirt, and add a tulle cape. I fasten the cape with snaps sewn at both shoulders rather than one tie at the throat, which pulls on the neck all evening. Long curls, a braided half-up style or a silver-white wig can go under a light pearl crown held with hidden pins. Keep the makeup luminous with lavender shadow and glossy pink lips, carry a star wand or small white rose bouquet, and wear sparkly flats. A few felt snowflakes or clouds on the skirt add interest and keep it friendly.
12. Ghost Queen Costume With Flowing Cape
The ghost queen is the princess grown up: a long silver-gray dress with a dramatic white chiffon cape. Chiffon matters here because a heavier fabric drags the cape back and makes the dress sit wrong at the neck. A structured silver crown, pearl drop earrings and long gray gloves give the regal finish. A high braided updo or a long center-part silver wig, a matte base, defined gray eyes and a plum lip fit the mood. Top a slim scepter with a foam crystal instead of anything pointed, wear pointed flats or low boots, and hem the cape so it clears the floor.
13. Ghost Librarian Costume With Cardigan
This one comes almost entirely out of a closet. A long gray skirt, a cream blouse and an oversized white cardigan, with gray tights and loafers, already look like a librarian; the ghost part is in the details. A loose bun with wisps and wire-frame glasses, light foundation, taupe shadow and a rose lip. Tie a stack of old-looking books with white ribbon and tuck paper checkout cards in the cardigan pocket. I'd use washable white hair color sparingly and test it on one strand first, since some brands leave a gray cast on fair hair. It is mild enough for school.
14. Ghost Schoolgirl Costume With Plaid Skirt
A gray-and-white plaid skirt to the knee, a Peter Pan collar blouse and a pale cardigan make a ghost schoolgirl that stays modest enough for school events. Add opaque tights, gray loafers and a small structured backpack. Two neat braids with faded ribbon, or a shoulder-length silver wig, plus powdery pale skin, gray shadow and a cool pink lip. I draw a simple ghost on the notebook cover rather than writing a word, because pictures read from further away than handwriting. A white felt crest on the cardigan, pinned rather than glued, lifts off cleanly afterward.
15. Ghost Prom Costume With Satin Dress
A pale satin dress in silver, white or cool blue makes a ghost prom costume, and a sheer wrap gives it movement. Pin a handmade Ghost Prom sash across the body and add a small pearl tiara. If the dress is one you want to wear again, don't distress it; let faded accessories do the aging, and steam the satin rather than ironing it, because a hot iron leaves shiny marks. A curled updo with loose face-framing pieces, smoky silver shadow and frosted lipstick suit it. Add a silk flower wrist corsage, a small silver clutch or battery candle, and metallic flats or low block heels.
16. Ghost Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
Fringe is what sells a flapper, because it swings every time you move. Start with a white, silver or pale gray fringe dress near the knee, a long strand of costume pearls, sheer gray stockings and low-heeled dance shoes. Short hair takes soft finger waves; longer hair can be pinned under into a faux bob, or swapped for a silver bob wig. I set the feather on the beaded headband to one side so it doesn't bob into your eyeline. Matte pale skin, charcoal liner, thin brows and a berry lip, plus a fan or small beaded purse and a sheer fringed shawl for warmth.
17. Ghost Detective Costume With Trench Coat
A pale trench coat gives you the detective shape straight away. Wear it over a white button-down, light gray trousers and a silver tie, with a gray fedora, thin gloves and comfortable dress shoes. Brush removable white fabric chalk along the hem and cuffs for a foggy edge. Tuck the hair neatly under the hat and keep the makeup pale with a little shadow under the cheekbones. A notebook, magnifying glass and file folder are the props. Because it is real coat-weight clothing, this is the ghost I'd suggest for a cold, damp night, as long as the trousers are loose enough to crouch in.
18. Ghost Gardener Costume With Overalls
Faded white overalls over a pale gray flannel or cream blouse make a gentle ghost gardener. Add white gardening gloves and light rubber boots, then clip artificial white leaves and fabric flowers to the pockets. I use clips because pins work loose in overall straps that move all evening. A loose braid under a floppy cream sun hat, pale skin, dusty lavender shadow and pink cheeks keep the face friendly. Carry a light watering can filled with silk flowers or a basket of white faux pumpkins, and add a gauzy scarf. Thrifted workwear is ideal here, and the boots handle wet grass.
19. Ghost Baker Costume With White Apron
A ghost baker swaps flowing robes for kitchen whites. Wear a white dress or shirt with pale gray trousers, an apron, and a tall chef hat with a small black felt ghost face. Real flour looks right for about ten minutes, then ends up on every surface you touch, so I dust the apron with white fabric chalk instead. A low bun tucked under the hat, pale foundation, gray liner and rosy cheeks suit it. Carry a tray of foam ghost cookies or a wooden spoon tied with silver ribbon, and wear white nonslip sneakers or clogs. It goes down well at work events.
20. Ghost Artist Costume With Paint-Splattered Smock
An artist's smock is a cheap canvas, literally. Wear it over pale trousers and a long-sleeve shirt with white canvas sneakers, then paint misty gray and silver swirls and small ghosts across it with washable fabric paint. Let the paint dry flat overnight before anyone wears it; damp fabric paint transfers onto whatever brushes past. A relaxed bun held with paintbrush hair sticks, or temporary white streaks, and a few gray brushstrokes near the temples tie in the face. Carry a monochrome palette and a clean oversized brush. It suits art teachers and anyone who wants a ghost made from separates.
21. Ghost Waiter Costume With Silver Tray
A white shirt, light gray vest, silver bow tie and matching trousers make a smart ghost waiter, with a crisp white apron and gray dress shoes. A tidy side part or low bun with a touch of silver at the temples, pale skin and a neat cool lip keep it polished. White gloves are the detail that says old-fashioned service. The tray needs to be plastic or thin metal, because you will carry it for hours, and I fix the cups and plush ghosts to it with removable putty so nothing slides off when you gesture. Drape a napkin over one arm.
22. Ghost Camper Costume With Lantern
The ghost camper is built from outdoor clothes you may already have: light gray cargo trousers, a white thermal top and a cream utility vest, with a pale backpack, white hiking shoes and a silver beanie. Wind a little gauze round the backpack straps and pin on ghost patches. Tousled hair, gray shadow and a touch of frosted highlighter are plenty. A battery camping lantern, a rolled white blanket strapped to the pack and a paper trail map tell the story. Reflective strips on the vest fit the silvery palette and keep you visible, which is why I'd pick this for trick-or-treating after dark.
23. Rainy Day Ghost Costume With Clear Umbrella
When the forecast looks wet, this is the ghost to make. A white hooded raincoat, pale gray leggings and waterproof white boots are the base. Decorate a clear umbrella with white ribbon streamers and small vinyl ghosts, keeping everything off the edge where it could swing into a face. Low braids under the hood or a short silver wig, then water-resistant pale makeup, gray liner and a pearly highlight. I add reflective silver tape to the cuffs and carry a clear crossbody bag. Open the umbrella and the ribbons drift, which is the ghostly part, and nothing about it gets ruined by rain.
24. Disco Ghost Costume With White Jumpsuit
A white jumpsuit under bright party lights makes a lively disco ghost. A wide-leg cut moves best; if yours is plain, I run removable metallic ribbon along the side seams with a few hand stitches so it comes off after. Layer a sheer cape or bell-sleeve shrug over the shoulders. Big curls, a high ponytail or a voluminous silver-white wig, silver shadow and graphic white liner fit the era. Add geometric earrings, a mirrored belt and platform shoes you can actually stand in. A foam ball covered in reflective paper makes a light disco ball to carry.
25. Punk Ghost Costume With Plaid Pants
Punk and ghost combine better than you'd expect. Gray plaid trousers, a distressed white T-shirt and a light denim or faux-leather vest with ghost patches are the core. Use closed safety-pin decorations and a white gauze scarf. If you distress the tee yourself, sand it rather than cutting big holes, because cuts keep running in the wash. A messy ponytail, short spikes or silver streaks, smoky gray liner and a plum lip set the tone. Silver cuffs and layered chains add texture without crafting. Carry a small tambourine or foam microphone and wear light gray lace-up boots.
26. Pastel Rainbow Ghost Costume
Not every ghost has to be white. Start with a white skater dress and a soft tulle overskirt, then add a sheer cape with pale blue, lavender, mint and pink panels. The secret is keeping every color at the same pale strength; one bright shade breaks the ghost effect. White tights and iridescent sneakers, loose curls with pastel streaks or clip-in extensions, a pearly base with tiny white stars and glossy pink lips. Cloud earrings, a foam and ribbon rainbow wand and a friendly ghost face sewn to the back of the cape make the idea clear.
27. Glow-In-The-Dark Ghost Costume
This costume is about being seen at night as much as the effect. A white hooded poncho over a long-sleeve shirt, leggings and supportive sneakers is the base, with reflective tape in curved lines around the hem, sleeves and hood. If you add battery cool-white light strands inside the hem, I tack them down every few inches with thread so no loops can snag, and put the battery pack in a small pocket sewn inside. Tuck the hair under the hood, add reflective face gems near the eyes and carry a glowing lantern or light-up bucket. Test every light before you leave and check the hood leaves your side vision clear.
28. Couple Ghost And Ghost Hunter Costume
A couple can match without dressing the same. One person is the ghost: a white poncho over pale leggings, white sneakers, a silver wig and soft gray makeup, carrying a plush ghost. The other is the ghost hunter in beige cargo trousers, a gray utility vest, hiking boots and a headlamp, with homemade cardboard meters and labeled paper maps on the vest. I'd give both of them the same reflective trim and a hint of silvery makeup, since a shared detail is what tells people you came together. A battery lantern finishes the hunter side, and the pair suits gatherings with all ages.
29. Family Matching Ghost Costume
Matching ponchos are the easiest family costume I know, because everyone wears their own comfortable clothes underneath. Cut light fleece or felt ponchos in each size and give every one a different face, which helps kids spot their own in a pile. Adults can wear gray jeans and white sneakers, children leggings and good walking shoes. For little ones, a white beanie or a sewn-in hood is safer than loose fabric near the face. Keep makeup to pale cheeks and a few silver stars, give each person a different prop, and add the same reflective trim to everyone. Every hem should end above the ankle.
30. Friendly Kids Ghost Costume With Hoodie
For children I'd always choose a hoodie over a sheet; they can see, breathe and run without anything slipping over their eyes. Start with an oversized white hoodie, add large black felt eyes and a cheerful mouth, and attach a scalloped white felt panel around the hem. Stitch the felt on rather than gluing it, because kids pull at anything that lifts. White leggings or sweatpants, supportive sneakers, a little pearly face paint and rosy cheeks are enough. Add white mittens, a plush ghost or light-up bucket, and reflective silver patches. Remove any long drawstrings from the hood before the night out.
Aging a Ghost Without Ruining the Clothes
So many of these costumes are made from clothes you'd like to wear again, and the faded, misty finish is what worries people. The good news is that nearly all of the aging can be temporary.
- Washable gray or white fabric chalk brushed onto hems, shoulders and knees gives a dusty look and comes out in a normal wash. Test it on an inside seam first, since some synthetics hold the pigment longer.
- Tea dyeing is permanent. I keep it for thrifted pieces I don't mind changing, and I do a test strip because cotton and lace take the color at different rates.
- Removable trim, sewn with long loose stitches or held with snaps, lets you add gauze and ribbon to a dress and lift it off the next day.
- Light sanding at seams and cuffs softens the edge of denim and cotton far more convincingly than cutting holes.
Keeping Pale Makeup Off a White Collar
White and gray face makeup is the main thing that wrecks a pale costume. Set cream makeup with a dusting of translucent powder, let it sit a few minutes before you dress, and pull the top on with a thin scarf over your face. Remove it with an oil cleanser before washing, and patch-test any new face paint on the inside of the wrist a day ahead.
The Ghost I'd Sew First
If I only had one evening, I'd make the poncho; it's warm, it moves, and it fits kids and adults alike. The sheet still works in a pinch, but dresses, suits, overalls, raincoats and jumpsuits give you a ghost with more personality. Whatever you pick, keep the layers light, pin headpieces firmly, and hem everything above the ground. Pale makeup, a little silver and some gauze or tulle carry the theme without any gore, and most of it is already in a closet or the nearest thrift store. Get the shape and the shoes right and even a quick homemade ghost looks deliberate.
Related posts:
