The Shrek films are one of the best sources of group costumes I know, because the cast is huge and every character has a simple, loud outline: green ogres, a grey donkey, a tiny lord in a red tunic, a whole court of fairy-tale extras. I've put together thirty of them here, from the heroes and villains to the royals, the princesses and the background crowd. For each one I cover the clothes, hair or headwear, makeup, props and shoes. Nearly all of them start with thrifted clothing, felt, foam and face paint, with nothing that needs a pattern. I've also noted where to swap fabrics for a warm party, a cold walk or a school day.
Casting a Shrek Group by Size
The best part of this cast is that it scales. The trick is choosing characters that make sense standing next to each other, so people recognise the group before they've worked out who each person is.
- Two people: Shrek and Fiona is the safe pair. Donkey and Dragon is the funnier one, and Fiona with Farquaad works if one of you likes playing the villain.
- Three or four: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots. That's the core group, and everyone gets a distinct colour: green, green, grey and orange.
- Five to eight: add Gingy, Pinocchio, the Fairy Godmother or Prince Charming. Or make it a princess crew: Fiona, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel.
- Large groups: Lord Farquaad with a line of Duloc guards, the Three Little Pigs and the Three Blind Mice. The repeated costumes are easy to make in bulk and look great in a crowd.
Give the hardest builds to the people who enjoy making things, and the easy thrift looks to those who don't. Agree on one level of effort for the whole group too: a homemade Donkey next to a full ogre in prosthetics looks unbalanced, while everyone in simple felt ears and face paint looks deliberate.
1. Shrek Costume With Brown Vest
Shrek himself is mostly a thrift run. Loose brown trousers, an untucked cream peasant shirt, a brown vest and a wide dark belt are all he wears; a suede-look or corduroy vest gives you his texture far better than smooth polyester. His ears are short trumpets, not pointy elf ears, so I sew them from green fleece with a little stuffing and stitch them to a green headband. Water-based green makeup goes on the face, neck and hands, with darker green under the brows and cheekbones. A bald cap is optional and hot. Worn brown boots, a foam onion and a hand-painted 'Beware Ogre' sign finish him.
2. Ogre Fiona Costume With Green Dress
Ogre Fiona is about the colour of the dress. Look for a floor-length emerald gown with fitted sleeves, a square neck and a little gold trim; velvet or a heavy jersey drapes like hers, while shiny satin looks costume-shop. Her auburn hair is one long braid, and the ogre ears poke out through the hair near the temples, so fix them to a slim headband hidden under the wig. Green makeup on the face, neck and hands, brown liner and a muted rose lip. A gold tiara and a brown satchel are her details. Wear opaque tights and flat brown boots under the long skirt. She works solo, and better still with a Shrek.
3. Human Fiona Costume With Emerald Gown
Human Fiona gets you the princess without any green paint. The same idea applies: a long emerald gown with fitted sleeves, gold edging and a square medieval neckline. An auburn wig in one long braid, with loose pieces round the face, is the part people check, and a small gold crown sits on top. Brown satchel, rosy cheeks, soft eyes and a berry lip. Long skirts and heels are a bad mix on steps, so wear ballet flats or low boots. A small plush bluebird clipped to the satchel is a nice nod to her singing scene. If you're sewing the gown, I'd use a simple princess-seam pattern and add the trim with fusible tape.
4. Donkey Costume With Gray Fleece Outfit
Donkey is a grey fleece set or a grey hoodie with matching joggers. Cut a lighter grey oval of felt for his tummy and stitch it on, then build a headband with tall grey ears and a short black mane. Ears this tall flop forward unless they're stiff, so I put a strip of craft foam or millinery wire inside each one. Grey face paint on the forehead and cheeks, a lighter centre, a black nose and a few dots. Sew the tail with its black tuft to the waistband rather than pinning it. Grey gloves and black sneakers finish him, and you can run, dance and trick-or-treat in the whole thing. His real costume is talking non-stop.
5. Puss In Boots Costume With Feathered Hat
Puss in Boots lives in his hat. A wide black brim with a big curling feather is the whole character, and a cheap hat looks far better once you steam the brim and pin one side up. Wear an orange long-sleeve shirt and pants, or an orange cat bodysuit, with a short brown cape, a dark belt and pouch, black gloves and tall black boot covers. An orange tail and pointed ears give the cat outline. Orange and white face paint on the cheeks, a pink nose and fine whiskers, plus strong liner for those huge pleading eyes. Leave the sword at home. A deep bow with the hat sweeping across your chest makes the point better.
6. Lord Farquaad Costume With Red Tunic
Lord Farquaad is a red tunic and a black bob. The tunic should reach the upper thigh, with black sleeves, gold edging and a square neck; tall black boot covers with gold trim and black tights or slim trousers go underneath. A smooth black bob wig cut straight across is essential, and a short-hair version is cooler to wear. Pale, polished makeup and very serious brows. Add his red hat with black and gold trim and a structured black belt. The joke is his height, and I'd lean into it with oversized padded shoulders on the tunic and low camera angles in photos rather than anything that makes you crouch all night.
7. Dragon Costume With Pink Wings
Dragon is bright and friendly rather than scary. Choose a fitted magenta or raspberry jumpsuit, a matching dress with leggings or a scale-print set. Her pink wings should be light, on elastic straps, and narrower than your shoulders, or you'll be turning sideways through every doorway. A long fabric tail with soft triangular ridges and a headband with rounded horns and small ears complete the outline. Pink makeup across the temples, purple shimmer around the eyes and a scale pattern stencilled on with a piece of fishnet. Magenta gloves and boots. A tiny plush donkey is the obvious prop and the best couple costume in the film.
8. Gingy Costume With Brown Cookie Outfit
Gingy is one of my favourite sewing projects in this list. Start with a brown sweatshirt and matching pants and stitch thick white felt lines round the cuffs, collar and outer seams for piped icing. Glue holds badly on stretchy sweatshirt fleece, and every time you bend the felt lifts at the edges, so I'd sew it with a quick running stitch. Add big felt gumdrop buttons down the front and fabric eyebrows. A light foam cookie headpiece frames the face; a brown beanie with white icing lines is the simple version. Warm brown face makeup, white liner round the eyes, pink cheek circles, white gloves and brown sneakers. A foam gumdrop is a fun prop.
9. Pinocchio Costume With Yellow Hat
Pinocchio is red shorts, a cream shirt and a yellow vest with white knee socks and brown loafers or boots. A pointed yellow hat with a red feather and a blue bow tie add contrast near the face. Tuck short brown hair under the hat or use a cropped wig. Rosy blush and a few faint wood-grain lines drawn at the elbows and knees suggest the puppet. Make the nose from light foam on a thin skin-safe elastic; glue on the face never feels good after an hour. Keep it short, too, because a long nose blocks your view and bumps into people in a crowd. White gloves and suspenders finish him.
10. Fairy Godmother Costume With Blue Gown
The Fairy Godmother needs shine. A pale blue floor-length gown with sheer sleeves and a fitted bodice, belted at the waist with a silver belt or crystal brooch, gives the shape. Her hair is a short curled bob in a pale shade; a curled wig will hold its set better if you store it on a wig head between wears. A small silver tiara, cool blue shadow, defined lashes, luminous cheeks and a pink lip. She also wears little glasses, which make her easier to place. Carry a star-topped wand made from foam and ribbon. Silver flats keep you comfortable, and a light blue capelet adds warmth without hiding the dress.
11. Prince Charming Costume With Blue Tunic
Prince Charming is all vanity. Layer a pale blue or lavender tunic over a white ruffled shirt, add fitted cream pants, a decorative belt and knee-high boot covers. The shoulder-length blond wig needs a big side part and lots of smooth volume, so brush it out and spray it before you leave. Even foundation, defined brows, a little contour and a smug smile. Gold braid, decorative buttons and padded shoulders turn a thrifted tunic into something regal; I'd hand-stitch the braid because it puckers if glued along a curve. A hand mirror is the perfect prop. He reads clearest standing next to the Fairy Godmother.
12. Rumpelstiltskin Costume With Red Wig
Rumpelstiltskin from the fourth film is the one villain here who's all wig. His red hair is short, tightly curled and wild, so pick a curly wig with real volume and pick through the curls with your fingers rather than a brush, which turns curls to frizz. A patterned gold or brown jacket over a cream ruffled shirt, fitted dark trousers, a waistcoat, a neck ribbon and tall brown boots make the outfit. Pale makeup, warm contour, sharply arched brows and freckles. Carry rolled contracts tied in red ribbon and a big craft-feather pen. Choose a lightweight jacket; with all these layers you'll overheat quickly indoors.
13. Big Bad Wolf Costume With Pink Dress
The Big Bad Wolf in Grandma's pink nightgown is the funniest outfit in the cast. Find a loose pink floral nightdress, ankle-length, with lace at the collar and cuffs, and wear grey leggings under it. Furry grey gloves, soft paw shoe covers, a wolf-ear headband and a tail give the animal parts. A white curly wig goes under a pink sleeping cap; cut two small slits in the cap so the ears come through. Grey face paint around the hairline and cheeks, a black nose and a few dots. Small round glasses perched on the nose finish the disguise. Keep it friendly rather than fierce and it suits schools and family parties.
14. Three Little Pigs Group Costume
The Three Little Pigs need three friends who agree on one colour. Pink overalls, pale shirts and brown shoes are the base, with a pig-ear headband, a curly tail, pink gloves and a soft round snout on elastic for each person. A curly tail holds its curl if you sew a pipe cleaner inside the fabric tube. Rosy cheeks and a little pink shadow around the nose. Tell them apart with props: one pig carries light straw, one a foam bundle of sticks, one a cardboard brick sign. Small props keep the trio easy to move through a party. Matching bow ties are a nod to the films and pull the three together in photos.
15. Three Blind Mice Group Costume
The Three Blind Mice only work if all three look identical. Dress each person in a white shirt, black vest, cropped black pants and white knee socks, with round mouse ears, thin tails, black gloves and black flats. Dark round sunglasses are the key detail, and they make it hard to see after dark, so choose a pair with lighter lenses for walking outside. Soft grey shading on the cheeks, a small black nose and whisker dots. Each mouse can carry a short white cane made from foam tubing. Matching hats or numbered bow ties make the trio look planned, not thrown together.
16. Magic Mirror Costume With Gold Frame
The Magic Mirror is a build, not a buy. Wear a dark purple or black fitted base and shoes, then cut a large oval frame from foam board, paint it gold and hang it over the shoulders on wide straps. Leave the centre open so your face is the reflection. Foam swirls, a few gems and some brown dry-brushing in the recesses make the gold look antique. Smooth the hair back and use silver-blue makeup with strong highlight. Long metallic gloves suggest the glass. Round every corner and measure the width before the night; a frame wider than a doorway will catch on every coat and every guest.
17. Doris Costume With Purple Dress
Doris, the stepsister who tends bar in the second film, is a glamorous thrift-store costume. A fitted purple long-sleeve dress with a square neck, midi or floor-length, a wide belt, dark tights and low black boots make the base. Her dark wig is big and slightly messy with a centre part. Makeup should be bold and a bit much: purple shadow, defined brows, lots of blush, a deep berry lip and a beauty mark. A small serving tray or a mock menu hints at her job, and chunky costume jewellery finishes it. Teased wigs flatten in a car, so pack it in a box and fluff it on arrival. Pair her with Cinderella or the Fairy Godmother.
18. Snow White Costume With Red Cape
Snow White in the Shrek films is the classic version with attitude. Wear a blue fitted bodice with puff sleeves and red accents, a yellow ankle-length skirt and a crisp white collar, plus a short red cape, a red bow headband and black flats. A chin-length black wig curled under frames the face. Pale foundation, rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a bright red lip. A small plush forest animal or a light basket is plenty. In the third film she's much fiercer than the fairy tale, so a confident pose is what makes her Shrek's Snow White. To stiffen a floppy white collar, I iron a piece of fusible interfacing onto the back.
19. Cinderella Costume With Blue Dress
Cinderella needs soft blue and a bit of silver. Choose a blue dress, knee or floor length, with puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a full skirt, then add a pale blue headband, long white gloves and a thin black ribbon choker. Put blond hair or a blond wig into a neat updo with a smooth front. Cool neutral shadow, pink blush and a soft rose lip. Skip glass-look heels; silver flats or low block heels get you through the evening. A single silver shoe or a clock-shaped bag is the prop. A petticoat under the skirt gives it the full shape and costs much less than a ready-made gown with built-in layers.
20. Sleeping Beauty Costume With Pink Gown
Sleeping Beauty is a long pink gown and a sleepy joke. Look for a long-sleeve dress with a fitted bodice, a full skirt and a pale neckline panel, and add a small gold crown and a long wavy blond wig. If your own hair is long and blond, loose curls and a soft side part do the job. Pink shadow, fluttery lashes, rosy cheeks and a satin-finish lip. Gold flats or pink ballet shoes hide under the skirt. In the films she keeps nodding off, so a small pillow tucked under one arm gets a laugh. Stand her next to Snow White, Cinderella and Fiona for the princess crew.
21. Rapunzel Costume With Extra Long Braid
Rapunzel is all about the braid. Wear a fitted purple or lavender medieval dress with puff sleeves, ribbon trim and an ankle-length skirt. Build the braid from extra wig hair or yarn and sew it firmly to a comfortable blond wig, then weave small silk flowers through it. Yarn braids are lighter than synthetic hair and won't drag the wig back on your head. Lavender shadow, warm blush and a pink lip, a light gold crown and a small folding hairbrush for the prop. Purple flats or low boots. Loop the braid over one shoulder or pin it up above the knees so nobody treads on it.
22. King Harold Costume With Royal Robe
King Harold starts with a deep red or burgundy tunic over cream trousers and a long red robe trimmed with spotted faux fur. Synthetic fur trim is lighter and cheaper than you'd think, and sheds a little when cut, so cut it from the back with a craft knife through the backing only. A wide gold chain, a sash and an ornate crown show his rank. Short grey hair or a cropped silver wig, a little age shading and grey brows. Knee-high boots finish the outfit. A rolled royal decree is the easy prop, and a small plush frog pinned to the shoulder is the joke fans will get. Pair him with Queen Lillian.
23. Queen Lillian Costume With Burgundy Gown
Queen Lillian is the quiet, grown-up costume in this list. A floor-length burgundy, plum or dark rose gown with long sleeves and a structured neckline, plus a velvet cape or fitted over-robe with gold trim, is the base. Her brown hair sits in a smooth shoulder-length shape, so style your own or use a soft layered wig. A delicate gold crown, softly defined eyes, warm blush and a muted rose lip. Gold flats, pearl earrings and a small purse finish it. Velvet robes get warm quickly indoors, and I'd choose a stretch velvet so you can sit without the fabric pulling. Standing beside King Harold sets the scene.
24. Arthur Pendragon Costume With Blue Hoodie
Arthur, or Artie, is the relaxed choice for someone who doesn't want a gown or face paint. Layer a faded blue medieval-style hoodie or lace-up tunic over a cream undershirt, with brown trousers, a slim belt and worn ankle boots. A sandy-blond wig with a tousled fringe gives his teenage look. Natural makeup with a few freckles. A brown satchel of rolled papers suggests the student he was, and a gold crown hanging from his belt is a neat way to show he isn't ready to wear it yet. To fade a new blue tunic, a wash with a little bleach in a bucket works, though test a corner first. He's clearest next to Merlin or Shrek.
25. Merlin Costume With Blue Robe
Merlin is blue, grey and silver layers over ordinary clothes. A long navy robe over a lighter blue tunic and loose grey pants, a rope belt, a fabric pouch and soft dark boots are the base, with a pointed blue hat scattered with silver stars. The long white wig and beard need trimming before the night, because a costume beard always arrives long enough to eat. Keep it clear of your mouth and eyes. Silver shadow and light age lines. A twisted foam staff, painted brown, works as a walking stick, not a weapon. He pairs with Arthur and suits adults, teens or older kids.
26. Brogan Costume With Green Tunic
Brogan, the big ogre from the fourth film, is a good pick for someone who wants to be in the Shrek group without being Shrek. A dark green tunic under a wide brown vest, rugged brown trousers, a thick belt and lace-up boots make the clothes. Green face and hand makeup with deeper green along the jaw and cheekbones, a bald cap with soft ogre ears and heavy dark brows. Brown wrist wraps and faux-fur shoulders add bulk; I'd make the shoulder pieces from upholstery foam covered in fur fabric, which is light and squashes when you sit. A foam resistance band is a funny strength prop. He belongs in an ogre group.
27. Pied Piper Costume With Striped Tunic
The Pied Piper is the striped tunic. Choose a hip-length top in red, green, mustard and brown stripes, or sew one from panels of four colours, over fitted neutral pants. Add a short cape, a rope belt, a pointed hat and soft brown boots. Hair stays natural under the hat or under a short wavy wig. Rosy cheeks and defined brows. Carry a foam flute painted like wood, with nothing small that could break off. Sew a few tiny plush mice to the belt or cape; they're what make people laugh. He goes well with the Three Blind Mice or a wider fairy-tale group.
28. Mongo Costume With Giant Cookie Details
Mongo, the giant gingerbread man, is the biggest build here and the most fun in a group photo. Start with a brown padded jumpsuit or an oversized sweatshirt and wide-leg pants, then add thick white felt icing at the wrists, ankles, chest and face opening. Make the gumdrop buttons from foam covered in shiny fabric so they stay light. A rounded brown hood with white icing brows and a cheerful mouth frames the face, and brown face paint inside the opening blends you into the costume. Padding should be soft batting, not rigid foam, so you can sit, climb stairs and fit in a car. Carry a tiny plush Gingy to show the scale.
29. Thelonious Costume With Black Hood
Thelonious, Farquaad's hooded henchman, suits someone who likes dark clothes and little makeup. A long black tunic over matching pants and a fitted long-sleeve shirt, a wide brown belt, black gloves and flat boots make the base. The rounded black hood should frame the face but leave your eyes and mouth fully clear; I'd cut it with a deep face opening and add a strip of elastic at the back so it doesn't slip forward. Muted grey makeup and strong brows. Gold studs or painted foam rivets on the belt and shoulders. Carry a clipboard of silly royal instructions instead of an axe. He makes sense next to Lord Farquaad or the Duloc guards.
30. Duloc Guard Costume With Red Uniform
I'll end with a Duloc guard, because one costume can dress a whole crowd. A red tunic over black trousers with structured black shoulder panels and gold trim is the uniform. Add a tower crest on the chest in felt or printed fabric, a black belt, fitted gloves and tall boot covers, plus a soft red cap or a light foam helmet that leaves the face clear. Tidy brows and a deadpan expression. Instead of a weapon, carry a rolled visitor map, a rule book or a 'Welcome to Duloc' clipboard. If you're making several, cut all the crests at once from a single template so they match exactly; that sameness is what makes the line of guards funny.
Green Makeup That Lasts Past Midnight
Shrek, both Fionas and Brogan all need green skin, and green makeup is the part people worry about most. Here is how I'd do it so it lasts the night and comes off afterward.
- Use proper face paint, made for skin, never craft or acrylic paint. Patch-test it on the inside of your wrist the day before, and skip it if your skin turns red or itchy.
- Start on clean, moisturised skin, but let the moisturiser sink in for ten minutes so the paint doesn't slide.
- Apply water-activated cake paint with a damp sponge, patting in thin layers rather than wiping. Two thin coats look even; one thick coat streaks and cracks.
- Add the darker green shading under the cheekbones and brows with a brush once the base is dry.
- Press translucent setting powder over everything with a puff, then mist with a setting spray if you have one. This is what stops it rubbing off on hands and collars.
- Paint the ears, the back of the neck and the hands too. A green face with pink ears is the giveaway.
Wear a dark or green top near the face so any transfer doesn't show, and carry a small sponge and the paint for touch-ups after eating. To remove it, soften the paint with a cleansing oil or balm first, then wash with soap and warm water. Green can leave a faint tint around the hairline and nails, which fades by the next wash.
Which Far Far Away Character Is Yours?
With this cast you can dress one person, a couple, a family or a whole office. Start with each character's colours and garment shapes, then add the hair, ears, crowns, makeup and one light prop. You don't need prosthetics or expensive clothes. Thrifted tunics, dresses, vests, leggings and boots make a strong base, and felt and foam handle most of the details. Choose face paint that lets your skin breathe, headpieces that stay put and flat shoes. If it's a group, agree on the cast and colours early so nobody ends up as the third Shrek. Then do a dress rehearsal together and fix whatever falls off.
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