These are cute Halloween costumes of the homemade kind: a red dress turned into a strawberry, a hoodie with felt frog eyes, a sweater dress with a stem on your head. Each look below covers the whole outfit from shoes to hair, and most of the costume part is felt, tulle, pom-poms or ribbon added to clothes you already have. As a sewist, I care most about how those pieces are attached, because that decides whether the costume falls apart by nine o'clock and whether your dress survives for next year. Chilly night? Nearly all of them take tights or a cardigan underneath. There are 35 ideas, from animals and sweet treats to fairies and retro dance looks.
A Small Craft Kit Covers Most of These
Almost every costume below uses the same handful of supplies, so it's worth gathering them once and making two or three looks for the household. Here's what I keep on the table in October.
- Felt in red, black, white, green, yellow and brown. Thicker or stiff felt holds shapes like antlers, spots and petals far better than thin craft sheets, which curl and stretch.
- Needle, strong thread and a pack of small safety pins. These attach things without leaving glue marks on the clothes underneath.
- Plain plastic or fabric-covered headbands, the base for ears, stems, cherries and caps.
- Pipe cleaners, which give antennae, stems and tails their shape.
- Removable fabric tape for smooth woven fabrics, and fabric glue for felt-to-felt joins.
- Tulle and fiberfill for anything fluffy.
Hot glue is quick, but it is the weak link in most homemade costumes. It grips felt to felt well enough, yet it peels off stretchy knits, lets go in cold air and can leave a stiff patch on a garment you want to keep. I use it only on headpieces and props, never directly on clothing.
1. Cute Black Cat Costume
The black cat is the costume I'd make with no time at all. A fitted black turtleneck with black jeans, leggings or a skater skirt and opaque tights, then sleek ankle boots or flats depending on the walking. A velvet cat-ear headband and a soft clip-on tail do the theme. If you're making the tail, a tube of black fleece stuffed loosely with fiberfill and a pipe cleaner down the middle bends into a curl and stays there. A high ponytail or two small buns, a drawn nose, short whiskers and lifted liner, plus a black collar with a gold bell. A fuzzy cardigan on top looks like part of the cat.
2. Cute Strawberry Costume
A strawberry is one of the easiest sewing-free costumes going. Start with any red base: a dress, a romper or a red top with a matching skirt. Cut small seed shapes from white or pale yellow felt and attach them with removable fabric tape, though on a knit or a fuzzy fabric I'd put one stitch through each seed instead, because tape lifts as the fabric stretches. Green tights or socks, white sneakers or green flats, and a leafy headband cut from green felt. Loose curls, rosy blush, pink gloss and a few faux freckles. Carry a red bucket decorated like a berry, and add a green cardigan in cold weather; it reads as the leaves.
3. Cute Bumblebee Costume
Stripes do all the work on a bee, so start with a striped sweater or T-shirt. Pair it with a black tulle skirt, shorts over tights or plain black jeans. Sheer wings and a headband with soft antennae are better than anything stiff, which pokes neighbours in a crowd. I'd make antennae from pipe cleaners topped with small pom-poms, wrapped twice around the headband and secured with a dab of glue under a ribbon wrap. Black sneakers, combat boots or flats, a ponytail with yellow ribbon or two round buns, golden eyeshadow and peachy blush. When it gets cold, put a black jacket on under the wings.
4. Cute Ladybug Costume
A red-and-black ladybug suits almost any Halloween setting, from a classroom to a party. Choose a red dress, a red sweater with a skirt or a red jumpsuit, then attach removable black felt circles across it. For spots that stay put, I cut them from stiff felt and use two small safety pins on the inside of each, which leaves no marks on the garment afterwards. Black tights with flat ankle boots, loafers or sneakers. Lightweight red wings and a black antenna headband finish the shape. A neat bun or curled ponytail, rosy cheeks, red lip tint and tiny black dots at the outer eye corners. A flower prop or a leaf-shaped purse is a sweet garden touch.
5. Cute Garden Fairy Costume
A garden fairy should look magical without seeming like it came off a stage. Begin with a sage, lavender, blush or pale blue dress in a comfortable midi or knee length, then sheer tights and lace-up flats or ankle boots. Pick iridescent wings that sit close to your back; big ones need a sturdy harness, and the elastic loops on cheap pairs cut into the shoulders after an hour. Fabric flowers in a braided half-up style can be stitched to small hair combs so they stay in place. Shimmery eyeshadow, pink blush and a few face gems. Wear a light cardigan under the wings for warmth, and carry a flower wand or a small basket of faux blossoms.
6. Cute Pink Cowgirl Costume
Pink makes a cowgirl cheerful, and every piece is something you can wear again. A pink button-down, fitted top or fringe-trimmed vest with high-waisted jeans, a denim skirt over tights or pink trousers. White or tan western boots finish it best, though ankle boots are fine. Add a pink cowboy hat and a patterned bandanna, and make the star belt buckle from metallic card glued over a cardboard star; a split ring or a strip of elastic on the back slides it onto any belt. Bouncy curls or two braids, rosy makeup and a little shimmer. Carry a soft cord lasso or a horseshoe purse.
7. Cute Classic Witch Costume
Soft fabrics keep this classic witch charming rather than frightening. Wear a black midi dress, a ruffled blouse with a full skirt, or a fitted sweater with wide-leg pants, plus striped tights and buckled ankle boots. Choose a structured pointed hat and decorate it with purple ribbon, little stars or fabric flowers. I hand-stitch trims to the hat band rather than gluing, because glue soaks through thin felt and leaves a hard, shiny patch. Loose waves, a side braid or a temporary purple streak, plum eyeshadow, winged liner and berry lipstick. A small twig-and-ribbon broom and a velvet cape or black cardigan keep it family-friendly and warm.
8. Cute Pastel Ghost Costume
A pastel ghost is a softer take on the white sheet. Build the base with a white dress, an oversized sweater and skirt or a flowy jumpsuit, then layer pale pink, lavender or mint tulle over it. Tulle doesn't fray, so you can cut it straight off the bolt without hemming, and gathering it onto a length of elastic makes an overskirt you can slip on and off. White tights with chunky sneakers or silver flats. A wavy white or pastel wig, or temporary pearl spray in your own hair. Luminous makeup, pale blush and a few silver stars by the eyes, with a headband of two felt ghosts instead of a face covering. A translucent cape adds movement without blocking your view.
9. Cute Scarecrow Costume
Plaid and patchwork make a scarecrow that's warm enough for a cold October night. Wear a plaid button-down under denim overalls, cuffed jeans or a knee-length denim skirt. For patches, I cut squares of cotton with pinking shears so they don't fray and sew them on with big, visible blanket stitches, which look homemade on purpose and pull out easily later. Brown ankle boots and striped socks, two loose braids or low pigtails under a floppy straw hat. Draw a stitched smile, add an orange nose and warm blush. Tuck raffia or thin yellow felt strips into the cuffs; felt doesn't shed like raffia. A fabric crow or a basket of faux leaves finishes it.
10. Cute Pumpkin Costume
A pumpkin needs only orange and a stem. Start with an orange sweater dress, a romper or a matching top and skirt, then cut a friendly jack-o'-lantern face from black felt; rounded eyes and a wide smile keep it sweet for kids at the door. Green tights, brown ankle boots or white sneakers. For the stem, wrap a short cardboard tube in brown fabric and glue it to a headband over a felt base so it has more surface to grip. A high bun under the stem or soft curls, copper eyeshadow and peach blush. A green capelet or cardigan stands in for leaves, and a pumpkin treat bucket holds your essentials.
11. Cute Deer Costume
Warm browns make a deer costume cozy and easy to wear. A camel sweater with brown leggings, a tan dress or a suede-look skirt with a fitted top, with cream tights and brown boots or loafers. The headband carries it: small felt antlers and rounded ears. Felt antlers droop unless they're stiffened, so I cut two layers, sandwich a pipe cleaner between them and stitch around the edge. A low bun or soft waves, bronzer at the forehead, white dots across the cheeks and a darkened nose tip, with brown liner and long lashes. A faux-fur vest and a leaf-shaped crossbody keep it warm for an outdoor evening.
12. Cute White Bunny Costume
A white bunny is minimal and builds easily from your closet. A white sweater with a pleated skirt, a soft white jumpsuit or a long-sleeve dress, with opaque tights and white sneakers, flats or fuzzy boots. A flexible bunny-ear headband and a pom-pom tail are all the costume pieces. For the tail, a big yarn pom-pom sewn to a safety pin or a hair clip attaches to any waistband without damage. A high ponytail or smooth bun keeps the ears visible. Pink blush, a small nose, fine whiskers and pearly eyeshadow, plus a basket of artificial carrots. A cropped faux-fur jacket and pale pink gloves handle a cold night.
13. Cute Mermaid Costume
Shimmer makes a mermaid special, but the skirt has to let you walk. Start with an iridescent or metallic scale-pattern skirt and a fitted aqua, lavender or pearl top. Skip tight tail shapes and choose a skirt with a walking slit; if yours doesn't have one, opening a side seam about knee-high and turning the edges under is a ten-minute job. Silver flats, glittery sneakers or low boots. Beachy waves with pearl clips, small shells or temporary blue streaks, turquoise eyeshadow, highlighter and a few face gems. A sheer wrap suggests fins and adds coverage, and a shell-shaped bag is all the sea prop you need.
14. Cute Butterfly Costume
A butterfly looks finished when the wing colours repeat in the outfit. Choose a fitted black or colourful dress, a bodysuit with trousers or a sweater with a tulle skirt, then lightweight wings sized to your frame; wings wider than your shoulders by much make doorways tricky. Black tights and sleek ankle boots, or metallic flats for a softer look. A high ponytail or two small buns with a delicate antenna headband. Pick your eyeshadow from the main wing colour and add a few swirls near the temples. A floral wrist cuff and a small round bag, plus a fitted cardigan under the wings for outdoors.
15. Cute Flower Fairy Costume
Picture a walking bouquet. Build this flower fairy around a green, pink or lilac dress with a fitted waist, then attach fabric petals at the neckline, skirt or shoulders with safety pins or removable tape. Silk flowers pulled off their plastic stems have a little hole in the centre, which makes them easy to stitch on with one pass of thread. Coordinating tights, lace-up flats or floral ankle boots, and light wings decorated with more small flowers. A braided crown or loose curls with a floral headpiece, rosy makeup, pastel eyeshadow and tiny petal shapes on one cheek. A fitted green sweater underneath looks like leaves rather than an unrelated jacket.
16. Cute Cloud And Rainbow Costume
A cloud with a rainbow is bright and reads at once. Wear a white sweater dress, a white sweatshirt with a tulle skirt or a white jumpsuit, then add small clusters of polyester craft filling at the shoulders and hem, well away from your face. Loose fiberfill sheds, so I glue it onto felt patches first and pin the patches on; it holds its shape much better. Rainbow-striped tights with white sneakers or pale blue boots. Fluffy curls or a ponytail tied with multicoloured ribbons, icy blue eyeshadow, silver highlighter and small rainbow lines near one eye. A rainbow crossbody or a felt arc across the body finishes it.
17. Cute Sunflower Costume
A sunflower is cheerful and photographs well. Start with a yellow dress, a yellow sweater and skirt, or mustard overalls over a brown top, with green tights or socks and brown boots, loafers or sneakers. The headpiece is the work. I cut petals from yellow felt, gather them along the base with a running stitch and wrap that strip around a padded brown headband, which keeps it light and stops the petals from flopping. A low braid or loose waves leave the flower visible. Warm gold eyeshadow, peach blush and a glossy lip. A small watering can or flowerpot bag is the prop, and a green cardigan or cape plays the leaves.
18. Cute Gumball Machine Costume
A gumball machine is a fun one to make and lighter than it looks. Cover the front of a white fitted top with multicoloured pom-poms, then pair it with a red skirt, trousers or overalls. Leave the sides near the sleeves bare so your arms move freely. Pom-poms attached with hot glue pop off in the cold and when hugged, so I sew each one on with a single cross stitch; it's slow, but it lasts all night. Red tights and white sneakers, a ponytail with bright clips, colourful liner and glossy lips. Add a silver cardboard coin slot to a wide belt rather than the top, and carry a clear round purse full of spare pom-poms.
19. Cute Cotton Candy Costume
Pastel pink and blue tulle turn basics into fluffy cotton candy. Start with a fitted pink dress, a top and leggings, or a pale blue jumpsuit, then attach gathered tulle around the bodice and skirt. I gather the tulle onto ribbon first and pin the ribbon on, which keeps the fluff even and away from your arms. Make sure nothing drags on the floor, where tulle catches heels. White tights with pink sneakers or glittery flats, a high bun with temporary pastel spray or a fluffy pink headpiece, shimmery pink eyeshadow and glossy lips. A paper cone wrapped in more tulle is the prop, and a cropped white jacket fits under the layers if you need warmth.
20. Cute Ice Cream Sundae Costume
Cream, pink and chocolate brown layers make an ice cream sundae. Choose a cream sweater dress, a pale pink jumpsuit or a white top with a full skirt, and scatter colourful felt sprinkles across it. For the chocolate sauce, a scalloped brown felt sash works best tied loosely at the waist; felt has no stretch, so a fitted one cuts in when you sit. Striped tights with red flats, white sneakers or brown ankle boots. A felt cherry with a green pipe-cleaner stem on a headband over a curled ponytail, pastel eyeshadow and a glossy red lip. A cardboard spoon or a sundae-cup purse, and a soft brown cardigan for warmth outside.
21. Cute Cherry Costume
A cherry costume is all about one bold red. Wear a red dress, a red sweater with trousers or a red romper over a long-sleeve shirt, with green tights or socks and white sneakers or red flats. The headband has two red felt cherries on flexible green stems. I stuff the cherries lightly so they look round, and use a green pipe cleaner wrapped in floss for the stems so they bob without snapping. Two buns, a smooth ponytail or glossy waves, red lip tint, rosy cheeks and fine green liner. A small green handbag or a basket with faux cherries, and a cropped green cardigan for warmth.
22. Cute Mushroom Costume
A red cap with white spots is what makes this mushroom. Underneath, wear a cream sweater, blouse or dress with tan shorts over tights, wide-leg pants or a soft pleated skirt, and brown ankle boots or sturdy loafers. Build the cap on a lightweight red hat base and glue on white felt circles. Check the brim in a mirror before you go out; if it blocks your view, trim it back or tip the hat up at the back of your head. Loose braids or natural waves, warm brown eyeshadow, peach blush and tiny white freckles. A moss-green cardigan, a leaf-shaped purse and a mini basket of faux leaves, pinecones and fabric flowers finish the forest feel.
23. Cute Frog Costume
Oversized eyes make a frog without a complicated bodysuit. Wear a green hoodie with a pleated skirt, green overalls over a lighter shirt or a comfy green dress, with patterned tights and green sneakers, rain boots or flats. Attach large felt frog eyes to the hood or a padded headband. I make each eye a stuffed felt half-sphere with a white circle and a black pupil stitched on, then sew the eyes to the hood along its seam, where the fabric is strongest. Two low buns or braids work under it. Green liner, a glossy highlight and pink blush keep the face bright, a lily-pad purse is the prop, and a pale green raincoat is a practical outer layer.
24. Cute Woodland Fox Costume
Rust, cream and brown make a fox that suits crisp October weather. Start with an orange sweater, a rust dress or orange overalls over a cream top, then brown leggings or tights and flat lace-up boots. A soft ear headband and a fluffy clip-on tail carry the animal. Faux fur sheds badly when cut, so cut it from the back with small snips through the backing only, never scissors through the pile, and shake the pieces outdoors. Loose waves or two small buns near the ears, copper eyeshadow, white cheek accents and a small black nose. A cream faux-fur vest makes the chest marking and adds warmth, and an acorn bag finishes it.
25. Cute Sleepy Moon Costume
Silver and midnight blue give the sleepy moon its calm, night-sky mood. Wear a navy velvet dress, a dark blue jumpsuit or a silver top with a flowing navy skirt, with sheer star-print tights and silver flats, white sneakers or low metallic boots. A padded crescent-moon headband sits over soft waves or a low bun. Velvet is slippery to sew and shows pin marks, so if you're adding felt stars to a velvet cape, pin inside the seam allowance only. Silver eyeshadow, blue liner, highlighter and a few star stickers at one temple. A gauzy navy cape with felt stars, a small crescent purse and a silver turtleneck underneath for warmth.
26. Cute Porcelain Doll Costume
A porcelain doll can look vintage and sweet without being unsettling. Choose a high-neck blouse with a full knee-length skirt, or a pastel puff-sleeve dress with a neat collar, then white knee socks or opaque tights with rounded-toe flats or Mary Janes. Smooth curls, two braids or ringlets tied with matching ribbons. Matte foundation, round pink blush, delicate lashes and a small heart-shaped lip give the doll face, and I'd leave out any cracked effects to keep it family-friendly. A ribbon sash ties it together; cut the ends on an angle and dab them with clear nail polish so they don't fray. A cropped cardigan, lace gloves and a small purse or plush toy finish it.
27. Cute Pink Vampire Costume
Pink softens a vampire into something glamorous rather than gothic. Start with a blush velvet dress, a pink blouse with a black skirt or a rose-coloured jumpsuit, then opaque black tights and polished ankle boots or Mary Janes. A short black cape lined in pink satin is the centrepiece. Lining a cape is simpler than it sounds: cut the outer and the lining from the same pattern, sew them right sides together around the edge, turn it through the neck and gather the neck onto a ribbon tie. Small removable fangs, voluminous waves, plum eyeshadow and berry lipstick, with no blood effects. A cameo necklace, lace gloves and a heart-shaped purse.
28. Cute Friendly Skeleton Costume
A skeleton stays cute when the bones are graphic, not gruesome. Wear a black sweatshirt and joggers, a fitted black dress or a long-sleeve top with leggings, and add white felt bone shapes across the arms, torso and legs. Fabric tape holds felt for an hour or two on a sweatshirt, but bones on the arms and knees get bent constantly, so I tack those with a few stitches at each end. Black sneakers or lace-up boots, a high ponytail with white ribbon. White eye accents, a black nose and curved lines around a smiling mouth keep the face friendly. A bone-shaped bag, white gloves and a black-and-white cardigan.
29. Cute Candy Corn Costume
Three colour bands make candy corn, so it's all about stacking them in order: white on top, orange in the middle, yellow at the bottom. Wear a white top, an orange skirt or trousers and yellow tights, or a colour-blocked dress in the same arrangement. White sneakers or yellow ankle boots. For the cone headpiece, I roll a quarter circle of stiff felt into a cone, stitch the seam and glue the bands on before attaching it to a headband with a felt tab. A sleek ponytail or braids threaded with ribbon, gold eyeshadow, peach blush and glossy lips. A striped treat bucket, a white cropped jacket and orange gloves for warmth.
30. Cute Disco Star Costume
Silver and stars make this disco look made for the dance floor. Choose a metallic jumpsuit, a silver mini dress over opaque tights or a sequin top with flared trousers, and wear platform sneakers or low block heels you can dance in. Sequin fabric is scratchy at the seams, so if you're sewing it, I'd smash the sequins in the seam allowance with a hammer or pick them off before stitching, and line anything that touches skin. Bouncy curls or a voluminous blowout with silver star clips, glittery eyeshadow and highlighter. Star earrings, a metallic belt and a mirrored bag, a silver star wand, and a white faux-fur jacket for warmth.
31. Cute 1950s Sock Hop Costume
A full skirt is the heart of a fifties sock hop look. Wear a fitted cardigan or tucked-in blouse with a high-waisted swing skirt, and add a felt poodle or music-note applique. A circle skirt is the easiest skirt there is to sew, just a ring of fabric and a waistband, and a felt applique stitched on with small whip stitches stays flat as you twirl. White ankle socks with saddle shoes, loafers or clean sneakers, and a high ponytail tied with a scarf. Winged liner, pink blush and red lipstick, a narrow belt and pearl-look earrings. A painted cardboard record bag is a fun prop, and a cropped cardigan keeps you warm without hiding the skirt.
32. Cute 1970s Roller Disco Costume
Colourful flares and a bit of shine bring a seventies roller disco to life. Pair high-waisted bell-bottoms with a striped fitted top, a metallic blouse or a bright halter over a long-sleeve shirt. Wear platform sneakers or regular trainers rather than real skates if the floor is uneven. Bell-bottoms should almost touch the floor in your shoes, so hem them while wearing the sneakers you'll dance in. Big curls, feathered waves or a high ponytail with a wide headband, blue eyeshadow, peach blush and glossy lips. Hoop earrings, tinted glasses and a shiny belt, a mini disco-ball purse or an iron-on star patch, and a cropped jacket for the cool evening.
33. Cute 1980s Aerobics Costume
Neon and stretch make the 1980s aerobics costume the comfiest one here. Wear bright leggings under shorts or a stretchy leotard-style top, then an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt for coverage. To get the slouchy neckline, cut the ribbed collar off an old sweatshirt and leave the edge raw; the fleece won't fray. Supportive white sneakers with scrunched socks and leg warmers, a high side ponytail with a big scrunchie or a terry headband. Vivid liner, pink blush and glossy lips match the palette. Wristbands, a belt bag and a small foam exercise prop finish it, and a zip-front track jacket adds a layer that still suits the decade.
34. Cute Storybook Princess Costume
A storybook princess doesn't need an expensive gown. Start with a pastel midi dress, a tulle skirt with a fitted top or a velvet puff-sleeve dress, then opaque tights and sparkly flats or low boots. A small padded crown or floral tiara sits over soft waves or a braided bun. A short cape is easy to make from a rectangle of fabric gathered onto a ribbon at the neck; hem it at hip height so you don't step on it. Rosy makeup, subtle shimmer and pink lip colour, satin gloves and a delicate necklace. Carry a fabric-covered storybook or a flower basket, and wear a cardigan under the cape to stay warm at public events.
35. Cute Tea Party Costume
Pastel patterns and teatime props make this one feel lifted from a storybook. Wear a blue, pink or lavender dress with a white collar, or a puff-sleeve blouse with a full skirt, plus striped tights or ankle socks and Mary Janes or ballet flats. A wide ribbon headband over soft curls or two braids, rosy cheeks and pastel eyeshadow. Carry an unbreakable teacup, a teapot-shaped purse or a small tray of felt cookies; I stitch the cookies to the tray through a couple of punched holes so they don't slide off when you wave. White gloves and a short cardigan add polish, and light props keep it easy to mingle and take photos.
Attaching Pom-Poms, Petals and Fluff So the Clothes Survive
Many of these looks pile small pieces onto a dress or sweater. The way you attach them decides both how they hold up at the party and whether the garment is still wearable later.
Build on a removable layer
For costumes with lots of pieces, like the gumball machine, the cloud or cotton candy, I sew everything onto a separate base instead of the garment: a felt bib, a tulle overskirt on elastic or a ribbon sash. The base slips on over your clothes, comes off in seconds and can be stored flat for next year.
Match the method to the fabric
- Woven cotton and denim: fabric tape or a few hand stitches both work.
- Knits and sweatshirts: stitch, because the fabric stretches and tape or glue pops off.
- Fuzzy sweaters and velvet: safety pins from the inside, since tape won't grip and needles mark velvet.
- Tulle: tie or stitch, as nothing sticks to the mesh.
When you take the pieces off, snip stitches from the inside with small scissors and pull the thread out gently. A knit will close up after a wash, and the dress goes back to being a dress.
Felt, Thread and One Clear Colour Palette
None of these costumes needs complicated sewing or expensive accessories. Start with clothes you already own, settle on a clear colour palette and add one or two handmade pieces that tell people what you are. Comfortable shoes, a headpiece that stays on, a light prop and a layer for the weather will carry you through the evening, and hems, sleeves and silhouettes can always be adjusted for coverage. Attach the add-ons so they come off cleanly, and the strawberry dress, the fox sweater and the frog hoodie all go back into your closet when the night is over.
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