A white sheet is still the fastest ghost there is, and with a safe trim and mesh-backed eye holes it's a good one. But a ghost can also be a glamorous spirit, a Victorian phantom, a disco dancer or half of a couple, all built from clothes and craft supplies you can find cheaply. Each look below gives you the base, the hair or wig, the makeup, the shoes and one or two accessories. I hold every one of them to the same rules: light fabric, hems that clear the ground, and nothing over the face that blocks your view. Pick by the party, not the photo. A gown that looks right in a picture is miserable at a crowded house party.
Fitting Mesh Eye Panels Into a Sheet
Several costumes here put a full sheet over your head, and the eye panels are what make that safe to walk around in. This is how I set them.
- Put the sheet on, stand at a mirror and have someone mark the center of each pupil with a washable marker. Eyes are never where you'd guess from a flat sheet.
- Take it off and cut an oval around each mark, wider than you think you need. You have to see your feet and the people beside you, not just straight ahead.
- Cut black tulle or fine mesh a little larger than each hole and stitch or glue it to the inside. Black mesh disappears into black felt eyes, while white mesh glares under a camera flash.
- Try it on again and walk down a staircase. If you have to tip your head back to see the steps, the holes sit too high.
Then pin the sheet to the shoulders of the shirt underneath, from the inside, so the eye holes don't rotate off-center every time you turn your head. A full sheet gets stuffy in a warm room, so I'd also cut a discreet mouth slot backed with the same mesh.
1. Classic White Sheet Ghost Costume
The classic sheet is cheap, fast and still gets a laugh at the door. Use a lightweight white flat sheet and trim it to your ankle bone so it never drags. Cut the eye openings bigger than feels right and back them from inside with black mesh; you see through it clearly and your face disappears. Scallop the bottom, and wear white leggings and a long-sleeve shirt underneath so nothing shows when the sheet swings. A low braid or bun stops long hair making a lump at the back of the head, and white makeup around the eyes covers you if the sheet shifts. White sneakers, a light pumpkin bucket and, for a party, big black sunglasses worn over the sheet.
2. Cute Blushing Ghost Costume
This is the friendliest ghost on the list, and it's all in two pink circles. Start from a short white poncho, an oversized white T-shirt or a trimmed sheet, then glue on large black felt eyes and rosy pink felt cheeks. A white bob wig or two low pigtails tied with pale pink ribbon, and if your face shows, rosy blush, pink lip balm and a little pearly highlighter. White tights and white sneakers keep it all one color, and a small plush heart or a pastel treat bag goes in your hand. Fabric weight matters here. Heavy jersey hangs flat, while a thin cotton or voile flutters at the hem like the cartoon it's copying.
3. Glam Ghost Costume With Silver Dress
Silver is how you make a ghost for a grown-up party. A silver slip dress or sequined midi goes under a sheer white cape with long floating panels. Check the sequins inside the arm before committing, because sequin seams scratch bare skin all night; a fitted long-sleeve top and white tights fix that and add warmth. A long platinum wig in loose waves with pearl clips or a fine crystal headband. Pale foundation, silver shadow, white mascara and a glossy nude lip give a glow rather than a fright. Silver ankle boots and a translucent clutch or a small battery lantern, with no sheet over the face at all.
4. Victorian Ghost Costume With Lace Dress
A Victorian ghost lives or dies on the dress. Look for a high-neck white or soft gray maxi with ruffles, lace sleeves and a full skirt, and check the length in the boots you'll wear, since long skirts are what people trip on going down stairs. Add a light tulle shawl and gray lace-up ankle boots. Put a long silver-gray wig into a loose low bun and pull a few curled pieces out around the face, then pale makeup, cool gray shadow, softened brows and a muted rose lip. A cameo brooch, lace gloves, an antique-looking key and a battery candle rather than a real flame. A light mist of washable gray fabric spray ages the dress; test it on the inside hem first, because some sprays leave a stiff patch on lace.
5. Ghost Bride Costume With Veil
The ghost bride needs almost no sewing, which is why I like it. A thrifted white maxi, a plain wedding-style gown or a lace dress forms the base, and a long tulle veil goes onto a silver-gray wig in loose curls or a soft messy updo. Anchor the veil comb into the wig cap with two bobby pins crossed in an X, or the veil's weight pulls it straight off slippery synthetic hair. Pale foundation, smoky gray shadow, pearl highlighter and a cool pink lip. White ballet flats or low block heels keep you on your feet all evening. Carry white artificial roses wrapped in gray ribbon, add lace gloves and pearls, and for an outdoor event slip white thermal leggings and a fitted top underneath.
6. Ghost Ballerina Costume With Tulle Skirt
Tulle is what makes this ghost look like it's drifting when you walk. A white long-sleeve leotard or fitted top goes over white tights, with a layered white and pale gray tulle skirt. I'd wear ballet-style flats with elastic straps rather than real dance slippers, which have no grip on a wet porch or a kitchen floor. Natural hair in a secure bun or a white-blonde bun wig dotted with small tulle bows. Pale makeup, frosted shadow, soft pink blush and white liner along the lashes, plus a ribbon wand to twirl. Torn-edge chiffon strips from the shoulders or wrists add float; keep each one shorter than your fingertips so it can't wrap around your hands. It suits dancers, teens and children equally.
7. Ghost Prom Queen Costume
The sash does the explaining on this one. Start with a white, silver or faded pastel party dress in tulle, satin or lace, then add a handmade sash reading 'Ghost Prom Queen' and a light rhinestone tiara over a teased silver-blonde wig. Teasing a synthetic wig is fine, but brush it out gently from the ends afterward or the fibers knot for good. Pale foundation, smoky lavender shadow, cool blush and frosted pink lipstick. White tights and silver flats beat heels at a long party, and a cropped faux-fur wrap adds warmth that suits the era. Carry a small bouquet tied with sheer ribbon, and keep the makeup clean, with shimmer and a soft hollow under the cheekbones.
8. Ghost Cowgirl Costume With White Boots
Western clothes give a ghost an unexpected personality. A white denim skirt or jeans goes with a white fringed shirt and a pale silver vest, then a white cowboy hat draped with short pieces of sheer chiffon that move without falling across your eyes. Stitch the chiffon to the inside of the hatband, because glued chiffon pulls away at the first gust. A platinum braided wig or two loose silver pigtails, pale foundation, gray liner, soft silver shadow and a muted nude lip. White Western boots and a coiled rope of soft costume cord. A star badge reading 'Ghost Town' lands the joke, and the outfit is as happy at an indoor party as in a cold yard.
9. Ghost Pirate Costume With Striped Pants
Loose layers and a faded palette make a pirate look drowned rather than fresh off a ship. A white poet shirt, gray striped pants and a distressed ivory vest, with a soft gray sash at the waist and a short translucent cape for the float. A long silver wig goes under a weathered tricorn-style hat. Tuck the front of the wig under the brim, or it creeps into your eyes all night. Pale face makeup, smudged charcoal liner and a cool beige lip. Sturdy flat boots, a rolled paper treasure map or a light foam telescope instead of a sword, and a few faux pearls, old-looking coins and a small fabric pouch. It stays family-friendly and comes together quickly.
10. Disco Ghost Costume With White Jumpsuit
This is the ghost to wear if you plan to dance. A white or silver flared jumpsuit goes under a sheer fringed cape that swings as you move. A big platinum wig with a center part and a sparkly headband sets the era; voluminous budget wigs shed, so give it a shake outdoors and a light mist of wig spray before you wear it. Pale luminous foundation, silver shadow, graphic white liner and gloss. Platform-style shoes only if the soles are wide and stable, since tall narrow platforms roll ankles on a dance floor. Mirrored sunglasses, a reflective ball-shaped purse and iridescent stars stuck to the cape with fabric-safe adhesive. The icy colors and sheer layers keep it ghostly under all that sparkle.
11. Flapper Ghost Costume With Fringe Dress
A fringe dress already sways when you walk, so the ghost part comes free. Pick a white, silver or pale gray knee-length flapper-style dress over a matching camisole and slip shorts, since fringe parts every time you sit. A short silver bob wig goes under a beaded headband with a soft white feather. Pale makeup, charcoal shadow, thin arched brows and a muted berry lip. Silver Mary Jane flats or low heels, long pearl necklaces, white gloves, a small beaded bag and a folding fan. In a crowded room keep the necklaces at chest length or shorter, because long strands catch on chair backs and other people's buttons.
12. 1980s Workout Ghost Costume
Looking for a ghost that's funny and colorful? Layer a white leotard over pale gray leggings with white leg warmers and a cropped translucent windbreaker. A high platinum ponytail wig in a silver scrunchie gives the shape. A full ponytail wig on its own cap holds far better than a clip-on ponytail once you start moving. Frosted blue shadow, bright pink blush and gloss go over pale foundation. White high-tops are comfortable enough for walking, dancing or keeping up with kids. A wide silver belt, soft wristbands and a foam exercise weight or retro water bottle to carry. Wispy tulle strips on the jacket sleeves give the ghost movement and stay clear of your hands.
13. Ghost Librarian Costume With Cardigan
Most of this can come from one thrift-store trip. A high-neck white blouse, a long gray pleated skirt and a faded ivory cardigan, with opaque tights and gray lace-up shoes or loafers. A silver-gray wig in a low bun and cat-eye glasses on a decorative chain. Pale makeup, softly shadowed eyes and a dusty rose lip give a tired but friendly face. Carry an old hardcover with a removable 'Ghost Stories' label, tuck a library card into the pocket, and add pearl earrings and a short chiffon scarf. Take the skirt up above the ankle, though. Pleated skirts at full length catch under the toe on every step.
14. Ghost Gardener Costume With Flower Crown
Faded workwear with things growing on it makes a fun change from a sheet. White overalls go over a pale gray long-sleeve shirt, with artificial white flowers and soft green fabric leaves clustered at one shoulder, a pocket and the cuffs. Hot glue grips denim well, but stitch anything at the cuffs, which get the most handling. A tousled silver wig under a white flower crown, then pale foundation, light gray shadow, a little green liner and rosy lip balm. White rubber boots or canvas sneakers. Fill a light watering can with more flowers, never water, and hang a sheer white cape from behind the shoulders for the ghost movement.
15. Ghost Chef Costume With White Apron
Kitchen whites make the quickest ghost costume I know. White pants, a white button-front chef-style jacket and a pale gray apron with a scalloped edge. A tall white fabric chef hat sits over a short silver wig or tied-back hair; stuff the crown with tissue so it stands, or it flops by the end of the night. Pale makeup, soft gray contour, white mascara and a neutral lip. White nonslip sneakers or clogs, a light mixing bowl, an oversized wooden spoon with smooth edges and a 'Chef Boo' name tag. Short sheer strips on the apron ties flutter as you walk without coming near the floor.
16. Ghost Baseball Player Costume
Sporty clothes make this the most breathable ghost on the list. White baseball pants, a pale gray button-front jersey and a long-sleeve undershirt, with 'Ghosts' across the jersey in removable felt letters. A white cap goes over a short silver wig or hair sprayed with washable white color; that spray rubs off onto a cap lining, so wear an old cap. Pale makeup, gray shading around the eyes and white lip color. White athletic socks and cleat-style sneakers made for pavement, because real cleats slip on concrete. A foam baseball, a soft costume glove and a short sheer cape under the jersey collar. Keep loose fabric away from the legs.
17. Ghost Rock Star Costume With Silver Jacket
Metallic fabric gives this ghost its stage edge. A plain white T-shirt, a silver faux-leather jacket and white or pale gray fitted pants form the outfit. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so in a hot, packed room you'll want the jacket off for part of the night; make sure the shirt looks finished on its own. A shaggy platinum wig with lots of volume, pale foundation, smoky silver eyes and frosted lipstick. White ankle boots with a low heel, an inflatable guitar or microphone prop, silver cuffs, costume chains and fingerless white gloves. Short chiffon strips tied to the jacket shoulders add movement, and the whole look is easy to pick out across a crowded room.
18. Rainy Day Ghost Costume With Clear Coat
Wet weather becomes part of the costume here. White pants and a white sweater go under a clear or frosted rain jacket, with a silver bob wig under a transparent rain bonnet or white bucket hat. A synthetic wig copes with drizzle better than a blowout does, but it tangles as it dries, so finger-comb the ends before they set. Pale foundation, gray shadow, white liner and glossy clear lips. Waterproof white rain boots, a clear umbrella with removable white felt ghost faces and covered tips, and wispy white ribbons fixed inside the coat so they stay dry. Reflective tape along the sleeves suits the silvery palette and gets you seen after sunset.
19. Sleepy Pajama Ghost Costume
Pajamas are my pick for a relaxed party or a cold evening on the porch handing out candy. A loose white pajama set with subtle silver stars, a warm white thermal underneath if needed, and a short sheer cape with a rounded hood that stays off the face. A white-blonde wig in a loose braid, or a soft white sleep cap. Pale makeup, lavender under-eye shadow, pink cheeks and a touch of pearly highlighter make the sleepy face. Slippers indoors and white sneakers outside. Carry a small pillow or plush cloud, and push a silver sleep mask up onto the forehead.
20. Ghost Costume With Sunglasses
Big sunglasses make a plain sheet ghost look deliberate, and very funny. Take a lightweight white sheet, cut large eye openings and line them with black breathable mesh. Trim the hem to a few inches off the ground and scallop it. Wear fitted white clothing and white sneakers underneath, and keep hair in a low braid or close cap so the head stays smooth. Sew the sunglasses to the sheet at the hinges with white thread; just resting on top, they slide off the first time you look down. No makeup is needed, though black around the eyes hides skin behind the mesh. Add a tiny white handbag or treat bucket and you're done with almost no crafting.
21. Floral Ghost Costume With Daisy Cape
Daisies make the most cheerful ghost here. A white maxi dress or long loose-sleeved tunic, with a sheer white cape and artificial daisies around the neckline and lower edges. Space the flowers evenly and keep them small, because a cluster on one side drags a sheer cape lopsided. A wavy platinum wig with a matching flower crown, a few blooms trailing into the hair. Pale luminous makeup, white liner, soft yellow shadow and a peachy lip. White lace-up boots give the outfit enough structure for outdoor wear, and a small basket of flowers or a flower-covered treat bag finishes it. I'd save this one for a daytime event rather than a dark street.
22. Pastel Rainbow Ghost Costume
Why stay white? A white tunic dress takes panels of pale pink, lavender, blue, mint and yellow chiffon hung from the shoulders. Cut every strip to stop above the ankle, and run fray-stop along each cut edge, since chiffon starts unravelling within the hour. Wear a long pastel wig or comb washable color through a platinum one. Pearly foundation, pastel shadow, pink blush and a soft lavender lip. White tights and iridescent sneakers go under the color, with a translucent belt and a clear star-shaped bag. A light-up pastel headband helps people see you after dark. It's a fun one for a group of friends who each take a shade.
23. Neon Ghost Costume With Colorful Sheet
A neon ghost is the easiest one to spot on a dark street. Dye or buy a lightweight sheet in neon pink, green, blue or purple, cut mesh-lined eye openings and shorten the hem. Home dye on a polyester-blend sheet usually comes out paler than the packet promises, so a ready-made colored sheet is the surer route. Matching leggings, a fitted shirt and bright sneakers underneath, with hair in a low bun under a smooth cap so the sheet falls evenly. Makeup can stay minimal. Oversized sunglasses in a contrasting color, reflective tape around the scalloped hem, and a battery glow wand or bright bucket. Give everyone in a group a different shade and you get a walking rainbow.
24. Black And White Ghost Costume
A two-tone palette gives the old ghost a modern look. A white A-line dress with a black Peter Pan collar, black cuffs and an irregular scalloped hem sits under a short translucent white cape. A blunt white bob wig with one black clip, or a black-and-white split wig for more contrast. Pale foundation, sharp black liner, white mascara and matte gray lipstick. White mascara clumps if you pile it on, so do one coat, let it dry, then a second. Black tights with white platform sneakers or flat ankle boots, a black lantern holding a battery light, and a few small black felt ghost faces on the dress. It reads sharply on camera and leaves your eyes fully clear.
25. Moon And Stars Ghost Costume
Moons and stars give this ghost a night-sky theme. Start with a white or pale silver maxi dress and a sheer cape scattered with light moon and star appliqués. Iron-on appliqués rarely hold on sheer polyester, so a few stitches or a dab of fabric glue on each one does the job. A long silver wig with small star clips, pale foundation, navy-gray shadow, silver liner and pearly highlighter on the cheekbones. Silver flats or white ankle boots, a crescent foam prop or small star lantern, and a narrow silver belt at the waist. A short battery light strand woven along the cape's upper edge adds a glow, with the battery pack pinned in a pocket and no wire hanging toward the floor.
26. Cloud Ghost Costume With Raindrops
Fluffy batting makes this ghost look like weather. A white sweatshirt dress or oversized tunic goes over white leggings, with small clusters of lightweight batting across the shoulders and upper body. Keep the batting off the face and out of the underarms, where it sheds and rubs. Short blue felt raindrops hang from the hem on sturdy ribbon. A curly white wig or cloud headband, pale makeup, blue shadow, rosy cheeks and gloss. White sneakers, a small translucent umbrella edged with more batting, and a short white chiffon cape behind. Don't cover the whole outfit in batting. It traps heat fast and you'll be sweating inside an hour.
27. Pumpkin Ghost Costume
Two Halloween symbols make one bright, family-friendly look. A white poncho or scalloped sheet ending around the knees gets a pumpkin face in removable felt shapes, worn over orange leggings and white sneakers. A short white wig sits under a green felt stem headband. If your face shows, use pale makeup, orange shadow, peach blush and a neutral gloss. Carry an orange pumpkin bucket or a small plush pumpkin, and add green fabric leaves around the neckline. Keep the fabric light and the eye area wide open. Teachers, parents and anyone headed to a casual community event can throw it together in an evening.
28. Candy Corn Ghost Costume
Three bands of color tell everyone what this is before they see a face. Use a loose poncho with a white top, an orange middle and a yellow scalloped hem, and sew the bands together rather than layering three ponchos, which gets heavy and hot. White leggings and orange or yellow sneakers. A white bob wig with orange and yellow clips, or tied-back hair under a soft pointed hood. Pale makeup, orange shadow, gold highlighter and a peach lip if your face shows. A striped treat bag in the same three colors, white gloves and a small candy-shaped plush. Keep the point of the hood soft and rounded, and it's comfortable enough for a school event or family party.
29. Ghost Cat Costume With Ears And Tail
Cat ears and a tail add a playful twist without losing the ghost. A white hooded poncho or short scalloped cape goes over a fitted white top and leggings, with soft white ears attached to the hood and a flexible fabric tail at the back. Keep the tail short; anything below knee level gets sat on and stepped on. A white bob wig or a sleek silver ponytail, then pale makeup, a small gray nose, fine whiskers, silver shadow and pink lip balm. White paw gloves and white sneakers, a yarn-ball prop or cat-face bucket, wispy chiffon panels on the cape, and reflective trim along the hem for outdoors after dark.
30. Skeleton Ghost Costume With Bone Print
Half ghost, half skeleton, and it reads well in dim light. A white hooded robe or loose tunic carries gray felt bone shapes on the torso, arms and legs. Mark the bone positions while someone is wearing the robe, because bones laid out on a flat table end up in the wrong places once a body is inside. Translucent white panels along the sleeves and back give movement. A straight silver wig under the hood or washable white hair color, and pale makeup with clean gray lines around the eyes, nose and jaw, kept stylized. White leggings, gray lace-up boots, and a small foam bone or a white battery lantern. No mask needed, and nothing trails on the floor.
31. Mummy Ghost Costume With White Wraps
Strips of fabric give this ghost an aged, wrapped look with no gory makeup. A fitted white long-sleeve shirt and white pants form the base. Wrap loose strips of ivory gauze around the arms, torso and legs and fix every end with a small safety pin or a stitch, because tucked ends work loose within an hour of walking. A short white chiffon cape gives the ghost outline, with a messy silver wig partly wrapped in gauze. Pale foundation, taupe shadow, faded brows and a cool beige lip. Ivory sneakers or lace-up boots and a small rolled craft-paper scroll. Keep the face clear and the wraps loose over knees and elbows so you can sit and reach.
32. Scarecrow Ghost Costume With Straw Hat
Harvest farm clothes give this ghost its personality. White or pale gray overalls go over a loose ivory plaid shirt, with short pieces of raffia at the cuffs and pockets. Raffia is scratchy against bare wrists, so I tuck its ends into the cuff hem rather than letting them sit on skin. A distressed white straw hat over a tousled silver-blonde wig. Pale makeup, soft gray shadow, peach blush and stitch lines drawn around the mouth with skin-safe makeup. White or light gray work boots, a tiny fabric crow or a light bundle of artificial wheat, and a sheer cape attached under the overall straps. Keep the raffia short and stitched down so it doesn't shed across the floor.
33. Phantom Magician Ghost Costume
A black-and-white formal outfit makes a theatrical ghost magician with nothing dark or occult about it. White trousers, a ruffled white shirt and a silver brocade vest, with a short translucent cape and a white top hat wrapped in gray satin ribbon. A smooth platinum wig goes under the hat; a wig cap and a few pins stop the hat sliding on slippery fibers. Pale foundation, silver shadow, clean black liner and a muted red lip. Dress shoes or comfortable loafers, a collapsible wand, a white plush rabbit in a light top-hat prop, white gloves and oversized blank cards. It has more structure than any sheet ghost and still makes sense at a glance.
34. Haunted Doll Ghost Costume
A vintage doll shape makes a ghost that's sweet and a little unsettling without anything graphic. A white or pale gray knee-length dress with puffed sleeves, a lace collar and a full skirt, with white tights and silver Mary Jane flats. A white-blonde wig in two curled pigtails tied with gray satin bows. Pale foundation, round rosy cheeks, eyes made to look bigger with white and gray liner, and a muted pink lip. Use a pencil made for the eyes for that white liner, never a face-paint crayon. A small fabric doll or a light wind-up key pinned to the back of the waistband, and a sheer scalloped shoulder cape. Keep the makeup clean and symmetrical, never cracked. Teens, adults and siblings dressing as a set all pull it off.
35. Ghost And Ghost Hunter Couple Costume
This couple costume pairs a drifting spirit with a practical partner. The ghost wears a white tunic, sheer cape, silver wig, pale makeup and white ankle boots and carries a translucent lantern. The ghost hunter wears khaki cargo pants, a utility vest, sturdy sneakers and a light cap, with a cardboard scanner, a flashlight and labeled sample jars. Tuck the hunter's hair under the cap and keep the face neutral or lightly dusted with gray. Leave out anything tactical or weapon-like. The gap between the two outfits is what sells it; the more ordinary the hunter looks, the better the ghost reads. A removable silver ribbon from the scanner to the ghost makes a funny tracking line for photos.
Making a Budget Silver Wig Behave
Platinum, silver and white wigs turn up in almost every look above, and pale synthetic fiber is the least forgiving kind. It shows every tangle and catches the light when it frizzes.
- Shake it out and comb from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb before the first wear. Inexpensive wigs shed loose fibers for the first hour whatever you do.
- Wear a wig cap and pin the wig through to it at the crown and behind each ear. Hats, veils and tiaras all add weight that drags it backward.
- Keep it away from heat. Ordinary synthetic fiber crinkles near a curling iron, an oven door or a candle, and it won't recover.
- Store it loosely on a stand or stuffed with tissue in a bag, never crushed in a box.
Pale Makeup That Lasts Until Midnight
Ghost makeup is mostly a foundation lighter than your skin plus gray shading, and its real problem is transfer onto white fabric. Patch-test anything new on the inside of your wrist the day before. Apply it thin, press translucent powder over it with a puff, and wait a minute before pulling a white collar or cape over your head.
Anything white or silver near the eyes should be a product sold for the eye area. At the end of the night, an oil-based cleanser breaks pale cream makeup down far faster than soap, and a second gentle wash catches what's left along the hairline and under the jaw.
The Event Decides the Ghost
A ghost costume works when people know what you are before you say it, when you can move freely, and when it suits the event. A trimmed sheet still does that, but a dress, a jumpsuit, sportswear or a colorful poncho can get there too. Pale makeup, a translucent layer, shoes you can stand in and one clear prop pull each look together. If your face is covered, mesh eye panels and reflective trim aren't optional outdoors. Every idea here adapts to a child, a couple or a group with a change of fit and accessories, so start from what's already hanging in your closet.
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