The costume a girl actually enjoys is the one she can run, sit and eat a cupcake in, and that matters more to me than how close it gets to a picture. Below you'll find witches and fairies, animals, storybook characters, superheroes and a few careers, each built from head to toe: the clothing base, hair, light makeup, a prop and shoes she can walk a whole neighborhood in. Most of them start from leggings, a long-sleeve top and other things already in her drawer, with thrifted pieces and some felt doing the rest. If she'll be trick-or-treating on a cold night, plan the warm layer underneath from the start rather than adding a coat over the top at the door.
Ears, Wings and Crowns That Stay On Until Bedtime
Most of these costumes depend on a headpiece or a pair of wings, and those are the parts that end up in your hands halfway down the street. A few small fixes before the night make a big difference.
- Headbands slip on fine or silky hair. Wrap the band in a strip of felt or ribbon so it grips, and slide two bobby pins through the hair under each side.
- Hats and crowns stay put with a loop of soft elastic stitched inside, worn under a low ponytail or bun at the back of the head.
- Wings with thin elastic dig into small shoulders. Cover the straps with soft fabric tubes or swap them for wider elastic.
- Tails and capes should attach with hook-and-loop or a few stitches, not a safety pin that can pop open.
- Let her wear the full costume around the house for half an hour the weekend before. Anything that itches or pinches will show up then, while you still have time to fix it.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Purple Cape
The witch is the costume I'd suggest to a girl who can't decide, because it suits school parties and trick-or-treating equally well. A knee-length black dress, or a black top with a soft tulle skirt, goes with striped tights, a purple cape and comfortable buckled boots. The hat is what makes it a witch, and it's also what falls off first; a strip of elastic stitched inside to sit under her hair, or two clips through the brim, keeps it on. Loose waves or two braids look sweet under the brim. Soft purple shadow and rosy cheeks are plenty. On a cold evening, a black long-sleeve top and leggings underneath disappear into the outfit.
2. Rainbow Fairy Costume With Tulle Skirt
A rainbow fairy is pure cheer. Build it on a pastel leotard or fitted T-shirt with a layered rainbow tulle skirt, opaque leggings and glittery ballet flats. Pick wings with soft, wide elastic straps; thin straps cut into small shoulders within an hour and that's usually when the wings come off for good. A floral headband or pastel wig adds detail, but curled natural hair is just as pretty. Keep makeup to pink cheeks, a little color on the lids and a touch of cosmetic glitter at the temples, well away from the eyes. A ribbon-wrapped wand and a crossbody treat bag finish it. Check that the wings don't stick out much past her shoulders if she's wearing them at school.
3. Mermaid Princess Costume With Shimmer Skirt
You can do a mermaid princess without a tail that ties her legs together, which is the version I'd always choose for a child. A fitted aqua top goes with a stretchy ankle-length skirt in a scale print or iridescent fabric, and purple leggings underneath keep her warm and let her take big steps. Flat teal shoes, shell hair clips and a light pearl-style necklace add the details. Long waves, temporary blue hair color or a sea-green wig suggest the water. Pastel eye makeup and a dusting of shimmer on the cheeks are enough. A plush seahorse or shell purse is an easy prop. Before buying, have her sit, climb a step and crouch in the skirt; if any of those is a struggle, it's too narrow.
4. Royal Princess Costume With Gold Crown
A royal princess starts with a full-length pink, blue or lavender dress with a bodice she can breathe in and a flowing skirt. A soft net underskirt adds volume; rigid hoops look grand until she has to sit in a car seat. Gold ballet flats, white gloves and a sparkly necklace finish the outfit. Put her hair in a bun, curled ponytail or loose waves and pin a light crown on with bobby pins crossed through the band. Heavy crowns slide forward and give headaches, so pick the lightest one you can find. Soft blush and a little shimmer are enough makeup. Hem the dress so it clears the ground in her actual shoes, or she'll step on it on every curb.
5. Red Riding Hood Costume With Basket
Little Red Riding Hood is mostly everyday clothes, which makes it easy on the budget. A white blouse with a red or black knee-length skirt, opaque tights and flat lace-up boots form the base. The red hooded cape is the whole character. I look for one that ends above the knee and closes with a snap or hook-and-loop rather than a ribbon tied at the throat, since a tight tie around a child's neck is something to avoid. Two braids or loose curls, rosy cheeks and tinted balm keep it sweet. A small wicker basket lined with gingham is the prop and the treat holder at once, so keep it light. A cardigan fits under the cape on cooler nights.
6. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
For a fan-made Alice in Wonderland, a short-sleeve blue dress goes over a crisp white blouse, with a white apron on top, white tights and black Mary Janes with nonslip soles. The black hairband is the detail people recognize, so don't skip it; a velvet ribbon tied under the hair at the nape stays put better than a hard plastic band on fine hair. Softly curled hair, light blush and a natural lip are enough. A plush white rabbit, a toy pocket watch or a teacup-shaped bag makes the prop. In cold weather, switch to a long-sleeve blouse and thermal tights. Tie the apron in a neat bow at the back and check that the ties don't hang low enough to step on.
7. Dorothy Costume With Ruby Shoes
Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz comes together from simple pieces. A blue gingham pinafore goes over a white puff-sleeve blouse, with white ankle socks and sparkly red flats. Two low braids tied with blue ribbons are the hair. A small basket with a plush dog inside stands in for Toto, and kids love carrying him around. Natural makeup, pink cheeks and lip balm keep it age-appropriate. A light blue cardigan fits under the pinafore for warmth. For the ruby shoes, I'd rather cover a pair of comfortable red sneakers with removable glitter fabric than buy shiny dress shoes with slippery soles, because sidewalks in October are often wet.
8. Wednesday Addams Costume With Braided Hair
Wednesday Addams is a great pick for a girl who wants a costume but doesn't want to look cute. A black long-sleeve dress with a white pointed collar and cuffs, black tights and sturdy loafers or lace-up boots are the whole outfit. Part her hair in the center and make two smooth braids, or use a child-size black braided wig. She doesn't need pale foundation; softly defined brows and a muted balm get the serious look without coating a child's face. A closed black book is an easy prop. The straight-faced stare in photos is half the fun, and most kids who choose Wednesday practice it all week. A thermal layer underneath keeps the neat black shape.
9. Pink Fashion Doll Costume With Beret
A pink fashion doll costume is easy to make from real clothes. Pair a bright pink fit-and-flare dress with a cropped cardigan, white ankle socks and pink or white sneakers, then add a matching beret, heart-shaped sunglasses and a small structured handbag. A high ponytail with curled ends looks right, or a smooth blonde wig if she likes wearing one. Light pink shadow, rosy cheeks and glossy balm finish the face. Berets slide off a ponytail easily, so pin them on at an angle with two bobby pins. A toy hairbrush or a little sketchbook works as the prop. Stretch fabric and shoes that stay on are worth the hunt, and pink leggings can go under the dress outdoors.
10. Superhero Girl Costume With Red Cape
An original superhero lets her invent her own character, and kids often take that very seriously. Start with a blue T-shirt and leggings, then add a red knee-length skirt or shorts, a short red cape, a gold belt, wrist cuffs and red boots or high-tops. A high ponytail or a star headband finishes the hair. Gold shadow, rosy cheeks and a removable star sticker near one temple are enough. The part I'd let her design herself is the felt chest emblem, maybe with her own initial, and a light foam shield to match. Keep the cape above the knee and fasten it with hook-and-loop so it pulls away if it catches. Skip masks that block her side view.
11. Batgirl Costume With Yellow Cape
A fan-made Batgirl is black and yellow and very practical. Choose a black long-sleeve top and flexible black leggings, then add a yellow belt and a short yellow cape. Black boots or sneakers are much safer than heels. I'd use a soft bat-ear headband instead of a face mask, because a mask cuts down what she can see at the edges and kids crossing driveways need all of it. Long hair in a ponytail sits neatly below the headband, or try a red or auburn wig based on the classic character. Subtle yellow shadow and a small bat-shaped cheek sticker finish the face. A black bat-shaped treat bag is a more useful prop than any gadget.
12. Wonder Woman Costume With Star Skirt
Wonder Woman's colors adapt easily into a comfortable child's costume. A red top goes with a blue knee-length skirt covered in white felt stars, plus gold wrist cuffs, a gold belt and a red cape if it's cool out. Felt stars stick well to cotton with fabric glue but peel off shiny polyester, so on a slippery skirt I'd add a stitch in the center of each one. Red knee-high socks pulled over red sneakers look like boots. Loose waves and a gold star headband across the forehead finish the hair. Bronze shadow and rosy cheeks are plenty. A soft foam shield and a gold cord for the lasso are the props. Keep everything light so nothing tangles while she plays.
13. Ladybug Costume With Red Tutu
The ladybug is great for active girls because it's all stretch and easy movement. A black long-sleeve shirt and leggings go under a red tutu or skater skirt with round black felt spots, plus red-and-black striped socks and black sneakers. A flexible antenna headband and small spotted wings do the rest. Two buns or a high ponytail keep hair out of the wing straps. Rosy cheeks, red balm and two tiny dots at each temple finish the face. A flower-shaped bag or red bucket holds treats. Set the wings high on the shoulders and keep them small; big wings get bent the first time she goes through a doorway, and then she won't want to wear them.
14. Bumblebee Costume With Striped Dress
A bumblebee doesn't need a stuffed bodysuit, which most kids find hot and awkward. A black-and-yellow striped dress, or a striped shirt with a yellow tulle skirt, goes with black leggings, striped socks and sturdy black shoes. Small sheer wings and a padded antenna headband finish the shape. Pigtails with yellow ribbons or a neat bun suit it. Warm gold shadow, pink cheeks and a tiny painted heart on one cheek are fun. A felt flower wand is an easy prop. Choose wings with wide elastic straps, and take them off when she sits down, because wings pressed against a chair back end up crumpled by the end of a class party.
15. Black Cat Costume With Tulle Skirt
The black cat is the costume I recommend most for last-minute nights, because nearly all of it is already in her closet. Combine a black long-sleeve top, black leggings and a soft black tulle skirt with comfortable ankle boots, a cat-ear headband and a tail. Tails attached with a safety pin swing around and come loose, so sew or tie it firmly to the waistband. Hair can stay down or go into two small buns below the ears. Draw a little black nose and a few whiskers with washable face paint, and test it on her inner arm the day before. Black fingerless gloves make paws while leaving her hands free. A fish-shaped treat bag adds a bit of humor.
16. White Bunny Costume With Pink Ears
Soft textures make the white bunny one of the best costumes for younger girls, who often refuse anything scratchy. A white sweatshirt and leggings form the base, with a fluffy tutu or comfortable shorts, pink sneakers, white socks and a bunny-ear headband. Stitch the pom-pom tail on low enough that she doesn't sit on it. Two low pigtails or a high bun both suit it. A small pink nose in washable face paint, a few whiskers and rosy cheeks are all the makeup. A plush carrot or an orange felt treat bag is the prop. White picks up every mark from a sidewalk, so I'd expect the knees to need a wash afterward. The sweatshirt keeps her warm all evening.
17. Magical Unicorn Costume With Rainbow Mane
The unicorn mixes plain white clothes with colorful fantasy details. Dress her in a white hoodie, white leggings and silver sneakers, with a pastel tulle skirt for movement. A horn headband with ears and a rainbow faux-fur mane is the main piece, plus a clip-on rainbow tail. Her hair goes up in a ponytail under the headband, or add temporary pastel extensions. Pearly shadow, rosy blush and small cosmetic stars at the outer corners of the eyes finish the face. A star wand or cloud-shaped bag makes the prop. I'd always pick a softly padded horn over hard plastic; in a school parade, a hard horn is right at the height of other children's faces.
18. Pink Flamingo Costume With Feather Skirt
A pink flamingo is funny and bright, and it looks great in group photos. Pair a hot pink long-sleeve top with pink leggings and a light feather-trimmed tutu, plus matching sneakers and pale pink knee socks. A flamingo headband with a curved felt neck and a small beak makes the idea clear. Put her hair in a high bun so the headpiece has something to grip. Pink shadow, rosy cheeks and a little shimmer finish it. A leaf-shaped bag is the prop, and standing on one leg for photos is the joke every kid gets. Use feather trim sparingly; it sheds in the car and can itch on bare skin, so keep it on the tutu, not the neckline.
19. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
A butterfly can be bold and still comfortable for a whole school day. A purple or blue leotard-style top with matching leggings and a layered tulle skirt is the base, with bright ballet flats or slip-on sneakers. The printed wings are the focus, but size them to her: wings wider than her shoulders get knocked about in hallways and doorways. An antenna headband and small flower wristlets add detail. A braided crown or high ponytail keeps hair clear of the straps. Blend a matching color across her lids and add a few small dots at the temples. A flower wand is enough as a prop. Wings that unclip are a big help for car rides, class seating and snack time.
20. Woodland Deer Costume With Flower Crown
A woodland deer is a gentle, cozy costume, and it suits girls who find bright colors too loud. Start with a brown sweater dress, or a fitted top and brown tulle skirt, plus tan leggings and soft ankle boots. A headband with small felt antlers and rounded ears gives the shape, and a few tiny artificial flowers on it add a forest touch. Loose curls or a low braid look sweet. Dust a little bronzer at the forehead, dot white spots on the cheeks and paint a small brown nose. A leaf-shaped bag or mini basket holds treats. Felt antlers should be soft and rounded so they can't poke anyone, and clipping the headband into her hair stops it slipping back.
21. Friendly Dragon Costume With Green Wings
A friendly dragon is for the girl who wants adventure rather than fright. Dress her in a green hoodie and leggings, then sew soft felt spikes down the hood and back. Felt spikes stand up better if you stuff each one with a little fiberfill before closing it; flat felt flops over after an hour. Add a scale-print skirt, green sneakers and padded shoe covers shaped like dragon feet, plus light wings and a flexible tail. Braids under the hood keep hair tidy, or add temporary green streaks. Shimmery green shadow and a few small scales at the temples are fun. A plush egg is the prop, and a short tail won't drag or trip other children.
22. Colorful Dinosaur Costume With Spiked Hoodie
Can a dinosaur be fierce and comfortable at once? Built on a hoodie, yes. Choose a purple, teal or green hooded sweatshirt with matching joggers, then add soft felt triangles along the hood and back for spikes. I'd sew them rather than glue, since hot glue on a fleece hoodie turns brittle and lets go on a cold night outside. A lighter felt belly panel, padded mitts and matching sneakers finish the body. A short stuffed tail on an elastic waistband can come off for sitting. Braid her hair under the hood and use washable face paint for a few colorful scales around the eyes. A plush dinosaur egg is a fun prop. It's warm, flexible and great for long outdoor trick-or-treating.
23. Pumpkin Girl Costume With Orange Tutu
The pumpkin is a bright, friendly alternative to darker Halloween looks. An orange long-sleeve shirt goes with black leggings and a layered orange tutu, plus green socks, black sneakers and a soft green collar shaped like leaves. A tiny stem headband or a green bow does the pumpkin top without a bulky hat. Curls, pigtails or a simple ponytail all work. Peach blush, gold shadow and a little green swirl on one cheek finish the face. A pumpkin bucket is the prop and the treat container. If she wants a jack-o'-lantern face, I'd cut black felt eyes and a smile for the shirt instead of painting her face; it keeps the look cheerful and passes any school rule.
24. Friendly Ghost Costume With White Tulle
A friendly ghost doesn't need a sheet over her head, and I'd steer every parent away from one. Layer a white tulle dress over a white long-sleeve shirt and leggings, with silver ballet flats or white sneakers. A short sheer cape gives the airy ghost shape, and a white bow or soft headband keeps it sweet. Loose waves, or temporary silver spray on the ends, suit the pale palette. Pearly shadow, pale pink blush and a little shimmer finish the face. A plush ghost or white lantern-style bucket is the prop. A full sheet with cut eye holes slides around and blocks her view, while this version leaves her face clear. Add reflective trim for dark streets.
25. Cute Vampire Costume With Red Cape
A cute vampire can be dramatic without being frightening. Start with a black velvet-look dress with a modest white or red collar, opaque tights, black ankle boots and a short red-lined cape. A sleek ponytail, smooth waves or a child-size black wig with a red ribbon all fit. Gray or purple shadow, rosy cheeks and a berry balm give the face some color. Plastic fangs are optional, and most kids spit them out within ten minutes anyway; keep them for photos and take them out to eat or walk. A bat-shaped bag finishes it. Choose a cape with a snap closure rather than a neck tie, and keep the hem above the knees so it doesn't wrap around her legs.
26. Mummy Costume With Soft Fabric Wraps
The mummy is much safer when the wraps are sewn onto clothes instead of wound around her. Start with a cream sweatshirt and matching joggers or leggings, then stitch strips of lightweight beige fabric on in uneven layers, keeping hands, feet and face completely clear. Strips torn from old cotton sheets fray nicely and look the part; tearing rather than cutting gives that rough edge. Tan sneakers and a soft headband with a few short wraps finish it. A low bun or braids sit under the headband. A little taupe shadow and a light dusting of beige at the temples suggest age without any fake wounds. A pyramid-shaped bag is the prop. Trim anything long enough to drag or catch.
27. Scarecrow Girl Costume With Patchwork Overalls
Patchwork gives the scarecrow plenty of charm, and it's one of the warmest costumes in the list. Denim overalls go over a plaid shirt, with felt patches sewn or pinned on the knees and pockets, striped socks, brown ankle boots and a floppy straw-style hat. Two braids tied with raffia-colored ribbon stay neat all night. Use washable face paint for a small triangle nose, freckles and short stitch marks at the corners of the mouth. A little fabric crow or small basket makes a playful prop. Use soft faux straw or yellow raffia at the cuffs; real straw scratches wrists and sheds all over the car. Overalls fit easily over thermals in cold weather.
28. Cowgirl Costume With Denim Skirt
A cowgirl uses familiar clothes and adjusts to any weather. A plaid button-down goes with a denim skirt, shorts or jeans, depending on what she's comfortable in, plus a fringed vest, brown boots and a wide-brim hat. Kids' cowboy hats blow off easily, so one with a chin cord is worth the small extra effort. Two braids or a side ponytail tied with a bandana fit the theme. Rosy cheeks and a few painted freckles are enough. A plush horse or a coil of soft cord as a rope is a good prop. Leave toy weapons and sharp metal trim out of it. On colder nights, thermal leggings go under the skirt and a roomy vest fits over a light jacket.
29. Pirate Girl Costume With Striped Shirt
A pirate girl starts with a red-and-white striped shirt and loose black pants or a knee-length layered skirt. Add a fitted vest, a wide fabric sash, striped tights if needed and flat black boots. A red bandana tied around her head leaves curls or braids showing underneath. Brown shadow, rosy cheeks and a few washable freckles finish the face. A foam telescope, a rolled treasure map or a small treasure-chest bag makes the character clear without any weapon. Clip-on gold earrings are a nice extra. The eye patch is for photos only; with one eye covered she loses depth perception, which makes curbs and steps genuinely harder to judge.
30. Ballerina Costume With Pink Tutu
A ballerina looks polished and is soft to wear. A pink leotard-style top or fitted T-shirt with a knee-length tulle tutu, pale pink tights, a wrap cardigan and ballet flats with elastic straps form the outfit. Real dance shoes have thin leather soles that slip on wet pavement and wear through fast outside, so ballet-style sneakers are the better pick outdoors. A neat bun with a satin bow or floral clip finishes the hair; a hair donut under the bun makes it easier on fine hair. Soft pink shadow, rosy cheeks and a little shimmer are enough. A ribbon wand is a sweet prop. Check that the tutu waistband is soft, since cheap net can scratch through tights.
31. Pop Star Costume With Sequin Jacket
A pop star lets her make up her own stage persona, which is half the fun. Layer a silver sequin jacket over a bright T-shirt, with a pleated skirt or metallic leggings, comfortable high-top sneakers and fingerless gloves. A high ponytail with colorful clip-in extensions, or two sleek buns, gives the hair some drama. Shimmery shadow, pink balm and small star stickers near the eyes finish the face. A headset-style toy microphone leaves her hands free for treats. Sequin jackets scratch the inside of the arms, so a long-sleeve T-shirt underneath is a kindness. Skip tall boots, heavy jewelry and anything with cords that dangle, and let her dance.
32. Mad Scientist Costume With Lab Coat
The mad scientist is clever and passes almost every school dress code. A white lab coat goes over a colorful shirt and dark pants, with closed-toe sneakers, oversized safety-style glasses and bright rubber gloves. A child-size lab coat is easy to find, or an adult white shirt with the sleeves rolled works in a pinch. Tease her hair gently, or try a white streaked wig. Silver shadow, rosy cheeks and a small washable smudge near one temple finish the face. Plastic test tubes with colored water only work if the lids seal tightly, so I'd go with an empty beaker. An atom-shaped felt badge on the coat adds detail. Keep glass and anything messy at home.
33. Astronaut Girl Costume With Silver Boots
An astronaut costume has a clean, futuristic palette and a lot of room for imagination. A white utility-style jumpsuit, or a white sweatshirt with joggers, goes with silver sneakers or soft silver boot covers, a wide belt and homemade mission patches. Fabric tape holds patches for a day, but on a jumpsuit that gets washed, I'd stitch them. A low ponytail fits under a light astronaut cap. Pearly shadow and small silver star stickers finish the face. A full helmet blocks her view and gets hot fast, so carry a light cardboard helmet for photos instead. A plush planet or rocket-shaped treat bag makes a good prop, and reflective strips help on dark streets.
34. Veterinarian Costume With Plush Puppy
The veterinarian is comfortable, practical and made from clothes she can wear again. Colorful scrub-style pants and top with a white coat on top, clean sneakers and a name badge reading “Veterinarian” form the outfit. A ponytail, braid or bun keeps hair tidy while she plays. She doesn't need makeup at all, though rosy cheeks look nice in photos. A toy stethoscope around her neck and a plush puppy or kitten in a small fabric pet carrier are the props, and kids who love animals usually spend the whole evening checking the plush patient. A clipboard of pretend checkup notes adds to it. Choose a light stuffed animal, because she'll carry it for hours.
35. Garden Gnome Girl Costume With Red Hat
A garden gnome is whimsical and a nice change from the usual Halloween choices. A blue dress or long tunic goes over striped leggings, with a brown belt, sturdy ankle boots and a tall red felt hat with a soft, floppy point. Stiff felt cones look great but tip over; a slightly softer felt and a little fiberfill in the tip keep the shape without the wobble. Braids or loose curls sit under the hat. Rosy blush, natural balm and a few painted freckles finish the face. A fabric mushroom or flowerpot-shaped bag is the prop. Skip the long beard unless she really wants one; most kids find it itchy within minutes. A cropped vest or cardigan adds warmth.
Being Seen on a Dark Street
Many of the best costumes for girls are black, navy or deep red, and those colors vanish once the sun goes down. I add a little visibility to every trick-or-treat costume, and it rarely spoils the look.
- Stitch or stick a strip of reflective tape along the hem of a cape or the back of a bag. It shows up brightly in car headlights.
- Give her a small flashlight or a glow bracelet to hold, which also keeps her hands busy and away from her face paint.
- Pick a treat bag in a light color or with reflective trim; it is often the thing drivers see first.
- Keep masks, eye patches and big hoods for photos and parties, and leave her face clear while walking.
Washable Makeup Without the Rash
Children's skin reacts more easily than ours, so I test any face paint on the inside of the wrist or arm a day ahead. Choose products labeled for cosmetic use on skin, never craft paint or marker. A light dusting of translucent powder over painted whiskers or freckles stops them smudging onto a collar. At bedtime, a gentle cleanser or a little baby oil on a soft cloth lifts it off without scrubbing, and cosmetic glitter should stay well away from the eyes.
School Parade Rules to Check First
Schools often have their own costume rules, and they vary a lot. Common ones are no masks, no toy weapons, nothing gory and costumes that go over regular clothes so children can change quickly. Ask the teacher before you start sewing, and choose shoes she can wear for a full day at school.
Let Her Choose the Colors
A good costume lets her see herself in the character and still walk, play, sit and eat without fuss. Witches, fairies, animals, storybook girls, heroes, performers and careers all appear above, so there's something for a girl who wants cute and one who wants funny or a bit spooky. Before the night, check the length, the grip on her shoes, how the headpiece sits after an hour and how visible she'll be outside. Capes, wings and props that come off easily make car rides and class parties much simpler. Closet pieces keep costs down and leave room for her own ideas. Most of all, let her choose the colors and the details, because she'll wear what she helped make.
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