Monster High is one of my favourite franchises to dress people as, because every student is a classic monster filtered through a very clear fashion sense. The cast goes far beyond the famous few, so there is room for werecats, sea creatures, pop stars and a genie. Most of these looks come together from thrift-store clothes, a bit of craft foam or felt, temporary hair colour and shoes you can actually walk in. I always tell people to chase the character's colour palette and monster detail rather than every seam. One rule I hold to: there's no need to change your natural skin tone to play any of them. The wig, clothing, makeup accents, jewellery and prop carry the character. Below are fifty ideas for solo, duo and group costumes.
Shopping a Thrift Rack by Colour
Most Monster High students are built from very ordinary pieces: plaid skirts, varsity jackets, striped tops, shift dresses. I shop for them by colour rather than by garment, because the palette is what makes a character read. Before I go, I write down each character's two or three colours and take a screenshot of the character art to hold up against the clothes.
- Check the skirts and dresses section first; it is where the plaids, pleats and bright colours tend to hang.
- Look in the children's and teen racks for cropped jackets and small vests, which often fit adults as a cropped layer.
- Feel the fabric. Thin polyester takes fabric paint and glue poorly, while cotton and denim hold both well.
- Wash anything thrifted before you sew or paint on it, so sizing and shrinkage are out of the way.
What's left after that usually comes from a craft store: felt, craft foam, ribbon and a wig. Spend your money on the wig and save on the clothes.
When a colour is close but not quite right, I'd rather keep the shade than the garment. A purple skirt that's a little too blue still reads as Clawdeen once the wig and ears are on, while a perfect skirt in the wrong colour never will. Dyeing is an option for cotton pieces, but polyester barely takes ordinary dye, so check the label before you plan on it.
1. Draculaura Pink And Black Costume
Draculaura is sweet vampire fashion in pink and black. I start with a white blouse that has a ruffled collar or puff sleeves, add a pink vest and a black pleated skirt, then patterned tights with platform Mary Janes or comfortable black ankle boots. Her long black hair with bright pink streaks, pulled into high pigtails, is what people spot first. Pigtails on a wig need to be tied off tightly and pinned at the base, or they droop by the end of the night. Pink shadow, winged liner and a tiny heart on one cheek do the face. Fangs, a lace parasol and a bat purse are optional extras. A short pink cape keeps the chill off without much weight.
2. Frankie Stein School Uniform Costume
Frankie's school look is preppy clothes with stitched, mismatched details. A black-and-white striped blouse under a plaid dress or pleated skirt in blue, green and black, a narrow tie and a studded belt. Fix any safety-pin decorations with the points closed and facing the fabric, never your skin. A black-and-white wig, or white temporary spray over your own hair, gives the streaks. I draw the stitches with a skin-safe eyeliner pencil along the jaw and arms; short evenly spaced lines look neater than long ones. Mismatched earrings, black platform sneakers or lace-up ankle boots, and a notebook with lightning bolts on the cover. She's detailed but comfortable for a long night.
3. Clawdeen Wolf Purple Jacket Costume
Clawdeen is glam werewolf, and none of it is complicated. A purple moto jacket, a fitted black top and a patterned mini skirt or shorts over tights are the bones. A gold belt, layered necklaces and purple lace-up boots dress it up. Her long brown wig with violet streaks needs volume; I tease the roots a little and set it with hairspray before putting it on. Soft wolf ears on a headband are the monster detail. Bronze shadow, sharp liner, dark berry lips and a small painted nose. Fingerless gloves with rounded costume claws are safer than pointed ones in a crowd. Carry a purple handbag or a sketchbook, since she's into fashion design, and add faux-fur trim at the collar or cuffs.
4. Cleo De Nile Gold Mummy Costume
Cleo is royal blue and metallic gold. A fitted blue dress, or matching top and skirt, with gold ribbon or fabric strips wrapped round the waist and sleeves suggests mummy wrappings. I hand-tack each wrap in two or three places, because wrapped strips loosen every time you bend your arm. Add a wide gold belt, a collar necklace, cuffs and tall blue boots. A long black wig with straight bangs and thin gold accents. Teal shadow, long black liner and gold face gems give the Egyptian-inspired eye without altering your skin tone. A jewelled purse or a small scroll is a light prop, and gold leggings add warmth. Pick fewer, bigger accessories so she looks regal rather than cluttered.
5. Lagoona Blue Sea Monster Costume
Lagoona is sporty and beachy, and her costume should move. A pink tank top or zip-front jacket, turquoise shorts or a ruffled blue skirt, fishnet-style tights, sea jewellery and platform sandals or turquoise sneakers. A long blonde wig with blue streaks plus removable fin clips in the hair. Small scale patterns at the temples, done in skin-safe makeup with a fishnet stocking held over the skin as a stencil, look surprisingly real. Pearly blue shadow and coral lips. A shell bag or a reusable water bottle is a good prop for a swimmer. On a cold night, a light blue hoodie underneath keeps her bright and warm.
6. Abbey Bominable Furry Yeti Costume
Abbey is the warm choice. An icy blue or purple dress with geometric patterns, white faux-fur trim at the neckline, wrists and hem, lavender leggings and sturdy white snow boots. Long white hair with blue, pink and purple streaks, sleek or loosely crimped. I'd crimp a synthetic wig with braids overnight rather than a hot crimper, which can singe the fibre. Frosty blue shadow, highlighter and pale lavender lips, and snowflake face gems instead of full colour. A fuzzy white handbag or a snowflake cup, plus a cropped faux-fur jacket for another layer. Choose lightweight synthetic fur so you don't overheat once you're indoors.
7. Ghoulia Yelps Red And Blue Costume
Ghoulia is quirky and bookish, and almost everything for her is in a thrift store. A red striped top, a graphic tank, high-waisted blue trousers or a denim skirt over leggings, a cropped jacket, a studded belt and red canvas sneakers or chunky boots. The long blue wig and white cat-eye glasses carry her. I pop the lenses out of cheap frames if they're tinted, so you can see in the dark. Cool grey shadow, red lips and soft stitch marks give a monster hint without a frightening zombie face. A stack of comics, a laptop sleeve or a decorated binder, red hair clips and tiny brain earrings for fun. She suits anyone who prefers separates to a dress.
8. Spectra Vondergeist Purple Ghost Costume
Spectra is all sheer layers and purple. A black fitted dress or top-and-skirt, then a translucent purple cape, mesh sleeves or a flowing overskirt, silver chain jewellery and ankle boots with metallic details. A long violet wig, dusted lightly with silver hair glitter. Use glitter sparingly; it travels onto everyone you hug and stays in the car for weeks. Lavender shadow, highlight and dark plum lips. A clear purse stuffed with purple tissue paper, or a toy microphone for her reporting. I always hem the cape and overskirt a few inches off the floor, since sheer fabric is slippery and easy to step on.
9. Venus McFlytrap Plant Monster Costume
Venus is pink and green, eco-punk plant monster. A black graphic top with a green vest and a bright pink skirt or distressed green jeans, vine-patterned tights, fingerless gloves and combat boots. Her pink hair has one side braided or shaved-looking; a temporary green hair panel clipped in is the easier version. Green liner, hot pink shadow and small leaf shapes at the temples. Wrap artificial vines loosely round the jacket or belt and tie them off with thread at every turn, or they unravel and snag. A small fake plant in a light pot is her prop, and a leaf ear cuff and recycled-material jewellery fit her love of the planet.
10. Twyla Purple Pajama Costume
Twyla is the comfiest costume here, close to wearing pyjamas, which is the point. A purple ruffled blouse or pyjama top, a layered blue skirt, patterned tights and low purple ankle boots. A turquoise or mint wig with purple streaks. I make her shadowy swirls from felt and stitch them to a headband, as felt holds its shape without wire. Lavender shadow, turquoise liner and a few wisps around the eyes. A plush dust bunny, a crescent purse or a battery lantern. For the easiest version, a purple pyjama set under a blue robe. It's a sensible pick for a school party or a long walk round the block.
11. Toralei Stripe Orange Cat Costume
Toralei is a sharper take than a standard cat. An orange striped top, a cropped black jacket, fitted black trousers or a pleated skirt, a red belt, fingerless gloves and black combat boots. A short orange wig with darker stripes sprayed on, plus cat ears and a clip-on tail. I'd mask the stripes off with painter's tape before spraying so the edges come out crisp. Slim whiskers, winged liner and a small nose, kept clean. A red crossbody bag or a ball of orange yarn as the prop. Striped fabric panels on the jacket are what separate her from every other cat at the party.
12. Catty Noir Pink Pop Star Costume
Catty Noir is a werecat pop star. A pink dress with a flared skirt, a silver belt, and a black mesh shrug or cropped jacket, with glitter ankle boots or supportive platform sneakers. A long black wig with hot pink streaks, black ears and a clip-on tail. Pink shadow, silver liner and a small painted nose. Rhinestone stickers round the eyes are fun, but I keep them on the outer cheekbone, well away from the lash line. A toy microphone or star purse, black gloves, stacked bracelets and a silver choker. Movement and sparkle are what she's about, so she photographs nicely on a dance floor.
13. Rochelle Goyle Gray Gargoyle Costume
Rochelle is French chic in stone grey with pink. A black-and-white striped blouse, grey pleated skirt and pink cropped jacket, patterned tights and grey lace-up boots with pink laces. A long pink wig with pale blue streaks. I cut her gargoyle ears and wings from grey craft foam and score a few stone cracks into the surface with a ballpoint before painting; it looks carved for almost no effort. Attach them to a headband and to backpack-style straps. Silver-grey shadow, rosy blush and tiny stone cracks near the temples instead of full paint. A mini sketchbook or a foam architectural ornament. Keep the wings compact for hallways.
14. Robecca Steam Blue Robot Costume
Robecca is steampunk robot, and you don't need anything bulky. A blue dress, jumpsuit or blouse-and-shorts set, a brown faux-leather vest, a wide belt, striped tights and brown lace-up boots. A long dark blue wig and bronze goggles worn on the head. Metallic blue liner, bronze shadow and gear shapes drawn on the cheeks. I glue the foam gears to the vest, belt and cuffs, not to skin, where adhesive irritates and lets go when you sweat. A clock-shaped purse or a cardboard gear. Bronze gloves and knee pads add mechanics while staying flexible. Skip real metal; it's heavy and cold by the end of an outdoor night.
15. Operetta Rockabilly Phantom Costume
Operetta is rockabilly and theatre. A red button-front top, a fitted black jacket and cropped trousers or a piano-key skirt, black-and-white saddle shoes, ankle socks and a wide belt. A bright red wig in a high ponytail or vintage curls with a small music-note accessory. Winged liner, red lips and a music-themed design round one eye, a nod to the mask she hides behind. I'd attach the eye mask to a headband; a tied mask slips and pinches behind the ears all night. A toy guitar or mic, dice earrings and a neck scarf. She works as a real party outfit, not just a costume.
16. Catrine DeMew Purple Artist Costume
Catrine is a werecat painter. A striped black top, a lavender skirt and a fitted purple jacket or vest, patterned tights and black boots with painted purple details. A long white wig with pink and purple streaks, white ears and a flexible white tail on the waistband. Lavender shadow, black cat-eye and a tiny purple nose. A clean palette and an oversized brush made from light craft materials. I'd flick fabric paint splatters onto the skirt or jacket outdoors, on newspaper, and let them dry overnight before wearing; every homemade version comes out different, which suits an artist.
17. Elissabat Purple Vampire Costume
Elissabat is the gothic movie-star vampire. A high-neck purple dress with a fitted black bolero or capelet, patterned tights, a jewelled choker and black platform boots. A long straight black wig with deep purple streaks. Smoky plum shadow, precise black liner and berry lips. If you add fangs, choose the kind you can pop out to eat; I've seen plenty of people take them out within the hour. A toy film award, a folding fan or a purple clutch, a velvet bow and bat earrings. Keep the cape short and the boots supportive, and she's good for photos, parties or a stage appearance.
18. Honey Swamp Green Monster Costume
Honey Swamp is a swamp monster who loves the camera. A green dress with a fitted bodice and a skirt of layered purple and blue fabric, a cropped vest, a vine belt and purple ankle boots. The big mint-green curly wig is what people recognise. Turquoise shadow, purple liner and a few subtle scales near the cheeks. Let the wig and clothes say who she is rather than any skin colour. A toy video camera, a clapboard or a lily-pad bag, purple gloves and leaf earrings. A full curly wig plus layered skirts get hot indoors, so I'd pick a cotton or other breathable fabric for the bodice.
19. Viperine Gorgon Pink Snake Costume
Viperine is a glamorous gorgon makeup artist. A pink-and-black geometric dress, a white faux-fur vest or short jacket, and pink platforms or low block heels. A pale pink wig in loose waves with several small rubber snakes clipped in. I stitch a loop of thread round each snake and tie it to the wig cap, which holds far better than a clip on slippery fibre. Keep them away from the face. Pink shadow, sharp black liner and a few silver scales at the temples. A makeup case or compact mirror, pink sunglasses, a silver belt and snake jewellery. Polished, minimal face makeup keeps her friendly.
20. Gigi Grant Genie Costume
Gigi Grant is a genie, so flowing fabric and a bit of magic. A blue or pink jumpsuit, harem trousers or a fitted top with loose trousers, a gold waist sash, cuffs and pointed flats or ankle boots. A long pink wig with orange or gold accents. Turquoise shadow, pink liner and little gold stars at the outer corners. A battery lantern or glitter bottle stands in for her lamp, and keeps the look fantasy rather than borrowed from any real culture. A sheer cape fixed at the shoulders, kept above the floor. I'd choose a soft jersey for the trousers so they drape without crushing. Gold earrings and a jewelled headband finish her.
21. Nefera De Nile Blue And Gold Costume
Nefera is Cleo's older, sterner sister. A fitted turquoise dress, jumpsuit or crop top with a long skirt, a wide metallic belt, a collar necklace, cuffs and gold ankle boots. A long blue wig with black streaks, straight and sleek. Rich blue shadow, extended liner and gold highlights round the eyes. The clothing and gold give the mummy royalty, so there's no reason to change your skin colour. Carry a jewelled compact or a staff-shaped handbag rather than a full staff. A structured shoulder cape adds drama. I'd choose plastic or resin jewellery over metal so she's still comfortable at the end of the night.
22. Amanita Nightshade Flower Monster Costume
Amanita is a dark floral monster. A fitted black or purple dress with a layered skirt, large artificial petals around one shoulder or the neckline, green vine details at the waist, patterned tights and purple platforms. A long purple wig with green streaks. Plum shadow, bright green liner and petal shapes at one temple. A faux bouquet or a small black planter of purple blooms. A light floral crown is easier than lots of separate hair pieces. I pull the plastic stems off fake flowers before sewing them on, because the stems poke through fabric. Leaf earrings and black gloves finish her.
23. Scarah Screams Green Mod Costume
Scarah is a clean 1960s look and a good last-minute costume. A sleeveless black mini or green shift dress, a white belt, patterned tights and black knee boots or flat ankle boots. A straight black wig with blunt bangs, and a green headband for her signature colour. Pale green shadow, graphic black liner and soft pink lips, with no full-face paint. A vintage-style bag, a school folder or a blank white foam speech bubble, since she's a telepath. Big white earrings and a cropped coat. Because it's so simple, it passes most work and school dress rules.
24. Iris Clops Colorful Cyclops Costume
Iris Clops is bright retro with one clever eye. A green or multicoloured dress with a bold geometric print, a wide belt, a cardigan, colourful tights and low platform shoes. A short green wig with a headband, flower clips or a small hat. Do normal makeup round your own eyes and put a big painted eye on a forehead headband, which keeps your vision clear. I cut the eye from craft foam so it's light and won't drag the headband down. A round eye purse or a colourful schoolbook, oversized earrings and chunky bracelets. Safe to walk in, and still obviously a cyclops.
25. Wydowna Spider Red And Black Costume
Wydowna needs webs and extra arms. A red fitted top and a black skirt or trousers covered in white web details, striped tights and black lace-up boots. A long red-and-black wig, dramatic black liner and small webs at the temples. For the extra arms, I stuff black sleeves and fix them to a light harness, then tie the wrists to your real wrists with clear ribbon so they move when you do. Keep them short so you don't hit people beside you. A web-patterned bag, red gloves, a black choker and spider hair clips. No big spider body needed.
26. Avea Trotter Purple Centaur Costume
Avea is a centaur, and I'd skip building the horse half. A purple fitted jacket over a blue top with black shorts or leggings, riding-style boots, fingerless gloves and a bright blue belt. A long purple-and-blue wig as the mane. Blue shadow, sharp liner and a few feather shapes at the temples for her harpy side. A light fabric tail on the waistband and a foam horse-ear headband with small wings say centaur well enough. A riding ribbon or a school pennant. This version lets you sit, use doors and stand in a crowded kitchen without knocking into everyone.
27. Bonita Femur Butterfly Skeleton Costume
Bonita is half butterfly, half skeleton, and bright with it. A black fitted top and leggings printed or painted with simple white bones, a pink or yellow tulle skirt and colourful ankle boots. A long pink-and-black wig. Large pastel wings on adjustable backpack straps, soft and narrow enough for indoors. I paint bones on black leggings with fabric paint while they're stretched over a piece of cardboard, so the lines don't crack when you put them on. Pink shadow, dramatic lashes and delicate bone lines around the face, not a skull. A flower bag or big fake blossom, antenna clips and stacked bracelets. Good for daytime and family parties.
28. Sirena Von Boo Mermaid Ghost Costume
Sirena is a ghost mermaid, shown through layers rather than a tail. A fitted blue or purple dress with a flared or ruffled hem, a sheer silver cape, shell jewellery and glitter ankle boots. A long lavender wig with turquoise streaks. Shimmery blue shadow, pearl face accents and pale pink lips. A shell purse or a clear bottle of iridescent paper. A fin-shaped belt piece adds the tail idea while both legs stay free. I always pick a skirt that ends above the ankle for her; sheer hems and stairs don't mix.
29. Batsy Claro Green Bat Costume
Batsy is a tropical fruit bat. A green romper, dress or top-and-shorts set with leafy patterns, purple tights and green lace-up boots. A white or pale green wig in loose waves, plus fuzzy bat ears on a headband. Light green wings on soft elastic shoulder straps. I sew the straps so they cross at the back like a bra, which stops wings sliding off one shoulder. Lime shadow, purple liner and small leaf patterns round the eyes. A fruit purse or a fake tropical flower. Stay with the green palette, not green skin, and keep the wings compact for doorways and classrooms.
30. Mouscedes King Pink Mouse Costume
Mouscedes is a city-girl mouse in pink and gold. A pink dress or matching jacket and skirt trimmed in gold, patterned tights and pink high-tops or ankle boots. A pink-and-white wig in a high ponytail. Round mouse ears and a tiny gold crown on one comfortable headband, plus a thin clip-on tail. Rosy shadow, black liner, a small pink nose and delicate whiskers. A felt cheese purse or a gold shopping bag. I'd glue the crown to the headband with fabric glue and a stitch or two, since hot glue on a plastic band snaps off. A cropped faux-fur jacket for warmth.
31. Luna Mothews Moth Performer Costume
Luna is a moth with a performer's flair. A black dress, bodysuit with skirt, or fitted jumpsuit with blue, yellow and red accents, bright tights and black ankle boots. A short blue wig with antenna clips. Patterned fabric wings on backpack-style straps, symmetrical with rounded edges. Blue shadow, gold liner and small dots at the temples. A toy mic, a theatre programme or a star bag, a sparkly collar and colourful cuffs. I check her wings fold no wider than the shoulders, which lets her move through a busy room.
32. Elle Eedee Silver Robot Costume
Elle Eedee is a robot DJ, and metallic separates are kinder than a stiff bodysuit. A silver fitted top with a geometric skirt or black leggings striped with reflective tape, a cropped metallic jacket, a neon belt and silver platform sneakers. A sleek blue or purple bob. Silver shadow, graphic blue liner and small circuit lines at the temples. Light foam panels on the cuffs or shoulders add the machine. I make her DJ controller from a decorated shoebox lid, which is light enough to carry all night. A mirrored clutch, reflective bracelets and over-ear headphones. Flexible fabrics keep her comfortable for dancing and sitting.
33. Kala Mer’ri Purple Sea Creature Costume
Kala Mer'ri is a deep-sea monster, purple and flowing. A purple fitted top with black leggings and a layered turquoise overskirt, arm cuffs, sea jewellery and purple ankle boots. A long purple wig with blue streaks. Turquoise shadow, plum liner and small iridescent scales by the eyes. Soft tentacles made from stuffed fabric tubes hang from a belt, short enough not to drag. I put a little weight in the tips, a few dried beans in a sealed bag, so they hang and swing. A shell bag or a sea-themed journal and a sheer blue cape. No full-face colour needed; the palette and tentacle belt carry her.
34. Peri And Pearl Two-Headed Sea Monster Costume
Peri and Pearl are two heads on one sea serpent, which makes a great duo for two friends. Both wear a matching turquoise dress or top-and-skirt with purple ruffles, sea-pattern tights and blue ankle boots. One wig mostly blue, the other purple, both in long waves. Matching pearly shadow, colourful liner and small scales at the temples. A light shared shoulder cape connects them, and I'd add snaps so it pulls apart in a second when you need to walk single file. Each carries half of a shell prop that closes when you stand together. Opposite-colour jewellery keeps them two people.
35. Posea Reef Coral Garden Costume
Posea is an underwater garden. A turquoise dress with a fitted top and layered green or purple skirt, light artificial flowers and foam coral round the waist and shoulder, seafoam tights and comfortable blue boots. A long teal wig with pink accents. Green shadow, pearl highlighter and tiny florals around one eye. A small watering can decorated with shells, or a coral purse, plus fin cuffs and a flower crown. I'd avoid putting coral near the hem, where it gets kicked and torn off. Attach everything securely and keep it soft.
36. River Styxx Pastel Reaper Costume
River Styxx is a pastel reaper, gentle rather than grim. A black dress with purple and pink ruffles, striped tights and black platform boots. A long pastel blue, pink and purple wig. Lavender shadow, black liner and small stars or bones round the eyes. Instead of a scythe, carry a crescent bag or a decorative hourglass, which schools and neighbourhood events are happier with. A short translucent cape with a hood that rests behind the head. I'd put the hood on only for photos, because a hood over a long wig flattens it and pulls it back. Pastel gloves and a skull hair clip.
37. Vandala Doubloons Pirate Ghost Costume
Vandala is a ghost pirate in comfortable pieces. A white ruffled blouse, a turquoise vest and a layered purple skirt or cropped trousers, striped tights and brown buckled ankle boots. A long turquoise wig with a purple pirate hat. Lavender shadow, pearly highlight and soft blue liner. A rolled map, a compass purse or a little chest instead of a sword. A fabric sash, a coin necklace and a translucent shoulder cape. Gold coin necklaces jingle, which is fun at a party and annoying in a quiet classroom, so I'd pick the right event for it. Keep skirt and cape off the ground.
38. Astranova Galaxy Alien Costume
Astranova is a galaxy alien musician. A purple or blue metallic dress with geometric panels, silver leggings and platform sneakers. A long blue-and-purple wig in a high ponytail or smooth waves with star clips. Shimmery violet shadow, silver liner and tiny constellations at the temples; I dot those with the end of a makeup brush handle dipped in white liner. A star purse, a toy keyboard or a small battery orb. A structured silver collar and holographic cuffs. Skip a helmet, which blocks your view. She should feel sleek and musical, and you should still be able to sit down.
39. Gooliope Jellington Circus Monster Costume
Gooliope is a giant jelly circus girl, but you don't need stilts to play her. A red-and-yellow striped dress, fitted jumpsuit or peplum top with leggings, a blue belt, striped tights and sturdy red platform sneakers. A long pink wig with yellow accents. Bright pink shadow, graphic blue liner and small stars on the face. A mini top hat on a headband. A ticket roll, a colourful umbrella or a striped handbag. Oversized bows and flexible ruffled cuffs give big proportions. Bold scale in the accessories, not body size, makes her work for fans of any height.
40. Howleen Wolf Orange Werewolf Costume
Howleen is streetwear werewolf, a strong pick for teens. An orange hoodie or cropped jacket, a purple top, denim shorts over patterned leggings, colourful high-tops, stacked bracelets and a crossbody bag. A short orange or auburn wig with soft brown ears on a headband. Warm orange shadow, black liner and a small painted nose. Fingerless gloves with rounded felt claws are safe. A music player prop or a decorated notebook and a faux-fur tail clipped to the belt. I'd pick this one for a long walk; sneakers and a hoodie are about as practical as Halloween gets.
41. Meowlody And Purrsephone Twin Werecat Costume
Meowlody and Purrsephone are twin werecats, so they're made for siblings, twins or best friends. Both wear black-and-white striped tops, matching skirts, patterned tights and black ankle boots. One gets pink accents through the belt, jacket and jewellery, the other purple. Matching black wigs with white streaks, black ears and flexible tails. Winged liner, small noses and fine whiskers on both. Yarn-ball purses or complementary handbags. I'd have both people buy the base pieces at the same time from the same shop, because two blacks or two stripes that don't match ruin the twin effect in photos.
42. Deuce Gorgon Green Snake Costume
Deuce is laid-back streetwear plus snakes. A red sleeveless hoodie or fitted jacket over a graphic shirt with black trousers, a studded belt and red high-tops. A short green wig with light rubber snakes fixed across the top. His sunglasses matter, but at night I'd choose a pale tinted lens you can actually see through. Green liner and a few scales at the temples. A school backpack, a snack box or a basketball. A green patterned scarf and wrist cuffs. Let the snake hair, red clothes and glasses do the talking; no full-face colour.
43. Clawd Wolf Varsity Werewolf Costume
Clawd is a sporty, warm costume you can pull from a wardrobe. A red or purple varsity jacket over a black T-shirt and dark jeans, high-tops, a school pennant and an athletic wristband. A short brown wig, or your own hair with temporary brown highlights. A soft wolf-ear headband and a clip-on faux-fur tail. Brown liner for a small nose, a few whisker dots and stronger brows. A foam football or a school backpack, and fingerless gloves with rounded felt claws. I'd recommend him for cold outdoor parties, since a varsity jacket is genuinely warm.
44. Heath Burns Fire Monster Costume
Heath is a fire monster, and his flames come from colour, not heat. A red jacket or hoodie over an orange shirt, black jeans, red-and-yellow sneakers and a flame belt or scarf. A short orange wig spiked up with temporary yellow tips. Orange shadow, red liner and small flames at the temples. A water bottle with flame stickers or a red binder. Orange wristbands and a light foam flame collar for more detail. Foam and felt flames should stay well clear of candles and pumpkins. Leave the sparklers and lighters out completely.
45. Jackson Jekyll Preppy Student Costume
Jackson is the easiest last-minute costume here. A yellow sweater vest over a white button-down with a patterned bow tie, dark trousers, a brown belt and black-and-white sneakers. A short black wig with a neat side part and one yellow streak. Subtle grey liner and a small music note near one temple. Headphones, a schoolbook or a science notebook, a wristwatch and a messenger bag. Because he's so understated, the exact colours matter more than usual; I'd hold the sweater vest up against the character art before buying. Pair him with Holt Hyde for a duo.
46. Holt Hyde Blue Music Monster Costume
Holt Hyde is Jackson's loud other half. A purple jacket over a red or orange graphic shirt, dark jeans, a chain-style belt, bright sneakers and over-ear headphones. A tall blue wig with orange or red tips; tall spiked wigs stay up better if you work a bit of wig gel into the spikes and let them dry before the party. Blue and purple eye makeup with small music notes or equaliser lines at the temples. A toy DJ controller, a record sleeve or a small speaker. Fingerless gloves and wristbands. With Jackson, matching necklaces or notebooks show they're the same student.
47. Porter Geiss Green Ghost Artist Costume
Porter Geiss is a ghostly street artist. A black hoodie or sleeveless jacket over a green shirt, dark cargo trousers with fabric-paint splatters and sturdy black sneakers. A short green-and-black wig. Green liner, silver highlight and small wisps round the eyes for friendly ghost makeup. A sketchbook, a clean paint roller or a cardboard spray can that couldn't pass for a real one. A translucent green scarf and paint-marked gloves. Seal all the paint dry before wearing; I give fabric paint a full day and then iron it from the back, if the label allows, to set it.
48. Gil Webber Blue Sea Monster Costume
Gil Webber is a sporty freshwater monster. A blue zip-front jacket over a turquoise shirt with dark shorts or athletic trousers, blue sneakers and sea-patterned wristbands. A short blue wig or temporary blue colour, with soft fins on a headband. Turquoise shadow, blue liner and a few scales along the cheekbones. In the show he wears a water-filled helmet; instead, carry a clear round backpack or a transparent umbrella, so your vision and air aren't blocked. Webbed gloves from stretchy fabric and a shell necklace. Practical for parties, school corridors and trick-or-treating.
49. Manny Taur Bull Monster Costume
Manny Taur is a bull, and you don't need a mascot suit. A red varsity jacket or athletic jersey with black trousers and sturdy high-tops, a wide belt and padded sports wristbands. A short brown wig and a headband with soft rounded horns and small ears. I make the horns from stuffed fabric rather than foam, since they bend if someone bumps into you. Brown liner for a simple nose and strong brows. A foam football, a pennant or a gym bag, and a light fabric tail at the back of the belt. Teens and adults like this one because it's comfortable.
50. Casta Fierce Purple Pop Witch Costume
Casta Fierce is a pop witch, more stage than spellbook. A black-and-purple dress with a fitted bodice, layered skirt and metallic gold belt, striped tights and supportive purple ankle boots. A long purple wig with black sections and a small pointed hat on a headband, which balances the look better than a full witch hat. Plum shadow, gold liner and star accents. A toy mic or music-note purse instead of a wand. A short cape, gold cuffs and sparkly earrings. Keep it playful and fashion-led, with no ritual symbols, and she's fine for a family party.
Headbands That Hold Ears, Horns and Crowns
Almost half of these students wear something on a headband: wolf ears, cat ears, a cyclops eye, horns, a mini crown or a tiny top hat. I build all of them the same way, because a headband that slides or pinches ruins an evening faster than any other piece.
- Start with a plain plastic or fabric-covered headband about a finger wide. Very thin metal bands grip too hard behind the ears.
- Cut each ear or horn with a tab at the bottom, wrap the tab round the band, and stitch or fabric-glue it closed. Glue on the surface alone snaps off.
- Cover the band in strips of felt the colour of the wig, so it disappears into the hair.
- Pin it to the wig with two bobby pins crossed in an X at each side. Over a wig cap, that holds through dancing.
Keep anything on the band light. Once a headpiece gets heavier than a phone, it starts tipping forward, and you'll spend the night pushing it back.
Ears, Wigs and One Good Prop Make a Ghoul
You can be any of these students without buying a boxed replica. Start with clothes you can move in, then add the wig, a few makeup accents, the accessories people recognise and one light prop. Temporary colour, felt ears, compact wings and thrifted pieces do most of the work and keep the spend down. Clothing and fictional monster details say who you are, so there's no reason to change your skin tone. Go solo as a favourite student, or get friends together as werecats, sea creatures, performers or classmates. I'd put comfortable shoes ahead of everything else on that list.
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