Picking a pair costume for two girls gets much easier when each idea has a clear theme, colors people recognize and pieces both friends will happily wear for hours. None of these need expensive sets or complicated effects. Coordinated dresses, thrifted separates, simple makeup, a wig or two and handmade props go a long way on a realistic budget. You'll find favorite characters, food pairs, classic Halloween themes, funny ideas and easy DIY options, each with clothing, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes. Best friends, sisters, classmates or cousins can adjust any of them for age, comfort, weather and school rules.
School Costume Rules Two Friends Should Check Together
Plenty of these pairs get worn to school first and trick-or-treating second. Rules differ from school to school, so read the actual note that comes home, but most ask for the same few things. Planning both outfits around them from the start means neither girl ends up changing at the classroom door.
- No masks or full face coverings in class. Draw the jewel thief's mask on with makeup, and keep wolf and cat faces to a nose and whiskers.
- No toy weapons, even foam ones. Every pair below already swaps them for maps, wands, notebooks or bags.
- Shoes they can run in. Sneakers in the costume color beat boots, platforms or skates at recess.
- Nothing that has to come off to sit at a desk. Wings, shaker hats and sandwich panels should slip off quickly and fit under a chair.
- Light makeup, or a version with none. Some schools ban face paint, so make sure the costume still reads without it.
If the rules are strict, the tennis players, salt and pepper, Daphne and Velma or the Pink Ladies pass almost anywhere without a single change.
1. Glinda And Elphaba Costume
Glinda and Elphaba give two girls a light-and-dark pairing most kids already know. Glinda wears a pale pink tulle dress, sparkly flats, a silver crown and soft curls with tiny rhinestone clips, plus rosy makeup, shimmer on the lids and a star-topped wand. Elphaba takes a long black dress, striped tights, lace-up boots, a pointed hat and a black cape, with washable green face makeup, dark liner and a braided or straight black wig. With younger girls I paint green only on the cheeks, forehead and chin instead of the whole face. It reads just as well and comes off far faster at bedtime. Pink beside black makes the pair easy to spot in photos and on the street.
2. Daphne And Velma Costume
Daphne and Velma come together from ordinary clothes, which is why I suggest them so often for school days. Daphne wears a purple long-sleeve dress, a green neck scarf, lavender tights and low purple shoes, with red or auburn hair under a wide lavender headband and a pink lip. Velma needs an orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks, red flats or sneakers, a short brown bob wig and black square glasses. Kids push costume glasses up their noses all day, so I'd pop the lenses out of a cheap pair of real frames rather than buy flimsy toy ones that snap. A flashlight, a notebook or a cardboard magnifying glass is plenty to carry, and both outfits are warm enough for a cool October evening.
3. Wednesday And Enid Costume
Wednesday and Enid are fun precisely because they're opposites, and neither needs special supplies. Wednesday wears a black dress with a crisp white collar, opaque tights and black lace-up shoes, with a center part, two neat braids, pale foundation, a little gray shadow and her famous serious face. Enid is the contrast in a striped sweater, a pastel pleated skirt, bright tights and chunky sneakers, with blonde waves and temporary pink and blue on the ends. On children I'd use hair chalk or clip-in streaks for those ends rather than spray color, which drips onto collars. Pastel eye makeup and bright nail polish replace any animal effects. Matching school-style backpacks connect them, and both outfits sit comfortably through a day of class.
4. Cosmo And Wanda Costume
Cosmo and Wanda are a great last-minute pair because the base is just a white button-down, a black skirt or trousers and a slim black tie. One girl adds green sneakers, a short green wig, green brows drawn in washable makeup and a handmade gold crown on a headband. The other wears the same base with pink flats and a bright pink wig. Wanda's hair is tall and swirled, so I tie the pink wig up into a high bun and pad it with a little tissue to get that shape. Both get small yellow fairy wings and glittery craft-foam star wands. A touch of pink or green shadow ties each girl to her character without covering the face.
5. Mario And Luigi Costume
A girls' Mario and Luigi is easy to personalize. Mario wears denim overalls over a red long-sleeve shirt and Luigi matching overalls over green, with red and green caps carrying felt letter circles on the front. White gloves, brown ankle boots and small stick-on mustaches finish both. Stick-on mustaches rarely survive a child's first snack, so I pack a brown eyeliner pencil to redraw them. Low ponytails or braided pigtails tuck under the caps, and rosy cheeks are all the makeup needed. Cardboard stars, mushrooms or coin-shaped bags are lighter than bulky props. Denim pinafores can replace the overalls for a girl who prefers a dress, and the red-and-green split keeps both costumes equal.
6. Little Red Riding Hood And Wolf Costume
Little Red and the Wolf turn a fairy tale into a slightly spooky pair with nothing frightening in it. Red wears a white blouse, a black or gingham skirt, a red hooded cape, white knee socks and brown boots, with soft braids or curls, rosy cheeks and a small wicker basket of fabric flowers. The wolf takes gray leggings, a charcoal top, a soft faux-fur vest and sturdy black boots, plus a gray ear headband, a detachable felt tail, smoky eyes and a few painted whisker dots. Kids sit on tails and step on capes, so I attach the tail with snaps and keep the cape hem above the knee. Both outfits fit over thermal layers on a cold night.
7. Alice And Queen Of Hearts Costume
Alice and the Queen of Hearts give two girls distinct costumes inside one story. Alice wears a light blue knee-length dress, a white apron, striped tights and black Mary Janes, with a black headband, curled blonde hair and a small teacup or plush white rabbit. The Queen wears a red-and-black dress, or a black top with a red heart-covered skirt, plus striped tights, ankle boots, a gold crown and a high heart-shaped felt collar. A tall felt collar scratches the back of a child's neck, so I line its inner edge with a strip of soft fleece. Red lipstick and little heart cheeks finish her, and oversized playing cards or a heart fan stand in for anything that looks like a weapon.
8. Tinker Bell And Periwinkle Costume
Tinker Bell and Periwinkle are sisters in the films, which makes them a natural green-and-blue fairy pair for sisters or best friends. Tink wears a leaf-shaped green dress over matching shorts, sheer green wings and green flats with white pom-poms, with a high blonde bun, gold shimmer and a flower wand. Periwinkle wears an icy blue dress or tunic with silver leggings, translucent blue wings and pale blue flats, plus a white-blonde wig in a high spiky ponytail, silver shadow and tiny snowflake face gems. Wings on children need to be small and bendy. Wide rigid ones catch on doorways and get knocked by every other kid. Long-sleeve undershirts keep both warm without hiding the colors.
9. Cher And Dionne Costume
Cher and Dionne give older girls a fashionable 1990s school costume built on plaid. Cher wears a yellow plaid blazer and pleated skirt with a white shirt, knee socks and black Mary Janes, plus straight blonde hair with a center part, neutral makeup and a small fuzzy backpack. Dionne takes a black-and-white plaid blazer and skirt, a red top, sheer knee socks, black platform loafers, a dramatic black hat, long braids and a small structured handbag. Cardboard flip phones painted silver make a fun prop for both. Plaid trousers instead of skirts are an easy swap if the school has a skirt-length rule. Matching tailoring in two different plaids keeps them coordinated without being identical.
10. Cowgirl Barbie Duo Costume
A cowgirl Barbie duo works with two Western outfits in different shades of pink. One girl wears a pink vest, a white button-down, flared jeans, white cowgirl boots and a wide-brim pink hat; the other a fringed pink jacket, a denim skirt or jeans, a bandana and pink boots. Bouncy ponytails or soft waves, glossy pink makeup and star face gems keep it playful. New cowgirl boots rub at the heel on a long walk, so I have each girl wear hers around the house for a few evenings first, with thick socks. Heart-shaped sunglasses, rope-style belts and cardboard horseshoes are light accessories. Denim, fringe and pink link the two while each girl picks her own shape.
11. Roller Skate Barbie Duo Costume
A roller Barbie pair feels cheerful even without skates. Both girls wear bright leotards or fitted tops over shorts or leggings, one hot pink with neon yellow, the other turquoise with coral. Add striped knee socks, leg warmers, visors, belt bags and white sneakers with colorful laces. Only experienced skaters should wear real skates, and only where the event allows it; for trick-or-treating, sneakers win every time. High ponytails with scrunchies, glossy lips, bright liner and tiny star stickers do the makeup. Headphones or small boombox-shaped purses make fun props. The shared neon palette ties them together and leaves both girls free to run around.
12. Pink Lady Duo Costume
Pink Ladies is one of the easiest pairs to build around black basics. Both girls wear pink satin-style jackets over black tops with cropped black trousers or midi skirts, plus neck scarves, cat-eye sunglasses and black flats or sneakers. One can do a high ponytail and the other soft vintage curls. Winged liner, rosy blush and pink lipstick keep the makeup polished. The jacket lettering is what sells it. I cut the names from felt and stitch or fuse them on, because glued felt peels off shiny satin within a day. Small combs or record-shaped purses cut from black craft foam make easy props, and the different hairstyles let each girl keep her own personality.
13. Sun And Moon Costume
A sun and moon pair is magical without any character to copy. The sun wears a gold or yellow dress, metallic leggings and gold flats or sneakers, with a radiant headband cut from light gold craft foam, warm yellow eye makeup and cheek shimmer. Loose curls or a braided crown suit her. The moon wears a navy or silver dress with star appliqués, dark tights and silver ankle boots, with waves or a blue-black wig, silver shadow, star face gems and a crescent headpiece. For kids, I glue the foam rays onto a wide padded headband, since thin plastic bands pinch behind the ears after an hour. Similar dress shapes in clearly different colors make them read as a pair.
14. Bee And Beekeeper Costume
Bee and beekeeper puts one cute animal next to one easy occupation. The bee wears a black-and-yellow striped shirt, black leggings, a yellow tulle skirt and black sneakers, with soft wings, an antenna headband, a felt stinger and yellow eye makeup. Two rounded buns echo the antennae. The beekeeper wears white or beige coveralls, tan boots, garden gloves and a wide-brim hat with soft mesh around the edge, kept away from the face so she can see. Thrifted painter's coveralls are often cheaper than costume ones and easy to roll at the cuffs for a child. A cardboard honey jar or a flower basket is the prop, and small sunflower accessories connect the two.
15. Peanut Butter And Jelly Costume
Peanut butter and jelly is funny and simple to make. One girl wears a tan sweatshirt and leggings, the other purple or berry separates. Cut two large bread shapes from light white foam board or thick felt with tan crust borders, then paint a brown swirl on one and a purple swirl on the other, and hang the panels from wide shoulder ribbons. For children I'd choose thick felt over foam board, because board creases the first time she sits down and catches in doorways. Brown and purple sneakers, high ponytails and matching gingham headbands finish it. Spoon-shaped foam props or lunchbox purses add personality. Keep the panels waist-length so stairs and car seats stay easy.
16. Salt And Pepper Costume
Salt and pepper is a simple matching costume that suits school and last-minute plans. One girl wears all white, from T-shirt and leggings to sneakers; the other wears the same in black or charcoal. Make cylindrical shaker hats from poster board with a few small holes on top and elastic straps, then put a large felt S on the white shirt and a P on the black one. Elastic under the chin bothers small kids, so I run it behind the head under the hair instead. Silver shadow and metallic hair ribbons link the two, and craft-foam utensil purses or a silver lunch bag make the props. Check that the hats sit high enough to leave their vision clear.
17. Strawberry And Lemon Costume
A strawberry and a lemon make a bright fruit pair from comfy dresses or matching sets. The strawberry wears a red dress with black felt seeds, green tights and red sneakers, with a leafy green headband, braided pigtails and tiny freckle dots. The lemon wears a yellow dress with white citrus-slice shapes, white tights and yellow flats or sneakers, with a leafy yellow headband and a sleek ponytail. Glued felt seeds pop off after one wash, so I sew each one on with a single stitch, or draw them with fabric marker. Small green baskets or cardboard juice-box bags are the props. On a cold night, swap the dresses for red and yellow sweatshirts with leggings and keep the green accessories.
18. Sharkgirl And Lavagirl Costume
Sharkgirl and Lavagirl are a water-and-fire pair for active kids. Sharkgirl wears a blue long-sleeve athletic top, matching leggings, silver sneakers and a soft fin on the back, with blue streaks in a ponytail, cool shimmer and a foam shark-eye headband. Lavagirl takes a red-and-pink fitted top, leggings or a skirt over shorts and red ankle boots, with pink waves or temporary color, coral shadow and flame-shaped face gems. A fin lightly stuffed with fiberfill stays upright, while a flat felt fin flops sideways by the first block. Reflective craft-foam wrist cuffs replace weapon-like props and help drivers see them. Stretchy fabrics handle parades and trick-or-treating.
19. Mermaid And Pirate Costume
A mermaid and a weapon-free pirate give the pair a seafaring theme. The mermaid wears a scale-print skirt with enough room to walk, a purple or turquoise top, shell hair clips and metallic flats, with beachy waves, temporary blue streaks, pearly shadow and small face gems. The pirate takes black trousers, a loose white blouse, a striped vest, a wide belt and brown boots, plus a soft tricorn hat, a red head scarf, braided hair and smudged brown liner. Fishtail skirts are where mermaid costumes fail on kids. I'd choose a skirt that flares out below the knee, never one tight around the ankles. A rolled treasure map or foam telescope and matching shell necklaces link the two.
20. Witch And Fairy Costume
A witch and a fairy balance classic Halloween with bright fantasy. The witch wears a black velvet dress, purple striped tights, lace-up boots, a soft pointed hat and a short cape, with dark braids, plum lipstick and purple shimmer, plus a small broom or a spellbook-shaped purse. The fairy wears a lavender or mint dress over shorts, sheer tights, sparkly flats and flexible wings, with a flower-covered bun, pastel makeup and face gems. A soft fabric witch hat is far better for a child than a stiff one, which tips over her eyes every time she looks down. Purple in both outfits ties them together, and light capes and wings get through crowded rooms safely.
21. Vampire And Black Cat Costume
A vampire and a black cat keep things spooky but sweet. The vampire wears a burgundy dress, a black cape, patterned tights and low black boots, with smooth dark waves, pale makeup, smoky eyes, berry lipstick and subtle fangs, plus a red jewel choker or an antique-style book. The cat wears a black top, leggings or a tulle skirt over shorts and flexible black sneakers, with an ear headband, a soft tail, whiskers, winged liner and a pink nose. Plastic fangs make most kids drool and lisp, so I let her wear them for photos and keep them in a pocket the rest of the night. A bell collar or yarn-ball purse finishes the cat, and burgundy separates the vampire from her plainer friend.
22. Ghost And Pumpkin Costume
A ghost and a pumpkin catch the traditional colors and stay cute. The ghost wears a white dress or oversized sweatshirt with a layered tulle skirt, pale tights and white sneakers, with a friendly ghost face on a small white hat, plus white ribbons and silver shimmer. The pumpkin wears an orange dress or sweatshirt with black leggings, green sneakers, a leafy collar, curved black felt section lines and a soft stem headband, with orange blush and gold shadow. I always skip the sheet over the head for kids; even with eye holes, it slides around and hides curbs and steps. Matching star-decorated trick-or-treat buckets make the two look like one set.
23. Scarecrow And Crow Costume
Scarecrow and crow is thrift-friendly, with a clear fall palette. The scarecrow wears denim overalls, a plaid shirt with straw-colored yarn at the cuffs, brown boots and a floppy patchwork hat, plus two low braids, rosy cheeks, painted freckles and stitched lines at the mouth. The crow wears a black long-sleeve top, black leggings, a layered feather-shaped cape and black sneakers, with a bird headband, a short black wig or sleek ponytail, silver eye makeup and a little painted beak on the nose. I cut the feather cape from black felt instead of using real feathers, which shed everywhere. Knotting the yarn inside the cuffs stops the straw falling out, and sunflower wristbands link both costumes.
24. Cowgirl And Alien Costume
A cowgirl and an alien mix Western style with playful science fiction. The cowgirl wears a fringed vest over a plaid shirt, bootcut jeans, brown boots and a wide-brim hat, with braids, natural makeup and star-shaped cheek stickers, plus a rope belt or foam horseshoe. The alien wears a metallic silver dress or tracksuit, iridescent leggings, white sneakers and a silver belt bag, with green space buns, an antenna headband, lavender shimmer and small gem clusters around the eyes. Keep those gems on the cheekbones, not at the lash line, where kids rub them straight into their eyes. A cardboard flying-saucer purse and matching star accessories explain how the two fit together.
25. Tennis Player Duo Costume
Matching tennis players suit girls who'd rather wear regular clothes than a theatrical costume. Both wear pleated athletic skirts or shorts, polo shirts, ankle socks and supportive white sneakers, with pink accents for one and green or blue for the other. Sweatbands, visors, high ponytails and a small stripe of colorful face paint under each eye finish it. Cardboard rackets look as good as toy ones in photos and are easier to leave behind when they get in the way. Tennis-ball crossbody bags add a playful detail. On a cold night, leggings and zip-up jackets in the same colors keep the sporty look visible. This is also the pair most likely to pass the strictest school rules.
26. Disco Queen Duo Costume
Two disco queens need shine, flares and shoes they can walk in. One girl wears a silver sequin top with white bell-bottoms, the other a gold top with black or jewel-toned flares. Add shoes with manageable platform soles, oversized sunglasses, metallic belts and star earrings. Big curls, high ponytails or child-sized rounded afro wigs work for the hair, with silver and gold shadow, glossy lips and cheek shimmer. Sequins scratch young skin at the underarms and neckline, so pick pieces with soft linings and add a cotton camisole underneath. Mirror-ball purses or cardboard records are easy props, and matching fabric cuffs pull the two metals together.
27. ’80s Workout Duo Costume
An eighties workout pair is colorful and built from stretchy pieces kids already like wearing. Each girl wears a bright leotard-style top over leggings, with a loose cropped sweatshirt or tank on top for coverage, in contrasting pairs like pink and turquoise or purple and neon yellow. Leg warmers, white sneakers, sweatbands and scrunchies on high side ponytails finish it, with bright but simple eye makeup and pink blush. I have each girl borrow two colors from the other's outfit, which is the quickest way to make two different sets look matched. Toy water bottles, gym bags or cardboard cassette players work as props, and windbreakers go over the top outdoors.
28. Detective And Jewel Thief Costume
A detective and a jewel thief make a playful mystery pair. The detective wears a tan trench coat over a plaid skirt or trousers, a white shirt, loafers and a checked cap, with a low bun or braid, natural makeup, a cardboard magnifying glass and a small notebook. The jewel thief wears an all-black turtleneck, trousers or leggings, soft boots and a black beanie, with a light eye mask, a sleek ponytail, silver liner and a drawstring bag of oversized plastic gems. Eye masks narrow a child's side vision, so I'd draw the mask on with makeup for trick-or-treating and save the real one for the party. Matching black gloves and gem pins connect the outfits.
29. Scientist And Experiment Costume
A scientist and her experiment is a funny idea with plenty of room for DIY details. The scientist wears a white lab coat over a bright shirt, black trousers and sneakers, with safety-style glasses, a messy bun, light makeup and pens in the pocket, carrying clear containers full of pom-poms instead of liquid. The experiment wears a neon green or purple dress, leggings, metallic sneakers and a headband with soft pipe-cleaner spirals, plus colorful hair streaks, shimmer and foam bubbles on the sleeves. A thrifted adult white shirt worn open with the sleeves rolled makes a fine child-size lab coat. Matching costume gloves and a cardboard control panel tie it together, and it's all school-friendly.
30. Cloud And Rainbow Costume
A cloud and a rainbow close the list on a soft, cheerful note. The cloud wears a white sweatshirt with a tulle skirt or white trousers, silver tights and white sneakers, with clusters of polyester stuffing over the top, leaving the neckline and arms clear, plus silver ribbons, pearly makeup and blue felt raindrop earrings. The rainbow wears a striped dress, a colorful sweater with a skirt, or a rainbow tutu over shorts, with striped tights, bright sneakers and a multicolored headband. Loose stuffing pulls off in tufts all night, so I roll it into small balls and stitch or glue each one firmly to the sweatshirt. Star bags or matching blue umbrellas, where allowed, are the props.
Face Paint and Glitter on Young Skin
Most of these looks use a little makeup: Elphaba's green, whiskers, freckles, face gems. Children's skin reacts more easily than adults', so I treat makeup as the one part of a kids' costume that has to be tested ahead of time.
- Use face paint made for skin. Craft paint, markers and acrylics are not meant for faces, even when the label says washable.
- Patch-test a small dab on the inner arm a day or two before. Redness or itching means leave it out.
- Keep glitter and gems on the cheeks, well away from the eyes, and use cosmetic-grade glitter only, never craft glitter.
- Dust painted areas lightly with translucent powder so they don't smear onto collars and hoods.
- Take it all off the same night with a gentle cleanser or a little baby oil on cotton, then rinse with warm water. Don't scrub.
Being Seen on a Dark Street in a Black Costume
Half these pairs put one girl in black: Elphaba, the wolf, the crow, the cat, the jewel thief. That's fine at a party and a real problem on an unlit street, because drivers see the bright friend and miss the dark one. I add visibility without spoiling the look. A strip of reflective tape along the back of a cape hem or around the trick-or-treat bucket, a glow bracelet on each wrist, and a small flashlight carried by the girl in the darker costume all help. Keep both hems above the ankle, and check that hats and wigs leave side vision clear before anyone leaves the house.
Both Girls Should Feel Like the Star
The right pair depends on the two girls' personalities, comfort, budget and where they'll wear the costumes. Characters are best when people need to guess at a glance; food, weather and color themes leave more room for DIY. Before the day, have both girls try everything on together and practice walking, sitting and carrying the props. Swap uncomfortable shoes for sneakers, secure the headpieces and add leggings or jackets for cold weather. Most of all, make sure both feel equally included. Matching colors, balanced accessories and one clear detail each can turn simple closet basics into a pair that looks finished from every angle.
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