Studio Ghibli characters are a gift for anyone who builds costumes out of ordinary clothes. Most of them wear real garments: a navy dress, a striped shirt, suspenders, an apron. That means the costume rests on color, silhouette and one good prop rather than on foam armor or a bought suit. I've gathered thirty characters here, from Kiki and Totoro to smaller faces like the soot sprites, Markl and Arrietty, so solo wearers, couples, siblings and whole groups can each find a match. For every one I cover the clothing, hair, makeup, props and shoes, and where a piece tends to cause trouble on the night, I say so.
Building Ghibli Looks From Thrift-Store Clothes
Most Ghibli characters dress like real people in a real decade, which is good news if you don't sew much. Kiki, Satsuki, Pazu and Sophie all wear garments you can find on a rack, so I shop for these costumes by color before anything else. Walk the store looking for the exact red or navy, then check the cut. A dress in the right shade but too long is an easy hem. A dress in the wrong shade means dyeing, and home dye rarely comes out even on a thrifted blend.
- Check the children's and men's sections. Boys' shirts often have the plain collars and simple stripes these characters wear, and a smaller adult can fit a large kids' size.
- Pass on busy prints. Florals and logos break the flat animated look faster than a slightly off color does.
- Sew felt details on instead of gluing them. Felt peels off polyester and fleece once the fabric warms and stretches, and Totoro's belly or Catbus's stripes take a lot of movement.
- Wash thrifted pieces before you alter anything, so any shrinking happens before you measure.
Aim for the outline someone would know from across a room: Kiki's bow, No-Face's long black shape, Howl's jacket. Once that reads, small differences in fabric stop mattering.
Short Bobs and Braids Without Cutting Your Hair
A surprising number of these characters have short or very particular hair: Kiki, Haku, Ponyo, San and Nausicaa among them. If your own hair is long, a wig is the honest answer, and it's easier than people fear once the hair underneath lies flat.
Getting Long Hair Under a Short Wig
Braid your hair into two flat plaits, wrap them around your head and pin them down before the wig cap goes on. A single bun at the back makes a bump that pushes a bob out of shape. Then pin the wig through the cap at the temples and the nape so it doesn't slide when you look down at a candy bowl.
Taming a Cheap Wig
Budget wigs shed and tangle, especially at the nape where they rub against a collar. Shake the wig out, comb from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, and trim heavy bangs a little at a time. Most inexpensive wigs are plain synthetic fiber that frizzes or melts near a curling iron, so read the label before you use heat. Heat-resistant fiber will take a low setting, which is handy for Kiki's flipped ends.
1. Kiki Halloween Costume
Kiki is the costume I point beginners to first, because the whole character rests on two things: a dark dress and a big red bow. Look for a loose, knee-length navy or black dress with short or elbow-length sleeves. The bow does the heavy lifting, so make it bigger than feels sensible and slip a length of floral wire or stiff interfacing into the loops so they don't droop by nine o'clock. A short black wig with flipped ends works, or tuck your own hair behind your ears. Rosy cheeks and soft lashes are all the makeup she needs. Carry a light broom, pin a black cat plush to your shoulder or basket strap, and wear red ballet flats or low Mary Janes. For fans who'll catch it, a cardboard radio prop is an easy extra.
2. Tombo Halloween Costume
Tombo is mostly a shopping job, not a sewing one. Find a red-and-white striped short-sleeve shirt, high-waisted navy shorts, a brown belt, white crew socks and black or brown lace-up shoes. The round glasses matter more than anything else, so buy light frames and wear them around the house for an hour first; heavy novelty glasses slide down your nose and pinch behind the ears. Leave short brown hair a little tousled or use a cropped wig, and keep makeup to brushed brows and a touch of blush. A bicycle bell, an old camera or a cardboard aviation model gives him something to hold. Next to Kiki, he's done. On his own, I'd add a newsboy cap so he reads as a period character and not just someone in a striped tee.
3. Ursula Halloween Costume
Ursula is the quiet pick for someone who wants to wear something close to their own clothes. A loose red tank or sleeveless tunic, cuffed denim shorts, a plain brown belt, ankle boots and a canvas crossbody bag cover the outfit. Pull dark hair into a messy low ponytail with pieces left loose, and keep makeup to soft brows and warm blush. The risk with a costume this casual is that nobody gets it, so the props have to do the talking: a sketchbook full of bird drawings, a few charcoal pencils and a rolled sheet of craft paper under your arm. If it's cold outside, a loose artist smock over the top keeps you warm without hiding the red.
4. Osono Halloween Costume
Osono is the one I'd suggest to anyone who's expecting, because her bakery dress is already loose through the waist and needs no altering over a bump. Look for a long dress in rust or warm brown with short sleeves, then tie the cream apron above the bump rather than at the natural waist so it sits comfortably. Supportive brown flats or nonslip ankle boots matter more than usual if you'll be standing all evening. Hair goes into a neat bun with a few soft strands, and the makeup stays fresh and rosy. Fill a wicker basket with paper pastries or wrapped treats; real bread gets squashed and leaves crumbs everywhere. A wooden spoon in the apron pocket is the small detail people notice. On a cold night, a fitted cream shirt under the dress keeps the bakery look intact.
5. Totoro Halloween Costume
You don't need a mascot suit for Totoro, and I'd steer most adults away from one; they're hot indoors and awkward to sit down in. A soft gray hooded onesie works, or a gray sweatshirt with joggers, or a loose gray dress over matching leggings. Stitch rounded ears to the hood or a padded headband, with a little fiberfill inside so they stand up. The cream belly panel with its small dark gray chevrons is what makes him Totoro, so cut it from felt and sew it on. Hot glue on fleece peels away as soon as the fabric stretches. Face paint can stay light: gray shading around the eyes, a tiny black nose and white whiskers. Carry a leaf umbrella, or tape removable paper leaves to a clear one. Gray sneakers or rain boots keep it practical, and because the base is just soft layers, it suits kids and adults and slots easily into a family theme.
6. Satsuki Halloween Costume
Satsuki comes almost entirely from basics. Wear a sunny yellow short-sleeve blouse with a pointed collar and a high-waisted orange or coral skirt to the knee, with white ankle socks and sturdy brown Mary Janes. Short brown hair with a side part, left a little tousled, is right for her; she's an active kid, not a polished one. Makeup is peach blush and a sheer pink lip at most. A school satchel or a wrapped lunch box gives her something to hold, and a handmade acorn pouch is a quiet nod to the forest. She's strongest next to Mei, Totoro or Catbus, though the yellow and orange are distinct enough to carry her alone.
7. Mei Halloween Costume
Mei is my first suggestion for a small child, because the outfit is comfortable and survives being climbed in. Start with a puffy coral-red dress with a white Peter Pan collar and short sleeves, and put white bloomers or fitted shorts underneath so cartwheels aren't a problem. Yellow Mary Janes, white ankle socks and a small straw hat build the base. Her two tiny pigtails are worth the fuss; use soft fabric bands, because elastics with metal joins snag fine hair. Pink cheeks and a few faux freckles are plenty. Give her a watering can, an acorn pouch or a small Totoro plush to carry. In cool weather, a white long-sleeve shirt and cream tights go under the dress without changing how she reads, and the whole thing scales up just as happily for an adult who likes a bouncy character.
8. Catbus Halloween Costume
Catbus is the most fun build here and the one that most often gets overbuilt. Start with a golden-brown hooded jumpsuit, or a matching sweatshirt and pants. Darker brown felt stripes go along the sleeves, torso and legs, pointed ears on the hood, and a cream panel down the chest and belly. A long striped fabric tail and small padded paws round out the cat. For the bus part, I'd stop at lightweight felt window shapes along the sides of the top; a box frame catches on every doorway. The makeup is a pink nose, wide liner, whiskers and that huge grin, and it needs a dusting of translucent powder or the grin smears onto the hood. Brown sneakers keep you safe on your feet. A cardboard destination sign on a headband gets the biggest laugh of the night, as long as it sits above your eyeline.
9. Chihiro Halloween Costume
Chihiro's bathhouse uniform is the version of her I'd make, because her everyday shorts and shirt are easy to mistake for anyone. Loose coral-pink pants and a matching long-sleeve top with a white crossover collar form the base, tied at the waist with a deep red sash. Leave the sash a little relaxed. Tied tight, a wrap top gapes open the moment you lift your arms. White socks and flat yellow shoes or sneakers go on the feet, and hair goes into a low ponytail with a purple band, which is the detail fans look for. Makeup stays natural and slightly flushed. A bouquet of handmade pink flowers or a felt rice ball makes a sweet prop, and thermal layers fit under the loose cut on cold nights. She's lovely with No-Face, Haku or Lin, and still readable on her own.
10. No-Face Halloween Costume
No-Face is one of the cheapest costumes on this list, and the one where I worry most about the mask. The rest is simple: a long, loose black robe or sleeveless cape over black pants and a black long-sleeve shirt, black sneakers or boots that vanish under the hem, and long black gloves so no skin breaks the silhouette. A black hood covers your hair, and you can skip makeup entirely. The mask is a smooth white face with black eyes, a thin mouth and soft purple markings. Cut the eye holes generously, or hold it on a stick, because a full mask narrows your side vision more than people expect, and that matters on steps and curbs. Carry gold-painted cardboard coins in a small pouch. Then hem the robe so it clears the ground by a couple of inches. A trailing black robe on a dark street is a trip hazard for you and for anyone walking behind.
11. Haku Halloween Costume
Haku's human form is all clean lines, so fit matters more than extras. A white wrap-front tunic over loose white or pale gray pants, a lavender sash and a short teal jacket with wide sleeves give the shape, while white socks and flat blue shoes keep it simple. The straight black bob with blunt bangs is the piece I'd spend on. Cheap bob wigs often puff up at the crown, so look for a denser one and trim the bangs a little flatter before the night. Makeup is pale and tidy, with defined brows and a little gray shadow. A small paper dragon or folded card makes a light prop, and a strip of translucent ribbon on one sleeve hints at water and flight. He sits naturally next to Chihiro, but his quiet colors also suit someone who wants a refined solo costume.
12. Lin Halloween Costume
Lin is for anyone who'd rather wear separates than a dress or a robe. Roomy rose-pink pants, a matching wrap shirt and a cream apron go together with a deep burgundy sash and flat work shoes. Her high ponytail should be a bit messy, with short pieces left around the face, and warm blush with defined brows is enough makeup. Roll the sleeves and tuck a towel into the waistband. Those two details tell people she's working, and they're the difference between Lin and a generic pink outfit. A small wooden tray holding faux food or wrapped candy gives your hands something to do. With Chihiro or Kamaji she makes a strong duo, though the pink uniform holds up at any party on its own.
13. Yubaba Halloween Costume
Yubaba is the one to choose if you want drama without gore. A long royal-blue or deep purple dress with full sleeves and a high neckline is the base, with a large brooch at the collar, oversized rings and chunky gold earrings. Her hair is the real build. A voluminous white wig teased into a high rounded updo needs support underneath, so I pin it over a foam bun form or a rolled sock; backcombing alone sags after a few hours. A small jeweled ornament goes near the top. The makeup is theatrical: arched brows, lavender shadow, rosy cheeks and a carefully lined red lip, plus soft contour around the nose and chin to push the cartoon proportions. Low heels or embellished flats sit under the hem, and an oversized key ring or a gold paper contract scroll tells everyone who runs the bathhouse.
14. Zeniba Halloween Costume
Zeniba wears nearly the same silhouette as her twin, so the difference has to come from softness. Choose a full-length plum or navy dress with long sleeves, a high collar and a slightly relaxed fit, and add a brooch at the throat with vintage gold earrings. The white wig goes into a rounded high bun. White hair spray on your own updo is the other route, but it dusts onto dark shoulders, so spray first and put the dress on afterward. Her makeup is gentler than Yubaba's, with lavender shadow, soft pink blush and a warm berry lip, and round spectacles make her look kind rather than sharp. Her props are homemade things, a knitting basket or a small paper lantern, never a ledger. Comfortable black flats or short boots finish her. In a twins pairing, those contrasting props are what let people tell the sisters apart.
15. Kamaji Halloween Costume
I'd build Kamaji as a person first and add the arms second. The base is dark brown pants, a cream long-sleeve shirt and a worn burgundy vest, with round tinted glasses, a gray mustache and a bald cap or snug beige head covering with wisps of white faux hair. Bald caps wrinkle and lift at the edges on most people, so the fabric covering is the easier route. Warm brown makeup around the cheeks and brows gives him a tired, hardworking face, and sturdy black boots suit his boiler room. For the extra arms, stuffed fabric tubes stitched across the back of the vest work best. Fill them loosely so they flop and move instead of sticking out stiffly, and keep them short enough that they don't hit the people beside you. Each hand can hold a foam tool, a paper ticket or a fabric coal ball, and a soot sprite plush on the shoulder keeps him friendly instead of creepy.
16. Sophie Hatter Halloween Costume
Sophie's dress is the most sewing-friendly piece in this list if you want a project. Look for, or make, a long dusty-green or slate-blue dress with a fitted bodice, high collar, puffed sleeves and a full skirt. A cream apron gives you her hat-shop look; leave it off for a cleaner line. A silver-gray wig in a loose braid with a small ribbon points to the later part of her story, and it's far easier to wear than aged makeup. Keep the face soft. Low-heeled black lace-up boots handle a long walk. Carry a hatbox, a small felt Calcifer or a flower-trimmed hat, and pin a red ribbon or tiny blue pendant at the neckline, which is the sort of detail fans spot. She's as good solo as she is in a Howl and Sophie couple.
17. Howl Halloween Costume
Howl's jacket is the whole costume, so put your effort there. The base is a loose white blouse with a wide collar and billowing sleeves, slim black trousers, a wide black belt, a simple pendant and black ankle boots. Over it goes the pink-and-blue diamond-patterned jacket or capelet. If you can't find the print, a plain pink jacket with blue diamonds painted in fabric paint reads fine from a few feet away. Test the paint on an inside seam first, since some fabrics bleed. A chin-length blond layered wig gives his best-known look, or go dark-haired for his transformed appearance. Makeup is clean and slightly luminous. One prop is enough, a felt flame or a door dial, and I'd resist extra jewelry because it fights with the jacket. The cut is roomy, so you can move and dance freely at a party.
18. Markl Halloween Costume
Markl suits children, teens and adults, and the oversized cloak is half the charm. Put a loose brown tunic over dark cropped pants, then layer a roomy charcoal hooded cape on top, with cream socks and practical brown boots. Keep the cloak above the ankle; a cloak that drags is exactly what kids step on going up porch stairs. For his everyday face, leave sandy-brown hair messy and skip makeup. For his old-man disguise, add a soft gray beard on an elastic loop, bushy brows and a rounded hat. Glued-on beards itch, and children pull them off within the hour. A shoulder pouch or felt Calcifer gives him something to carry, and a striped scarf adds warmth in the same rustic colors. In a group with Sophie, Howl, Calcifer and Turnip Head, he fills a gap without copying anyone's silhouette.
19. Calcifer Halloween Costume
Calcifer has to stay bright and light, since the whole point is a cheerful little fire. An orange long-sleeve shirt with matching pants or leggings makes the base. Layer pointed felt flames in red, orange and yellow around the shoulders, waist, wrists and ankles, and tack them only along the top edge so they flutter when you move. Add orange sneakers or yellow slip-ons, plus temporary orange color through the hair or a light flame headpiece. Yellow face paint goes in the center of the face, blended to orange at the edges, with big brows and an outlined grin. I'd use water-based paint for a face this covered, because it washes off with soap and water, and set it with powder so it doesn't rub onto the collar. Padded orange mitts and a foam log or small frying pan make the props. For glow, sew on reflective fabric accents rather than battery lights inside the costume, which add weight and warmth.
20. Turnip Head Halloween Costume
Turnip Head's suit is easy; his head is the hard part. Wear a burgundy tailcoat or fitted blazer over a white shirt and dark trousers, with a black bow tie, white gloves and black dress shoes. For the turnip, I'd shape a lightweight foam or papier-mache shell and wear it like a big hat sitting above the face rather than over it, so you can still see. Paint a friendly face on the front and add green felt leaves at the top. Papier-mache softens in damp air, so give it a coat of sealer if you'll be outdoors. If a full head feels like too much, a white round cap with painted features does the job. A light cardboard cane suits him, but leave it home for crowded events. Skip the springy shoe inserts; a straight back and small bouncing steps sell the character.
21. Princess Mononoke Costume
San's outfit gets its power from layers and texture rather than weapons, which keeps Princess Mononoke family-friendly. Put a navy sleeveless tunic over a cream short-sleeve shirt with matching arm warmers, then add the white faux-fur shoulder cape, a burgundy headband, dark shorts and brown leggings, with sturdy ankle boots for outdoor walking. A short dark-brown wig with choppy layers is right; she's never neat. The red marks on her cheeks are what people recognize, so use a skin-safe red face paint and patch-test it on your inner wrist the day before, since reds are the shades most likely to stain or irritate. A white tooth-shaped necklace and cord bracelets come next. Wear her red-and-white mask pushed up on the forehead or hung at the side so your face stays visible, and let a small faux-fur pouch stand in for any blade. Faux fur sheds on everything, so shake the cape out outdoors before you dress.
22. Ashitaka Halloween Costume
Ashitaka is a layering costume and one of the warmest options here, which helps on a cold night. Wear a cream tunic with a simple high collar, dark brown pants and a blue hooded cloak, then wrap red fabric bands around the lower legs above sturdy brown boots. A woven belt and small tan shoulder bag give him a traveler's practical shape. Short, slightly messy dark hair is fine, or a natural black wig, and makeup stays understated; add his red marking in skin-safe paint if you like. For the leg wraps, cut strips from a knit fabric rather than a woven one. Knit grips the leg and moves with you, while woven strips tend to slide down toward the ankle as you walk. Carry a crystal-style pendant or a forest token instead of a bow. A straw travel hat worn or strapped to the bag finishes him, and he pairs naturally with Princess Mononoke or a Yakul-inspired group.
23. Lady Eboshi Halloween Costume
Lady Eboshi commands attention through structure, so press everything before you put it on. A fitted red kimono-style jacket with wide sleeves goes over a cream wrap top, with a long dark skirt or wide black trousers and a broad neutral sash at the waist. Flat black boots or simple slip-on shoes keep her steady. Her long black hair sits in a smooth low ponytail with a center part, and a little smoothing cream stops flyaways from spoiling the line. Makeup is polished: straight brows, subtle liner, even skin and a deep rose lip. A folding fan or a rolled town plan says leader without any battle gear, and a few gold hair ornaments are plenty. Solo she looks sophisticated; in a Mononoke group she's the composed contrast to San.
24. Nausicaa Halloween Costume
Nausicaa's look is practical travel gear in soft blue. A pale blue long-sleeve tunic over cream leggings, a tan utility belt, brown gloves and knee-high boots form the base, and a short blue cape or hooded shoulder piece is what makes her read at a glance. A short auburn wig with full bangs and feathered ends suits her, with natural makeup and warm blush. Her fox-squirrel companion can be a felt plush. Sew a snap to its belly and the matching half to your shoulder seam so it doesn't drop off every time you turn. A canvas pouch of silk flowers nods to her love of the forest. If you carry a glider, cut it from foam board and keep it compact, because a wide wing makes doorways and crowds miserable.
25. Sheeta Halloween Costume
Sheeta works at almost any age. Layer a long-sleeve white blouse with gathered cuffs and a high neckline under a sleeveless blue midi dress with a fitted waist, then add white socks and brown ankle boots. Two thick braids tied with red bands are her hair. Fine or short hair won't hold that thickness, so a braided wig or clip-in braids give a better result than your own. Keep makeup fresh. The glowing pendant is the piece people look for, and I'd choose plastic or resin over glass if you'll be bending down or hugging friends. A canvas bag or some artificial wildflowers make easy props, and a cream cardigan goes over the top when it's chilly. She's the natural partner for Pazu.
26. Pazu Halloween Costume
Pazu's working clothes come together cheaply from thrift-rack separates. Roll a cream button-front shirt neatly to the elbows, then add rust trousers with dark suspenders and a brown belt, a soft newsboy cap over short brown hair and weathered tan lace-up work boots. A little brown shadow brushed across the cheeks gives a workshop smudge without any real makeup skill. His trumpet is the strongest prop, though a model airplane or canvas lunch bag will do. Clip a blue crystal replica to the bag if you're going with a Sheeta. Leave real tools at home; a wrench in the pocket looks right for ten minutes and then just feels heavy.
27. Porco Rosso Halloween Costume
Porco Rosso is a funny costume that still looks sharp. A white button-down with a red tie, tan jodhpurs or relaxed trousers and tall brown riding boots make the base, under a long brown faux-leather aviator coat. Add a leather-look pilot cap, round goggles and brown gloves. For the pig face, a lightweight nose prosthetic or a half mask is kinder than a full head, which gets hot fast, and rosy face paint around the edges blends it in. Try the nose at home first and drink something while wearing it; strap-on noses sit right over the upper lip. A folded flight map or a cardboard red seaplane makes a good prop, and a cream scarf adds movement. Leave the coat open indoors. Faux leather doesn't breathe, and the shirt and tie should show anyway.
28. Ponyo Halloween Costume
Ponyo works as a last-minute costume if you get the red and the hair right. A loose red dress or tunic with short puffed sleeves goes over white bloomers or leggings, with red or yellow flats. The wig is an orange-red uneven bob with short bangs. Fluff it with your fingers, not a brush, because brushing a budget synthetic wig turns it to frizz. Peach blush, a little coral lip and a few freckles give her energy. A green toy bucket stuffed with blue tissue paper reads as splashing water, and a tiny felt fish on the handle adds a wink. On a cold night a white thermal top and tights go under the dress, and the red shape still shows.
29. Sosuke Halloween Costume
Sosuke's sailor clothes are comfortable for children or adults and make the obvious pair with Ponyo. A white short-sleeve shirt with a blue sailor collar and red necktie, navy shorts, white crew socks and yellow or brown slip-ons cover it. Short dark-brown hair with slightly uneven bangs should look natural, and makeup is optional. Carry the green bucket or a toy boat. If the weather turns, a yellow rain jacket goes over the top; pull the collar out over the jacket, since that collar is how people know who he is. Much of this turns up on thrift-store school-uniform racks, and a sailor collar is a good beginner sewing project if you can't find one.
30. Arrietty Halloween Costume
Arrietty's trick is scale: ordinary clothes plus household objects made huge. A sleeveless red dress or tunic over brown leggings, a tan utility belt and brown lace-up ankle boots make the outfit, with auburn hair in a long high ponytail held by a wooden-look clip. Makeup is fresh and simple. A small fabric satchel on the belt holds her borrowed treasures. The props are where she comes alive: an oversized sewing pin, a giant paper leaf or a big button cut from painted cardboard. I make the pin from a dowel with a foam ball for the head and a rounded foam tip, because anything pointed in a crowd ends up near someone's eye. A rope-style cord looped across the body finishes her.
Props That Survive a Whole Evening
Most of the props in this list are small, and that's wise. Every hour you carry something it gets heavier and more likely to be set down and forgotten. A few material habits keep them in one piece.
- Felt is the easiest choice for soft props like Calcifer, soot sprites, fish and acorn pouches. It bends without cracking and takes a few stitches or fabric glue happily.
- EVA foam holds a shape and can be curved with a heat gun, which suits Turnip Head's head or Arrietty's giant pin. Thin craft foam is fine for flat leaves and window shapes but creases the first time you bend it.
- Cardboard is fine indoors. Outside it softens in drizzle and goes floppy at the corners, so give coins, signs and seaplanes a coat of sealer or wrap the edges in clear tape.
- Hot glue grips well at room temperature and lets go in the cold, so on an outdoor night I back up every glued joint with a few stitches or a strip of tape.
- Attach anything that rides on the costume, like Kiki's cat or Nausicaa's companion, with a snap or a hidden safety pin rather than glue alone.
For children, keep props light enough to carry for an hour and rounded at every edge. If a prop needs both hands, it will be in a parent's arms by the third house.
Ghibli Characters to Try First, and Later
If you've never made a costume, Kiki, Ponyo, No-Face and Sosuke can come straight out of closets and thrift stores. Yubaba, Catbus, Kamaji and Calcifer reward more crafting time. With any of them, get the signature colors and silhouette right first, then the hair and shoes, then one good prop. Nobody at the door is checking screen accuracy, and felt, cardboard and thrifted clothes do the job well. The things I'd never cut corners on are being able to see where you're walking, moving freely, and having a warm layer ready for the weather.
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