Not everyone wants blood, fangs or a rubber mask. A pretty costume is one people recognise in a second and you can still dance, sit and eat in. In practice that means one clear theme, a colour palette that suits you, makeup you'd be happy wearing for five hours, shoes you can walk in and one or two props at most. The ideas leaning most toward handmade this year are garden fairies, woodland animals, celestial goddesses and softer takes on the classic witch and ghost. Below are fairies, queens, animals, witches and a few sweet food costumes, all built from dresses, separates and craft supplies you can mostly find in a closet or a thrift shop.
Wings and Crowns That Last the Whole Evening
Half the costumes below rely on something worn on the back or the head, and that's where pretty costumes usually fail. Wings droop, crowns tilt and elastic straps dig in. A few small fixes keep everything where it should be.
- Wing elastic shouldn't sit on bare shoulders. I thread the straps under a cami or bra strap, or safety-pin the wing centre to the back of the dress so the weight is spread out.
- Craft wings bent from wire and nylon hold their shape better than flat cardboard ones, which fold the first time someone hugs you.
- Crowns and halos sit on a padded headband far more securely than on hair. Wrap the band in ribbon or felt so it grips.
- Two bobby pins crossed in an X through the headband into your hair hold better than five pins in a row.
- Wear the whole thing around the house for half an hour. If it pinches at minute twenty, it'll be unbearable by ten o'clock.
1. Garden Fairy Costume With Floral Dress
I start a garden fairy with the dress, because the colour sets everything else. Sage, blush or lavender in chiffon or lace, ideally with an uneven hem, reads as "fairy" before the wings even go on. Translucent wings with a few pressed flowers or faux vines, loose waves or a braided crown with floral pins, and peach shimmer on the eyes finish it. Carry a flower wand or a small basket of silk blossoms. Ballet flats or low ankle boots are the realistic choice. On a cold night, nude tights and a fitted cardigan go under the wings, and nobody notices.
2. Pink Fairy Princess Costume With Tulle Skirt
Tulle does all the work here, so buy more than you think. A single layer of tulle looks thin and limp; three or four layers give that full fairy-princess shape. Pair a fitted satin or velvet top with a full pink midi skirt, then add iridescent wings, a small tiara and a ribbon wand with a star. A curled half-up style suits it, or a pale pink wig for a bigger change. Champagne shadow, pink blush and a few tiny rhinestones near the eyes keep the face luminous. Glittery block heels or Mary Janes, and a faux-fur capelet for outdoors.
3. White Angel Costume With Feathered Wings
White is unforgiving, so the first thing I check on an angel base is whether it's see-through in daylight. A white maxi dress, pleated midi or wide-leg jumpsuit all work, as long as it's opaque. Add soft feathered wings and a gold or pearl halo headband. Polished waves, a low bun or long braids threaded with white ribbon suit it, with pearly highlighter and soft pink lipstick. Carry a small star wand or a little gold-edged clutch. White flats or low heels. Go silver for a cool finish, or gold if you want the costume to feel warmer.
4. Moon Goddess Costume With Silver Cape
The moon crown is the centrepiece, so I keep the rest of the jewellery almost bare. Start with a silver, midnight blue or pearl maxi dress that moves, then drape a sheer silver cape over the shoulders and fix it with star pins. Long waves or a sleek high ponytail threaded with silver cord. Blend navy and metallic shadow and add a few small star decals at the temples. A crescent purse or light moon wand is enough to carry. Silver sandals or metallic ankle boots. Sheer capes slip off the shoulders as you move, so pin them through a bra strap as well as the dress.
5. Sun Goddess Costume With Gold Maxi Dress
Gold is easy to spot across a room, which makes the sun goddess a good choice for a crowded party. Use a gold maxi dress, a pleated skirt with a matching top, or a draped jumpsuit. The crown is where people go wrong. Make the rays from lightweight craft foam or card on a padded headband, never anything heavy, or it tips forward by the second hour. Brushed waves or a braided bun wrapped in gold ribbon, bronze shadow and gold highlighter. Metallic sandals or gold flats, and a cream sequined shawl for warmth.
6. Mermaid Costume With Iridescent Skirt
You don't need a tail to read as a mermaid; the shimmer does it. Wear an iridescent fitted skirt or a sequined maxi with a teal, lavender or pearl satin top, and tie a sheer wrap at the hips for movement without hobbling your stride. Beachy waves with pearl clips or shell barrettes, blue-green shadow and a few face gems placed like scales near the cheekbones. A shell purse or a decorative staff is the only prop I'd add. Hide metallic sandals or glitter flats under the hem. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so I'd skip a sequined top if the skirt already has them.
7. Swan Princess Costume With White Feather Details
Feathers everywhere looks like a pillow burst, so I keep them to the neckline and shoulders. Start with a white fitted bodice and a layered tulle midi skirt, or a simple white dress with a defined waist, and attach small feather appliqués around the top. A silver tiara or a white wing-shaped headband. A sleek ballet bun is the classic choice; loose curls make it softer. Pearl shadow, defined lashes and a berry-tinted lip. Carry a white feather fan. White ballet flats or ribbon-tie shoes, plus opaque tights and a wrap cardigan for outdoors.
8. Ice Queen Costume With Blue Velvet Gown
Velvet is my favourite fabric for cold Halloween nights, and the ice queen is the obvious place for it. Choose a pale blue, silver or icy lavender velvet gown with long sleeves, or a shimmery top over a flowing skirt. Add a sheer cape with snowflake appliqués and a crystal crown. A thick side braid or a silver-blonde wig. Frosted blue shadow and a cool pink lip. A clear acrylic wand or snowflake clutch. Silver ankle boots, and thermal leggings hidden under a floor-length skirt. Nobody can tell, and you'll be the warmest person outside.
9. Rose Queen Costume With Red Floral Gown
Silk roses turn an ordinary formal dress into this costume in an evening, but pin them in a cluster rather than scattering them. Start with a burgundy, crimson or dark pink maxi with a fitted waist, and gather the roses on one shoulder or down one side of the skirt. Add a floral crown with green leaves. A loose braided updo or glossy waves, rose shadow and a classic red lip. Carry one oversized faux rose. Burgundy boots or black flats. A velvet cape adds warmth and makes the silhouette look properly royal.
10. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
Wings are the whole costume here, and the size question matters more than the colour. Big wings look dramatic in photos but catch in every doorway and smack people in queues. Make them from flexible materials and no wider than your shoulders plus a hand's width on each side. The base can be a fitted jumpsuit, skater dress or top and skirt in black, lavender, blue or pink. An antenna headband and wrist ribbons that flutter when you move add a lot. Blend colourful shadow out in a wing shape with tiny dots at the temples. Sneakers or flats.
11. Peacock Costume With Jewel Tone Dress
A peacock in jewel tones looks rich, but a long feather tail is a nuisance at any party with chairs. I'd swap it for a short feather bustle or a fan-shaped piece at the back. Choose an emerald, teal or royal blue dress with a fitted top and flowing skirt, then add a feathered headband and blue-green earrings. A sleek ponytail or sculpted bun, emerald shadow, navy liner and a berry lip. A small clutch with an eye pattern. Gold sandals or dark blue flats. Feathers catch fire quickly, so keep them well away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns.
12. Woodland Deer Costume With Brown Dress
The deer is one of the warmest pretty costumes going, because the base is a sweater dress. Use a tan sweater dress, brown skater dress or a fitted turtleneck with an A-line skirt, cream tights and a faux-fur vest. A light antler headband with small flowers is what makes it a deer. Two low buns beneath the antlers help the headband grip. Warm brown shadow, a softly shaded nose, white cheek dots and fluttery lashes. Brown ankle boots or loafers. Sew the tail on with a few stitches rather than pinning it; pins work loose every time you sit.
13. Black Cat Costume With Velvet Jumpsuit
Black cat costumes can look cheap fast, and texture is what saves them. A black velvet jumpsuit looks far richer than polyester, as does a long-sleeve dress with opaque tights. Add structured cat ears, a detachable tail and a slim collar with a small charm. A high glossy ponytail or two small buns. Winged liner, a shaded nose and a few whisker dots. Use eyeliner pencil rather than liquid for the whiskers, as liquid cracks when you smile. Black ballet flats or ankle boots, and a cropped faux-fur jacket on top.
14. Ladybug Costume With Red Tulle Skirt
This is the costume I recommend when someone wants to wear the pieces again in November. Pair a black fitted top with a red tulle skirt, or wear a red skater dress over black tights, and add black felt circles with removable fabric tape so the dress goes back to normal afterwards. Light red wings and an antenna headband are enough. A ponytail or two buns, red lipstick and clean winged liner. A flower purse. Black Mary Janes or flats. Cut the dots in two or three sizes; all-identical circles look printed rather than ladybug.
15. Honey Bee Costume With Yellow Dress
Black ribbon stripes on a yellow dress are the easiest way I know to do a bee without a padded body suit. Or pair a striped sweater with a yellow midi skirt. Add sheer wings and an antenna headband with fuzzy tips, then loose curls or two high buns that echo the antennae. Golden shadow, brown liner and peach blush. A flower wand or a little honey-pot purse. Black flats, or striped socks with ankle boots. For indoor parties, keep the wings small. A cropped black jacket keeps the stripes visible and you warm.
16. Pink Cowgirl Costume With Fringe Skirt
Pink denim does a lot of the work for a cowgirl, and it's comfortable all night. A pink button-front shirt or fitted vest goes over a fringe skirt, bootcut jeans or shorts with opaque tights. Add a white or pink cowboy hat with a rhinestone band. Loose waves or twin braids sit nicely under a hat; a big ponytail can push the hat forward. Rosy makeup and a bit of cheek shimmer. A star purse or a coil of soft cord as a rope. White western boots, but break them in first. New cowboy boots rub at the heel within an hour.
17. Pink Ballerina Costume With Tulle Skirt
Pointe shoes are the one thing I'd never let a ballerina costume include. They're painful even for trained dancers and damage feet. Choose ballet flats or pink sneakers instead. The outfit is a leotard-style bodysuit or fitted wrap top with a knee-length tulle skirt, pale tights and a satin ribbon at the waist. A polished bun with pearl pins or a bow. Soft pink shadow and a ballet-slipper lip. Carry a little satin dance bag. A cropped wrap cardigan looks right for the theme and keeps you warm. Keep the skirt short enough for stairs.
18. Dark Ballerina Costume With Black Tulle
Black tulle makes this the moodier sister of the pink ballerina, still pretty, just darker. Combine a black fitted top or long-sleeve bodysuit with a layered midi skirt and opaque tights. Add a velvet ribbon choker, a black feather hairpiece and a small silver crown. A sleek high bun. Smoky gray shadow, precise liner and a deep berry lip. Black flats or ribbon-laced shoes. Monochrome costumes look flat unless you mix textures, so let the velvet, tulle and feathers each do something different. A cropped velvet jacket works on top.
19. Regency Princess Costume With Empire Waist Dress
An empire-waist gown does nearly all the Regency styling on its own. Choose a pale blue, lavender, cream or small-floral floor-length dress with short puff sleeves and a ribbon under the bust. Add elbow-length gloves, a pearl headband and a small brooch. Soft curls gathered into a low updo with a few loose pieces at the face. Fresh makeup, peach blush, brown mascara. A folding fan or embroidered drawstring bag. Satin flats suit the long hem. Long gloves slide down; a dab of fashion tape at the top inside edge keeps them up.
20. Renaissance Princess Costume With Velvet Gown
Velvet and a square neckline say Renaissance at a glance. Choose a burgundy, forest green, navy or royal purple gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt. On a budget, a cream blouse with wide sleeves under a sleeveless velvet dress gets the look for much less. Add a jewelled circlet, a decorative belt and a small fabric pouch. Long waves or a loose crown braid. Gold shadow and muted berry lipstick. Flat ankle boots under the hem. A hooded velvet cape is warm and adds drama, though velvet crushes in a bag, so carry it on a hanger.
21. Alice Costume With Blue Dress And White Apron
Alice comes down to two pieces: a blue knee-length dress and a white pinafore. Get the shade of blue right, a mid powder blue rather than navy, and add white tights, a black ribbon headband and a small heart purse. A blonde wig gives you the classic look, but waves in your own colour still read. Soft blue shadow and rosy cheeks. Carry an oversized key or a tiny teacup. Black Mary Janes. A light blue cardigan under the apron keeps it warm without hiding anything.
22. Good Witch Costume With Pink Ball Gown
Pink and puffy is the whole point of a good witch. Look for a blush or bubblegum gown with puff sleeves, layered tulle or a full ankle-length skirt. Add a tall crown with silver stars and a long wand with a glittering top. Structured curls or a strawberry-blonde wig. Rosy blush, pink shimmer and a few face gems. Silver flats or embellished sneakers disappear under the skirt. A tall crown sits much more securely on a padded headband than on bare hair. Hem the gown an inch off the floor so you don't step through it in a crowd.
23. Glam Witch Costume With Purple Velvet Dress
Purple velvet is my go-to for a witch who wants glamour over warts. Wear a black or deep purple velvet dress with long sleeves, a defined waist and a midi hem. The hat makes the look. A structured pointed hat trimmed with satin ribbon, small flowers or crystal stars looks far better than a floppy party-shop one, and a strip of foam inside the band stops it slipping. Brushed waves or a silver-streaked wig. Plum shadow, winged liner and dark rose lipstick. A ribbon-wrapped broom. Black boots and a sweeping cape.
24. Romantic Vampire Costume With Burgundy Cape
A romantic vampire is all in the velvet and lace, not the blood. Start with a black maxi dress, a tailored jumpsuit or a lace blouse with a long burgundy skirt. Add a high-collar cape and an antique-style pendant. Glossy waves or a sleek low bun. Plum and charcoal around the eyes, a slightly pale base and deep red lipstick. Fangs are optional; try them at home first, since most make you lisp. Carry a vintage hand mirror for photos. Black boots or pointed flats. A velvet blazer can stand in for the cape at work.
25. Pearl Ghost Costume With White Chiffon Dress
Chiffon makes a ghost that floats instead of a sheet with eye holes. Wear a white chiffon maxi, a pleated skirt with a matching blouse, or an ivory jumpsuit with a sheer overlay. Drape faux pearl strands across the shoulders and add a translucent veil on a pearl headband. Soft waves or a loose low bun. Pearly shadow, luminous skin and a cool nude lip. A small white lantern with a battery light is the best prop. White flats or cream ankle boots. Keep the veil off your face and above the floor, and never near a real candle.
26. Pretty Scarecrow Costume With Floral Overalls
The pretty scarecrow is the most autumnal costume on the list and very forgiving to put together. Layer tan or denim overalls over a cream puff-sleeve blouse, then tack on plaid patches with a few big, visible stitches. Use temporary stitching so the overalls come back clean. A straw hat with sunflowers and ribbon. Two loose braids tied with gingham bows. Peach blush, drawn freckles and soft stitch lines at the corners of the mouth in brown pencil. A basket of faux apples. Work-style boots, and a chunky cardigan under the overalls when it's cold.
27. Silver Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
Fringe is made to move, so a flapper is the costume I'd pick for anyone planning to dance. Choose a silver, champagne or blush fringe dress at knee length. Check the fringe before you buy by giving a strand a gentle tug; cheap fringe sheds all over the dance floor. Add a jewelled headband worn low across the forehead, elbow-length gloves and layered faux pearls. Finger waves or a pinned faux bob. Smoky taupe shadow and berry lipstick. A beaded purse. T-strap heels or low dance shoes, and a faux-fur stole.
28. Disco Queen Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
A sequin jumpsuit is a full costume on its own, so keep everything else light. Choose silver, gold, pink or rainbow with flared legs and a defined waist. Big hoops, tinted round glasses and a glittery belt. Voluminous curls or a retro wig. Metallic shadow and glossy lips. A mirrored clutch or a light star-shaped microphone. Platforms look right, but they're a long way to fall on a dance floor; low block heels or metallic sneakers are kinder. Sequins are heavy and warm, so dress for a hot room.
29. Masquerade Queen Costume With Jewel Tone Gown
The mask is what makes the masquerade queen, and the mask is also where she runs into trouble. Choose one with wide eye openings or on a slim handle, so you can lower it to see stairs and drinks. The gown can be emerald, sapphire, plum or burgundy with a full skirt or flowing sleeves. A small tiara, crystal earrings and satin gloves. A curled updo or a sleek low ponytail with jewelled pins. Rich metallic shadow and a lipstick that echoes the gown. A feather fan. Pointed flats or block heels.
30. Greek Goddess Costume With White Draped Dress
A white draped dress plus gold accessories makes a Greek goddess that takes almost no effort. Select a maxi dress or jumpsuit with gathered fabric and define the waist with a braided gold belt. Add a gold laurel headband, cuff bracelets and a light shoulder cape. Soft waves or a few small braids woven with gold cord. Bronze shadow and glowing highlighter. A gold-painted scroll. Metallic sandals. Gold cord in the hair needs to be pinned at each end, or it slides out by midnight. A cream long-sleeve top and neutral leggings underneath add coverage and warmth.
31. Rainbow Cloud Costume With Pastel Tulle
Polyester batting makes clouds that weigh almost nothing, which is why I use it here instead of cotton balls. Wear a pale blue dress, or a matching top and skirt with soft rainbow ribbons, and tack small clusters of batting at the shoulders. Keep them compact so the outline stays slim. A silver raindrop headband or pastel bow. Pigtails or a high ponytail with ribbon extensions. Pastel shadow and tiny silver teardrop gems at the temples. A rainbow purse. White sneakers. Stitch the batting on with a few loose stitches; glue makes it go flat and crusty.
32. Strawberry Costume With Red Dress
Strawberries are about the seeds, and the trick is making them look scattered rather than in rows. Choose a red skater dress, sweater dress or jumpsuit and add small yellow felt seeds with removable fabric tape, turned at slightly different angles. A green leaf collar and a leafy headband for the top. A curled ponytail or two braids. Rosy makeup, a few freckles and a glossy berry lip. A small woven basket. Green tights make it bolder; neutral ones are subtler. Red Mary Janes or white sneakers, and a green cardigan on top.
33. Cherry Costume With Red Mini Dress And Tights
The cherry headband carries this costume, so it needs to be light. I'd make the cherries from red pom-poms on bendable stems rather than anything solid. Wear a red A-line dress or a red blouse with a midi skirt, opaque red or neutral tights and a green ribbon belt. A bouncy ponytail or a smooth bob. Cherry-red lipstick and soft winged liner. A round red purse or a little gingham-lined basket. Red flats or white Mary Janes. A cropped green jacket keeps the green-and-red story going from the back.
34. Cupcake Costume With Sprinkle Tulle Skirt
Skip the foam cupcake shell; it won't fit through a door or into a car seat. Layered clothing does it better. Pair a pastel fitted top with a full white or pink tulle skirt scattered with felt sprinkles, and add a pleated metallic belt at the waist for the wrapper. A cherry headband or sprinkle-covered bow on top. A high bun or curled ponytail. Pastel shadow, bright blush and a few coloured face gems. A tiny cupcake purse. Pastel sneakers or glittery Mary Janes. Sew the felt sprinkles on; glued ones peel off tulle within the hour.
35. Porcelain Doll Costume With Blue Bow Dress
Doll costumes tip into creepy fast, and the makeup is what decides it. Keep the colours bright and the face soft: smooth luminous skin, round rosy blush on the apples of the cheeks, delicate lashes and a small pink lip. Avoid stitched or cracked effects if you want it sweet. Choose a blue, pink or lavender fit-and-flare dress with puff sleeves, lace trim and a big waist bow. White tights, wrist-length gloves and a matching ribbon headband. Glossy curls or a curled bob. Mary Janes. A cropped cardigan underneath for cold nights.
Shimmer, Gems and Glitter Without a Rash
Most of these looks use shimmer, face gems or glitter near the eyes, and that skin is thin and easily irritated. I'm a stylist, not a makeup artist, but these are the habits I keep for everyday costume makeup.
- Patch-test any new product on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear a day or two before.
- Use cosmetic glitter only. Craft glitter is often cut from metal or sharp plastic and should never go near the eyes.
- Stick face gems on with a skin-safe adhesive made for the face, not craft glue or eyelash glue you've had for years.
- Set cream shimmer with a light dusting of translucent powder so it doesn't crease or slide on a warm night.
- At the end of the night, take it all off with an oil cleanser or micellar water before washing. Scrubbing glitter off dry skin is what leaves it red.
Glitter also migrates onto every collar and coat you own. If you're wearing a white dress or angel wings, apply face glitter last and press it in with a fingertip, rather than sweeping it on with a brush.
Try It On at Home Before the Party
A pretty costume lands when the theme is obvious and you're still comfortable at the end of the night. Flowing dresses carry the fairies, goddesses and queens; everyday pieces make the animal, food and vintage looks easy. Test anything that sits on your head or back, like wings, crowns, capes and masks, before you leave the house, and pick shoes you've already walked in. If you only make one, the garden fairy or the velvet ice queen is where I'd start.
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