Coraline is a gift of a costume theme, because the story is far bigger than one yellow raincoat. Her blue bob and bright coat are the look everyone knows, but there are also button-eyed doubles, two retired actresses, a circus man with jumping mice, ghost children, a talking cat and a little door that leads somewhere it shouldn't. Below are 40 ways I'd dress the cast, from the classic coat to group and family versions, hot and cold weather options, and a child-and-pet pairing. Each one covers clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and props. One rule runs through all of them: button eyes are decoration, and they should never sit over your actual eyes while you're walking around.
Getting Coraline's Blue Bob Without Dye
Her hair is a short, chin-length bob in a strong cobalt blue, and it's the piece I'd spend money on first. A cheap wig and a good raincoat look better than the other way round.
- Pick a true blue rather than teal or turquoise. Teal photographs green under warm indoor lights and starts to look like a mermaid.
- Most bob wigs arrive too full and too long. Put the wig on a head form, trim the ends with sharp scissors held vertically, snipping into the hair rather than straight across, so the edge looks soft instead of chopped.
- Synthetic fiber can't take a hot curling iron or straightener unless the label says heat-resistant. Shape it with a cool hair dryer setting and a brush instead.
- For a wig cap, braid long hair flat against the head and pin the braids before the cap goes on, so the wig sits close and doesn't bulge at the back.
- If you'd rather skip a wig, temporary blue spray works on light hair. On dark hair it barely shows, and clip-in blue pieces at the front will look better.
Button Eyes You Can Still See Through
Nothing that blocks your eyes belongs on a costume you walk around in, especially near stairs, roads or candles. These are the safe ways I'd do buttons, in order of how much they freak people out:
- Painted on the eyelids. Use black and white face paint to draw a four-hole button on each closed eyelid. Your eyes look normal until you blink or close them for a photo, which is far creepier than you'd expect.
- Mounted above the eyes on a headband or forehead band, with the buttons sewn through the band rather than hot-glued, since glue lets go in the cold.
- Glued to the frames of flip-up glasses, which you lower for photos and raise to walk.
Keep craft glue away from skin and lashes. Any adhesive that touches the face should be one made for skin, and patch-tested on the inside of your wrist a day ahead.
1. Classic Coraline Yellow Raincoat Costume
Start with the coat. A bright yellow hooded raincoat over a red-and-white striped top, straight-leg jeans or a denim skirt, striped knee socks and yellow rain boots. The short cobalt bob wig is the other half of the character, and with those two in place almost everything else is optional. Clip a dragonfly barrette near one temple, add rosy cheeks, a few freckles and a little blue shadow, and carry a big skeleton key or a seeing stone shaped from light clay. I always leave the coat unbuttoned, partly so the stripes show and partly because a buttoned vinyl coat gets steamy indoors within the hour.
2. Coraline Star Sweater Costume
Her star sweater is the cozier choice for a cold October night. Look for a fitted navy knit scattered with silver or pale blue stars, and if you can't find one, small felt stars stitched onto a plain navy sweater work fine; stitch rather than glue, because glue goes stiff on a knit and cracks when it stretches. Dark jeans, sturdy ankle boots and, if you want the connection to land faster, the yellow raincoat on top. A slightly tousled blue bob with a dragonfly clip on one side, fresh makeup, and a small crossbody satchel holding the key and a smooth seeing stone. Blue gloves or fingerless mittens keep the colors tidy and your hands warm.
3. Coraline Striped Shirt Costume
Built from the closet, this one starts with a red-and-white long-sleeve tee, medium-wash jeans and yellow rain boots. Add a light yellow jacket or an open raincoat so the stripes stay on show. I'd style the wig a little windswept rather than salon-neat, because she's a girl who spends the whole story exploring outside. Natural makeup with a few freckles, pink lip balm and a touch of blue liner, plus a handmade dragonfly clip, an oversized antique-style key and a brown messenger bag. It suits an indoor party because you can take the coat off and the rest still looks put together.
4. Coraline Pink Palace Garden Costume
The garden scene is the most colorful part of the film, and it makes a cheerful variation. A yellow raincoat over a blue sweater and dark jeans, with removable felt flowers pinned to the cuffs and pockets. Yellow boots can carry painted or taped-on green vines; on rubber boots, I use removable vinyl or washi tape, since most paints flake off a flexible surface. Tuck tiny fabric blossoms into the blue bob alongside the dragonfly barrette. Pink cheeks, soft blue shadow and a few flower shapes painted near one eye, a light watering can full of fake flowers and a small key necklace. It's a good pick for parades and family photos.
5. Coraline Pajama Costume
The pajama version is for movie nights and relaxed parties. A blue button-front pajama set, or a star-print set in navy and gray, with fuzzy blue socks and yellow slippers that have nonslip soles. Mess the wig up a little so it looks slept on. Brushed brows, rosy cheeks, a touch of pale blue around the eyes, a small flashlight and a key on a ribbon, which nods to her night-time trip through the little door. A plush black cat is the comfiest prop. If you're heading out, throw a long yellow raincoat over the pajamas and swap the slippers for boots.
6. Coraline Rainy Day Costume
Real rain actually helps this one. A waterproof yellow coat, a blue knit sweater, slim waterproof pants and yellow or navy rain boots, with striped wool socks peeking over the top. The wig goes under the raised hood, held with a wig cap and pins. Synthetic wigs survive light rain well, but I'd brush the wet fibers out gently at home and let them air-dry on a stand, since rubbing a wet wig with a towel frizzes it. Waterproof mascara, cream blush and tinted balm, a clear umbrella with removable paper buttons and blue raindrops, and a foam key on a wrist ribbon. A few strips of reflective tape on the coat help drivers see you.
7. Coraline Other World Party Costume
In the Other World everything is brighter and a little too perfect, so this party version leans polished. A midnight-blue skater dress with tiny silver stars, striped tights, glossy yellow ankle boots and a cropped yellow jacket or short rain cape. A smooth cobalt bob with a sparkly dragonfly clip, luminous skin, blue winged liner, pink blush and gloss. Carry a small gift box decorated with oversized black buttons; putting the buttons on the box rather than your face keeps the creepiness without hurting your view. A key pendant and a tiny black-cat bag finish it, and the blue, yellow and stripes still say Coraline.
8. Coraline Button Eye Costume
Button eyes are the scariest idea in the story, and you can get the effect without losing your sight. Wear the classic raincoat, striped top, denim skirt, knee socks and yellow boots with the short blue wig, then mount two big black buttons on a narrow headband just above the eyebrows. Flip-up glasses with buttons glued to the frames are the other good option, raised whenever you walk. I'd use plastic buttons rather than wooden or metal ones near the face, because they're far lighter and won't drag the headband forward. Gray-blue shadow, crisp black liner and muted pink lips give the doll finish, and a sewing box of big foam buttons and bright thread is the prop.
9. Coraline Doll Costume
The little doll is a wonderful costume once you scale it up and make it look stuffed. A yellow felt raincoat over a red striped shirt and a blue A-line skirt, striped tights and flat yellow lace-up boots. A blue yarn wig, or a bob wig with strands of blue yarn worked through it, gives the handmade texture. Paint soft freckles, round doll blush and fine seam lines at the wrists and jaw with washable makeup. Buttons go on a headband above the eyes. A little padding sewn into the shoulders of the coat and mitt-style gloves make you look stuffed, and I'd keep the padding to the upper body so you can still sit and walk normally.
10. Coraline Ghost Hunter Costume
Imagine Coraline kitted out to search the whole Pink Palace. A yellow utility raincoat over a navy sweater, charcoal cargo pants, striped socks and rugged waterproof boots, with the blue wig tucked behind one ear under a dragonfly clip. Keep the makeup to blue-gray shadow, freckles and rosy cheeks. The satchel holds a flashlight, a magnifying glass, a decorative key, a notebook and a smooth stone with a hole painted in the middle, which is her seeing stone. Fingerless gloves look practical and leave your fingers free. A hand-drawn map rolled and tied to the bag strap is the detail I'd never skip on this version.
11. Glam Coraline Costume
This is Coraline grown up for a night out. A fitted yellow trench-style mini dress, or a belted raincoat over blue shorts, sheer striped tights and glossy blue platform boots with chunky heels. A sleek cobalt bob with a jeweled dragonfly barrette, luminous skin, shimmering blue liner, lashes, pink blush and a berry gloss. A black cat-shaped clutch and a big gold key on a chain. Pick one sparkle point, either the earrings or the barrette, and keep the rest matte; too much shine starts to look like a generic yellow party dress rather than the character.
12. Plus Size Coraline Costume
Comfort and proportion decide this one. Start with a roomy yellow raincoat that closes without pulling across the shoulders; many raincoats are cut narrow there, so I'd size up and roll the sleeves once if they come out long. Layer it over a breathable striped tee with straight-leg jeans, leggings, or a denim skirt with soft shorts underneath, then add wide-calf striped socks and cushioned yellow rain boots or black walking boots. A light blue bob wig and dragonfly barrette frame the face beautifully. Rosy blush, freckles, soft liner and blue nail polish, an oversized foam key and a crossbody with an adjustable strap. Belt the coat only if that feels good to you.
13. Warm Weather Coraline Costume
On a hot Halloween, keep the colors and lose the weight. A sleeveless yellow utility vest or a thin open rain shell over a breathable striped tee and denim shorts, blue-and-gray striped ankle socks and yellow sneakers. Look for a wig with an open, wefted cap, which lets heat escape far better than a closed one, or use temporary blue hair color instead. Tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara, freckles and a lip stain that won't slide. A tiny key and seeing stone in a belt bag. The yellow layer only needs to show in photos, not keep out weather.
14. Cold Weather Coraline Costume
Cold nights call for warmth hidden under her shape. Thermal leggings, a striped base layer and a thick navy star sweater, then an insulated yellow raincoat or a yellow puffer with a hood. Wool striped socks and lined yellow boots with grippy soles. The wig can go over a thin cap or a blue knit beanie, depending on the temperature; a beanie under a wig adds surprising warmth and keeps the wig from sliding back when the hood goes up. Cream blush and freckles, blue gloves and a matching scarf, and a light key in a zippered crossbody so your hands stay free. Skin-toned thermals under the visible pieces add more warmth without showing.
15. Last Minute Coraline Costume
With an hour to spare, look for the two things that matter most: something yellow to wear on top and some way to make your hair blue. Any bright yellow jacket over a striped shirt and jeans works. No yellow boots? Black ankle boots with yellow socks showing above them are close enough. Blue hair can come from temporary spray, clip-in extensions or a simple blue beanie. Cut a dragonfly from metallic cardstock and glue it to a barrette, paint on a few freckles, and make the key from cardboard wrapped in foil and touched with black paint, keeping the edges smooth. A lump of air-dry clay becomes the seeing stone.
16. DIY Paper Coraline Costume
Craft materials can carry a whole Coraline look if you build on wearable basics. A striped shirt, jeans and comfortable boots underneath, then a yellow raincoat shape cut from paper fabric, or yellow wrapping paper taped over an old light jacket. A blue yarn bob sewn onto a knit cap, a cardboard dragonfly clip, and a big skeleton key built from layered corrugated cardboard painted metallic gray. I glue three layers of cardboard for the key so it doesn't bend when someone grabs it. Blush, freckles, simple blue liner, and paper buttons on a small crossbody box. Paper and rain don't mix, so keep a plan B for wet weather, and reinforce the shoulder seams before wearing.
17. Coraline And Wybie Couple Costume
Wybie is the perfect partner because he's dark and scruffy where she's bright and clean. Coraline wears the yellow raincoat, striped shirt, jeans, yellow boots and short blue wig with the dragonfly clip. Wybie layers a dark rain jacket over a faded tee with loose denim pants or knee-length shorts, black gloves and sturdy boots. His skull mask is the detail people recognize; I'd make a fabric version that sits below the eyes or hangs at the neck, so he can see and talk. Freckles for her, tousled hair for him, and shared props like a key, a messenger bag and a black cat plush. Both of you can walk all night in it.
18. Coraline And Other Mother Duo Costume
Hero and villain side by side give the strongest contrast in the story. Coraline wears her raincoat, striped shirt, jeans, rain boots, blue bob, freckles and dragonfly clip. The Other Mother wears a fitted black-and-white polka-dot dress with a red belt, black tights and pointed ankle boots, with a smooth dark bob, pale skin, high arched brows and red lipstick. Her buttons go on glasses or a headband, never over the eyes. Coraline carries the big key, and the Other Mother holds a sewing box or a foam rolling pin. Stand close for photos; yellow next to black and white is a very easy contrast for a camera to pick up.
19. Coraline And Black Cat Duo Costume
Coraline and the Cat suit friends, siblings or any two people who want an easy pairing. Coraline wears the yellow raincoat, striped top, jeans, striped socks, yellow boots and short blue wig. The Cat wears a fitted black turtleneck, black pants, black gloves and flexible black sneakers, with a long fabric tail attached to a belt and a cat-ear headband that won't pinch after an hour. I stuff the tail lightly with fiberfill and run a strip of wire through it so it holds a curve instead of dragging on the floor. Black liner for a small nose, whiskers and lifted eyes. Coraline carries the key and seeing stone, and the Cat keeps both hands free for posing.
20. Coraline Family Costume
A family can cover the core cast: Coraline, Wybie, the Other Mother, the Other Father and the Cat. Coraline gets yellow outerwear, stripes, boots and the blue wig. Wybie gets a dark jacket, a faded shirt, relaxed pants, gloves and a soft skull-pattern mask. The Other Mother wears a structured polka-dot dress, a dark bob, red lipstick and a button headband, and the Other Father wears a patterned shirt, suspenders, dark trousers, round glasses and buttons above the eyes. The Cat is all black with ears, a tail, whiskers and sneakers. I'd give everyone one repeated black button, a brooch or a badge, so the group reads as one story, and keep the props light for small kids.
21. Coraline Friend Group Costume
A bigger group can bring in the whole house: Coraline, Wybie, the Other Mother, the Other Father, the Cat, Miss Spink, Miss Forcible and Mr. Bobinsky. Coraline stays yellow and blue, Wybie stays in dark layers, and the Cat is solid black. The Other Mother has her polka dots and the Other Father his suspenders. The two actresses get theatrical dresses, big wigs, stage makeup and comfortable character shoes, and Mr. Bobinsky needs a fitted tank, high-waisted trousers, tall boots, a medal and an upswept blue wig. Repeat buttons, keys and stars across the group. Agree on who brings which wig early, since blue and unusual wigs are often the hardest pieces to find in October.
22. Other Mother Polka Dot Costume
The Other Mother at her most charming begins with a fitted black dress covered in white polka dots. Pick a knee-length cut with a crisp collar or a defined waist, then add a narrow red belt, black tights and pointed black pumps or low ankle boots. Her bob is short, dark and very controlled; I'd smooth a synthetic wig with a little silicone spray and a wide-tooth comb so it has that glossy, almost molded finish. Pale foundation, sharply arched brows, red lipstick and a small beauty mark. Buttons on clear glasses or a headband, a sewing kit, a plate of fake cookies or a light rolling pin, and long black gloves.
23. Other Mother Black Spider Costume
Her final form is all long, spidery lines, so build it from shape rather than gore. A long fitted black dress with angular shoulders and a flared or fishtail hem, sheer black tights and pointed boots with stable heels. Extra limbs made from fabric tubes stuffed lightly and fixed to a removable back harness give the spider shape; I'd keep them shorter than your arm span so you can still get through a doorway sideways. A tall, swept-back black wig, white face makeup, thin arched brows, dark contour and deep red lips. Patch-test white face paint on the inside of your wrist the day before. Buttons on a forehead band and elbow gloves with tapered foam fingertips finish it.
24. Other Mother Kitchen Costume
The kitchen version plays on her endless cooking in the Other World. A fitted black-and-white polka-dot dress under a red or black vintage-style apron, opaque tights and supportive black heels or pointed flats. A smooth dark bob, pale makeup, defined brows, red lips and a button headband. Carry a light tray of fake cupcakes or cookies decorated with button shapes, and wear oven mitts with stitched circles. Pearl earrings and a narrow belt keep it neat. If you're hosting, I'd pick this one, because the apron pockets hold your phone and lighter and the flat shoes let you move between rooms all night.
25. Other Father Costume
The Other Father should look cheerful, a bit formal and slightly like a puppet. A patterned button-up shirt, burgundy or brown trousers and suspenders, with a colorful cardigan or casual blazer depending on the weather. Polished lace-ups and bright socks add the oddness. Short dark hair, neat, or a side-parted wig. Round glasses, rosy cheeks and lightly drawn smile lines give him that friendly, animated face, and his buttons go above the glasses on a thin headband. Carry sheet music, a small keyboard-shaped prop or a foam garden tool. Slightly oversized gloves make the hands look toy-like, and I'd buy them a size up rather than stuffing a normal pair, which just makes your hands sweat.
26. Wybie Lovat Costume
Wybie suits anyone who likes casual layers and real shoes. An oversized dark rain jacket over a washed gray tee and a long-sleeve thermal, loose dark jeans or baggy denim shorts over leggings, striped or skeleton-print gloves and chunky black boots. Tousle short dark hair or wear a textured black wig under the hood, and use a little gray contour at the cheekbones and brows for an illustrated feel. His skull face covering can hang at the neck or sit below the eyes for photos. To get the worn-in look on new clothes, I rub the edges with fine sandpaper and wash them a couple of times rather than cutting holes, which keep fraying. A messenger bag, a small camera or a black cat plush.
27. Other Wybie Costume
Other Wybie is the darker, quieter copy. A long charcoal coat over a faded shirt and black jeans, fitted black gloves, heavy lace-up boots and a short dark wig combed neatly back. Button eyes go on a raised headband or flip-up glasses. Matte gray makeup, straight brows and muted lips give the doll-like stillness, and a small stitched line painted at the corner of the mouth hints at his silence without any wounds. Keep the outfit almost one color so the buttons pop. Carry a folded paper warning or a tiny black cat. It's the version I'd suggest for someone who wants a costume that's subtle until people look twice.
28. Coraline Black Cat Costume
The Cat on his own is sleek and easy to reuse. A fitted black mock-neck, black leggings or slim trousers or a stretchy jumpsuit, black gloves, flexible sneakers and a long tail fixed at the waist. A pointed ear headband over a short black wig or slicked-back hair. Matte black liner draws a small nose, whiskers and long eye shapes. Skip colored contact lenses unless an eye care professional has fitted them, since decorative lenses bought without a prescription can damage eyes; the costume doesn't need them anyway. A little yellow key charm or a blue-and-yellow ribbon ties it back to Coraline. Practice attaching the tail at home before the night.
29. Miss Spink Costume
Miss Spink is pure faded showbiz, so dress her like a retired stage star. A bright floral or jewel-toned dress with a full skirt, a fringed shawl or decorated robe, patterned tights and low-heeled character shoes. A big pastel or warm-toned curly wig with jeweled clips and a small headpiece. Her makeup is old-fashioned stage beauty: defined brows, rosy cheeks, blue shadow and a strong pink lip. Opera glasses, a playbill or a bowl of wrapped taffy for props, costume jewelry, long gloves and a feather-free fan. Curly synthetic wigs tangle quickly, so I'd finger-separate the curls rather than brushing them, which turns them into frizz.
30. Miss Forcible Costume
Miss Forcible gets a structured dress and a performer's confidence. A rich purple, blue or red dress with a fitted bodice and a fuller skirt, opaque tights and low block-heel pumps or lace-up character shoes. A curled wig in a contrasting shade with rhinestone combs or a small fabric flower. Bright blush, blue or purple shadow, precise liner and vivid lipstick for a face that would read from the back row. Long gloves and layered costume necklaces, plus a light trophy, a vintage program or a cardboard spotlight. A small cape or satin wrap adds warmth outdoors. She stands up alone, but she's at her best next to Miss Spink.
31. Miss Spink And Miss Forcible Duo Costume
The two actresses should coordinate without matching. One wears a bright floral gown with a fringed shawl, a curled wig, layered jewelry and character shoes; the other wears a structured jewel-toned dress with long gloves, a small cape and low heels. Both get big stage makeup with colorful shadow, strong blush, defined brows and vivid lips. Match their wig accessories, the same jeweled clips or the same fabric flowers, and repeat one accent color across both outfits. One carries opera glasses and a taffy bowl, the other a vintage playbill or a light award. I'd tell them to rehearse a couple of dramatic poses, because that's what makes this pair so good in photos.
32. Mr. Bobinsky Costume
Mr. Bobinsky is all proportion and blue. A navy or gray fitted tank, high-waisted red trousers and a wide black belt, tall black boots and wrist cuffs or fingerless gloves. His blue hair stands up tall and narrow; on a wig, I'd tease the roots and set it with strong hairspray, or build the shape over a small cardboard cone hidden inside. Blue face and body makeup can go lightly on visible skin, kept away from the eye area, and a patch test first is essential with body paint. A curled mustache, strong brows and a rosy nose. Pin a handmade medal to the shirt and carry a small circus ball or a box of plush mice.
33. Coraline Ghost Girl Costume
The ghost girl can stay gentle and still feel haunting. A faded blue or gray vintage-style dress with a white collar, a soft cardigan, pale tights and worn-looking lace-up boots. A loosely curled blond or light brown wig with a plain ribbon. Pale foundation, cool gray shadow, soft pink lips and faint freckles rather than ghoulish makeup. Translucent button shapes on a headband above the eyes hint at the Other World without blocking sight. A clear plastic sphere or a small paper star is her prop. I fade new cotton by soaking it in a weak bleach solution or leaving it in strong sun for a few days, which ages it more believably than paint.
34. Coraline Ghost Boy Costume
For the ghost boy, use muted vintage clothes and toy-like buttons. A pale button-front shirt under a gray vest, cropped trousers, knee socks and brown lace-up boots, with a weathered newsboy cap over a softly tousled wig. Cool-toned makeup, a faint shadow under the eyes, brushed brows and clear lip balm for that faded look. The translucent buttons go on the cap band or raised glasses. A small toy made from painted foam or a clear marble-like prop, and a long gray coat for cold weather. Keep the distressing to faded fabric and softened edges, which keeps it fine for school.
35. Coraline Ghost Children Group Costume
Three friends or siblings can be the ghost children together, each in a different vintage shape: a faded dress and cardigan, a shirt with a vest and cropped trousers, and overalls over a collared blouse or sweater. Keep one palette for all three, washed blue, gray, cream and dusty lavender, with pale tights or knee socks and brown or gray boots. Different soft wigs, cool understated makeup, and translucent buttons on headbands, hats or raised glasses. Each child carries a small memory-themed prop such as a star, a marble or a little toy. I'd add the same ribbon or key charm on all three, which is the small thing that makes them look like a set.
36. Coraline Button Doll Costume
This button doll leans into handmade puppet construction more than the little doll above. A blue-and-yellow patchwork dress over a striped long-sleeve shirt, striped tights, yellow lace-up boots and a short felt rain cape. The wig is blue yarn with blunt bangs and visible stitched sections; I sew yarn lengths onto a stretchy wig cap in rows, starting at the nape and working up, so the top layer hides the stitching beneath. Round blush, tiny freckles, painted lower lashes and clean seam lines at the elbows and jaw. Buttons on a padded headband, mitt gloves, and a fabric key sewn at the waist. It's the one for anyone who enjoys sewing.
37. Coraline Secret Door Costume
The little door makes a clever wearable costume if you keep it light. A black long-sleeve top, black pants and black shoes underneath, then a rectangular tunic of painted foam board with wallpaper details around a small door on the front. Inside the door, a purple tunnel pattern; outside, a gold keyhole and a tiny knob. I hinge the door with a strip of cloth tape on the inside so it opens and closes without tearing. Neat dark hair or a simple black wig, purple and blue shadow with a little key drawn near one cheek, and a foam key on a ribbon. Cut generous armholes and stop the board above the knee so stairs and chairs are still possible.
38. Coraline Other World Tunnel Costume
The tunnel works best in soft fabric, not cardboard. A purple fitted top with matching leggings and lavender sneakers, then a light spiral cape painted or printed in violet, blue and pink. Padded fabric rings at the shoulders and hips suggest the tunnel's round shape and still let you move. A blue bob or violet pixie wig, swirling pastel eye makeup with tiny silver stars, a decorative key and a small door-shaped purse. Shimmering gloves add the strangeness. Fabric paint stiffens a light cape if it's laid on thick, so I thin it with water and build the spiral up in a couple of coats. Keep the cape off the ground.
39. Coraline Garden Flower Costume
The magical garden turns into a flower costume full of blue and yellow nods. A green jumpsuit or green top and trousers, a petal overskirt in coral, pink and purple, and green ankle boots wrapped in removable fabric vines. A cobalt bob under a flower crown with one big dragonfly ornament. Luminous skin, rosy cheeks, blue liner and small painted petals at the temples. Carry a yellow watering can or a light floral frame shaped like a face, which echoes the garden that forms her face in the film. A few felt buttons hidden among the petals are a quiet story detail. I cut petals from felt rather than fabric, because felt doesn't fray and holds its shape when it's bent.
40. Kids Coraline And Pet Cat Costume
A child and pet pairing closes the list, as long as the animal is happy in accessories. The child wears a light yellow raincoat, striped shirt, jeans or leggings, striped socks and nonslip yellow boots, with a soft blue bob wig or a blue knit cap and a felt dragonfly clip. Gentle freckles, rosy cheeks and a foam key with rounded edges. A black dog or cat only needs a blue-and-yellow collar bow or a light rain-cape harness; pets of other colors can wear a soft black shirt if they already tolerate clothing. Never put masks, wigs or tails on the animal. I'd test the bow at home first and skip it if the pet keeps scratching.
A Yellow Raincoat You Can Wear All Evening
The coat is the piece everyone looks for, and it's also the one that makes people sweat. A few things I check before buying or borrowing one:
- Glossy vinyl or PVC looks closest to the film, but it doesn't breathe. For an indoor party, a yellow cotton or nylon anorak looks almost the same in photos and is far more comfortable.
- Buy a size up if you'll wear the star sweater under it. A raincoat that fits over a T-shirt will strain at the shoulders over a knit.
- Look for a hood that keeps its shape. A floppy hood squashes the wig flat, so I either leave the hood down or stuff a little tissue into its top for photos.
- Bright yellow varies a lot, from lemon to mustard. Go for a clear, saturated yellow; mustard reads as autumn fashion rather than Coraline.
- Rubber boots get cold and slippery on wet leaves. Thick socks inside and a grippy sole matter more than a perfect color match.
After the night, wipe a vinyl coat with a damp cloth and hang it to dry fully before folding. Folded damp, vinyl sticks to itself and can crease for good, and you'll want it again for a rainy school day or next year's costume.
Which Door Will You Open First?
One story gives you classic coats, sewing projects, stagey transformations and full group casts. Start with the character that suits your comfort level, then build from her colors, a clear shape, shoes you can walk in, easy makeup and one or two props people will remember. The yellow coat and blue hair do most of the work for Coraline, while buttons, theatrical clothes, keys and vintage details tie in everyone else. Keep every button eye raised, light and easy to take off. And plan around the weather, the venue, the wearer and how far you'll walk, so the costume is still fun at the end of the night.
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