Most of the costumes I put together for friends on short notice start in their own wardrobe, not in a costume shop. A plain dress or a pair of overalls, a few sheets of felt and one good headband will carry you a surprisingly long way when the thirty-first sneaks up on you. Every idea below covers the clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and a prop, and nearly all of them can be toned down for a teacher, a teen or an office party. I've written each one the way I'd talk a friend through it the night before, including the parts that tend to go wrong.
Tape, Stitches or Hot Glue: How I Attach Felt Details
Almost every costume below hangs on felt shapes, ears and little props, and the way you attach them decides whether they're still there at the end of the night. I pick the method by the fabric underneath, not by what's in the drawer.
- Removable fashion tape works on smooth, firm cotton such as a T-shirt or shirt front. It lets go on fleece, knits that stretch and anything fuzzy, so don't trust it on a sweater.
- A few quick stitches are the most reliable option on stretchy fabric. Three or four tacking stitches per felt shape, in matching thread, pull out in seconds afterwards and leave no mark.
- Safety pins are best for heavier pieces such as tails and fabric panels. Pin from the inside so the metal doesn't show, and use two pins so the piece can't spin.
- Hot glue is for craft-to-craft joins only: felt to a headband, flowers to a crown, pom-poms to a felt panel. On clothing it soaks through, stiffens and peels, and in cold air it turns brittle and lets go.
If you want to keep the clothes afterwards, build the decoration on a separate felt panel and pin the whole panel on. That one habit saves more favorite dresses than anything else I do.
1. Black Cat Costume With All-Black Clothes
The black cat is the costume I suggest most often, because almost everyone already owns the base. A fitted black top with leggings, wide pants or a black dress all work; pick ankle boots or flats based on how far you'll walk. For the ears, glue two felt triangles to a plain headband, and stiffen them with a second layer of felt so they don't flop by nine o'clock. Pin the fabric tail inside the waistband rather than on top, so it hangs from under the hem instead of dragging the pants down. Winged liner, a pink nose, three thin whiskers per cheek and a bell choker are all the detail it needs.
2. Scarecrow Costume With Denim Overalls
Denim overalls over a plaid button-down give you a scarecrow that you can actually sit down in. Tie raffia or strips of tan felt at the cuffs and stuff a little into the pockets; real straw sheds everywhere, so I use raffia indoors. A floppy straw hat with a fabric sunflower sets the outline, and low braids or messy pigtails with orange ribbon suit it. Draw a small triangle on the nose, stitch lines at the corners of the mouth and a few freckles. A small plush crow is a friendly prop that won't scare little trick-or-treaters.
3. Strawberry Costume With A Red Dress
A red dress is the quickest strawberry base, though a red T-shirt with a skirt or red top and pants works the same way. The seeds are where people go wrong: felt cut into tiny teardrops looks right, while round dots read as polka dots. Attach them with fabric tape or a few stitches so the dress survives. A green felt leaf collar, or a green scarf, plus a headband with felt leaves gives you the stem. Pink blush, glossy lips and faux freckles keep the face fresh, and green tights with red flats or white sneakers finish the colors. A small red basket holds candy.
4. Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
Wings make a butterfly, so I spend my effort there and keep the base plain: a black bodysuit or fitted shirt with a black skirt or pants, and black boots or flats. Cardboard wings painted or covered with colored paper look bold, but they catch in doorways, so keep them no wider than your shoulders plus a hand on each side if you're going to a crowded party. Use elastic shoulder loops instead of pinning straight into a delicate top. Antennae come from a black headband, pipe cleaners and pom-poms, and a sleek ponytail keeps it steady. Blend two shades of eyeshadow that echo the wing colors, add a little shimmer at the outer corners, and wear a small faux flower on your wrist.
5. Ladybug Costume With A Red Skirt
Red and black pieces with felt spots make a ladybug in about an hour. Wear a black fitted top over a red skirt, dress or shorts with opaque tights, and black flats, boots or sneakers. Cut the felt circles in two or three sizes; identical dots look printed, mixed sizes look like a real shell. Removable fashion tape holds them on cotton, though on stretchy fabric I'd tack them with a few stitches. Small red poster-board wings on elastic straps, a headband with curled pipe-cleaner antennae, rosy cheeks, red lipstick and a thin black flick do the rest. A red mini bag dotted with felt holds your phone.
6. Bumblebee Costume With Striped Clothes
If you own a yellow-and-black striped shirt, the bee is mostly done. Pair it with a black tulle skirt, jeans or leggings, plus striped socks and black shoes. No striped top? Black felt strips stitched or taped across a yellow T-shirt work, but space them evenly with a ruler first, because wobbly stripes are the first thing people notice. Wings can be wire hangers covered with white tights or a light shop-bought pair. Use a headband with pom-pom antennae, a high ponytail or low bun, gold eyeshadow and peachy blush. For candy, a small bucket painted like a honey pot with simple yellow drips is plenty; leave off any brand wording.
7. Deer Costume With Brown Separates
On a cold night I steer people toward the deer, because it's built from sweaters and corduroy. A tan sweater or brown top with brown leggings, a skirt or cords, cream socks and brown ankle boots make the base. Felt ears and lightweight antlers go on a sturdy headband; heavy antlers tip forward, so test it by nodding a few times before you leave. Bronzer on the forehead and cheekbones, small white dots above the cheeks, a dark brown nose and soft black liner give you the face without any advanced skill. A cream faux-fur collar and a few silk autumn leaves finish it.
8. Bunny Costume With A Pastel Outfit
The pastel bunny is the gentlest costume here, and it suits almost any setting from a school party to a family dinner. Pick one soft color, pink, grey, lavender or white, and repeat it in the sweater and skirt, pants or overalls. Opaque tights and soft sneakers or flats keep it comfortable. Make the tall ears from felt on a headband, sliding a length of craft wire inside one if you want it to bend; without the wire both ears tend to fold sideways together. A pom-pom tail pins on at the back. A pink nose, fine whiskers, blush and pearly eyeshadow keep the face sweet, and a bundle of felt carrots tied with green ribbon makes a cute prop.
9. Frog Costume With Green Overalls
Green overalls over a lighter green T-shirt, green socks and white sneakers make the frog body; a green dress or top and pants works if you don't own overalls. Foam balls or white felt circles on a green headband become the eyes, and a black felt pupil on each one makes them look alive rather than blank. Braids or hair tucked behind the band keep the eyes visible. Green eyeshadow, peach blush and a smile curve drawn at the mouth corners stay playful. A pale green felt oval on the front suggests the belly, and a paper lily pad or plush fly is a funny little prop.
10. Mushroom Costume With A Spotted Hat
Here the hat does all the talking. I start with a wide sun hat, cover the crown with red fabric and glue on large white felt circles. Uneven sizes look more natural than a neat pattern. Underneath, keep it quiet: a cream sweater dress, white shirt with beige pants or an ivory top and skirt, with white tights and brown or cream ankle boots. A ruffled white collar stands in for the gills. Hair works loose, braided or in a low bun under the brim, with peach blush and a few freckles, and a tiny basket of faux moss makes a nice woodland prop.
11. Pumpkin Costume With Orange Clothes
Orange is the whole idea, so wear the brightest orange piece you own: a sweater dress, sweatshirt with leggings or a top and skirt. Black felt jack-o'-lantern features go on the front with removable tape; cut the mouth slightly wider than you think, because it shrinks visually on a moving body. Green tights, socks or a scarf bring in the stem color. A headband with felt leaves and a curled pipe-cleaner vine, plus a high bun underneath, gives you the stem on top. Warm orange eyeshadow and rosy cheeks keep it cute, and green sneakers or brown boots with a leaf-trimmed basket finish the trick-or-treat version.
12. Friendly Ghost Costume With A White Dress
A full sheet with eye holes looks charming for about ten minutes, then you can't see, eat or climb stairs. This friendly ghost keeps the idea and loses the sheet. Wear a flowing white dress, an oversized white sweater with leggings or a loose white shirt and pants, plus white sneakers or pale boots. Lay sheer white fabric over the shoulders like a short cape and cut the edges into waves; chiffon frays less than cheap organza. Messy curls, a few strands of temporary white spray, pale shimmer and tiny star details around the eyes work well. A headband with floating fabric strips adds movement, and a battery lantern gives a soft glow.
13. Friendly Witch Costume With A Purple Cape
Purple is what turns a standard witch friendly. Use a black midi dress, black top with a skirt or dark pants with a fitted sweater, then layer a purple cape or velvet shawl over it. Striped tights and black buckled boots give the storybook feel. Trim a pointed hat with purple ribbon, fabric stars and a small faux flower, and put a hair comb or two inside the band, because witch hats slide backward the moment you look up. Lavender eyeshadow, winged liner and plum lipstick are enough. A broom made from a wooden dowel and raffia stays light, and a moon necklace adds one small sparkle.
14. Glam Vampire Costume With A Red Cape
The glam vampire is about rich red and black, not blood. A black dress, tailored jumpsuit or fitted top with wide pants sets the base, with a red-lined cape, velvet ribbon choker and polished black ankle boots. Sleek waves, a high ponytail or a brushed-back bun all work. Smoky burgundy eyeshadow, defined brows, pale foundation and a deep berry lip give the drama. I'd leave the fangs in your bag if you'll be eating or talking most of the night; they slur everything you say. Ornate earrings, a vintage-style ring and a single faux red rose or hand fan finish it without frightening anyone.
15. Skeleton Costume With Black Leggings
White bones on a black base make an easy skeleton. Start with a black long-sleeve shirt and black leggings, fitted pants or a knee-length skirt with tights, plus black shoes. Cut simplified bones from white felt or use white fabric tape, and lay the ribs out on the shirt while it is on a hanger before you attach anything, so they sit centerd on your body. A high ponytail or low bun keeps the outline clean. Use white liner for a few bone accents around the eyes and cheekbones instead of painting the whole face, then add a black-and-white bow. Skeleton-print gloves, or white hand shapes stitched onto thin black gloves, leave your fingers free for food.
16. Mummy Costume With Soft Fabric Wraps
Strips torn from an old white sheet beat crepe paper every time; paper tears the first time you bend. Wear a cream shirt with matching leggings, joggers or a simple dress, then wrap the strips loosely around the arms, waist and legs. Secure each end with a safety pin or fabric tape, and leave the knees and elbows lighter so you can bend. Wrap a few strips around beige sneakers or flat boots. A loose ponytail with narrow ribbons, taupe eyeshadow and a little highlighter give a soft aged look. Hide a small crossbody bag under the wraps, and keep the face, hands and feet uncovered for safety.
17. Mermaid Costume With A Shimmer Skirt
Skip the fishtail. A stretchy midi skirt in green or blue sequins lets you walk and climb steps, and it still reads as a mermaid. Pair it with a lavender, turquoise or shell-pink top, plus iridescent flats, metallic sneakers or low boots. One thing to know: sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so a top with sleeves or a soft lining helps. Pearl clips and small shells in loose waves or a side braid, blended blue and purple shadow, and a few face gems at the temples carry the theme. A shell purse is more practical than a trident, and layered pearls with a sheer scarf at the waist suggest fins.
18. Flower Fairy Costume With A Tulle Skirt
A knee-length tulle skirt and a pastel camisole or fitted T-shirt with matching tights make the fairy base. Add flats, embellished sneakers or low boots. Attach craft-store flowers to a plain headband with hot glue, then dot a few smaller blooms on translucent wings. On a chilly night hot glue goes brittle and lets go, so I add a stitch or a twist of floral wire through each bloom on the crown. Loose curls, braids or a half-up style sit well under it. Rosy blush, light shimmer and tiny painted petals by one eye are enough makeup, and a short dowel wand with ribbon and a silk flower makes the prop. Carry a cropped cardigan in the same pastel.
19. Angel Costume With A White Jumpsuit
White separates make a modern angel, and a white jumpsuit is my favorite base because it has one clean line from shoulder to ankle. A white dress or blouse and pants also work, with silver flats, white sneakers or metallic boots. Wings go on elastic straps. For the halo, twist silver pipe cleaners onto a headband and bend a short stalk upward from the back; if the stalk is too long, the halo wobbles like an antenna. Soft curls, a low bun or a sleek ponytail all suit it. Pearly eyeshadow, highlighter and a soft pink lip keep it bright, while silver earrings and a white cardigan or capelet keep the palette clean.
20. Rainbow Costume With Colorful Layers
This rainbow is built from clothes you probably own. Let a blue dress, top and skirt or pale blue overalls play the sky, then add striped rainbow tights, multicolored socks or a layered tulle skirt. White sneakers keep it simple. The headband carries the idea: a felt rainbow between two cotton ball clouds. Glue the cotton to a felt backing first, or it pulls apart into wisps. Pigtails or a high ponytail with colored ribbons, pastel eyeshadow and tiny white clouds at the temples finish the face, and a small cloud-shaped felt bag holds your things.
21. Bubble Tea Costume With A Tan Dress
A tan or beige shift dress is a ready-made cup. Attach black felt circles around the lower half for the tapioca pearls, keeping them heavier near the hem so they look like they've settled. Add cream tights and brown flats, sneakers or boots. The straw is a painted cardboard tube; I'd carry the full-size one and put a short, light version on a headband, since a long tube on your head knocks into everything. A high bun keeps the cup shape tidy. Caramel eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and a glossy nude lip suit the colors. A clear vinyl overlay is optional, and a handwritten paper label reading "bubble tea" is better than any real café logo.
22. Popcorn Costume With A Striped Skirt
Red-and-white stripes do most of the popcorn work. Wear a white shirt with a striped skirt or wide pants, plus white sneakers or red flats, and tie a red bow at the waist. Popcorn pieces come from crumpled white tissue with a dab of yellow in the center. Concentrate them on the shoulders and headband; tissue on your lap gets crushed the first time you sit down. A ponytail or neat bun keeps the headpiece visible. Red lipstick, golden eyeshadow and warm blush suit it, and a striped cardboard popcorn box doubles as your treat bag.
23. Gumball Machine Costume With A Red Skirt
The trick with a gumball machine is the removable panel. Glue colorful pom-poms onto a piece of felt, then pin the felt across a white or grey fitted shirt, so the shirt goes back in your drawer untouched in November. Pair it with a bright red skirt, pants or shorts over tights, and red sneakers, flats or boots. A small cardboard coin slot near the waist is the detail that tells people what you are. Put your hair in a high ponytail or two buns with a few tiny pom-poms on a headband. Bright liner matching the gumball colors, plus a round clear bag or a red bucket with a silver dispenser shape, finish it.
24. Ice Cream Sundae Costume With A Pastel Dress
Pick one pastel dress, pink, mint, lavender or cream, and you have the dish. White tights and pastel flats sit under it. Felt sprinkles go across the bodice and skirt with removable tape. The whipped cream is gathered white tulle on a headband, topped with a red pom-pom cherry; gather it tightly at the base or it flattens into a veil. A low bun or ponytail sits under it. Pink blush, glossy lips and colored liner dots around the eyes are playful, and a brown ribbon belt suggests chocolate sauce. Keep the silver cardboard spoon short enough to carry through a crowded room, and layer a white cardigan underneath if it's cold.
25. Candy Costume With A Colorful Sweater
A bright sweatshirt in pink, red, yellow or blue becomes candy with a handful of felt shapes. Wear it with a tulle skirt, leggings or wide pants, plus striped knee socks and white sneakers. I avoid real wrappers: they rip, crinkle every time you move and leave sticky corners on the fabric. Two ponytails tied with curled ribbon look like the twisted ends of a wrapped sweet, which is a lovely small joke. Vibrant eyeshadow and glossy lips suit it. A headband with light fabric sweets adds height, and a clear bag of tissue "candies" or a pastel bucket works for school or work parties.
26. Artist Costume With Paint-Splattered Overalls
Old denim overalls over a striped shirt turn into an artist with a few paint splashes. If the overalls are destined for the costume box anyway, use washable fabric paint and flick it from a stiff brush; for clothes you want to keep, cut felt splashes and tape them on. Clean paintbrushes in the front pocket and a soft beret set the character. A low braid or messy bun sits under the beret, with one painted swirl on the cheek and otherwise natural makeup. Carry a cardboard palette with dried paint blobs, and roll the cuffs to show bright socks above canvas sneakers or ankle boots.
27. Baker Costume With A White Apron
The baker is built from kitchen basics: a pastel dress or gingham shirt with comfortable pants, a clean white apron and nonslip sneakers, loafers or flats. A poster-board baker's hat with a tissue puff on top works, or use a plain fabric chef's hat. Tie long hair in a low bun or braid under it. Please skip real flour on the face; it clogs pores, falls into your eyes and leaves white marks on every sofa. A dusting of cosmetic shimmer reads the same in photos. A wooden spoon, rolling pin or empty cupcake box makes the prop, and flat felt cookies on the apron won't snag when you sit.
28. Librarian Costume With A Plaid Skirt
I send people to the librarian for school and office parties, because every piece goes back into your regular wardrobe. Pair a button-down with a cardigan and a plaid midi skirt, or tailored pants if you'd rather. Loafers, ankle boots or Mary Jane flats with simple socks sit under it. Twist your hair into a low bun and push pencils through it, points downward or capped, so you don't jab anyone. Round glasses, natural makeup and a muted berry lip are the face. Tie two or three light books together with ribbon, and wear a handmade library card as a name tag with a canvas book bag.
29. Tourist Costume With A Printed Shirt
The tourist is the funniest costume here and needs almost no crafting. A loud printed button-down shirt with khaki shorts, relaxed pants or a denim skirt is the base, plus supportive sneakers, tall socks and a windbreaker knotted at the waist. A bucket hat or visor frames it. The joke lives in the details: a single blended dot of white on the nose like forgotten sunscreen, a toy camera around the neck, a folded paper map, oversized sunglasses and a belt bag. Stick a few removable travel stickers on the bag, and your hands stay free all night.
30. Cowgirl Costume With Denim And Boots
Plaid tucked into high-waisted jeans, a denim skirt or shorts over tights makes the cowgirl. Add a brown belt and Western-style boots, and choose a low heel if you'll be standing for hours; a tall heel on a cowboy boot is hard work on pavement. A suede-look vest or a bandana loosely knotted at the neck finishes the clothes. Two braids or soft waves sit under a felt cowboy hat. Warm bronzer and peach blush suit the palette. A coil of soft cotton cord is friendlier than a stiff rope, and a tiny plush horse clipped to a tote gets a laugh.
31. Disco Costume With Silver Pants
Disco is made for party lights. Silver flared pants with a colored fitted top, or a metallic jumpsuit with a wide belt, give you the shine. Platforms look the part, but stable sneakers or low block heels are much safer on a dance floor. Oversized hoops and tinted round glasses add the decade. Big curls, a high ponytail or a feathered blowout suit it, with silver shimmer and glossy lips. Metallic fabric shows every crease, so hang it in a steamy bathroom for twenty minutes before you dress. A mirrored clutch or a cardboard disco ball covered in reflective paper makes the prop, and a cropped jacket adds warmth.
32. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Neon Leggings
If you'll be on your feet for hours, the 1980s aerobics look is the most comfortable costume on this list. Layer a bright bodysuit or oversized T-shirt over neon leggings, add leg warmers and supportive white sneakers, and cinch the waist with a contrasting belt. A wide fabric headband and scrunchies say "eighties" straight away. Pull your hair into a high side ponytail or two bouncy ones. Blue or purple eyeshadow and pink blush fit the era. Plastic bangles and wristbands are fun, but keep them few so they don't clatter, and carry a water bottle or rolled mat.
33. Mime Costume With A Striped Shirt
A striped long-sleeve shirt, black suspenders and cropped black pants or a knee-length skirt make a mime with almost no crafting. White socks and black loafers, flats or ankle boots, plus a black beret, finish the outline. Full white face paint looks dramatic but cracks around the mouth by evening and rubs off onto collars, so for a work version I'd use a light foundation, defined black liner, rosy circles on the cheeks and a small red lip. White gloves help the character read. Bring an empty black picture frame and pose inside it for photos.
34. Detective Costume With A Trench Coat
The trench coat does the heavy lifting for this detective. Layer it over a white shirt, plaid vest and dark pants or a pleated skirt, with loafers or brown ankle boots. A checked cap or brimmed hat sits over a low ponytail, bun or loose waves. Keep the face simple: defined brows, neutral eyeshadow and a berry lip. A lightweight magnifying glass and a small notebook labeled "clues" with paper footprints pinned to it make the props, and a leather-look crossbody bag holds your real things. It's modest enough for nearly any setting, including work.
35. Garden Gnome Costume With A Red Hat
A tall red hat is what makes a gnome, so make it properly. Shape red felt around a lightweight paper cone and fix it to your head with a thin elastic under the chin or at the nape; a tall cone without elastic topples the first time you bend over. Underneath, wear a blue shirt or sweater with brown pants, a skirt or overalls, plus suspenders, a wide belt and sturdy brown boots. Braids or loose waves work, or add a soft yarn beard for a storybook effect anyone can wear. Rosy cheeks, freckles and a round pink nose suit it. Carry a small watering can, and glue felt grass around the boot cuffs if you like.
36. Rag Doll Costume With A Patchwork Dress
This is the costume where mismatched thrift finds look intentional. Wear a gingham or floral dress over a white blouse, with striped tights and flat Mary Janes. Stitch or tape colorful fabric patches on the skirt and apron; a few big running stitches in contrasting thread around each patch sell the handmade look. Two braids or yarn-enhanced pigtails with big ribbons, round blush circles, painted freckles and short drawn lashes under the eyes make the doll face. A small heart near the cheek adds a sweet detail. Carry a cloth doll or fabric flower, and slip a cardigan under the apron for warmth.
37. Storybook Princess Costume With A Pastel Gown
You can be a princess without copying anyone in particular. A pastel maxi dress, a tulle skirt with a fitted top or a thrifted formal dress in pink, blue or lavender makes the gown. Ballet flats instead of heels will keep you dancing longer. Drape a short capelet or sheer scarf over the shoulders. A braided crown or soft curls give the tiara a base to grip; on very smooth or freshly washed hair, a few bobby pins crossed in an X under the tiara stop it sliding. Rosy blush and pink lipstick are enough, plus a star wand or tiny fabric book, pearl earrings and gloves.
38. Wednesday Addams Costume With A Black Dress
Wednesday is one of the easiest characters to read from across a room, mostly thanks to the collar and the braids. Wear a black knee-length dress with a crisp white collar, or a white button-down under a plain black dress, plus opaque black tights and flat loafers or lace-up boots. Part your hair dead center and make two smooth braids; a black wig is only worth it if your hair is very short. A matte complexion, light grey eyeshadow, defined brows and a muted berry lip keep it subtle. Carry a vintage-style book or a soft fabric doll, and practice the flat, unimpressed stare for photos. A black cardigan adds warmth without breaking the palette.
39. Velma Costume With An Orange Sweater
Velma comes down to orange and red, and the glasses. An oversized orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks and red loafers or Mary Janes make the outfit. A neat chin-length bob, natural or a short brown wig with soft bangs, frames the face. The square black glasses are essential; pop out the lenses or use clear plastic ones so you don't get a headache. Keep makeup natural with peach blush and brown liner. A magnifying glass and a small notebook complete the act, and on a cold night fitted shorts under the skirt and thermal tights under the socks keep you warm.
40. Dorothy Costume With A Gingham Dress
Dorothy is easy to thrift: a blue gingham dress over a white puff-sleeve blouse, white ankle socks and sparkly red flats. If the night involves a lot of walking, red sneakers work, and a pair of plain red shoes painted with glitter glue gives you the ruby sparkle. Part your hair in the middle and make two braids tied with pale blue ribbon. Rosy blush, a little mascara and soft pink lipstick keep the face fresh. A small wicker basket lined with blue fabric and a plush dog inside is the companion, and a strip of yellow paper tucked in the basket hints at the road. It suits school events, parties and trick-or-treating alike.
A Headband You Can Still Bear at Ten O'Clock
Ears, antennae, halos, stems and whipped cream all sit on a headband, and a cheap band is the reason most people pull their costume off before the party ends. A few small fixes make a big difference.
- Choose a fabric-covered band about an inch wide. Thin plastic ones dig in behind the ears within an hour.
- Wrap a narrow strip of felt or ribbon around the ends if it still pinches. It softens the pressure point and grips the hair.
- Keep anything tall light. Foam, felt and pipe cleaners are fine; cardboard or wire over about hand height pulls the band forward every time you nod.
- Anchor it with two bobby pins crossed behind each ear, especially on fine or freshly washed hair.
- Wear it for half an hour at home the evening before. If it hurts at home, it will hurt more at a party.
The Same Basics, Five Different Costumes
Many of these ideas share a base, which is handy if you're dressing a group or want a fallback. A plain black outfit is the cat, the skeleton, the butterfly and Wednesday with only the top layer changed. Denim overalls cover the scarecrow, the artist, the frog and the gnome. A white outfit becomes the ghost, the angel or the mummy.
So if you're stuck, start by laying out the one solid-colored outfit you already own and look down this list for the costumes that use it. You'll usually find two or three, and you can pick whichever needs the fewest craft supplies.
One Clear Detail Beats a Pile of Props
You don't need a bought costume you'll wear once. Your own dresses, sweaters, overalls and comfortable shoes become something memorable with felt, a headband, a bit of makeup and a single prop that tells people who you are. Put your effort into the one detail that names the character, keep everything else light and well attached, and wear shoes you can walk in. Change the colors, hemlines or layers to suit your wardrobe, your age, your workplace and the weather, and you'll be dressed and out the door in an evening.
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