Most men I dress for Halloween want the same thing: a costume people get the moment they walk in, that doesn't need explaining all night and doesn't leave them sweating in a polyester bodysuit by ten o'clock. The ones that work pair a clear theme with sensible layers, shoes you can stand in, simple grooming and one or two props. Classic monsters, funny concepts, nostalgic movie and TV characters, superheroes and easy closet-built outfits all keep showing up at parties for that reason. This list mixes store-bought looks with versions you can put together from thrift racks and your own wardrobe, and each one covers clothes, hair, makeup, accessories and footwear. Scary, heroic, silly or low-effort, there's a look here for you.
Wigs, Beards and Mustaches That Survive a Party
A lot of the costumes below hinge on hair you don't have: a pompadour, a curly wig, a mustache, a full Viking beard. These are the pieces that go wrong first, usually after an hour in a warm room. I treat them like any other part of the outfit and fit them before the night.
Wigs
Cheap synthetic wigs arrive flat and shiny. Shake them out, brush gently with a wide-tooth comb, and trim the shape with scissors if it looks like a helmet. A dusting of dry shampoo or translucent powder takes down the plastic shine. Keep them away from heat: synthetic fibers frizz near a hair dryer, an oven or a candle. A wig cap and two bobby pins at the sides stop it sliding back when you turn your head.
Beards and mustaches
- Patch-test any costume adhesive on your inner arm the day before. Skin that reacts there will react worse on the lip.
- Shave or trim the area first. Adhesive grips skin, not stubble, and a piece stuck over stubble lifts at the edges.
- Press the piece on and hold it for a slow count of thirty, then avoid touching it while it sets.
- Pack a spare and a small tube of adhesive. Eating and talking loosen a mustache faster than anything.
- To remove, peel slowly from the outside edge, then lift the rest with an oil-based remover or cleanser. Never rip it off.
If you'd rather skip adhesive entirely, a few strokes of a brown or black brow pencil give believable stubble or a thin mustache, and they come off with soap.
1. Classic Vampire Costume With Black Cape
The vampire is a tailoring costume more than a monster one, so fit is where I spend my effort. A crisp white button-down, fitted black pants and a black or burgundy waistcoat that sits close at the waist; a baggy vest makes the whole thing look rented. The long black cape reads best with a red lining or a collar that holds its shape. Slick your hair back with gel or wear a short black wig. Pale foundation, softly shadowed eyes, defined brows and a deep red lip tint keep it polished rather than gory. Fangs, a vintage-style medallion and a goblet are the props, and clean black dress shoes or ankle boots you can stand in all night.
2. Werewolf Costume With Plaid Shirt
A werewolf is a thrift-store costume through and through. A weathered plaid flannel over a dark gray tee and distressed jeans with faux fur stitched around the cuffs. Faux fur sheds from every cut edge, so cut it from the back with a blade instead of scissors and shake it out outside before you sew. A brown tousled wig, or your own hair teased and set with flexible hairspray. Brown face paint for bushy brows, sideburns, a shaded nose and a few fur lines on the cheeks. Furry gloves, pointed ears and removable claws, a small full-moon sign if you like a joke that explains itself, and scuffed brown work boots with thick socks.
3. Mummy Costume With Wrapped Linen Layers
I build a mummy on clothes, not on skin. A beige long-sleeve shirt and matching joggers, with loose strips of tea-stained cotton, muslin or gauze stitched across both and enough room left at the knees and elbows to move. Tea staining is worth the twenty minutes; bright white strips look like a first-aid kit. Wrap a few more strips around your head while keeping your face and eyes completely clear. Taupe and gray makeup smudged around the eyes and cheekbones ages it. Fingerless wrapped gloves, a foam tablet covered in decorative symbols, and beige sneakers or soft lace-up boots.
4. Skeleton Costume With Painted Suit
A skeleton suit has almost nothing loose to lose, which I like for a crowded party. A black jumpsuit, a matching two-piece or a fitted black shirt and pants with white bones. Printed pieces work, or cut the bones from iron-on vinyl; vinyl cracks if you iron it on stretchy knit, so use it on a cotton-heavy shirt. Black-and-white face paint in a clean, stylized skull, hair slicked back or under a light black hood. Gloves with printed finger bones, a white bow tie if you want it formal, and black high-tops painted with simple foot bones so the design runs from face to feet.
5. Friendly Ghost Costume With White Suit
This ghost skips the sheet and goes to the party in a white suit. White trousers and a matching blazer over a pale gray shirt, or a full white suit if you own one. Dust your hair with temporary white spray and push it upward. Go light on the white face makeup, then blend gray under the cheekbones and around the eyes. A sheer cape adds movement without covering your face or pinning your arms. A foam tombstone that says “Just Visiting” or a name tag reading “Friendly Ghost” makes the joke. White gloves and clean white sneakers. A white suit shows every drink, so I'd keep a stain pen in a pocket.
6. Zombie Groom Costume With Tattered Tuxedo
The zombie groom is a good use for an old suit you'll never wear again. A black suit, gray vest, wrinkled white shirt and a slightly crooked tie or bow tie. Fray the jacket cuffs with a seam ripper and a stiff brush, then dust the fabric with washable gray costume powder for years of neglect. A messy side part with temporary gray at the temples, pale foundation, smoky eyes and gray contouring keep it theatrical without gore. Pin a wilted fabric flower to the lapel and carry a faded bouquet or vintage invitation. Worn black dress shoes, gray socks and a weathered top hat.
7. Frankenstein Monster Costume With Green Makeup
Frankenstein's monster needs clothes that look too big and slightly wrong, which is the opposite of how I normally fit a man. A dark blazer with padded shoulders over a faded black shirt, cropped charcoal trousers that stop above the ankle, and simple fabric patches on both. Shoulder pads from a sewing shop tacked into an old jacket square it off fast. Flatten your hair or wear a short black wig with a squared top. Blend green makeup lightly over face and neck, then add heavy brows and small stitch marks. Foam neck bolts, fingerless black gloves and a cardboard lab tag. Thick platform-style or sturdy black work boots give the heavy stance safely.
8. Scarecrow Costume With Denim Overalls
Warm autumn colors make the scarecrow a natural for outdoor parties and neighborhood events. Denim overalls over an orange, brown or red plaid shirt with small fabric patches at the knees and pockets. Let craft raffia peek from the cuffs, collar and hat, but sew it to the inside of the fabric so it never sits against your skin; raffia itches like straw. A floppy straw hat over tousled hair, and a stitched smile, freckles and a triangle nose in brown and orange paint. A fabric crow on the shoulder and a bundle of artificial wheat, brown lace-up boots, cozy socks and work gloves with a few raffia strands.
9. Mad Scientist Costume With Lab Coat
Hair does most of the talking for a mad scientist. Stand yours up with strong styling paste, or use a fluffy white wig if you want it theatrical. Underneath, black trousers, a pale button-down and a white lab coat covered in removable faux formula notes. Gray shadow under the eyes and sharply defined brows suggest too many late nights. Clear safety goggles around your neck, plastic test tubes of colored water or beads, and a clipboard labeled “Secret Experiment.” For an adult party I'd seal the tubes with tape; colored water on a white coat stains. Dark slip-resistant shoes or white sneakers, plus bright rubber gloves for color.
10. Plague Doctor Costume With Long Black Coat
The plague doctor is all silhouette: a long black coat over a high-neck black shirt and straight-leg trousers, with a wide-brim hat on top. The beaked mask is the risk at a party. I'd choose a lightweight decorative one with big eye openings and real ventilation, and plan to push it up on your head whenever you eat or talk. Without it, charcoal eye shadow and slicked-back hair keep the character. Black gloves, a faux leather crossbody pouch and small bundles of artificial herbs carry the historical theme. Skip heavy wool coats if the party is indoors. Black lace-up boots with a low heel and nonslip sole.
11. Beetlejuice Costume With Striped Suit
Beetlejuice lives or dies on the stripes. A black-and-white striped suit with a wrinkled white shirt and a loosely knotted black tie, or, if you can't find the suit, removable white fabric tape run down an inexpensive black one. Keep the stripes vertical and evenly spaced; uneven tape lines look like a mistake rather than a choice. A messy white wig with temporary green at the roots, pale makeup, smoky purple around the eyes and darkened brows. A handbook-style notebook and a small striped sign, white socks and worn black dress shoes. Leave the suit untidy on purpose.
12. Clark Kent Costume With Superhero Shirt
Clark Kent is my favorite last-minute costume for men who own a suit. Wear a navy or charcoal business suit over a bright blue shirt with a bold red-and-yellow emblem, and leave the white dress shirt partly unbuttoned so the emblem shows. A neat side part with one small curl falling forward, natural skin, black rectangular glasses, a loosened tie and a folded newspaper. An office badge adds detail. Polished black or brown dress shoes. It's warm, it reads at a glance, and you can button the shirt up and look like a guest at any point in the evening.
13. Wolverine Costume With Yellow Jacket
A Wolverine-inspired look gets the energy across without a restrictive bodysuit. A mustard-yellow moto jacket or zip-front sweatshirt over a fitted black shirt, dark jeans and a wide belt. The hair is the giveaway: push it up into two points at the sides with a strong matte paste, since glossy gel collapses in a warm room. Brown makeup or washable color strengthens the sideburns. Black fingerless gloves and foam claws with rounded edges that are clearly decorative, a silver ID tag, and sturdy black boots. Yellow and black together read from across the room.
14. Deadpool Costume With Red Jumpsuit
Deadpool starts with a red-and-black jumpsuit, and I'd look for a breathable one with a removable hood, because a full spandex suit gets hot fast indoors. The alternative is red athletic pants and a fitted red zip-up with black fabric panels at the shoulders, sides and knees for the color blocking. The red fabric mask needs clear vision and should come off easily. Black eye makeup around the mask opening blends skin into fabric. A utility belt with empty fabric pouches, a small taco-shaped novelty bag for the joke, black gloves and comfortable combat-style boots. Soft, harmless accessories only.
15. Loki Costume With Green Cape
Loki is a costume for a man who likes a dramatic exit. Black trousers and a fitted black tunic or long-sleeve shirt with gold ribbon trim, and a deep green cape across the shoulders. A cape in a heavy satin or velvet drapes far better than thin costume polyester. Slick medium or long hair back, or wear a shoulder-length black wig with soft waves. Light foundation, defined brows and subtle contour. The gold horned headpiece is the key piece; make sure it fits firmly and isn't so wide that it hits people in a crowded room. Black wrist cuffs, a green sash and tall black boots.
16. Mario Costume With Red Overalls
Mario is an easy DIY because it's built on denim and a red shirt. Blue denim overalls over a long-sleeve red shirt with large yellow felt circles on the straps as buttons, and a plain red cap with a white felt circle and red letter. Tuck your hair neatly under the cap. The mustache is where men struggle; drawn-on makeup smears when you eat, and stick-on ones peel with sweat, so I'd use a skin-safe adhesive piece and carry a spare. White cartoon gloves, a plush mushroom, a cardboard coin for photos, and durable brown work shoes or rounded brown boots for walking, parties or handing out candy.
17. Luigi Costume With Green Overalls
Luigi is the obvious partner to Mario, and slightly less common at a party. Roomy blue overalls over a vivid green long-sleeve shirt, a green cap with a white circle and matching letter, and yellow felt buttons on the overalls to make the homemade version look finished. Comb your hair under the hat and add a brown painted or skin-safe costume mustache. Oversized white gloves, a light green foam pipe or plush ghost, and brown work boots or casual brown shoes. Every piece is real clothing, so you can add a thermal underneath for a cold night or throw it together the same afternoon.
18. Shaggy Costume With Green Shirt
Shaggy is a closet costume for a man who'd rather be comfortable. An oversized lime-green tee with loose straight-leg brown or burgundy pants; the looser fit is the character, so size up if you need to. Tousle your hair with matte styling cream or wear a shaggy medium-brown wig. A brown brow pencil gives light stubble in a few strokes. A big foam sandwich or a box of dog treats with a homemade label, a small plush dog clipped to your shoulder, simple black sneakers, and a nervous wide-eyed look for photos.
19. Ghostbuster Costume With Utility Jumpsuit
A tan utility jumpsuit is the base of a Ghostbuster, and a real work coverall from a surplus or thrift shop beats a thin costume one. Sew a homemade ghost-catching emblem to the chest and sleeve and add a black webbing belt with empty pouches. Natural hair, minimal makeup, maybe a dusting of gray powder for a long shift. The backpack is painted cardboard boxes, flexible tubing and recycled plastic containers; I keep it compact so it doesn't knock drinks off tables behind you. Clear goggles, black gloves and a printed name patch, with black work boots or supportive tactical-style shoes.
20. Indiana Jones Costume With Brown Jacket
Indiana Jones is made of clothes you'd actually wear, which is why it suits men who dislike costumes. A light beige button-down, khaki trousers and a weathered brown leather or faux leather jacket, with a medium-brim brown fedora. The hat should sit level on your brow; pushed back, it looks like a different character. Warm brown contour at the jaw and a little washable dirt effect on the cheeks. A canvas satchel across the body holds your phone and keys. An old map, a notebook or a light golden foam relic, a sturdy brown belt and comfortable lace-up boots. Rumple everything a bit.
21. Marty McFly Costume With Red Vest
Marty McFly is layered everyday clothing, so it handles a cool October night well. A red puffer vest over a blue denim jacket and a patterned button-down, straight-leg blue jeans and a simple brown belt. Style your hair into a soft, full 1980s shape with lightweight mousse; heavy products flatten it within an hour. Natural skin. A toy skateboard under one arm and a retro digital watch carry the reference, and a vintage-style camera works as a party prop. White lace-up sneakers. Every piece can go back into your wardrobe afterward.
22. Neo Costume With Long Black Coat
Neo is a lesson in how much fit matters with all-black clothes. A fitted black crew-neck, straight or slim black trousers and a long black trench that falls below the knee; if the coat is too short or too wide in the shoulders, the silhouette disappears. Comb your hair back close to the head and keep the skin matte with a little contour. Small oval sunglasses are the key accessory, but take them off in a dim room. A vintage-looking cell phone or a cardboard prop with red and blue candy shapes, and polished black ankle boots with a sturdy sole.
23. Gru Costume With Gray Scarf
Gru is ordinary black clothes plus one scarf. A fitted black zip-up jacket or structured coat over black trousers, and a long gray-and-black striped scarf wrapped once with both ends hanging. Use a bald cap if you want, or slick short hair tight to your head; bald caps wrinkle at the forehead unless you pick the right size, so try it on before the night. Light foundation, strong arched brows and shading around the nose. A plush yellow helper or a harmless cardboard freeze-ray gadget, black gloves, and pointed black shoes or slim ankle boots. Round your shoulders a little and keep a straight face.
24. Bob Ross Costume With Painting Palette
Bob Ross needs soft denim and a curly wig, and not much else. A pale blue button-down tucked into relaxed blue jeans with a medium-brown belt, sleeves rolled neatly to the forearms. A rounded brown curly wig and a matching costume beard; I'd trim the wig into a rounder shape with scissors, since most come out of the bag too flat. Natural, friendly face. A cardboard palette with dried paint dots, a clean oversized brush and a small landscape canvas. Brown casual shoes, loafers or boots. It's approachable and cheap, and it suits family gatherings and office parties.
25. Ted Lasso Costume With Blue Tracksuit
Ted Lasso is a comfortable sports look for men who'll be on their feet all evening. A royal-blue zip-front tracksuit with red-and-white trim over a coordinating polo. A tidy side part and a thick brown mustache in makeup or a skin-safe piece, with the rest of the face natural. A whistle, a stopwatch and a homemade coach badge, plus a small box labeled “Biscuits” as the prop. Red-and-white athletic sneakers support hours of standing. Tracksuits are thin, so on a cold outdoor night I'd put a thermal underneath; it won't change the clean line.
26. Ace Ventura Costume With Printed Shirt
Ace Ventura is loud patterns and big hair, both easy to find second-hand. A bright tropical button-down worn open over a plain white tank, red-and-black striped trousers or high-waisted patterned pants, and a bold belt. The tall front wave of hair needs firm-hold gel and a blow-dryer to set it; gel alone droops. Natural makeup with extra brow definition for the expressions. A small plush parrot on your shoulder and a detective-style ID card make it clear, and a pet carrier of toy animals is the bigger prop. Black lace-up boots or sturdy sneakers for all the posing.
27. Willy Wonka Costume With Purple Coat
Willy Wonka hangs on the purple velvet coat, so that's where I'd spend money if you spend any. Wear it over a patterned waistcoat, a white shirt and fitted brown or black trousers, with a large gold, burgundy or paisley bow tie. A wavy brown wig or medium-length hair with soft volume under a tall brown top hat. Pale foundation, rosy cheeks and neat brows. A decorative cane and oversized wrapped candy props in foam or cardboard, white gloves if you like. Hem the trousers to just touch the shoe so the burgundy socks show, and finish with polished brown dress shoes.
28. Jack Sparrow Costume With Pirate Coat
Jack Sparrow is layers, belts and weathering, and no real blades. A loose white shirt, a dark waistcoat, cropped brown trousers and a long distressed coat; sanding the coat edges and cuffs ages it faster than any dye. A patterned sash with several belts, a long dark wig with fabric strips and beads, and a faded red bandana across the forehead. Brown eyeliner smudged around the eyes and a braided costume beard if you want one. A rolled treasure map, a compass or a pouch of plastic coins, and tall brown boots. Stitch the beads and scarves down so they don't catch on chairs.
29. Elvis Costume With White Jumpsuit
The Elvis jumpsuit has to stretch, or you won't be able to sit down. Choose a comfortable stretch fabric in white with a flare, then add gold trim or adhesive gems along the collar, belt and side seams. Sew gems on if you can; adhesive ones drop off when the fabric moves. Wear the front partly open over a plain white undershirt for coverage. A high black pompadour with defined sideburns, or a light wig, a little bronzer and sharp brows. A retro microphone and a bright scarf around the neck, white ankle boots with a modest heel, and a few practiced poses for photos.
30. Freddie Mercury Costume With Yellow Jacket
The bold yellow military-style jacket is the whole Freddie Mercury costume, so make sure it's cropped and fitted. Wear it over a white tank with fitted white trousers that have a red-and-gold side stripe, and add a studded black belt at the waist. Short dark hair and a neat black mustache in face paint or a skin-safe piece, with light stage makeup at the cheekbones and brows. The microphone stand is lightweight plastic tubing with smooth ends, easy to swing around without hitting anyone. White athletic sneakers with red accents are far kinder to your feet than performance boots.
31. Disco Man Costume With Sequin Shirt
Disco is about shine and flare. A gold or silver sequin shirt with a wide collar, slightly open over a matching undershirt, with high-waisted black or white bell-bottoms and a glossy belt. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so the undershirt should have sleeves if you plan to dance. For hair, I'd go with your own hair styled feathered and full rather than a wig that imitates racial features; the look is about the decade, not about anyone's ethnicity. A little glitter around the eyes, warm bronzer and groomed facial hair. Tinted aviators, a small mirrored-ball prop, and white platform-style shoes with stable soles.
32. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Neon Leggings
The 1980s aerobics costume is a joke you can wear, and also a warm one. Bright leggings or fitted track pants under short athletic shorts, a sleeveless sweatshirt over a neon tank, contrasting leg warmers and sweatbands. Lots of volume in the hair, or a curly mullet wig in a natural shade. Blue or purple shadow blended lightly and a touch of pink blush give the fitness-video face. A foam dumbbell, a cassette player or a rolled exercise mat. White high-tops with colorful laces. All those layers heat up in a packed room, so choose breathable fabrics and expect to shed the leg warmers.
33. 1990s Tourist Costume With Colorful Windbreaker
A 1990s tourist comes almost entirely from a thrift store. A color-block windbreaker over a souvenir tee, stonewashed jeans or pleated khaki shorts depending on the weather, and hair in a center part, floppy fringe or curtain cut. A visible stripe of sunscreen across the nose is the makeup. A bucket hat, tinted sunglasses, a belt bag, a disposable-camera prop and a folded paper map. White crew socks pulled up over chunky sneakers sell the decade. Carry a small travel guide and stop for big sightseeing poses. The windbreaker comes off indoors and goes back on for a cold porch.
34. Cowboy Costume With Denim And Vest
A cowboy costume is Western basics you might already own. Dark jeans, a plaid or chambray button-down, a brown faux suede vest, a wide leather-look belt and a neutral cowboy hat. A hat that's too big sits on your ears, so I put a strip of foam weatherstrip inside the band to snug it up. Natural hair under the hat and light brown stubble in makeup if you want it. A red bandana tied loosely at the neck, then a coil of soft cotton rope, a hobby-horse prop or a card reading “Ranch Hand.” No realistic action accessories. Brown cowboy boots, or lace-up boots with removable decorative covers.
35. Viking Costume With Faux Fur Cape
Texture is what makes a Viking look real. A long brown or charcoal tunic over dark trousers with a wide faux leather belt, a short faux fur cape across the shoulders and fabric wrist cuffs. Loose braids for long hair or a natural-looking shoulder-length wig. A full beard can come from temporary color, costume facial hair or careful makeup strokes. Soft gray around the eyes and a line of blue paint across one cheek. A round foam shield painted with simple geometric patterns. Brown lace-up boots wrapped in fabric strips. I'd choose a plain helmet over a horned one; the horns are a costume-shop invention, and the plain version looks cleaner.
36. Medieval Knight Costume With Silver Tunic
A knight can look armored with no metal at all. Start with a black long-sleeve shirt and dark trousers, then add a silver quilted tunic or a lightweight foam chest piece and a blue or red fabric tabard with a simple heraldic emblem. Quilted fabric catches light like mail and doesn't clank when you sit. Tousled hair, or a short chainmail-look fabric hood that leaves your face clear. Light gray contour and defined brows. A soft foam shield and a rolled royal message, black gloves and flexible silver boot covers over sturdy black footwear. You can sit, walk and talk in it all evening.
37. Astronaut Costume With White Jumpsuit
A clean white utility jumpsuit is a strong start for an astronaut. Add homemade mission patches, a name badge and silver tape around a few pockets, and put a gray or black thermal underneath if it's cold. Neatly combed hair and a little silver highlighter on the cheekbones. Carry the helmet under one arm rather than wearing it; helmets fog and muffle you, and people want to see your face at a party. A silver backpack from painted cardboard and two empty plastic bottles is a fun DIY touch. White gloves, white high-tops or moon-boot covers, and reflective tape if you'll be outside after dark.
38. Garden Gnome Costume With Red Hat
A garden gnome is a good pick for a man who wants something playful instead of scary. A blue or green long-sleeve tunic over brown trousers with a wide belt, and a tall pointed red felt hat. The full white costume beard should come off easily, because you'll want to eat; one on an elastic loop around the ears is simplest. Rosy blush across the cheeks and nose. A foam mushroom, a small watering can or a little artificial flowerpot. Roll the trousers slightly to show striped socks, and wear brown ankle boots or clog-style covers over supportive sneakers. It's friendly enough for a work party or a family gathering.
39. Funny Banana Costume With Yellow Suit
The banana is a costume for a man who doesn't mind being the joke. A bright yellow foam tunic shaped like a curved banana, with your face, hands and legs left free. Underneath, a yellow long-sleeve shirt and fitted yellow or black pants so it looks finished when you sit. Foam tunics are hot, so I'd pick one with an open back or cut ventilation holes under the arms. Hair natural or tucked into the top. A little yellow paint at the temples and a green leaf-shaped bow tie, a small sign reading “Top Banana” or a plush fruit basket, and yellow sneakers or black slip-ons.
40. Error 404 Costume With Tech Outfit
Error 404 is a clever last-minute option on black basics. A black hoodie or crew-neck sweatshirt with matching jeans or joggers, and large white felt letters across the front reading “Error 404: Costume Not Found.” Sew the letters or use iron-on felt; regular felt glued to a cotton-poly hoodie peels at the edges after an hour of wear. Casual hair and a few silver or blue makeup lines near one temple. Blue-light glasses, an old keyboard worn crossbody, a cardboard loading symbol, black fingerless gloves and a name badge labeled “Technical Support.” Clean black sneakers with bright blue laces tie it together.
Hot Rooms, Cold Porches and a Costume That Handles Both
Adult Halloween usually means two climates in one night: a cold walk or a backyard fire pit, then a living room packed with people. Most men overheat long before they get cold, and a costume you have to take off at nine o'clock is a costume nobody sees.
- Build in a layer you can shed without losing the character. Marty McFly's vest, the tourist's windbreaker and the ghost's cape all come off and the costume still reads.
- Pick cotton or cotton-blend base layers. Thin polyester costume suits trap heat and show sweat patches under the arms.
- Wear a moisture-wicking tee under jumpsuits like the Ghostbuster, astronaut and Elvis. You'll stay drier and the suit lasts longer between washes.
- Masks and foam pieces hold the most heat. Plan for the plague doctor's beak or the banana tunic to come off for part of the night.
- Set your makeup with translucent powder before you leave. A warm room makes cream makeup slide onto your collar.
- For outdoor parties, a thermal under a suit or tracksuit adds warmth without changing the line, and wool socks in boots do more than any extra jacket.
My test is simple. Wear the full costume around the house for an hour with the heating on. If you want to rip something off by the end, change that piece now.
One Clear Prop Does More Than Five
There's something here for nearly every budget, comfort level and kind of party. Classic monsters bring the Halloween atmosphere, movie, TV, gaming and music characters give people something to talk about, and the food costumes and easy DIY ideas save you when time runs out. Whatever you pick, build it from head to toe: clothing that fits, deliberate hair, simple makeup, shoes you can stand in and one clear prop. Before you leave, try the mask, cape and accessories at home and make sure you can move, see, sit and hold a drink. A costume you're comfortable in is the one you'll enjoy wearing, and a few thought-out details carry even the simplest outfit.
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