Inside Out is a gift for anyone dressing a group, because every emotion comes with its own colour. The original five give you a tidy lineup, and the sequel adds Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment, which takes you to nine main characters for a big office, a staff room or a large family. I've written up 40 looks here, from solo costumes to whole headquarters crews. Most come together from thrift clothing, a cheap wig, comfortable shoes and a few handmade pieces, and nearly all of them work with coloured eyeshadow instead of full face paint. Each one covers clothes, hair, makeup, a prop and footwear.
Giving Nine Emotions Nine Different Shapes
Colour gets a group halfway. The other half is shape, and it's what stops a lineup of nine from looking like a paint chart. Each emotion in the films has a body shape as distinct as its colour, so when I plan a group, I match the garment to the shape before anything else.
- Joy is light and bouncy: a short dress that moves.
- Sadness is round and heavy: a sweater several sizes too big.
- Anger is a block: square shoulders, a tucked shirt and a flat head.
- Fear is tall and thin, with that one curl of hair standing up.
- Disgust is neat and fitted, with flipped hair.
- Anxiety is all frizz and movement, so the hair does the work.
- Envy is tiny with big eyes; Ennui is long and droopy; Embarrassment is the biggest of them all.
If you can, cast by height too. Put your tallest person in the Embarrassment hoodie and your smallest in Envy's teal, and the group reads correctly before anyone sees a face.
Memory orbs that glow and don't break
Clear plastic fillable ornaments, the kind that split into two halves, make the best orbs. Stuff them loosely with tissue paper in the character's colour and drop in a small battery tea light, and they glow in a dark room. Skip glass ornaments entirely; they shatter when dropped and are dangerous around children. A loop of ribbon hot-glued to the top lets you hang an orb from a wrist so your hands stay free.
1. Joy Halloween Costume With Blue Wig
Joy starts with a sleeveless yellow skater dress scattered with small blue flowers or stars. Fabric paint, iron-on vinyl or felt shapes all work; I'd use iron-on vinyl on a knit dress, because felt shapes on stretch fabric pucker as soon as the dress moves. Add a short blue bob wig with the fringe swept to one side, yellow eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and a big smile. A clear plastic ornament stuffed with yellow tissue paper makes her glowing memory orb. Yellow tights and blue ballet flats or sneakers finish it, and a fitted yellow long-sleeve shirt under the dress keeps her warm on a cold night. Joy suits adults, teens and kids, and she's easy to walk in.
2. Sadness Halloween Costume With Blue Sweater
Sadness is about the easiest Inside Out costume to pull from a wardrobe. An oversized light blue turtleneck goes with navy pants, blue leggings or a below-the-knee skirt, plus a short blue bob wig, round black glasses and pale blue eyeshadow. Blue face makeup is optional; if you use it, keep it light on the cheeks and forehead. A clear blue memory orb, or a little box marked with a drawn memory symbol, is the prop, and grey-blue sneakers or soft slip-ons go on the feet. The sweater has to be genuinely too big for her to read right, so I size up two or three times. A blue blanket scarf adds warmth and suits her cosy, droopy look.
3. Anger Halloween Costume With Red Tie
Anger is all about a square shape. A crisp white button-down tucked into brown straight-leg trousers, a bright red tie and a matching belt set up the office look. For his blocky head, use a red bald cap, a snug beanie or a square felt headpiece, then add a removable flame headband built from layered red, orange and yellow felt. I back the flames with stiff interfacing so they stand up instead of flopping over by the second hour. Red face paint is optional; bold red brows and warm cheeks do plenty. Carry a foam newspaper, a mini control panel or a red memory orb. Black dress shoes suit the character, though black sneakers are kinder for a long event. Cross your arms for photos.
4. Disgust Halloween Costume With Green Dress
Disgust starts with a sleeveless green fit-and-flare dress that sits around the knee, dotted with darker green felt flowers attached so they come off later. Add a narrow purple neck scarf, green tights and matching ballet flats. Her hair is the giveaway: a shoulder-length green wig flipped out at the ends. Most cheap wigs come straight, so I roll the ends around large velcro rollers and set them with a low-heat hairdryer, never a curling iron, since synthetic fibre can melt. Green eyeshadow, arched brows and pink lipstick give her the attitude. A small purple bag, a compact or a green orb is the prop. Layer the dress over a fitted green top if bare arms won't work.
5. Fear Halloween Costume With Plaid Vest
Fear's mismatched office clothes are a thrift-shop dream. Wear a pale lavender button-down under a black-and-white houndstooth or plaid sweater vest, with purple trousers, a burgundy bow tie and bright red shoes. His single tall curl of hair is what people recognise, so style a narrow purple wig upward or fix a curled purple felt piece to a headband. Lavender face makeup is optional; purple eyeshadow, sharp brows and a worried face do the job. A clipboard listing imaginary Halloween worries is a fun prop, or carry a purple orb. Crop the trousers a little so the red shoes show. For the felt curl, I'd run a pipe cleaner inside it so you can bend it back up when it sags.
6. Anxiety Halloween Costume With Orange Sweater
Anxiety is all orange energy and very easy to recreate. Choose an orange-and-white striped sweater, or paint narrow stripes onto a plain orange knit, with high-waisted rust pants and orange sneakers. Her hair should stand up and out, so start with a fluffy orange wig, tease it gently and set it with a light wig-safe spray. Orange eyeshadow, freckles and high, worried brows replace heavy paint. A clipboard covered in colour-coded plans, sticky notes and checklists is the prop, with a small headset if you like. Teasing a cheap wig makes it tangle for good, so I'd buy a second inexpensive one for this costume rather than wreck a wig you'll reuse. Quick gestures and an alert stance sell her.
7. Envy Halloween Costume With Teal Dress
Envy is tiny and sparkly, so the details should feel slightly too big for the wearer. Wear a turquoise shift dress, or an oversized teal tee worn as a tunic, over dark navy leggings, with turquoise platform sneakers or flats. Pull the top section of a long blue-green wig into an exaggerated side ponytail. Shimmery teal shadow, rosy cheeks and bright lashes open up the eyes. Carry a small mirror, a glittery purse or a sign showing something she wishes she had, or a turquoise orb. For kids, swap cosmetics for face-safe shimmer and a colourful headband. I cast whoever is shortest in the group as Envy; she reads much better standing next to the taller emotions.
8. Ennui Halloween Costume With Oversized Sweater
Ennui is slouchy, so she's one of the comfiest characters for a long night. Wear an oversized navy or deep purple sweater with matching leggings, wide-leg pants or a relaxed maxi skirt, plus striped socks and dark sliders, loafers or flat sneakers. A long navy wig with a side part should hang straight around the face. Keep makeup minimal, with cool purple shadow, a bit of contour and a thoroughly unimpressed expression. The one essential prop is a phone held loosely at waist height, since she runs the console from it; a homemade remote works too. A navy crossbody holds your things. For a long, flat wig like this, I brush it with a wide-tooth comb before you leave, so it falls heavy and droopy.
9. Embarrassment Halloween Costume With Pink Hoodie
An oversized pink hoodie sets up Embarrassment and keeps you warm on a cold October evening. Pair it with burgundy sweatpants or relaxed red trousers and pink high-tops. Pull the hood forward over a short pink wig, a bald cap or a snug beanie. Rosy pink makeup across the cheeks, nose and ears gives the visible blush. A soft foam nose exaggerates his round features, as long as it comes off easily. Carry a pink orb or a small notebook to hide behind in photos. Buy the hoodie big enough that the wearer can pull their hands inside the sleeves; that one gesture does more for the character than any prop, and shy, downward glances finish it.
10. Nostalgia Halloween Costume With Cardigan
Nostalgia is the gentle, vintage member of the cast. A cream blouse goes under a soft beige or peach cardigan, with a calf-length brown skirt, neutral tights and comfortable lace-ups. Style a curly grey wig under a small rounded hat, and add wire-frame glasses and rosy makeup. A vintage handbag, a tiny scrapbook, or a clear ornament filled with sepia-printed paper photos makes a sweet prop, and a knitted shawl adds warmth. Print cheap copies for any photo props rather than using real family pictures that could get lost. A cameo-style brooch and imitation pearls round out the mood. Grey wigs often look flat and synthetic, so I dust a little dry shampoo through them to take the shine off.
11. Riley Hockey Player Halloween Costume
Riley's hockey kit is a good pick for anyone who'd rather wear sportswear than face paint. A yellow-and-navy hockey jersey goes with padded shorts, dark leggings, tall athletic socks and clean sneakers or skate-style shoes. Add a light helmet with a blonde ponytail out the back, natural makeup and flushed cheeks for that just-off-the-ice look. Carry a light plastic hockey stick or a small duffel with handmade team patches. Leave real skates at home unless the event allows them; flat shoes are much safer. Knee and elbow pads add realism. Because a jersey is cut loose, it fits easily over thermal layers, which makes this one of the warmest choices for trick-or-treating outside.
12. Riley Casual Halloween Costume With Rainbow Shirt
For an everyday Riley, wear a rainbow-striped T-shirt, over a fitted white long-sleeve top if it's cool, with straight-leg jeans, a canvas belt and colourful lace-up sneakers. Put blonde hair in a casual ponytail, or wear a natural-looking blonde wig with a few loose strands at the face. Freckles, rosy cheeks and clear balm keep the makeup fresh. A backpack, friendship bracelets and a homemade orb keychain finish it, and a hockey patch on the backpack adds a clue without any gear. It's normal clothing, so it works for school, work or a quiet party. I like this Riley in the middle of a group dressed as her emotions; she gives everyone else a reason to be there.
13. Bing Bong Halloween Costume With Pink Vest
Bing Bong starts with a fuzzy pink vest over a long-sleeve pink top, purple trousers, white gloves, a polka-dot bow tie and a brown felt hat. His striped tail is made from light fabric stuffed with batting and fixed firmly at the waistband. A pink wig or hood frames the face, and rosy makeup with a small foam nose gives him his cheerful look. Carry a drawstring bag filled with paper candy, or a handmade wagon sign. Purple sneakers or bright lace-ups keep you walking comfortably, and a flower pin on the lapel adds one more detail. I stuff the tail only lightly and add a loop at the tip that goes over the wrist, so it doesn't drag or get sat on.
14. Rainbow Unicorn Halloween Costume With Tutu
Rainbow Unicorn turns into a cheerful costume with a white fitted top and a layered rainbow tulle skirt, white leggings and metallic ankle boots or white sneakers. The main cue is a unicorn headband with a padded horn and a multicoloured mane, with the rainbow carried on through a clip-in ponytail or curled wig extensions. Pastel eyeshadow, star face stickers and a little cheek shimmer keep the makeup family-friendly. A small cloud-shaped purse or a colourful orb is the prop, and a white faux-fur jacket adds warmth without hiding the skirt. A soft horn beats a rigid one: hard horns poke people in a crowd and pull the headband forward. Adults, teens and kids can all wear it.
15. Mind Worker Halloween Costume With Overalls
A Mind Worker is a fun choice if you want a less obvious character. Wear a pale yellow or blue long-sleeve shirt under denim overalls, with a colourful hard hat carrying a homemade brain-shaped logo and a simple utility belt of foam tools. Blue or lavender eyeshadow and temporary hair colour tie you to the film's bright world. Carry a small plastic crate of clear ornaments for memory orbs, and wear striped socks with work boots or sturdy sneakers. A name badge reading Headquarters Staff explains the look without fuss. A crate full of orbs gets heavy and rattles, so I'd fill it with only six or eight and pad the gaps with tissue. It also scales easily for coworkers or families.
16. Forgetter Paula Halloween Costume With Work Uniform
Forgetter Paula wears a soft blue work shirt, matching trousers and a practical utility vest, with a bright hard hat, round glasses and a short blue-purple wig. Pale blue eyeshadow and rosy cheeks give a friendly cartoon finish without covering the face. Comfortable work shoes or white sneakers with colourful laces go on the feet. Carry a light basket of clear orbs, a few labelled with silly forgotten tasks like Where Are My Keys?, and a foam grabber tool. Colourful felt circles on the vest pockets add detail. She should look tidy but a little quirky. I'd wear the hard hat over a thin beanie or wig cap, since most costume hard hats are loose and wobble without one. She pairs naturally with Bobby.
17. Forgetter Bobby Halloween Costume With Utility Vest
Forgetter Bobby is a yellow polo, a blue utility vest and relaxed navy work pants, with a rounded cap or hard hat and a short blue wig peeking out underneath. Dust blue face powder lightly on the cheeks and forehead, or skip it and wear bold blue brows. A padded foam belly gives the cartoon shape, but it needs to breathe and come off easily. Carry a plastic bin of mixed orbs and wear a laminated headquarters badge, with brown work shoes or supportive sneakers. Next to Paula, match the vest colours and props while keeping each outfit distinct. For the belly, I sew a soft quilted pad onto an old T-shirt worn under the polo; solid foam traps heat fast.
18. Dream Director Halloween Costume With Beret
The Dream Director is artistic clothing plus a few easy props. Wear a fitted black turtleneck, cropped black trousers and comfortable loafers, then add a black beret, a headset and a utility belt carrying a flashlight, rolled paper scripts and markers. Style hair in a sleek bob or tuck it under the beret. Silver eyeshadow, sharp liner and defined brows give a confident backstage look. A light clapperboard marked Dream Production or a clipboard of scene notes is the prop, and a purple blazer adds colour while keeping the shape. An all-black outfit vanishes in dim party light, so I'd lean on the silver makeup and a bright purple blazer to keep the character visible.
19. Jangles The Clown Halloween Costume
Keep Jangles silly rather than scary. Wear a red-and-yellow striped shirt, blue trousers, polka-dot suspenders and an oversized bow tie, with a bright red curly wig, a soft foam nose and a tiny tilted hat. Paint white only around the eyes, then add rosy cheeks and a friendly smile; skip cracked makeup, sharp accessories and anything creepy. Carry juggling balls, a flower pinwheel or a few light balloons. Big red sneakers or colourful high-tops are far easier to walk in than real clown shoes, and a ruffled collar adds volume. Young children can find clowns frightening, so if there will be little ones around, I'd keep the face mostly bare and let the clothes do the talking.
20. Fritz Halloween Costume With Tool Belt
Fritz suits anyone who likes the headquarters building-crew side of the film. Wear mustard-yellow coveralls over an orange long-sleeve shirt, with a wide utility belt holding foam wrenches, a measuring tape and plastic controls. Choose an orange hard hat and fix tufts of synthetic hair around the sides, then add warm orange makeup, thick brows and a small costume mustache. Brown work boots finish it. Carry a cardboard console piece covered in bottle-cap and craft-foam buttons. Keep every tool round-edged and light. Coveralls are hot and awkward for bathroom trips, so I'd pick a pair with a front zip that runs low. Stand him next to Anxiety, looking busy at the console.
21. Joy And Sadness Couple Halloween Costume
Joy and Sadness are the obvious couple, and the yellow and blue contrast does the work. Joy wears the yellow skater dress with blue appliqués, a short blue wig, yellow makeup and blue flats. Sadness wears an oversized blue turtleneck, navy pants, round glasses, a blue bob wig and grey sneakers. Give each a matching orb. For a shared prop, make a light cardboard console you can hold together for photos. Joy stands tall while Sadness leans in a little. Add fitted base layers if the night is cold. Both of you will be in blue bob wigs, so I'd cut one wig slightly shorter or part it differently; otherwise the heads look identical from behind.
22. Anger And Disgust Couple Halloween Costume
Anger and Disgust balance sharp office clothes with a polished green dress. Anger wears a white shirt, red tie, brown pants, flame headband, red makeup and black shoes. Disgust wears a green fit-and-flare dress, a purple neck scarf, a green wig, matching tights and flats. Red and green orbs make the pairing look deliberate, and a shared console from a shallow box, metallic paper and bottle-cap buttons is a good prop. Keep the face makeup light enough to wear all evening. Anger crosses his arms; Disgust raises an eyebrow and turns away. Red and green side by side can tip into Christmas, so I'd keep Anger's brown trousers and Disgust's purple scarf firmly in the picture.
23. Anxiety And Embarrassment Duo Halloween Costume
Anxiety and Embarrassment pair orange with pink in big, cosy blocks. Anxiety needs a striped orange sweater, rust pants, orange sneakers, a wild orange wig and a clipboard packed with checklists. Embarrassment wears an oversized pink hoodie, burgundy sweatpants, pink sneakers and a pink cap or wig under the hood. One gets warm orange makeup, the other a deep rosy blush, and each carries an orb. Both outfits are warm layers, so pick breathable cotton over fleece if you'll be indoors. Anxiety goes wide-eyed while Embarrassment hides behind long sleeves. Embarrassment is the biggest emotion in the film, so I'd give that role to the taller of the two.
24. Envy And Ennui Duo Halloween Costume
Teal and navy make Envy and Ennui a cool-toned duo. Envy wears a turquoise tunic dress, dark leggings, platform sneakers, a high blue-green ponytail and shimmery eye makeup. Ennui wears an oversized navy sweater, dark purple pants, sliders and a long side-parted wig. Envy carries a small mirror or glittery purse; Ennui holds a phone and barely looks up. Matching clear orbs tie you together. Most of the contrast comes from posture: Envy alert and fascinated, Ennui slouched and bored. The two characters are opposite sizes, tiny and lanky, so this is a pairing where I'd pay attention to height. Choose secure wigs and sensible shoes for walking outside.
25. Joy And Anxiety Couple Halloween Costume
Joy and Anxiety are two high-energy emotions shown in very different ways. Joy wears the yellow sleeveless dress with blue flowers, a short blue wig, yellow eyeshadow and blue flats. Anxiety wears an orange striped sweater, high-waisted brown pants, an upright orange wig and orange sneakers. Joy carries a glowing yellow orb; Anxiety holds a clipboard of backup plans, and a cardboard console links you in photos. Use light makeup instead of full colour if you'll be out for hours. Joy gestures with confidence while Anxiety checks the list. Yellow and orange sit close together, so I'd keep Joy's blue wig and blue flowers bold enough to separate you from a distance.
26. Five Emotions Group Halloween Costume
Five people can cover the original cast: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Joy wears yellow and blue, Sadness an oversized blue sweater, Anger a white shirt and red tie, Disgust a green dress and purple scarf, and Fear a plaid vest over lavender. Add matching wigs, expressive eye makeup and shoes in each character's main colour. Everyone carries a light memory orb, which gives the group one shared detail. Build a single cardboard console for the centre of group photos instead of handing out bulky props. Keep the outfit shapes different from one another; when I plan a five, I check that no two people are wearing the same garment type, which keeps each emotion readable.
27. Nine Emotions Group Halloween Costume
A bigger group can take on all nine: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, Fear, Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment. Give each person one strong colour and one clear shape, from Joy's yellow dress to Embarrassment's huge pink hoodie. Wigs in blue, green, purple, orange, teal, navy, red and pink separate the characters at a glance. Keep makeup to eyes and cheeks. Everyone gets a matching orb; Anxiety has her checklist, Ennui her phone, Anger his felt flames. Arrange photos by height or in a curve around a handmade console. Nine wigs add up, so I'd buy the cheapest for the characters whose hair matters least, like Anger with his bald cap, and spend more on Anxiety and Disgust.
28. Family Of Four Inside Out Costume
A family of four can take Joy, Sadness, Anger and Fear for a good balance. One adult wears Joy's yellow dress and blue wig; another takes Anger's white shirt, red tie, brown pants and flames. A child becomes Sadness in a soft blue sweater, navy pants, glasses and a blue beanie, and the fourth wears Fear's lavender shirt, plaid vest, bow tie and purple trousers. Sneakers for everyone make walking together easier. Swap heavy face paint for coloured eyeshadow or face-safe cheek colour, especially on children. Each person gets a light orb, with spares in a decorated wagon. I give Sadness to the youngest child because the beanie and sweater are the costume they're least likely to pull off.
29. Family Of Five Inside Out Costume
A family of five can do the whole original lineup without doubling up. Hand out Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear by what each person is happy to wear: Joy in a yellow dress and blue wig, Sadness in a cosy blue sweater and glasses, Anger in office clothes and a red tie, Disgust in a green dress and purple scarf, and Fear in lavender with a plaid vest. Flats, loafers or bright sneakers keep everyone moving. Adults can wear wigs while children use beanies or temporary hair colour. Make matching orbs from clear ornaments and coloured paper, and put a big cardboard console in a stroller or wagon as the photo centrepiece. Letting people choose their own emotion usually settles the arguments before they start.
30. Family Of Six Inside Out Costume
Six people can add Riley in her hockey kit to the original five. Dress Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear in their usual colours, wigs, makeup and comfy shoes, and put Riley in a yellow-and-navy jersey, leggings, tall socks, sneakers and a light helmet over a blonde ponytail. The emotions carry orbs; Riley carries a sports bag or a foam stick. If a young child is joining, Sadness or Embarrassment gives them a warm outfit with very little to manage. Matching headquarters badges link the whole family. Put Riley in the centre of photos with the emotions around a cardboard console. That way the story is clear even to someone who has only seen the film once.
31. Parent And Child Joy And Riley Costume
This one is sweet when the parent is Joy and the child is Riley. Joy wears the yellow skater dress, blue flower appliqués, a short blue wig, yellow eye makeup and blue flats. Riley wears a rainbow-striped tee, jeans, colourful sneakers and a blonde ponytail, with a backpack carrying a handmade hockey patch and some friendship bracelets. Joy holds a yellow orb; Riley holds a small clear container filled with several coloured orbs. Use soft, breathable clothes and keep makeup off young children or nearly so. Layer long sleeves under both on a cold night. Riley's outfit is ordinary clothes, which I like for kids who refuse anything that feels like a costume.
32. Sibling Envy And Embarrassment Costume
Envy and Embarrassment make a good sibling pair because bright teal sits so well next to soft pink. One child wears a turquoise tunic, navy leggings, teal sneakers and a blue-green ponytail wig, with shimmery eyeshadow and a tiny mirror. The other wears an oversized pink hoodie, burgundy joggers, pink sneakers and a pink cap or short wig, with rosy cheeks and sleeves pulled over the hands. Give them plastic orbs, not fragile ones. Choose sizes with room for warm layers, and check the wigs don't block their view. If one sibling is much smaller, make them Envy; the size difference is part of the joke, and it gives the older child the comfiest outfit.
33. Best Friend Joy And Sadness Costume
Best friends can play opposite personalities as Joy and Sadness. One wears a bright yellow dress with blue patterns, a short blue wig, yellow eyeshadow and blue sneakers; the other a loose blue turtleneck, navy pants, round glasses, a blue bob wig and grey slip-ons. Make two orbs from clear plastic ornaments filled with yellow and blue tissue paper, and add a shared cardboard console sign for quick photos. If Joy doesn't want a dress, a yellow jumpsuit or a matching top and trousers works just as well. Keep both outfits easy to sit and walk in. Joy beams while Sadness answers with a gentle, thoughtful look, and the photos sort themselves out.
34. Teacher Group Inside Out Costume
Teachers can build a school-friendly group from colourful clothes already in their closets. Assign as many of the nine emotions as you have people, using modest dresses, sweaters, trousers, cardigans and practical shoes in each character's colour. Swap wigs for coloured headbands or hair clips, which are much easier to teach in. Keep makeup to coordinated eyeshadow and cheek colour. Each teacher can carry a paper orb with a happy classroom moment, a funny school phrase or a subject symbol; Anxiety carries a lesson-plan clipboard and Ennui a cardboard phone. Matching Emotional Headquarters badges tie it together. I'd check the school's dress-up rules first, since some ban wigs and face paint for staff.
35. Kids Inside Out Group Costume
A children's group should be soft, simple and easy to run around in. Joy wears a yellow dress over leggings, Sadness a blue sweater and glasses, and Anger a white shirt with a clip-on red tie, which is far safer for kids than a real knotted tie. Disgust gets a green dress and scarf; Fear a lavender top and patterned vest. Add Anxiety, Envy, Ennui or Embarrassment for more children. Use beanies, headbands or washable hair colour instead of itchy wigs, and only small amounts of face-safe makeup on the cheeks. Plastic orbs beat glass ornaments every time. Supportive sneakers for all, and label each child's costume bag so pieces don't get swapped at the party.
36. Plus Size Joy Halloween Costume
A plus-size Joy looks great when the dress fits properly through the shoulders and waist. Choose a yellow A-line, wrap or fit-and-flare dress with some stretch, and add blue floral appliqués on the skirt and bodice, with blue tights if you like. A short blue bob wig, gold eyeshadow, rosy makeup and a bright lip finish the face. Cushioned blue flats, low boots or sneakers beat costume heels. Carry a light yellow orb and a small crossbody in the same colours, and a blue cardigan adds warmth. Fit the dress at the shoulders first and have the rest taken in or let out from there; shoulder seams are the hardest part to alter, so they decide which size you buy.
37. Plus Size Sadness Halloween Costume
Sadness is one of the most comfortable plus-size costumes going, because she's all soft layers. Start with a roomy light blue turtleneck or cowl-neck sweater that drapes without clinging, with navy stretch pants, wide-leg trousers or a comfortable midi skirt. Add round black glasses and a chin-length blue wig with the fringe kept out of your eyes. Cool blue shadow, soft brows and muted pink lips are enough makeup. Supportive grey or blue sneakers and striped socks finish it. Carry a blue orb or a small tissue box decorated like the console. I'd pick a heavier knit that hangs in folds; thin sweaters cling, and Sadness only reads right when the jumper looks too big.
38. Maternity Joy Halloween Costume
A maternity Joy keeps her sunny colours and the wearer's comfort. Choose a soft yellow empire-waist maxi or a stretchy knee-length maternity dress, and add removable blue flowers around the skirt while keeping the bump area plain and flexible. A light blue wig or blue headband, gold shadow and rosy cheeks handle the face. Flat blue sneakers or cushioned ballet flats keep your footing steady. Carry a yellow orb, or sew a row of small felt orbs along a crossbody strap. Leave out tight belts, heavy props and anything that sits across the belly. A cropped blue cardigan adds warmth. Wigs get hot, so I'd go for the blue headband if you'll be on your feet all evening.
39. Last Minute Inside Out Group Costume
With no time at all, a group can still be the emotions using colour blocking and printed name badges. Joy wears yellow, Sadness blue, Anger red and brown, Disgust green and Fear purple with plaid; extra people take orange for Anxiety, teal for Envy, navy for Ennui and pink for Embarrassment. Use what's already in your wardrobes. Matching eyeshadow and cheap coloured hair spray stand in for wigs. Make orbs from clear cups, plastic ornaments or round containers stuffed with tissue paper. Each person carries one character prop, like a checklist, a phone, glasses, a scarf or the flame headband. If you only manage one thing, make it head-to-toe colour; a single shade from collar to shoes reads far better than a mixed outfit with a name tag.
40. Owner And Pet Inside Out Costume
To include a pet, dress the owner as Joy and the animal as Sadness. The owner wears a yellow dress with blue appliqués, a short blue wig, soft yellow makeup and blue sneakers. For the pet, use a well-fitted blue sweater or harness cover and stitch light felt glasses onto the garment, never over the animal's eyes. A small blue fabric headpiece only works if your pet already accepts one. Carry yellow and blue orbs for photos and keep them away from chewers. No face paint, tight hats, trailing pieces or noisy decorations on the animal. Watch your pet the whole time and take the costume off at the first sign of stress, overheating or stiff movement.
Bright Hair Without Dyeing It
Almost every character here has blue, green, orange, purple or pink hair, and most people don't want to dye theirs. You have three real options, and each has a catch.
A wig gives the truest colour and the right shape. Cheap synthetic wigs shed and tangle, so brush them with a wide-tooth comb from the ends up and wear them over a wig cap pinned in place. Keep synthetic wigs away from candles, ovens and curling irons, because the fibre frizzes and can melt. Coloured hair spray is fast and cheap, but it transfers onto collars, hoodies and pillows, and on very light or bleached hair it can leave a faint tint for a wash or two. Do a strand test first. Coloured headbands, beanies and hair clips are the gentlest choice for children and for teachers who'll be wearing the costume all day. They carry the colour without any itch or mess, and the rest of the outfit does the explaining.
Which Emotion Would You Actually Be?
From solo looks to staff rooms, families and the odd dog, every version above starts the same way: pick the character's main colour and build out from there with recognisable clothes, expressive hair, light makeup, one useful prop and shoes you can walk in. You don't need an exact replica. A strong colour and a pose that matches the personality get the character across better than fiddly accessories. Try on the wigs, makeup and handmade pieces a few days before so nothing slips or itches on the night. Then let everyone pick the emotion that sounds most like them; people always play their own best.
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