A scary costume doesn’t need fake blood to work. Most of the frightening looks I’ve put together rely on shape, stillness and a pale face rather than gore, and they’re far easier to wear for a whole evening. Below you’ll find classic ghosts and vampires, unsettling dolls, haunted performers and shadowy creatures, each with clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes worked out. Plenty of them start from thrift-shop finds, things already in your wardrobe and a few craft supplies. You can turn the makeup up or down for a family party, a school event or a haunted-house night, and none of them needs a single wound to make people look twice.
How Frightening Should You Go for This Crowd?
The same costume can be fun at one party and too much at another. Before I help anyone pick from a list like this, I ask who’ll be there. The answer changes the makeup more than the clothes.
- Small children around: keep faces readable. Pale skin and dark eyes are fine, but full masks, hidden faces and fixed stares are what make little ones cry. Ghosts, the mad scientist, the pumpkin person and the ice witch stay friendly.
- School or workplace: most places ban masks and anything that looks like a weapon or a wound. The vampire, the ringmaster, the skeleton suit and the haunted doll all pass with the makeup softened.
- Adult party or haunted-house night: the faceless looks, the shadow figure and the headless horseman come into their own, along with slow movement and stillness.
- Trick-or-treat walking: anything with a long robe, a beak or a mesh face needs a careful check of what you can see at your feet.
You can also plan a costume that turns down. A veil that lifts, a hood that falls back or fangs in a pocket let you go from eerie at the door to friendly at the snack table.
1. Classic Vampire Costume With Black Cape
A good vampire is polished, not messy. Start with a white button-down, a black vest, tailored trousers and a long cape lined in dark red, plus black loafers or ankle boots you can walk in. Slick the hair back, or wear a neat black wig with a widow’s peak. Pale foundation, softly shadowed eyes, sharp brows and a deep burgundy lip give the undead look. Small costume fangs go in last. I keep the fangs in a little case in my pocket, because nobody can eat or talk clearly in them for hours. An antique-style goblet with a non-staining drink or a jewelled pendant is enough of a prop. A high collar on the cape frames the pale face.
2. Gothic Vampire Bride Costume
The vampire bride gets her eeriness from black lace against faded ivory. Choose a long dress with sheer sleeves, a fitted bodice and a skirt you can move in. A light black veil, lace gloves, a velvet choker and boots with a steady block heel finish the outfit. Loose, slightly messy curls under the veil suit her. Pale skin, smoky grey eyes, a burgundy lip and small pointed fangs do the face. Instead of a real bouquet, gather black fabric roses, dried-looking fake leaves and grey ribbon. Outdoors, a fitted black cape keeps you warm. It’s the formal bridal pieces next to cold, shadowed makeup that scare people, so there’s no need for stains.
3. Victorian Ghost Costume With White Dress
A Victorian ghost should look soft and worn, as if the dress has been in a trunk for a century. Build it around a long white or pale grey dress with a high neck, lace trim, puffed sleeves and an ankle-length skirt, with a light shawl and white tights under button boots. Gently tease long hair and dust it with temporary white, or wear a wavy silver-grey wig. Pale skin, cool grey around the eyes and an almost colourless lip finish her. To age a bright white thrift dress, I soak it in strong cold tea and let it dry unevenly; it goes yellow-grey in a way that looks old rather than dirty. A battery candle or a small antique frame is the right prop.
4. Haunted Doll Costume With Blue Dress
The haunted doll is mostly about the face being too perfect. Pick a knee-length blue dress with puff sleeves, a white collar and a full skirt over a soft petticoat. White knee socks, black Mary Janes, satin bows and a wind-up key fixed firmly to the back finish the outfit. Smooth ringlets or a curled dark brown wig suit her. Matte foundation, round pink cheeks, thin brows, exaggerated lower lashes and a few fine painted crack lines make the porcelain effect. I draw the cracks with a sharpened brown eye pencil rather than black liquid liner; it looks finer and doesn’t smudge into a bruise. Carry a stuffed toy or a tiny tea set.
5. Creepy Clown Costume With Striped Jumpsuit
The striped jumpsuit gives a creepy clown its outline before you’ve done any makeup. Look for black and white or faded red and cream with a ruffled collar, big fabric buttons and gathered cuffs, then add striped socks and sturdy boots or cushioned high-tops. A frizzy red, grey or black wig adds volume. White face makeup, arched brows, a stretched painted smile and dark shapes around the eyes do the unsettling part, with no fake injuries needed. A tiny tilted hat and white gloves add character. Carry black and silver balloons or a bright pinwheel. Oversized clothes are what make clowns look wrong, and they’re also the comfiest thing you can wear all night.
6. Haunted Ringmaster Costume With Red Coat
The haunted ringmaster is formal circus clothes with a dead-pale face. A fitted red tailcoat with black lapels, metal buttons and shoulder trim goes over a white ruffled shirt, high-waisted black trousers and knee-high riding boots. Add a small black top hat, white gloves and a striped sash. Slick the hair in waves or tuck it under the hat. Pale foundation, smoky eyes, sharp cheekbones and a dark red lip give the stage-performer look. A ticket roll or a light decorative cane are good props. I’d keep the coat crisp and fitted; the moment it looks rumpled, the contrast with the ghostly face disappears.
7. Scary Scarecrow Costume With Burlap Hood
A scarecrow gets scary when it looks like it’s been left out in a field too long. Wear a faded plaid shirt under worn-looking overalls with stitched patches in brown, rust and muted orange, and tuck raffia or paper straw at the cuffs, neck and knees. Keep the straw short; long strands catch on everything and shed all over the host’s floor. Worn work boots and fingerless brown gloves finish the body. Use a loose burlap-style hood with big eye holes, or draw stitched scarecrow makeup with tan foundation and dark lines at the mouth. Real burlap itches badly against skin, so line any hood with soft cotton. A floppy hat and a bundle of fake corn stalks finish it.
8. Skeleton Costume With Tailored Black Suit
A skeleton in a black suit is sleek rather than silly. Choose a black blazer and straight trousers with white fabric bones or removable vinyl shapes, a plain black shirt, black gloves and polished lace-ups. Slick the hair back or hide it under a fitted black cap so the face is the focus. Paint a white base, dark eye sockets, a black nose shape and teeth drawn across the lips, and carry simple bone lines onto the gloves. A black bow tie and white pocket square add formality. I always draw the teeth with a fine brush and a cream liner; marker-style face pens look streaky across the lip line. A battery lantern and a little reflective paint help outdoors.
9. Shadow Figure Costume With Hooded Robe
A shadow figure is almost nothing, which is why it works. Start with a long black hooded robe that reaches the ankles without dragging, over black leggings, a long-sleeve top, fitted gloves and matte black boots. Breathable black mesh inside the hood hides the face; I check it in a dim room before the party, because mesh that’s fine in daylight can be very hard to see through at night. Or use charcoal face paint and leave the eyes clear. A thin silver-grey edge on the robe keeps you from disappearing completely. Carry a small black lantern, or nothing at all. Move slowly and stand still for photos.
10. Plague Doctor Costume With Long Black Coat
The beaked mask is what makes a plague doctor so eerie. Wear a calf-length black coat over a high-neck shirt, slim black trousers and tall lace-up boots, then add a wide-brim hat, dark gloves and a crossbody satchel. Choose a light beaked mask with wide eye holes and good airflow. Long beaks block the view straight down, so I always tell people to watch their step on stairs and kerbs. A half mask with grey shadow around the eyes is a lighter option. Fill small plastic bottles with coloured water and fix them inside the satchel. Matte fabric, antique-look buckles and a touch of green give it depth, and leave out religious symbols.
11. Swamp Creature Costume With Mossy Layers
A swamp creature starts with comfortable basics. Wear an olive long-sleeve shirt, brown trousers and waterproof lace-up boots, then layer strips of green tulle, faux moss, torn fabric and fake leaves over the shoulders, sleeves and legs. Keep all of it away from the face and the soles of your shoes. Messy waves with temporary green spray, or a tangled dark green wig, take care of the hair. Blend green, brown and grey makeup over the forehead, cheeks and jaw, and press scale patterns through a piece of fishnet or a stencil with a sponge. Fingerless textured gloves hint at webbed hands. Several muted shades layered together look more alive than one flat green.
12. Haunted Forest Spirit Costume
A forest spirit is eerie in a quiet way. Choose a long grey-green tunic or dress over fitted leggings, a ragged chiffon cape and flat brown boots, and fix artificial vines at the waist and shoulders. Make a branch crown from a plain headband, floral wire and foam twigs; real twigs are heavier than they look and snap. Long wavy hair or a grey-green wig with tiny leaves threaded in suits her. Pale foundation, deep green shadow and fine bark-like lines along the temples finish the face. A strand of battery fairy lights can be woven into the crown, with the pack tucked into a hair clip. A small faux bird’s nest is a nice prop.
13. Possessed Porcelain Doll Costume
A possessed porcelain doll is stiff and white. Wear a high-neck lace dress with long sleeves, a gathered skirt, white tights and polished black Mary Janes, with a dark sash and matching bows on two perfectly even braids or curls. Matte porcelain-toned makeup covers the face, then draw thin branching cracks along one cheek and the forehead. Round blush, sharp lashes and a muted rose lip push it toward doll. White gloves keep the finish smooth. Carry a small stuffed rabbit or a light music box. Honestly, the pose does more than the paint: practise a tilted head and a fixed smile in the mirror before you go.
14. Headless Horseman Costume With Cape
A headless horseman can be pulled off without anything unsafe. Wear a structured black riding coat over a dark vest, white shirt, slim trousers and knee-high boots. Light foam shoulders built up under the coat raise the line, and a tall cape collar around a black mesh panel hides your head. Visibility is the test: I make people walk around the house and look left and right before they leave. Black gloves and a burgundy sash add period detail. Hold a carved foam pumpkin with a creepy face instead of a weapon. Tuck your hair inside, darken any exposed skin, and check that you fit through doorways with the raised shoulders.
15. Grim Reaper Costume With Silver Lantern
The Grim Reaper is a black robe, but the details decide whether it looks cheap. Choose an ankle-length hooded robe with wide sleeves and textured grey trim, roomy enough for a fitted black outfit underneath, with black gloves and cushioned boots. Pale skull-style makeup inside the hood, with grey shading around the eyes and cheekbones, keeps your vision clear in a way a full mask doesn’t. Leave the scythe behind and carry a silver battery lantern. A rope belt with small antique-style keys adds interest. Sew a strip of reflective tape inside the hem, and a few pieces of black gauze at the shoulders will move as you walk.
16. Mummy Costume With Layered Linen Wraps
A mummy is easiest built on clothes, not on you. Start with a beige long-sleeve top, matching leggings or joggers and tan sneakers or boots, then attach uneven strips of muslin, gauze and old cotton with stitches or fabric glue. Leave the knees, elbows, hands and ankles free so you can move. A few strips around the head, with the face fully visible, are enough. Tousle the hair and dust it with washable grey. Sandy beige makeup, dark brown around the eyes and fine cracked-clay lines on the cheeks finish the face. I tear the strips rather than cutting them; torn edges fray and look old, while scissor edges look like bandages from a first-aid kit.
17. Werewolf Costume With Plaid Shirt
A werewolf works when the human clothes and the wolf blend. Wear a torn-looking plaid overshirt over a brown thermal top, distressed jeans and sturdy hiking boots, with faux fur at the cuffs, collar and knees, kept away from zips and soles. Push the hair up with temporary brown and grey, or use a textured wig with ears. Contour with warm brown, extend the brows, darken the nose and flick painted fur strokes over the cheeks. Fangs and claw-tipped gloves finish him. Faux fur sheds hard when you cut it, so I cut from the back with small snips through the backing only, which keeps the pile long and the mess smaller. A cardboard full moon is a fun photo prop.
18. Witch Costume With Tattered Black Dress
A tattered witch can look ominous without any occult symbols. Choose a long black dress with layered mesh sleeves, an uneven hem and a fitted waist, with striped tights, buckled ankle boots, fingerless gloves and a wide-brim pointed hat with a crooked crown. Long tangled waves or a charcoal-grey wig suit her. Pale skin, smoky purple eyes, sharp brows and a dark plum lip frame the face. Wrap a muted green scarf at the waist and pin fake leaves to the hat. A small handmade broom with soft twigs is enough. Keep the hem off the ground, and stitch a thin elastic inside the hat so the wind doesn’t take it.
19. Ice Witch Costume With Silver Cape
An ice witch is a change from all the black. Start with a pale blue or silver long-sleeve maxi dress with a fitted waist, layer a sheer silver cape over it and add sparkly tights with white or metallic ankle boots. A long white braid with crystal clips and a little silver spray does the hair. Cool foundation, icy blue shadow, silver highlight and a muted blue lip make the face. A pointed crown cut from light clear plastic replaces the witch hat; I sand or tape the points so they won’t scratch. Carry a rounded clear icicle or a glowing white orb. Under bright light, the iridescent fabric does most of the work.
20. Haunted Ballerina Costume With Gray Tutu
A haunted ballerina mixes grace with a faded stage look. Wear a grey leotard or fitted bodysuit under a layered grey-and-white tulle skirt, with opaque tights, a cropped wrap sweater and ballet-style flats with grippy soles. Never wear real pointe shoes for a party. A neat bun pulled slightly loose, with a wilted fake flower, suits her. Pale skin, smoky eyes, cool blush and a few fine cracks near one temple finish the face. Grey ribbons tied around the ankles complete the dancewear line. Carry a music-box key or a small silver theatre mask. Keep the skirt short enough to sit in a crowded room.
21. Phantom Opera Singer Costume
The phantom opera singer is formalwear and a half mask. Choose a black tailcoat or long velvet jacket, a crisp white shirt, fitted black trousers and polished shoes, with a burgundy vest, white gloves and a narrow cape that fastens firmly at the shoulders. Slick the hair back or wear a smooth short black wig. Pale makeup on the visible side, with grey contour and a sharp brow, finishes the face. A white half mask with rounded edges and a secure elastic sits better if you stick a strip of soft foam where it touches the nose. Carry sheet music, a fake white rose or a theatre programme. Rich fabric and upright posture are what make him.
22. Mad Scientist Costume With Glowing Vials
A mad scientist is fun, fast and only a little scary. Start with a white lab coat over a dark button-down, a patterned bow tie, slim black trousers and black sneakers. Add rubber-look gloves, safety goggles and a belt holding capped plastic test tubes. A frizzy white wig, or natural hair teased up with silver spray, gives the shape. Pale skin, dark under the eyes and very high brows sell the obsession. Fill plastic vials with coloured water and a snapped glow stick and seal them tight. Glow sticks fade after a few hours, so I pack a spare pair in a pocket. Grey the coat a little with washable fabric chalk.
23. Undead Doctor Costume With Vintage Coat
The undead doctor is quiet and stern. Wear a high-collared white or grey coat over a dark vest, button-down shirt, straight trousers and polished lace-up boots. Add round glasses, dark gloves and a leather-look medical bag with only harmless costume items inside. A neat hairstyle with a dramatic grey streak suits him. Pale foundation, hollow eye shadow, cool contour and colourless lips make him look worn out. A fabric armband with an invented symbol adds character without copying a real organisation. Carry a plastic stethoscope or an old-looking notebook, and skip stains, injuries and real medical tools. He suits indoor parties, where people get close enough to see the face.
24. Haunted Nurse Costume With Gray Uniform
A haunted nurse can be eerie and still tasteful. Choose a knee-length grey or faded blue uniform with short sleeves, a white collar and a modest apron, with opaque stockings and cushioned white lace-ups. A small fabric cap with a made-up crescent or geometric emblem keeps it away from any real medical logo. A neat bun with a few loose strands, pale skin, cool grey eyes, thin brows and a muted lip give the spectral look. Carry a clipboard of imaginary notes or an empty plastic bottle with an obviously fictional label. A light grey cardigan keeps you warm outdoors. I’d leave the cardigan unbuttoned so the collar still shows.
25. Zombie Prom Queen Costume
A zombie prom queen is funny and creepy at once. Find a full-length blue, purple or pink formal dress at a charity shop and take the hem up enough to walk safely. Add a sash reading “Prom Queen,” a light tiara, elbow-length gloves and low block heels or decorated flats. Tease the hair into an updo with loose curls and set the crown slightly crooked. Pale grey foundation, smoky eyes, heavy contour and a faded lip finish her, without wounds or stains. A wilted fake corsage or a small yearbook is the prop. Crumple the sash and rub a little grey fabric chalk into the dress. The sparkle against the grey face is what people laugh at, then look at twice.
26. Zombie Cheerleader Costume
A zombie cheerleader is the scary costume you can actually dance in. Wear a pleated skirt with shorts underneath, a varsity-style top, opaque knee socks and supportive white sneakers, in muted school colours like grey, navy and burgundy instead of neon. A high ponytail with a crooked bow and a few temporary grey streaks finish the hair. Pale skin, smoky under-eyes, cool contour and smudged team-colour stripes on the cheeks are enough. Carry black and silver pom-poms and sew on a letter patch for an invented school. I rough up the uniform edges with a few loose stitches or a cheese grater on the hem, which frays it without making holes you didn’t plan.
27. Haunted Schoolgirl Costume With Plaid Skirt
The haunted schoolgirl is unnerving because she’s so tidy. Wear a black-and-grey plaid skirt with shorts underneath, a white collared blouse, a dark cardigan, knee socks and sturdy Mary Janes, plus a narrow black ribbon at the neck. Two precise braids or a straight black wig with blunt bangs suit her. Pale foundation, grey shadow, muted lips and fine cracks near the temples do the face. Carry an old-looking book with a made-up title, a small satchel and an antique-style key. Keep the skirt at a length you’d wear in public. Standing very still with the book held against your chest is creepier than any makeup.
28. Creepy Camp Counselor Costume
The creepy camp counselor borrows the mood of an old slasher film without the mask or weapon. Wear a forest-green camp tee under a tan utility jacket, with knee-length shorts, tall athletic socks and worn hiking sneakers. A whistle, a torch, a canvas waist pack and an embroidered patch for an invented camp finish the uniform. A practical ponytail or a messy side part suits the hair. Pale skin, tired grey under the eyes and a little dirt made with brown powder and a fluffy brush give the face. Carry a folded map marked with odd trails. For cold nights, a knit cap and a light rain poncho fit right in.
29. Haunted Hotel Bellhop Costume
A haunted bellhop relies on a crisp uniform with something off about it. Start with a fitted burgundy jacket with brass-look buttons and black trim, black trousers, polished shoes, white gloves and a round pillbox hat. Tuck the hair away or wear a slick side-parted wig. Pale makeup, dark under-eyes, sharp brows and a burgundy lip finish him. Pin on a made-up hotel name badge and an antique-style room key. Carry an empty suitcase, or a service bell fixed to a light tray. Fade the uniform with grey fabric chalk but keep the shape structured. I tell people to greet guests at the door with a fixed smile; it does more than any prop.
30. Creepy Carnival Ticket Seller Costume
A carnival ticket seller is scary without being yet another clown. Wear a striped button-down under a burgundy vest, cropped black trousers, suspenders and lace-up boots, with fingerless gloves, a tiny bow tie and a tilted paper or fabric cap. Tight curls or a slick vintage wave suit the hair. White foundation, narrow dark brows, a muted red lip and thin vertical lines under the eyes give the face. A roll of handmade tickets for a made-up midnight carnival and a small coin pouch are the props. Keep the colours dusty. Bright red and white turns it back into a fun-fair costume, so I’d pick faded versions of every colour.
31. Ghost Pirate Captain Costume
A ghost pirate captain is a pirate drained of colour. Wear a white ruffled shirt under a charcoal vest and a long, worn-looking coat, with cropped black trousers, striped socks, buckled boots, a wide belt and a soft tricorn. Loose grey waves or a long silver wig with a little faux seaweed suit him. Pale blue-grey makeup, smoky eyes and cool contour finish the face. Carry an old-looking map, a compass or a light treasure chest instead of a sword. A sheer grey scarf around the shoulders looks like sea mist. Fasten every belt and layer firmly; a long coat with a loose belt ends up dragging and tripping you on stairs.
32. Haunted Sea Captain Costume
A haunted sea captain feels colder and more formal than a pirate. Start with a navy double-breasted coat, a white turtleneck or collared shirt, straight dark trousers and weather-resistant black boots, then add a captain’s hat with an invented anchor badge, grey gloves and a rope-textured belt. Whiten the facial hair with temporary colour, or wear a long silver wig tied low. Cool pale makeup, deep blue shadow under the eyes and a little shimmer on the temples like dried salt finish the face. Carry a brass-look telescope or a rolled chart. A pinch of fake seaweed on one shoulder is enough. Keep the coat structured and the posture stern.
33. Deep Sea Creature Costume With Tentacles
A deep sea creature can be dramatic without being bulky. Choose a fitted navy bodysuit or long-sleeve top with matching trousers and an iridescent blue-green tunic over it. Short padded fabric tentacles around the waist should swing freely and stop well above the floor. Dark aquatic shoes or ankle boots and textured gloves finish the body. Slick the hair with temporary blue spray. Teal, navy and silver makeup across the face, with scale patterns and a few pearl-like gems, does the rest. I stuff tentacles with polyester fibrefill rather than foam, which keeps them soft when people bump into you. A crown of soft fins and a glowing orb finish it.
34. Gargoyle Costume With Stone Wings
A gargoyle should look carved from stone. Start with a charcoal long-sleeve top, fitted trousers and matching boots with non-slip soles, then add a textured foam chest piece, grey gloves and flexible claw covers that leave your fingers free. Small light wings fixed to a backpack-style harness stay put better than ones pinned to the top. A hood or cropped grey wig sits under foam horns with rounded tips. Blend grey, black and white makeup with a stippling sponge to imitate weathered stone, and add a little silver highlight on the brow. Carry nothing. A crouched statue pose looks great in photos, but walk upright between them.
35. Dark Fairy Costume With Black Wings
A dark fairy keeps the delicate shape but drains out the colour. Wear a black velvet bodice or fitted top with a layered charcoal tulle skirt over opaque leggings, lace-up ankle boots, fingerless lace gloves and a short shredded chiffon cape. Black wings fixed to a fitted harness under the cape stay stable. Loose waves with purple or silver streaks and a twig crown suit her. Pale skin, smoky violet eyes, sharp highlight and a dark berry lip finish the face, and a few small face gems add a hint of magic. Carry black fake flowers or a glowing crystal orb. Measure your wingspan against a doorway at home first.
36. Banshee Costume With Flowing White Gown
A banshee is long fabric, wild hair and a pale face. Choose a white or pale grey gown with sheer sleeves, a gathered waist and layers that stop above the floor, with grey leggings and flat lace-up boots underneath. A sheer cape attached at the wrists and shoulders flows when you lift your arms. Long tangled silver waves or a big white wig suit her. Pale makeup, smoky grey eyes, thin brows and a cool lavender lip finish the face, and a soft grey veil can frame it without blocking your view. Carry an antique-style hand mirror. With this much loose fabric, I check every layer is pinned or stitched before the night begins.
37. Cemetery Angel Costume With Gray Wings
A cemetery angel is a weathered statue that has started to move. Wear a long grey draped dress or tunic over matching leggings, with flat grey boots and elbow-length gloves. Medium wings of feathers or foam on a sturdy harness, dusted with white and charcoal, give her shape. A low braided crown or a stone-grey wig suits the hair. Grey makeup over the face and exposed skin, with pale highlights on the nose, forehead and collarbones, and fine cracks at the temples and hands, finishes the stone effect. Grey body makeup transfers onto everything, so I set it with plenty of translucent powder and keep a dark cloth over car seats. A grey leaf wreath is the prop.
38. Creepy Marionette Costume
A creepy marionette is an optical trick built from strings and painted joints. Wear a fitted black-and-white romper, or a collared blouse with high-waisted shorts, plus opaque tights and lace-up ankle boots. Paint circular joints at the elbows and knees with skin-safe makeup or fabric paint. Two smooth buns or a short curled wig suit her. Pale foundation, round blush, long lashes and fine lines from the corners of the mouth give the doll face. Make a light control bar from foam and ribbon, with loose strings running to wrist cuffs and shoulder loops. Keep the strings short of your knees; I’ve learned to tack them to the cuffs so they can’t wrap around your legs.
39. Haunted Music Box Dancer Costume
The music box dancer is a doll that has wound down. Start with a fitted silver-grey bodice, a structured knee-length tulle skirt, opaque tights and soft ballet-style flats. A light decorative key fixed to the back with a belt or hidden harness is the signature. A polished bun with a tarnished-looking tiara or silver ribbon suits her. Porcelain-pale foundation, grey shadow, muted pink cheeks and doll-joint lines drawn at the mouth and wrists finish the face. Carry an empty music box or wear a faded flower corsage, and add a little silver shimmer. Slow turns and sudden frozen poses are what make people uneasy.
40. Black Swan Costume With Feather Cape
A black swan is elegant dancewear with sharp, birdlike makeup. Wear a fitted black leotard or bodysuit with a feathery tulle skirt over opaque tights, ballet-style flats with rubber soles and a cropped feather cape. Cheap feather capes shed everywhere; I give them a good shake outside and a light mist of hairspray before wearing. Put the hair in a tight bun under a narrow black crown. Dramatic winged eyes in black and silver, pale skin and a deep berry lip make the face. Black gloves or feathered wrist cuffs carry the bird theme. Keep feather trim well away from your eyes and mouth, and let curved arms stand in for a prop.
41. Creepy Pumpkin Person Costume
A pumpkin person is warm and rustic until you see the face. Wear a burnt-orange jumper under brown overalls or a long patchwork coat, with striped socks and sturdy lace-up boots. Make a light foam pumpkin hood with big mesh-covered holes for the eyes and mouth, or paint the face orange with a stylised dark pumpkin expression and keep the eyes clear. Green fabric leaves at the collar and brown gloves with vine details finish the body. Carry a basket of fake leaves or mini pumpkins. A twisted green stem on top adds height, so I measure it against the lowest doorway you’ll walk through. The blank carved grin is what makes it strange.
42. Monster Bride Costume With Striped Hair
A monster bride is bridal pieces plus tall black-and-white hair. Choose a long ivory dress with a fitted waist, puff sleeves and layered tulle that clears the floor. Add a cropped black jacket, platform ankle boots, dark gloves and a short tattered veil. The tall black wig with white streaks rising from both sides needs a wig cap and plenty of pins, and a hidden foam or mesh support inside if you want real height. Pale green or cool grey skin, arched brows, smoky eyes and a dark lip do the face, with fine stitch lines painted at the neck. Carry a bouquet of black, white and green fabric flowers, and add silver clips and a black choker.
43. Faceless Bride Costume With Black Veil
A faceless bride needs no heavy makeup at all. Wear a floor-skimming grey or ivory wedding-style dress with lace sleeves and a fitted bodice, shortened enough to walk safely, with black gloves, dark tights and low-heeled ankle boots. Breathable black mesh under a layered veil hides the face; test it at night, since it can be much harder to see through than you expect. Or wear pale makeup and let a sheer veil soften the face. A low bun anchors the veil. Carry faded fake roses tied with black ribbon, and add a wide black sash at the waist. Move slowly and lift the front hem on stairs and uneven ground.
44. Ghostface-Inspired Caller Costume
This caller costume is a long robe, a stretched white face and an old phone. Wear a long black hooded robe with wide sleeves over fitted black clothes and cushioned boots. Choose a light white scream-style mask with big ventilation holes, or paint the long expression with white and black face paint. Keep the hood loose enough to turn your head. Black gloves finish the silhouette. Carry a cordless prop phone or an oversized foam receiver. A belt hidden under the robe holds your keys and phone. Trim the hem above your shoes and add reflective tape inside the sleeves for walking at night. Thin plastic masks fog up fast, so I’d take short breaks with it pushed up.
45. Pennywise-Inspired Sewer Clown Costume
The sewer clown ends the list with old circus clothes and a single splash of red. Wear a light grey ruffled jumpsuit with puffed sleeves, gathered legs, red fabric buttons and a wide layered collar, plus white gloves and grey lace-up boots with red pom-poms fixed firmly to the toes. A short orange wig with volume at the sides and a higher hairline gives the head shape; a bald cap under it pushes the hairline back. White foundation, smoky eyes, a red nose and narrow red lines rising from the mouth do the face. A single red balloon on a wrist loop is the prop, if the venue allows it. Neat makeup is creepier than smeared makeup here.
A Pale Base That Survives the Whole Night
Nearly every look here starts with a pale or white face, and that base is where most of them fail. It cracks around the mouth, slides off the nose by ten o’clock and ends up on every collar. I’m not a makeup artist, but these everyday habits make a real difference.
- Patch-test any new face or body makeup on the inside of the wrist a day ahead, and skip it if the skin goes red or itchy.
- Start on clean, moisturised skin and give the moisturiser a few minutes to sink in, so the white doesn’t cling to dry patches.
- Apply thin layers with a damp sponge, letting each one dry. One thick coat cracks every time you smile.
- Press translucent setting powder over the top with a puff, not a brush, then mist lightly with water or setting spray.
- Put the costume collar on last, or tuck a tissue into the neckline while you work, so the white doesn’t land on the fabric.
At the end of the night, take it off with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm before using soap and water. Massage it in, wipe it off with a soft cloth, then wash as usual. Scrubbing a white base off with soap alone leaves a grey film and sore skin, especially around the eyes.
Seeing Out From Under Hoods, Veils and Beaks
A lot of the scariest costumes here hide your face: the shadow figure, the headless horseman, the faceless bride, the plague doctor, the caller. Those are the ones where people trip or walk into things.
My rule is to test them in the conditions you’ll wear them in. Put the whole costume on at night with the lights low, then walk down the stairs, step off a kerb and turn to check both sides. If you can’t see your own feet, cut the eye holes bigger or switch to a layer of black mesh you can lift. Walk with a friend who can see properly, and push the hood or veil back whenever you’re crossing a road.
Shape and Stillness Scare People More Than Gore
The most frightening costume at a party is rarely the most complicated one. A clear silhouette, a narrow colour palette, careful makeup and one strong prop usually beat anything heavy or hot. The looks here run from classic monsters and haunted characters to eerie creatures and performers, at every budget and skill level. Whatever you pick, try it on at home first: the mask, wings, hem, makeup and shoes. Check that you can see, breathe, walk and sit. Add something reflective if you’ll be outside. Then hold still, keep the smile fixed, and let people come to you.
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