A ghost is the costume I'd make with a beginner, because it forgives almost every mistake. It can be cute, glamorous, funny or quietly spooky, and the white sheet still works, though a few sewing choices turn it into something you can see out of, walk in and wear again. Below are 30 ghosts built from flowing dresses, pale suits, thrifted uniforms, soft makeup and simple props, with DIY options for adults, kids, couples and whole families. Every one keeps the face visible and nothing is graphic. Most of them start with white or grey pieces you already own, plus an evening at the sewing machine at most.
Cutting a Sheet Ghost You Can Actually See Out Of
Several ghosts below start from a plain sheet or poncho, and the same few cuts make the difference between a costume that lasts all night and one that gets pulled off at the second house. This is how I make mine.
- Measure from the top of the head to mid-calf for an adult, or just below the knee for a child. Add a few centimetres for the hem. A twin flat sheet covers most adults; a pillowcase-sized piece is plenty for a toddler poncho.
- Fold the sheet in half, then in half again, and cut a small curve at the folded corner for the head opening. Start small: you can always trim it larger, but a hole that's too big slides off one shoulder all night.
- Try it on and mark the face opening with chalk while the wearer looks straight ahead. Cut an oval that shows the eyes, nose and mouth fully, and turn the raw edge under with a narrow zigzag so it doesn't fray against the skin.
- Stitch black felt eyes above the opening, not over it. From a distance they still read as the ghost's face, and the wearer's own eyes stay completely clear.
- Hem the bottom on the machine, and cut armholes at the sides if the wearer needs to carry a bucket or hold a hand.
Cotton or cotton-blend sheets hang better than slippery polyester, which twists round the body and clings with static. If the sheet keeps riding backwards, a short strip of elastic stitched inside at the shoulders, or a white headband under the hood, holds it in place.
1. Classic White Sheet Ghost Costume
The plain sheet ghost is still the one people smile at, but the version with two holes cut in a bedsheet is miserable to wear. I start with a clean white sheet that falls to mid-calf, short enough not to trip on stairs. Rather than cutting eyeholes, which never line up once you move, I cut an open face area and stitch black felt eyes above it, or turn the sheet into a hooded poncho. White leggings, a long-sleeve shirt and white sneakers underneath let the shape blend. Pale powder, soft grey shadow and brushed-out hair give the visible face a ghostly finish. A light pumpkin bucket or small lantern is the prop, and it's cheap enough for a last-minute night.
2. Cute Tulle Ghost Costume
Tulle gives the ghost a skirt with volume and keeps the black-and-white scheme people recognise. Wear a white long-sleeve top with a layered white tulle skirt over opaque leggings, and stitch small felt eyes and smiles onto a few of the layers. Tulle is scratchy against bare legs, which is why the leggings matter, especially on children who will otherwise pull the whole thing off. Two high buns with white ribbons, or a short white bob wig, sit on top. Pearly shimmer, rosy blush and a tiny black ghost drawn near one cheek do the makeup. White high-tops keep the wearer steady under all that skirt, and a ghost-shaped treat bag plus a padded headband with fabric strips finish it.
3. Glam Ghost Costume With Silver Cape
Satin and a silver cape take the ghost to a party instead of a doorstep. Build it on a white satin jumpsuit, or a fitted white top with wide-leg pants, and layer a sheer silver cape that floats as you walk. Satin shows every crease, so I steam it just before leaving rather than ironing it the night before. A long silver-white wig adds movement, with crystal clips keeping strands off the face. Luminous foundation, silver shadow, defined lashes and pearly highlighter look better than heavy theatrical paint. Rhinestone earrings, translucent gloves and a small mirrored clutch are the accessories. Silver ankle boots or low block heels keep the palette pale from top to toe.
4. Vintage Victorian Ghost Costume
The Victorian ghost is all about fabric that looks old without being dirty. Start with a high-neck white or light grey maxi dress with long sleeves, lace trim and a comfortable waist, then add a gauzy shawl, a cameo-style brooch and pale gloves. Tease a grey or white wig into a loose updo with a few curls framing the face. Ivory foundation, muted grey shadow and a cool rose lip give a faded look. I age thrifted fabric with weak tea or diluted grey washable paint, testing on a seam allowance first, since some synthetic lace won't take colour at all. A battery candle or small antique-style frame and buttoned ankle boots in grey or cream finish the period feel.
5. Ghost Bride Costume With White Veil
A ghost bride gets plenty of drama from a secondhand dress and a veil. Choose a white maxi dress, a simple formal gown, or a lace-trimmed skirt and blouse, then layer a sheer cape or short tulle veil over loose waves or a white-streaked wig. Pale foundation, frosted shadow, soft grey contour and a muted pink lip create the effect without anything graphic. Carry a bouquet of white silk flowers, silver leaves and trailing ribbons, with pearl-look earrings and light lace gloves. White flats, low heels or lace-up ankle boots get you through a long event. For an aged veil, I cut the edge unevenly with pinking shears; tulle doesn't fray, so it stays that way all night.
6. Ghost Groom Costume With Gray Suit
For someone who'd rather wear tailoring than a sheet, the ghost groom is the answer. Wear a light grey or white suit with a matching vest, white shirt and silver tie. Wispy strips of grey tulle tacked around the shoulders give the ghostly drift, and they're kinder to a suit than powder, which works into wool and is hard to brush out. Comb the hair back with temporary white colour wax or wear a short silver wig. Pale face makeup with grey shading near the temples and a cool lip complete the complexion. A wilted-looking white boutonniere, an old-fashioned envelope as the prop and grey dress shoes or white sneakers finish it, and it pairs naturally with the ghost bride.
7. Child-Friendly Hooded Ghost Costume
For a child who runs everywhere, a hoodie ghost beats a floor-length sheet every time. Start with a white hooded sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, then add strips of white chiffon around the sleeves and hem, leaving hands and feet completely clear. I sew the strips on rather than gluing them, because glue stiffens the fleece and kids notice anything scratchy within minutes. Big black felt eyes and a smiling mouth go on the front of the sweatshirt. Keep the face uncovered with just pearly face paint, soft grey shadow and a little white hair spray if you like. White trainers handle running. A soft ghost backpack or treat bucket is the prop, and reflective trim at the edges helps drivers see a pale costume after dark.
8. Baby Ghost Costume With Soft Poncho
A baby ghost has one rule: nothing loose anywhere near the face. Start with a white cotton bodysuit, white leggings and soft slip-resistant booties. Add a light fleece or felt poncho that stops above the knees, with black fabric eyes and a smile stitched on firmly rather than glued, since babies chew whatever they can reach. A soft white cap with a small fabric curl gives the ghost shape without covering the eyes. Skip face paint; at most a touch of baby-safe shimmer on the cheeks, if anything. A plush ghost is for supervised photos only. Fleece doesn't fray, so the poncho edges can be left raw, and snaps at the sides make nappy changes quick.
9. Floating Ghost Costume With White Umbrella
The umbrella is the trick here: held overhead and trailing chiffon, it makes the wearer look like they're drifting. Wear a white midi dress or a relaxed white shirt with wide-leg trousers, and add a long translucent cape that clears the ground. Loose windblown waves or a shoulder-length white wig, luminous skin, pale grey shadow, white mascara and a touch of silver at the inner eyes give the look. I stitch the chiffon streamers through the umbrella's fabric near each rib tip, because tape lets go as soon as the canopy opens and closes. Small felt ghost faces finish it. White lace-up boots suit walking outdoors. Open the umbrella only in open spaces and pick a compact one for crowds.
10. Retro Disco Ghost Costume
Disco and ghost share a palette, so this one practically designs itself. Wear a white bell-sleeve jumpsuit or a sparkly top with high-waisted flares, and add a translucent fringed vest that swings when you dance. A big silver wig, glittery headband and oversized clear glasses set the era. Frosted lids, pearly cheekbones and a soft grey lip keep the makeup bright. Platform sneakers or stable silver boots give the right silhouette and are much easier than tall heels. White felt ghosts stitched onto the flares near the hem make the theme clear; I keep them small so they don't weigh the flare down. A mirror-ball purse or silver record is the prop, and it's built for a dance floor.
11. Ghost Ballerina Costume
Tulle and a ballet bun make a ghost dancer that's soft rather than scary. Pair a white long-sleeve leotard or fitted top with a layered knee-length tulle skirt and opaque white tights. Thin grey ribbons tied at the waist and wrists add an aged, floating feel. A neat bun dusted with temporary white colour and fixed with a small tulle bow is the hair. Pale makeup, silver-grey shadow and a little shimmer on the cheekbones are enough. A layered tulle skirt is the easiest sewing project on this list: gather four or five layers onto a wide elastic waistband, and the ruffles hide any wobbly stitching. Ballet flats look right, though white sneakers support the feet better. Keep the skirt knee-length so it moves safely in a crowd.
12. Ghost Cheerleader Costume
A ghost cheerleader is sporty, monochrome and easy to read from a distance. Choose a white pleated skirt and matching sweater or athletic top, add grey stripes with removable fabric tape, and spell “BOO” across the front in black felt letters. I'd stitch the letters rather than tape them, because felt peels away from a knit top the first time you raise your arms. A high ponytail with white and silver ribbons, or a pale ponytail extension, goes on top. Light foundation, grey eye makeup and silver face gems near the temples set the face. White pom-poms with narrow chiffon streamers, white crew socks and supportive sneakers finish it. Outdoors, layer white bike shorts and a thermal top underneath.
13. Ghost Cowboy Costume
Western clothes in white and silver turn into a ghost cowboy with almost no sewing. Start with a white denim shirt, light jeans and a pale faux-suede fringed vest, then a white cowboy hat wrapped in grey gauze with a silver band. Temporary white hair spray at the temples ages you without a wig; spray it before you dress, since it falls onto shoulders and dark fabric. Pale powder, grey liner and cool-toned contour keep the ghost friendly. A coiled white rope or small lantern is the prop. White or light grey cowboy boots, a silver buckle and a neckerchief printed with tiny ghosts finish the theme. It's one of the most thrift-friendly looks here.
14. Ghost Pirate Costume
A ghost pirate gets adventure from the clothes, not from weapons or graphic makeup. Wear a loose white poet shirt with cropped grey pants, a weathered vest and a striped sash tied firmly at the waist. Torn-edge chiffon across the shoulders gives movement; I tear rather than cut it, since chiffon tears along the grain into soft, ragged edges that look properly old. A long silver wig or messy white curls sit under a soft grey headscarf. Ivory makeup, smoky grey shadow and subtle silver highlights finish the face. An aged paper map, treasure pouch or cardboard telescope is the prop. Striped socks and low black or grey boots are easy to walk in, and grey fabric chalk at the hems distresses thrifted pieces without ruining them.
15. Ghost Queen Costume With Silver Crown
The ghost queen is the most formal look here, built on flowing fabric and some sparkle. Start with a long white or pale silver gown with bell sleeves or a draped skirt, and add a sheer cape fixed securely at the shoulders. A cape pinned at the front of the neck pulls on the throat all night, so I attach mine with snaps sewn to the shoulder seams instead. A braided half-up style in white or silver hair holds a light silver crown or crystal headband. Luminous foundation, cool grey eyes, defined lashes and a frosted lip set the face. Long gloves, a rhinestone necklace and a silver fan finish it. Pointed flats, low block heels or silver ankle boots go underneath, and a hem just above the floor saves a lot of trouble.
16. Ghost Princess Costume For Kids
For kids who want something magical rather than spooky, the ghost princess hits the mark. Use a white long-sleeve dress with a layered knee-length skirt, a silver waistband and fabric stars stitched on securely. A short translucent cape that won't drag behind the child goes over the shoulders. Braids or curls with temporary silver streaks sit under a padded tiara headband, which presses less on the head than a plastic comb tiara. Pearly shimmer, rosy cheeks and a small grey ghost painted near one cheek are the makeup. A soft silver wand or plush ghost purse is the prop. White tights and glittery sneakers keep small feet warm and supported for trick-or-treating, school celebrations or a family party.
17. Ghost Clown Costume
A ghost clown in white and grey is theatrical and quirky without a scare in sight. Pair a white puff-sleeve blouse with loose white pants or a knee-length skirt, then add soft grey pom-poms down the front, a wide silver ruff collar and suspenders if you like. A ruff is just a long strip of tulle or organza gathered tightly onto bias tape; the fuller the gathering, the better it stands up. Wear a short curly white wig or two fluffy sections of your own hair. Use white face makeup lightly, with rounded grey brows, small silver diamonds around the eyes and a cheerful grey smile, kept round so younger kids aren't frightened. A tiny party hat on a headband, white balloons or a pinwheel, striped socks and white lace-ups finish it.
18. Ghost Librarian Costume
The ghost librarian comes almost entirely from a thrift store. Wear a high-neck white blouse tucked into a long grey pleated skirt, with a fitted cardigan or pale vest and a gauzy shawl for movement. Grey or white hair goes into a low bun with temporary colour and a few loose strands around the face. Pale foundation, soft grey shadow and a muted mauve lip keep the makeup understated. Clear round glasses on a silver chain and a stack of foam books or one old journal carry the character. Real hardback books get heavy within an hour, which is why I make the stack from foam board covered in fabric. Grey tights, low lace-up boots and an “overdue” card in the pocket suit schools, libraries and work.
19. Ghost Gardener Costume
An overgrown, forgotten garden is the idea behind this ghost. Start with white overalls over a pale grey long-sleeve shirt, then attach artificial white leaves and light silver vines around one shoulder, a pocket and the leg cuffs. A wide-brim white sun hat with matching foliage goes on top. Silk leaves have a wire stem that pokes through fabric, so I bend the ends back and tack them down with a few stitches rather than pinning. Dust natural hair with temporary white spray or wear a loose grey wig. Pearly makeup, grey liner and a soft green-grey shadow finish the face. A small empty watering can full of white silk flowers is the prop, with white work boots or high-tops on the feet.
20. Ghost Chef Costume
The ghost chef is lighthearted and built from practical kitchen clothes. Wear a white chef-style jacket with white or grey pants and a neckerchief printed with tiny black ghosts, plus a tall chef hat trimmed with a soft grey ribbon. Tuck your hair underneath, or let a few temporary silver strands show around the face. Pale foundation, grey shadow and frosted highlighter give the look. A light mixing bowl spilling white tulle mist, or a foam tray of felt ghost cookies, is the prop. I stuff the tulle loosely and tack it to the bowl's rim from inside so it doesn't fall out every time you tilt it. Slip-resistant white sneakers or closed clogs and felt eyes on the jacket pockets finish it.
21. Ghost Rock Star Costume
Metallic accents give the ghost rock star plenty of presence with very little effort. Combine white faux-leather pants or jeans with a silver top and a cropped white jacket, then add wispy chiffon strips along the sleeves so they flick when you move. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so on a hot party night jeans are the more comfortable choice. Style a long white wig in tousled waves or use temporary silver colour on your own hair. Smoky grey eyes, bright silver highlighter, a cool pink lip and star-shaped face gems finish the face. A light silver microphone or white toy guitar with ghost stickers is the prop, with white platform sneakers or silver boots. Several friends in different white stage looks make a ghost band.
22. Ghost Prom Costume
Secondhand formalwear makes the ghost prom costume, and the more dated the dress, the better. Choose a white, silver or very pale blue midi dress with a full skirt you can walk in, and add a gauzy wrap and a handmade “Ghost Prom” sash. I cut the sash letters from iron-on vinyl or felt and press them on, which looks far neater than marker. Soft curls with silver clips, or a curled white wig, go on top. Pale foundation, grey-blue shadow, a frosted lip and a few rhinestones finish the makeup. A bouquet of white silk flowers or a small metallic clutch, silver flats or glitter sneakers and a light cardboard crown complete it. A partner in a pale suit with silver accessories makes it a pair.
23. Ghost Athlete Costume
If comfort matters most, the ghost athlete is the one to pick. Wear a white tracksuit, athletic shorts over leggings, or a jersey with matching pants, and add a big black number and the word “BOO” in fabric letters. Sportswear is usually slippery polyester, so I use iron-on letters made for performance fabric, pressed through a cloth on a low heat setting; a hot iron straight on the fabric melts it. Ponytail, white cap or silver-tipped ends all work. Light makeup with pale powder, grey liner and face-safe shimmer is plenty. A foam trophy, rolled towel or sports bag with ghost patches is the prop. White running shoes, striped crew socks and a silver sweatband finish it, for one person or a whole team.
24. Ghost Sailor Costume
Nautical details give the ghost sailor a clean, vintage feel. Start with wide-leg white pants or a pleated skirt and a white top with a grey sailor collar, plus silver ribbon stripes at the cuffs and hem. A sailor collar is a simple square-backed shape you can sew from a paper pattern traced off a shirt, and it sits flat if you interface it lightly. A small white sailor cap goes over a short grey wig, a low bun or softly waved hair dusted with temporary white colour. Pale makeup, cool blue-grey shadow and pearly highlighter suggest a misty seaside spirit. A cardboard spyglass, rope coil or paper boat is the prop, with grey socks and white deck shoes. A second ghost in reversed colours makes it a duo.
25. Rainy Day Ghost Costume
A clear raincoat is the most sensible ghost on the list for a wet October. Wear all white underneath, a sweater dress with tights or a sweatshirt with relaxed pants, and decorate a transparent raincoat with removable white ghost decals and silver raindrops. Static-cling window decals stick to clear vinyl surprisingly well and peel off afterwards, so I use those instead of glue. Damp-look waves or a pale bob wig go under a white bucket hat. Pearly face makeup, smoky grey liner and a touch of silver under the eyes are the face. A clear umbrella trimmed with securely stitched chiffon ribbons and white waterproof boots keep it practical. It needs no sheet and almost no sewing.
26. Flower Ghost Costume
The flower ghost mixes a soft garden look with the pale ghost palette. Wear a flowing white maxi dress, jumpsuit or tunic with white leggings, and add silk flowers in white, silver and very pale lavender around the neckline and waist. A floral crown sits over long white waves, loose braids or hair streaked with temporary silver. Luminous foundation, lavender-grey shadow, pearly highlighter and a small painted flower near one temple finish the face. A bouquet of white blooms wrapped in gauze is the prop, with white ankle boots or lace-up flats. For the sheer cape, I scatter fabric petals and tack each one with a single stitch at its base so it lifts and flutters rather than lying flat.
27. Space Ghost Costume
Silver details make the space ghost feel fresh rather than traditional. Build it on a white utility jumpsuit, a metallic belt and a translucent hooded cape, then add reflective fabric patches shaped like stars and tiny ghosts. Reflective fabric is worth using for real here: it lights up in car headlights, which makes a pale costume much safer on a dark street. A sleek silver bob wig or a high ponytail with white extensions goes on top. Luminous skin, silver liner, white mascara and a few face-safe gems near the cheekbones finish the face. Carry a light orb, a clear helmet-style prop under one arm, or a painted cardboard control panel rather than wearing a bulky headpiece. White moon boots or chunky sneakers complete the shape.
28. Cottagecore Ghost Costume
The cottagecore ghost is gentle and storybook, and it suits a daytime gathering. Choose a white puff-sleeve blouse with a flowing cream skirt, or a loose prairie-style dress with a fitted apron, and add a sheer shawl and embroidered ghost patches near the hem. A simple ghost outline in backstitch, worked in grey thread, is a good first embroidery project and takes an evening. Soft braids threaded with white ribbons and tiny artificial flowers set the hair. Light foundation, rosy cheeks, taupe-grey shadow and pearly highlights keep the ghost friendly. A woven basket of white fabric mushrooms, silk flowers and a small plush ghost is the prop. Cream socks and brown or ivory lace-up boots, with a bonnet or floral headband, finish it.
29. Ghost Couple Costume With Matching Sheets
Matching sheet ghosts are cheap, quick and still personal. Cut two white poncho-style sheets to knee or calf length, leaving both faces fully visible. Decorate one with a black bow tie and the other with a silver bow, lace collar or pearl-look necklace, so you can tell who's who in photos. White shirts, pants and sneakers underneath keep the outline clean. Temporary silver hair colour, pale makeup, grey shadow and small painted ghosts near the cheeks finish the faces. I hem the ponchos with a narrow fold on the machine, which takes ten minutes and stops a cotton sheet from fraying into threads that catch on shoes. Carry different props, such as a white lantern and a ghost treat bag, and add felt expressions on each front.
30. Ghost Family Costume
A ghost family looks like a set when everyone shares the pale palette but each person wears a different shape. One adult might choose a white hooded cape and another a grey suit with chiffon accents; children wear sweatshirt-and-pants ghosts, and a baby gets a soft white poncho over a cotton bodysuit. Keep every face uncovered, with pale shimmer and white or silver hair accessories. The same black felt eyes repeated on every outfit connect the group, and I cut them all from one template so they match exactly. White sneakers, flats or boots keep everyone walking. Matching lanterns, ghost treat buckets and a light “Boo Crew” sign are the props, and varied layers stop it looking like a uniform.
White Fabric After Dark, in the Cold and on the Collar
Every look here is pale, and white clothing has a few habits worth planning around before the night.
Sheer Fabric Shows More Than You Think
Thin white jersey, satin and chiffon can go see-through under a porch light or a camera flash. I check every white layer by holding it up to a lamp at home. If you can see your hand through it, add a nude or white slip, leggings or a second layer underneath.
Warmth Under Floaty Layers
Chiffon and tulle give no warmth at all, so the warm layer has to go underneath. White or grey thermals, fleece leggings and a thin white sweater all disappear under a ghost. Pale clothing also stands out well in headlights, which helps, but reflective tape on the hem and a glow bracelet do far more for a child walking the street.
Grey Makeup and White Hair Spray
Grey shadow and white face powder rub off onto white collars and capes as you move. Set the makeup with translucent powder and keep necklines a little away from the jaw. Temporary white hair spray drops a fine dust onto shoulders, so spray it before you dress, protect your clothes with an old towel, and patch-test any face paint on the inside of the wrist a day ahead.
Start With One Sheet and Your Own Face Showing
A ghost works best when the basic idea stays obvious and the details suit the wearer, the setting and the weather. The white sheet is still a reliable start, and tulle, thrifted dresses, pale suits, sportswear and a few silver pieces take it much further. Keep faces visible, hems short enough to walk in, every decoration stitched or fixed firmly and shoes comfortable, especially for trick-or-treating or a crowded party. Soft grey makeup and temporary white hair colour carry the effect without anything graphic. Kids, couples, adults and whole families can build any of these ghosts from closet and thrift-store pieces with very little sewing.
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