Inside Out is one of the kindest films to dress a group from, because every emotion is coded by a single strong color. Put five friends in yellow, blue, red, green and purple and people get the joke before they see a single prop. The sequel added Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment, which helps when your group is bigger than five, and Riley's family, her hockey team and the odd side characters fill out a crowd. Most of what follows comes from ordinary clothes, thrift finds, a wig and a light prop or two. Each entry covers the clothing, hair, makeup, shoes and the one detail that makes that character land.
Sorting Out Who Plays Which Emotion
The color coding that makes this film easy to dress also makes a group fall apart if one person drifts. When I put an Inside Out group together, I settle a few things before anyone shops.
- Agree on face paint as a group. One fully painted Sadness next to four unpainted friends looks like a mistake, not a choice. Either everyone paints, everyone uses colored eyeshadow only, or everyone goes bare-faced with wigs.
- Hold the colors up together in daylight. Joy's yellow-green, Disgust's green and Envy's teal can drift close to each other, and Anxiety's orange can sit too near Anger's red. Swap a piece if two characters blur.
- Cast by comfort, not just by personality. Embarrassment and Sadness are the warmest and most forgiving costumes; Joy and Disgust need the most attention to fit. Give the person who hates dressing up Ennui.
- Pick one shared prop. A memory orb for each person, painted in their color, ties a group together in photos better than five unrelated props.
Groups bigger than five can add the sequel emotions, then Riley in the middle, then her parents. Building outward from Riley keeps the story readable even when half the group is in normal clothes.
1. Joy Costume With Yellow Dress
Joy is the one most groups argue over, and she's also the simplest. A sleeveless yellow-green fit-and-flare dress, ideally with a small blue floral print, and a bright blue pixie wig get you most of the way. The yellow face makeup is optional; blue liner, rosy cheeks and a pink lip read clearly without it. Yellow flats or gold sneakers keep you going all night. For the prop, paint swirls of yellow and blue inside a clear plastic ball so it glows like a memory orb. The character is really in the posture, though. Joy never stands still, so stand up tall and keep your arms moving in photos.
2. Sadness Costume With Blue Sweater
Sadness is the costume I hand to whoever gets cold first. An oversized light blue turtleneck sweater with navy pants or soft blue leggings is half the job, then simple blue flats or slip-on sneakers. The chin-length dark blue wig and large round black glasses do the rest. Full blue face and hand paint is optional and takes a long time to remove, so for sensitive skin I'd use blue eyeshadow and leave it there. A cool pink lip and slightly downturned brows finish the face. A small box of tissues is funnier than an orb, and the loose layers make it easy to size for adults, teens or kids.
3. Anger Costume With Shirt And Tie
Anger needs almost no sewing, just office clothes in the right colors. Start with a white button-down, red trousers, a red necktie, a wide brown belt and polished black shoes. His silhouette is short and square, so a cropped red jacket helps the shape and adds warmth. Wear a short red wig or temporary red spray, and keep red face makeup light; the thick, angled brows carry the expression. The flame headpiece is the detail that sells him. I cut it from red, orange and yellow felt, stiffened with a light fabric stiffener, on a comfortable headband, so it stays upright without wire poking anyone. A foam clipboard of harmless complaints is the right prop.
4. Disgust Costume With Green Dress
Disgust is the polished one, so her costume should look sharp. A sleeveless green dress with a fitted waist and a knee-length skirt is the base, with a lightweight purple scarf at the neck and purple tights for contrast. Flipped ends are her hairline signature, so whether you use a shoulder-length green wig or temporary color on a bob, curl the ends outward and pin a green headband in place. Pale green shadow, dramatic lashes and a berry lip make the face. Carry a broccoli made from foam, since her reaction to broccoli is the scene everyone remembers. The raised eyebrow and the unimpressed pose matter more than anything you can buy.
5. Fear Costume With Plaid Vest
Fear wears slightly mismatched office clothes, and that mismatch is the point. A pale blue button-down under a black-and-white houndstooth or plaid sweater vest, purple trousers, a red bow tie and black lace-up shoes cover it; a slim purple blazer can replace the vest if that's easier to find. His head is really about the single tall strand of hair, so instead of a full wig I'd use a purple cap with one stiffened pipe-cleaner strand standing straight up. A tall purple wig works too if you want more height. Lavender face makeup, a long foam nose and wide painted brows give the worried face. Size everything a little big so the proportions look cartoonish and you can still sit down.
6. Anxiety Costume With Orange Sweater
Anxiety should look rumpled and very orange. A burnt-orange striped sweater over a white collared shirt, loose brown trousers and orange-and-white sneakers form the base. Her hair is tall and frizzy, so pick a wispy orange wig and tease it up unevenly rather than smoothing it. Orange eye makeup, freckles and wide brows suggest her face without full paint. Big felt eyes glued to empty glasses frames exaggerate the look, but cut the felt so it sits around your own eyes, never over them. Roll one sleeve higher than the other and carry a bundle of color-coded sticky notes. It suits a cool October day and an office party equally.
7. Envy Costume With Teal Dress
Envy is tiny in the film, so I keep her costume compact and the color saturated. A sleeveless turquoise or teal dress with a softly flared skirt does the work, layered over a pale blue fitted shirt if you need sleeves. Matching tights and teal Mary Janes or sneakers keep the color unbroken from top to toe, which is what makes a small character read in a group shot. A short blue-green wig with straight blunt bangs gives her rounded hair. Turquoise shadow, long lashes and a glossy smile finish the face. Big foam eyes on a headband exaggerate her wide-eyed look, as long as they sit above your brows. A sparkly purse or a small hand mirror suits her.
8. Ennui Costume With Navy Lounge Set
Ennui is the costume for the friend who refuses to dress up, because the less effort it looks, the more accurate it is. An oversized dark navy sweater, loose matching pants or wide-leg leggings and black flats or navy sneakers are all you need for the body. A long, straight indigo wig with a deep side part falling across the face is the key piece. Muted blue-gray shadow, a light purple lip and flat, relaxed brows do the face. The phone is non-negotiable; an old phone case on a wrist strap saves you dropping it. Hem the pants so they clear the ground, and then slouch on every surface you can find.
9. Embarrassment Costume With Pink Hoodie
Embarrassment is huge, soft and pink, and his whole personality lives in the hood. Pick an oversized pink sweatshirt with a roomy hood and drawstrings that actually pull closed, because tugging the hood shut over your face is his signature move and the best photo gag in the group. Burgundy joggers, pink socks and red or purple sneakers go with it, and a pink beanie under the hood rounds out the head shape. Rosy face makeup with heavy blush across the cheeks and nose shows the blush he can't hide. White gloves stand in for his lighter hands. A small paper sign reading “Please don’t look” is all the prop he needs. It's warm, modest and comes together from closet pieces in most sizes.
10. Nostalgia Costume With Rose Cardigan
Nostalgia appears only briefly, which makes her a nice surprise in a big group. A dusty pink cardigan buttoned over a cream blouse, a long burgundy skirt, neutral tights and supportive brown lace-up shoes set up her grandmotherly look. Style a fluffy gray wig short and round, and let small oval glasses sit low on your nose. Rosy blush, a soft mauve lip and a couple of fine lines drawn near the eyes give the face. A handbag full of old printed photos or handwritten “remember when” cards is a prop that starts conversations. A pearl-style necklace and a small floral brooch add enough of the old-fashioned feel without making the costume fussy.
11. Riley Hockey Costume With Jersey
Riley in her hockey kit is the costume for anyone who'll be running between houses or games all night. A dark red hockey jersey over a light long-sleeve athletic shirt, navy hockey pants or loose black joggers, striped knee socks and sturdy sneakers instead of skates make the base. Pull blonde hair into a practical ponytail, or use a shoulder-length blonde wig. Keep makeup natural with flushed cheeks and optional freckles. If you add her name and number with felt letters, stitch them on or use iron-on felt, since self-adhesive felt peels off polyester jerseys within an hour. A foam hockey stick with rounded ends is the safe prop, and light knee pads help the sporty shape.
12. Riley Yellow Hoodie Costume
Riley's everyday outfit is the most subtle option here, and it passes for normal clothes at work or school. A bright yellow zip-up hoodie over a plain or striped white T-shirt, dark blue jeans and blue canvas sneakers are the whole outfit. Slightly messy shoulder-length blonde hair, freckles, pink cheeks and lip balm keep the face fresh. A small backpack carries everything you need and gives you somewhere to put candy. On her own she can be hard to place, so carry a cardboard memory orb or a mini foam hockey puck, or better, stand next to Joy. She's the anchor for every family or emotions group.
13. Bing Bong Costume With Pink Tailcoat
Bing Bong is a mash-up of animals and textures, so a slightly mismatched build is accurate rather than sloppy. Wear a pink long-sleeve top and matching pants under a purple tailcoat or cropped jacket, then add a brown plaid vest, a turquoise bow tie and dark shoes with bright laces. A soft purple fabric tail pins or straps onto the waistband. The head is the tricky part. I build the ears and trunk on a pink hood rather than a wig, using felt with a little batting inside so the trunk stays floppy and light, and keep everything clear of the eyes and mouth. Pink face makeup and a painted purple nose finish it. A cardboard sign for his song-powered rocket wagon will make the fans in the room smile.
14. Rainbow Unicorn Costume With White Dress
The Rainbow Unicorn is a diva, so this one is allowed to shine. A white fit-and-flare dress, or a white top with a tulle skirt, goes with pastel rainbow tights and silver ankle boots or white sneakers. A long platinum wig with temporary colored streaks and a light gold horn with small white ears on a padded headband build the head. The padding matters: a horn on a bare plastic headband slides forward every time you nod. Lavender shadow, pearly highlighter and a pink lip suit her, and if you add face gems, keep them on the cheekbones, well away from the eyes. A pastel faux-fur stole adds her texture, and a glittery cardboard script fits her star status.
15. Jangles The Clown Costume
Jangles is meant to look a little unsettling in the film, but for a family party I'd keep him friendly. Blue overalls over a yellow-and-red striped shirt, a bright bow tie, striped socks and red canvas sneakers make the outfit; skip the oversized clown shoes, which catch on every step and curb. Add a curly rainbow wig and a small round hat fixed to a headband. White eye accents, rosy cheek circles and a soft red nose are enough makeup, with no sharp painted lines. Juggling scarves or a bubble wand make a gentle prop. Little kids react to clowns very differently, so if young ones are coming, ask the parents before you show up in this one.
16. Riley’s Mom Costume With Striped Sweater
Riley's mom is the costume for the adult who wants to join the group without face paint or a wig. A striped purple sweater, slim brown pants or dark jeans and burgundy flats, loafers or ankle boots make the outfit. Her neat brown shoulder-length bob and red rectangular glasses are what identify her, so if you only buy one thing, buy the glasses. Light pink lipstick and softly defined brows keep the face natural. A neutral crossbody bag and a moving-box label stuck to it nod to the family's move. In cold weather a plum cardigan over the sweater keeps the palette intact.
17. Riley’s Dad Costume With Brown Trousers
Riley's dad takes almost no construction. A white button-down with the sleeves rolled slightly, brown trousers, a muted patterned tie, a brown belt and dark lace-up shoes cover it. The mustache is the whole character, so get a soft, full one and stick it on with a skin-safe adhesive, testing a small patch on the inside of your arm the day before. Use a little brow pencil to strengthen the expression. Carry a cardboard moving box or a folded map. If you need a blazer for warmth, leave it unbuttoned so the shirt and tie stay visible, and he's a good last-minute addition to any family group.
18. Mom’s Sadness Costume With Glasses
Mom's Sadness is a grown-up variation of the blue emotion, slimmer and tidier than Riley's. A light blue blouse under a navy cardigan, a calf-length blue skirt or tailored pants, sensible blue flats and pale tights set her apart from the bulky original. Choose a straight, chin-length blue wig with a side part, then add large oval glasses. Pale blue shadow, cool pink blush and a muted berry lip suit her. A narrow blue scarf tied neatly at the neck is the small detail that makes her look like she runs a household. Pair her with Dad's Anger and Riley's parents and the joke of the family dinner scene comes through.
19. Dad’s Anger Costume With Mustache
Dad's Anger is the original emotion in Dad's office wear. A crisp white shirt, dark brown pants, a striped red tie and a red sweater vest with polished brown shoes make the outfit. The thick brown mustache is what separates him from the regular Anger, so make it bigger than feels sensible. Wear a short red wig or a red cap under a felt flame headpiece, and keep the headpiece soft so it doesn't jab anyone in a group hug. Red face makeup can stay light; strong brows and a serious stare do more. A folded newspaper or a TV remote is the ideal prop for a man trying to watch the game.
20. Val Ortiz Hockey Costume
Val is the confident older player Riley wants to impress, and her costume should look game-ready. A dark red team jersey with a bold number over a black base layer, navy athletic pants, striped socks and red or black sneakers build the outfit. A high ponytail is part of her look, and it'll stay up all night if you secure it with two elastics, one at the base and one an inch lower. Defined brows and rosy cheeks are plenty for makeup. A lightweight foam stick or a cardboard team pennant is the prop, and a captain-style patch sewn on the jersey signals her leadership role. Flexible elbow pads add sport detail without bulk.
21. Grace Hockey Costume With Yellow Headband
Grace is one of Riley's old friends, and the yellow headband is what tells people which friend you are. Build the uniform around a red-and-navy hockey jersey over a fitted athletic shirt, with navy joggers, tall striped socks and comfortable sneakers. Pull dark hair into a ponytail and slide the yellow headband in front of it. If you use a wig, choose one that ties back without showing the cap at the nape. Natural makeup with light blush is enough. A small duffel bag holds your things and suits a locker-room theme. On her own she's easy to miss, so she works best standing next to Riley, Bree, Val or Coach Roberts.
22. Bree Hockey Costume With Braids
Bree shares the team colors, so her braids do the identifying. A dark red jersey over a navy long-sleeve shirt, black athletic pants, striped socks and black-and-red sneakers make the base. Braid your own hair the night before so it sets, or use a braided wig fitted snugly enough that it doesn't shift during a pickup game. Light, sporty makeup with pink cheeks and a little gloss suits her. A cardboard hockey playbook or a small foam puck is a good prop, and a navy gym bag with fabric wristbands adds detail. Watch the jersey size: one that hangs past your hands catches on door handles and candy bowls.
23. Coach Roberts Costume With Whistle
Coach Roberts is all structure, so the outfit should look pressed. A dark red quarter-zip over a fitted gray athletic shirt, navy track pants, clean running shoes and a simple sports watch set the tone. Dark hair goes up in a high ponytail or a compact bun. The whistle is the obvious prop. Put it on a breakaway lanyard so it can't pull at your neck, and save blowing it for places where noise is welcome, which is not most parties. A clipboard with a practice plan and some colorful magnetic markers is funnier. In warm weather, swap the pullover for a light team jacket. Stand with arms crossed and she reads instantly beside the team.
24. Lance Slashblade Costume With White Tunic
Lance Slashblade is the video-game heartthrob, and his costume is a safe way to play the fantasy hero. A sleeveless white tunic over a fitted gray shirt, dark slim pants and tall black costume boots form the body, with a wide brown belt carrying small fabric pouches. The long blond center-parted wig needs volume, so give it a good brush-out and a light spray before you go. Defined brows and a little contour sell the heroic face. Skip a blade entirely; a pixelated cardboard heart or a foam game controller is funnier and won't trip any event's prop rules. Silver craft-foam wrist cuffs, sealed and painted, are a good first foam project if you've never shaped foam before.
25. Bloofy Costume With Purple Overalls
Bloofy is a children's TV host, so his costume should feel soft and a little homemade. Purple overalls over a fuzzy blue long-sleeve shirt and matching leggings, plus purple sneakers with blue laces, cover the outfit. A blue hood or short fuzzy wig carries rounded felt ears; keep them light, since anything heavy tips forward on a hood. Sky-blue eyeshadow, a pink nose and rosy cheeks make the face, with a wide smile doing the rest. White gloves keep body paint optional. A cardboard TV frame you can hold up around your face is the prop that makes him read, and a few fabric patches on the overalls add to the handmade-show feel.
26. Pouchy Costume With Giant Pocket
Pouchy is one oversized pocket, so build the pocket first and the rest around it. A tan long-sleeve shirt with matching relaxed pants and a brown utility vest form the body. Attach a large fabric pouch across the front with hook-and-loop strips sewn onto the vest, because adhesive strips on fabric let go once the pouch has any weight in it. Fill it with light foam shapes, ribbons and surprise props, and keep it above the knees so it doesn't bang against your legs. Brown sneakers, a tan hood with felt brows and brown gloves finish him. The fun is in pulling things out of the pocket during photos, especially beside Bloofy and Deep Dark Secret.
27. Deep Dark Secret Costume With Gray Hoodie
Deep Dark Secret is rounded and shy, so the costume should look mysterious rather than scary. A roomy dark gray hoodie with matching sweatpants and black sneakers is the base. A light padded vest underneath builds his rounder shape and keeps you warm, which makes this a good one for cold evenings outdoors. Pull a soft gray hood over your head, with small felt ears if you like. Smoky gray shadow, a pink nose and worried brows make the face, and black gloves keep the colors consistent. A sealed box marked “secret” or a foam diary with a tiny lock is the prop. Skip masks here; a hood hides you just as well and leaves you able to see and breathe.
28. Riley’s Imaginary Boyfriend Costume
Riley's imaginary boyfriend is a joke costume, and it's best when you play it straight. A fitted white T-shirt, light blue jeans, a black belt and clean white sneakers make the outfit, with a short black wig and thick swept bangs. Choose stretch denim, because a too-tight pair turns posing into a problem. Defined brows and subtle contour are enough makeup. Carry a big lightweight sign declaring your devotion to Riley, or wear the message on a removable paper sash. Pose with a hand over your heart. Several friends in the identical outfit as a group of imaginary admirers is one of the funniest group ideas on this list.
29. Forgetter Paula Costume With Work Overalls
Forgetter Paula is for fans who want a character few people will be wearing. Pale green work overalls over a pink long-sleeve shirt, a pastel utility belt and green sneakers make the uniform. Add a mint cap or a short green wig, then a soft elongated foam nose that leaves your mouth free so you can eat and talk. Green shadow, pink blush and curved cartoon brows finish the face. Carry a mesh bag of paper “memories” or colorful plastic balls. A small name badge matters more than you'd think, because a lone Forgetter is easy to mistake for a random worker. If small children or pets will be around, make the memory balls too big to fit in a mouth.
30. Forgetter Bobby Costume With Utility Vest
Forgetter Bobby balances Paula with a similar uniform in different colors. Muted blue coveralls or blue trousers with a short-sleeve work shirt, a pale green utility vest and gray or blue sneakers make the base. Add a blue cap or simple blue wig and a soft foam nose fixed with a skin-safe adhesive; test it on your arm a day ahead, because adhesive on a warm face lifts sooner than you'd expect. Cool-toned shadow, rosy cheeks and raised brows give his expression. A memory-sorting net or a clear bag of colorful plastic orbs is the prop, and a visible name patch tells people which mind worker you are. He's at his funniest working as a duo with Paula.
Blue, Green or Red Skin Without Ruining a Collar
Full-color face paint is what makes several of these characters, and it's also what most people regret at midnight. A little preparation keeps it on your face and off everything else.
Before it goes on
Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist or elbow a day ahead, especially for children and anyone with sensitive skin. Use water-activated or cream paints made for skin, never craft paint, and keep strong colors away from the eye area. Moisturize lightly first so the paint doesn't cling to dry patches.
Keeping it in place
Apply thin layers with a damp sponge and let each one dry before the next. Cream paint stays tacky and transfers onto anything it touches, so press translucent setting powder over it and finish with a setting spray. Wear dark or matching colors at the neckline, and tuck a strip of tissue inside a white collar until you leave the house.
Getting it off
Blue and green pigments can leave a faint tint, more so on fair skin. Loosen the paint with an oil-based cleanser or a gentle makeup remover first, then wash with soap and water. Scrubbing hard with a washcloth only irritates the skin. Pillowcases are the last casualty, so check your hairline and ears before bed.
The Five Core Emotions Are the Easiest Place to Begin
Every one of these costumes rests on the same handful of things: a strong color, practical clothes, shoes you can walk in, the right hair and one memorable prop. The emotions suit a coordinated group, while Riley's family, her hockey team, the imaginary friends and the mind workers give quieter options for people who'd rather not wear face paint. Check closets, thrift stores and your craft box before you buy. Felt, cardboard and light foam make nearly every accessory here. Colored eyeshadow, wigs, glasses and headbands can carry a character just as well as full paint. Fix every accessory securely, keep your view clear, and then commit to the performance, because these characters are all personality.
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