Ghosts are the easiest Halloween character to make at home, and also the easiest to get wrong. The plain sheet still has its place, but most children are happier in something they can see out of, run in and sit down in. So the ideas below start from white clothing a child already owns and add a ghostly layer on top: a poncho, a short cape, a tulle skirt, a felt face. There are cute versions for toddlers, funny ones for grade-schoolers and a few gently spooky ones for older kids, each with hair, makeup, shoes and a prop. My three rules run through all of them. Keep hems above the ankle, keep eyes clear, and add something reflective for the walk after dark.
White Fabrics That Behave on Halloween Night
Nearly every costume here starts with white, and the fabric you pick decides how it looks by the end of the night. I sort the usual choices like this:
- Fleece: warm, doesn't fray, so edges can be cut ragged or scalloped with no hemming. My first choice for ponchos and capes on cold nights.
- Cotton sheet: light and cheap, good for the classic ghost, but it frays and shows every grass stain.
- Felt: right for faces, stars and small shapes. It isn't strong enough for a full cape and pills where it rubs.
- Tulle and chiffon: floaty and fun, but no warmth and a bit scratchy. Always put a layer underneath.
- Polyester sheets: drape well, though fabric glue often peels off them, so stitch your felt faces on.
Before cutting, I hold the fabric up to a lamp. Thin white fabric that glows through in the shop will look see-through outdoors under porch lights, so plan a white layer underneath.
1. Classic White Sheet Ghost Costume
If your child really wants the sheet, you can make it work. I choose a lightweight cotton sheet, put it over the child's head while they wear a white beanie, and mark the eyes with chalk right there, because eye holes cut flat on a table always end up in the wrong place. Cut them generously and back them with soft black mesh if you like the look. A white tee and leggings underneath mean nothing embarrassing shows if the sheet shifts. Trim the hem well above the ankles; a sheet that brushes the shoes will trip a child on the first curb. Black felt brows or a smile add personality, and pale powder around the eye openings blends the skin in. White sneakers, reflective tape along the lower edge and a white bucket with friendly faces finish it.
2. No-Sew Ghost Poncho Costume
A poncho is the ghost I suggest most for busy kids, since the arms stay free and the face stays open. Fold white fleece in half, cut a neck opening a little wider than the head, and round the corners into a floating shape. Fleece is the fabric I reach for: it doesn't fray, so there's no hemming, and it adds real warmth on a cold night. Felt eyes and a curved smile go on the front with fabric glue. A white long-sleeve shirt and white leggings underneath make the whole child read as one ghost. Low braids or a soft white cap keep hair tidy. A little gray shadow at the temples and white high-top sneakers are enough, and a felt "Boo" sign on a craft stick gives them something to wave.
3. Cute Tulle Ghost Costume
Tulle gives this ghost a floaty shape, but it scratches bare skin, so I always put leggings and a long-sleeve top or leotard underneath. A knee-length white tulle skirt with small black felt ghost faces goes on top. I stitch the faces to the top layer only; glue soaks through tulle and sticks the layers together. A short chiffon cape adds movement without reaching the ground. Two buns wrapped in white ribbon, or a headband with a few tulle streamers, suit the hair. Pearly shimmer and a small gray star beside one eye are enough makeup. Ballet flats look sweet indoors, though flexible sneakers grip better outside. A small plush ghost or a white pumpkin bucket is the prop.
4. Glow-In-The-Dark Ghost Costume
Glow tape is fun, and it's worth knowing how it behaves before you rely on it. It needs light to charge, so it glows brightly after a few minutes under a lamp and fades as the evening goes on. That's why I pair it with reflective strips rather than using it as the only visibility. The base is a white hooded sweatshirt and matching sweatpants. Run glow tape in curved lines across the sleeves, body and legs to form friendly ghost shapes, and keep away from anything that looks like a skeleton. A short white cape with felt eyes and a smile goes on top. Silver shimmer and small white dots on the cheeks finish the face. A translucent bucket lit from inside by small battery lights, all fixed inside, makes a lantern.
5. Rainbow Ghost Costume
This one suits a child who thinks plain white is boring. A white tunic over white leggings is the base, with strips of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple tulle sewn or glued around the hem. I tie the strips onto a ribbon first and then stitch the ribbon on, which is quicker and easier to remove later. A white capelet with a stitched friendly face and rainbow trim sits on the shoulders. Hair goes up in a ponytail with coloured ribbons or tucks under a white hood. Small rainbow arcs on the cheeks and a little silver around the eyes, in paint made for skin, finish the face. White sneakers with bright laces and a bucket trimmed with felt rainbow clouds round it out.
6. Ghost Princess Costume
Does your child want something ghostly and regal? A white or pale silver dress with soft puff sleeves and a layered skirt that stops above the ankles is the base. A sheer white cape goes over it, edged with small gray felt stars. I fix the cape at both shoulders rather than tying it at the throat, so it can't pull on the neck if someone steps on it. A neat bun or soft curls with a light silver crown suits the princess part. Pale lavender shadow, pearly cheek shimmer and one tiny white star near the eye keep the face magical. Silver flats or white sneakers handle parties and walking. A foam wand wrapped in white ribbon and topped with a smiling ghost is the prop. Skip heavy jewellery, which snags the sheer cape.
7. Ghost Pirate Costume
A ghost pirate gets its look from faded colour: a loose white shirt, charcoal striped pants and a soft gray vest, as if the whole outfit has been at sea for a century. A short white cape with ragged edges adds the ghost, and it should stop above the knees. I cut those ragged edges into fleece or felt, which won't unravel, instead of tearing cotton, which frays a little more every time it's worn. A pale gray scarf tied over the head keeps hair back. Light gray paint under the cheekbones and a tiny white ghost at one temple give a hollow look that's still friendly. Black ankle boots or dark sneakers, a cardboard treasure map and a light silver treat chest finish it. A white plush parrot can ride on one shoulder.
8. Cowboy Ghost Costume
The hat is what tells everyone this ghost came from the Wild West. I choose a soft white cowboy hat and check that the brim doesn't drop over the eyes; a chin cord helps if it slides. Under it go a white button-front shirt, pale gray jeans and a fringed white vest. A short ghost-shaped poncho over the shoulders carries black felt eyes on the back, so the ghost looks backward as the cowboy walks forward, which kids find hilarious. Hair can stay loose or go into braids. Silver shimmer, light gray freckles and a white star on each cheek finish the face. Gray western boots or brown sneakers suit it. A coil of soft white cord as a lasso and a bucket dressed as a friendly ghost horse are the props.
9. Ghost Ballerina Costume
Real ballet slippers are the one thing I'd leave at home for this costume. They have no grip on wet pavement, so I choose white ballet-style sneakers or flexible flats instead. The rest is a white leotard or fitted long-sleeve top with white leggings, a soft knee-length tulle tutu and a cropped chiffon cape with rounded ghost edges. Silver stars and tiny black felt ghost faces decorate the tutu. Pull hair into a secure ballet bun wrapped with white ribbon; a bun held with plenty of pins lasts all evening, while a quick bun falls by the second street. Pearly shadow, rosy cheeks and a little silver shimmer give a stage finish. A white ribbon wand with short streamers is the prop. Trim the tulle well clear of the feet.
10. Superhero Ghost Costume
For the child who wants to look strong rather than spooky, this ghost has powers. A white long-sleeve shirt and leggings get a silver felt emblem shaped like a smiling ghost across the chest. A short white cape with pale blue trim should end near the waist, where it can't be grabbed or stepped on. If your child wants a mask, choose a soft one with wide eye openings and a comfortable elastic strap, and let them practise walking stairs in it at home. Many kids end up preferring painted silver stars on the cheeks, in cosmetic-grade paint. Hair slicked back or under a white headband keeps the face clear. White high-tops, foam wrist cuffs and a shield-shaped treat bag with another ghost emblem finish the hero.
11. Bookworm Ghost Costume
A bookworm ghost is a quiet, clever choice for classroom dress-up days. Layer a white cardigan over a white collared shirt, with light gray pants or a pleated skirt over leggings. A short white poncho with a smiling ghost face and a neatly scalloped hem goes on top; I trace the scallops around a dinner plate so they come out even. Style the hair neatly and add oversized glasses frames with the lenses popped out. Pale powder, pink blush and tiny white dots around the eyes are enough makeup. White loafers or clean sneakers keep it practical. A prop book made from a light cardboard box, labelled "Ghost Stories", and a canvas tote with felt books on it carry the joke into the classroom.
12. Rock Star Ghost Costume
The rock star ghost is all about movement, so I keep the cape short and light enough to swing. A white shirt with a handmade ghost emblem, silver leggings or gray jeans and a white fringed vest make the stage outfit. Fringe moves wonderfully, and it also catches on door handles, so trim it shorter than you think. Hair can go into a high ponytail, soft spikes or temporary silver streaks. Washable silver streak sprays tend to flake onto shoulders, so I spray them outside and let them dry before the costume goes on. Shimmery gray shadow and a silver lightning bolt on one cheek finish the face. White boots or high-tops, a cardboard microphone with a foil ball and a cardboard guitar on a wide strap are the props.
13. Sports Fan Ghost Costume
This one is basically a team-day outfit with a ghost on the front, which makes it easy for kids who don't like costumes. A plain white jersey gets a large black ghost face made from removable felt, so the jersey can be worn again. Gray joggers or white athletic shorts over leggings suit the weather. A short white cape from the shoulders carries a bold number on the back. Natural hair goes into a ponytail, braids or under a white sweatband. Silver face stripes and a little ghost on one cheek finish the face; I set them with a dusting of powder because sporty kids sweat paint off fast. Supportive white sneakers handle running. A foam ball painted as a ghost and a white drawstring bag are the props.
14. Pajama Ghost Costume
Pajamas are my favourite starting point for toddlers, because they already feel like home. White fleece pajamas or a matching sweatshirt and jogger set make the base. Felt eyes and a curved smile go on the shirt, and short white fabric streamers at the sleeves flutter when the child moves. A soft hood with two round black patches frames the face without covering it. Keep hair loose, braided or tucked in the hood. A little pearly shimmer and pink blush are enough for a sleepy ghost, and many toddlers won't sit for more. White slip-on sneakers or cushioned boots work outdoors. A small stuffed ghost pillow and a white bucket with silver moons make the bedtime idea clear, and when they fall asleep in the car, they're already dressed for bed.
15. Victorian Ghost Costume
A Victorian ghost looks like a faded old photograph, which gives it atmosphere without anything gory. A high-neck white blouse with soft ruffles goes with light gray trousers or a calf-length skirt over white leggings. Add a fitted silver vest and a short lace capelet that stays clear of the hands. Thrift stores are full of ruffled blouses, and a child's size or a small adult size with the sleeves taken up works well. Loose curls with a white ribbon suit long hair; shorter hair can be combed to one side. Pale powder, gray shadow and a faint rosy cheek give the faded-portrait look. Lace-up ankle boots or dark sneakers, a cardboard picture frame for photos and a white drawstring bag with antique ghost shapes finish it.
16. Flower Crown Ghost Costume
Not every child wants to be scary, and this flower-crown ghost is the softest version on the list. A flowing white tunic over leggings carries a sheer, rounded cape with small stitched flowers. A light crown of white, lavender and pale blue fabric blossoms sits over curls, braids or short hair. I wire fabric flowers onto a soft headband rather than a hard plastic one, which presses behind the ears after an hour. Pearly shimmer, light lavender shadow and a few painted petals by one cheek make the face. White ankle boots or cushioned sneakers keep the palette soft. A small basket of fabric flowers and plush ghosts is the prop, and reflective silver ribbon around the basket and cape edges makes it visible at night.
17. Chef Ghost Costume
A chef's whites are already half a ghost, which makes this one a clever, easy joke. A white chef-style jacket or plain button-front shirt goes with black-and-white checkered pants, and a short apron carries a big smiling felt ghost. A soft chef hat covers the hair, or braids can be tucked behind the shoulders. I stiffen the hat band with a strip of interfacing, because a floppy chef hat collapses into a beret within an hour. A little pale powder and rosy cheeks give a friendly kitchen ghost. Black slip-resistant sneakers or ankle boots go with the uniform. A light mixing spoon and an empty white bowl with ghost eyes painted on finish it, and that bowl doubles as the treat container.
18. Artist Ghost Costume
The paint spots on this artist ghost should be felt, not paint. Real fabric paint stiffens a smock and can crack, while felt circles in bright colours stay soft and peel off later. Use a white oversized shirt or art smock over white leggings or gray pants, add the spots and a smiling ghost emblem near the pocket. A short white cape with a scalloped edge keeps the floating-spirit shape. Hair goes into a relaxed ponytail or under a white beret, which kids love tilting. Tiny rainbow dots on the cheeks in child-friendly paint and a touch of silver shimmer finish the face. White sneakers with bright laces suit it. A cardboard palette, a foam brush and a canvas bag dotted with small painted ghosts are the props.
19. Astronaut Ghost Costume
An astronaut ghost floats through space, so I build the helmet as a ring rather than a dome. Cut a wide ring from light cardboard that frames the face and leaves the top and front open; that way there's no fogging and nothing blocks the view. White coveralls or a white sweatshirt and joggers are the suit, with silver tape at the cuffs and pockets and a handmade patch of a ghost drifting among stars. A silver headband holds the hair back. Pearly makeup, pale blue shadow and silver stars across the cheeks give the space glow. White high-tops look like moon boots and stay comfortable. A small white backpack styled as a life-support pack and a foam moon are the props, all light enough to take off quickly.
20. Sailor Ghost Costume
Sailor collars are easy to fake, which is handy because real sailor-collar shirts are hard to find in kids' sizes. I cut a square collar from white felt, trim it with two rows of blue ribbon and tack it onto a plain white shirt. Pair it with navy pants, a pleated skirt over leggings or shorts if the evening is mild. A short white cape with blue ribbon trim has a smiling ghost face centred on the back. A soft white sailor cap sits over combed hair, braids or a low ponytail. Pale blue shadow, rosy cheeks and one tiny white anchor near the temple keep the makeup simple. Navy sneakers, a cardboard life ring labelled "Boo Crew" and a striped treat bag finish the crew.
21. Ghost Cat Costume
For animal lovers, this ghost cat mixes two Halloween favourites in one hoodie. A white hooded sweatshirt and white leggings take soft triangular ears on the hood and a fabric tail at the waist. I keep the tail shorter than the post photos suggest, since a long white tail turns gray on the first wet sidewalk. A scalloped white cape gives the ghost float. The hood frames or covers the hair. A pale nose, silver whiskers and tiny gray dots on the cheeks, in skin-safe paint, finish the face. White mittens with gray felt paw pads are cute; choose ones with a thumb so your child can still hold a bucket. White sneakers with reflective ankle bands and a fish-shaped treat bag complete the cat.
22. Pumpkin Ghost Costume
Orange is the one colour that makes a white ghost pop in a crowd, so this pumpkin ghost is easy to spot across a schoolyard. A white long-sleeve tunic and leggings get an orange tulle skirt, shorts or soft joggers below. A smiling ghost face on the tunic is edged with small felt pumpkins, and a short white hooded cape adds the floating shape. An orange stem headband or green ribbon keeps hair back. Peach blush, light silver shadow and a tiny pumpkin on one cheek finish the face. I'd pick orange joggers over tulle for cold nights, because tulle gives no warmth at all. Orange sneakers or white shoes with orange laces and a pumpkin bucket decorated with white ghosts tie it together.
23. Candy Corn Ghost Costume
Colour blocking is what makes the candy corn ghost readable. A white hooded tunic with a rounded, scalloped hem is the base, with a wide orange panel across the middle and a yellow band near the bottom, so the white stays at the shoulders and hood like the tip of the candy. I cut the orange and yellow from felt and stitch along both edges; fabric glue alone tends to lift at the corners on a garment that bends. Black felt eyes and a smile make it a ghost. White leggings go underneath. Hair can go in the hood or into pigtails with orange and yellow ribbons. Golden shimmer and white dots on the cheeks finish the face. White sneakers with orange socks and a striped felt ghost treat bag round it out.
24. Butterfly Ghost Costume
The cape is the clever part of this butterfly ghost. A scalloped chiffon cape fastened at the wrists as well as the shoulders opens into soft wings whenever the child lifts their arms. I use small elastic loops at the wrists so the cape slips off the hands easily. A white dress or tunic over leggings is the base. Pastel pink, blue and lavender ribbon outlines the cape, and small black felt ghost faces sit near the lower corners. A headband with white fabric antennae keeps the theme clear over a bun, braids or curls. Pearly makeup, pastel shadow and tiny wing shapes on the cheeks make the face. White ballet-style sneakers keep feet comfortable, and a small butterfly net holding sewn-in plush mini ghosts is the prop.
25. Cloud Ghost Costume
Younger children love the puffy texture of this cloud ghost. A white sweatshirt and joggers make the base, and clusters of quilt batting go onto a lightweight white vest rather than the sweatshirt, so the vest can come off when the child warms up indoors. Keep the batting clear of the face, hands and lower legs; it picks up leaves and grit fast. Felt eyes and a cheerful smile go in the middle of the vest. A pale blue hood or beanie frames the hair and stands in for the sky. Silver raindrops or tiny stars on the cheeks in cosmetic-grade paint finish the face. White sneakers with light blue laces suit it, and a small foam rainbow on a ribbon-wrapped cardboard handle is the prop.
26. Woodland Ghost Costume
Here the ghost wanders out of the autumn woods. A cream sweater and white pants go under a short gauze poncho with rounded edges, and felt leaves in rust, gold, olive and brown run around the neckline and hem. Gauze is light and floaty, but it snags on bushes, so I'd swap it for a soft cotton voile if your route has lots of hedges. A soft leaf crown sits over loose hair or braids. Pale gold shadow, rosy blush and a few painted leaves beside one eye finish the face. Brown ankle boots or tan sneakers keep the earthy palette. A plush owl or squirrel wearing its own little white ghost cape is the prop, carried in a woven-look basket lined with white cloth.
27. School-Friendly Ghost Costume
When school rules ban masks and long capes, this is the ghost I'd send. A white sweatshirt with a large smiling ghost face goes with white or gray joggers. Short fabric streamers sewn under the arms give the floating effect when the child waves, and they stay well above the wrists so they don't get in the paint pots. A padded ghost headband replaces anything over the face. Hair can be loose, braided or in a ponytail. Makeup is optional, a little silver shimmer and a few white dots on the cheeks, and teachers tend to appreciate the light touch. Comfortable white sneakers handle recess. A soft ghost-shaped crossbody pouch holds pencils or small treats without turning into a distraction at the desk.
28. Rainy Day Ghost Costume
If the forecast is wet, build the ghost on a raincoat. A white hooded raincoat takes removable black vinyl eyes and a smiling mouth on the front; vinyl shapes with a light adhesive back peel off cleanly afterward, so the coat goes back to school on Monday. Light gray waterproof pants, or white leggings under clear rain trousers, keep the legs dry. A short translucent poncho on top adds the float without hiding the face on the coat. Hair stays in the hood, and makeup stays minimal, since rain smudges it: a pale silver cream shadow and rosy cheeks. White or light gray rain boots keep feet dry. A clear umbrella with removable ghost decals, held low and steady, and a waterproof treat bag finish it.
29. Cardboard Box Ghost Costume
A cardboard box gives this ghost a bold, blocky shape, and I always pick the lightest box that fits around the child with room to swing their arms. Cut big openings for the head and arms and cover every cut edge with tape, since raw cardboard scrapes the chin and inner arms. Paint the box white and cut the bottom into rounded ghost points that stop above the knees. Oversized black eyes, rosy cheeks and a happy mouth make the face. A white hoodie and gray leggings underneath give warmth, and the hood holds the hair. Supportive white sneakers suit it. Soft fabric arms glued to the sides add a goofy touch, and a cardboard haunted-house bucket with a comfortable handle carries the treats. Keep it indoors if it rains; cardboard goes soft quickly.
30. Sunglasses Ghost Costume
Sunglasses give the old ghost a cool, confident update, and this version leaves the face completely uncovered. A light white poncho or a sheet cut to shoulder length goes over the child, with felt eyes and a smile on the chest instead of over the head. The glasses should have clear lenses; dark lenses at night are a real tripping risk, and costume shades with clear plastic look just as funny. A white beanie or temporary silver streaks suit the hair. Pale powder, silver cheek shimmer and a small star near one eye finish the face. White jeans or leggings and bright white sneakers keep the base clean. A tiny plush ghost in matching sunglasses and a reflective treat bag complete the joke.
Getting Mud and Face Paint Out of White
A white costume never comes home white. Grass, leaf stains and face paint along the collar are part of the night, and a little planning keeps the costume wearable for the next party.
Before you go out
Wash any new white base clothes once, so finishes and loose dye come out first. Dust face paint with translucent powder before the costume goes over the head; it cuts down on transfer to necklines a lot. Put the costume on first and paint the face last, with an old towel around the shoulders. A white tee under a cape or poncho also takes most of the rubbing, and a tee is far easier to scrub than tulle or fleece.
When you get home
Treat stains that night rather than in the morning. Most cream face paint lifts with a drop of dish soap rubbed in gently, then cool water. Let mud dry and brush it off before washing, since wet mud smears deeper. Wash felt and tulle pieces by hand or in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle, and dry them flat, because heat can warp tulle and shrink felt.
Which Ghost Will Your Child Pick?
A good ghost costume lets a child see, move and stay warm, and everything else is decoration. One familiar theme can go in many directions, from sporty and funny to cozy and magical, but they all start from the same white base. Keep hems above the ankles, keep hands and eyes free, and choose light materials. Felt faces, short capes, simple makeup and a fun prop are what turn each version into its own character. Let your child choose the colours and the details. Whether they pick the classic sheet or the floating astronaut, a ghost they helped make is one they'll wear proudly at parties, parades and from door to door.
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