Sesame Street is one of the few costume themes where a toddler, a grandparent and a group of coworkers can all join in without anyone feeling silly. The cast is huge: furry monsters, a fairy-in-training, a very tall yellow bird, a vampire who loves numbers and a grouch who lives in a can. Almost every character here starts from a solid-colour hoodie and a few felt pieces, so you need far less sewing than people expect. I keep the eyes and noses on the hood, not the face, and I use soft props so the youngest guests stay comfortable. Below you'll find solo characters, pairs, families and a full group, each with the details that make it read from across the room.
Felt Eyes and Foam Noses That Stay on the Hood
Nearly every costume here depends on a face built onto a hood, so it's worth getting that part right once. The eyes and nose are what people read first, and they're also what falls off first if they're attached in a hurry.
- Use stiff felt, or two layers of soft felt glued together, for the eyes. Single soft felt curls at the edges after an hour of a hood being pushed up and down.
- Cut pupils from black felt instead of drawing them with marker, which bleeds into the white and looks grey from a distance.
- Hot glue holds felt to felt well, but it lets go of fleece once the fabric stretches or the night turns cold. I glue the layers of each eye together, then hand-stitch the finished eye to the hood with a few stitches around the edge.
- For noses, a foam ball cut in half or a felt circle stuffed with a little fibrefill keeps its shape. Hard plastic balls look fine but hurt if a child bumps heads with a friend.
- Place everything on the hood while the wearer has it on. Pin, check in a mirror, then sew. Eyes set too low slide over the forehead the moment the hood falls back.
Hoodies for small children are the exception to the hood rule. Drawstrings and anything near the neck should come out, and I'd skip loose yarn hair on toddlers altogether, since it ends up in mouths.
1. Elmo Costume With Red Hoodie
Elmo is the one I'd hand to a nervous first-timer, because almost anyone can wear him. Start with a fuzzy red hoodie and red joggers or leggings so the colour runs head to toe. Put the white felt eyes and the orange foam nose high on the hood, well above the brow line, or they flop down over the wearer's vision once the hood shifts. A red beanie or a short fuzzy hood beats a full mask every time. A little washable blush on the cheeks is plenty of makeup. Red sneakers keep the colour going and still handle a long walk. For the prop, a clear plastic bowl with an orange toy fish nods to Dorothy, and on a cold night a thermal layer hides under the hoodie without changing the shape at all.
2. Cookie Monster Costume With Cookie Prop
Cookie Monster comes down to a blue base and those wild eyes. Wear a royal-blue hoodie with matching sweatpants, or a blue fleece dress over opaque tights. The eyes matter most: set the black pupils slightly off-centre and pointing in different directions, because perfectly matched pupils make him look like a different monster. Blue face paint is optional, and I usually skip it; a touch of blue shimmer around the eyes does the job and won't rub onto the hood. Blue sneakers or slip-ons finish the base. Make the giant cookie from felt or thin foam rather than cardboard, which bends the first time a child sits on it. And keep real snacks in their wrappers, since chocolate on blue fleece never quite washes out.
3. Big Bird Costume With Yellow Feathers
Big Bird is the brightest thing at any party, so commit to the yellow. A yellow sweatshirt with a feather-trimmed skirt, loose pants or a yellow tunic gives you the body. A feather boa around the shoulders sells the plumage, but stitch it down every few inches, because a loose boa sheds onto every chair and drifts into the wearer's face. Put the big eyes and a soft orange felt beak on a yellow hood or beanie. Gold eye shadow with a little pink under the eye is enough makeup. The striped legs are the detail people forget, and pink-and-orange tights or tall striped socks fix it fast. Add orange sneakers, tack a few feathers along the sleeves for wings, and choose washable fabric if a child will be running in it.
4. Oscar The Grouch Costume With Trash Can
Oscar is mostly about the can, and the can is where people overbuild. The outfit itself is easy: a shaggy green hoodie, green pants and grey sneakers, with white felt eyes, heavy brown brows and a small green nose on the hood. Grey eye shadow and darker brows give a grumpy human version without covering the face. For the can, I like a collapsible grey fabric hamper with the bottom cut out, worn on suspenders; poster board wrapped around a belt also works but creases the moment you sit. Cut the leg and arm openings generously. A foam lid on a strap makes a quick prop, and a brown felt worm poking out of a pocket is a friendly wink at Slimey.
5. Abby Cadabby Costume With Fairy Wings
Abby Cadabby is all pastel and sparkle, and the skirt does most of the work. Pick a blue or lavender dress with puffed sleeves and layer pink, purple and aqua tulle over it. Striped leggings underneath keep legs warm and let her move freely. Two high pigtails are her signature; if you use a pink-and-purple wig, secure it with soft ties so it doesn't slide back during play. Small pale wings and a star-topped wand identify her immediately. For makeup, pink shadow, a little highlighter and a few removable face gems feel magical but stay kid-safe. Swap heels for ballet flats or glitter sneakers, and keep wings compact and the wand bendable for a busy classroom.
6. Grover Costume With Blue Fleece Outfit
Grover is the warmest costume on this list because the whole thing is fleece. Use a cobalt-blue hoodie and matching joggers, then add large white eyes and a rounded pink nose to the hood. That pink nose is what separates him from Cookie Monster in a group, so don't skip it or change its colour. A strip of blue faux fur at the cuffs gives texture without the weight of a fur suit. Leave the face visible and use a little blue shadow or washable blush. Full gloves look great but make phones and candy wrappers a nuisance, so I go fingerless. Blue sneakers and a light prop, such as a book or a waiter's tray from his diner sketches, round out the base.
7. Super Grover Costume With Silver Cape
Want a superhero with nothing scary about it? Super Grover takes the blue fleece base and adds silver. Wear a blue long-sleeve top and pants with faux-fur cuffs. Cut a big "G" from felt and attach it with removable fabric tape; felt letters glued straight onto polyester tend to peel at the edges by the end of the night, so tape or a few stitches hold better. Keep the silver cape above the knee so nobody trips over it on stairs. A light foam helmet or a silver aviator cap gives the headpiece and leaves the face clear. Blue shadow, a round pink nose and brushed-up brows handle the makeup, with silver sneakers or blue boots below. Then strike the flying pose, slightly crash-landed, which is the whole joke.
8. Bert Costume With Striped Sweater
Bert is one of the easiest costumes to pull from a regular wardrobe, and the unibrow is what sells it. Find a vertically striped sweater in yellow, orange, blue and green, then pair it with green trousers and plain sneakers. A yellow beanie with small felt ears, an orange foam nose and a tuft of black yarn hair gives you the head. Cut the single connected eyebrow from black felt and make it thicker than feels right; thin brows disappear from a few feet away. For adults, golden shadow and sharp brows work better than yellow face paint. A clear box of paper clips or a book makes a dry, very Bert prop. Keep the trousers relaxed for a long evening, and know that he truly comes alive next to an Ernie.
9. Ernie Costume With Rubber Ducky
Ernie is Bert's opposite in nearly every way, starting with the stripes, which run horizontally. Choose a red, blue, yellow and white striped sweater with jeans or navy pants. An orange beanie with felt ears, a round red-orange nose and short black yarn hair build the head. Warm orange blush gives his colouring without paint. Red sneakers or canvas shoes keep it casual. The rubber ducky is the prop, and if you want hands free, clip a larger soft duck to a crossbody bag. In warm weather a striped scarf can stand in for the sweater. For young kids, I'd swap yarn hair for flat felt pieces sewn down firmly, since little hands pull loose strands straight off.
10. Count Von Count Costume With Purple Cape
The Count needs a bit more tailoring than the monsters, and that's half the fun. Start with a white shirt, black trousers and a dark vest, then add a purple cape lined in green. A soft stand-up collar gives the drama; a stiff one digs into the jaw within an hour. Style a pointed widow's peak with temporary black hair colour, or use a short black wig. Lavender face paint, used sparingly, with arched brows and a neat smile keeps him friendly rather than frightening. Wear comfortable loafers instead of stiff dress shoes. For the prop, foam numbers or a little counting board. Teachers love this one, since counting fits any classroom, and kids should get a shorter cape so it doesn't drag through puddles.
11. Rosita Costume With Turquoise Dress
Rosita's turquoise is a hard colour to find in fleece, so start shopping early. A turquoise fleece dress or hoodie with matching leggings is the base, and soft blue-green fringe along the sleeves gives her furry look. Put large eyes and a rounded orange nose on a hood or headband. Colourful ribbons in natural hair work, or a fluffy turquoise wig that keeps the face clear. Teal shadow, peach blush and pink lip balm are all the makeup she needs. Turquoise sneakers match the base, and a toy guitar is her prop. On kids, I cut the fringe short, because long strips catch in car doors and party games. Adults can go with a sweater dress and opaque tights.
12. Zoe Costume With Pink Tutu
Zoe is built for dancing, so I plan the whole outfit around movement. Begin with an orange long-sleeve top and orange leggings, then add a fluffy pink tutu. Pick a soft tulle tutu, not a stiff net one, because stiff net scratches bare legs and flattens the first time she sits. An orange hood or beanie with white eyes, a rounded nose and small yarn details builds the head, and pink clips or a headband add colour near the face. Peach blush, rosy lip balm and a hint of pink shadow cover makeup. Pink ballet flats suit indoor parties; sneakers suit everything else. A little dance bag or a pink ribbon on one wrist is plenty of prop.
13. Julia Costume With Green Dress
Julia is a gentle choice for kids who dislike scratchy costumes, and the outfit reflects that. Layer a sleeveless green dress over a pale shirt, add purple leggings and flat shoes they already know. A shoulder-length red-orange bob finishes the character, but only use a wig if the child actually likes wearing it; many sensory-sensitive kids won't keep one on, and that's fine. A toy rabbit or a paintbrush works as a quiet prop. Keep makeup to peach blush and lip balm, or none. I'd leave out scratchy trims, flashing lights, tight headbands and heavy paint. If it helps, pin a small hand-drawn character badge to the dress. Tag-free layers and smooth, soft leggings get her through a long school day.
14. Rudy Costume With Orange Hoodie
Rudy's orange and blue palette comes together in one afternoon. Wear an orange hoodie and sweatpants, with short pieces of orange faux fur around the hood and cuffs. Attach big white felt eyes and a soft round nose just above the hood opening. His blue curls are the giveaway: blue yarn, a small curly wig or a blue fuzzy beanie under the hood all work, and yarn loops sewn in clusters look curlier than single strands. Skip orange face paint; blue shadow and peach blush say enough. Orange sneakers or blue high-tops keep the palette going, and a school backpack is an easy prop. Stitch every decoration, because glued felt pops off fast on a kid who's running around.
15. Gonger Costume With Chef Apron
Gonger is a deep-cut character, which makes him fun for fans who've already done Elmo. Start with a fuzzy pink sweatshirt and pants, then tie a white apron over the top. Add white felt eyes, a wide mouth and pink faux-fur trim on the hood. The chef hat is the key piece, and it's also the piece that slips: use a lightweight fabric one and pin it to a headband so it can't slide over the eyes. Rosy makeup and brushed-up brows give the expression. White sneakers match the apron. A mixing spoon, an empty bowl or a felt vegetable makes a harmless prop. Put him next to Cookie Monster in a group and the food joke links them, even though their colours don't match.
16. Telly Monster Costume With Triangle Prop
Telly's magenta and that big triangle set him apart from every other monster in the room. Choose a berry-purple hoodie and pants, with short faux-fur trim on the sleeves. Large white eyes, thick dark brows and an orange felt nose go on the hood. Plum shadow and softly defined brows tie the face in. Flat-soled purple sneakers or boots keep it practical. Cut the triangle from foam board, paint it yellow and round off the points; sharp corners poke people in a crowd and bend on the first bump. A triangle-print crossbody bag is a hands-free alternative. Keep his expression friendly rather than anxious. School parties suit him well, since the shape gives teachers a built-in lesson.
17. Baby Bear Costume With Overalls
Baby Bear feels like a storybook, which makes him a good pick for younger kids. Start with a brown fleece hoodie and pants, then layer blue denim overalls over them. Rounded ears, large eyes and a tan felt muzzle go on the hood, and the face stays visible with just a small brown nose and a few washable freckles. Brown sneakers or soft paw covers finish the feet. A sketchbook and chunky crayons nod to his artistic side, or carry a small stuffed bear. For toddlers, I insist on overalls with snaps at the crotch; bathroom trips in buckled overalls are no fun mid-party. Adults can wear relaxed dungarees over a brown sweater and skip the mascot-suit look entirely.
18. Snuffleupagus Costume With Brown Fringe
Snuffleupagus takes more crafting than most looks here, but the size is the reward. Start with a loose brown tunic over brown leggings or joggers. Sew layered strips of light brown fleece along the body and sleeves; fleece doesn't fray, so the strips can stay raw-edged, but stop them above the ankles so nobody steps on them. A brown hood gets big eyes, long lashes and a padded trunk that ends around chest level. Never put anything over the wearer's nose or mouth. Warm brown shadow and drawn-on lashes match the hood. Brown sneakers or flat boots disappear under the fringe. A small yellow bird toy points to his friendship with Big Bird, and in a group his bulk fills out the photo nicely.
19. Tango Puppy Costume With Blue Collar
Tango, the puppy, can be worn by a child, an adult or the family dog. For a person, a golden-brown hoodie and joggers get floppy fabric ears and a soft tan muzzle on the hood. A bright blue collar from wide ribbon, with a light round tag, is the detail that names her. A painted brown nose, a few freckles and natural blush do the makeup. Brown sneakers or soft paw covers finish it, and a toy ball is the obvious prop. For a real dog, use the blue collar and a comfortable golden vest, and leave headwear off entirely. Dogs need to hear, see and pant normally, and anything dangling gets chewed. No face paint or loose accessories on pets, ever.
20. Guy Smiley Costume With Game Show Suit
Guy Smiley is the costume for the friend who refuses to wear fleece. A dark suit, white shirt, loud tie and polished shoes do most of it. Add a smooth yellow cap or headpiece with neat black hair and bold felt eyebrows. Adults can use golden makeup, a longer painted nose and a huge grin, keeping eyes and mouth clear. A toy microphone and a few colourful question cards set up the game-show host. A name badge with a smile symbol saves you from explaining him all night. Stretch trousers and a light blazer make the suit bearable on a warm dance floor. In a group, put him out front with a microphone and let him introduce everyone.
21. Yip Yip Martian Costume With Wide Mouth
The Yip Yips are for the handmade-costume crowd, and they're a real build. Sew a long, fuzzy tube tunic in pink, blue or orange, worn over matching leggings. The mouth is a wide band of black mesh, so the wearer can see out while the opening still reads as solid black from outside. Two big eyes go on flexible stalks above the head; pipe cleaners inside fleece tubes bend back after a bump. Curling yarn tentacles hang below the mouth, trimmed well above the feet. Keep sneakers visible for safe walking. Skip face makeup, since nobody sees it, and use breathable fabric because a fleece tube gets hot quickly. Walk a flight of stairs in it at home before you wear it anywhere crowded.
22. Two-Headed Monster Duo Costume
The Two-Headed Monster is a visual joke that only works when two people commit together. Each wears a purple fuzzy hoodie, purple pants and purple sneakers. One hood gets large eyes, a blue nose and dark yarn hair, the other coordinating eyes, an orange nose and lighter hair. Join the two loosely with a wide purple fabric panel fastened with snaps or hook-and-loop tabs. That panel has to release in a second, because two people tied together will fall the first time one turns to grab a drink. Matching violet shadow and big eyebrows handle the makeup. Carry two halves of a foam word card that spell one word when you stand together. Siblings or a parent and child make a great pair here.
23. Bert And Ernie Couple Costume
Bert and Ernie is the easiest couple costume on this list, with no fur suits needed. Bert takes the vertical stripes, green trousers, a yellow beanie, a tall orange nose and the connected black brow. Ernie takes horizontal multicolour stripes, blue pants, an orange beanie and a round red nose. Both hats get black yarn hair, and both faces stay open. Matching sneakers keep it a walking costume. Bert carries his paper clips; Ernie, the rubber ducky. Golden and peach blush beat full face paint for adults who'll be eating and talking all night. The stripe direction does the real work: even after the noses come off at midnight, people still know who's who.
24. Elmo And Cookie Monster Duo Costume
Red and blue side by side are hard to miss in photos, which is why Elmo and Cookie Monster make such a good pair. One wears the red hoodie and joggers with white eyes and an orange nose. The other wears royal blue with the uneven googly eyes and a soft black mouth shape. Short faux-fur cuffs give texture without trapping heat like a full fur body would. Red and blue sneakers finish each side. Elmo carries the fishbowl and Cookie Monster the felt cookie. Keep makeup to colour-matched shadow and blush. I'd pick washable fleece for both, since this pair tends to end up at parties with food, and red dye loves to bleed onto blue.
25. Big Bird And Snuffy Best Friend Costume
Big Bird and Snuffy is a sweet best-friends pairing that plays with height. Big Bird wears a yellow sweatshirt, a feather-trimmed skirt or pants, striped pink-and-orange tights, an eye headband and orange shoes. Snuffy wears a loose brown fringed tunic, matching pants, a lashed hood, a short trunk and brown sneakers. Gold makeup for one and soft brown shadow for the other, both faces open. Split a foam friendship heart between them, or let Big Bird carry a notebook. Shorten fringe and feathers for kids so they don't drag in walkways. For photos, have Big Bird stand very tall and Snuffy lean slightly forward, and the difference in size tells the story.
26. Elmo Cookie Monster And Big Bird Family Costume
Three primary colours make this the simplest family theme to pull together. One person is Elmo in red with the orange nose, one is Cookie Monster in blue with the uneven eyes, and the third is Big Bird in yellow with feather trim and striped tights. Match red, blue and orange footwear so everyone walks comfortably. Elmo carries the fishbowl, Cookie Monster a soft cookie, and Big Bird a light nest or a single big feather. Adults can wear a touch of matching makeup; kids can skip it. Cast by comfort, not height. A short dad makes a perfectly good Big Bird. The shared hoodie base is what ties the trio together while letting each person stand out.
27. Oscar Cookie Monster Elmo And Big Bird Family Costume
A family of four covers the neighbourhood's biggest names with Oscar, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird. Green, blue, red and yellow hoodie sets form the base. Felt eyes, soft foam noses and each character's hood details tell them apart. Oscar brings a silver fabric lid, Cookie Monster a big felt cookie, Elmo the fishbowl, and Big Bird the striped tights and orange shoes. Keep makeup light so the youngest can join without paint. Short fur trim is cooler and easier to wash than full furry suits. For photos, put the tallest at the back and the little ones in front. Four strong colours this different read clearly even from across a crowded school gym.
28. Sesame Street Group Costume With Six Characters
Six friends can cover the core cast: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar, Abby Cadabby and Grover. Give each person a distinct base colour, and decide early who gets which blue, since Cookie Monster and Grover sit close together. Light eyes, noses, ears, feathers, wings and fuzzy cuffs replace full masks. Elmo carries a fishbowl, Cookie Monster a cookie, Big Bird wears striped socks, Oscar brings a foam lid, Abby a star wand and Grover a small book. Match sneakers to each costume. Keep makeup bright but simple so the group looks like one cast. Before you head out, line everyone up and check that wings, capes and props aren't knocking into each other.
29. Sesame Street Sign Costume With Character Outfit
The Sesame Street sign is a clever answer for anyone who can't pick a character. Wear a green sweatshirt, black pants and green sneakers, then strap a light street-sign shape across the chest. Give it white edging, a yellow half-circle at the top and simple block lettering. I'd use foam board over cardboard, which wilts if the night turns damp. Keep the sign above the knees and use wide shoulder straps so both hands stay free. A green cap dotted with tiny felt monster eyes is a fun extra. Green liner and fresh blush keep makeup simple. Party hosts and teachers like this one, since it joins a group theme without any faux fur at all.
30. Bert Ernie And Elmo Family Of Three Costume
Bert, Ernie and Elmo is a comfortable family-of-three that grown-ups can actually move in. One adult wears Bert's vertical stripes, green pants, yellow hat, orange nose and black brow. The other wears Ernie's horizontal stripes, blue trousers, orange hat, red nose and the ducky. The child gets a soft red Elmo hoodie, red pants, red sneakers and an orange felt nose sewn above the hood opening. Adults can add warm yellow and orange makeup at the cheeks; the child's face stays bare. Use foam or fabric details, not hard plastic. Sweaters free the parents to carry bags or push a stroller, and everything here goes straight back into the regular wardrobe in November.
Casting the Group So No Two Monsters Blur Together
A big Sesame Street group looks great in theory and muddy in photos if nobody plans the colours. Several characters share a palette, so I sort out who plays whom before anyone buys a hoodie.
- Cookie Monster and Grover are both blue. If you have both, give Cookie Monster the darker royal blue with the googly eyes and Grover the brighter cobalt with the pink nose, and keep those two details big.
- Elmo's red and Gonger's pink can read similar under orange party lights. Separate them in the line-up and let the chef hat do the talking.
- Telly's magenta and the Two-Headed Monster's purple are close cousins, so pick one or the other.
- Bert and Ernie only work as a pair. If one of them can't come, swap the other for a character who stands alone.
- Give the person who hates hoods a no-hood character: the Count, Guy Smiley, Julia or the street sign.
Then do a quick dress rehearsal in good light. If two people look alike from across the room, change a prop or a hat rather than a whole outfit.
Cutting Faux Fur Without a Snowstorm of Fluff
Short fur trim at the cuffs and hood is what makes a fleece hoodie feel like a Muppet, but faux fur sheds badly if you cut it like regular fabric. Turn it over and cut only the backing with small snips or a craft knife, sliding the blade under the pile instead of through it. The long fibres stay attached and you lose far less fluff.
Shake each cut strip outside, run a lint roller along the edges, and sew it on with a wide zigzag, brushing the pile out of the seam with a pin afterwards. Wash fur-trimmed hoodies inside out in cold water and let them air dry, since high dryer heat can melt and mat synthetic pile. Stored folded in a bag, the trims last for several more Halloweens or a dress-up box.
One Hoodie, a Few Felt Pieces, and You're on Sesame Street
Every character above comes back to the same recipe: a bold base colour, two or three signature details and props light enough to carry all night. Hoodies, joggers, sweater dresses, overalls and sneakers handle the comfort, while the eyes, noses, feathers and wings handle the character. Think about who's wearing it, how long they'll be out and whether they'll tolerate paint or a hood before you add bulk. A single Elmo is just as fun as a full cast, but if your group is big, this street has a character for everyone. Sew the pieces on firmly, keep faces clear, and the whole neighbourhood will survive a long party and still look right in the last photo.
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