A party costume has two jobs: people should know who you are within a second of you walking in, and you should still be comfortable at midnight. The characters everyone is talking about this year lean toward bright animated heroines, video game favourites, witches from the stage and screen, and a few playful aesthetics you can pull from a thrift rack. I've written each one below as a whole outfit, with the clothes, hair, makeup, prop and shoes, because a costume almost never fails on the big piece. It fails on the wig that slips, the cape that gets stepped on or the boots you can't stand in after an hour. Read through, pick the one that suits the night you're actually having, and borrow details freely between them.
Taming a Party Wig Before You Leave the House
Half the characters on this list live or die by their hair: Rumi's braid, Zoey's buns, Mira's pink length, Rosalina's fringe, Glinda's curls and Wednesday's plaits. Most party wigs come out of the bag flattened, shiny and tangled, and a little prep makes a cheap one look far better.
- Shake it out, then brush from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb. Brushing from the root pulls fibres out and makes it shed.
- A wig cap over your own hair, pinned flat, gives the wig something to grip. I cross two bobby pins in an X at each side of the head through the wig and cap.
- Check the label before using heat. Standard synthetic fibre frizzes or melts under a straightener; only wigs sold as heat-resistant take low heat.
- Too much plastic shine? A light dusting of dry shampoo or translucent powder takes it down to something closer to real hair.
- Trim fringes with the wig on your head, a little at a time. Wig fibre doesn't spring up the way hair does, so what you cut is what you get.
Afterwards, untangle it gently, rinse it in cool water with a little conditioner if it's grubby, and let it dry over a bottle or stand. Stored in a hairnet inside a bag, it will be ready for next year.
1. Rumi KPop Demon Hunters Costume
Rumi's look rests on the hair, so I'd spend the money there and save on everything else. A cropped yellow jacket over a fitted black top and purple shorts or a short skirt makes the base, with patterned tights or leggings underneath. The long purple braid needs a wig with enough fibre to plait thickly; a thin party wig braids down to a sad little rope. Wrap the braid with gold cord and slide on a few small rings. Purple shadow, a sharp liner and a little shimmer on the cheeks are plenty. Paint a cardboard sword in metallics for the prop, keep it light, and wear combat boots or flat ankle boots you've already walked in. If there's dancing, choose stretch fabrics over anything stiff.
2. Zoey KPop Demon Hunters Costume
Zoey is the easiest of the three to thrift, since her outfit is mostly colour and attitude. Start with a blue cropped top and matching shorts, then find an oversized bright jacket and cover it in iron-on patches or painted symbols. The two high space buns are the signature. I build each bun around a small foam donut or a sock bun so it holds its shape all night, and leave a few strands loose at the face. Pink and blue eye makeup with a glossy lip keeps it animated. Carry a light microphone or foam blade, wear platform sneakers you can actually dance in, and add small hoops, fingerless gloves and a few star decals. She also slots neatly into a friend group with Rumi and Mira.
3. Mira KPop Demon Hunters Costume
Mira is the polished one, so fit matters more here than with the others. Pair a fitted white or pale pink top with a bright yellow mini skirt or shorts and a structured cropped jacket in pastel. The long pink wig can be worn straight, in a high ponytail or with clips at the temples; I'd test the ponytail version at home first, because a heavy ponytail drags a cheap wig backwards off the hairline. Sharp winged liner, pink blush, pearly highlighter and gloss suit her. A metallic foam staff or light stage microphone is the prop. White platform boots look right, but supportive sneakers or block-heeled ankle boots save your feet. Gold jewellery and a statement belt make plain closet pieces look styled.
4. Labubu Costume With Furry Ears
Labubu reads as cute and slightly mischievous, and the grin carries most of it. A fuzzy romper in brown, beige, pink or gray goes over a long-sleeve shirt and opaque tights. Big pointed ears on a padded fabric headband, plus a short messy wig in the fur colour, build the head. Paint round cheeks, a small nose, raised brows and a wide row of little white teeth around the mouth. I draw the teeth with a white cream liner and set them with powder, or they smear onto the first drink. Furry mittens, a tiny plush bag and colour-matched sneakers finish it. Choose a light faux fur; a heavy pile fabric gets hot fast in a crowded room.
5. Derpy Blue Tiger Costume
A goofy blue tiger is about as low-stress as a costume gets. Wear a loose blue hoodie and joggers and add darker blue or black stripes with removable fabric tape, which lets the hoodie go back to normal life in November. A padded tail at the waistband and rounded ears on a headband give you the shape. A fluffy blue wig or a temporary hair colour adds volume at the face. With skin-safe makeup, draw a dark nose, whisker dots, a few soft stripes and wide, surprised eyebrows; the brows are what make it derpy rather than fierce. Carry a colourful plush bird, wear blue high-tops, and put a thermal layer under the hoodie if you'll be outside. It suits adults and older kids equally well.
6. Rosalina Galaxy Costume
Rosalina wants length and calm colour. Find a floor-length or midi turquoise dress with long sleeves and a softly flared skirt, pin a silver star brooch at the neckline, and add a small metallic crown set with blue gems. The pale blonde wig needs its long side fringe swept over one eye. I trim that fringe to just above the eyelid, because anything longer gets blinked into all night. Icy blue shadow, silver liner, rosy cheeks and highlighter keep the face luminous. A star wand cut from painted foam is lighter than cardboard and won't crease. If the dress is plain, scatter rhinestones or iron-on stars over the skirt and sleeves. Silver ballet flats or low block heels keep a long hem off the floor safely.
7. Mario Galaxy Costume With Star Prop
This Mario keeps the classic red and blue and adds a star from his space adventures. Blue overalls go over a bright red long-sleeve shirt, with white gloves and a red cap carrying a white circle on the front. Your own hair can show or tuck under the hat. For the moustache, a reusable stick-on piece holds better through eating and talking than a drawn one, which fades at the corners. Keep the rest of the makeup minimal. Carry a yellow foam star or fix a small plush star to one strap. Brown work boots, hiking boots or chunky sneakers give the right shape at the foot. Silver star patches on the overalls tie it to the space theme if you want more.
8. Spider-Man Brand New Day Costume
Spider-Man needs no explanation, which leaves you free to make a version that's actually comfortable. A fitted red athletic top with blue leggings or joggers is the base. Draw the web in black fabric paint, or lay it out with removable tape if you want the top back afterwards, and cut a big spider emblem from black felt for the chest. Full masks get hot and fog the view, so I'd go maskless at a party, with your own hair styled and a small web painted at one eye. Light gloves, a coil of white ribbon as a web, and red-and-blue sneakers rather than slippery boot covers. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps it bearable if you're moving all evening.
9. Supergirl Costume With Blue Cape
The trick with Supergirl is a cape that stays put. Wear a fitted blue top with the red and yellow shield emblem, plus a blue skirt, shorts or leggings. Cut the red cape to the knee and fix it at both shoulders, not just around the neck; a cape tied only at the throat pulls backwards and chokes you a little every time you sit. A long blonde wig in soft waves or your own hair with a side part both work. Rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a classic red lip, with light wrist cuffs. A notebook or folded newspaper nods to her reporter life. Red flat boots or high-tops, and thermal tights under the skirt on a cold night.
10. Mandalorian Costume With Grogu Prop
A Mandalorian looks complicated but is mostly layering and paint. A brown or charcoal jumpsuit sits under a dark cape, with silver foam armour on the chest, shoulders, forearms and knees. EVA foam can be gently warmed and curved to sit around a shoulder, while thin craft foam only bends flat and creases, so I use the thicker foam for anything rounded. A light helmet needs real airflow and a clear view; if yours doesn't have both, go helmet-free with tousled hair and a little charcoal shading at the eyes. A utility belt with harmless pouches, a small green alien plush in a crossbody carrier, and brown combat boots. A dry-brushed coat of darker paint over the silver hides the cheapness of the foam.
11. Elphaba Wicked Witch Costume
Elphaba is a makeup costume first and a dress second. Choose a long black dress with textured sleeves, ruffles or a fitted bodice, and a black cape that stops above the ankle. A wide-brimmed pointed hat gives the silhouette, with a long black wig in soft waves or a low braid. The green has to go on evenly across the face, neck and ears, blended into the hairline so there's no pale rim. Defined brows, a smoky eye and a dark berry lip finish the face without making it frightening. Carry a small broom or a black spellbook-style notebook. Low, stable lace-up ankle boots, and thermal leggings under the dress if you're outdoors much of the night.
12. Glinda Pink Bubble Dress Costume
Glinda is pure sparkle, and the challenge is keeping it wearable. Look for a pale pink ball gown, a tulle midi or a layered maxi with puffed sleeves, then add rhinestones, silver stars and iridescent appliqués. A tall crown made from glitter cardstock on a flexible headband is light enough to wear for hours. Glitter cardstock sheds on everything it touches, so I seal it with a coat of clear spray before the party. The blonde wig wants plenty of curl and volume at the crown. Shimmering pink shadow, fluttery lashes, glowing cheeks and a glossy rose lip. A foam star wand, glittery flats or low silver heels, and a sheer pink cape to keep your shoulders warm without hiding the dress.
13. Wednesday Addams School Uniform Costume
Wednesday is the costume for someone who wants to wear their own clothes and still be obvious. A black long-sleeved dress with a crisp white pointed collar is the whole outfit. No collared dress? Layer a black shift over a white button-down. Opaque black tights and polished loafers or flat lace-up boots. Part a long black wig dead centre and braid it in two smooth plaits over the shoulders; tight, even braids matter more than wig quality here. Keep the skin matte and a touch pale, with cool gray shadow, strong brows and a muted berry lip. Carry a black book, a small instrument case or a vintage satchel. Then hold a flat, unimpressed expression in photos, which sells it better than any prop.
14. Superman Costume With Classic Red Cape
Superman uses the plainest primary colours on the list, which is why he reads from across a room. Start with a fitted royal-blue athletic shirt and matching pants or leggings, and put the red and yellow shield on the chest in felt or iron-on vinyl. Iron-on vinyl looks sharper but needs a pressing cloth and the right heat, or it bubbles. Red shorts and a yellow belt give the classic version. Short dark hair goes in a side part with one curl dropped onto the forehead. Natural makeup with lightly defined brows. Black-framed glasses let you switch to the reporter disguise. Red boots or sneakers in red fabric gaiters, and a knee-length cape fixed so it can't slide under your feet.
15. Toothless Black Dragon Costume
Toothless gives you a dragon without a mascot suit. Wear a black hooded jumpsuit, or a black hoodie with leggings or joggers. Light fabric wings stitched from the underarm to the side seam open when you lift your arms, which looks far better than stiff wings sticking out behind. A padded tail at the waistband and small ears and rounded foam horns on the hood complete the shape. Matte black liner, a few stencilled scales and bright green around the eyes. Reflective green circles on the hood suggest his big eyes and help you be seen after dark. Carry a plush fish or a hand-drawn map, and wear black sneakers or flexible ankle boots.
16. Minecraft Chicken Jockey Costume
The Chicken Jockey is a joke costume, and it lands best when the build is sound. Wear a green pixel-print hoodie or a cardboard zombie head, with a teal shirt and purple pants. The white chicken body goes around the waist, made from foam board or a decorated box, with blocky wings and a square head at the front. Hang it from wide adjustable shoulder straps, not just a waist tie; a waist-only box rides down onto your thighs within minutes and stops you walking. Green face makeup with pixel squares on the cheeks works if you skip the box head. Carry a foam game block and wear flat shoes you trust. Turn sideways through doors and expect to bump people in a packed room.
17. Princess Peach Pink Gown Costume
Princess Peach depends on a few details being exactly right: pink, puff sleeves, the blue brooch and the crown. Choose a pink maxi or full-skirted midi with puff sleeves and darker pink panels, pin a blue oval brooch at the neckline and pull on elbow-length white gloves. A long golden-blonde wig with curled ends and side-swept bangs sits under a light gold crown set with red and blue craft gems. Pink shadow, curled lashes, rosy blush and gloss. A small parasol, plush star or mushroom bag makes a playful prop. A tulle petticoat gives volume, but I hem it a few inches shorter than the dress so it never shows and never catches a heel on the stairs.
18. Aliencore Costume With Holographic Jumpsuit
Aliencore suits anyone who wants something futuristic without dressing as a particular character. A holographic jumpsuit in silver, lavender or pale green is cinched with a wide metallic belt. Add translucent shoulder panels, vinyl arm cuffs and iridescent gloves. Holographic fabric shows every wrinkle and seam, so I steam it on low and never iron it directly. A white, icy blue or neon green wig in a smooth bob or sculpted ponytail keeps the lines clean. Opalescent shadow, graphic liner, dewy highlighter and a few adhesive gems at the temples. Swap the old antenna headband for a silver halo piece, carry a clear orb, and finish with white platform sneakers or metallic ankle boots.
19. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
A glam vampire is the most adaptable costume here; it works in a dress or a suit. Start with a fitted black velvet dress, a tailored black suit or a lace blouse with wide-leg trousers, and layer a deep red cape over the shoulders, ending above the ankles. Polished waves or a black wig with a sharp centre part. Smoky eyes, sculpted cheekbones, slightly pale skin and a rich crimson lip. Long-wear liquid lipstick is my choice here, because a cream red ends up on every glass and the rim of your fangs. The fangs themselves are optional and come out to eat or drink. Carry a compact mirror or faux rose, and add a jewelled collar or vintage brooch at the neckline.
20. Gothic Doll Costume With Lace Dress
The gothic doll mixes sweetness with something slightly off, and the makeup sets the balance. Wear a black lace dress with puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a knee-length or midi skirt, with a white ruffled collar underneath and striped tights or lace-trimmed socks. A black wig in two curled pigtails tied with velvet bows. For the face, porcelain foundation, round blush, exaggerated painted lower lashes and a neatly shaped plum lip. I'd skip cracked-skin effects so it stays pretty rather than frightening. Carry a tiny structured handbag, a stuffed black cat or a big decorative key. Mary Janes or flat lace-up boots, and a short petticoat soft enough to sit down in.
21. Vintage Circus Ringmaster Costume
A ringmaster is a thrift-store costume at heart. Look for a red or burgundy tailcoat, or any fitted jacket you can trim, and wear it over a white ruffled shirt with high-waisted black trousers. A gold-trimmed vest, a striped bow tie and a small top hat held on with hairpins or a thin elastic. Gold braid, decorative buttons and shoulder fringe are what turn a plain jacket into the centrepiece. I hand-tack the braid every few inches rather than gluing it, because glue lines show through and lift at the curves. Bold blush, winged liner, strong brows and a red lip. Carry a rolled paper program or a light gold hoop, and wear riding-style boots, loafers or block-heeled ankle boots.
22. Friendly Ghost Costume With White Cape
A friendly ghost can be much prettier than a bedsheet. Dress in all white, such as a flowing jumpsuit, a maxi dress or an oversized sweater with wide-leg trousers, and add a sheer hooded cape that floats without covering your face. The secret is mixing textures: chiffon, knit, satin and tulle together keep an all-white outfit from looking flat in photos. White or silver hair in loose waves, or temporary spray colour through your own hair. Pearly white shadow, pale pink blush, silver liner and tiny star decals round the eyes. A small white pumpkin bucket or a battery lantern to carry. White sneakers, flats or soft ankle boots. Expect white to show every spill, so skip the red punch.
23. Classic Witch Costume With Purple Cape
The classic witch has stayed popular because you can make her as simple or as detailed as time allows. A long black ruffled dress, or a black blouse tucked into a flowing maxi skirt, goes under a purple velvet cape. A wide-brimmed pointed hat trimmed with ribbon or small fabric stars. Most cheap witch hats collapse at the brim, so I slip a ring of thin wire or a strip of plastic canvas inside the band to hold it out. Loose waves, a textured braid or a messy low bun. Purple smoky eyes, precise black liner and a plum lip. A broom from a dowel and raffia, striped black-and-purple tights, buckled ankle boots, and a hem that clears the ground on stairs.
24. Celestial Moon Costume With Star Cape
The celestial moon is a softer choice for anyone tired of witches and fairies. A midnight-blue or silver jumpsuit, maxi dress or fitted top with a flowing skirt, under a sheer cape scattered with metallic stars and crescents. Silver, white or dark blue hair in soft waves with star clips and a crescent headband. Icy blue shadow, silver liner, luminous highlighter and tiny dots at the temples set like little constellations. I place those dots with the wooden end of a makeup brush dipped in cream paint, which gives cleaner circles than a pencil. A crescent wand or glowing orb, silver ankle boots or glitter sneakers, and a cape kept narrow so it doesn't sweep the table.
25. 1980s Power Suit Costume
An 80s power suit is easy to find secondhand, and the shoulders do the talking. Choose an oversized blazer with big padded shoulders, then add high-waisted pleated trousers and a silky funnel-neck blouse. Jewel tones, black and gold or a bold geometric print all suit it. If the blazer's pads are modest, I add a second set of shoulder pads tacked inside, which costs very little and changes the whole silhouette. A wide belt, chunky gold cuffs, clip-on earrings and a vintage brooch. Big hair or a curled wig swept back off the face. Colourful shadow, strong blush, glossy lipstick and bold brows. Carry a briefcase or a painted cardboard brick phone, and wear pointed pumps, loafers or block-heeled boots.
26. Poetcore Costume With Vintage Blazer
Poetcore is the quietest costume on the list, and you can wear every piece again afterwards. Layer an oversized turtleneck under a brown tweed or corduroy blazer, then add pleated trousers or a long plaid skirt, plus a cape-style coat on a cold night. Natural waves, a loose bun or a slightly tousled short cut. Softly smudged brown liner, muted blush and a berry lip. Because nothing about it shouts Halloween, the props matter: a messenger bag stuffed with notebooks, a fountain pen and a rolled handwritten page. A brooch or narrow scarf at the collar, worn-in loafers, brogues or lace-up boots, and round glasses for the finishing note.
27. Paleontologist Costume With Utility Vest
A paleontologist is a costume you can wear all evening without a single adjustment. A khaki utility shirt with Bermuda shorts, cargo pants or pleated trousers, a pocketed field vest and a wide-brimmed canvas hat. Hair in a braid, low ponytail or simple short style that copes with wind. Warm neutral makeup, with a little brown shadow dusted across the cheeks like field dust. The props make the character, so fill a crossbody satchel with a toy dinosaur, a fossil replica, a notebook and a soft brush, and leave real digging tools at home. A paper ID badge and a hand-drawn dig map help people guess it. Hiking boots or trail sneakers you've already broken in.
28. Soft Fawn Costume With Brown Dress
The soft fawn is animal styling without a fur suit, which keeps it light. Wear a tan or warm brown dress, a sweater set or a fitted top with a skater skirt, plus cream tights and a short faux-fur vest. Rounded ears and tiny foam antlers go on a firm headband; I'd glue the antlers to a strip of felt and stitch that to the band, since glue alone on a smooth plastic headband pops off. Brown, caramel or blonde hair in loose curls or two low buns under the ears. Small white spots across the forehead and cheeks, a dark nose, winged liner and long lashes. A basket of fabric leaves, brown ankle or knee-high boots, and a soft tail pinned firmly at the back.
29. Gummy Bear Costume With Clear Accessories
A gummy bear turns candy colour into a cheerful costume, and it's at its best in a group of different colours. Choose a monochrome jumpsuit in red, green, orange, pink or yellow with a glossy or satin finish, and add a short bubble skirt or padded vest for a rounder shape. Matching rounded ears and a sleek ponytail or colour-matched wig. Glossy lids, jelly-toned blush, a bright lip and a little painted bear nose. Glossy lid products crease within a couple of hours, so I'd keep the shine to the centre of the lid and set the rest. Carry a clear handbag full of tissue-paper candies, and wear clear rain boots, translucent platforms or matching sneakers.
30. Celebrity Chef Costume With White Jacket
A celebrity chef is funny, cheap and easy to guess, and it passes most school and office costume rules. Wear a double-breasted white chef jacket with black or checkered trousers, a tall chef hat and a bright neckerchief. Hair tucks neatly under the hat, or a short tousled wig plays up the TV-chef energy. Natural makeup with expressive brows and flushed cheeks. A mixing bowl, oversized wooden spoon, recipe cards or a light faux cake make the prop; leave real knives and anything breakable in the kitchen. Tall paper chef hats crush in a bag, so I carry mine flat and pop it open at the door. Nonslip black shoes or sneakers, and a funny name badge or painted apron to make it yours.
Green Skin, Fangs and Glitter Without the Cleanup Disaster
Several of these looks put colour on a lot of skin: Elphaba's green, the gothic doll's porcelain, the fawn's spots, Labubu's teeth. Face and body paint behave very differently from everyday makeup, and a few habits keep it on your face instead of your collar and your friends.
- Patch-test anything new on the inside of your wrist or behind the ear a day ahead. Bright pigments and costume adhesives cause more reactions than ordinary makeup.
- Water-activated paint dries matte and lighter, and it smudges if you sweat. Cream paint blends more easily but stays tacky, so it transfers until you set it.
- Set cream colour with a generous press of translucent powder, then brush off the excess. A setting spray on top helps on a warm, crowded night.
- Do the face first and get dressed afterwards, with a towel or an old shirt around your shoulders. A green handprint on a black cape doesn't come out easily.
- Use cosmetic glitter only, never craft glitter, and keep it well away from the eyes.
- Take costume fangs out to eat and drink, and follow the fitting instructions exactly if they're the mouldable kind.
For removal, I start with an oil or balm cleanser massaged over dry skin, which lifts cream paint and long-wear lipstick, then wash with a gentle cleanser. Water-activated paint usually comes off with plain warm water and a soft cloth. Don't scrub green skin raw at 1 a.m.; a second gentle wash the next morning finishes the job.
Thirty Characters, One Comfortable Night Out
A good party costume is one people recognise straight away and you can still move, talk and eat in. The list runs from animated heroines and game characters to classic monsters, animals, jobs and simple aesthetics, and each one is built from breathable base pieces, light props, secure headwear and shoes you can stand in for hours. Thrifted clothes, homemade accessories, warmer layers or extra coverage adapt nearly all of them. The one thing I'd hold you to is treating the costume as a full outfit rather than leaning on one accessory. Hair, makeup and shoes that match the character are what make a homemade costume look deliberate.
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