A friend costume only works when both of you are equally easy to spot and equally happy wearing it. I've put together 35 pairs for best friends: cartoon and film characters, food jokes, decade throwbacks, simple sew-it-yourself ideas and a few gently spooky looks. Each one lists the full outfit, hair, makeup, props and shoes. Copy it closely or change the colours and layers for your bodies, budget and the weather. Most of the pieces come from your closets, a thrift shop or a small bag of felt and foam. I've noted where a stitch beats glue, because that's usually where homemade costumes fall apart.
Felt, Foam or Fabric Paint for the Little Details
Most of these pairs come down to a few small details added to everyday clothes: an initial on a cap, spots on a sweatsuit, a label on an apron. The material you pick for those details decides whether they survive the night.
Felt
Felt is my first choice for letters, spots, bones and appliqués. It doesn't fray, so the edges can stay raw. Craft felt pills and stretches, so for anything you'll wear more than once I use a wool-blend felt. Glue holds felt badly on stretchy knits and polyester; a few hand stitches at the edges hold far better.
Craft foam
Foam sheets suit hats, horns, crowns and bottle tops because they hold a shape. They crack where they bend over and over, so keep foam off elbows and waists. Hot glue on foam lets go in cold air, which matters if you're walking outside, so I back the joints with a strip of tape on the inside.
Fabric paint and markers
Paint is best for stripes, flowers and patterns you'd never cut by hand. Slide cardboard inside the garment first so it doesn't bleed through, and let it dry for at least a day before anyone wears it.
1. Wednesday And Enid BFF Costume
Wednesday and Enid suit two friends with opposite taste. Wednesday wears a black collared dress, opaque tights, black loafers and two neat braids, with matte makeup, softly defined eyes and a neutral lip. Enid wears a colourful striped sweater, a pleated skirt, patterned tights and bright sneakers or ankle boots, with a blond wig dipped in pastel at the ends, colourful clips and shimmery makeup. Matching school bags or notebooks connect you without fussy props. If you can't find a white collar for Wednesday's dress, I cut one from a cotton shirt and tack it on at the neckline with a few hand stitches; it comes off cleanly after Halloween.
2. Glinda And Elphaba BFF Costume
Glinda and Elphaba is pink froth next to sharp black. Glinda wears a pale pink tulle dress, sparkly flats and a small crown, with a light cardboard star wand, soft blond curls and rosy, shimmery makeup. Elphaba wears a long black dress, a fitted jacket, a pointed hat and comfortable lace-up boots, with green face makeup, dark brows and a long black braid or wavy wig. Pin both hats before you leave. The point is that neither of you looks like the sidekick. A homemade tulle skirt needs at least three layers to look full, and I gather each one onto wide elastic so the waist doesn't dig in.
3. Cher And Dionne BFF Costume
Cher and Dionne are '90s school fashion at its neatest. Cher wears a yellow plaid blazer and pleated skirt over a white top, knee-high socks, Mary Janes and a small fuzzy backpack, with straight blond hair curled at the ends and fresh, glossy makeup. Dionne wears a black-and-white plaid skirt suit, a red cardigan or vest, over-the-knee socks and black platforms, with long braids and a dramatic plaid hat. Mini notebooks or old-style phone props suit both. Set the skirt length where you're comfortable. Plaid is fiddly to sew because the lines have to meet at the seams, so I'd thrift the skirt and only make the hat.
4. Daphne And Velma BFF Costume
Daphne and Velma are two bright palettes built from easy-to-thrift pieces. Daphne wears a purple long-sleeve dress, a green neck scarf, lavender tights and low purple boots, with a long red wig or her own red hair under a smooth headband and soft purple eyeshadow. Velma wears an orange turtleneck, a red pleated skirt, orange knee socks and red or brown loafers, with a short brown bob wig, square glasses and natural makeup. A magnifying glass, notebook or flashlight makes a good prop. Orange knee socks are surprisingly hard to find; I dye white ones in a small pot with fabric dye, and they take colour evenly if they're mostly cotton.
5. Mario And Luigi BFF Costume
Mario and Luigi suit almost anyone. Mario wears blue overalls over a red shirt and Luigi wears the same with green, plus white gloves, brown work boots or sneakers and red and green caps with felt initials. Draw the mustaches with face paint or use stick-on ones with skin-safe adhesive. Tuck your hair under the caps so the colour does the work. Foam plungers, cardboard coins or plush mushrooms make easy props, and a suspender skirt over the coloured top swaps in for overalls. I sew the felt initials onto a felt circle first and then stitch that to the cap, which is far tidier than trying to sew tiny letters straight onto a curved crown.
6. Cowgirl Barbie BFF Costume
Cowgirl Barbie is a matching pink pair that leaves room for each of you. Start with pink flare pants or a fringed skirt, a white fitted top, a pink vest and a coordinating neck scarf. Both of you wear white cowboy hats, pink bandanas and white or metallic boots, with hair in smooth waves in any colour, rosy makeup, glossy lips and a little shimmer. Heart sunglasses and small star purses finish it. Pick different pinks, or swap where the white and pink go, so you're not twins. Store-bought fringe is often only glued to its tape; I run a line of machine stitching along the top before attaching it, or it starts dropping strands by the end of the night.
7. Angel And Devil BFF Costume
Angel and devil is the classic pair for friends who are complete opposites. The angel wears a white dress or white top and trousers, sheer wings, a silver halo and white sneakers or ankle boots, with soft waves and luminous makeup with silver shimmer. The devil wears a fitted red jumpsuit, a red dress or a red shirt with tailored pants, small horns, a light pointed tail, black or red boots and smoky red-toned makeup. A foam heart-topped staff is a friendly prop. Keep the detail level the same on both. I sew the devil's tail from a tube of red stretch fabric stuffed with fibrefill and sewn to a belt loop; pinned tails fall off the moment you sit.
8. Sun And Moon BFF Costume
Sun and moon is a celestial pair with no character to match. The sun wears a gold or yellow dress, a metallic belt, gold sandals and a headband of light craft rays, with warm gold eye makeup, shimmery cheekbones and loose waves. The moon wears a navy or silver dress with star appliqués, sheer tights, silver boots and a crescent headpiece, with cool silver makeup and tiny face gems. Round clutches painted with each symbol make a nice touch. Go easy on reflective trim. Iron-on star appliqués lift at the points on stretchy dresses, so I add three or four small stitches at the tips once they're fused.
9. Peanut Butter And Jelly BFF Costume
Peanut butter and jelly is a lunchbox joke that stays comfortable. One friend wears tan pants and a caramel sweatshirt labelled Peanut Butter; the other wears purple or berry labelled Jelly. Cut bread panels from cream foam board or felt and hang them front and back on wide fabric straps. Neutral sneakers keep the sandwich pieces in focus. Match your hairstyles or add tan and purple headbands, keep makeup light, and carry foam utensils or lunch bags. The base clothes are easy to wear again afterwards, which suits school days and last-minute plans. I'd pick felt over foam board for anyone sitting at a desk, since felt bends.
10. Salt And Pepper BFF Costume
Salt and pepper is a black-and-white DIY pair. Salt wears white jeans, a fitted white shirt and white sneakers; Pepper wears black trousers or leggings, a black top and matching shoes. Make the shaker covers from light poster board, with plenty of room at the arms and legs so you can move safely, then add a big S and P on the front and small grey circles on the headbands for the holes. Pearly white eyeshadow for Salt, soft smoky grey for Pepper, and silver belts or gloves link you. Jackets fit underneath on a cold night. Poster board creases at the waist when you sit, so I score it lightly first so it bends where you do.
11. Ketchup And Mustard BFF Costume
Ketchup and mustard is playful, cheap and comfortable for a long night out. Ketchup starts with red jeans, leggings or a casual dress under a red apron; Mustard does the same in bright yellow. Cut bottle labels from white felt and attach them with stitching or fabric-safe tape, and shape pointed hats from foam sheets for the bottle tops. Matching white sneakers and ankle socks tie you together, and a few red or yellow cheek dots add themed makeup without covering the face. Share a cardboard basket of pretend fries. I like the apron approach because the felt label sews flat onto apron cotton and the apron lifts off in one move when you're done.
12. Coffee And Donut BFF Costume
Coffee and a donut make a sweet café pair. The coffee wears brown trousers, a cream sweater, brown loafers and a cardboard cup sleeve around the middle, with a white foam lid headband and brown makeup. The donut wears a pastel dress or top and skirt under a round foam panel covered in pink felt with colourful felt sprinkles, plus pink sneakers, a sprinkle headband and glossy makeup. Both can carry reusable cups or a pastry box. Use light foam and wide shoulder straps. Cream, brown and pink across both outfits make it look planned. Cutting forty tiny felt sprinkles is tedious; I cut long thin strips first and then snip them into short lengths in a minute.
13. Bee And Beekeeper BFF Costume
Bee and beekeeper is one cute look and one practical one. The bee wears a black-and-yellow striped top, black leggings, a yellow tulle skirt, sheer wings and comfortable black boots, with an antenna headband, yellow eyeshadow and soft braids. The beekeeper wears cream coveralls or loose trousers with a light utility jacket, work boots and protective gloves, plus a mesh veil around a wide-brim hat that you can see through clearly. A Honey pail or plush bee makes the prop, and yellow patches or striped socks on the beekeeper connect you. Thermals fit under both. I hem the veil netting with a narrow zigzag so it doesn't snag on everything.
14. Frog And Mushroom BFF Costume
Frog and mushroom is a woodland pair made from soft layers. The frog wears a green hoodie, green shorts or pants, matching tights and lace-up boots, with big felt eyes on the hood, bright green eyeshadow and rosy cheeks. The mushroom wears a cream dress or overalls with a red capelet, white tights and brown ankle boots, plus a red cap made from felt over light batting, dotted with big white spots. Curls, braids or a short wig all sit under it. A faux leaf and a woven basket are easy props. When I make a mushroom cap, I sew it as a shallow dome with a drawstring at the edge so it sits snugly without a headband.
15. Butterfly And Flower BFF Costume
Butterfly and flower is colourful, soft and easy to make at home. The butterfly wears a fitted black base with bright leggings or a flowing skirt, lace-up boots, sheer patterned wings and an antenna headband, with eyeshadow matched to the wings and a secure ponytail. The flower starts in a green dress, jumpsuit or shirt and trousers, then adds a layered petal collar, leaf wrist cuffs, a floral headband and green sneakers or boots. Choose petal colours that echo the wings. Fabric wings and felt flowers are kinder to wear than cardboard. For the petal collar I cut each petal double and topstitch close to the edge, which keeps them from curling inward.
16. Mermaid And Sailor BFF Costume
Mermaid and sailor mixes ocean fantasy with crisp stripes. The mermaid wears a shimmering scale-print skirt, a purple, blue or green fitted top, pearls and metallic ankle boots, with long waves, sea-coloured eye makeup and shell clips. Skip a tight tail you can't walk in. The sailor wears wide-leg navy trousers, a striped shirt, white sneakers and a navy cap, with a red neck scarf and a cardboard ship wheel or rope-handled tote. Matching blue makeup accents join you, and thermals fit under both. Scale-print knit is slippery to sew; I use a ballpoint needle and a slightly longer stitch so the seams don't wave.
17. Alice And Mad Hatter BFF Costume
Alice and the Mad Hatter have clear shapes and well-known accessories. Alice wears a light blue knee-length dress, a white apron, white tights, black Mary Janes and a black ribbon headband, with smooth hair and soft rosy makeup. The Hatter combines striped trousers, a jewel-toned vest, a bright jacket, lace-up boots and an oversized top hat with ribbons and a paper price card, plus orange curls or temporary orange spray and mismatched eye makeup. A teacup, pocket watch or teapot works as a prop. Thrifted patterns look eccentric on the Hatter, and Alice's plain dress balances them. The apron is the easiest piece here to sew: two rectangles, a waistband and ties.
18. Little Red Riding Hood And Wolf BFF Costume
Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf can be playful and neat. Red wears a red hooded cape over a white blouse and a black or plaid skirt, with opaque tights, brown ankle boots, soft curls, rosy makeup and a basket of faux flowers. The wolf wears grey jeans, a grey sweater, a faux-fur vest and sturdy black boots, plus a furry ear headband, a matching tail, tousled grey hair and simple grey nose makeup. Gloves with felt paw pads keep hands usable. Plaid or brown belts on both connect you. Faux fur sheds everywhere when you cut it; I cut from the back with small snips through the backing only, never through the pile.
19. Peter Pan And Tinker Bell BFF Costume
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell are two greens, one sharp and one soft. Peter wears a forest-green tunic over fitted brown pants or leggings, a narrow belt, a green cap and comfortable brown boots, with tousled hair and natural makeup. Tinker Bell wears a pale green dress with a petal skirt, sheer wings and green flats or low ankle boots, with a high bun and luminous makeup with gold shimmer. A small pouch and an LED wand are enough props. Using different greens keeps you distinct. Stretch fabrics and secure wings make it fine for dancing or an outdoor party. I cut the tunic's zigzag hem in felt or fleece, since neither frays and you can skip hemming.
20. Woody And Buzz BFF Costume
Woody and Buzz can be made almost entirely from practical clothes. Woody wears jeans, a yellow plaid shirt, a cow-print vest, a red neck scarf, brown boots and a soft cowboy hat, with a felt sheriff badge. Buzz wears white joggers and a white long-sleeve top with green and purple fabric panels sewn on, plus white sneakers, a purple hood or fitted cap and light foam wings fixed securely to the back. Keep makeup minimal and add name labels for fun. Skip stiff one-piece suits. When I sew panels onto a knit top I use a narrow zigzag so the stitches stretch with the fabric instead of snapping when you pull it over your head.
21. Scooby And Shaggy BFF Costume
Scooby and Shaggy is the comfiest pair for friends who want closet clothes. Shaggy wears loose brown pants, an oversized green T-shirt, casual black shoes and a short messy brown wig if needed, carrying a cardboard sandwich or snack bag. Scooby wears a brown sweatsuit, fitted jumpsuit or brown top and leggings, with a blue collar and diamond tag, floppy ear headband, soft tail, brown sneakers, a black nose and a few darker brown spots. Breathable fabric beats a heavy mascot suit. The collar and ears do most of the identifying. I make the floppy ears from brown fleece with a darker felt lining so they hang with a little weight.
22. Lilo And Stitch BFF Costume
Lilo and Stitch are colourful, cosy and tropical. Lilo wears a red dress with big white leaf shapes, flat sandals or red sneakers, long dark hair worn naturally, a flower clip, warm rosy makeup and a camera or handmade doll. Stitch wears a blue hoodie and joggers or a soft blue jumpsuit, with large felt ears on the hood, a light blue belly panel, blue sneakers, simple nose makeup and a light tail that won't stop you sitting. Floral bracelets on both link you. It's warm enough for a cool October evening. White leaf shapes cut from felt and sewn onto a plain red dress are the easiest way to get Lilo's print if you can't buy it.
23. Mike And Sulley BFF Costume
Mike and Sulley are bold colour and fuzzy texture. Mike wears a lime-green sweatshirt, matching leggings or trousers, green sneakers and a large felt eye on the front, with small foam horns on a headband and green eye makeup. Sulley wears a turquoise sweatsuit or jumpsuit with soft purple felt spots, a furry blue vest, rounded horns, a tail and turquoise shoes, plus blue and purple around the eyes. Matching clipboards or little cardboard doors make good props. Soft spots and removable pieces wash and reuse easily. I baste Sulley's spots on with large running stitches so they come off before washing and the sweatsuit goes back to normal.
24. SpongeBob And Patrick BFF Costume
SpongeBob and Patrick get the cartoon look without bulky foam. SpongeBob wears a yellow top with brown shorts or a pleated skirt, white knee socks striped in red and blue, black shoes and a red tie, with a yellow headband, rosy cheeks and a foam spatula. Patrick wears a pink shirt or bodysuit with green shorts covered in purple flowers, pink tights or socks, pink sneakers and a cone-shaped pink hat. Big painted smiles and colourful makeup suit both. Felt appliqués make the details easy. For the sock stripes I use fabric marker on white socks while they're stretched over a jar, so the lines stay straight when worn.
25. Bubbles And Buttercup BFF Costume
Bubbles and Buttercup share one outfit in two colours. Bubbles wears a bright blue sleeveless dress with a black waistband, white tights and black Mary Janes, with high blond pigtails, blue eyeshadow and rosy makeup. Buttercup wears the same in green, with a short black bob wig and green eye makeup. White tights and black shoes on both link the characters. Small heart purses or a light cityscape cutout replace combat props. Colour tops and wide-leg trousers with the black waist detail work for anyone who prefers pants. A black waistband is just a strip of black grosgrain ribbon stitched over the dress at the waist, quick and neat.
26. Kim Possible And Shego BFF Costume
Kim Possible and Shego are sporty, fitted looks in opposite schemes. Kim wears olive cargo pants, a black cropped or full-length mock-neck top, black gloves and practical combat-style boots, with long red hair or a wig, natural makeup and a small utility pouch. Shego wears black pants and a fitted black-and-green top with asymmetric colour panels, black boots, long dark hair, green eye makeup and matching gloves. A green LED bracelet or foam gadget is a harmless prop. Looser shirts and cargo joggers give more coverage. Shego's top is the one sewing job here; I piece the green and black panels from the same weight of knit so the seams lie flat.
27. Harley Quinn And Poison Ivy BFF Costume
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy share red, black and green with a mischievous streak. Harley's look is a red-and-black jacket, matching shorts or pants, patterned tights and lace-up ankle boots, with blond pigtails tipped in temporary red and blue and graphic eye makeup. Ivy wears a green dress or fitted jumpsuit covered in faux leaves, green tights and dark green boots, with long red hair, leafy accessories and shimmery green makeup. Carry a heart purse and a vine-wrapped clutch, never weapons. Choose stretch fabric. I sew each faux leaf on at its stem with two stitches rather than gluing, so they flutter instead of peeling off as the jumpsuit stretches.
28. Ghost And Ghost Hunter BFF Costume
Ghost and ghost hunter is spooky without any dark or frightening makeup. The ghost wears a flowing white dress, pale tights, white ankle boots and a sheer cape that lets you move freely, with soft waves, pearly white makeup, silver shimmer and a headband trailing wispy white tulle. The hunter wears tan or olive coveralls, sturdy boots, a utility belt and a baseball cap, with a light backpack, flashlight, camera and cardboard detector. A small white ghost patch on the coveralls links you. Keep the ghost's face uncovered. I cut the sheer cape with a curved hem so it floats rather than hanging in a stiff line.
29. Vampire And Gothic Bat BFF Costume
Vampire and gothic bat is dark and dressy without being gory. The vampire wears a burgundy velvet dress or suit, a black cape lined in red, sheer tights and pointed black boots, with sleek hair, smoky eyes, deep berry lips and small fangs. The bat wears a black jumpsuit or dress, scalloped fabric wings, opaque tights and black ankle boots, with a pointed ear headband, high ponytail, silver eye makeup and a bat-shaped bag. Black chokers or metal jewellery on both connect you. Keep capes and wings above the ankle. I attach the bat wings at the wrist with elastic loops as well as at the back, so they open when you lift your arms.
30. Skeleton And Black Cat BFF Costume
Skeleton and black cat are two Halloween classics on the same black base. The skeleton wears a black long-sleeve top and leggings with white felt bones, black sneakers, white-and-grey face makeup and slicked-back hair or a neat ponytail. The cat wears a black dress, jumpsuit or top and pants with sheer tights and black boots, plus ears, a soft tail, light whiskers, winged liner and a small bell collar. Matching silver belts or gloves make it look intentional. Leave faces uncovered for photos. It's tame enough for school or work. Felt bones on leggings need stitching, not glue, because glue cracks the first time your knee bends.
31. Scarecrow And Pumpkin BFF Costume
Scarecrow and pumpkin are warm autumn colours with very little to make. The scarecrow wears denim overalls over a plaid shirt, a straw hat, brown boots and raffia tied loosely at the wrists, with braids, rosy cheeks, freckles and stitch lines at the mouth. The pumpkin wears an orange dress, sweatshirt or jumpsuit with black felt face shapes and a green collar, orange tights, green ankle boots and a small stem headband. Carry a wicker basket or faux leaves. Plaid ribbon on both outfits links you. Both layer over warm clothes. A few square fabric patches whip-stitched onto the overalls in a contrasting thread make the scarecrow look handmade in the right way.
32. Disco Duo BFF Costume
A disco duo is made for bright party lights. One friend wears a silver sequin top with white flares; the other a gold jumpsuit or metallic blouse with black bell-bottoms. Add platform shoes with stable soles, oversized tinted glasses, hoops and small metallic purses, with big curls, feathered layers or high ponytails, glossy lips and reflective eyeshadow. Star clips or mirrored belts link the colours. Keep the shine level about equal so neither of you fades. Sequins scratch the inside of the arm, so I'd line the underarm with a soft knit or choose metallic stretch fabric instead. No props needed; the silhouettes say disco.
33. 1980s Workout BFF Costume
An '80s workout pair is built for moving. Start with bright leggings or bike shorts under high-cut leotards, then add cropped sweatshirts, leg warmers and supportive white sneakers. One friend goes neon pink and purple, the other turquoise, yellow and blue. High side ponytails with big scrunchies and fabric headbands, bright eyeshadow, glossy lips and light plastic earrings finish it, with a rolled mat, water bottle or towel to carry. Skip ankle weights. Long leggings or track pants give more coverage. Leg warmers are the easiest sewing project on this list: a tube of rib knit, folded and stitched, about ten minutes each.
34. 1990s Pop Star BFF Costume
A '90s pop duo mixes stage clothes with throwback accessories. One friend wears metallic cargo pants, a fitted colourful top, platform sneakers and tiny tinted sunglasses; the other a pleated mini skirt over bike shorts, a cropped jacket, knee socks and chunky shoes. Headset microphones bent from craft wire, small shoulder bags and butterfly clips carry the era, with high ponytails, face-framing strands, mini braids or crimped waves, frosted shadow and glossy lips. One shared accent colour makes you a band. Stable shoes keep it danceable. I wrap the wire headset in black tape at the ear so it doesn't scratch and stays put through a whole song.
35. Alien And Astronaut BFF Costume
Alien and astronaut close the list with metallic fantasy and space-suit detail. The alien wears a silver or iridescent jumpsuit, metallic ankle boots, an antenna headband and a small holographic bag, with sleek hair, silver-green eye makeup and pearly highlights. The astronaut wears white cargo pants and a white utility jacket with blue and silver patches, white sneakers or boots, a clear helmet-style headpiece and a light control-panel backpack. A foam planet or small flag is an optional prop. Reflective tape links you without bulk. Iridescent fabric shows every pin hole, so I pin only inside the seam allowance when I sew it.
Adapting a Pair for a School or Office Costume Day
Plenty of friends wear their costumes to class or work before the party. Costume days usually come with rules, and most of the pairs above adjust easily.
- Masks and full face coverings are often not allowed. Every pair here works with the face open; keep makeup to cheeks, nose and eyes.
- Toy weapons are almost always banned, so the swaps suggested above (light sticks, heart purses, maps, clipboards) are the safe route.
- Skirt and short lengths may be checked. Add leggings or opaque tights under any mini length.
- Wings, tails and big foam panels are awkward at a desk. Make them removable with snaps or a belt loop so they come off for the day and go back on for the party.
- Keep one plain layer you can put on over the costume, like a cardigan or hoodie, for times you need to look ordinary.
If your school or workplace sends out costume guidelines, read them before you start sewing. It's much easier to adjust a pattern than to unpick a finished costume.
Try Both Costumes On Together a Week Early
Good friend costumes are more than matching clothes. They give both of you a role people recognise, a full outfit from head to toe and enough give to stay comfortable all night. A character pair like Wednesday and Enid gives you contrast straight away, while the food and celestial pairs are easy to make your own. Closet basics, thrifted layers, felt and light craft foam keep even detailed looks affordable. Try every layer on together before Halloween, walk around in the shoes and wear the headpieces, wings and makeup for an hour. Fix anything that blocks your view or your movement, then add one detail that's just yours.
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