A cute costume has to do two jobs: read clearly from across a room and still be comfortable at eleven at night. Below are 35 looks for women, from witches and black cats to storybook girls, cartoon detectives and pop-culture heroines. Most start with a real dress, skirt or pair of jeans you could wear again, and the costume part comes from one or two pieces on top. When I style these, I settle the shoes and the weather layer first, because that is what decides whether you stay at the party or head home early.
Turning Your Closet Into Half the Costume
Nearly every look below starts with an ordinary garment: a fit-and-flare dress, a tulle skirt, a turtleneck, a pair of cargo pants. Before buying anything, I pull out base pieces in the right colours and lay them on the bed. If the shape and colour are right, the costume is already halfway there.
What goes on top of the base
- One silhouette piece, such as a cape, a hat, wings, a crown or a tail. This is what reads from across the room, so it gets most of the effort.
- Hair or a wig. It is often the single detail that makes a character obvious, think of Velma's blunt bob or Rumi's long braid.
- Makeup that stays wearable: one strong feature like whiskers, freckles or a red lip rather than a fully painted face.
- One prop you can hold with a drink in the other hand.
Thrift shops are worth a look for capes, plaid skirts, velvet jackets and petticoats, though stock varies so much that I go in looking for a colour rather than a character. Wash anything secondhand before wearing it; old fabric often carries a smell that only shows up once you warm up.
Felt, ribbon and fashion tape handle most add-ons. Glue is the weak point. Hot glue lets go on stretchy or slippery fabric and in cold air, so for anything that has to survive a night of hugging and sitting down, a few hand stitches are worth the ten minutes.
1. Cute Witch Costume With Purple Cape
Purple is what keeps this witch on the sweet side rather than the scary one. I'd build it on a knee-length black fit-and-flare dress or a blouse tucked into a full skirt, then add a purple velvet cape, striped tights and buckled ankle boots you can walk in. The hat does the real work. A wide-brim pointed one gives the silhouette, and if the brim flops, a pipe cleaner or a length of millinery wire stitched inside the edge firms it up. Skip green face paint in favour of plum eyeshadow, winged liner and a berry lip, and keep the broom small so it doesn't knock drinks over. Loose waves or a purple-streaked wig, star earrings and a tiny moon pendant finish it for a party, the candy bowl at home or an office day.
2. Black Cat Costume With Tulle Skirt
If you need a costume tonight, this is it. A black bodysuit or fitted top, a layered black tulle skirt and opaque tights cover the body, and ballet flats, loafers or low ankle boots keep your feet happy. Cat ears on a headband and a clip-on tail tell people what you are; I like a tail with a bit of wire inside so it curves instead of hanging flat. Draw the nose, whiskers and a lifted eye with black liner, then press translucent powder over the whiskers so they don't smudge across your cheeks by midnight. A velvet choker with a gold bell is the sweet touch, and a black cardigan or faux-fur jacket can go over the whole thing on a cold night.
3. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
Velvet and lace do more for a vampire than fake blood ever will. Start with a black midi dress, a lace blouse with a skirt, or a tailored jumpsuit, throw a red-lined cape over it and cinch the waist with a corset-style belt. Heeled boots look sharp, though flats are fine because the cape covers most of you anyway. Glossy waves or a long black wig with a centre part, burgundy eyeshadow, soft contour and dark cherry lipstick carry the mood. One warning: cheap costume fangs make talking and drinking awkward, so try them at home first or keep them in your bag until photos. A jeweled choker and an antique-looking goblet give plenty of detail without any gory makeup.
4. Friendly Ghost Costume With White Dress
Who says a ghost has to vanish under a sheet? A floaty white midi dress, sheer white tights and silver or white ballet flats make a softer version, and a translucent cape or gauzy shawl adds drifting movement as you walk. Temporary white hair colour dusted through loose waves works, but it sheds onto shoulders, so a softly curled silver-white wig is cleaner if you'll be in a dark coat later. Pearly eyeshadow, highlighter, pale pink blush and glossy lips keep the face luminous. Carry a small white lantern with a battery light; in a dim room it's the one prop that makes the ghost idea obvious. Pearl earrings and fine silver jewelry are all the extra you need.
5. Cute Pumpkin Costume With Orange Dress
An orange dress is the whole foundation here, so pick its shape for the weather: a skater dress for a warm room, a sweater dress for a cold porch, a tiered midi if you want more coverage. Green tights or socks, brown ankle boots and a leafy felt collar bring in the vine colours. For the topper, a green headband with a curled pipe-cleaner stem weighs almost nothing and won't give you a headache. Black felt face shapes turn you into a jack-o'-lantern, but felt peels off many dress fabrics, so I baste them on with a few hand stitches rather than trusting glue. Peach eyeshadow, warm blush and an orange-red gloss suit the palette, and a mini pumpkin basket holds your phone and keys.
6. Pretty Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Shirt
This is the costume I'd hand anyone heading to a hayride or an outdoor party, because it's basically warm clothes. Tuck a plaid flannel shirt into denim overalls, relaxed jeans or a brown corduroy skirt, then add a patchwork vest, warm tights and lace-up brown boots. Fabric patches on the knees and pockets can be sewn or held with safety pins from the inside. A floppy straw hat and raffia at the cuffs make it read, but raffia sheds all night, so tie small bundles tightly with string before tucking them in. Two braids with gingham ribbon, a drawn stitched smile, an orange triangle on the nose and a scatter of freckles finish the face, and a tiny fabric crow or a basket of artificial sunflowers is a cute last detail.
7. Woodland Fairy Costume With Green Dress
The trick with a fairy is keeping it from looking like a stage costume. A sage or emerald chiffon dress with a corset-style waist belt trimmed in faux leaves gives it a natural feel, and sheer wings, leaf-patterned tights and lace-up ballet flats or low boots carry it through. I make the floral crown on a wire base with greenery, tiny flowers and ribbon, then pin it at both temples so it doesn't slide back over the course of the night. Loose curls, a braided half-up style or a long auburn wig all suit it. Mossy green eyeshadow with a little gold shimmer and peach blush keep the face soft. Carry a flower wand or a small lantern, and bring a brown or green velvet cape in case the evening turns cold.
8. Pastel Butterfly Costume With Colorful Wings
The wings are the star, but if the dress underneath doesn't match them, the whole thing looks thrown together. I pick the dress colour from the wing print itself, usually lavender, pink or pale blue, then match the tights and wear comfortable flats. An antenna headband wrapped in the same fabric and a thin black belt that echoes the wing outlines tie it together. For the face, blend iridescent pink and purple eyeshadow and add tiny white dots near the temples. Big wings and crowds don't mix, so choose a pair that folds or sits close to the body if you'll be on public transport or squeezing through narrow doorways. A flower bracelet and a small butterfly bag finish it.
9. Bumblebee Costume With Striped Dress
A bee is about as simple as costumes get, and the stripes do the job. A black-and-yellow striped dress, or a striped top with a black skater skirt, goes over opaque black tights, with yellow sneakers, flats or ankle boots on your feet. Small sheer wings, a soft antenna headband and a rounded felt stinger stuffed lightly with fiberfill keep it light enough to dance in. A high ponytail with a yellow ribbon, golden eyeshadow, crisp liner and a warm pink lip suit it. If you get cold, put the black cardigan on under the wings rather than over them. A honey-pot purse or a bunch of artificial daisies makes a cheerful prop.
10. Ladybug Costume With Red Tulle Skirt
Red and black are such strong colours that a ladybug reads from far away even when it's minimal. Pair a fitted black top with a red tulle or skater skirt covered in black felt circles. Tulle won't hold glue well, so I tack each spot on with a couple of stitches, which also means they come off afterwards and the skirt goes back into your closet. Black tights, red flats or Mary Janes, small rounded wings and an antenna headband are all you need on top. A neat bun or high ponytail, red lipstick and a touch of shimmer at the inner eye corners keep the face bright. A black belt balances the spotted skirt, and a flower bag or tiny watering can is a sweet prop for a party with guests of every age.
11. Strawberry Costume With Red Dress
Any red dress you're comfortable in, whether fit-and-flare, T-shirt or sweater style, can become a strawberry with a handful of felt and some inexpensive craft-store bits. Cut small white or yellow seed shapes and attach them with removable fashion tape. It grips cotton well but tends to lift on slippery polyester, so on those fabrics a quick stitch through each seed is safer. Add green tights or ankle socks, red sneakers or flats, and a leafy green felt collar with a matching headpiece. Soft curls or playful braids, pink blush, a few freckles and berry gloss keep it fresh. A gingham-lined basket doubles as your handbag, and a green cardigan on top still lets the seeds show below it.
12. Mushroom Fairy Costume With Red Hat
Here the cap is everything, so build it first and make it light. I cut it from craft foam or stiffened felt, glue on soft white spots and fix it to a headband slightly off-centre so it tilts the way a toadstool does. Underneath, a cream blouse with a rust-red pinafore dress, or a beige sweater with a red skirt, sits over ivory tights and brown lace-up boots. Loose braids or natural curls, warm brown eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and tiny white freckles near the temples suit the cottage feel. Small leaf-shaped wings, a moss-covered belt and a wicker basket of artificial mushrooms and flowers bring the woodland theme together. Because it's all layers, it works at an indoor party or an outdoor fall festival.
13. Mermaid Costume With Shimmering Skirt
Most mermaid costumes fail because of the tail: you can't walk, sit or climb stairs in it. I'd go for a high-waisted, scale-patterned maxi skirt that widens near the ankles instead of a fitted tail, paired with a lavender or sea-green top. Metallic sandals, blue flats or low silver boots keep you steady. Wear long waves, a loose side braid or a pastel blue wig dotted with pearl clips, with turquoise eyeshadow, highlighter and pearly gloss for the watery glow. A shell crown, layered pearl necklaces and a starfish purse carry the theme, and a shell-covered hand mirror is far easier to manage than a trident. A cropped iridescent jacket adds warmth without hiding the colour.
14. Greek Goddess Costume With Gold Accessories
This one is mostly about fabric behaving itself. A draped white maxi dress or a one-shoulder midi over a fitted slip, with a braided gold belt at the waist, gives the shape. Drapes slip and shift as the evening goes on, so I always use fashion tape at the neckline and hidden safety shorts underneath. Flat metallic sandals or gold ballet flats keep it comfortable, or low boots if it's cold. Soft curls in a loose updo with a gold leaf headband, bronze eyeshadow, glowing skin and a neutral gloss suit the gold. Pin a lightweight white cape at the shoulders with large safety pins hidden under brooches, add cuff bracelets and drop earrings, and carry a small laurel wreath or a rolled scroll.
15. Moon Goddess Costume With Silver Cape
Silver and midnight blue are what make this read as celestial rather than simply a nice evening dress. Choose a navy, silver or midnight-blue maxi dress with a fitted waist, and layer a sheer star-scattered silver cape over the shoulders. Silver ankle boots or metallic flats keep it cohesive. The crescent-moon headpiece is the focal point, so mount it on a comb or a padded headband and keep it light, because anything top-heavy tips forward after an hour. Smoky blue eyeshadow, pearl highlighter and a few facial gems stuck on with skin-safe adhesive (never craft glue) suit the look, with a muted berry lip. A battery-lit crescent prop is magical, but only if it's small enough to hold in a crowded room.
16. Sparkly Cowgirl Costume With Pink Boots
Fringe and rhinestones make a cowgirl look festive with very little makeup effort. Tuck a pink or silver fringe shirt into high-waisted denim shorts, a denim skirt or comfortable flare jeans, and add a rhinestone belt and pink western boots with a heel you can stand in for hours. Adhesive gems on a white or pink cowboy hat look great but pop off when the hat gets bumped, so press each one firmly and let them set overnight before you wear it. Bouncy curls, two braids or a high ponytail tied with metallic ribbon all sit well under a hat. Pink shimmer and bright blush match the palette, a small star purse or a coiled rope is plenty of prop, and a fringed jacket with tights handles a cool evening.
17. Cute Pirate Costume With Striped Skirt
I'd always rather layer real clothes for a pirate than buy a packaged polyester set that itches at the seams. A white puff-sleeve blouse with a black-and-red striped midi skirt or cropped trousers, a lace-up waist belt, striped tights and sturdy knee-high or ankle boots make the base. Tie a red scarf over tousled waves, small braids or a long dark wig. Bronze eyeshadow and softly smudged liner look right here, because pirate makeup is meant to be a little messy. Gold hoops, stacked bangles and a coin necklace add the treasure detail, and a rolled map or a pouch of costume coins is a better prop than anything sword-shaped, especially at venues that restrict props. A cropped velvet jacket adds warmth and structure.
18. Pink Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
A fringe dress does most of the work for a 1920s flapper, because the fringe moves every time you do. Pink, champagne or black all work; pick a length you're comfortable sitting in, since fringe rides up. Low-heeled T-strap shoes or embellished flats suit the era and survive a night of dancing, with opaque tights if you like. Finger waves look lovely but take practice, so I often pin long hair under into a faux bob or simply reach for a short wavy wig. A jeweled headband across the forehead with a small feather stays put far better than a big plume. Defined brows, a soft smoky eye and classic red lipstick, long costume pearls, a beaded clutch and a faux-fur wrap for the walk home are all it needs.
19. Disco Queen Costume With Sequin Jumpsuit
Ready to catch every party light? A silver, gold or rainbow sequin jumpsuit with flared legs is the easiest version. If jumpsuits are a hassle every time you need the bathroom (they are), a metallic blouse with high-waisted bell-bottoms gives the same line. Sequins scratch the inner arms over a long night, so a thin long-sleeve layer underneath helps. Platforms give the retro silhouette, but choose a stable height. Voluminous curls or a rounded curly wig, colourful eyeshadow and glossy pink lips suit it, and oversized hoops with tinted round glasses make the decade clear. A mirrored-ball purse is fun, and a metallic cropped jacket handles the trip outdoors.
20. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Neon Leggings
This is the most comfortable costume on the list, because it's all stretch. Neon leggings go under a contrasting leotard, or a fitted tank with high-waisted shorts, then slouchy leg warmers, white crew socks and supportive sneakers. A cropped sweatshirt worn off one shoulder covers you on the way there and comes off once you're indoors. A high side ponytail with a big scrunchie, blue or purple eyeshadow and bright pink blush say 1980s immediately. Sweatbands, colourful bangles and a waist pack, which also holds your phone, finish it. Carry a water bottle; it's a prop you'll actually use if you dance all night or host an active party.
21. Cher Horowitz Costume With Yellow Plaid Set
Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid set from Clueless is one of those costumes built entirely from real clothing. A yellow plaid blazer and matching pleated skirt go over a white sweater vest or cardigan, with knee-high white socks and black Mary Janes or loafers. The plaid has to match between jacket and skirt or it looks like two separate thrift finds, so buy them as a set or cut both from the same fabric if you're sewing. Long, straight, smooth hair or a blonde wig, fresh neutral makeup and nude-pink gloss keep it true to the film. A fuzzy pen, a mini backpack and a flip phone prop sell the character. Fitted shorts under the skirt and sheer tights on a cold evening make it practical, and every piece is easy to wear again.
22. Pink Fashion Doll Cowgirl Costume
Hot pink western pieces make a bold doll-inspired look, and the main risk is piling on too much. I'd keep it to a pink button-front vest with matching flare pants, or a skirt with a fitted top, plus white star appliques, a printed neck scarf and pink cowboy boots. A wide-brim white hat and heart-shaped sunglasses are the fun part. Iron-on appliques bond well to cotton twill but can scorch shiny synthetics, so test on an inside seam first or stitch them on. A sleek blonde ponytail fits neatly under the hat. Sparkly pink eyeshadow, defined lashes and glossy lips, star earrings and a small white handbag finish it, and a long-sleeve pink top under the vest with a cropped western jacket handles a cold night.
23. Wednesday Addams Costume With Black Dress
Wednesday is the costume I suggest to anyone who owns a black dress and has a free half hour. The collar is the key detail: crisp white collar and cuffs on a black knee-length dress, with opaque black tights and sturdy loafers, Mary Janes or low lace-up boots. If your dress has no collar, a white Peter Pan collar cut from cotton and stitched or pinned on does the job. Two smooth braids with a centre part, or a braided black wig, matte skin, grey-brown eyeshadow and a muted berry lip. Carry a small black book or a prop hand on your shoulder, and resist adding more, because her plainness is what makes her so easy to spot. A tailored black coat is the outdoor layer.
24. Daphne Blake Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne Blake is all about colour blocking, so match the shades carefully. A long-sleeve purple dress, mini or knee-length, with a lighter lavender collar or scarf, bright pink tights and purple ankle boots with a manageable heel. The hair carries her: voluminous red-orange waves, or a shoulder-length wig held back with a purple headband. Cheap red wigs often look shiny under a camera flash, and a light dusting of dry shampoo knocks down the gloss. Lilac eyeshadow, winged liner and pink lipstick keep it polished, while a magnifying glass, a small notebook and a structured lavender handbag hint at the mystery-solving. Go longer on the dress and opaque on the tights if you want more coverage.
25. Velma Dinkley Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma is the cold-weather pick of the group, since she's built around an oversized orange turtleneck. Pair it with a red pleated skirt, orange knee-high socks and red Mary Janes, loafers or low ankle boots. A short brown bob wig with blunt bangs nails the shape, though shoulder-length hair can be tucked under and pinned into a chin-length line. Thick black glasses are essential; pop the lenses out of a costume pair if they blur your vision. Neutral eyes, peach blush and a soft rose lip, plus a magnifying glass or a stack of mystery books. Safety shorts and opaque tights add coverage, and she slots right into a group with friends dressed as the rest of the gang.
26. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
The apron is what turns a blue dress into Alice. Wear a knee-length blue fit-and-flare dress with a crisp white apron over it, white tights, black Mary Janes and a pale blue ribbon at the waist. Press the apron, or even starch it, before you leave; a limp, creased one makes the whole costume look tired. Long soft curls or a blonde wig held back with a wide black bow, pink blush, mascara and a light blue eyeshadow keep it youthful. A teacup, a pocket-watch bag or oversized cards make good props, and a tiny fabric key stitched to the apron pocket is the detail people notice up close. A white cardigan covers you if the night gets cool.
27. Little Red Riding Hood Costume With Cape
A hooded red cape is the whole costume, so spend your effort there. Hip or knee length is the easiest to live in, because floor-length capes get stepped on. Under it, a white blouse with a red or black fit-and-flare dress, opaque tights and brown or black lace-up boots. Braids or a low bun sit neatly under the hood without pushing it off your head. Warm brown eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, a few freckles and berry lips suit the storybook mood. A wicker basket lined with gingham holds wrapped treats or artificial flowers, a waist belt defines the layers and a petticoat adds a little volume. On a chilly October night, a lined cape is one of the warmest costumes you can wear.
28. Tinker Bell Costume With Green Dress
Tinker Bell lives or dies by the green. A leaf-hem green dress, mini or knee-length, with nude tights and green ballet flats topped with soft pom-poms, plus compact translucent wings sitting between the shoulders. Most inexpensive wings hang on elastic loops that slide off, so I sew a short strip of elastic across the front of the loops; they then sit like a strap and stay centred. A high bun with a few loose strands, or a blonde bun wig, shimmery green eyeshadow and gold highlighter, a star wand and leaf earrings. Fitted shorts underneath and a longer hem are fine adjustments, and a green cardigan or short velvet cape keeps you warm as long as it doesn't cover the wings.
29. Princess Peach Costume With Pink Gown
Princess Peach needs a full pink skirt and a crown, and everything else is detail. Look for a pink puff-sleeve maxi or tea-length dress with a darker pink panel near the hem, then add elbow-length white gloves and pink or white low heels. Long blonde waves or a golden wig with side-swept bangs. I make her crown from gold craft foam with costume gems glued on; it weighs next to nothing compared with a metal tiara. Blue-toned shimmer, rosy blush and soft pink lipstick, round blue earrings and a star purse or small bouquet. If a full gown sounds impractical for a house party, a pink skater dress with a lightweight petticoat reads the same from a distance and lets you sit down.
30. Rosalina Costume With Blue Gown
Rosalina suits anyone who likes Princess Peach but wants something cooler and less expected. A floor-length aqua or powder-blue dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and fitted waist, with silver flats or low heels hidden under the skirt. Her side-swept blonde hair, falling across part of the face, is the signature, so style long waves deep to one side and pin them so they don't drift into your eyes. A small silver crown with coloured gems, star earrings, icy blue eyeshadow and a muted rose lip. Off-the-shoulder necklines slip down, and a strip of silicone gripper elastic sewn inside helps; I also add hidden skirt loops to lift the hem on stairs. A light star wand beats a big prop, and a pale blue cape covers you outdoors.
31. Wonder Woman Costume With Blue Skirt
Separates make Wonder Woman far easier to wear than a one-piece suit. Pair a red fitted top with a high-waisted blue skirt scattered with white stars, nude tights or opaque leggings depending on the weather, and red knee-high boots or comfortable ankle boots. Full waves or a long dark wig with a centre part, bronze eyeshadow, defined liner and red lipstick. The gold pieces are what make her read: tiara, cuff bracelets and belt. Gold craft foam shapes around a wrist for cuffs with a little heat from a hair dryer and stays lighter than plastic. Carry a soft golden rope loop, choose stretch fabrics with shorts under the skirt, and add a red cape or fitted jacket for warmth.
32. Kim Possible Costume With Green Cargo Pants
Kim Possible is the costume for anyone who wants pockets. A fitted black long-sleeve top, olive-green cargo pants, a brown utility belt and black combat-style or lace-up ankle boots. Copper-red hair with a deep side part, or a straight red wig, matters most. Natural makeup suits her: defined brows, neutral eyeshadow, peach blush and a soft pink lip. Black gloves and a small communicator made from painted cardboard are the finishing pieces. I'd keep heavy things off the belt, because a loaded belt slides down cargo pants all night; light fabric pouches are better. The pieces are ordinary clothes you'll wear again, and they adjust easily for different body shapes.
33. Holly Golightly Costume With Black Dress
Holly Golightly is the right call for a party where a big costume would feel like too much. A sleeveless black column dress in a maxi or midi length, black kitten heels or pointed flats, long black gloves and layered pearls. Sweep your hair into a high, polished updo and set a small jeweled tiara near the front; teasing the crown a little first gives the height and something for the pins to grip. Oversized dark sunglasses are her shorthand, and they can sit up in your hair indoors. Winged liner, defined brows, peach blush and a soft pink lip. A slim black clutch and a paper coffee cup are the props, and a tailored black coat over the shoulders handles the cold. Long gloves come off every time you eat, so bring a bag big enough to hold them.
34. Glinda Costume With Pink Bubble Gown
Glinda is about volume, and volume needs planning. Choose a pale pink ball gown or tiered maxi dress, or a full tulle skirt with a structured pink top, and wear silver or pink flats underneath so you can walk. Tulle gets crushed in a car, so fluff it with your hands or give it a few seconds of steam when you arrive. Long blonde curls or a half-up style, rosy eyeshadow, highlighter, fluttery lashes and pink gloss. The tall silver crown and star-topped wand give the shape; keep both light, since a heavy crown starts pressing behind the ears within an hour. Crystal earrings add shine, and a pink midi dress with a tulle cape is the simpler version for a crowded room.
35. Rumi K-Pop Fantasy Hero Costume
Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters mixes stage wear with a fantasy-hero edge. Build it with a cropped blue jacket over a structured white or purple top, high-waisted shorts or a pleated skirt, fitted leggings and purple platform sneakers or ankle boots. Her long purple braid is the defining feature, and a clip-in braid extension is far less work than dyeing, with no colour rubbing off onto pillows. Lilac eyeshadow, sharp liner and glossy berry lips, decorative shoulder details, metallic jewelry and a bright patterned belt. Carry a light microphone or a glowing fan instead of anything weapon-shaped. Since the outfit is made for movement, it's a good one for dancing or for a group of friends going as her bandmates.
Wings, Crowns and Ears That Stay Put All Night
Headpieces and wings are where cute costumes fall apart, usually around the second hour. A few habits fix most of it.
On your head
Headbands that pinch get taken off, so I pad the ends with a scrap of felt or moleskin. For crowns, tiaras and mushroom caps, two bobby pins crossed in an X through the band and into the hair hold far better than one pin pushed straight in. A clear elastic loop under the back of your hair stops a wide-brim hat from lifting in the wind.
On your back
Wings sold on elastic loops slide off the shoulders. Sewing a strip of elastic across the front of the loops, or pinning the wings to a fitted top from the inside, keeps them centred. Check the wingspan against your front door and your car before you leave. If you have to turn sideways to get through, the wings will catch on everyone at the party.
Glitter, Freckles and Getting It All Off Later
Most looks here use ordinary makeup, which is the kindest choice for your skin. If you're adding anything new, like a coloured liner for whiskers, a glitter gel or a facial gem adhesive, patch-test it on the inside of your wrist the day before.
- Drawn freckles, whiskers or a stitched smile last longer if you press translucent setting powder over them with a puff instead of sweeping it on.
- Cream colour transfers onto collars, capes and other people's shoulders. A light layer of powder on top, and a quick blot before hugging, keeps most of it where it belongs.
- Glitter migrates everywhere. Keep it to the eyelids or a few dots near the temples, and use cosmetic-grade glitter, never craft glitter, anywhere near your eyes.
- An oil cleanser or cleansing balm lifts long-wear liner and gem adhesive, and the same oil takes fashion-tape residue off skin.
Temporary hair colour and spray rub off onto pillows and car upholstery. If you've dusted white or coloured spray through your hair, sleep on an old towel or wash it out before bed.
A Good Hat Beats a Bagged Costume
Every look here follows the same order: comfortable clothes first, then the hair, makeup and accessories that tell people who you are, then one prop you can hold all night. Adapt any of them with warmer layers, lower shoes or a longer hem, and start with what's already hanging in your closet. A few well-made details, like a hat that stays on, spots that don't peel and a wig that's been brushed out, matter more than an expensive packaged costume. Pick the character that makes you grin, adjust the colours and fit, and enjoy wearing it.
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