Green is one of the most useful colours in a costume box. It covers witches and superheroes, frogs and fairies, cartoon characters and a surprising number of vegetables, and it can look sinister in emerald velvet or silly in neon jersey. I've gathered 35 green looks here, each one planned from head to toe with the clothes, hair or wig, makeup, a prop and shoes. Most of them start from things you can find in a wardrobe or a charity shop, then get finished with felt, foam, cardboard and washable paint, which is where my sewing table comes in. Some are famous characters and some are simple ideas you can make your own.
Going Green All Over Without Staining Everything
About a third of these costumes ask for green skin, and green makeup has a habit of ending up on collars, cuffs, car seats and other people. Most of the trouble comes from the type of paint and from getting dressed in the wrong order.
- Patch-test the paint on the inside of your wrist a day before. Cosmetic-grade, skin-safe products only, never craft or acrylic paint.
- For large areas I prefer water-activated cake paint. It dries to a matte finish and transfers far less than cream makeup, which stays tacky.
- Apply it in thin layers with a damp sponge, letting each one dry. One thick coat cracks at the elbows and mouth.
- Press translucent setting powder over the top, then mist with a setting spray if you have one.
- Get dressed in clothes with a wide neck or front opening, or paint after you're dressed with an old towel tucked into the neckline.
To take it off, a gentle cleanser and warm water shift water-based paint; cream makeup comes off best with an oil cleanser first. Green tends to linger around the hairline and in the creases by the nose, so check those before bed.
Matching Greens Across Separate Pieces
Greens are harder to match than most colours. A lime shirt and lime leggings from two different shops can be noticeably different shades, one leaning yellow and one leaning blue. I lay pieces together in daylight before cutting or gluing anything. If they don't match, make the difference look deliberate with a darker trouser and a brighter top, rather than living with a near-miss.
1. Elphaba Green Witch Costume
Elphaba is all contrast: green skin against a head-to-toe black outfit. Start with a long black dress that has sleeves and a little Victorian texture, such as ruffles or pintucks, and layer a fitted black jacket or cape over it with opaque tights and lace-up boots. Apply skin-safe green makeup evenly everywhere that shows, then add a dark smoky eye, defined brows and a neutral lip. A long braid or a straight black wig suits her. The tall pointed hat is the piece I'd make rather than buy, because shop hats are usually floppy felt; a cone of buckram or card covered in black fabric stands up all night. Carry a lightweight broom tied with black ribbon, and a green crystal pendant or emerald earrings add a little glamour.
2. Poison Ivy Green Costume
Poison Ivy is a fitted green base covered in leaves. Wear a green dress, jumpsuit or long-sleeve bodysuit with matching opaque tights, then attach artificial ivy at the neckline, waist, shoulders and cuffs. I strip the plastic stems out of the leaves first and hand-stitch each leaf through its centre vein; glued leaves on stretch fabric pop off the moment the fabric moves. Red waves, a temporary red colour or a long auburn wig give her the contrast she's known for. Green eyeshadow, defined lashes and a berry lip keep the face vivid. A leafy headband and a trailing vine bracelet are easy extras, and a small faux potted plant is a far better prop than anything sharp. Green ankle boots or flats handle parades and trick-or-treating.
3. Tinker Bell Green Fairy Costume
Tinker Bell is cheerful and easy to spot. Buy a short leaf-shaped dress, or make one by stitching felt leaf panels around the hem of a sleeveless green skater dress. Felt doesn't fray, so the points can be cut with pinking shears or plain scissors and left raw. Choose compact sheer wings with a little silver glitter, small enough not to bump people. A high blonde bun, real or a bun wig, gets a green ribbon. Soft gold shadow, rosy cheeks and a touch of cosmetic shimmer finish the face. A star wand or battery lantern makes a sweet prop. For the shoes, I sew fluffy white pom-poms to pale green ballet flats with a few stitches through the toe; glued pom-poms fall off on the first kerb.
4. She-Hulk Green Superhero Costume
She-Hulk is a colour-blocking costume: purple and white clothes that make green skin pop. Start with a sleeveless purple athletic dress, a fitted jumpsuit, or a matching top and leggings, and add white side panels. If you're sewing them in, use a stretch fabric with the same give as the base, or the seams pucker when you move; removable fabric tape is the no-sew route. Apply skin-safe green makeup to the face, neck, arms and anything else on show, and blend it carefully at the edges. A long wavy dark green or black wig, defined brows, purple eyeshadow and a glossy neutral lip finish her. Purple wrist cuffs add a comic detail, and no prop is needed. Purple sneakers keep it energetic.
5. Gamora Green Space Warrior Costume
Gamora's green skin and dark space-warrior clothes make a strong costume without real armour. Build it around black fitted trousers, a structured black vest and a burgundy or dark plum top. Silver fabric strips, light foam panels or metallic cuffs give the futuristic edge. I cut those panels from thin EVA foam, which bends around the body when warmed with a hairdryer and holds the curve once it cools. Apply smooth green face and body makeup, then contour with a deeper green. A long dark wig with plum-dipped ends captures her hair. Smoky eyes and a muted plum lip finish the face. Combat boots with cushioned insoles keep you steady, and a painted cardboard wrist device stands in for a weapon.
6. Princess Fiona Green Costume
Princess Fiona is a fairytale option that stays sweet rather than scary. Look for a floor-length emerald dress with long sleeves and a square neckline, then trim the cuffs and waist with gold ribbon; I sew the ribbon down along both edges, since a single row of stitches lets it flip over. Velvet or satin looks royal, but a plain green maxi works on a budget. Apply light green face makeup and blend it down the neck. A loose red braid or an auburn wig, plus a small gold tiara, sets the hair. The ogre ears can be cut from green felt, stiffened with a layer of interfacing, and attached near the temples. Carry a faux sunflower or a small storybook, and wear brown flats or low boots.
7. Disgust Green Dress Costume
Disgust from Inside Out is a costume built from pieces you'll wear again. Start with a sleeveless green A-line dress with a small floral or geometric print, then add a narrow purple neck scarf, purple leggings and ballet flats. A short green wig with flipped ends gives the cartoon outline; temporary green spray can work on a natural bob, though it rubs off on collars. Use pale green face makeup sparingly, then purple shadow, long lashes and a neat pink lip. A green handbag or a light sign with an unimpressed face is the prop, and pearl earrings polish it off. The pose matters more than any accessory, so practise the raised eyebrow and folded arms for photos.
8. Envy Teal Green Costume
Envy uses mint and teal for a young, animated look. Start with a mint or turquoise shift dress and matching tights for full colour, then break it up with an oversized purple belt or sash. A short teal wig with a side-swept fringe is the piece people recognise most. Light aqua face makeup, blue-green shadow, rosy cheeks and a glossy lip keep her friendly. When I'm matching tights to a dress this pale, I take the dress shopping with me, because mint and teal drift a long way between brands and a near-miss looks worse than a deliberate contrast. Small round earrings and a compact crossbody bag keep accessories simple. A handmade speech bubble or an oversized heart is the prop, with teal sneakers or flat ankle boots.
9. Peter Pan Green Costume
Peter Pan is a classic that stays comfortable all night. Wear an olive or forest-green tunic over brown leggings or fitted trousers. The zigzag hem is the detail that makes it his: cut it straight into a knit tunic, which won't fray, or tack on removable felt triangles if you don't want to change the garment. A narrow brown belt and a small felt pouch go at the waist. Tousle short hair, or tuck longer hair under a pointed green cap with a red feather. Keep the makeup fresh, with a few freckles if you like. A cardboard map or a drawstring bag replaces the toy blade, and brown ankle boots or moccasin-style flats finish him.
10. Link Green Adventurer Costume
Link's green tunic and long pointed cap give you plenty to sew. Layer a long green shirt or belted tunic over a cream mock-neck top and tan leggings, then add brown wrist cuffs, a crossbody belt and a small faux-leather pouch. The cap is the part I make every time. It's a long cone of felt, and it only sits right when you curve the back seam slightly so it hugs the head before trailing off. Wear it over a short blonde wig with side-swept bangs. Natural makeup with lightly defined eyes is all he needs. Pointed ears are optional. A blue bottle, a folded map or a foam shield works as a friendly prop, and fabric boot cuffs turn ordinary brown boots into his.
11. Luigi Green Plumber Costume
Luigi is mostly clothes you can buy in an afternoon. Dark blue overalls go over a bright green long-sleeve shirt, with white gloves and brown work boots or sneakers. If you want a more animated finish, I'd sew big yellow felt circles over the overall buttons rather than gluing them, since glue on metal buttons gives up fast. Natural hair goes under a green cap with a white circle and his green initial; a felt letter stitched around the edge stays flat far longer than an iron-on. A soft brown mustache can go on with skin-safe adhesive, or draw it with a washable pencil. Carry a clean toy plunger or a cardboard pipe. Thermal layers fit under the overalls, so this one copes with a cold night.
12. Shaggy Green Shirt Costume
Shaggy is the last-minute costume on this list. An oversized lime-green V-neck shirt and loose brown trousers are really all he is, with dark sneakers that look a little worn. Mess medium-length brown hair into shape or pick a shaggy brown wig, and add a light brown goatee with washable makeup if needed. Keep the rest of the face natural. The sandwich is the fun part: I stack painted foam slices and glue them in layers, which looks far better than a flat cardboard cut-out. Add a plush dog for instant recognition. Slouch a bit, and it suits school events and group costumes alike.
13. Loki Green Villain Costume
Loki's green and gold makes a sharp villain without heavy armour. Start with black trousers and a fitted black top, then layer a long emerald coat or a sleeveless green tunic on top. Gold trim around the shoulders and chest can be ribbon, removable vinyl or thin foam. For the horned headpiece I use flexible craft foam, painted gold, mounted on a headband; it has to stay light, or it tips forward every time you look down. Slicked-back dark waves or a shoulder-length black wig suit him, with defined cheekbones and dark liner. A small glowing cube of translucent plastic replaces a weapon. Black knee-high boots and gold wrist cuffs finish the outfit, and it's comfortable enough to wear for hours.
14. Riddler Green Suit Costume
The Riddler is a tidy green suit with a puzzle theme. Wear an emerald suit, a green blazer with matching trousers, or a fitted green dress over a black shirt, then add purple gloves, a purple tie and a matching belt. Cut the question marks from black or purple felt. I attach them with a few loose tacking stitches so they come off without marking a good jacket; pins work too but tend to flip the shapes over. Neat hair or a short auburn wig goes under a green bowler. A slim mask from soft purple fabric, clean makeup and a berry lip if you like. Question-mark cards or a small puzzle box make easy props, with black loafers or purple flats.
15. Green Power Ranger Costume
The Green Ranger is bold colour blocking that suits an active night. Start with a fitted green jumpsuit, an athletic top and leggings, or matching green sweats. Add a white diamond chest panel and white boot covers from stretch fabric. A gold foam chest shield, wristbands and a wide white belt make the outline readable. The shield is the piece I'd fit with care: foam that sits flat against the chest needs elastic straps at the back, or it lifts as soon as you move your arms. Wear a lightweight helmet or a printed face mask, or leave the face visible with clean makeup that won't transfer. A small gold flute or cardboard communicator is the prop. White sneakers move better than stiff costume boots.
16. Ninja Turtle Green Costume
Bright green basics and a homemade shell make a Ninja Turtle. Wear a green hoodie or fitted long-sleeve shirt with green joggers or leggings. Stitch a yellow felt chest panel to the front, and strap a painted cardboard shell to your back with old backpack straps. Cardboard softens in drizzle, so I give the shell two coats of sealer before painting if it's going outdoors. Choose the coloured eye mask for your favourite turtle and add matching wrist, elbow and knee bands. Tuck hair under the mask or into a low bun, and use a little green makeup on exposed skin. A foam pizza slice or a small pizza box replaces the weapons. Brown high-tops finish it, and it suits children and adults equally.
17. Kermit Green Frog Costume
Kermit works without a full mascot suit. Wear a bright green long-sleeve shirt with matching trousers, leggings or a jumpsuit. The pointed collar is the detail that makes him: cut it from light green felt, give each point a sharp angle, and fasten it at the back with a snap so it sits flat. For the eyes, glue black felt pupils onto white foam balls and fix them to a headband. Natural hair can stay visible, though a green beanie gives a smoother outline. Soft green shadow, rosy cheeks and a thin curved smile keep it playful. A cardboard banjo or a felt microphone is the prop, with green sneakers. It's slim enough for a crowded indoor event.
18. One-Eyed Green Monster Costume
A round one-eyed monster is funny and easy to scale for any age. Start with a lime-green T-shirt dress, sweatshirt or roomy jumpsuit, then put a large white-and-blue felt eye in the centre of the chest. I layer the eye in three pieces of felt, white, blue, then black, and stitch around each circle, which gives it depth that a single painted circle never has. Add small felt spikes around the hood or shoulders, plus matching tights or joggers. Hair goes under a hood, a cap or a fuzzy headband with two short horns. Light green makeup around the eyes and a broad smile keep it friendly. A blue hard hat or a clipboard hints at the cartoon workplace. White sneakers finish it.
19. Yoshi Green Dinosaur Costume
Yoshi is one of the most comfortable costumes here, which makes him a good pick for a long night out. Wear a green hooded onesie, or a matching sweatshirt and joggers. Add a white oval belly panel, orange felt spikes down the back and a small red fabric shell on backpack straps. Large cartoon eyes and a rounded snout go on the hood, leaving the face clear. I stuff the snout lightly with polyester fibrefill so it holds its shape without weighing the hood down onto your forehead. Fresh, minimal makeup with rosy cheeks. White gloves and a speckled foam egg finish the character. Orange shoe covers over supportive sneakers complete the colours without making walking hard.
20. Medusa Green Gown Costume
Medusa brings mythology and a bit of glamour. Choose a long emerald gown, a pleated maxi or a draped green jumpsuit with gold at the waist and shoulders. Arrange rubber or handmade felt snakes around a braided updo and pin each one into the braids as well as the headband. Felt snakes are lighter than rubber, and I stuff them loosely so they curl rather than stick out stiffly. Metallic green shadow, winged liner and small scale patterns at the temples, pressed through a mesh stencil, keep the rest of the face natural. Gold cuffs, a coiled snake necklace and a little mirrored compact as a prop. Metallic flat sandals or low gold heels.
21. Green Forest Fairy Costume
A forest fairy is the most flexible look on the list. Start with a sage, moss or emerald dress with a soft layered skirt, then add fabric leaves at the neckline and hem and a slim vine belt at the waist. I cut the leaves from two layers of chiffon stitched together with a vein line down the middle, which makes them flutter instead of hanging flat. Loose waves or a relaxed braid threaded with artificial leaves and tiny flowers. Green shadow, soft gold highlight, freckles and a little biodegradable shimmer finish the face. Keep the translucent wings compact. A small lantern or a flower wand without sharp edges, and green ballet flats or brown ankle boots depending on the weather.
22. Green Forest Elf Costume
Earthy colours and real layers make a forest elf a smart choice for a cool October evening. Wear an olive tunic over brown leggings or fitted trousers, and add a dark green hooded cape for warmth. A wool-blend or fleece cape is what I'd sew for outdoors, because a thin polyester one looks fine and keeps out nothing. Cinch the tunic with a faux-leather belt and hang small pouches of decorative herbs or paper maps from it. Braids, loose waves or a half-up style, plus pointed ears. Brown and moss shadow, soft brows and faint leaf shapes at the temples. A lightweight cardboard staff is a safe prop, and fingerless gloves and a scarf can go on later without spoiling the look.
23. Green Frog Costume
A frog costume comes straight out of everyday green basics. Wear a green sweatshirt with matching leggings or a skater skirt over tights, and stitch a pale green or yellow felt belly panel to the front. The eye headband is lightweight foam balls with felt pupils on a plain green band. Hair can go in two buns under the eyes or tuck into a hood. Green liner, rosy cheeks and a few dots across the nose keep it cute. Carry a felt lily pad or a fabric fly. For webbed feet, I cut felt covers with an elastic strap under the sole; anything that wraps under the shoe wears through in one evening of pavement.
24. Praying Mantis Green Costume
A praying mantis is the less obvious animal choice, and a sleek one. Start with a fitted green jumpsuit or a long-sleeve top and leggings. The folded front legs are lightweight foam attached along the forearms, which keeps your hands free for drinks and doors. Delicate wings come from sheer fabric stretched over flexible wire. I always bend the wire ends back into small loops and wrap them in tape before the fabric goes on, because a bare wire end will poke through within the hour. A smooth high ponytail or a fitted hood, plus a headband with long antennae, shapes the head. Angular green shadow and defined liner instead of full paint, a faux leaf as the prop, and green ankle boots or shoe covers.
25. Green Dinosaur Costume
A green dinosaur is warm and easy to move in, which is why it suits adults, teens and children. Wear a green hoodie with matching joggers or a fleece jumpsuit. Run triangular felt plates from the top of the hood down to the end of a stuffed tail. I sew the plates into a strip of felt first and then stitch the strip on, which is far quicker than attaching each triangle. Add a lighter belly panel and small white felt teeth around the hood opening, clear of the face. Tuck hair inside the hood and keep makeup minimal. A cardboard egg or a leafy branch is the prop, with padded three-toed felt covers over sneakers. Keep the tail short in crowds.
26. Green Dragon Costume
A dragon feels more magical than a dinosaur and is still family-friendly. Choose a shimmery green jumpsuit, a scale-print dress with leggings, or a metallic green top and trousers, and add flexible fabric wings across the shoulders with soft foam spines down the back. A short, light tail can clip on at the waist. Metallic knits are slippery to sew, so I use a ballpoint needle and a longer stitch, or the fabric skips and puckers. A textured braid or a green hood with small curved horns suits the head. Emerald shadow, gold liner and a few painted scales on the cheekbones. Gold cuffs and a big jewel pendant add fantasy, and a glowing orb or egg replaces anything threatening. Supportive green or gold ankle boots.
27. Green Alien Costume
Neon green and silver make a bold alien. Wear a lime jumpsuit, a metallic green dress with leggings, or a matching top and trousers, then add a silver belt, reflective cuffs and a small crossbody pouch decorated like a control panel. A green bald cap is the classic outline, but I'd point most people to a sleek green bob wig, which is much more comfortable over a long evening. Soft antennae go on a headband, with green face makeup, silver shadow, graphic liner and a glossy lip. Oversized iridescent sunglasses can replace the detailed makeup if you're short on time. A ray-gun bubble blower or a glowing orb is the prop, with silver sneakers or white platforms.
28. Green Zombie Costume
A zombie can be eerie without any wounds. Start with an oversized olive shirt, a worn green cardigan and dark green trousers. Fray the hems lightly; on woven cotton, a few passes with a stiff brush or sandpaper along the edge does it, and I stop before the threads start running into the garment. Dust the fabric with grey eyeshadow or washable powder for age. Tease hair into a mess or wear a tangled grey-green wig. Pale green face makeup with grey contour under the cheekbones and around the eyes gives a tired, otherworldly look, with cracked lines instead of fake blood. An old book, wilted faux flowers or a lantern to carry, and scuffed sneakers for the slow walk.
29. Green Swamp Monster Costume
Mossy texture turns plain clothes into a swamp monster with real atmosphere. Begin with an olive hoodie, green trousers and a dark green vest. Attach strips of mesh, raffia, faux moss and fabric leaves across the shoulders, sleeves and legs, away from the face and shoes. I sew the strips onto a few lengths of wide ribbon first and then tack the ribbon to the hoodie, so everything comes off in minutes and the hoodie survives. Messy waves with temporary green colour, or a shaggy moss wig. Muted green face paint with darker shading at the forehead and jaw, plus leaf-shaped brows. A jar of battery-powered green lights or some faux reeds is the prop, with brown waterproof boots.
30. Avocado Green Costume
An avocado is a food costume that reads from across the street, and it's a fun weekend build. Wear a light green T-shirt and dark green trousers or leggings. Cut a large avocado shape from foam board, paint it in several greens, and add shoulder straps so it rests on the torso. I score the back of the foam board lightly down the middle, which lets it curve a little around the body instead of sitting like a sandwich board. Add a rounded brown foam pit in the centre and keep it light. A high bun with a small green leaf clip, fresh makeup with green liner and peach blush. A toast-shaped handbag is the joke prop, with dark green sneakers or brown ankle boots.
31. Broccoli Green Costume
A broccoli costume is a plain green outfit and one big headpiece. Wear a forest-green sweatshirt and matching trousers, with a lighter felt panel down the torso as the stalk. The crown is green pom-poms or crumpled tissue shapes on a comfortable cap, in several greens so it has depth. Tissue crushes the first time someone hugs you, so I use pom-poms for anything that has to last the evening and stitch them on through the cap rather than relying on glue. Tuck hair under the headpiece, with light green shadow and rosy cheeks. Small felt leaves at the wrists add movement. A wooden-look basket or a garden-marker sign is the prop, with dark green sneakers.
32. Pickle Green Costume
A pickle brings easy humour with very little sewing. Start with a long green T-shirt dress, an oversized sweatshirt or a straight green tunic over matching leggings. Add darker green felt circles and curved lines for the bumps. On a jersey T-shirt I'd stitch rather than glue them, because fabric glue goes stiff on knit and cracks as you move. A green beanie with a tiny felt stem covers the head, or wear a short green wig. Bright green shadow, defined lashes and a glossy lip. A jar-shaped handbag from clear plastic or card with no sharp edges, and green sneakers or yellow flats. A foam sandwich prop makes the joke even clearer.
33. Green Pea Pod Costume
A pea pod is soft, comfortable and very effective. Wear a dark green long-sleeve shirt with matching trousers or leggings, then attach a lighter green oval panel down the front. Add three or four big round fabric peas stuffed with light filling, spaced evenly. Each pea needs to be firmly stitched; I sew them on through the panel with a few stitches across the centre as well as round the edge, so they don't swing or pull the shirt down. A pointed green hood or a leaf headband over braided or tucked hair. Mint shadow, pink blush and a few freckles. A small watering can or a fabric basket as the prop, with dark green sneakers for walking.
34. Green Cactus Costume
A cactus uses clean shapes and bright colour for a desert look. Wear a green jumpsuit, a sweatshirt dress with tights, or a matching top and trousers. Cut short spines from white felt or pipe cleaners, fold the ends over, and attach them firmly so nothing pokes; pipe cleaners have a wire core, so I bend each tip back on itself before stitching it down. Add raised foam arms at the sides, or keep it simple with green gloves. A flower-covered green headband or a bright pink fabric blossom above one ear. Green liner, rosy cheeks and small white dots at the temples. A cardboard plant pot around the waist is optional, with brown ankle boots or tan sneakers.
35. Green Crayon Costume
A green crayon is graphic and readable from the other side of a room. Start with a straight green dress, an oversized tunic or a long T-shirt over matching leggings. Stitch black felt bands around the neckline and hem and add wavy shapes like a crayon wrapper. The pointed hat is green poster board covered in felt, with soft elastic under the chin. I roll the cone around a bowl first to find the right head size, then tape it before covering, which saves a lot of wasted board. Hair can tuck under the hat or fall loose. Clean makeup with green shadow and a bright pink lip. An oversized colouring page or a small crayon bag, plus black sneakers or green flats.
Which Holds Up Better, Felt or Foam?
Almost every costume here leans on felt, foam or cardboard for its character details. They behave very differently once you're wearing them, and picking the right one for each part saves a lot of repairs halfway through the night.
- Felt is best for anything flat that sits on fabric: collars, letters, belly panels, eyes. Stitch it on. Felt glued to polyester or stretch jersey peels off as soon as the fabric flexes.
- Craft foam sheets are fine for crowns and flat trims but crease permanently if they fold. EVA foam is thicker, takes a curve with a hairdryer, and is what I'd use for shields, chest plates and horns.
- Cardboard and foam board are good for big shapes like an avocado or a turtle shell. Seal them before painting if you'll be outside, because damp air softens them.
- Hot glue is quick, but it lets go in cold air and on stretchy fabric. For an outdoor night, use fabric glue or a needle and thread on anything that carries weight.
The upside of felt and foam is that both store flat. Keep the panels, ears and collars in a labelled zip bag with the base clothes washed separately, and next year's costume is half made.
Green Pieces Worth Keeping After Halloween
Green covers a lot of ground. The same colour can make a famous witch, a superhero, a fantasy creature, a cheerful animal, a cartoon character or a vegetable with a sense of humour. The looks that work all share a clear clothing base, recognisable hair, makeup that suits the character, one simple prop and shoes you can walk in. Before buying a whole new costume, I'd go through your wardrobe, a charity shop and your craft drawer for pieces to reuse. Felt panels, temporary colour, foam accessories and a familiar silhouette can turn cheap basics into something finished. Pick the costume that suits where you'll be and how long you'll be in it, and get the shade of green right.
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