A Halloween costume should be fun to plan, not one more thing to stress about. The 35 looks here run from old favorites like the witch and the vampire to DIY ideas, glamorous characters and outfits comfortable enough for a whole night out. Each covers clothing, hair, makeup, accessories, a prop and shoes you can actually walk in. Plenty of them start with basics you already own or a quick thrift run; a few are for anyone who loves a big makeup look. I've noted where each one tends to go wrong, so you can sidestep it before the night.
One Black Dress Can Become Six of These
Look through the list and the same base turns up again and again. A plain black dress, or black separates, sits under the witch, the vampire, the cat, Wednesday, Holly Golightly and Cruella. If you own one good black base, you can try several characters before you spend anything.
- Witch: add a purple cape, striped tights and a pointed hat.
- Vampire: swap the cape for red-lined black and change to a berry lip.
- Cat: a turtleneck dress, ears, a tail and drawn whiskers.
- Wednesday: a crisp white collar pinned or buttoned over the neckline.
- Holly Golightly: long gloves, pearls and a high bun.
- Cruella: the spotted coat and the two-tone wig do it all.
Matte cotton or a jersey knit works for most of these. Velvet reads richer for the witch and the vampire, but it shows every speck of glitter and powder, so keep a lint roller in your bag. Whatever you choose, wear it for an hour at home first to check it doesn't ride up when you sit.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Black Dress
The witch is the easiest costume to make your own, because almost any long black base works. A long black dress, or a black blouse tucked into a flowing maxi skirt, with a purple velvet cape for color. I always reach for velvet here, because it catches the light in photos in a way flat polyester never does. Wear soft waves or a long black wig, and smoky purple or green eyes. A pointed hat, striped tights and buckled ankle boots finish her, and the hat stays on far better with two bobby pins crossed through the brim into your hair. Silver rings and star earrings add detail, and a small broom or fabric spellbook is the prop.
2. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
Red and black, kept glamorous rather than gory. Wear a fitted black jumpsuit or a velvet midi dress, then layer a long red-lined cape over it. I'd pick the lightest cape fabric you can find; a heavy satin one gets hot fast in a crowded room and pulls at the neck. Glossy waves or a sleek bun, pale foundation, smoky eyes, strong brows and deep berry lips do the rest. A jeweled choker and a small vintage-style goblet are lovely accessories. Wear block-heel boots or loafers, and treat fangs as optional, since the cape and lipstick already tell the story.
3. Black Cat Costume With Faux Fur Details
When you need something simple that still looks finished, the black cat is reliable. A black turtleneck with fitted trousers or a black jumpsuit is the base, plus a faux-fur collar, a detachable tail and soft ears. The ears read better if they sit forward on the head, not straight up at the back like a headband. Draw the nose and whiskers with liner, add silver shimmer around the eyes and set it all with powder so the whiskers don't smudge when you eat. A bell choker and a ball of gray yarn add personality. Low ankle boots handle a cold October night.
4. Wednesday Addams Costume With Braids
You may already own all of Wednesday. A knee-length black dress with a crisp white collar, or a white button-down under a plain black shift, with opaque black tights. The collar has to be sharp, so I iron it flat and, if it's soft, add a little spray starch. Part your hair dead center and make two tight braids, or wear a long black wig. Keep the makeup matte: pale base, softly shaded eyes, defined brows and a muted berry lip. Black Mary Janes or loafers suit her, and a small old book is the only prop she needs. Don't smile in the photos.
5. Barbie Cowgirl Costume With Pink Flare Pants
Barbie cowgirl lives on hot pink, so get the shades close. Pink flare pants and a matching vest over a white fitted shirt look polished; two pinks that nearly match look like an accident. Add silver stars or fringe with removable trim, bouncy blonde waves or a wig, and a white or pink cowboy hat. Rosy blush, fluttery lashes, pink shadow and gloss are the makeup. A printed neck scarf, star earrings and a small pink handbag finish it, with white cowboy boots. The fitted top and wide-leg pants balance well on most figures.
6. Disco Queen Costume With Silver Jumpsuit
A silver jumpsuit with wide legs is made for a dance floor. Metallic trousers with a sparkly wrap top do the same job if one-pieces don't suit you, which matters more than you'd think; a jumpsuit means undressing completely for every bathroom trip. Add a cropped white faux-fur jacket, big curls or a fluffy blowout, silver lids and glossy nude lips. Oversized hoops and tinted round sunglasses bring the 70s in. Carry a small silver clutch. Platform boots look right, though supportive metallic sneakers will last the night better.
7. Flapper Costume With Fringe Dress
Fringe is the flapper, because it moves every time you do. Choose a knee-length black, gold or jewel-toned dress with layers of fringe, and pass on tight costume versions. Sheer tights and a light faux-fur wrap add coverage. Short hair takes finger waves; longer hair can be pinned under into a faux bob, or tucked under a sleek bob wig. Smoky eyes, thin arched brows and red lips give the period face. A jeweled headband, long faux pearls, a beaded bag and T-strap flats finish her. Cheap fringe tangles, so I hang the dress up between wears and shake it out rather than brushing it.
8. Rosie The Riveter Costume With Denim
Rosie comes straight out of a closet: a chambray or denim shirt tucked into high-waisted dark jeans or navy work pants, sleeves rolled above the elbow and a brown belt. The red polka-dot bandanna is what makes her, tied with the knot on top, over a rolled updo or bun. Fold it into a long band before tying, or it sits too flat. Defined brows, warm blush and classic red lipstick are all the makeup needed. Brown work boots or sneakers keep her practical. Strike the flexed-arm pose for photos.
9. Greek Goddess Costume With White Draped Dress
Drape and gold are all a goddess really needs. Start with a white maxi dress, or a long white skirt with a one-shoulder top, then tie a gold cord belt at the natural waist. A light cream cape adds movement. If you're draping your own fabric, use plenty of safety pins on the inside rather than one at the shoulder, which will slip within an hour. Loose waves or a braided crown, warm gold shadow, peach blush and a neutral lip keep it soft. A gold leaf headband, stacked cuffs and flat gold sandals finish it, and the sandals matter if you'll be standing for hours.
10. Fairy Costume With Tulle Dress
Wings are the first thing to get right on a fairy. Go with sheer wings in proportion to your frame, small enough to get through a doorway, and check how they attach before buying; thin elastic loops dig into bare shoulders. A knee-length tulle dress or a fitted pastel top with a tulle skirt is the base. Soft curls or a half-up braid with faux flowers, iridescent shadow and pink blush do the face, with a few face gems at the temples. Stick to one color family, lavender or pale green for instance, so the look holds together. A matching cardigan keeps you warm.
11. Red Riding Hood Costume With Hooded Cape
The red hooded cape turns ordinary clothes into Red Riding Hood. Underneath, wear a white puff-sleeve blouse with a black or brown corset-style vest, a knee-length skirt and opaque tights. Make sure the hood is deep enough to sit over your hair without pulling the cape up at the neck. Loose curls or low braids fit under it best. Rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a berry lip keep her soft. Carry a wicker basket with a gingham cloth and some treats, and wear brown lace-up boots. A cape that fastens securely and stops above the ankle won't get trodden on in a crowd.
12. Pirate Costume With Striped Shirt
Stripes, a sash and some jewelry are most of a pirate. Wear a black-and-white striped shirt, high-waisted black trousers and a red or burgundy vest, then tie one wide scarf at the waist and another over loose waves. Smudged brown liner, bronzed cheeks and a berry lip give the face. Layer coin necklaces, hoops and a faux-leather cuff. Carry a rolled map or a pouch of plastic coins, and skip the toy sword. If you want a worn look, rough up the shirt edges with a little washable fabric color, but keep it clean enough for a work party.
13. Mermaid Costume With Sequin Skirt
A sequin skirt is a beautiful mermaid base, as long as you can walk in it. Pick a teal, blue or purple fitted maxi with a back slit, never a tapered tail that locks your knees together. Pair it with a satin blouse or shell-patterned top. Wear beachy waves or a blue-green wig, and blend turquoise, lavender and pearl shadow with a few gems at the temples. Sequins scratch the inside of your arms over a long night, so I'd choose a top with sleeves. A shell headband, pearl earrings and a little seashell purse finish it, with a cropped blue jacket for the cold.
14. Scarecrow Costume With Plaid Shirt
The scarecrow is made for outdoor events, because every layer is warm. Wear a plaid flannel with denim overalls or a brown corduroy skirt over thick tights. Add raffia or strips of tan felt at the cuffs and pockets. Real raffia sheds everywhere and itches against skin, so I use felt strips near the neck and save raffia for the hat. Two braids under a floppy straw hat, drawn stitches at the mouth, an orange nose, freckles and rosy cheeks make her. Brown boots and a patchwork cardigan finish the look.
15. Skeleton Costume With Black Jumpsuit
A skeleton doesn't need a full face of paint to look sharp. Wear a black jumpsuit, or a top and leggings, with white felt bones attached with fabric-safe tape so you can peel them off later. Slick your hair into a high ponytail or bun to keep it off the paint. Then paint a stylized skull around the eyes, nose and cheekbones in black and white, keeping it graphic rather than realistic. Patch-test the paint on your wrist the day before, and stop short of the lash line, because paint near the eyes runs. Skeletal gloves and black combat boots finish her. Reflective trim helps if you'll be walking after dark.
16. Fortune Teller Costume With Velvet Skirt
Layers and jewel tones make the fortune teller. Pair a burgundy velvet maxi skirt with a black peasant blouse and an embroidered vest, tie one patterned scarf at the waist and drape another lightly over long waves. Smoky plum eyes and dark rose lips suit her. Layer gold necklaces, hoops and bangles, though stacked bangles get loud and heavy after a few hours, so keep it to a few. Carry blank decorative cards or a clear ornament as a crystal ball. Keep this one in theatrical fantasy and vintage fabrics, not copied from any real cultural or spiritual tradition.
17. Audrey Hepburn Costume With Black Dress
The Holly Golightly look is the subtle character for a work party. Wear a sleeveless black dress with a clean neckline, long black gloves, a multi-strand faux-pearl necklace and oversized sunglasses. Sweep your hair into a high bun with a small jeweled clip or mini tiara at the front. A tall bun holds better with a foam donut inside it than with pins alone. Winged liner, groomed brows and rosy lips are the makeup. A black clutch or a paper coffee cup is the prop people recognize. Kitten heels or pointed flats, and a fitted black coat if you're outside.
18. Mime Costume With Striped Top
A mime is a graphic black-and-white look made from everyday clothes. Tuck a striped long-sleeve top into black cropped trousers or a knee-length skirt, then add black suspenders, a red neck scarf, white gloves and a black beret over a neat bun. White face makeup goes on thin; a heavy layer cracks around the mouth as soon as you talk. Black liner, small lines under the lower lashes and a red lip finish the face. An empty picture frame gives you something to do in photos. Flat shoes and a soft knit make it easy for school or work.
19. Medusa Costume With Green Dress
Medusa is all about the snakes, and they're the part most likely to fail. Weave small rubber snakes into a braided crown, or wire them to a padded headband, and check none of them dangle into your eyes. Rubber snakes are heavier than they look, so spread them evenly or the headband tips backward. Underneath, wear a green or metallic draped maxi dress with a gold belt, arm cuffs and leaf earrings. Green and gold shadow and a scale pattern pressed through a mesh stencil at the temples do the face. A small round mirror and gold sandals finish her.
20. Ghost Bride Costume With White Lace Dress
A ghost bride can feel haunting without a single graphic detail. A secondhand white lace dress or vintage-style gown is the base, with a soft gray shawl and a fingertip veil on a floral headband. Leave your waves a little messy under the veil. Pale foundation, cool gray shadow, soft contour and a mauve lip give her the faded face. Carry white and gray faux flowers tied with old ribbon. Rub a little washable gray fabric chalk along the hem to age it. Wear flats or low block heels; real bridal shoes are hard enough to wear at an actual wedding.
21. Cowgirl Costume With Denim Skirt
A cowgirl built from reusable pieces is a costume you'll wear again. Tuck a plaid shirt into a denim midi skirt or dark jeans, then add a wide belt and a suede-look vest with a little fringe. Hats are the tricky part. A Western hat that's too big drops over your eyes, so a strip of foam tape inside the band fixes the fit. Two low braids sit neatly under it. Warm bronzer, peach blush and brown liner keep the makeup natural, and a red bandanna at the neck adds color. Brown cowboy boots, broken in first, and a denim jacket for the cold.
22. Angel Costume With White Jumpsuit
A white jumpsuit makes a cleaner, more modern angel than the usual robe. Go with a wide-leg one, or white trousers with a soft satin blouse. The halo is what I check first, because it usually fails: one on a thin wire droops and bobs, so look for a sturdier headband with a short stem. Light feather-style wings in fabric shed far less than real feathers. Soft waves, luminous skin, champagne shadow and pale pink lips give the face. Add silver earrings and a delicate belt. If you get cold, wear a white blazer or cardigan rather than a dark coat over the top.
23. Woodland Deer Costume With Brown Dress
A deer is mostly brown knitwear and a bit of makeup. Wear a brown knit dress, or a fitted turtleneck with a brown midi skirt, with cream faux-fur trim at the collar or cuffs. Felt antlers on a headband sit well between two small buns. Warm bronzer across the forehead and cheeks, white dots above the cheekbones and a small brown nose drawn with liner make the face; white dots go on best with the end of a makeup brush handle dipped in cream paint. A leaf garland and acorn earrings add the forest theme. Neutral tights and a fitted cardigan keep you warm.
24. Pop Art Costume With Colorful Dress
Pop art is all about the black lines. Wear a bright red, blue or yellow shift dress with opaque tights in a contrasting color, and outline a cropped jacket or belt with removable black trim. A smooth ponytail or a bright solid wig keeps the hair graphic. Then use black liner to outline the brows, nose and jaw, and press evenly spaced dots onto the cheeks; a small round sponge dabber spaces them more evenly than freehand. Red lips and vivid shadow add contrast. Carry a cardboard speech bubble with a short phrase. Keep the accessories plain so the face does the talking.
25. Mad Hatter Costume With Patterned Blazer
The Hatter doesn't need a matching set, just patterns that share two colors. Wear a patterned blazer over a ruffled blouse with cropped trousers or a full skirt, striped tights and an oversized bow tie. Tousled curls or an orange wig, colorful teal and purple eyes and a berry lip give the face. The tall top hat is the centerpiece: trim it with ribbon, faux flowers and a paper price tag, and hold it on with a small comb sewn inside the band. Carry a lightweight teacup. Lace-up ankle boots balance all that pattern.
26. Cruella De Vil Costume With Faux Fur Coat
Cruella is three colors: black, white and red. Wear a long black dress or tailored jumpsuit under a spotted faux-fur coat that's clearly synthetic and a bit over the top. The half-black, half-white wig is the piece that names her, and it's easier than coloring your own hair, which rarely stays in clean halves. Sharp winged liner, sculpted brows and vivid red lips finish the face. Red gloves, chunky costume jewelry and a structured bag complete her. Carry a long holder with nothing in it, or a red fan, and wear pointed flats or red block heels.
27. Little Bo Peep Costume With Blue Dress
Bo Peep is pastels and a full skirt. Pick a blue or pink puff-sleeve midi dress, layer a white apron over it and wear bloomers or opaque tights underneath. Ringlets or low curled ponytails sit under a bonnet. Rosy blush, soft blue shadow and pink lips give the doll face. Make the crook from foam or cardboard wrapped in ribbon; a real wooden one is heavy and catches people in a crowd. White lace socks and Mary Janes, plus a little plush sheep tied to a basket, finish her. It's a modest, layered costume that suits family events.
28. Ringmaster Costume With Red Tailcoat
The red tailcoat is the ringmaster, so make it sit right. A red tailcoat or military-style blazer over a white blouse and high-waisted black trousers, with removable gold ribbon trim and a black bow tie. A blazer with structured shoulders looks far more like a ringmaster than a soft one. A miniature top hat on a clip sits neatly on a high ponytail or sleek bun. Gold shadow, black liner and red lips give the face. White gloves and gold shoulder pieces add the theatrical edge. Riding-style boots ground the color, and a ribboned hoop makes a light prop.
29. Alien Costume With Metallic Outfit
A metallic outfit makes an alien with almost no crafting. Pair silver wide-leg pants with a holographic top, or wear a metallic jumpsuit with a structured belt. Metallic fabrics show every crease, so I hang them up the day before rather than leaving them folded. Sleek space buns or a silver bob wig, lilac and blue shadow, silver highlighter and a few gems near the brows give the face. Add an antenna headband and geometric earrings. A clear purse with a string of battery lights inside is the clever prop, and white platform sneakers finish it.
30. Butterfly Costume With Printed Wings
Butterfly wings that attach at the shoulders and wrists open as you lift your arms, which is the whole effect. Build on a fitted black jumpsuit or a leotard over leggings, and attach light printed wings at both points. Leave a little slack at the wrists, or every reach for a drink pulls the wing tight. A braided ponytail under an antenna headband keeps hair out of the way. Wing-style eye makeup in two of the wing colors, with white dots and a bit of shimmer, finishes the face. Repeat those colors in your earrings or belt so everything ties together.
31. Beauty Queen Costume With Formal Dress
A beauty queen is the funny way to wear a formal dress you already own. Take a floor-length gown or a thrifted cocktail dress in a color you like. The sash makes the joke, so iron your own silly title onto satin ribbon with iron-on letters. Big pageant curls or a high polished bun under a sparkly tiara, defined lashes and glowing cheeks give her the stage look. Carry faux flowers and a small clutch, and practice the wave. Metallic flats or low heels let you stand all evening. Any age, any size, any sense of humor.
32. Mushroom Costume With Red Hat
The mushroom cap is the whole costume, so spend your time there. Make a wide red cap from felt over a foam base, glue on white circles of slightly different sizes for a natural look, and hold it on with hidden elastic under your hair. Keep the brim narrow enough to get through a crowded room without knocking anyone. Underneath, wear a cream turtleneck with white wide-leg pants, or an off-white dress over warm tights. Two low braids, peach blush and white freckles keep the face sweet. Felt leaves on a belt and a little basket of flowers finish her.
33. Vintage Flight Attendant Costume With Blue Suit
The flight attendant is the polished costume that works best at an office party. Wear a fitted blue blazer with a matching knee-length skirt or trousers, a white blouse and a small scarf tied neatly at the neck. A French twist or low bun under a pillbox hat looks right; pillbox hats stay put with a comb sewn inside or a hat pin. Winged liner and red lips give the classic face. Pin a handmade name badge and wing brooch to the blazer, and carry a small rolling bag. Navy pumps or loafers finish her. Keep real airline branding off it.
34. Garden Gnome Costume With Red Hat
Primary colors and a tall red hat make a gnome. Pair a blue tunic or oversized sweater with brown leggings or a skirt over tights, then cinch it with a wide black belt. The hat needs height, and a tall felt cone flops over unless you stiffen it with interfacing or a thin card lining. A soft detachable white beard is optional; rosy cheeks, freckles and a round pink nose work just as well. Carry a small watering can of faux flowers. Brown boots, striped socks and felt patches finish her, and it's warm enough for outdoor events.
35. Cloud Costume With White Tulle
A cloud is soft, easy and very DIY. Wear a white sweatshirt with a layered white tulle skirt or wide-leg pants, then attach clusters of polyester filling across the shoulders and skirt. Stuffing sheds every time you brush against something, so I stitch it on in small tufts rather than gluing large sheets, and keep it well away from the face. A high fluffy ponytail, pale blue shadow and pearly highlighter suit her. Raindrop earrings, a headband with felt clouds and a small blue umbrella with ribbon raindrops finish the look. Battery lights add sparkle, and they're far safer than anything with a flame.
Wings, Hats and Headbands That Stay Where You Put Them
Of all the costume fixes I get asked about, the most common is a headpiece or set of wings that slipped in the first hour. The fix is nearly always in the attachment, not the piece itself.
Hats
Witch hats, top hats, pillbox hats and the gnome's cone all slide on smooth hair. Cross two bobby pins through the brim or band into a small section of hair, or sew a little wire comb inside the band. A strip of foam tape inside a hat that's too big takes up the slack.
Headbands with weight
Antlers, snakes and antennae make a headband tip backward. Choose a wide headband with small teeth along the inside, keep the heaviest parts close to the band, and pin it behind the ears through your hair.
Wings
Thin elastic loops dig into bare shoulders and let wings flop sideways. Swap them for wider elastic, add a strap across the chest under your top, or stitch the wing base to a fitted vest worn underneath. Then put your coat on over everything and try a car seat before you leave; wings that fold flat are wings that survive the drive.
A Costume That Still Looks Good at Midnight
None of these needs to be expensive, revealing or hard to wear. Start with clothing that fits well, then add the hair, makeup, one or two accessories and a single prop people will recognize. Closet basics cover the witch, Rosie and the mime; thrift finds and a little crafting handle the cloud, the mushroom and the beauty queen. Test any makeup a day ahead, attach handmade pieces properly and wear shoes you've already walked in. The costume you're comfortable in will look better at midnight than the elaborate one you're fighting.
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