A girl's costume has two jobs: it has to make her feel like the character, and it has to still be comfortable at the end of a long, cold evening. The forty looks below cover witches and ghosts, fairies and unicorns, favorite film and cartoon characters, sporty ideas and a few homemade builds, each with the clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes I'd put together. Almost all of them adjust from toddler to teen: lengthen or shorten a skirt, add a layer underneath, simplify the face. I lean on soft fabrics, accessories that stay attached and shoes she can walk a school parade in, and a strip of reflective tape fits into nearly every theme.
Sizing a Costume Over a Coat and Leggings
Most costumes for girls are cut to be worn over a thin T-shirt, which is fine for a classroom party and useless on a cold doorstep. I plan the warm layers first and fit the costume over them, not the other way round.
- Try the costume on over the thermal top, leggings and socks she'll really wear. If it only just fits, go up a size; tutus and capes hide the extra room.
- Check the arm holes with a long-sleeve layer underneath. Tight sleeves bunch up and she'll be tugging at them all night.
- Decide now whether a coat goes over or under. Capes and wings can sit over a slim jacket; dresses usually go over a cardigan and under nothing.
- Put her shoes on for the fitting. A dress that's the right length in socks can catch the toe of a boot.
Then do a scratch test. Rub the inside of every seam, label and sequin panel against the inside of your own wrist. Anything that scratches you will be pulled off her in the first half hour, so line it with a strip of soft jersey or snip the label out.
1. Classic Witch Costume With Purple Cape
The witch is festive without being scary, which is why I reach for her with younger girls. A comfortable black dress with a full skirt lets her run, and a purple velvet-look cape plus striped tights add color and warmth. Wide-brim pointed hats slip off small heads, so I sew a soft hat elastic inside before she ever puts it on. Loose waves or one temporary purple streak suits the hair, and lavender eyes, rosy cheeks and a tiny painted star keep the face playful. A light broom, spell book or decorated bucket gives her something to carry. Flat buckled boots beat heels every time, and purple reflective tape along the cape edge helps after dark.
2. Glam Vampire Costume With Red Cape
Red and black make a polished vampire that suits girls from about seven up to teens. A black long-sleeve dress, opaque tights and a red cape with a stand-up collar form the base, and a lace collar or jeweled brooch adds the old-fashioned touch. Hair can be sleek, softly curled or in a tidy bun. I go very light on pale powder, then add plum eyes, defined brows and a berry lip balm, keeping her mysterious rather than gory. Plastic fangs are best saved for photos, since they make talking and eating candy awkward. A goblet-shaped candy cup or a faux red rose, and black ballet flats or lace-up boots, finish it.
3. White Ghost Costume With Tulle Skirt
This ghost is a softer, prettier take on the sheet, and she can see where she's walking. A white long-sleeve top, white leggings and a layered tulle skirt make the base, with light strips of sheer white fabric stitched at the waist and sleeves so they float when she moves. A white hooded cape adds warmth on a chilly night. Tie a high ponytail with white ribbons, or spray a few strands white. Silver eyes, pale pink cheeks and little white dots round the eyes do the face. I keep those floating strips short, at mid-thigh, so they never end up under her shoes. White sneakers and reflective silver stars on the cape keep it practical.
4. Cute Black Cat Costume With Tutu
The black cat is the costume I'd pick for a school day, because it is really just comfortable clothes. A fitted black T-shirt or long-sleeve top, black leggings and a soft tutu form the base, with a cat-ear headband and a fabric tail. Sew or safety-pin the tail through the waistband at two points; a tail tucked in at one point is lost by lunchtime. A cropped faux-fur vest adds texture and a layer. Two high buns under the ears look sweet. Washable paint draws the nose and whiskers, with a touch of pink on the eyes. A paw-print treat bag, black sneakers and reflective paw stickers finish it.
5. Sparkly Skeleton Costume With Sneakers
A skeleton can be fun rather than frightening. Start with a black sweatshirt and leggings printed with bones, or cut bones from white felt and attach them with removable fabric tape for a homemade version. A black tulle skirt or silver sequin jacket adds sparkle if she likes a bit of shine. Sweep the hair into a high ponytail woven with silver ribbon. On the face I keep it bright and simple: white and gray on the eyes, a black dot on the nose, and curved lines at the smile, nothing realistic. Glow bracelets look great with the black and make her easier to see. A bone-print bucket and comfy sneakers, and she can dance all night.
6. Friendly Zombie Cheerleader Costume
A zombie cheerleader needs to stay playful enough for a public event. Use an old pleated skirt with a matching sweatshirt or athletic top, and stitch on a few gray fabric patches so it looks worn. Bike shorts or leggings underneath give coverage for cartwheels. A high ponytail with a slightly messy ribbon and maybe a temporary gray streak suit the hair. I'd stick to stylised makeup, light gray eyes, a little pale powder, smudged liner and a muted pink lip, and leave out fake wounds, which upset younger children in a crowd. Soft pom-poms with gray ribbons, knee socks and supportive sneakers finish her.
7. Cute Werewolf Costume With Plaid Shirt
A werewolf is a good choice for a cold October night because it's built from warm layers. A plaid flannel shirt over a brown or gray T-shirt, black leggings or worn-look jeans, a faux-fur vest, fur wrist cuffs and a fabric tail set the theme. I choose an ear headband over a full mask every time, since masks block the side view a child needs at curbs. Tousled waves or a deliberately messy ponytail suit her. Brown shadow round the eyes, a dark nose and a few soft fur strokes on the cheeks are plenty. A moon-shaped candy bag and sturdy hiking-style boots or sneakers keep her warm and moving.
8. Happy Pumpkin Costume With Green Tights
Bright orange is cheerful and easy for drivers to spot, which makes the pumpkin a good trick-or-treat pick. Use an orange bubble dress, sweatshirt dress or oversized T-shirt with a smiling jack-o'-lantern face, green tights or leggings and a felt leaf collar. If you pad the costume, keep the stuffing light and the body roomy, or she won't be able to sit in the car. Tie a top bun with green ribbon to make a stem. Orange eyes, peach cheeks and a tiny green leaf on one cheek are enough. A pumpkin pail, green sneakers or orange rain boots and a thermal top underneath finish it.
9. Patchwork Scarecrow Costume With Overalls
The scarecrow is cosy autumn clothes with a few homemade touches. Denim overalls over a plaid shirt, with colorful felt patches fixed on with removable fabric tape, make the base. Raffia or yellow yarn at the cuffs and pockets adds the straw; I keep every strand short and tie it over the fabric, because raffia scratches bare wrists. A floppy straw-look hat and two braids with orange ribbon finish the outline. For makeup, peach blush, a small stitched line on each cheek and painted freckles keep her sweet. A plush crow or small basket of fake leaves, brown boots or sneakers, and leggings under the overalls keep her warm.
10. Black Bat Costume With Wing Cape
Bat wings are easiest to live with when they're built into a cape. Dress her in a black long-sleeve top and leggings with a light scalloped wing cape fixed at the shoulders and wrists, so she can lift her arms to show the wings and drop them to walk. I attach the wrist loops with soft elastic rather than tying them, so she can slip a hand free to hold a bag. Small bat ears and a purple belt add color, and a high bun keeps hair out of the cape. Silver eyes, soft liner and a black nose dot are plenty. Reflective silver trim on the wing edges shows up well at night.
11. Spider Queen Costume With Web Cape
The spider queen suits a girl with a taste for drama. A black dress, or a black top with a layered skirt, goes over silver web-pattern tights, and a sheer web cape sits on the shoulders without trailing. A jeweled spider headband or small silver crown makes her the queen. Hair goes into a neat bun, a braided crown or a sleek ponytail. Smoky gray eyes, a few silver face gems and fine web lines at one temple finish the face; I fix gems with a skin-safe adhesive and keep them off the eyelids. A plush spider on the shoulder, silver flats or black boots, and reflective web tape complete it.
12. Pink Fairy Costume With Flower Crown
The pink fairy is soft layers, small wings and flowers. A pink leotard-style or long-sleeve top goes with a layered tulle skirt over leggings. Pick wings that sit close to her back; wide ones knock into other children and catch in car doors. A flower crown with ribbon streamers frames her face, and the hair can be curled, braided or tied low with tiny faux flowers. Shimmery pink eyes, rosy cheeks and a little biodegradable glitter go a long way. I'd give her a ribbon wand with a soft star tip instead of a stiff one. Pink flats or glitter sneakers, and a cardigan under the wings when it turns cold.
13. Woodland Fairy Costume With Leaf Cape
The woodland fairy swaps pink for earthy greens and browns. A moss-green dress or tunic over brown leggings, with a layered skirt of leaf-shaped fabric panels, is the base, plus small gold or green wings and a short cape dotted with fabric leaves. A leafy crown or acorn headband finishes the head. I braid the hair loosely and weave in thin green ribbon, then add warm bronze eyes, peach cheeks and a few gold freckles. A little lantern-style treat holder or flower wand works as the prop, and brown ankle boots cope with grass and pavements. Fabric leaves are softer than plastic ones, which matters for sensitive skin.
14. Mermaid Costume With Shimmer Leggings
A mermaid doesn't need a tight tail skirt; shimmer leggings let her walk properly. Pair turquoise shimmer leggings with a purple peplum top or scale-print tunic, and attach a short fin panel at the back of the waist, high enough that it never drags. A shell headband and pearl-look necklace bring the sea in. Loose waves with temporary blue, purple or teal streaks suit her. I stencil a few scales onto the cheekbone with aqua shadow and keep the rest light, with pink lip balm. A shell purse or decorated bucket, turquoise sneakers or iridescent flats, and a blue cardigan under the top for outdoors finish it.
15. Rainbow Unicorn Costume With Pastel Tutu
Unicorn pastels show up well in photos and in a dark street. A white hoodie or long-sleeve top, white leggings and a rainbow tulle skirt make the base, with a soft horn-and-ear headband instead of a mask. Clip a rainbow yarn tail to the waistband. High ponytails with pastel ribbons are easy, and washable hair chalk on a few strands adds color; chalk rubs onto white collars, so I'd brush it in before she dresses, not after. Pearly eyes, pink cheeks and small rainbow stars by one eye finish the face. A cloud-shaped treat bag, white high-tops with rainbow laces and reflective stars complete her.
16. Rainbow Cloud Costume With White Boots
The rainbow cloud is a clever homemade idea that comes together in an afternoon. A sky-blue sweatshirt dress or oversized shirt goes over white leggings, with felt rainbow arches across the front and soft white wadding around the shoulders for clouds. I stitch the wadding on in small tufts so it can't shed or pull off in clumps. A blue headband with little felt clouds frames her face, and two braids or a ponytail keep it simple. Pale blue eyes, rosy cheeks and tiny white dots round the eyes match the theme. A sun-shaped treat bag, white sneakers and thin reflective strips along the rainbow finish it.
17. Pink Princess Costume With Jeweled Cape
A princess can feel grand and still be comfortable for hours. Choose a pink ankle-length dress with soft sleeves and a full skirt that clears the ground, with leggings or shorts underneath and a short satin-look cape for warmth. Fit the tiara before the night; metal combs pinch, so I pad them with a strip of felt or swap to a headband style. A braided bun, loose curls or a half-up style with a sparkly clip all suit. Shimmery pink eyes, peach cheeks and tinted balm are enough. A small wand, velvet drawstring bag, glitter sneakers and an initial brooch make her a princess of her own.
18. Ice Queen Costume With Silver Cape
Ice blue and silver make an elegant queen with plenty of sparkle. A pale blue dress or tunic over silver leggings, a snowflake-print cape that stops above the ankles, a silver crown, crystal-look hair clips and white gloves set the wintry theme. A long side braid or braided bun suits her, with a few temporary silver strands. Icy blue eyes, pearly highlight and small snowflakes painted at the temples finish the face. A clear snowflake wand or a silver bucket with faux crystals makes the prop. Silver flats or white sneakers keep her steady, and since the theme is winter, a thermal layer under the dress is the obvious choice for a cold night.
19. Red Riding Hood Costume With Basket
Red Riding Hood suits every age, from a toddler to a teen. A white blouse and red skirt, or a simple red-and-white dress, go under a hooded red cape. I hem the cape at knee length; a long cape on a small child is the most common trip I see on doorsteps. White or black tights add warmth. Braids, loose curls or a low ponytail sit nicely under the hood. Natural makeup with rosy cheeks, freckles and red-tinted balm keeps her young. A small basket with smooth edges and a comfortable handle can hold the candy, with a checked fabric liner. Mary Janes or ankle boots, and reflective ribbon round the cape.
20. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
A light blue dress with crisp white details is all Alice really needs. Choose a knee-length pale blue dress with a white apron over the front, white tights or leggings and the black ribbon headband. Her own hair, straight or softly curled, works as well as a shoulder-length wig. Pale blue eyes, pink cheeks and a natural lip are enough. A teacup bag, plush white rabbit or oversized cardboard playing card gives her something to hold. Aprons come untied all evening, so I sew the ties into a fixed bow and close it at the back with a hook-and-loop tab. Black Mary Janes and a white cardigan underneath finish it.
21. Wednesday Addams Costume With Braids
Wednesday Addams is a gift for girls who prefer dark, plain clothes and a straight face. Start with a black long-sleeve dress with a white collar and cuffs, and black tights or striped knee socks depending on the weather. Part the hair down the middle and make two smooth braids with black elastics. Her expression does most of the work, so the face needs only natural foundation, muted gray eyes, defined brows and a berry balm. If you can't find a collared dress, I'd stitch a white peter-pan collar onto any plain black one. A vintage book, black satchel or cardboard cello, and black lace-ups, complete it.
22. Glinda Costume With Pink Bubble Dress
Glinda is airy pink and plenty of sparkle. A pale pink bubble dress, a full tulle gown or a layered skirt with a fitted long-sleeve top makes the base, with a sheer capelet and a tall silver crown cut from flexible craft foam. Soft curls or a curled ponytail suit her, with pink shimmer eyes, rosy cheeks and gloss. A light star-topped wand is easy to carry. Tulle catches on everything, so I'd add a smooth lining underneath to stop it snagging tights and scratching the legs. White tights for a cool night, silver flats or glitter sneakers, and a skirt that ends above the ground for stairs.
23. Elphaba Costume With Black Hat
Elphaba pairs a dramatic black outfit with green skin, so the makeup is the part to plan. A modest black dress with textured sleeves goes over black tights or leggings, with a short cape and a pointed hat held on by elastic. Her hair can be long and straight, braided or tucked under a dark wig. Washable green paint goes on in a thin, even layer, well away from the eyes and mouth; I patch-test it on her wrist a day or two before, because children's skin reacts more easily. Dark brows and plum shadow add definition. A light broom, a green book and black boots or sneakers finish her.
24. Rumi K-Pop Hero Costume
Rumi brings pop-star energy and bright fantasy color. A cropped purple jacket over a fitted blue top, with high-waisted shorts, trousers or a pleated skirt over leggings, makes the base, trimmed with gold braid and geometric fabric patches for a stage look. A long purple braid or ponytail is her signature; a wig only works if it fits snugly, so I'd use a braided extension clipped into her own ponytail instead. Purple eyes, neat liner, blush and a little shimmer finish the face. A toy microphone or glowing light stick, purple high-tops or flat boots, and nothing heavy, so she can dance.
25. Supergirl Costume With Red Cape
Supergirl is bright color and a strong heroic shape. A blue long-sleeve dress or tunic with a red skirt goes over opaque tights or leggings, with a short red cape fixed at the shoulders. I always use hook-and-loop or snap fasteners on children's capes so they pull away if grabbed, never ties at the throat. A gold belt and red wrist cuffs finish the outfit. Loose waves, a high ponytail or braids suit her, with rosy cheeks, blue eyes and a small gold star. A comic speech-bubble prop or shield-shaped treat bag, red sneakers for support, and reflective gold tape on the cape and belt.
26. Wonder Woman Costume With Blue Skirt
Red, blue and gold make a bold Wonder Woman. Pair a red top with a blue star-print skirt over bike shorts or leggings, then add a wide gold belt, soft wrist cuffs and a flexible gold headband with a star at the center. A cape is optional; if she wants one, keep it short with breakaway fasteners. Long waves, a ponytail or tidy braids suit her, with gold eyes, red-tinted balm and a few small stars on the cheeks. I'd make the cuffs from gold craft foam with hook-and-loop, which is comfortable and won't pinch the wrist. A soft gold rope loop or shield-shaped bag, and red high-tops.
27. Spider-Girl Costume With Hooded Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit makes Spider-Girl easy to wear while running, climbing steps and collecting candy. Choose a red-and-blue athletic jumpsuit, or a web-print hoodie with blue leggings, and red gloves with open fingertips so she can open wrappers. A removable eye mask is far better than a full face covering for breathing and seeing. A low braid or bun sits under the hood. Keep makeup minimal: blue eyes and tiny web lines at the temples. Polyester jumpsuits run warm inside, so I size up one and layer a thin top underneath for outdoors. A web-print backpack or red pail, red sneakers and reflective web tape.
28. Hermione Granger Costume With School Robe
Hermione is mostly real school clothes, which makes her easy to put together. A white collared shirt, gray sweater, striped tie and knee-length pleated skirt go under a black robe, with opaque tights for warmth. Her hair should be full natural waves or brushed curls, soft and comfortable. Neutral eyes, rosy cheeks and a natural balm keep her looking like a student. An old hardback, faux parchment or a foam wand with rounded ends makes the prop; I'd ask her to keep the wand in a robe pocket in crowds. Black loafers or Mary Janes, and a small crossbody bag under the robe for her things.
29. Barbie Cowgirl Costume With Pink Hat
Barbie the cowgirl is bright pink Western pieces, mixed playfully. A pink button-down shirt or vest goes with white jeans, a denim skirt or flared trousers, plus a pink bandana, a star belt buckle and a light cowgirl hat. A high ponytail, loose curls or two neat braids suit her, with pink eyes, peach cheeks, glossy balm and a few small face gems. A heart-shaped purse or a pink soft-cord rope coil makes the prop. White Western boots look right but pinch on long walks, so I pack white sneakers for the walking part. A pink denim jacket goes over the top when it gets cold.
30. Velma Costume With Orange Sweater
Velma comes almost entirely from the wardrobe. Pair an orange turtleneck sweater with a red pleated skirt and orange or red knee socks, with black shorts or leggings underneath for school or outdoors. A short brown bob wig works, or tuck her own hair under into a bob shape. Big square glasses are what people recognize, but they must have clear lenses; I'd pop the lenses out of novelty frames that blur her vision. Peach cheeks, defined brows and lip balm keep the face natural. A magnifying glass, notebook or cardboard clue card is the prop, with red Mary Janes or sneakers and a small crossbody bag.
31. Daphne Costume With Purple Dress
Daphne needs a purple dress and that green scarf. Choose a comfortable long-sleeve purple dress ending near the knee, with pink tights or leggings, and tie the green neck scarf as the contrasting detail. Smooth waves suit her, using her own red hair, temporary color spray or a well-fitted auburn wig. Spray color stains pale fabric, so I'd put it on before the dress and cover her shoulders with a towel. A lavender headband keeps the hair off her face. Purple eyes, pink cheeks and berry balm finish her. A notebook, clue folder or magnifying glass, purple flats or pink sneakers, and a purple coat for colder nights.
32. Girl Astronaut Costume With Silver Boots
The astronaut is adventurous and built from practical utility clothes. A white or silver jumpsuit with removable felt mission patches makes the base, with a padded belt and a light backpack dressed up as a life-support pack. Skip the closed helmet; a silver headband or open-face hood keeps her able to see and hear. Braids, a bun or a low ponytail fit under it. Silver eyes, pink cheeks and a few stars by one temple finish the face. A foam moon, small flag or planet-shaped candy bag gives her something to hold. White or silver sneakers, and reflective tape on arms and legs, which suits the space look anyway.
33. Mad Scientist Costume With Lab Coat
A mad scientist is cheap to make and lets her be funny. An oversized white lab coat goes over a bright shirt and black leggings or plaid trousers, decorated with removable felt atoms, formulas and pocket patches. A high messy ponytail or a temporary white streak gives the experiment-gone-wrong look. Clear safety glasses, purple eyes and a light smudge of gray on the forehead keep the face clean. For test tubes, I fill plastic ones with colored paper and tape the caps shut, so nothing spills on a classroom floor. A clipboard or foam molecule model also works. Bright sneakers and striped socks finish it.
34. Ballerina Costume With Pink Cardigan
A ballerina costume is graceful and easy to move in, since it's dancewear. A pink leotard-style top or fitted T-shirt with a layered knee-length tutu over matching leggings makes the base, with a wrap cardigan for warmth. A secure ballet bun with a satin ribbon or small floral clip finishes the hair; I use a bun net and plenty of pins, because a bun that falls out halfway down the street is a disappointment. Pale pink eyes, rosy cheeks and tinted balm. A drawstring dance bag or ribbon wand. Pointe shoes are not for pavements, so choose ballet flats with sturdy soles or pink sneakers, plus a cropped jacket outdoors.
35. Soccer Star Costume With Team Jersey
A soccer player costume keeps a sporty girl comfy and active all evening. A colorful team-style jersey and athletic shorts over leggings make the base, with knee-high soccer socks, shin guards if they fit comfortably, and a captain's armband. A high ponytail or braids tied with ribbons in the jersey colors suit her. Keep the face sporty: rosy cheeks and small paint stripes under the eyes. Carry a foam soccer ball or a ball-shaped treat bag rather than a real ball in crowds. Cleats are slippery on pavements, so I'd swap them for supportive sneakers. A zip-up team jacket handles the weather.
36. Sparkly Pop Star Costume With Microphone
A pop star is sequins, metallics and color. Pair a sparkly bomber jacket with a bright top and metallic leggings, shorts over tights or a comfortable pleated skirt, plus fingerless gloves and star hair clips. A high ponytail, bubble braid or two buns with temporary colored strands suit her. Shimmery eyes, a small flick of liner, pink cheeks and face gems placed well away from the eyes finish the face. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms, so I'd choose a jacket with a smooth lining or put a long-sleeve top under it. A toy microphone, crossbody treat bag and flat-soled platform-look sneakers.
37. Classic Cowgirl Costume With Denim Vest
The cowgirl can be pulled together at the last minute from what's already in the wardrobe. A plaid button-down with jeans, a denim skirt over leggings or corduroy trousers goes under a denim or brown faux-suede vest, with a bright bandana and a light Western hat. Two braids with ribbon or a loose ponytail suit her, with warm brown eyes, peach cheeks and painted freckles. A hobby horse, soft rope loop or sheriff-star candy bag makes the prop. I'd tie the bandana loosely and low, not snug at the throat. Brown Western boots look right; ankle boots or sneakers walk better, and a thermal top hides underneath.
38. Friendly Pirate Costume With Treasure Map
A friendly pirate is all adventure and no weapons. Start with a striped long-sleeve top and black trousers, leggings or a layered red skirt, then add a dark vest, a wide fabric sash and a cropped jacket if it's cool. Tie a red bandana over curls, braids or a low ponytail. Gold eyes, rosy cheeks and a tiny star by one eye finish the face. Eye patches cut her vision in half, so I'd pin the patch to her hat or have her flip it up while walking. A rolled paper map, toy spyglass or treasure-chest box, black ankle boots and a few costume coins on gold trim.
39. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Leg Warmers
A 1980s aerobics outfit is bright, easy to spot and fun to wear. Layer an oversized neon T-shirt over leggings, then stretchy shorts and a wide fabric belt, plus contrasting leg warmers, wristbands and a colored headband. A high side ponytail or big curls set the decade. Blue or purple eyes, bright pink cheeks and tinted balm. A painted cardboard cassette player or a water bottle wrapped in neon tape makes the prop. Leg warmers slide down over sneakers all night, so I put a small strip of fashion tape or a stitch of elastic at the top. High-tops, and a zip-up windbreaker for the cold.
40. DIY Gumball Machine Costume
The gumball machine is the homemade costume for a girl who likes to craft. A red skirt or red trousers and a white long-sleeve shirt are the base, covered with multicolored felt circles or small pom-poms. I sew the pom-poms on rather than gluing them, as glued pom-poms pop off the first time she leans on a table. A silver belt with a cardboard coin slot at the front and a red headband with a few felt circles finish the theme without a bulky hat. Pigtails or a neat ponytail, rainbow eyes and rosy cheeks. A red bucket with a coin symbol and red sneakers keep it bright and walkable.
Tutus, Wings and Capes Built for Small Bodies
Half the costumes above lean on the same three pieces, and making them yourself means you control the length and the fastenings.
A no-sew tutu
Cut a length of wide waistband elastic to fit her waist with a little overlap and stitch or knot it into a loop. Cut tulle into strips about 15 cm wide and twice the finished length, fold each strip in half and loop it over the elastic in a slip knot. Push the knots close together for fullness. Soft tulle sits more gently on bare legs than stiff net, and two or three layers in different shades look richer than one.
Wings and capes that stay put
- Wings: choose ones that sit within her shoulder width and pad the elastic straps with felt where they cross the shoulder.
- Capes: hem them at knee height for anyone under about ten, and close the neck with hook-and-loop or a snap so it pulls free if it snags.
- Hats and crowns: stitch a fine elastic inside, or anchor them with two bobby pins through the hair. Wind takes anything that isn't held.
- Tails: pin them through the waistband at two points so they can't swing into a doorway or drop off.
Glitter, Gems and Hair Color on Young Skin
Children's skin reacts more easily than ours, so I treat every product as new. Test each paint, glitter gel and gem adhesive on the inside of her arm a day or two before. Keep glitter and gems below the brow bone and out of the eye area, and choose a gel glitter over loose powder, which ends up in eyes and on everyone else. Temporary hair sprays and chalks rub off on collars and pillows, so put them on before dressing and cover her shoulders while you work. At the end of the night, take paint off with a gentle oil or the maker's remover and warm water rather than scrubbing; tired children with sore faces don't want to do it again next year.
Let Her Pick the Colors and the Prop
The costume that works is one she feels good in from the first photo to the last piece of candy. Fairies, monsters, film favorites, athletes and homemade builds all have a place on the list above. Whatever she chooses, I'd do a full dress rehearsal at home a few days before: walk the stairs, sit down, put the coat on over it and check what she can see. Shorten capes that drag, secure anything loose, and add layers for the weather. Use washable paint and patch-test it first. Then hand her the decisions she cares about, the colors, the prop, the hairstyle, because a costume she helped design is the one she'll be proud of.
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