By That Girl Whitney Team
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Halloween costume shopping as a plus size woman can feel like a trick instead of a treat. Store-bought costumes often stop at an XL or come in thin, scratchy fabric that fits like a garbage bag. It’s enough to make you want to skip the party altogether.
Don’t skip it. Some of the best Halloween costumes are put together from regular clothes you can actually wear again, and many costume retailers now offer extended sizes. With a little creativity, you can have a costume that fits, feels comfortable, and gets compliments all night.
This guide covers how to build a costume from your closet, easy costume ideas for plus size women, tips for buying store-bought costumes, and how to stay comfortable at a long party. Spooky season starts now.
Build a Costume From Your Closet
The easiest costumes start with clothes you already own or will wear again.
Start with a base outfit. A black dress, a jumpsuit, jeans and a tee, or leggings and a tunic can become dozens of costumes with the right accessories.
Add one or two key pieces. A hat, a wig, ears, a cape, or a prop instantly tells people who you are.
Use makeup for impact. Face paint or simple whiskers do more than you’d expect.
Shop thrift stores and craft stores. You’ll find inexpensive accessories and pieces you can customize.
Closet costumes fit because they’re your clothes, and you can wear the pieces again long after October 31.
Think about pieces that do double duty. A black jumpsuit can be a cat one year and a spy the next, and a red dress works for a ladybug or a devil with the right accessories. You’ll spend less, too.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: costume accessory kit
Easy Costume Ideas
These ideas are simple to pull together and work in any size.
Witch. A black dress, a witch hat, striped tights, and a broom. Add green or purple lipstick for fun.
Cat. A black outfit, cat ears, and drawn-on whiskers. It’s a classic for a reason.
Rosie the Riveter. A denim shirt, a red bandana, and a flexed bicep. It’s comfortable and empowering.
Ms. Frizzle. A bright printed dress and a stuffed lizard on your shoulder.
A 1950s pin-up. A fit-and-flare dress and red lips.
Wednesday Addams. A black dress with a white collar, braids, and a deadpan stare.
A sports fan. Your favorite team’s jersey and a foam finger. Instant costume.
A couple’s costume. Coordinate with your partner or best friend for double the fun. Peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, and a farmer and a scarecrow are all easy to make from regular clothes.
Comfortable costumes are the ones you’ll actually enjoy wearing all night.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: witch hat or cat ears headband
Tips for Store-Bought Costumes
If you prefer a ready-made costume, these tips help you find one that fits.
Shop early. Plus size costumes sell out fast, especially popular characters. Start shopping in September or early October.
Ignore the size label and check measurements. Costume sizing is notoriously inconsistent. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the chart.
Read reviews with photos. Look for plus size shoppers who share how the costume fit.
Size up if you’re unsure. It’s easier to belt or pin a costume that’s too big than to fix one that’s too small.
Check the fabric. Thin, scratchy fabric can be uncomfortable. A smooth layer like leggings or a slip underneath helps.
Check the return policy. Some costume shops don’t accept returns on opened costumes, so confirm the policy before you buy, especially if you’re unsure about the size.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size Halloween costume
Staying Comfortable All Night
Costume parties can run long, so plan for comfort.
Wear comfortable shoes. Choose shoes you can stand and dance in, and skip costume heels if you’ll be on your feet for hours.
Prevent chafing. Slip shorts under a costume dress make a long night more comfortable. Our chub rub guide explains why.
Layer for the weather. If you’re trick-or-treating with kids, wear leggings and a warm layer under or over your costume. Our plus size thermal underwear post covers base layers that fit.
Test your costume. Wear it around the house for an hour before the party to find any pinching or itching.
Keep makeup simple if you’re short on time. A bold lip and a little face paint go a long way.
Plan for bathroom breaks. One-piece costumes and jumpsuits can be tricky, so choose separates or a dress if you’ll be out for hours.
Have a Spooky, Comfy Halloween
Plus size Halloween costumes don’t have to be uncomfortable or hard to find. Build a costume from your closet with a base outfit and a few key accessories, or shop early and check measurements for a store-bought costume. Plan for comfort with good shoes and slip shorts, and you’ll have a blast from the costume contest to the last piece of candy.
Shop Whitney’s favorite finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.