Ghost Costume
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The sheet ghost is probably the oldest homemade Halloween costume still going, and it’s in the top ten for both kids and adults. It costs almost nothing, but there’s a real difference between a sad sheet and a ghost that turns heads.
What Makes It Work
The classic version is a white sheet with two eye holes. Use a twin flat sheet so it reaches your ankles, and cut the eye holes a little bigger than you think. You need to see the curb.
To make it look intentional, add a shape. A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap under the sheet gives your ghost a rounded head instead of a pointy one. Sunglasses over the eye holes is a popular trendy take.
For something scarier, go Victorian. A long, tattered white or gray dress, pale gray face makeup, dark eyes and messy hair makes a haunting ghost bride or lady of the house.
What People Get Wrong
The sheet is too short, so it ends at your shins and everyone sees your jeans and sneakers. Get one long enough to drag slightly, and wear white or gray pants and shoes underneath just in case. Also, eye holes too small is a real safety issue on Halloween night.
Buy It or Build It?
You can make the classic version for under $15. Pre-made ghost costumes and Victorian ghost dresses run about $20 to $50. This is one costume where homemade usually looks better than store bought.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make a sheet ghost costume?
Put the sheet over your head, have someone mark where your eyes are with a marker, take it off and cut out holes about two inches across. Trim the bottom so it just brushes the floor.
How do I keep a sheet ghost costume from sliding around?
Wear a cap or a hat underneath to anchor it, and safety-pin the sheet to the hat at the top.
Can a ghost costume be scary?
Yes. Skip the sheet and go with a tattered vintage dress or suit, gray face paint, sunken dark eyes and maybe a chain. Victorian ghosts are much creepier than cartoon ones.
Is a ghost costume good for a group?
Very. A whole group in matching sheets is funny and cheap, and you can each add one accessory to tell everyone apart.
Next up: Skeleton Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.