When it comes to Halloween, sometimes it's fun to stick to the traditional spooky costumes. Sure, trendy ideas based on TV shows can be fun, but costumes like witches, ghosts, and skeletons never go out of style. Plus, they take some of the stress out of the Halloween costume planning.
Take the classic skeleton. It doesn't get spookier, plus you can take any costume to the next level by adding a skeleton layer. Skeleton princess? Of course. Skeleton cowboy? Absolutely. You get the idea. Now while you can go all out with the DIY on this project (think black leggings and a T-shirt and a roll of duct tape), we prefer to keep it a bit simpler and start with a pair of store-bought skeleton pajamas. They're affordable and comfortable and will help you keep your pre-Halloween sanity. With this basic start, you can add any fun elements you want for a costume for kids, men, or women. From there, use your imagination, or keep reading for one of our fun ideas.
Skeleton Face Paint
Use this basic face paint idea as the basis for any skeleton costume. Or, if you have a teen or tween who isn't into the whole costume idea, this can be his whole look. All you need is some face paint. Start with a white base over the entire face, then outline the eyes in black. Add some more simple black lines and cracks around the mouth and elsewhere on the face.
Skeleton Face Paint
Snazaroo White Face Paint
Now 20% Off
CODACE Black Face Paint Stick
Now 10% Off
Amazon Essentials White T-Shirts
Now 27% Off
Snazaroo Face Paint Brush
Girl Skeleton Costume
Add a feminine twist to the skeleton costume with this fun look. It works as well for children as it does for adults. You probably have a skirt in your closet that will work. The black combat boots give it an edge.
Girl Skeleton Costume
Smiffys Headband Hat
Now 47% Off
French Toast Gray Skirt
Now 48% Off
Spooktacular Creations Skeleton Costume
Now 37% Off
DREAM PAIRS Combat Boots
Now 17% Off
Skeleton Costume Shirt
We love this simple but fun idea for a skeleton costume. Start with a black or white T-shirt, and draw shapes on it to mimic the rib cage, then cut out using sharp fabric scissors. Don't worry about perfection here. Layer it over the opposite color T-shirt to complete the effect and finish with black and white face paint.
T-Shirt Skeleton Costume
Comfort Colors White T-Shirt
Amazon Essentials Black T-Shirt
BOBISUKA Black and White Face Paint
SINGER Fabric Scissors
Now 43% Off
Ringmaster Skeleton
Can decide on just one costume? No problem. Pair a skeleton costume with any other idea for a fun look. In this case, a skeleton gets a ringmaster twist with a top hat and jacket. Dress up the hat and sleeves with some red-and-gold ribbon.
Ringmaster Skeleton Costume
BesserBay Skeleton Costume
Kangaroo Top Hat
Now 11% Off
Van Heusen Black Suit Jacket
Chuangdi Red Velvet Ribbon
Now 32% Off
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
