Exploring some fancy dress ideas for kids can help you make dressing up more fun and exciting for your little one. Children love to emulate their favorite stars or characters on television, and fancy dress parties give them an excuse to do it.
When you make a special costume for your kid, such as their favorite cartoon character or a customized outfit for a special occasion, you would want them to be the star of the show. For this, you need to think out of the box while customizing their outfit.
While there are plenty of fancy dress ideas for children, selecting the perfect one can be difficult. Here are a few unique ideas that you can choose from. Check out the list below and pick your favorite.
103 Cute Fancy Dress Ideas For Kids
There is no dearth of themes for a fancy dress competition.
You can pick from the most popular themes like animals, food, technology, superheroes, cartoon characters, and famous people with historical or cultural backgrounds. Or you can pick a theme you and your kid likes the most.
Infographic: Cute Fancy Dress Ideas For Children
Animal Costumes For Kids
Animal costumes are easy to get, which makes them a popular option for fancy dress. Animal fancy dress costumes are ideal for toddlers and children who do not want to deliver a dialogue.
- Dinosaur – Dress your child like the fierce T-Rex or the cute Dino from The Flintstones.
- Lion – Let your child roar like the king of the jungle in this costume.
- Giraffe – The giraffe is as tall as your kid can get in costume.
- Dolphin – Dolphins are cute, but your child in a dolphin costume is going to be cuter.
- Rabbit – Dress up your kid as the friendly ‘neighborhood’ rabbit or the funny Bugs Bunny! Or better, you could dress her up as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and run across the stage singing – “ I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date. No time to say “Hello, Goodbye.” I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”
- Tiger – Help your child speak about saving tigers in the wild with a bright and beautiful tiger costume. The audience will simply love it!
- Bear – Who doesn’t love a teddy bear, especially a talking one? Bear costumes for kids are a big hit with everyone.
- Dog – Dog costumes look cute on kids. Put this on your kid and ask him to say one word on stage, ‘woof’.
You can also try cute costumes of other animals, such as zebras, cats, monkeys, pandas, or koalas, to give your kid a winning shot.
Fairy Tale And Princess Costumes
A fairy tale theme is just what you need to make your costume party for kids fun. Here are a few fairy tale costume ideas for children. And if your child loves Disney princesses, she is most likely to love a Disney princess costume. Blogger mother Natalie enjoys dressing her daughter up in fancy Disney princess costumes. On a trip to Disneyland, she planned to have her little one dressed as a Disney princess. She says, “We do have lots of princess dresses in our house– a generous neighbor family gave us their daughters’ dress-up clothes, and V loves them. However, I wanted something sturdier and more functional–an actual dress, not a play-dress-up-dress– so that there would be a chance of V wearing the dress for the whole day… When V opened the dress on Christmas morning, she was so excited about it that she had to put it on right away– and she ended up wearing it for the entire day! I was so happy that she was so comfortable in it. She had no problem wearing it for the whole afternoon we were in the Magic Kingdom on our first day in FL (i)!” So, which princess would your precious one like to be?
9. Snow White
Turn your little girl into the fairest maiden on the land with a pretty Snow White costume.
Snow White is a popular character from the Grimm’s Fairy Tale of the same name.
Dialogue: I have lips red as rose, hair black as ebony, skin white as snow. Who am I?
10. Cinderella
Cinderella is yet another popular fairy tale character from a French folk tale called Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper. Deck your little girl in a pretty pink Cinderella costume, glass slippers (or something similar) included, and teach her to say a line from the story to make the experience interesting.
Dialogue: Oh my goodness! It is midnight; I have to go!
11. Red Riding Hood Costume
The Little Red Riding Hood costume is one of the simplest fancy dress costumes you can make at home. All you need is a red cloth that can be turned into a cloak with a hood, and your little one is all set to meet granny and the big bad wolf!
Dialogue: It is I, Little Red Riding Hood. I have brought you fruit, cakes and honey, and a bunch of pretty wildflowers to cheer you up.
12. Prince Charming Costume
Turn your little boy into the most charming prince ever with a cool prince’s costume. You can create your prince charming costume at home with a cloak made from a velvety cloth, and a dagger and crown made of cardboard. Add a short dialogue to the costume and your little prince is ready to save his damsel in distress.
Dialogue: I don’t even know your name! How will I find you? (sigh)
13. Robin Hood Costume
Robin Hood is a legendary vigilanteiSomeone who seizes control of the law, typically when the justice system fails character, popularly referred to as the good robber who stole wealth from the rich and distributed it among the poor. He lived in Sherwood Forest and led a band of Merry Men and is a highly skilled archer.
Dialogue: Rise and rise again until lambs become lions.
14. Evil Queen
The Evil Queen is a popular villain from the Grimm’s Fairy Tale of Snow White. The queen is Snow White’s stepmother who plans to kill the princess with a poisoned apple. The character is highly popular and was portrayed in the film by talented actresses like Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts.
Dialogue: Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is fairest of them all?
15. Gretel and Hansel
Hansel and Gretel are the twin siblings from the fairy tale of the same name by The Brothers Grimm. Hansel and Gretel are known for smartly outwitting the wicked blind witch to save themselves and other kids trapped in the gingerbread house. This is a great fancy dress idea for siblings.
Dialogue: (Hansel and Gretel together) Whatever you do, don’t eat the candy from the house.
16. Peter Pan
Peter Pan is the lead character in a J.M Barrie fantasy play called Finding Neverland. Pan is a mischievous boy who lives in a realm called Neverland. He wears green, is ageless, and can fly.
Dialogue: To live will be an awfully big adventure.
17. Moana
Moana is an animated musical fantasy adventure movie produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Here, the lead character, Moana, is an adventurous teenager who embarks on a daring mission to save her people. She dresses in a red and black top and a white skirt. Throw in some tribal pattern laces for a perfect costume.
Dialogue: I am Moana of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.
18. Rapunzel
Rapunzel is a European fairy tale most notably recorded by the Brothers Grimm. In the movie adaptation Tangled, she is noted for her extremely long hair that glows when she sings. You can dress your little one in a pink and purple flowy dress and add a long braid.
Dialogue: I am Rapunzel, and I want to see the floating lights.
Superhero Fancy Dress Costumes
Your child would have pretended to be a superhero who could fly and rescue people in danger at least once after watching a superhero movie. Superhero costumes are easy to make – at least most of them need a cape and a mask and you are all set to make a superhero out of your kid.
Here are a few superhero fancy dress ideas for children.
19. Batman
Batman is an all-time favorite superhero created by DC Comics. Create a simple Batman costume with a black cloth at home. All you need to make is a cape and a mask. Combine that with a black one-piece suit or black tights and a T-shirt. Top it with a yellow belt with the bat logo for the buckle, and junior Batman is ready.
Dialogue: It is not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me!
If that is too much to say, you could just teach your kid to say “I’m Batman” in a hoarse voice.
20. Superman
Superman is a DC Comics character who has superpowers, wears a cloak, and can fly anywhere. Superman’s costume is blue and red, and may not be easy to make unless you have the right materials. However, the task is made easy if your kid owns a Superman t-shirt with a logo on it.
Dialogue: You are much stronger than you know. Trust me!
21. Spider-Man
When it comes to kids, Spider-Man is the best! Making a Spider-Man suit is not an option. The good news is that you can buy one online and turn your kid into a superhero, albeit without spidey sense.
Dialogue: With great power comes great responsibility.
22. Wonder Woman
This is a cool superhero costume for girls. Wonder Woman is the powerful ally of all our superheroes created by DC Comics. She is intelligent, beautiful, and quick to beat the enemy. Given its minimality, the Wonder Woman costumes are ideal for young kids.
Dialogue: “Of all people, you know who I am…who the world needs me to be. I’m Wonder Woman.”
23. Captain America
Captain America is a Marvel Superhero, who saves his country and fellow soldiers from enemy attacks. The Captain America costume has stripes on the top and comes with a shield designed like the American Flag.
Dialogue: I’m Captain America. I’m just a kid from ________.
24. Zorro
Zorro is the pseudonym of the fictional vigilante created by Johnston McCulley. The Zorro costume is the simplest of all – all you need is a full black suit or black pants with a black shirt, a cape, an eye mask, and a black hat.
Dialogue: I’m Zorro. I have the courage to take charge, ask why, stand for something, and change the world.
25. Krrish
Krrish is an Indian superhero loosely based on Superman. He wears an all-black full-length suit with a bespoke mask that partly covers his face. The Krrish costume is a cheap fancy dress idea for kids.
Dialogue: I’m Krrish. I am a friend.
26. Joker
The Joker is Batman’s nemesisiAlso called enemy, one who seeks to impose punishment or vengeance in one of the comics. He has his face painted like a joker and wears a purple suit. Making a Joker costume is very easy if you have face paints at home.
Dialogue: Why so serious?
27. Green Lantern
Green Lantern is a less-known DC Comics’ character who draws his power from a ring. A full-length superhero suit in green with a green eye mask will complete the Green Lantern costume for your kid.
Dialogue: No matter how bad things get, something good is always out there.
Nature-themed Fancy Dress Costumes
Want a fancy dress that your kid can don to send out a strong message about the environment? Here is a list of the top nature-themed fancy dress ideas for children.
28. Tree
Make a tree costume from cardboard painted green and brown. This is one of the cheap fancy dress ideas out there.
Dialogue: I’m a tree. Save me and I will help you for as long as I live.
29. Flower
A flower costume is just perfect if your kid needs one for a school fancy dress competition. However, you’ll need to put in some effort to make the costume with petals and leaves. Pick flowers like the Daisy, Sunflower, or any other flower with big petals. The costume usually has a dress that represents the stem or the leaf, while the head is the center of the flower.
Dialogue: Hi! My name is (name of the flower), and I’m (colors of the flower).
30. Cloud
A cardboard cut-out of a cloud with a string or ribbon attached to its back can be a simple yet impressive fancy dress idea for kids. The costume can be made easily and quickly with cardboard or a polystyrene sheet and paints.
Dialogue: When you need water, I rain!
31. Earth
Planet Earth is a creative fancy dress idea for kids. You can create a globe-like costume that goes around the body, with your child as the axis of rotation. If you plan to create an earth costume for your child’s school play, make sure you give yourself enough time to make it.
Dialogue: I’m planet Earth. I’m your home. Protect me and care for me. I will be your humble abode forever.
32. Sun
The Sun costume is one of the easiest to make at home. You could make a cut-out of the Sun on cardboard or a polystyrene sheet that you child can hold or wear with the help of strings or thread.
Dialogue: I’m the Sun. I’m bright, and I give you light and energy. And you know what else, I don’t even charge you for it!
33. Star
You can make a star-shaped costume using cardboard or polystyrene sheets. A star is an easy costume to make at home. Get a few sheets of thermocol, fabric glue and a lot of glitter to make this costume in just a few hours.
Dialogue: I’m a star. I shine my own light and twinkle at night.
34. Moon
The moon fancy dress costume is similar to the earth costume but simpler in comparison.
Dialogue: I’m the moon. I bring light even to the darkest nights.
Food Costumes – Fruits And Vegetables
Another interesting fancy dress theme for kids is food. Kids look cute as vegetables and fruits. You can also dress up your kid as a burger or a hot dog, or as a bag or box of candy. Here are a few ideas to begin with.
35. Fruit
Fruit costumes look great on preschoolers and toddlers. You can dress you child as a banana, an apple, a pear, or a bunch of grapes. You can buy fruit costumes that are full suits that make your kid look like a moving fruit. If you want to keep it simple, you can use cloth and cardboard to create the costume at home.
Dialogue: I’m a/an (fruit name). I am rich in (mention a couple of nutrients in the fruit).
36. Vegetable
Vegetable fancy dress ideas are also ideal for young kids aged less than five. Easy-to-make vegetable costumes include eggplant, green leafy vegetables, corn, peas, chili, and carrot.
Dialogue: I’m a/an (vegetable name). I am rich in (mention a couple of nutrients in the vegetable).
37. Hot dog
A hot dog costume is not easy to make. You can buy one or rent one for a school event or a fancy dress competition.
Dialogue: I’m a hot dog. I’m America’s favorite food!
38. Bag of Jelly Beans
You can create a bag of jelly beans that your child can wear. To make the bag, you will need a transparent trash bag and balloons of different colors, blown enough to look like jelly beans. Cut holes in the trash bag for your kid’s arms and legs to go through. Fill the bag with balloons and close the open end of the trash bag around the neck, using a soft ribbon, and your jelly bean bag is ready.
Dialogue: Life is like a bag of jelly beans. They all taste good, no matter what color you choose.
39. Candy Bar
A candy bar costume can be made with cardboard/thermocol and soft string. You will also need water paints to color the bar brown like chocolate.
Dialogue: I’m a candy bar. I am sweet and share the goodness of chocolate with whoever I meet.
40. Burger
If your kid does not want to be a hot dog, make him a burger! The costume is not easy to make at home, so it is best to rent it for the event or competition.
Dialogue: I am filled with patties, onions, lettuce, and sauce. But people love me anyway.
Famous Personalities and Celebrity Costumes
When your kid is participating in a fancy dress competition, it is good to pick a celebrity or a famous personality costume for points. When your kid is dressed like a famous person, he will get a chance to imitate the person and also speak or sing like them to impress the judges.
Here’s our pick of celebrity fancy dress ideas.
41. Einstein
Every mom wants her child to be an Einstein. Well, your child can be Albert Einstein for a while with the costume. The costume is simple with a gray tweed jacket and pant suit. The only additional accessories you will need are a wig and a mustache.
Dialogue: It is good to know. But imagination is more important than knowledge!
42. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was America’s 16th president who abolished slavery. He is one of the favorite personalities that kids dress up as for costume parties and fancy dress competitions.
Dialogue: When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion.
43. Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin is perhaps the funniest actor who could make you laugh without saying a single word. He had a distinct style of dressing which makes him an excellent model for a fancy dress competition. Teach your kid to walk and act like Chaplin when on stage, and he could leave the audience and judges spellbound.
Dialogue: A day without laughter is a day wasted.
44. Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi as he is popularly known, was an Indian freedom fighter who believed in non-violence and truth. Gandhi had a simple sense of dressing – he wore nothing but a dhoti (Indian garment for men) and walked with the help of a stick.
Dialogue: Be the change you want to see in the world.
45. Mother Teresa
Humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mother Teresa was a simple person who always wore a white sari with a blue line at the edges. She is known as a selfless person who helped lepers and orphans in the Indian city of Kolkata.
Dialogue: I alone cannot change the world. But I can cast a stone across the water to create ripples.
46. Hitler
Adolph Hitler was a German dictator who was known for his acts of cruelty. He is not the world’s favorite person but has a distinct style, making him a popular model for fancy dress competitions.
Dialogue: Don’t let what other people think stop you from doing the things you love.
47. Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South-African revolutionary who fought against the ApartheidiA policy or practice of racial segregation or discrimination . He was also the president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. To create a Nelson Mandela costume for your child, you’ll only need a suit and a white wig.
Dialogue: It always seems impossible until it is done.
Star Wars Fancy Dress Ideas
Does your child love the Star Wars movies? Why not dress him up as one of the characters created by George Lucas for a costume party? The costumes and hairstyles of characters in the movie are unique, and the fashion is out of the world (literally), which makes Star Wars an interesting fancy dress competition idea for kids, and also adults.
48. Darth Vader
Darth Vader is perhaps the most iconic character from Star Wars. You can create part of the costume – the dress – at home, and buy or rent the face mask to complete the attire.
Dialogue: I am Darth Vader. Join me and together, we can rule the galaxy!
49. Princess Leia
Princess Leia is a member of the Imperial SenateiThe Galactic Empire's formal legislative assembly in the Star Wars series and daughter of Anakin Skywalker, a.k.a Darth Vader, and Queen Padme Amidala. Princess Leia also has a distinct hairstyle and dressing style, which makes her character an interesting choice for fancy dress or costume parties.
Dialogue: I don’t know where you get your delusions, laser-brain!
50. Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker is the main character in the Star Wars Trilogy. He is the son of Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) and Queen Padme, and brother of Princess Leia.
Dialogue: I am Luke Skywalker. I am here to rescue you.
51. Chewbacca
Chewbacca is a Wookiee, a fictional species that is intelligent and has hair all over the body, like a primate. If your kid wants to be Chewbacca in the school event, you’ll have to hire or buy the costume. Chewbacca only communicates through a series of sounds, so there won’t be any dialogue for this character.
52. Rey
Rey is one of the main characters in the latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens. She is a Jedi warrior and dresses like one – a suit with dhoti pants and v-neck top with a black belt to go with it.
Dialogue: (Astonished) I didn’t know there was this much green in the whole galaxy.
53. Storm Trooper
Storm Troopers are the soldiers employed by the Sith to fight the Jedi Knights. They wear a white metallic armor with a helmet. A Storm Trooper may be a cool idea for a costume party bit, not a competition. Also, you cannot make this costume at home.
54. X-Wing Fighter Pilot
X-Wing fighter pilots are a part of the Resistance, headed by Princess Leia, which aims at defeating the dark lords and save the galaxy.
Harry Potter Fancy Dress Ideas
Harry Potter is one of the most popular characters in literary fiction. Here are a few Harry Potter fancy dress ideas you can try with your kids.
55. Harry Potter
Nothing beats the Harry Potter costume at a party or school fancy dress competition. Kids love dressing up like Harry Potter, the good wizard from J.K Rowling’s fiction series. Spectacles with a rounded frame, a wand or stick with one pointed edge, and a long black coat is all you need to turn your kid into Harry Potter. Use makeup to complete the look with Harry Potter’s iconic scar.
Dialogue: I solemnly swear that I am up to no good! (with a mischievous expression)
56. Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore is the headmaster of the Hogwarts school where Harry Potter studies. A long gray-colored robe with frills and collar and a long white beard is what you need to create a Dumbledore costume.
Dialogue: Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.
57. Rubeus Hagrid
Rubeus Hagrid is the fictional half-giant, half-human from the Harry Potter series. He is the professor of care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts. He wears wooly robes and is very hairy.
Dialogue: What’s comin’ will come, An’ we’ll meet it when it does. (accent is important)
58. Sirius Black
Sirius Black is Harry Potter’s godfather. He dresses simple but has long hair and a mustache that give him a unique personality. You can pick from a variety of looks for Sirius Black – as a prisoner of Azkaban, or a resident of Gryffindor House, or just a striped suit that gives him a casual/everyday look.
Dialogue: We’ve all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.
59. Mad-Eye Moody
Mad-Eye Moody works at the Hogwarts institution, for the Ministry of Defense. Dark colored jeans and shirt topped with a long coat and a walking stick will complete the attire. Moody has a face eye, for which you will need a tennis-ball eye, a watch strap, and some tape.
Dialogue: Nothing like a nighttime stroll to give you ideas!
60. Professor Severus Snape
Professor Severus Snape works as the potions master at Hogwarts. He wears a black robe, wavy hair and carries a wand.
Dialogue: The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing, Potter.
Disney Character Fancy Dress Ideas
If you need ideas to make your toddler or preschooler’s costume a hit, go for the classic Disney character costumes. These are not easy to make, so you may have to hire or buy them for the event.
61. Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse
The first ever character created by Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse is an energetic mouse who wears red shorts with a black top. The costume is complete with a pair of black shoes and a black cap with mouse ears.
Dialogue: To laugh at yourself is to love yourself. (Mickey)
(or) Remember, you are the one who can fill my world with sunshine. – Minnie Mouse
62. Goofy
Goofy is a dog with a southern accent, and he is Mickey Mouse’s friend. He usually dresses in blue pants, orange turtleneck vest, white gloves, brown shoes and a tall green hat that looks like a rumpled fedoraiA felt hat with a broad brim and indentations on the top .
Dialogue: You are never too old to do the Goofy stuff!
63. Beast (from Beauty And The Beast)
Your little boy can also dress as the Beast from the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. There are different versions of the beast costume to choose from. A hairy or wooly dress with a pair of blue pants and a black jacket can make the dress. The beast also has long hair and scars on the face, which can be painted on the face.
Dialogue: Oh, it’s no use. She’s so beautiful, and I’m… Well, look at me! (from the movie)
64. Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
Toy Story has some really cute characters like the cowboy named Woody and the loyal astronaut named Buzz Lightyear. For Woody, you will need blue pants, yellow checked shirt, a felt black-and-white cowboy vest with a cowboy hat and boots. For Buzz, you’ll need a space suit, with a green belt and oxygen mask. If your kid wants to be Buzz, it is best to buy or hire the costume.
Dialogue: You’ve got a friend in me!
65. Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head is a classic toy that you can dress your kid as. You can create the costume at home with a little effort. All you need is a brown overall on which you can stitch eyes, eyebrows, red lips and a small nose. Alternatively, you can hire the costume for convenience.
66. Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff from Frozen
Does your child love the movie Frozen? Dress your girl as Anna or Elsa, and your boy as Kristoff or Olaf. You will most likely have to hire costumes for all the characters, except for Elsa, who usually wears a sparkling blue dress.
Dialogue: The past is in the past. Let it go.
67. Cruella De Ville
Cruella De Ville is the evil woman from the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians, who wears animal skin to satiate her fashion sense. You can make your girl wear a dark colored dress and top it with a faux animal print coat.
Dialogue: Darling, looking good is better than being good.
68. Winnie The Pooh And Tiger
Winnie the Pooh is the adorable bear and Tiger is his good friend from the popular TV series Winnie The Pooh. For both these characters, you will need to buy or hire the costume.
Dialogue: How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye difficult.
69. Aladdin and Jasmine
A cute couple from the Disney movie Aladdin, Aladdin and Jasmine are ideal models for fancy dressing. Aladdin wears white pants and shirt with a white turban. Jasmine wears a light blue dress with harem pants and blouse. She also has a distinct hairstyle with a blue colored bow on her head which acts like a tiara.
Dialogue: You are only a fool if you give up.
70. Mr. Incredible
Mr. Incredible is the head of the Incredible family, a fictional superhero family created by Disney Studios. The Incredibles dress alike – In a red body suit with black and orange trimmings, and a black eye mask.
Dialogue: Don’t think and don’t worry. When the time comes, you’ll know what to do.
71. Merida (Brave)
Merida is the rebel princess from the Disney movie Brave. She defies conventions and fights to stay free and find love at her own pace. Merida wears a full-length dark blue gown and carries a bow and arrows. The costume is complete with a wig made of curly red hair.
Dialogue: Some say fate is beyond our command. But I know better. Destiny is within us, you just have to be brave enough to see it.
72. Olaf
Olaf is the funny snowman from the Disney movie Frozen. You will need a snowman suit with a carrot for a nose to complete this attire.
Dialogue: Some people are worth melting for.
Pirates Of The Caribbean Costumes
Does your child love dressing up like a pirate? Here are a few pirate fancy dress options from the movie Pirates of The Caribbean.
73. Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow may seem a little ‘cuckoo’ in the head, but he is our first preference when it comes to dressing like a pirate. You will need brown pants, white top with a brown vest, a red bandanna and lots of beads to go with the attire. You will also need brown long riding boots and a pirate hat for the costume to be complete.
Dialogue: The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.
74. Angelica Pirate Costume
Angelica is the female pirate who joins Jack Sparrow on his voyages. She wears a white top with a vest, a corset and a black/dark brown leggings, black boots, and a hat. You’ll also need a toy cutlassi to go with the personality.
75. Blackbeard
Blackbeard is the fictional pirate who wears all that is black. A black pants and shirt with a vest, a gray colored overall coat, riding boots, a hat and a cutlass are what you need to complete the attire.
TV and Game Characters Costumes For Kids
Cartoon characters are also popular fancy dress ideas for pre-schoolers and middle-schoolers. Here are our picks from TV characters.
76. SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants is the top choice when it comes to fancy dressing for kids. However, creating a SpongeBob costume is not easy.
Dialogue: If you believe in yourself with a tiny pinch of magic, all your dreams will come true.
77. Alice In Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland is one of the most imaginative pieces of work ever written. Dressing your kid as Alice, the lead protagonist of the story is simple – all you need is a frilly white frock with blue lace, white socks, and shoes with a buckle. A blue bow to keep the hair in place is what you will need to complete this costume.
Dialogue: If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t.
78. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
Does your boy like action? You can dress him up as one of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The costume remains the same for all four turtles, the only thing that changes is the color of the headband and the weapon.
Dialogue: Forgiveness is divine, but never pay the full price for late pizza.
79. Popeye
Popeye is the happy-go-lucky sailor who loves spinach. You will need a bespoke costume to dress your kid as Popeye, the sailor.
Dialogue: I am what I am and that’s all that I am.
80. Angry Birds
You can also dress your kid as one of the angry birds from the game, or the movie. If your child does not mind being the ‘bad guy’, you can dress him or her as the piggies.
Dialogue: Seriously. This is my happy face.
81. Noddy
Noddy is the cute little boy who lives in the city called Toyland. A good citizen, noddy wears blue shorts with a red T-shirt and a blue hat with a bell. Complete the costume with red buckled shoes if you have them.
Dialogue: Hi, I’m Noddy. Your friendly neighborhood kid.
82. Muppet
You can also try dressing up your child as one of the Muppets from Sesame Street.
Dialogue: Any line that is commonly used on the show by the Muppet of your choice.
83. Dora
Dora the Explorer is a favorite among girls. If your little angel loves Dora, why not dress her as the character does for a fancy dress competition? Dora wears orange shorts with a pink top and dons a purple backpack.
84. Chota Bheem
Chota Bheem is the dhoti-clad kid who fights off bad guys to protect his friends and the village of Dholakpur. You can create the Chota Bheem costume with an orange colored cloth and matching wristbands and a black thread with a locket around the neck.
85. Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic The Hedgehog is a popular video game character developed by Sega games. The character wears blue pants with a bespoke vest in blue and yellow or cream color. You will need red shoes and a mask to complete the attire. The simplest way to dress your kid as Sonic is to buy or rent the complete costume.
Fancy Dress Costumes – Professions
Encourage your child’s ambition with these cool profession fancy dress ideas. We listed only a few popular ones.
86. Doctor
Dress your kid up like a doctor and act like one on stage for a fancy dress competition. Formal attire topped with a white coat, stethoscope, and notepad as props are all you need for a doctor’s costume.
87. Fireman
A fireman’s suit is a must for this attire. The attire should include the suit, a hard hat and a water hose or an ax.
88. Sports person
You can also dress your kid as a baseball player, a soccer player or a football player. The choice is yours, or your child’s. You will need the appropriate dress or uniform for this attire.
89. Police
A police uniform is what you will need for this attire. You can also make do with a long coat and a suit to create a detective costume, as shown on TV.
90. Astronaut
Your kid can be the space traveler he wants to be with this costume. You could go for the space suit or a jumpsuit that they wear inside the space shuttles.
91. Artist
Dress your kid like the multi-talented Leonardo Da Vinci or as Picasso for the fancy dress competition. You can also create a more realistic costume with a paint-splattered apron on whatever your child is wearing.
92. Rockstar
Tattered jeans or tight leather pants with a tank top, shoes, and a unique hairstyle
(spikes or long curly hair) and a guitar are what you need to create the rock star look.
Fancy Dress Costumes – Technology
The best part of fancy dressing is that you can be any “thing” you want. Here is a list of gadgets your kid can dress up as.
93. TV
Take a cardboard box and paint it with a white screen and a few buttons. Attach a few strings or ribbons and create a hole on top to make it wearable. Your kid’s TV costume is ready.
94. Robot
You can use cardboard boxes or create a robot costume, or you can buy one to give your child a genuine AI look.
95. Mobile Phone
Dress up your kid as the one thing we cannot live without – the mobile phone. You can pick up a mobile phone costume available in the market, or create a cheap fancy dress with cardboard and paint.
96. Nintendo Gameboy
One of the first hand-held video gaming devices, the Nintendo Gameboy is an excellent fancy dress option. If you plan to go with this, you will have to create the costume using cardboard and paint, for the ready-to-use Nintendo Gameboy costumes are hard to come by.
97. Satellite
Put your creative side to use and create a satellite costume for your kid. You will need cardboard sheets, silver foil and a lot of tape for this,
98. Remote Control
Want to give your kid the reins to the TV, make him a TV remote. A cardboard box, paint to create buttons and tape is what you will need to make this costume.
Mythological Character Costumes
Mythological character costumes are ideal for special occasions and holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Hindu festivals and the like.
99. Lord Krishna
Lord Krish is a Hindu god who wears a gold-colored dhoti with or without a top. To complete this attire, you will need to make a crown with a peacock feather in it, long chains made from beads and a flute.
100. Spartan Costume
Choose from a number of Spartan costumes to turn your kid into a cute little Greek warrior. You can use a skirt and white top, with a red cloth as cloak and leather sandals to create the attire. You will also need a sword and a shield to make the armor complete.
101. Greek Goddess
Make your little princess look like a Greek goddess with a simple white dress and brown belt and a brown headband. You can go with a short dress or a full-length dress for the attire. Leave her hair open and wavy for that authentic goddess look.
102. Buddha
Your child may be no Buddha, but you can dress him up like one for a fancy dress competition. You will need a pale orange colored cloth to create a robe or drape it around your kid like monks do. You can also use a maroon colored robe and use a yellow colored shawl to create a ‘monk’ look.
Dialogue: The mind is everything. What you think is what you become.
103. Jesus Christ
This is an ideal fancy dress option for competitions during the holiday season. A white robe with a brown shawl and a wig to give your kid the long wavy hair is what you will need for this costume.
Dialogue: When I step in, miracles happen.
Tips To Choose Costumes For Kids
When choosing a fancy dress costume for your child, it is vital to consider a few factors to ensure they have fun while staying comfortable. Here are some tips on selecting the right costume:
- Comfort first: Kids usually dislike wearing uncomfortable clothes or outfits that don’t fit right. So, pick something age-appropriate and easy for your child to wear.
- Safety matters: Avoid outfits with sharp edges or long, trailing segments. If the costume comes with accessories, ensure they are safe and light enough for your child to carry.
- Child’s interests: Whether it is a casual birthday party or a big school event, choosing a theme your child loves can help them have fun and make the most of the costume.
- Weather and hygiene: Opt for costumes that suit your weather and environmental conditions. Make sure the costumes are clean and neatly maintained, especially if rented.
- Check for allergens: Keep an eye on clothing materials that could cause allergic reactions, like certain dyes or fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fancy dress competition?
A fancy dress competition is an event where the children can appear in different dresses and exhibit to the judges and the audience. Many schools conduct this event on an annual basis.
2. How do I prepare my child for a fancy dress competition?
Pick a comfortable costume for your child to make them confident. Make-up is crucial in fancy dress competitions, so choose skin-friendly make-up for your child’s sensitive skin. Keep this pointer in mind if you also plan to try out face painting ideas for kids with your children for the fancy dress competition. And inform your child about the rules and regulations of the competition.
3. Why is a fancy dress competition important?
Fancy dress competitions help your child develop confidence and get over stage fright. Such events promote your child’s competitive spirit and communication skills. It will also help them learn to express themselves freely.
4. How can I make a fairy fancy dress costume for my child?
Your children will love to dress up as fairies. To make a DIY fairy dress for your child at home, decide on the design that both of you agree on, gather the materials required for it, and either modify an existing dress to suit your needs or make a new one from scratch. This allows you to hone your child’s creativity and also make personalizations according to your choice.
5. What are some easy DIY fancy dress ideas for kids?
Some ideas for easy DIY fancy dress include animals, superheroes, princesses, ghosts, and people belonging to different occupations. You could also repurpose the vampire costumes for kids or the Halloween costumes for kids that you may have around the house.
These fancy dress ideas for kids will help your child stand out from the rest. You may design the respective costumes at home if you can spend some time, money, and energy. Try designing simple costumes at home, involving your kids to spend quality time together, and enhance their interest in dressing up for a fancy dress event. You may also choose to rent or purchase a costume. However, buying a costume might be a wise option because children are less likely to wear them more than once or twice. Moreover, they will soon grow out of their current size, rendering the clothes to become useless.
Key Pointers
- Fancy dress ideas for kids are great for letting their imaginations run wild, dressing up as everything from animals to occupations and even superheroes.
- Kids can show their love for books by dressing up as characters from beloved fairy tales or stories like Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.
- Fancy dress ideas are an excellent way for kids to build confidence and show their creativity and acting skills as they role-play their favorite characters.
Illustration: Cute Fancy Dress Theme Ideas For Kids
Let your kids shine in school with these amazing fancy dress costume ideas. From an astronaut to an ice cream, these unique DIY costumes will make your kid the star of the show!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Project princess dress: Belle;https://vegetablog.wordpress.com/2016/02/08/project-princess-dress-belle/
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