Fancy Dress Competition: Dress Ideas And Themes For Kids That Are Sure To Be A Hit

Fancy dress competitions help little ones learn so much about the characters they dress up as and increase their knowledge about various subjects and themes. Fancy dress events also help build confidence, exposure to cultures, and enable children to overcome challenges such as stage fright.

More importantly, children enjoy such competitions. They get to dress up as their favourite characters, be it a cartoon character, superhero, or famous personality in sports or other fields, and express themselves as they wish to. This adds to their enthusiasm and excitement.

Usually, fancy dress competitions are held in schools, social and community gatherings to celebrate festivals or other important days such as Gandhi Jayanthi, Children's Day, or Independence Day. By participating in the event, children gain an understanding of the occasion and everything that is associated with it.

Also read: How To Prepare Your Child For A Fancy Dress Competition

Let's take a look at some interesting fancy dress ideas for kids, creative fancy dress themes for school competitions, and how we can put together costumes for these events.

Fancy dress ideas and themes for kids

• Nature
• Fruits and vegetables
• Cartoon character
• Famous leaders
• Animals
• Professions
• Mythological characters
• Princess or Prince (Cinderella)
• Princess Elsa (cape and tiara)
• Rapunzel
• Superheros
• Star Wars
• Harry Potter
• Pirates of the Caribbean(Jack Sparrow)
• Social media
• Technology
• Horror

Nature-themed fancy dress ideas

Tree fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Cardboard
• Green paper
• Brown paper
• Glue
• A pair of scissors
• Brown T-shirt and trousers

How to make a Tree costume:

• Cut out a large circular piece of the cardboard to resemble a tree trunk.
• On one side of the circle, cut a hole big enough to fit around your child's head.
• Cut out leaf shapes from the green paper and stick them on the cardboard. Stick them so they overlap each other to give a natural look.
• On the T-shirt and trousers, stick strips of brown paper to resemble tree bark.
• Cut shapes of a fruit of your choice to stick to the green portion.
• Make your child wear the T-shirt and trousers and fix the cardboard onto the head.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a tree, and I give you shade and fresh air to breathe. Don't waste paper. Save trees!

Earth fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Large sheets of foam (about 1/2 inch thick)
• Green felt paper (about 1/2 inch thick)
• Blue cloth
• Printed maps of continents
• Glue
• Glue gun
• Velcro

How to make the Earth costume:

• Cut out two circles from the foam. Ensure they are large and wide enough to cover your child from below their neck up to their lower thighs. You will need to hang the circles at the front and back of your child.
• On the top side of each circle, cut out small semicircles. These should be large enough to fit around your child's neck.
• Cut holes on either side of one circular piece for your child's hands to go through.
• Using a glue gun, stick the blue cloth on both circles.
• Trace the outlines of the maps onto pieces of felt paper and cut them out.
• Using the glue gun, stick the maps on both the circles to resemble a globe.
• Attach the Velcro pieces to the inside of both circles.
• Secure both the large circular pieces together using Velcro. Your child can wear this costume like a T-shirt.
• They can wear blue leggings/trousers with a blue T-shirt for a more natural look.

Dialogue to say:

I'm planet Earth. Keep me clean and take care of me, and you will have a wonderful place to live.

Moon fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Large pieces of cardboard
• Rope
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Yellow, silver paint
• Silver sparkles
• Grey clothing

How to make a Moon costume:

• Cut out two large circles from the cardboard. Make sure they are large and wide enough to cover your child from below their neck up to their lower thighs.
• Paint the cardboard to make it look like the surface of the moon. You can add some sparkles for extra effect.
• You need to hang the circles at the front and back of your child. So, make two small holes on one side of each circle.
• Pass the ropes through the holes of the circles to tie them together.
• The ropes will sit on your child's shoulders. So, one piece of cardboard would hang in the front and the other one at the back.
• Make your child wear grey-coloured clothes, and then make him wear the moon.

Dialogue to say:

I'm the moon. I light up the night sky, and I wax and wane.

Fruits and vegetables-themed fancy dress ideas

Mango fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• White chart paper
• Yellow and green paint
• Green ribbon
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Yellow clothing

How to make a Mango costume:

• Cut out a large mango shape and several leaves from the chart paper.
• Paint the mango shape yellow and the leaves green.
• Punch two small holes at the top of the mango to string the ribbon. The mango can then be secured by taking the string under your child's arms and tying it at the back.
• Cut out a thick strip of chart paper to make a band that fits around your child's head.
• Stick the leaves to the top of the mango.
• Similarly, stick the leaves around the band to resemble a crown. Your child wears it on the head.
• Make sure that your child wears yellow clothing.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a mango, and I'm the king of fruits. I'm so juicy and tasty, and everyone loves to have a bite of me.

Grapes fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Green, purple, or magenta balloons (small size)
• Ribbon to match the colour of the balloons
• Green, purple, or magenta cloth (depending on the colour of the balloons)
• Long trousers to match the colour of the cloth
• Safety pins
• Green-coloured paper

How to make a Grapes costume:

• Using the cloth, make a full-sleeved knee-length dress with a hood. Leave the back open and make small slits for the ribbon to be laced through.
• Lace the ribbons through the slits at the back so that the dress can be put on and tied from behind. This makes it easier to wear once the balloons are pinned on.
• Blow the balloons and pin them onto the front and back of the dress to make them resemble a bunch of grapes.
• Cut out two big leaf shapes from the green paper. Pin them onto the hood.
• Cover footwear with more leaf shapes cut out from the green paper. You can secure these using the ribbon.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a bunch of grapes. I'm full of Vitamin C and antioxidants, so pop me into your mouth and relish my sweet taste! 

Strawberry fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Thick white chart paper
• Paint red, yellow, green
• Red ribbon
• Green colour paper
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Red clothing to be worn
• Stapler

How to make a strawberry costume:

• Cut out a large strawberry shape (almost a heart shape) from the chart paper. The shape should be large enough to extend from below the neck down to your child's knees.
• Make two small holes at the top of the strawberry to lace the ribbon so that it can be tied under the arms around the chest.
• Paint the whole piece red. On top, draw leaves similar to the ones on the top of the strawberry. Paint them green.
• Paint tiny yellow specks over the red portion.
• Cut out a large strip of chart paper to make a band to wear around the head. Paint it green.
• Cut leaf shapes from the green coloured paper and stick them to the band.
• Hang the strawberry around your child's chest by tying the lace behind them. Place the band on their head and staple the ends together.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a strawberry. I'm very tasty and am good for your muscles, brain, and heart.

Cartoon character fancy dress ideas

Doraemon fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Chart paper
• Paint and colour pencils
• Large white garbage bag
• A pair of scissors
• Elastic twine
• Blue clothing to be worn

How to make a Doraemon costume:

• Make a slit at the bottom of the garbage bag and on the sides.
• The bag would now look like a T-shirt and can be worn like one.
• Paint the bag blue.
• From the chart paper, cut a round piece to make the Doraemon mask.
• Make two holes for the eyes and two small holes on the sides to tie the elastic so that the mask can be worn on the face.
• Colour and paint the mask to resemble the character.
• Make your child wear blue clothing, then over that, the blue garbage bag T-shirt, and the mask.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Doraemon. I'm a cat robot from the 22nd century, and I'm scared of mice!

Chota Bheem fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Orange cloth or long dupatta
• Cotton string for tying the dhoti
• Shiny, thick gold paper
• Thick black cotton string
• A pair of scissors
• Staple
• Black shoes
• Vermilion
• Hair gel

How to make Chota Bheem costume:

• Using the orange cloth, stitch a simple long skirt to resemble a dhoti. Make a slit at the top to insert the string. (Or, you can drape a dupatta like a dhoti.)
• Cut a length of cotton to make the string, and insert it into the slit. Adjust the length according to your child's waist size.
• You can make a few pleats in the front by adjusting the cotton string when worn.
• Cut two broad strips of gold paper to make two wristbands. You can staple the two ends together once placed around the wrists.
• Cut a length of the black string long enough to go around the bust.
• Cut a small rectangular piece of gold paper. Staple it to the chain as the pendant. The necklace is now ready.
• Using the vermilion, make a tilak mark on the forehead.
• Style the hair like the character and use hair gel to hold a few strands of hair on the top towards the back.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Chota Bheem, and I come from the kingdom of Dholakpur. I love ladoos!

Mickey Mouse fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Thick black and white chart paper
• Thick black string
• Black paint
• Hair band, black or any other colour
• Black clothing, a full-sleeved T-shirt, and trousers
• Red shorts
• White gloves
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Yellow Crocs for footwear

How to make Mickey Mouse costume:

• Cut out two circles from the white paper and stick them to the front of the shorts on either side.
• For the ears, cut out two circles from the black paper. Stick them onto the hairband. If you don't have a black hair band, then take the one you have and wrap the black string around it.
• Cut a length of the black string for the tail. You can roll a strip of black paper around it to make it thicker.
• To put the costume together, have your child wear black clothes, the red shorts over the trousers, and wear white gloves, yellow Crocs, and the hairband.
• Tuck the tail into the back of the shorts.
• Paint the tip of the child's nose black.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Mickey Mouse. I'm famous and everyone's favourite Disney cartoon character.

Famous leaders fancy dress ideas

Bhagat Singh fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Khaki-coloured shirt and dark trousers
• Top hat (preferably one that can be worn at an angle)
• A kajal or eye pencil (to draw the moustache)
• Black boots

How to make a Bhagat Singh costume :

• Dress your child in the above-mentioned clothes and footwear
• Place the hat on their head at a slight angle.
• Using the eye pencil, draw the moustache.

Dialogue to say:

Inquilab Zindabad (Urdu for long live the revolution)! I'm Bhagat Singh, and I will fight for India's independence! 

Indira Gandhi fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Light-coloured cotton sari with a blouse or sleeved shirt
• Long beaded necklace
• Talcum powder

How to make an Indira Gandhi costume:

• Drape the sari and put on the long necklace.
• For grey hair, sprinkle the talcum powder on a patch of hair on the right side of your child's head.

Dialogue to say:

Garibi hatao! (Remove poverty). I'm Indira Gandhi, and I'm known as the Iron Lady of India.

Subhash Chandra Bose fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Khaki trousers and shirt. The shirt should resemble a military or police uniform
• Khaki Nehru cap
• Black belt
• Black shoes
• Round frame glasses
• Chart paper
• Gold and silver paper
• Large safety pins
• A pair of scissors
• Glue

How to make a Subhash Chandra Bose costume

• Cut out small circles from the chart paper (about 4 or 5, each an inch in diameter). Paste them with silver and gold paper to resemble medals.
• Attach each medal to the bottom of a safety pin.
• Now pin the medals onto the shirt (above the left side pocket).
• After your child wears the uniform, make them wear the cap and glasses, and strap the belt diagonally across the torso.

Dialogue to say:

Freedom is not given; it is taken. I am Subhash Chandra Bose, the founder of the Indian National Army.

Mother Teresa fancy dress costume

Material required:

• White cloth or bed sheet
• Blue ribbon, both 2-inch and 1/2 inch
• Thick silver foil
• Safety pins
• Hairband
• White full-sleeved shirt
• Rosary
• Glue gun

How to make Mother Teresa's costume:

• Using the glue gun, stick the thick and thin ribbons to the border of the cloth to resemble the sari worn by Mother Teresa.
• To cover the head, glue a portion of the cloth to the hairband using the glue gun.
• With the silver foil, make a cross. Attach it to a safety pin.
• To put the costume together, drape the sari over the shirt.
• Slip the hairband with the glued cloth on the head for the veiled portion.
• Pin the cross on the left upper corner of the sari and give the rosary to carry in the hand.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Mother Teresa. Peace begins with a smile. Be kind always.

Jawaharlal Nehru fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• White kurta and pyjama
• Beige waistcoat or sleeveless jacket
• A Nehru cap made of white paper
• Red rose
• Black shoes
• Safety pin

How to make a Jawaharlal Nehru costume

• Make your child wear the clothes with the cap and the shoes.
• Pin the red rose on the left breast pocket.

Dialogue to say:

Children are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. I'm Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. My birthday is celebrated as Children's Day.

Mahatma Gandhi fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Off-white cloth to drape as a dhoti
• Another piece of the same coloured cloth to drape as a shawl
• A small piece of cloth (matching the child's skin tone) to cover the head to make the child look bald
• Long wooden stick
• Round frame glasses made from cardboard
• Black sketch pen
• A pair of scissors
• Glue

How to make a Mahatma Gandhi costume

• For the spectacles, outline the round frame and rods separately on the cardboard.
• Make the outline thick using the sketch pen.
• Cut out the shapes and then glue them together to make the spectacles.
• Drape one piece of cloth as the dhoti and the other as a shawl.
• Give the long stick to hold in the right hand.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation and the leader of the Indian independence movement.

Animal-themed fancy dress ideas

Peacock costume

Materials required:

• Thick-coloured paper shades of blue and green
• Glitter
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Glue gun
• Black elastic 1/4 inch
• Bluish-green T-shirt and trousers

How to make a Peacock costume

• First, cut out a large oval-shaped piece from a blue sheet. This forms the base of the costume, so measure according to your child's size.
• Make two small holes on either side to string the elastic.
• Measure and cut the elastic. Lace through the holes so that the base can be worn on the shoulders.
• Now, using a template for peacock feathers, cut out several feathers of different sizes from the coloured paper.
• Paste one feather on top of the other.
• Once the feathers are ready, using the glue gun, paste them in layers on the blue base sheet, the biggest on top and the smallest at the bottom. Alternate the various shades.
• Decorate with glitter and sequins.
• Using a face mask template, cut out the shape from the blue paper. Punch holes and tie the elastic so the mask can be easily slipped on.
• Decorate the mask with glitter and sequins.
• Make your child wear a bluish-green T-shirt and trousers to put together the costume. Then, make them slip on the feathers and the mask.

Dialogue to say:

I'm the national bird of India. I'm a peacock. I love to dance in the rain!

Dog fancy dress (Dalmatian) costume

Material required:

• White and black chart paper
• Elastic string
• Thick black string
• Glue gun
• White long-sleeved T-shirt and trousers
• White gloves
• Black paint

How to make a Dalmatian dog fancy dress:

• For the mask, trace a dog's face (with ears) and cut out on the white chart paper. Punch holes on either side to string the elastic so that the mask can be worn easily.
• Cut out irregular-shaped patches of various sizes from the black chart paper.
• Stick these patches onto the mask, T-shirt, trousers, and gloves.
• Make your child wear the mask, clothes, and gloves to put together the costume.
• Cut a length of black string for the tail and tuck it into the trousers at the back.
• Paint a black patch on the child's nose.

Dialogue to say:

Bow wow! I'm a dog, and I can be your best friend!

Lion fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Jute rope medium-thickness
• Cap or hat
• Paint black, white, brown
• Brown T-shirt and trousers

How to make a lion costume

• Cut the rope into pieces 10 and 12 inches long. Keep one piece longer than the others. This is to make the lion's tail.
• Paint the pieces of rope brown.
• Make several holes in the cap/hat. Insert one end of the rope piece into a hole and tie a knot on the inside. Cover the entire cap with these pieces to form the lion's mane.
• Dress your child in the brown clothes and the mane.
• Using the paint, draw patterns and whiskers on the child's face.

Dialogue to say:

Rooooaaaarrrrr! I'm the king of the jungle! But I spend a lot of time sleeping!

Professions fancy dress ideas

Policeman fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Khaki-coloured clothes, pants, and a shirt
• Cap
• Accessories like handcuffs, guns, and sunglasses
• White chart paper
• Glue gun

How to make a policeman costume

• On the chart paper, trace and cut out the letters of the alphabet to spell police. Make two sets of these letters.
• Using the glue gun, stick the letters onto the cap and the back of the shirt.
• While assembling the costume, your child can wear the clothes, cap, and accessories.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a policeman and here to fight crime and keep you safe!

Teacher fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Clothes for girls: sari/cloth draped as sari, or salwar kurta with dupatta; for boys: shirt and trousers
• Spectacles (optional)
• Book and pen

How to make a Teacher's costume:

• The child can wear the clothes and the spectacles.
• The hair can be tied in a style of your choice.
• The child can carry a bag and hold the book and pen close to the chest.

Dialogue to say:

My name is Mr/Ms. XXXXX and I'm here to help you learn some interesting things!

Doctor fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Clothes: shirt and trousers for boys; salwar and kurta, or sari for girls
• White doctor's coat
• A bag to carry as a doctor's case
• Hairband
• Thick black string
• Bottle cap about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter
• Paint black and silver
• Small torch
• Pen
• A pair of scissors
• Glue

How to make a doctor's costume

• For the stethoscope, cover the hairband with the black string. Roll up some extra string with padding and place it on the two ends for the tubes that go into the ears.
• Then attach a slightly long string to the band's center. Paint the bottle cap black and silver to resemble the chest piece of a stethoscope and attach it to the free end of this string.
• The child can wear the clothes and the white coat to put together the costume.
• Place the stethoscope around the neck, and keep the pen and torch in the shirt or coat pocket.

Dialogue to say:

Hi, I'm Dr XXXXX. Remember to eat fruits and vegetables every day! And wash your hands before you eat!

Farmer fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• White cloth or dupatta for dhoti
• A thin white towel to tie around the head
• White sleeveless vest
• Red cloth or dupatta
• Thin wooden stick or plank
• Black chart paper
• Dull silver paper
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Stapler

How to make a Farmer costume

• Cut out a thin, sickle-shaped strip from the black paper.
• Glue it to the stick or plank to resemble a farmer's sickle.
• Cut out a thick strip from the paper and stick the silver paper on it.
• To put together the costume, drape the cloth or dupatta like a dhoti.
• Tie the white towel around the forehead like a turban with a visible knot at the side.
• Tie the red cloth around the waist.
• Place the silver strip of paper around one arm and staple it together to resemble an armlet.

Dialogue to say:

I'm a farmer. The food you eat comes from the plants that I grow. Never waste food!

Mythological characters fancy dress ideas

Hanuman fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Red cloth for dhoti (with gold border)
• 2, 3 long beaded chains (at least one with white beads)
• Rounded wooden stick (3 -4 feet long)
• Newspaper
• Glue gun
• Gold paper
• Chart paper
• Elastic thread
• Sequins
• Red lipstick
• Stapler
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Hanuman costume

• For the crown, trace the outline on the chart paper and cut it out. Paste the gold paper on it.
• Make holes on either side to attach the elastic thread so the crown can be worn easily.
• Decorate the crown with sequins.
• For the mace, crush the newspaper to make a large ball. Cover it with gold paper for a smooth finish.
• Cover the stick with gold paper. Attach the paper ball to one end of the stick using the glue gun.
• Twist the newspaper lengthwise to make a long tail. Twist red cloth over it (tail must be stiff).
• For the armlets and anklets, cut four broad strips of chart paper and cover them with gold paper. Ends can be stapled together when tying them to the arms and ankles.
• To put together the costume, drape a dhoti (to cover only up to the knees); the child can wear the crown, armlets, and chains.
• Attach the tail to the back.
• Draw thick lines above and below the lips using red lipstick.

Dialogue to say:

Jai Shri Ram; Jai Shri Ram! I'm Hanuman. I'm strong, and I can fly.

Ganesha fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Two pieces of red cloth (with gold border) for a dhoti and to drape over the shoulders
• Chart paper
• Paint
• Elastic thread
• Gold paper
• Stapler
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Ganesha costume 

• On the chart paper, trace the outline of Lord Ganesha's face for the mask. If you can't draw well, you can also use an old picture of Lord Ganesha to outline. Cut along the outline and paint it.
• Make holes on either side to attach the elastic thread so the mask can be worn easily.
• For the armlets and anklets, cut four broad strips of chart paper and cover them with gold paper. The ends can be stapled together when placed on the arms and ankles.
• First, drape the dhoti on your child. Then, drape the other piece of cloth over the shoulders.

Dialogue to say:

Ganpati Bappa Moriya! I'm Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles and the God of all beginnings.

Sita fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Saffron-coloured cloth to drape as a sari
• Flowers strung together to be worn as a garland and on the wrists

How to make Sita's costume

• Drape the sari with the pallu covering the head.
• The child can wear the flower garland around the neck and the wrists.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Sita, divine goddess and wife of Lord Rama.

Unique fancy dress ideas

Bharat Mata costume

Materials required:

• Sari with a white or tricoloured border and a white blouse
• Orange and green paint
• Chart paper
• Thin white paper
• Gold and silver paper
• Coloured sequins
• 2 wooden sticks, a long one for the Trishul and a shorter one for the flag
• A pair of scissors
• Glue
• Stapler

How to make Bharat Mata costume:

• Trace the shape of a crown on the chart paper. Choose a design that has a point rising from the centre.
• Now, cut and paste the gold paper on the crown. Then, stick the coloured sequins.
• Trace the shape of a trishul on the chart paper. Cut and paste the silver paper on it.
• Attach the Trishul to the long stick.
• Cut out a rectangular shape from the white paper for the flag. Paint it to make the Indian tricolour.
• Attach the paper flag to the shorter stick.
• To put the costume together, first drape the sari.
• Secure the crown on the head by stapling the ends together.
• Give your child the flag to hold in one hand and the trishul in the other.

Dialogue to say:

I'm Mother India, the Goddess of our country.

Traffic Light costume

Materials required:

• Cardboard
• 3 white colour lids (take from old plastic jars)
• Pencil or pen
• Acrylic paint (yellow, red, green, and black colours)
• Hot glue
• A long piece of string or yarn
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Traffic light costume

• Cut the cardboard to fit your child's body from the shoulder to the mid-thigh.
• Paint the cardboard black.
• Paint one lid red, the other yellow, and the next one green to denote the colour of traffic lights.
• Mark 3 circles on the cardboard using the lids and pencil/pen, and cut them out.
• Glue the red, yellow, and green lids around the circles on the cardboard in that order.
• Attach the string to the top of the cardboard. Your child can wear the traffic signal around his neck.

Dialogue to say:

STOP for Red;
WAIT for Yellow;
GO for Green;
Always follow traffic rules and have a safe journey!

Maggi costume

Materials required:

• Yellow yarn
• Yellow chart paper
• Maggi noodles wrappers
• Glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Maggi costume

• Cut the chart paper into a rectangular strip to make a headband for your child.
• Glue the corners and attach strings all around the back of the headband.
• Cut the Maggi noodles name and logo from the wrappers and stick them to the headband.
• Cut a large rectangle from the chart paper to make a skirt or kilt for your child.
• Attach the ends and add yarn all around it.
• Decorate the skirt with Maggi logos and pictures from the wrappers.

Dialogue to say:

I love Maggi because it is yummy
It is quick to make for my mummy
But, if I eat too much
I'll end up with a tummy ache and
If I only eat it once monthly
I'll be strong and healthy!

Dettol costume

Materials required:

• A large white cardboard box
• Green craft paper
• Sketch pens
• Glue
• A pair of scissors
• An empty Dettol handwash bottle (or a photo of the bottle)

How to make a Dettol costume

• Cut the flaps on one end of the box.
• On the other end, cut an opening wide enough to fit your child's neck. The box should be such that you can hang it from your child's shoulders.
• Create the logo and picture of a Dettol bottle with sketch pens and craft paper.

Dialogue to say:

Wash and clean, wash and clean; Dettol is here to keep the germs at bay!

Princess costume (Cinderella)

Materials required:

• Blue and white tulle fabric (available online)
• 1.5-inch wide elastic
• A pair of scissors
• Embellishments like faux pearl buttons, rhinestones, wire butterflies, and satin flowers
• Hot glue
• A pair of ballet shoes in a light colour
• A blue top and blue leggings

How to make a Princess costume

• Measure your child's waist and cut the elastic to size. Sew both ends of the elastic together to make a waistband.
• Measure your child's height from the midriff. Cut several strips of tulle, measuring slightly longer than the size.
• Take each piece, fold it at random length, and tie it over the elastic band.
• Repeat the step, alternating between blue and white, until the elastic is covered.
• Add embellishments to the tutu and shoes with hot glue.
• Your child can wear the tutu with a blue top and blue leggings. Add the pretty ballet shoes, and you have a live Cinderella before you.

Dialogue to say:

Sing the Lavender Blue rhyme.

Rapunzel fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A ball of yellow or golden-coloured yarn
• A broad hairband
• A roll of purple satin ribbon
• Purple satin flowers
• A pair of scissors
• Rubber bands
• A purple frock

How to make a Rapunzel costume

• Take a few strands of yarn of your desired length (denoting the length of the hair) and tie them around the hairband.
• Repeat until you have covered most of the hairband.
• You can glue yarn to the visible ends of the hairband and cover them as well.
• Divide the yarn strands into three sections and pleat them.
• Secure the ends of the pleats with rubber bands and tie the satin ribbon around them.
• Use the satin flowers to decorate the hair.
• Your child can wear a purple frock and a hairdo to transform into Rapunzel.

Dialogue to say:

Sing I've Got a Dream with your child's lyrics.

Princess Elsa costume (Princess Elsa cape and tiara)

Materials required:

• White tulle fabric
• Blue rhinestones in different sizes
• Chart paper
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors
• A long blue frock
• Silver glitter
• A hairband

How to make a Princess Elsa costume

• Cut the white fabric into a rectangular shape to fit your child's height.
• Use the hot glue to attach the rhinestones around the fabric.
• Sew or glue the fabric along the shoulders of the blue frock.
• To make the tiara, use any template from the Internet and cut the chart paper in the shape of a tiara.
• Add silver glitter all around the tiara and a big rhinestone in the centre.
• Glue the tiara to the hairband.

Dialogue to say:

Sing the Let It Go song.

Superhero fancy dress ideas

Spiderman fancy dress ccostume

Materials required:

• A plain blue T-shirt and blue pyjamas
• A sleeveless red hoodie jacket
• Black felt sheet
• A pair of long red socks
• A picture of the Spiderman logo
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Spiderman costume

• Draw lines resembling spider webs all over the hoodie using a permanent black marker.
• Using the black felt sheet, make the Spiderman logo.
• Carefully glue the logo to the centre of the hoodie.
• Your child can first wear the T-shirt and then the hoodie over it. They can wear the socks over the pants.

Dialogue to say:

I am strong and sticky,
I am Spiderman.
Watch out, bad guys, I am here to save the day!

Superman costume

Materials required:

• A plain blue T-shirt and blue pyjamas
• Red fabric
• Red and yellow felt sheets
• A small strip of yellow fabric
• A pair of long red socks
• A red brief (underwear)
• A picture of the Superman logo
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Superman costume

• Using the felt sheets, make the Superman logo.
• Carefully glue the logo to the centre of the T-shirt.
• Cut the red fabric to your child's size, and glue or sew it to the shoulders of the T-shirt to form a cape.
• Your child can wear the T-shirt with the cape and blue pants. They can wear underwear and socks over the pants.

Dialogue to say:

There is a superhero in all of us, and we just need the courage to put on the cape.

Batman fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A plain black T-shirt and a black pyjama
• Black fabric
• Black felt sheet
• An old belt
• A picture of the Batman logo
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors
• Gold-coloured acrylic paint
• Elastic

How to make a Batman costume

• Using the felt sheets, make the Batman logo.
• Carefully glue the logo to the centre of the T-shirt.
• Cut the black fabric to your child's size, and glue or sew it to the shoulders of the T-shirt to form the cape.
• Paint the belt with gold acrylic paint and let it dry.
• To make the mask, find a template online. Cut the black felt in the shape of the mask.
• Make two holes on the sides of the mask and lace the elastic through them.
• Your child can wear a T-shirt with a cape and black pants. They can wear the belt and the mask to complete the look.

Dialogue to say:

It's not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me. And I have one superpower. I never give up!

Star Wars fancy dress ideas

Princess Leia costume

Materials required:

• A plain white top and a long skirt
• A 3-inch wide satin ribbon in silver colour
• A pair of scissors
• A toy gun

How to make a Princess Leia costume:

• Your child can wear the top and skirt and tie the satin ribbon around their waist as a belt.
• Tie your child's hair in two ponytails and twist them into buns.
• Give them the toy gun, and you have Princess Leia.

Dialogue to say:

May the force be with you.

Luke Skywalker fancy dress

Materials required:

• An off-white shirt
• A pair of beige pants
• Adhesive bandage in tan colour
• A pair of white shoes
• A toy lightsaber
• A brown belt with a large buckle
• Fabric or hot glue

How to make a Luke Skywalker costume

• Remove the buttons from the shirt.
• Cut the collar and hem the section with fabric glue.
• Your child can wear the shirt and secure it with the belt.
• Once your child dons the shoes, wrap the bandage around their ankles.
• Give them the lightsaber to get the quintessential Skywalker look.

Dialogue to say:

I am Luke Skywalker. I am a Jedi, just like my father before me.

Darth Vader costume

Materials required:

• A plain black T-shirt and a black pyjama
• Black fabric
• Black felt sheet
• A black beanie hat
• A 2-inch holographic tape
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors
• Elastic
• Silver glitter glue

How to make a Darth Vader costume

• Using a picture of Darth Vader as a reference, fix the strips of holographic tape along the neck of the black T-shirt.
• Cut the black fabric to your child's size, and glue or sew it to the shoulders of the T-shirt to form the cape.
• To make the mask, use any template from the Internet and cut the black felt in the shape of the mask. Add elastic to the mask. Decorate the mask with glitter glue.
• Your child can wear the T-shirt with the cape, beanie hat, and black pants. They can wear the mask to become Darth Vader.

Dialogue to say:

You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me.

Harry Potter fancy dress ideas

Harry Potter costume

Materials required:

• A plain black bedsheet
• Reusable chopsticks
• Hot glue
• Brown acrylic paint
• A white shirt
• A red-striped tie
• A pair of black pants
• A pair of black shoes

How to make a Harry Potter costume

• Fold the bedsheet in half. Ask your child to lie on it with arms stretched.
• Loosely mark and cut their shape on the sheet
• Take the two pieces, front and back, and glue them along the edges to make the robe.
• To make the wand, add hot glue around the broad end of the chopstick to resemble the handle. Paint the wand brown.
• Your child can wear the white shirt, pants, shoes, tie, and the robe to resemble Harry Potter.

Dialogue to say:

I am a wizard; I can make things fly. Wingardium Leviosa!

Sirius Black fancy dress

Materials required:

• A brown beanie hat
• A ball of dark brown yarn
• A set of striped pyjamas
• A large brown shirt
• A piece of cardboard
• Acrylic paint in different colours
• White craft paper
• Hot glue

How to make the Sirius Black costume:

• Comb the yarn vigorously to make it resemble hair.
• Glue the yarn around the beanie. The wig is ready.
• Cut the pyjamas along the edges and sleeves to get a ragged look.
• Add stains with brown acrylic paint.
• With the cardboard and paint, make the Askaban Prison Identification board (use the Internet for reference).
• Cut the white paper into strips and make small rings resembling chains. Loop each chain around the next and glue them securely. Add larger rings at either end to make the handcuffs.

Dialogue to say:

We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.

Rubeus Hagrid costume

Materials required:

• A brown beanie hat
• A ball of dark brown yarn
• Black felt sheet
• An old denim shirt (blue colour)
• A pair of distressed denim jeans (black colour)
• A shirt in tan or brown color
• Elastic
• A dark brown belt
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Rubeus Hagrid costume

• Comb the yarn vigorously to make it resemble hair.
• Glue the yarn around the beanie. Your wig is ready.
• To make the beard, place the felt over your child's face and trace an outline of her mouth and jawline.
• Cut the felt along the marked outline, leaving an opening for the mouth.
• Cut the yarn accordingly and glue the moustache and the beard to the felt. Add the elastic so that your child can wear it around their face.
• Cut the sleeves of the denim shirt. Your child can wear the tan shirt and put on the denim shirt as a vest. Put on the belt to complete the look.

Dialogue to say:

What's coming will come, and I will meet it when it does.

Pirates of the Caribbean fancy dress (Jack Sparrow)

Materials required:

• A white shirt
• An old red saree
• An old blue saree
• Brown and black yarn
• Wood and metal beads
• A belt with a big buckle
• Khaki trousers
• Boots in brown or tan colour
• A pair of scissors
• Hot glue

How to make a Jack Sparrow costume 

• Cut the red sari to fit around your child's head like a bandana.
• Using hot glue, randomly attach pleated yarn as strands of hair onto the bandana. Add beads to some of the strands.
• Measure your child's body, cut twice the length from the blue saree. Fold it in half and glue along the sides, leaving space for the armholes.
• Your child can wear the white shirt with the blue vest and secure it with the belt. Then, put on the pants, boots, and the bandana.

Dialogue to say:

Why fight when you can negotiate?
 Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.

Social media fancy dress ideas

WhatsApp costume

Materials required:

• A plain white T-shirt
• A piece of green satin fabric
• A pair of scissors
• Hot glue
• Emoji stickers

How to make a WhatsApp costume

• Cut a large circle resembling the WhatsApp logo from the satin fabric (large enough to cover the T-shirt).
• Draw a picture of a landline handset in the middle and carefully cut it out.
• Pin the logo to the T-shirt.
• Add the emoji stickers around the T-shirt.

Dialogue to say:

You can message, call, and video chat with me.
I can connect you to friends and family around the world
 The world has become a small place, all thanks to me!

Facebook fancy dress

Materials required:

• A plain white T-shirt
• A shoebox
• A pair of scissors
• Clear tape
• A blue permanent marker
• Photos of your child and family

How to make a Facebook costume

• Carefully draw a square on top of the box. Cut another square on one side. Your child can wear the box over their head with their face peeking out.
• Using a permanent marker, write Facebook on the T-shirt. Add a thumbs-up sign and write Like beside it. Stick the photos around the T-shirt.

Dialogue

I am Facebook, but I'm no book
It is better to read books than spend too much time on me
Use me wisely; I can help you find friends and fun things.

Twitter costume

Materials required:

• A plain white T-shirt
• A pair of scissors
• A blue permanent marker
• Blue chart paper
• Elastic
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Twitter costume:

• Using a permanent marker, write Twitter on the T-shirt. Add # symbols and the @ sign all over the T-shirt.
• Cut the Twitter bird shape from the chart paper. Fix the elastic to it. Your child can now wear it like a headband.

Dialogue to say:

I am a Twitter bird, I tweet your messages to the world.

Technology-themed fancy dress ideas

TV fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A large rectangular cardboard box
• Acrylic paint in pastel and metallic colours
• A pair of scissors
• Black colour dress

How to make a TV costume

• Make your child wear a black dress.
• Place the box horizontally, and cut a circle on the top to fit your child's head.
• Cut two holes on either side of the box as armholes.
• Paint the box black, except for the front side.
• Draw a rectangle in the front to denote the TV screen. Use pastel colours to paint the busy signal screen.
• Use metallic colours to draw the knobs and buttons.

Dialogue to say:

I am a TV.
I have many fun and interesting programmes for you.
But you can't watch all of them in one day.
Remember, only one hour a day;
If not, your brain will get rusty!

Mobile phone fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A large rectangular cardboard box
• Social media decals (available online)
• A pair of scissors
• A white or black colour dress

How to make a Mobile phone costume

• Make your child wear a white/black colour dress.
• Place the box vertically, and cut a circle on the top to fit your child's head.
• Cut two holes on either side of the box as armholes.
• Paint the box black.
• Paste the decal stickers on the front to resemble a phone screen.

Dialogue to say:

If you want to call someone, I'm here.
If you want to take a picture, I'm here.
If you want to browse, I'm here.
I have everything you need.
I even have a voice assistant for you.
I am addictive, but your time is valuable;
So, spend it with your loved ones more!

Robot fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A large rectangular cardboard box
• A shoebox
• Holographic tape
• A pair of scissors
• 2 black straws
• Pipe cleaner
• Silver colour dress

How to make a Robot costume

• Make your child wear a silver dress.
• Place the large box vertically, and cut a circle on the top to fit your child's head.
• Cut two holes on either side of the box as armholes.
• Cut a square on top of the shoebox. Cut another square on one side. Your child will be able to wear the box over their head with their face peeking out. You can secure the box with tape.
• Add the straws on top of the shoebox as antennas. Make a coil from the pipe cleaner and connect the straws.

Dialogue to say:

Hi, I am Bobo the robot.
How can I help you today?
Hi, I am Bobo the robot.
How can I help you today?
No input.OK bye,
Have a nice day!

Horror fancy dress ideas

The Conjuring fancy dress costume (Annabelle Doll Dress and Make-up)

Materials required:

• A white frock
• Red satin ribbon
• Red lipstick
• Kajal
• Face powder
• Hot glue
• A pair of scissors

How to make a Horror costume:

• Glue the satin ribbon around the waist of the frock.
• Make two braids in your child's hair. Tie around with satin ribbons.
• Apply a thick layer of face powder to your child's face. Accentuate their eyes with kajal. Apply a thick layer of red lipstick.

Dialogue to say:

He he he

Chucky fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• A red and white striped T-shirt
• A denim dungaree
• Red lipstick
• A piece of cardboard
• Aluminium foil

How to make a Chucky costume

• Cut the cardboard into the shape of a knife. Cover one edge with aluminium foil to denote the sharp edge.
• Once your child dons the costume, add streaks of red lipstick on his face to denote blood.

Dialogue to say:

Hi, I'm Chucky. Wanna play?

The Monster fancy dress costume

Materials required:

• Red fabric
• Sticks of various sizes
• Hot glue
• Twain

How to make the Monster costume:

• Fold the red fabric in half, and ask your child to lie on it with arms stretched.
• Loosely mark their shape on the fabric, then cut along the shape.
• Take the two pieces, front and back, and glue them along the edges to make the robe.
• Cut a smaller rectangle from the fabric. Fold the fabric in half and glue the top section.
• Glue the unattached side of the robe to form the hood.
• Glue the sticks to the back of the robe. Add five small sticks to each sleeve for the fingers.

Dialogue to say:

There are no real monsters, only inner demons.

Fancy dress competitions are exciting events not only for the child but also for the family and friends! Even after they become adults, your children will look back at the special day with fond memories. Fancy dress events undoubtedly will never go out of style and will always be a crowd-pleaser.

 Last updated on: Aug 1, 2025