Looks like you've decided to go all out for Halloween this year. Several ideas came up for the costume design – scary mask, sexy nun, latest movie icon – but decided to opt for another design, a lighter role this year: angel. You really want an impressive costume, but don't know how to start the process of creating the perfect costume. No need to look anywhere else. Angel costumes are very easy to make, inexpensive, and suitable for people who are on a budget.
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Part 1 of 3: Collecting Materials for Costumes
Step 1. Choose a light-colored dress or long-sleeved shirt
Choose a dress or long-sleeved shirt that has a very light color. Skirts, capes, or evening gowns make great angel costumes, but a well-fitted long-sleeved t-shirt can also be an alternative; the trick is to get an elegant and/or fall effect.
- Light colors will help make the costume look like an “angel”. Choose white, light blue, light yellow, or mint green. Warm, inviting tones and imitation of soothing light sources have the same effect. Dress up your best this year, as well as make angel costumes.
- Remember, you are an angel – the epitome of goodness and virtue. Try your best to keep the dress as simple as possible, otherwise run the risk of becoming a demon in disguise!
Step 2. Choose the perfect wings
Decide which type of wings you want to pair with the angel costume. There are so many shapes, sizes, and materials for wings that only the imagination can limit. The type of wing chosen will determine what materials are needed to make it a reality.
- Does the angel costume have fairy wings? Maybe your angel costume is more traditional and requires standard angel wings? Or maybe go for something unique and want wings from balloons? Go all out and own an impressive pair of wings, which will have your friends wondering how to make them.
- Wings just have to be as beautiful as desired. A simple and inexpensive idea is to collect poster board materials and cut them into proper shapes. With the right mechanics, these will look just as good and the build won't cause any holes in the bag.
- The color of the wings doesn't have to be exactly the same as the dress, but aim to stay on a similar scale to really blend in with the dress. It could also do the opposite by having contrasting wings that stand out.
Step 3. Cut off the conspicuous halos
Imagine what kind of halo you want for an angel costume, and make it come true. Like wings, halos can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that are limited only by imagination and the ability to create them.
- A simple and inexpensive idea is to use a gold or silver pipe cleaner. Pipe cleaners of suitable length are very easy to bend and form into halos. What's more, several pipe cleaners are easily combined into one to form a halo of suitable length and circumference.
- Party supply stores, Halloween, and even larger grocery stores sell a variety of glowing stems and rings that are perfect for halos. Check out the nearest store if you're looking for additional inspiration.
Part 2 of 3: Making Costumes
Step 1. Make the wings
Wings are an important component of an angel's costume, and in all likelihood, the most time-consuming. Start with one wing to make sure it's exactly the way you want it and give it time to make the needed changes.
- One of the easiest ways to make one is to take a sheet of poster board and make paper wings. While it doesn't sound very good at first, these wings are easy to tidy up by wrapping them in foil before adding their own decorative mix using paint, glitter powder, etc. These wings are also more pocket friendly.
- Start by buying a large sheet of poster board. Poster boards can be found at any local grocery store that sells office supplies.
- Draw a big heart shape on the poster board. Each half heart will eventually become a wing, so keep that in mind when buying poster boards and drawing.
- Cut out a heart shape.
- Cut the center of the heart to separate the two or just fold it in half for a wing effect.
- Decorate, draw details, and customize the paper wings however you like to make them your own.
- Don't be afraid to be more creative. But be aware that making wings can range from a simple cut to a complex process, depending on the type of wing you want to make. While making wings out of balloons won't take much time, fairy wings and complicated methods on angel wings will take more time.
Step 2. Make a circle of light
The halo is the second most recognizable detail on the angel costume. While halos may seem like a dreaded part of the costume, there are some quick ways to make sure you have them in no time.
- The easiest way to get halos for an angel costume is to buy gold or silver pipe cleaners at your local party supply store. Some grocery stores also sell this type of pipe cleaner.
- Take one pipe cleaner and measure it 45 to 60 cm long. If the purge pipe you purchased does not reach the desired length, join the two pipes together.
- Leave 5-15cm of one end of the pipe cleaner to keep it straight for the next part of the halo process.
- Bend the rest to form a circle.
- Aim the remaining pipe cleaner – the straight part – down and at a 90 degree angle.
- Wrap the leftover pipe cleaner around the headband or any solid part of the headgear to make it easier and more comfortable to wear.
- If necessary, hook the pipe cleaner to the top of the gown.
- For a more “flashy” halo, repeat the process with the pipe cleaner to make it appear thicker. You can also attach a necklace or wire with jewelry to give the halo a luxurious feel.
- The pipe cleaning method can be used to attach any material to the headband to make the halo look better. Use a pipe cleaner with whatever ingredients you want to create a halo.
Step 3. Combine the wings and halos with the costume
Glue the wings – and halos, if necessary – to the dress. This can be done by sewing the wings onto the dress individually, attaching them with hot glue, or simply attaching them using adhesive tape to avoid fatal damage to both the wings and the dress.
- To find a point that fits your back, find where your shirt starts to stretch at back height.
- Measure in a mirror – or ask a friend to measure it = the points on the back are the same distance from both shoulders. This point will be in the middle of the back. Use the spine as a guide.
- The way the wings attach to the back is very important. Make sure the wings stick up straight and straight, not dangling, for a truly angelic look. Also, don't make the wings too tight as you'll have to remove them that have been painstakingly affixed to the costume again.
- Use this as a great place for the wings to perch. The "fit" point will require no back flexing at all and will keep the wings firmly in place. If the point is too low, the wings will not stick and fall. This will cause the wings to be damaged by movement. If the point is too high it will risk too much bending of the material used.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Angel Costume More Personal
Step 1. Add items from other wardrobes
Adding items from the wardrobe can really make the angel costume look more personal and make it your own. Add a belt in a contrasting color to give the dress more shape, bright leggings to add more color, or gloves to make it more perfect.
Step 2. Wear accessories
Add your own rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces for a truly elegant angelic look. When in doubt about going out in the best accessories, head to a costume or party supply store for costume jewelry. You can also add a sprinkling of sparkling powder, light paint, or even tinfoil to make the costume stand out.
Step 3. Keep the footwear matching the angelic look
Make sure the footwear matches the overall costume. If you choose the traditional angel route, use only sandals. If you wear a more elegant look, make sure the footwear is more formal. The last thing you want to do is cause a well-made costume to be lousy just because it's on sneakers.
