A good Halloween costume doesn't have to go in the bin on 1 November. Hooded cloaks, robes, tunics and bracers make strong costumes, and you can wear them again at a Renaissance faire, a LARP game or a themed party. Here are ten ideas, from five-minute to fully dressed.
In short
- Start with one big piece, such as a cloak or a robe. It does most of the work.
- Add two or three accessories that make the character clear: a belt, bracers, a pouch.
- Choose pieces you will wear again. Most of these looks work at faires too.
- Wear comfortable boots: Halloween nights mean a lot of walking.
10 medieval and fantasy costume ideas
1. Wizard
A long hooded robe is the whole costume. The Velvet Hooded Robe with Printed Trim comes in black, blue and wine red. Add a pouch at the belt and a staff, and you are done. Read the full wizard costume guide.
2. Witch or alchemist
Wear a black dress, such as the black Square-Neck Lace-Up Renaissance Dress, under a black Velvet Hooded Cloak. A Round Potion Bottle with Belt Holder at the waist tells everyone what you brew.
3. Grim Reaper or cultist
The same black velvet robe, hood up, face in shadow. Add a prop scythe if the venue allows props, and nothing else.
4. Gothic noble or vampire
A white Renaissance Shirt with Laced Sleeves, black trousers tucked into tall Fold-Over Cuff Renaissance Boots, and a black velvet cloak over the shoulders.
5. Elf
The Hooded Elf Dress Costume Set is a complete costume: hooded dress, corset belt, ring belt with pouch, bracers, socks, head chain, elf ears and earrings, in black, green or wine red. For a men's elf, a green Hooded Cloak with Leaf Brooch over a tunic works well. See the elf costume guide.
6. Ranger or huntsman
A Hooded Ranger Cloak, a Lace-Up Hunter Vest over a long-sleeve shirt, and a laced bracer on each arm. Hood up for photos.
7. Viking
A Cotton Viking Tunic belted over trousers, with the Viking Faux Fur Shoulder Cape on top. It is one of the warmest costumes on this list, which helps on a cold October night. More in how to dress like a Viking.
8. Knight
The Quilted Padded Coat with the Double-Layer Half Breastplate and the Faux Leather Great Helm. The armour is light, so you can wear it all evening.
9. Dark warrior
A black tunic, a Studded Single Pauldron on one shoulder and the Faux Leather Double Sword Harness across the back. Swords are not included, so bring your own props if the venue allows them.
10. Tavern keeper or villager
The quickest of all: a blouse or loose shirt, a plain skirt or trousers, a thin leather belt and a small pouch. See the peasant outfit guide.
How to make a costume look finished
- One strong outline. A cloak, robe or cape changes your shape from across the room.
- Three accessories. Belt, pouch and bracers, or belt, headband and potion holder. Three is enough to tell the story.
- Two or three colours. Black and gold, green and brown, red and cream. Fewer colours look more deliberate.
- Shoes. Boots or plain dark shoes. Bright trainers are the first thing people notice.
Shop the costumes
Wear it again after Halloween
Many Renaissance faires run into autumn, and LARP events run all year. Cloaks, tunics, belts and pouches move straight from a Halloween party to a faire. If you're new to faires, start with what to wear to a Renaissance faire. Curious about LARP? Read what LARP is and how to start.
A few practical tips
- Long hems: robes and cloaks can catch on stairs. Lift the front when you climb.
- Dark costumes at night: if children are out trick-or-treating in dark cloaks, add a small light or a reflective strip.
- Props: many venues ban realistic weapons. Check before you bring a sword or scythe.
Questions people ask
What is the easiest medieval Halloween costume?
A hooded cloak over dark clothes. With the hood up it reads as a ranger, a rogue or a monk, and it takes a minute to put on.
Can I wear these costumes to a Renaissance faire?
Yes. Every look above works at a faire. You may want to swap the velvet for cotton on a hot day.
Do the costumes come with weapons?
No. Swords and other weapons shown in photos are props for styling and are not included.
