Homemade Halloween Costumes With Capes

Capes are seen in many comic books, movies and fairy tales. They are a fun addition to a Halloween costume, allowing you to swish and swirl about dramatically. You can make many costumes that include capes, such as superheroes, Dracula, Zorro and Little Red Riding Hood.

Superhero

A superhero is one of the most versatile costumes that you can make involving a cape. You can draw from many pre-existing superheroes, including Superman, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Doctor Strange, Storm, Thor and Power Girl. Any of these costumes can be made by following patterns. You can create your own superhero costume with a cape, a pair of tights and some accessories. These homemade costumes can be completely original, with an attitude that's either serious or humorous.

Dracula

A classic Dracula costume is easy to assemble using clothing from a thrift shop. The costume begins with a Dracula cape, which should be black with a very high collar and bat-cut edges. Add black slacks, black dress shoes, a white dress shirt or tuxedo shirt, and a black or dark red vest. Wear pale makeup, with dark shadowing around your eyes and under your cheekbones to make your face appear sunken and emaciated. You can finish the costume with plastic vampire fangs and a bit of mouth-safe fake blood dripping down your chin.

Zorro

Zorro's heroics have been dazzling the silver screen for decades, and you can become the swashbuckling hero for a night with almost no effort. Begin with a black cape and black dress pants. Add black riding boots, a puffy black shirt, and black leather gloves with high cuffs. Cut two holes in a strip of black cloth for an eye mask, and add a flat-brimmed hat that is (you guessed it) black. Carry a rapier with a blunted tip to complete the character.

Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood is a classic fairy tale character, instantly recognizable because her cape is part of her name. The costume can be either all red, or any Renaissance-looking outfit covered with a red, hooded cape. Patterns for period clothing can be purchased at most craft stores, but you can also find suitable clothes at some thrift and vintage stores. For a sexy twist, wear the cape over a red cocktail dress, with sultry makeup. If you are going to a party with a husband or boyfriend, he can wear a tuxedo and wolf mask.