Your 12-foot skeleton is the tallest guest on the block. Standing there in nothing but bones gets old fast, though, and the neighbors start to expect a new look every season. The trick is that regular clothes don’t come close to fitting, so the best outfits lean on big-and-tall sizes, oversized accessories, and fabric you can drape.
Before you shop: measure your Skelly
Every giant skeleton is built a little differently, so grab a tape measure and a step ladder (or a helper) and note the skull circumference, the shoulder width, and the distance around the ribcage. Write them down once and you’ll never guess on a size again.
1. The Pirate Captain
A wide sash, a tricorn hat sized up with foam, and a giant eye patch make for the easiest crowd-pleaser on this list.
Oversized pirate sash and bandana
Jumbo pirate hat
2. The Lumberjack
Buffalo plaid is forgiving, reads from the street, and works from October right through the holidays.
Big & tall flannel shirt
Giant knit beanie
3. The Beach Bum
Hawaiian shirt, giant sunglasses, a pool float around the waist. Perfect for summer and an easy laugh in October.
Plus-size Hawaiian shirt
Novelty giant sunglasses
Inflatable pool ring
4. The Wizard
Extra-long wizard robe or cape
5. The Grim Reaper
The classic. A black fabric robe and a prop scythe turn a friendly skeleton into the scariest thing on the street.
Black fabric by the yard
6–12. Quick hits
- Chef: a big white apron and a paper chef hat sized up with poster board.
- Sports fan: a team flag worn as a cape plus a giant foam finger.
- Cowboy: a bandana scarf, a jumbo straw hat, and a lasso of rope around the shoulder.
- Superhero: a flowing cape cut from satin fabric and a mask made of craft foam.
- Rock star: an inflatable guitar and a sequined scarf.
- Gardener: overalls cut from a drop cloth, plus a real watering can in hand.
- Bride or groom: a tulle veil or a giant bow tie — great for a couple of skeletons.
Got an outfit we should feature? Leave a comment with a photo.