Mardi Gras is coming up and you're looking for a creative last-minute costume? No problem!
In this article, we'll show you how to make an original costume yourself using simple materials - perfect for carnival, fancy dress or a theme party.
Our DIY costumes are not only quick to make, but are also a real head-turner. Whether you're looking for a carnival costume for children or a creative costume for adults, you'll find the best ideas here to make you look perfect with little effort.
1. Little pilot with cardboard wings - simple DIY idea for children
Are you looking for a quick, creative children's costume for carnival? This pilot costume with handmade cardboard wings is simple, inexpensive and lots of fun. Perfect for little adventurers who want to fly high!
Materials:
- Cardboard (large enough for wings)
- Black straps or elastic band (e.g. old rucksack straps)
- Red clothing (T-shirt & trousers)
- Golden or yellow paper/foil (for the star)
- Glue or double-sided adhesive tape
- Scissors or cutter knife
- Aviator cap & goggles (optional for the perfect look)
How to make the pilot costume:
1. Cut out the wings: Cut out two triangular wings with slightly rounded corners from cardboard. The wings should be large enough to give your child the feeling that they are about to take off.
2 Attach the engines: Cut two cardboard rolls (e.g. from kitchen paper) and stick them to the sides of the wings to simulate small ‘thrusters’.
3. Attach the wings: Attach two straps made of fabric or elastic so that the wings can be carried like a backpack.
4. Stick on the star: Cut out a large star from gold foil or paper and stick it onto the red T-shirt.
5. Round off the pilot look: An aviator cap and goggles make the costume even more authentic.
This DIY pilot costume is perfect for carnival, theme parties or as a disguise for children's birthday parties. It is lightweight, comfortable and invites children to engage in imaginative play.
2. Cool robot made from cardboard - make your own fancy dress costume
With this homemade cardboard robot costume, your child is guaranteed to be an eye-catcher at any fancy dress party. Simple, creative and easy to customise!
Materials:
- Two cardboard boxes (one for the body, one for the head)
- Yellow paint or wrapping paper (to stick on the boxes)
- Scissors or cutter knife
- Glue or double-sided adhesive tape
- Plastic gears, buttons or coloured lids (for the robot panel)
- Red plastic heart or red paper
- Black marker or printout of a heartbeat monitor
- Plastic cups or polystyrene balls (for the ‘antennas’)
- Sunglasses or goggles (optional for the futuristic look)
Instructions for the robot costume:
1. Prepare the boxes: Cut three openings in the large box (arms and head) and an opening for the head in the smaller box.
2. Colour & design: Paint or stick yellow paint on the boxes.
3. Design the robot panel: Glue cog wheels, buttons and lids on the chest area as ‘switches’. A small plastic heart or a drawn heartbeat display give the robot a personal touch.
4 Attach antennas: Attach two plastic cups or styrofoam balls to the head section as antennas. Optionally wrap with silver foil to enhance the effect.
5. Styling: Sunglasses and silver-coloured clothing create the perfect sci-fi look.
A simple but effective last-minute costume for carnival, fancy dress parties or children's parties!
3. Camper - funny outdoor costume for carnival
This witty camper costume is a simple and funny disguise for carnival - ideal for anyone who loves adventure.
Materials:
- Large backpack with camping equipment
- Outdoor clothing (jacket, trekking trousers, jumper)
- Camping mat - attached to the rucksack
- Stick with marshmallows - for the typical camping look
- Head lamp or torch - attached to your forehead or jacket
- Camping crockery or teapot - hanging from the rucksack
- Paracord bracelet, ropes or snap hooks - for that adventurous feeling
How to make the camper costume:
1.The perfect camping outfit: put on a robust outdoor jacket and trekking trousers. A colourful or warm jumper underneath enhances the ‘out in nature’ look.
2. Pack your backpack authentically: Hang a camping mug or small pot on the straps, attach a sleeping mat and complete everything with ropes or carabiners.
3. Make a marshmallow stick: Stick two to three marshmallows on a wooden stick - you can lightly toast them for a realistic look.
4. Attach a headlamp: A head torch on your forehead or a torch on your rucksack will make the costume even more authentic.
5. Make-up for the outdoor look: Dab light ‘dirt marks’ on the cheeks and forehead with brown eye shadow. Red blusher on the cheeks simulates fresh air and outdoor adventures.
This funny camper costume is perfect for fancy dress, carnival or a theme party - simple, comfortable and with lots of humour!
4. 70s retro style - carnival costume with an iconic look
The 70s look is one of the absolute classics among fancy dress costumes. With eye-catching colours, crazy patterns and the right accessories, you can transform yourself into a real disco icon or a cool retro guy in no time at all.
Materials for the 70s costume:
For women:
- Short A-line mini-dress in bright colours or with geometric patterns
- Blouse with trumpet sleeves for the typical vintage charm
- Coloured or patterned tights in orange, yellow or pink
- Platform shoes or pumps with a wide heel for the perfect 70s style
- Hairband in a matching retro design
- Large hoop earrings or eye-catching jewellery
For men:
- Wide flared trousers in bright colours or checked pattern
- Shirt with a wide collar, preferably with an unusual pattern
- Blazer with checks or eye-catching patterns for the ultimate 70s look
- Braces or wide belt as a retro highlight
- Scarf or colourful bandana loosely tied around the neck
- Sunglasses with large lenses in a round or square shape
- Boombox or cassette recorder as a prop for the perfect disco vibe
How to get your 70s fancy dress costume right:
1.Choose the right clothes: Combine bright colours and wild patterns - the more eye-catching, the better!
2. Add accessories: A headband, scarf and large sunglasses are a must for the perfect 70s look.
3. Match your hair & hairstyle:
-Women can wear their hair down and lightly blow-dry it inwards or style it with a hair band.
Men can opt for voluminous hairstyles, a side parting or a slicked-back hairstyle.
4 Make-up for the 70s look:
-Women: Bright eye shadow in blue, green or orange and an eye-catching lipstick in pink or coral.
-Men: If desired, use brown eyeliner to hint at sideburns or emphasise the eyebrows.
5. Enhance the retro vibe: If you have an old boombox or cassette recorder, bring it along as a cool gadget - and you're ready for the fancy dress party!
With this retro carnival costume in the style of the 70s, you're guaranteed to be an absolute head-turner! Ideal for theme parties, carnival or fancy dress, this look will give you an extra dose of party atmosphere.
Your costume is ready - show us!
We love creative ideas and look forward to seeing your DIY costume! Send us your photo to social-media@donnerberg.net and, with a bit of luck, we'll publish it on our Instagram profile.
As a small thank you for your efforts, we'll give you a 10% discount on our range of premium electric massagers, which you can use to really relax after the fancy dress party. Whether for your neck, back or scalp - our massagers bring wellness directly to your home.
*The promotion is valid from 26.02.2025 to 31.03.2025.
(Massage chairs are excluded.)
Have a great time at the party! 🎉
