Whether you’re a history buff, a romantasy fan, or just love an excuse to dress up and dance, a masquerade ball promises a night of fun and glamour. While the ball gowns and ornate masks may look expensive, it’s surprisingly easy to create a costume that fits your theme AND your budget. No need to break the bank — you can create a gorgeous and alluring masquerade costume with just some discount clothing and common craft supplies.

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Introduction to Masquerade

Masquerade parties are the ultimate blend of elegance, mystery, and fun, with roots tracing all the way back to elaborate celebrations in 15th-century Europe. These iconic costume parties, known as masquerades or masquerade balls, have enchanted guests for centuries with their essential feature: the masquerade mask. Wearing a mask isn’t just about dressing up — it’s about stepping into a new identity for the night, adding an air of intrigue and excitement to any event. Today, masquerade events remain popular, offering everyone a chance to experience the thrill of concealing their identity and embracing the magic of the masquerade.

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DIY Masquerade Costume: Creating Your Own Masquerade Dress or Suit

Every masquerade costume has the same basic components, which you can then customize to suit your event theme and personal style. A flowing ball gown or elegant dress paired with eye-catching embellishments — like feathers, trim, or sparkling jewelry — creates a look that’s both classic and bold. You may also opt for a sharp suit complemented by a cape or unique accessory to stand out from the crowd.

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Of course, the defining characteristic of a masquerade costume is the mask! You can often find basic masquerade-style masks at party or Halloween stores (sometimes in multipacks, so you and your friends can split the cost!) that can be customized as desired. If you're short on time or have a bigger outfit budget, check Etsy for some elaborate handcrafted options.

Don’t hesitate to add your own twist, whether it’s a piece of statement jewelry or a mask with unexpected details. The best masquerade costumes are the ones that reflect your personality, so let your creativity shine and enjoy the process of dressing up for the big night.

At StoryPop, we love a cool and affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) project. The masquerade costume ideas below will have you looking like a million bucks, without actually spending a million bucks. So grab your glue gun, unleash your creative side, and let's dive into some budget-friendly masquerade magic!

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Costume Idea 1: The Classic Black Swan

Creating a Black Swan costume is a super easy DIY project that lets you channel your inner prima ballerina! This simple and sleek masquerade outfit gives you a refined and mysterious aura without overspending.

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Step 1. Start off with a black base layer – either a dress or a leotard.

Step 2. Now, grab some tulle or lace from your nearest craft store. You can get a substantial length of fabric for just a couple bucks at places like Michaels to whip up your one-of-a-kind fluffy tutu or a fabulously layered skirt. Either attach lengths of the fabric to a strip of elastic for a detachable skirt, or sew/glue your fabric directly to the base layer.

Step 3. The next step gives your outfit its swan-like grace: feathers, feathers, and more feathers! Snag them for a steal while you’re at the craft store. You can arrange the feathers in unique patterns or go for an all-over avian look. Attach to your outfit with fabric glue or a hot glue gun.

Step 4. Finally, grab a plain masquerade mask and give it the feather treatment as well. If you want to punch up the black swan theme, use your feathers or thin cardboard extensions to give each side of the mask a wing shape.

Step 5. Slip into some black ballet flats or heels that are comfortable enough to dance the night away.

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Voila! With the easy and affordable Black Swan costume, you're sure to be the belle of the ball.

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Costume Idea 2: Royal Venetian Noble

Fancy a touch of old-world charm? Prepare to be transported to the romantic streets of Venice, Italy with this elegant DIY gown to wear at your next masquerade ball.

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Step 1. Find yourself a long skirt in a rich, regal color like deep purple or royal blue. Pair your skirt with a fitted, lacy top, or choose a matching corset if you're feeling daring (here’s one we like from Amazon that’s under $20 and comes in 18 different colors). Prefer suits? Try some jewel-toned pants with a matching satin or brocade shirt.

Step 3. Using silk scarves or luxurious fabric remnants, craft a cape that screams drama.

Step 4. Now, let's get crafty with a Venetian-style masquerade mask. Take a plain mask, jazz it up with some paint and glitter, and go wild with gold or silver accents.

Step 5. Put the finishing touches on your costume with statement jewelry and comfy flats or low heels, and you'll be ready to rule the night!

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This costume lends itself to eclecticism, so raid your local thrift shop or your friends’ closets and mix and match to pull together your DIY masquerade outfit without spending a fortune on accessories.

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Costume Idea 3: Enchanting Forest Spirit

Is your masquerade event fantasy-themed or being held outdoors? Nature lovers and whimsical souls will love to wear this enchanting DIY costume! (If the event is outside, here are some important things to consider before you start: check the weather, prioritize comfort, and choose your accessories carefully to ensure your outfit is both practical and stylish.)

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Step 1. Find a flowy, earth-toned dress or skirt and top combo.

Step 2. It's time to bring the outdoors inside. Visit your backyard to search for some leaves, flowers, and twigs that will help you create a rustic woodland look (just don't forget to check for bugs!). For a less eco-friendly but longer-lasting option, you can find faux foliage at your local dollar store.

Step 3. Now, let's whip up a masquerade mask using natural materials like bark or leaves. Secure them with twine or ribbon, and you're all set!

Step 4. Finish off with delicate accessories like leaf-shaped earrings or a flower crown, slip on some leather boots or brown flats, and you'll be the talk of the enchanted forest!

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Nothing says “I love our planet!” like a compostable, homemade costume, right? Your dryad vibes will be a perfect fit for a magical forest masquerade.

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‍Costume Idea 4: Mysterious Phantom

Cue the dramatic music! Phantom of the Opera fans can take center stage with this elegant masquerade outfit. If you're in need of ideas or a reference image, check out photos from the many stage productions of the classic musical.

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Step 1. Grab a black suit with a bow tie or a dramatic but elegant black dress.

Step 2. Layer up with a billowing cape or a long coat for extra elegance and mystery.

Step 3. Get your hands on a simple half-face mask or create your own with some cardboard. Embellish with feathers, sequins, or glitter. If minimalism is more your speed, keep your mask a simple black or white.

Step 4. Finish it off with a fancy top hat, gloves, and a vintage-style cane.

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Now that your Phantom of the Opera costume and mask are complete, prepare to mesmerize the crowd with your enigmatic charm!

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Costume Idea 5: Glamorous Gilded Goddess

Let's crank up the glamour, shall we? Nothing says opulence like precious metals! Get ready to dazzle in this gilded goddess masquerade gown and mask.

‍Step 1. Find yourself a floor-length gown or snazzy maxi dress in a shimmering gold or silver fabric. You might be surprised how many elegant masquerade dress options — such as secondhand prom gowns or black tie party dresses — you can find at your local thrift store.

Step 2. Now, it's time to amp it up! Add metallic trim to your dress or bling it out with sequins and beads.

Step 3. Let's not forget the mask — it's all about gold- or silver-painted cardboard, intricate shapes, and shiny rhinestones or glitter.

Step 4. Slip into some golden sandals or heels, adorn yourself with flashy jewelry, and get ready to shine like the star you are!

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Pro tip: If you regularly host or attend any kind of costume parties, check with your local community theater to see if they ever have costume and prop sales. Some local theaters will have periodic closet-clean-out rummages where they part with old costumes at extremely reasonable prices. You can find some real gems!

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More Tips for Making Your Own Affordable Masquerade Outfit

• If you're not the party host, be sure to ask if the masquerade has a specific theme (such as medieval, high fantasy, Mardi Gras, Halloween, etc.) and tailor your costume to match the vibe.
• Decide your budget ahead of time and stick to it. That way, you can decide which supplies are most important and not overspend.
• Parts of old Halloween costumes can be repurposed for your masquerade. Modify a superhero mask and cape, a princess dress, faux gold pirate jewelry, or other traditional Halloween costumes to build your latest look.
• If you're not particularly crafty or you have a short deadline, just adding one unique element — for example, an especially intricate mask, an elaborate brooch, an ornate cane, or a fancy updo — can turn an everyday dress or suit into a masquerade costume to remember.

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‍Off to the Ball

Who says you need a fat wallet to rock an impressive masquerade costume? With clever ideas and some budget-friendly materials, it's super easy to create a jaw-dropping ensemble that will wow your fellow guests. Raid your closets, hit up thrift stores, swap clothing items and accessories with friends, and let your imagination run wild. These DIY masquerade costume ideas under $30 will have you slaying the fashion game without breaking the bank. Get ready to make a grand entrance and have tons of fun as you head to your next masquerade party!

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Masquerade Party Games

Creating an affordable, homemade masquerade costume is only one step in throwing a masquerade ball for all your friends. Keep the rest of your party planning just as fun and easy with StoryPop! The StoryPop app gives you the resources you need to plan the ultimate masquerade ball with recipes and décor ideas, invitations and RSVPs, and an immersive, in-person story game to entertain your guests.

Champagne Bal Masqué is a social roleplaying game for 9-11 players. At a Mardi Gras masquerade in 1900s France, guests with connections to the champagne industry gather for a night of revelry. However, the strain of the tumultuous times drives the partygoers to compete for wealth and power. Who’s hiding devious motives behind their elegant masquerade mask? There’s only one way to find out!

Download the StoryPop app to learn more about Champagne Bal Masqué and start planning your masquerade party today.

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