Build expressive costumes with one We Love Colors piece

Every October, the same question arises: how to create a costume that looks intentional, feels authentic, and doesn’t require a full closet? The minimalist approach offers the solution: build complete characters with one base garment, a catsuit, bodysuit, or tights, and a single creative accent. Make the most out of your existing garments with minimal effort and time investment.

Start with the right base
Are you going thinking of wearing a one piece that’s seamless, or rather have two pieces (easier for bathroom trips for example) 

• Full catsuits (Style #5014 / #5010) for total coverage and full-body transformations. Ideal for abstract figures or theatrical silhouettes.

• Bodysuits (Style #5006 / Style #5005) transform easily with makeup, fabric paint, or gloves.

• Tights + matching top: create the illusion of a full catsuit while keeping flexibility.

One garment + one accessory formula
The power of a minimalist costume is in the attitude and how you put it together. Here are practical ideas you can create with We Love Colors pieces and simple items you probably already have at home:

Phantom Figure
What you need: Black catsuit + lace veil.
Drape the veil loosely over your head; light from below. The look references Butoh and Victorian mourning portraits. 

Another version of this could be adding a white gauze or premade spider web instead of a veil. 

Urban Shadow
What you need: Black or grey catsuit + shiny shoes. Take your photos against a textured wall, graffiti, metal, or concrete. Keep the focus on your posture and attitude. Simple, graphic, and strong. For more drama you could also cover your head with black tights to go fully incognito.

Poison Frog
What you need: A solid-color bodysuit (Style# 5008) or shirt (like our Skin Armsocks Shirt – Style #5012) + black fabric paint + a round sponge or brush. Lay the garment flat and use the sponge to paint evenly spaced dots across the surface.
Let it dry completely before wearing,  fabric paint keeps its flexibility and won’t crack when the material stretches. To complete the look, paint a few matching dots on your face with eyeliner or face paint for a playful connection between body and pattern. The result feels artistic and fun, a simple DIY that turns a plain piece into a statement costume.

Tip: You can apply light heat with an iron using a cotton fabric over the garment to seal the paint. Don’t do it directly!

Plastic Doll
What you need: Skin-tone catsuit or glossy tights + metallic heels + bold liner. A timeless drag and dance favorite: sculptural, expressive, effortless.

Shooting your Costume! 
If you want to capture your creation on camera, here are some lighting tips. 

• Warm light (candles, tungsten): darker colors appear softer and richer.

• Cool light (LED, neon): bright hues like cyan or magenta amplify their presence.

• Outdoor night shoots: go for contrast: white or silver tights pop under streetlight.

Remember: background color affects your costume’s visibility as much as the garment itself.

Garment care for reusability

• Gentle cold cycle, similar colors.

• No bleach, no ironing.

• Low heat dry or air dry.

• Fold, don’t hang.

Garment sustainably means taking care of your tools, a single catsuit can serve countless performances.

Less elements, more intention
With one piece and a few accessories, you can create a complete costume. If minimalism is your style, think clean lines, interesting textures, and a color that speaks for you. The rest comes from your presence.

Explore Catsuits and Bodysuits and create your own minimalist version this Halloween.