How do you make a DIY starfish costume?

You can cut two identical star shapes out of large cardboard boxes, paint them bright orange or pink, add white paper plates on the back for suction cups, and attach shoulder straps to wear it like a sandwich board.

What should I wear under a starfish tunic?

Wear a matching solid-colored long-sleeve shirt and leggings (orange, pink, or skin-toned) to keep the focus on the star shape while staying warm.

Is a starfish costume easy to walk in?

Yes, most commercial tunics have open bottoms and sides, allowing your legs and arms to move freely, though extra-wide points might require a bit of care in tight spaces.

AI-generated example

Starfish Costume

Bring under-the-sea charm to life with a bright, five-pointed look.

The starfish is a beloved marine creature that makes for a whimsical, eye-catching costume. Perfect for ocean-themed parties or Halloween, this look typically features a bright orange or pink five-pointed star shape with a cutout for the face. Whether you choose a plush slip-on tunic or a creative DIY cardboard build, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $15–60

See yourself as Starfish →What you need Buy the Starfish costume

Try it on

See yourself as Starfish

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

Choose or drop a photo of yourselfJPG · PNG · HEIC

One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.

Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.

Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.

Starfish costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Starfish

Result

What you need for a Starfish costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Starfish costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.

Shop Starfish at Spirit ↗

Orange Starfish Tunic
A foam-backed, five-pointed orange tunic with rounded ends, open sides, and a face cutout.
DIY: Cut two large starfish shapes from orange cardboard or felt, staple the top and sides, leaving openings for your head, arms, and legs.
Amazon
Orange or Nude Undershirt
A long-sleeve crewneck shirt worn underneath the tunic for warmth and color consistency.
DIY: Use any solid-colored neutral or orange shirt you already own.
Amazon
Matching Leggings or Pants
Solid orange or brown leggings to blend in with the starfish limbs.
DIY: Wear simple black or brown pants to keep the focus on the tunic.
Amazon
Suction Cup Texture Details
Small white or yellow felt circles or fabric paint to mimic tube feet on the underside of the star points.
DIY: Cut circles out of white paper or paper plates and tape them to the back of the costume.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Starfish costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the base layer of solid orange or neutral long-sleeve shirt and matching leggings.
2
Slip the starfish tunic over your head, ensuring your face fits comfortably through the center opening.
3
Adjust the armholes and bottom opening to ensure you have a full range of motion.
4
If using a DIY cardboard version, secure the shoulder straps comfortably over your shoulders.
5
Pair with comfortable neutral sneakers or orange slip-on shoes to complete the look.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair tied back or slicked down so it fits easily inside the hood or face cutout. Apply orange face paint or glitter around the eyes for a playful, aquatic touch.

Starfish for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with someone dressed as a scuba diver, a shark, or a mermaid for an under-the-sea duo.
group: Create a coral reef group with friends dressed as crabs, jellyfish, seahorses, and anemones.
kids: A soft, plush starfish onesie or a decorated baby carrier attachment is perfect for toddlers and infants.
Plus size: A loose-fitting, open-sided tunic or inflatable starfish costume provides a comfortable, flexible fit for all body types.
pet: A small, lightweight plush star harness that sits comfortably on your dog's back.

Tips

Ensure the face opening is wide enough so it does not obstruct your peripheral vision.
If wearing a wide cardboard or foam tunic, practice navigating doorways sideways before heading out.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the lower points of the star may slightly restrict long strides.

Starfish costume FAQ

How do you make a DIY starfish costume?: You can cut two identical star shapes out of large cardboard boxes, paint them bright orange or pink, add white paper plates on the back for suction cups, and attach shoulder straps to wear it like a sandwich board.
What should I wear under a starfish tunic?: Wear a matching solid-colored long-sleeve shirt and leggings (orange, pink, or skin-toned) to keep the focus on the star shape while staying warm.
Is a starfish costume easy to walk in?: Yes, most commercial tunics have open bottoms and sides, allowing your legs and arms to move freely, though extra-wide points might require a bit of care in tight spaces.

Did you know? Starfish aren't actually fish at all—they are echinoderms, closely related to sea urchins and sand dollars, which is why scientists prefer to call them 'sea stars'.