Last year, I went as a pineapple, and since I still miss home like crazy, I wanted to keep the Florida theme going. A flamingo felt like the perfect follow-up! I first spotted the idea in a fun YouTube video and decided to put my own spin on it. This homemade costume is not only ridiculously fun but also super easy to put together with just a few craft supplies. Plus, it’s a great option for both adults and kids, making it a fantastic choice for family or group costumes. Keep reading for everything you need to make your own!

DIY Flamingo Costume

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a fluffy flamingo tutu, design a custom feathered headpiece, and bring the entire look together effortlessly. Whether you’re dressing up for Halloween, a themed party, or just want a playful and eye-catching outfit, this DIY flamingo costume is sure to stand out!

Materials

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go over all the materials you’ll need to create your own pink flamingo Halloween costume. Gathering your supplies ahead of time will make the process smooth and stress-free. Here’s everything I used for my DIY flamingo costume–

• Pink Slip Dress– I used this one, which is budget-friendly and perfect for this costume (under $20!). It’s not the highest quality, but it works great as a base for the flamingo look.
• Pink Fascinator– The fascinator adds an extra dose of whimsy to the costume. Don’t worry about matching the exact shade to the dress either. You’ll be using leftover boa feathers to accent it, so it’s easy to customize.
• Hot Pink Feather Boas– I used a total of five 72″ boas, but feel free to add more if you prefer a fluffier skirt! These boas give the tutu a voluminous, bird-like effect, making it look extra swanky and fabulous.
• Light Pink, Dark Pink, and Black Foam Sheets or Felt–  These pink and black foam sheets form the flamingo’s face and beak. If you can’t find foam sheets, you can also use felt or construction paper, although they won’t be quite as durable. 
• Googly Eyes– No flamingo costume is complete without big fun eyes!
• Hot Glue Gun– Hot glue is essential for putting all the pieces together. If you’re not a fan of hot glue, you can use tacky glue as an alternative, but be prepared for a much longer drying time.
• Elastic Band– This helps create a comfortable waistband for the tutu, making it easy to wear and adjust.
• Safety Pins– Safety pins are great for securing any areas of the costume that need extra hold, like attaching the feather boas to the slip dress.
• Hot Pink Lip Liner and Lipstick– Don’t forget to finish off your look with bold flamingo-inspired lips! The hot pink lip liner and lipstick will add a fun pop of color and complete the entire costume.

DIY Flamingo Costume Tutorial

Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, you’re ready to begin! Start by cutting your elastic to create a fitted waistband. If you don’t have a long enough piece, you can also tie together smaller pieces of elastic (that’s what I did!). The waistband should sit just below your belly button and fit snugly around your waist.

Next, take your pink feather boas and cut each one in half. I used five boas for the skirt, but you can add more (6-7) for a fuller look or use fewer (3-4) if you’re making a child’s costume. Just keep in mind that the feathers tend to shed quite a bit, so be sure to set aside some larger stray feathers for later!

Next, take a half-boa and tie it around the elastic waistband, using the same technique as tying the first knot when you tie your shoe.

Repeat with as many half-boas as you like, making sure to set aside one half-boa for the flamingo’s neck and head. For reference, I used 4 1/2 full feather boas for my skirt, making 9 total knots. Try to make sure you tie them somewhat evenly, so there aren’t any conspicuously long or short skirt flaps. A little length variety adds fun texture, though, so don’t be too particular about it. 

Once you’re happy with your skirt, move onto the flamingo head. Trace congruent circles on your baby pink, dark pink, and black foam sheets. For size reference, I traced a 3-wick Bath & Body Works candle lid. Keep in mind that you can also use felt or construction paper to make your flaming’s face, although it won’t be quite as durable. 

First, cut out the baby pink circle as as. Then, cut out the darker pink circle, fold it in half, and cut at the fold. Then cut off an extra 2-3 centimeters of length to create a half moon of sorts (step 3 below). Lastly, take your black circle tracing and, using a straight edge, draw diagonal lines from both the top and bottom of the circle to create an even triangle, which will become the flamingo’s beak. When you’re happy with the tracing, cut it out (step 4). 

Next, using a hot glue gun, glue the baby pink circle on top the black beak. Glue the darker pink semi circle on the baby pink circle. Lastly, glue a medium or large-sized googly eye in the middle to finish off your flamingo’s face.

To create the neck, hot glue the back of the flamingo’s face onto the end of your remaining half-boa. Make sure it dries sufficiently and set it aside. You’ll eventually tuck the opposite end into your skirt. 

For the pièce de résistance, grab your pink fascinator (this one is perfect). Since it’s virtually impossible to match pinks exactly, pluck out some (or all) of the fascinator’s feathers and replace them with fallen feathers from your pink boas. Trust me, you’ll have hundreds to work with, so you can go a little crazy and start gluing them all over like I did. 

Assembly Instructions

Assembling your DIY pink flamingo Halloween costume is quick and easy! Start by putting on your pink slip dress (I ordered this one in Hot Pink). Then, slide into your pink feather skirt. Since the boas add some weight to the skirt, use safety pins to secure it in place and make sure it stays put throughout the night.

Next, drape the flamingo headpiece around your neck and tuck the bottom end into the pink feather skirt to create the illusion of a flamingo’s body.

Finally, finish off your look by adding the fluffy flamingo headpiece, slipping on a pair of comfy heels, and applying a bold coat of hot pink lipstick (I love MAC’s Candy Yum Yum for this!). You’re all set to flamingle and have a blast at your Halloween celebration!

Be sure to check out the images below to see how my costume turned out and how I styled it for the perfect flamingo vibe.

Just so y’all have it all in one place, here’s everything I used to create this pink flamingo costume. Again, you can substitute felt for foam sheets, use more or less pink feather boas, and skip the headpiece altogether if you prefer.

Quick PSA for Pet Owners

Just a warning– your pets will be very interested in the pink feathers. Once you’re done making your costume, grab the vacuum and pick up all the stray fuzz, feathers, and foam scraps. Trust me, post-Halloween vet visits aren’t fun. 

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DIY Pink Flamingo Costume

Yield: 1 Costume

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

This DIY pink flamingo costume is easy to make with simple, budget-friendly materials and is a fun choice for both adults and kids! Perfect for Halloween, costume parties, and themed events, this step-by-step tutorial covers everything from crafting a fluffy flamingo tutu to designing a custom feathered headpiece.

Print

Materials

• Pink slip dress
• Pink fascinator headband
• 5 hot pink feather boas
• Light pink, dark pink, and black foam sheets (or felt)
• Googly eyes
• Elastic band
• Safety pins
• Hot pink lip liner and lipstick

Tools

• Hot glue gun

Instructions

Make the Flamingo Skirt

1. Cut your elastic (or tie together stray pieces of elastic) to make a fitted waistband. Ideally, the skirt should hit just below your belly button and fit snugly.
2. Cut each of your pink feather boas in half. I used a total of 5 boas, although you could use more for a fuller skirt (6-7) or less if you’re making a child’s costume (3-4). Keep in mind that these shed like crazy, so set aside some bigger stray feathers for later. 
3. Tie one half-boa around the elastic waistband, using the same technique as tying the first knot when you tie your shoe. Repeat with as many half-boas as you like, making sure to set aside one half-boa for the flamingo’s neck/head. For reference, I used 4 1/2 full feather boas for my skirt, making 9 total knots. Try to make sure you tie them somewhat evenly, so there aren’t any conspicuously long or short skirt flaps. A little length variety adds fun texture, though, so don’t be too picky about anything.

Make the Flamingo's Neck and Head

1. Trace congruent circles on your baby pink, dark pink, and black foam sheets. For size reference, I traced a 3-wick Bath & Body Works candle lid. Cut out the baby pink circle as as. Next, cut out the darker pink circle, fold it in half, and cut at the fold. Then cut off an extra 2-3 centimeters of length to create a half moon shape. Lastly, take your black circle tracing and, using a straight edge, draw diagonal lines from both the top and bottom of the circle to create an even triangle, which will become the flamingo's beak. Once you’re happy with the tracing, cut it out.
2. Hot glue the baby pink circle on top the black beak. Then, hot glue the darker pink semi circle on the baby pink circle. Lastly, glue a medium or large-sized googly eye in the middle to finish off your flamingo’s face.
3. To create the neck, glue the back of the flamingo head onto the end of your remaining half-boa. Make sure it dries sufficiently and set it aside. You’ll eventually tuck the opposite end into your skirt. 
4. Grab your pink fascinator and pluck out some (or all) of the feathers. Replace them with fallen feathers from your pink boas. Trust me, you’ll have hundreds to work with, so you can go a little crazy and start gluing them all over like I did.

Assemble Your DIY Flamingo Costume

1. Put on your pink slip dress and then slide into your pink feather skirt. Since the boas add some weight to the skirt, use safety pins to secure it in place and make sure it stays put throughout the night (just be careful not to prick yourself).
2. Next, drape the flamingo headpiece around your neck and tuck the bottom end into the pink feather skirt to create the illusion of a flamingo’s body.
3. Finally, finish off your look by adding the fluffy flamingo headpiece, slipping on a pair of comfy heels, and applying a bold coat of hot pink lipstick!

Notes

• Keep in mind that you can also use felt or construction paper to make your flamingo’s head/face, although it won’t be quite as durable. 

More DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

If you’re looking for more creative and budget-friendly DIY Halloween costume ideas, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re dressing up solo, coordinating with family, or even including your pets in the fun, these DIY costume ideas are easy to make and perfect for any Halloween celebration– 

• DIY Pineapple Costume– Want a fun tropical-inspired costume that’s super affordable? This DIY pineapple costume costs just $3 to make and is as cute as it is simple. With just a few basic craft supplies, you can transform yourself into the sweetest fruit in the bunch!
• DIY Lion King Family Costume– If you love themed costumes and want to include your furry friends, this DIY Lion King family costume is a must-try. Featuring fun, easy-to-make pieces for both humans and pets, this idea is perfect for Disney fans and dog lovers alike.
• DIY Barista Halloween Costume for Dogs– Let’s be honest– dogs deserve to dress up for Halloween, too! This DIY barista costume is perfect for puppacino lovers who want their pups to join in on the fun. It’s easy to make, ridiculously adorable, and guaranteed to make all your trick-or-treaters smile. 
• Minnie Mouse Makeup Tutorial– This Minnie Mouse makeup tutorial will help you achieve a classic and recognizable look with just a headband and a few beauty essentials. Whether you’re going for a last-minute costume or simply want to channel Disney magic, this step-by-step guide makes it easy.

No matter how you’re celebrating Halloween, these DIY costume ideas make it easy to create a fun and memorable look without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and a few simple materials, you can put together a costume that’s unique, festive, and totally Instagram-worthy. So grab your supplies, get crafty, and enjoy a Halloween filled with creativity and fun!

If you have any questions about how to create this DIY flamingo costume, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can either leave a comment below or send me an email. I love hearing from y’all and am always happy to help!