The 50 Best Halloween Costumes of All Time for Spooky, Cute, and Downright Genius Inspo
As someone who lives and breathes spooky season, let me spell this out nicely for you: START. PLANNING. YOUR. COSTUME. Let’s be real—every year, you vow that you’ll get your sh*t together to have the best Halloween costume, yet you end up grabbing the same cat ears or witch hat (guilty!). Consider this your sign that it’s time to start planning a genius costume because there’s nothing scarier than a mediocre costume. Whether you want a stellar trio costume to match your friends, a downright terrifying costume, or a ‘fit that will have everyone LOLing, I’m happy to report that you’ve come to the right side of the internet!
Trust me, you and I are NOT getting through October without a costume that’s bound to win the Halloween party. To give you all the inspo, I compiled a definitive list of the 50 best Halloween costumes of all. damn. time (just thank me later). From recreating some of your favorite iconic movie character looks (hi, Princess Mia Thermopolis) to pop culture’s latest obsessions and throwback costume ideas that’ll never get old, these costume ideas will never steer you wrong. Get inspired by your fave celebs rocking some of the greatest Halloween costumes (like, ever) that you can recreate with makeup tutorials and some quick online shopping. But don’t worry, if you’re on a budget, there are also some ideas you can whip up by simply revisiting your closet. Without further ado, let’s get into the best costumes of all time that even the queen of Halloween, Heidi Klum, would be proud of.
Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries
Princess of Genovia coming through! Recreating this iconic look from the official movie poster is as simple as finding a white dress, throwing on some black oval sunnies, and asking your mom for her old Walkman. Don’t forget the tiara, of course.
Statue of Liberty
While I can’t wait to see all the Chappell Roan costumes this year, she’s also the reason I want to bring my Statue of Liberty costume out again this year. Have your partner dress as an NYC tourist if you want to make it a couples’ costume. Bonus points if you go all out with green body paint.
Cher and Dionne from Clueless
Clueless is a timeless movie—just like this bestie duo costume idea. Practice your best Valley Girl accent and grab (or DIY) the biggest statement hat that only Dionne could rock. Oh, and don’t forget the plaid…DUH!
Cowgirl
YEE—and I can’t stress this enough—HAW! Time to put all those Western-inspired trend pieces to work. A wide brim hat, leather vest, and leather chaps may not be the typical attire you’d find a cowboy wearing, but, hey, it sure makes for a cute costume.
Ms. Sara Bellum from The Powerpuff Girls
If you grew up in the late ’90s/early 2000s, you know who this is because she was the OG baddie of Cartoon Network. Doja Cat nailed this all-red costume of the faceless secretary from The Powerpuff Girls aka the epitome of an office siren.
Jennifer from Jennifer’s Body
You either already had a crush on Megan Fox, or this movie made you develop one. Jennifer’s Body may have come out in 2009, but this costume idea is timeless.
Shania Twain
A mediocre Halloween costume don’t impress me much, but channeling your inner Shania Twain sure does. Do you think she knew leopard would be such a big fall trend when she wore this iconic look back in the ’90s?
Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz
Movie buffs will love this costume idea from Beetlejuice. And even if you don’t have someone to double team this look with, each costume can easily slay on its own.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is and will always be that girl. Who else can make people spill the beans by simply wrapping a “lasso of truth” around them? Ugh, major slay. Luckily, since this superhero has been a staple costume for decades now, there are plenty of places to get your star-spangled suit and tiara set.
Betty Boop
Boop-oop-a-doop, here comes Betty Boop! Grab a strapless red mini dress and get dolled up to look just like the famous cartoon starlet.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
After we all binged the Netflix documentary, don’t be surprised to see a ton of Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders walking around this Halloween. Get your jump splits ready!
Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly
Anyone who knows a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g about pop culture will immediately recognize this iconic little black dress, opera gloves, and tiara combo from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may not be married anymore, but this look from Mr. and Mrs. Smith will forever live rent-free in our minds. Plus, it gets hella bonus points for being super comfy and unique.
Carrie
This bloody prom dress look from the cult-classic film Carrie will go down as one of the most recognizable looks in Halloween history. And it’s such a fun and underrated costume idea.
Britney Spears
Oops! This costume slayed again. As simple as it may seem, every pop culture lover will instantly recognize this memorable red jumpsuit from Britney’s Y2k music video.
Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein
Consider this a couples costume that’s to die for. There are so many ways you can go with this costume, but most importantly, make sure to go extremely over the top with the makeup.
Taylor Swift
In your T-Swift era? This memorable look from her tour will never go out of style. Just grab your microphone and work on those melodies before you go around singing All Too Well all night long.
The Sanderson Sisters
Think dressing up for Halloween is just a bunch of hocus pocus? Well, think again. As long as they haven’t been living under a rock, everyone will LOVE this Sanderson Sisters costume from spooky szn’s most iconic film, Hocus Pocus. So grab your fave witches and get to planning those outfits, y’all.
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
Ready to take some legal action? You can recreate Elle’s iconic pink look with quite literally any pink dress of your choice, a blonde wig (bonus points if you’re a natural blonde), and our personal fave accessory of hers: a sweet lil pup.
The Simpsons
Even if they’ve never watched the show, everyone knows who this yellow cartoon family is as soon as they see them. You and your S.O. can go as Homer and Marge, or you can go as the full Simpsons family with your entire family or friend group. If you’re Marge, just make sure you’re ready to deal with that giant blue wig.
Austin Powers and a Fembot
Not to toot our own horn, but we def had Austin Powers on VHS. This fun pop culture costume for couples may require some planning in advance to come up with these unique costumes, but trust us—it’ll pay off!
Elton John
First of all, Elton John is one of the most underrated Halloween costume ideas—the possibilities for looks are endless! Feather boas! Giant colorful sunglasses! A walking piano man! Harry Styles paid homage to the Rocket Man by recreating his 1970s bedazzled Dodgers baseball uniform, an instantly iconic costume.
Poison Ivy
Presenting: a classic costume that’ll make your friends green with envy. Poison Ivy is a DC Comics villain known for her striking red hair and a lewk that’s extremely fun to recreate.
Ghostbuster
If there’s something strange in ya neighborhood, who you gonna call?
Pennywise
Consider this your sign to conquer your fear of clowns by actually becoming one. Transforming into Pennywise from It is all in the makeup. Bonus points if you have the patience to carry around a red balloon all night long.
101 Dalmatians
Sure, Cruella de Vil has been a go-to costume for years, but let’s give it up for the real stars of the hit Disney movie: all 101 of those adorable dalmatians. DIY your own version by attaching a bunch of stuffed toy pups to a plain outfit.
The Olsen Twins
Can the real Mary-Kate and Ashley please stand up? Everyone’s fave twins are known for their long, all-black ensembles, long blonde hair, and striking cheekbones that look like they were sculpted by Michelangelo himself.
Tennis Player
Channel your inner Challengers this Halloween by dressing like your fave tennis player. Now you can actually put your pleated tennis skirt (that you only wear to run errands) to work, bb.
Powerpuff Girls
Grab the girls, ’cause we’re fighting crime today! If you didn’t grow up watching this cartoon, we’re honestly sorry you missed out on such an integral part of your childhood, but at least it’s not too late to recreate the group costume. Just choose your color and throw on some Mary Jane shoes to complete the fit.
Ringmaster
This year has been a c-i-r-c-u-s, but you’re the ringmaster. Put on a show by slipping into this sassy costume complete with a red jacket, sequin hot pants, and thigh-high boots.
Jessica Rabbit
No, you don’t have to pull out all the stops that Heidi Klum did for the sultry Roger Rabbit character, but everyone will know exactly who you are when you throw on a stunning red dress and those long purple gloves.
Juliet from Romeo + Juliet
Whether you’re an OG fan of the 1996 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio or want to steal Jules’ look from the Halloween episode of Euphoria, this angelic look is heaven sent.
Beyoncé
Do you remember where you were for Beychella 2018? We were personally at home *cries in can’t afford Coachella tix*, but doesn’t mean we can’t pay homage to her Homecoming performance that has literally lived rent free in our heads ever since.
Black Swan
The swan costume Natalie Portman wears in her final performance in Black Swan is so on point(e)—the crown, the eye makeup, the tutu—that it’s no wonder this look became the one featured on movie posters.
’70s Costume
Whether you want to go hippie or full-on disco glam, a 1970s costume is always a winning idea. You can take it a million different ways, and chances are you already have pieces in your closet to help recreate something.
Sandy from Grease
An all-black ‘fit with red shoes and lipstick makes this such an easy costume (and a lovely tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John). But curl your hair and don’t forget about the leather jacket, of course.
Tinker Bell
Everyone’s favorite fairy is a classic costume that can be duplicated with green wings, a mini dress, and a little bit of pixie dust.
Mummy
You may feel dead inside (or are we projecting?), but this costume is sure to bring some life to the party. This is an option that you could easily DIY with an all white base and ripped toilet paper or buy from an online retailer.
Chucky and Tiffany
Dolls are one of the easiest things to make absolutely creepy, and we stand by that statement. If you’re into the whole Bonnie and Clyde dynamic, try this couple’s costume for the cult classic Chucky franchise.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Musician
There are so many ways to let your rock ‘n’ roll heart soar this Halloween. Just grab whatever band tees and leather pieces you have (the more the merrier), some fishnet tights, and don’t you dare leave your guitar behind.
Marilyn Monroe
Sure, she’s probably best known for her white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch, but we think it’s time to switch things up with a version of her infamous birthday performance for the prez himself. Honestly, any long, sparkling dress and a beauty mark drawn onto the face will do.
Witch
Hear us when we say: a classic witch costume will never, ever get old. You can go sooo so many different ways and really personalize the look however you want. Bottom line? Grab every black article of clothing you own, throw on a pointed hat, and walk into that party knowing you’re the baddest witch in the place.
Willy Wonka
No matter how many people get cast to play him (we’re looking at you, Timothée), Willy Wonka is a character that holds a special place in everyone’s childhood. If you think you could run a chocolate factory, give this costume a try by grabbing a tall hat and of course, that famous purple coat.
The Joker
There have been sooo many Harley Quinn costumes, but what about The Joker? This DC Comics character is def not afraid of color. Known for his green hair, feel free to get a little bit (okay, a lot bit) crazy with your makeup.
Space Cowgirl
A little bit of yeehaw and whole lot of glitter, the space cowgirl is fresh hybrid of two popular costumes. There’s no such thing as “doing too much,” and it’s the perfect excuse to bring back that bedazzled fringe hat you wore to the Beyoncé concert.
The Little Mermaid
Who doesn’t want to channel their inner mermaid for Halloween? Grab yourself those famous red locks and find (or DIY) a mermaid tail that’ll even leave Aquamarine jealous.
Minnie Mouse
Let’s be real—the real star this whole time has been Minnie. Sorry, Mickey, but dressing as her is just a wayyyy cuter option if you ask us. Throw on some red-and-white polka dots, mouse ears, and adorable heels to be this iconic Disney character for Halloween.
Catwoman
Catwoman is an easy way to feel like a complete baddie this Halloween. Sharpen those claws, put on your most flattering cat suit (or all black if a cat suit is an absolute “heck no”), and order a mask to complete the sleek ensemble.
The Wizard of Oz Crew
Group costumes can be hard to agree on, but we can all agree that dressing as the four main characters from The Wizard of Oz will forever be a classic move on Halloween. Good luck deciding on who’ll be Dorothy *personally calls dibs*.
Wednesday Addams
And we can’t forget about a beloved spooky season classic: Wednesday Addams. All you need is a black Peter Pan collar dress, your hair in two braids, and plenty of attitude. Bonus points if you bring Thing along for the fun.