How to Pick a Halloween Costume that’s Perfect for You

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The best costume ideas for the spookiest season of them all
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Halloween is quickly approaching, and you have no idea what to wear! Have no fear because we’re here to help. Halloween is a spooky, magical time when you can dress in something that screams you or a completely different persona—that’s the beauty of the season! So, how do you know what costume is right for you and how to pick one? Keep reading to learn how to come up with a costume idea (and if you don’t have an idea after reading, we’ve got plenty of those, too).

How do you pick the right Halloween costume?

Think about your interests and style to pick the right Halloween costume for you! You can dress up as your favorite food or movie character or shop your closet and wear a witchy or fairy look that matches your aesthetic. The possibilities are endless!

Section 1 of 3:

Deciding on Your Look

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  1. Ask yourself what you want people to say or think when they see your costume. Do you want them to think you’re sexy, cute, scary, or funny? Knowing this can help you decide what type of costume you want to wear. After all, Halloween is the time of year when you can be yourself or someone entirely different!
    • For instance, if you have a bubbly, bright personality and want people to think you’re cute, maybe you could dress up as Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz to match your vibe or maybe a devil to be something unlike yourself.
  2. Take a look inside your closet. Do you usually wear a lot of dark colors or maybe pastels? Going off of or against your core aesthetic can help you find a costume that’s totally you or a step outside your comfort zone.
    • For example, if you generally wear dark, edgy colors, you could be a vampire or witch to match your aesthetic. To go against your normal style, you might be a princess, fairy, or deer.
    • This is also a great way to shop your closet! If you know you want to amplify your normal style, see what pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Then, try to build a costume off that. For instance, a pink dress could help you be a princess or fairy. [1]
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  3. Think back to the styles of costumes you wore in previous years. Are they still something you’d like to wear? Maybe they’re something you could build off of or turn into a different costume. [2]
    • Let’s say you still have a superhero costume from a few years ago. Could you use the cape for a witch costume this year? Maybe you could even repurpose the mask or boots and be a villain!
  4. Your interests and hobbies can play a big part in choosing the right costume! Make a list of the things you love, like movies, TV shows, artists, sports, or books. Then take a look at your list—is there any character, motif, or thing you’d love to dress up as?
    • For example, if you like soccer, dress like your favorite soccer player or a fan of your favorite team. If you love the Marvel Universe, dress up like Iron Man , Captain America , or Black Widow . If your favorite food is Cheetos, dress as a Cheetos’s bag .
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Section 2 of 3:

Things to Consider When Picking a Costume

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  1. Halloween costumes can be cheap or very expensive, so it's important to have an idea of what you’d like to spend. This can help you determine what items you should thrift or make for your costume and what things you can buy new. Just keep in mind that more elaborate costumes require a higher budget, but you can also do incredibly creative things with just $10!
    • We recommend budgeting between $20 and $50 for an average full costume and around $10 for a DIY costume or accessories.
    • When choosing a costume, consider what’s included in the costume, as some may be better deals than others when add-ons are accounted for. For example, a costume with a shirt, pants, hat, wig, and belt is a good deal if you get the lot for a single price.
    • Keep an eye on sales, especially at the end of the season. Before and after Halloween, many retailers or costume shops will have deals on costumes. You may find a great costume for a fraction of the original price!
    • Want a free costume? Costume designer Alina Bokovikova recommends shopping your closet or cutting holes in a bedsheet to be a ghost. [3]
  2. Are you planning on making your Halloween costume? Do you have a lot of spooky events to attend? If so, it’s best to work your costume around your schedule. Think and plan your costume at least a month in advance. This way, you’ll be set for every Halloween activity and won’t have to scramble to find something to wear at the last minute.
    • Planning ahead is crucial if you’re making your costume, as thrifting, sewing, or DIYing can take extra time.
    • Similarly, try not to buy costumes at the last minute. The closer you get to Halloween, the fewer costumes (and sizes) will be available, which can make it harder to find what you’re looking for.
  3. Anything can happen on Halloween, even rain. Consider the typical weather in your area around the Halloween season and plan accordingly. For instance, if it’s typically hot, plan a costume that has shorts or thin, breathable fabric. If it’s usually chilly, accessorize with a cloak, scarf, or jacket. [4]
    • Check the weather beforehand, both in the days leading up to Halloween and on the day itself. This can help you make the right choices about what to wear.
  4. What do you plan on doing while in your costume? Maybe you’re going trick-or-treating , attending a party , or lounging at a friend’s house. Whatever the activity may be, it’s important to consider, especially when it comes to accessorizing.
    • For example, if you’ll be on your feet all evening, wearing heels may not be wise. Similarly, if you’ll be hanging out with a friend watching scary movies, opt for a costume that’s soft and easy to move in, like a onesie .
  5. If you’re headed to a Halloween party or planning a group costume with friends, it’s important to consider what the theme for the evening may be. Plus, this can help you narrow down your costume options!
    • For instance, let’s say you’re attending a party with a 90s theme. You might show up as Cher from Clueless , a Spice Girl , or an aerobics instructor .
    • If you and your friends set a theme of “Things You Can Eat,” maybe you go as a ice cream , banana , or cookie .
  6. When choosing your Halloween costume, consider who will see your outfit and how it’ll be perceived. The last thing you want to do is offend anyone! So, ask yourself, “Is my costume appropriate for who I’ll be hanging out with?” and “Could my costume be offensive to a community and culture?”
    • For instance, let’s say you’re going trick-or-treating with your kid cousins. You wouldn’t want to wear a scandalous or sexy costume when you’re around smaller children.
    • There are many costumes on the market today that misrepresent specific cultures or are a type of cultural appropriation . These costumes can be perceived as disrespectful if the costume wearer does not belong to the culture associated with the costume. For example, a non-Indigenous person dressing up as an “Indian chief” can be offensive to Indigenous people and their Native American culture. [5]
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Section 3 of 3:

Costume Ideas & Inspiration

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  1. Still stuck on costume ideas? Here are some of our favorite Halloween costumes you can wear to a party or while trick-or-treating: [6]
  2. If you’re trick-or-treating with some friends or family members, one cool way to be unique is to have matching costumes! This is a great way to have fun with your pals and make lasting memories. Here are some group costume ideas to get you started: [7]
  3. Going out on Halloween with your boo? Coordinate your costumes to be the cutest (or scariest) couple ever! Here are some of our favorite couple Halloween costume ideas:
  4. Who says your furry friend can’t get in on the spooky fun? Try dressing your dog or cat up for Halloween with these adorable costume ideas: [10]
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Halloween Costume Idea Generator

  1. Get personalized solo, couple, and group Halloween costume ideas
    Ready to get spooky? Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be tough, whether you're flying solo, with a partner, or with a whole crew. Don't worry—just input the number of people you're dressing up with (and optionally, the vibe you're going for and whether you want something trendy or classic), and this generator will give you some killer Halloween costume ideas!
    • Your Halloween Costume Ideas on its own line.Costume Options: Create three main sections with bold headings, for example, Option 1: The Three Witches from Hocus Pocus. Each main heading should be followed by a single blank line, then a short, descriptive overview paragraph of the costume idea.Costume Details: Under each main costume option, use an HTML bulleted list (
        and
      • ). Each bullet point should contain a bolded subcategory name (e.g., Costume Pieces:), followed by a brief description of the details. Provide helpful, actionable advice for coordinating the costume.Spacing: Ensure there is a
        line break tag between the end of one main costume option's list and the start of the next main option's heading to keep the results skimmable.Example Input:Number of people: 3Vibe: FunnyStyle: ClassicExample Output:Hello there! A funny, classic costume is a great choice that will have everyone laughing and feeling festive. I've put together three fun options that are sure to be a hit!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: The Three Blind MiceThis classic nursery rhyme costume is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's easy to put together. It's instantly recognizable, playful, and perfect for a trio.
        • Costume Pieces: Think gray sweatsuits or simple black outfits as the base. Add round ears on headbands, wire glasses for the "blind" effect, and a long tail attached to the back. A big plastic knife can complete the look for a hilarious twist on the classic rhyme.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Decide who will wear what based on the height or size of each person to create a comical "staggered" effect. You can also work together to choreograph a simple, funny walk or a little rhyme to perform together.
        • Vibe: Go for a mix of clumsy and dramatic. The fun comes from playing up the "blind" aspect, bumping into things, and leaning on each other.
        Option 2: Three StoogesThe Three Stooges are an iconic trio known for their slapstick humor, making this a perfect choice for a funny and classic group costume.
        • Costume Pieces: The costumes are simple: Moe's bowl cut and suit, Larry's curly hair and bow tie, and Curly's bald head and suit. Focus on finding ill-fitting suits, oversized bow ties, and maybe some old hats.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Assign each person a character and study their unique mannerisms—Moe’s angry scowl, Larry’s wild hair, and Curly’s "nyuk-nyuk-nyuk" sound. The humor is in the performance, not just the outfit.
        • Vibe: Embrace the silly, over-the-top antics of the original trio. You can stage short skits or impromptu comedy bits throughout the night.
        Option 3: The Three AmigosThis one is a great choice for a vibrant and funny group costume. Based on the classic 1986 comedy, this costume will have people quoting lines and smiling all night.
        • Costume Pieces: You'll need matching sombreros, white button-down shirts, bright red bandanas, and dark trousers. Look for oversized fake mustaches to really capture the look of the film's characters.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Practice the famous "Three Amigos" salute and other memorable poses from the movie. You can also carry fake prop guitars or maracas to add to the overall look.
        • Vibe: Channel the characters' misplaced sense of bravado and exaggerated politeness. The fun is in the details, from the synchronized poses to the dramatic facial expressions.
        ---Example Input:Number of people: 4Vibe: ScaryStyle: ClassicExample Output:Ready to scare up some fun? A scary, classic costume is a great way to create a memorable and chilling group look. Here are three ideas that are sure to give everyone a fright!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: The Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseThis is a powerful, classic scary costume that's perfect for a group of four. Each person can embody a different horseman: War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person can have their own color theme: red for War (think military gear or torn red robes), black for Famine (skeletal or tattered clothes), pale/green for Pestilence (a plague doctor mask or sickly makeup), and white/black for Death (a classic grim reaper cloak). Add props like a sword, a set of scales, or a scythe.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Focus on the dramatic and theatrical. Walk together in a line, creating a slow, menacing procession. Each person can adopt a different, eerie posture or expression to match their horseman.
        • Vibe: This is a serious, chilling costume. Keep your expressions grim and your movements deliberate to maximize the scare factor.
        Option 2: The Four Slasher VillainsThis costume pulls from some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. Each person can choose their favorite classic slasher villain to create a terrifying and instantly recognizable group.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person chooses a different villain. A Michael Myers with a coverall and mask, a Freddy Krueger with a striped sweater and glove, a Jason Voorhees with a hockey mask, and a Ghostface with a black robe. These costumes are widely available and simple to put together.
        • Perfecting Your Look: This group should move and stand together as a menacing force. Practice some classic stances or poses from the movies to make the costumes even more effective.
        • Vibe: The goal is to be as unsettling as possible. Stay in character, don't talk, and stand in a creepy, quiet formation to create a truly scary presence.
        Option 3: The Addams FamilyThis is a classic, creepy, and cool group costume that is perfect for four people. You'll get to embody a quirky and beloved horror family.
        • Costume Pieces: Dress as Morticia (black gown, pale skin), Gomez (pinstripe suit, mustache), Wednesday (black dress with a white collar, pigtails), and Pugsley (striped shirt, black shorts). The key to this costume is the details in the makeup and accessories.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The fun in this costume is in playing the characters. Practice their mannerisms and deadpan delivery. You can do funny, morbid group poses for photos.
        • Vibe: This is more "spooky and macabre" than "terrifying." It's about being weird, stylish, and a little off-putting in a fun way.
        ---Example Input:Number of people: 5+Vibe: Cool Style: TrendyExample Output:Ready to be the most stylish group at the party? A trendy costume is a great way to show off your pop culture knowledge and create a memorable group look. Here are three ideas that are perfect for a large group!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: A K-Pop GroupThis is a fantastic option for a large group because it's highly flexible, instantly recognizable, and all about coordinated style and performance. You can choose a real group or make up your own!
        • Costume Pieces: This is all about cohesion. Choose a main color palette (e.g., black and silver, pastel pinks) and a specific look (e.g., streetwear, formal suits, retro outfits). Everyone should have a consistent element, like a matching jacket or accessory, but can also have individual touches to stand out.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The more people you have, the better this looks. Practice a simple dance move or a coordinated pose for photos. The key is moving as a unit and projecting confidence.
        • Vibe: Confident, energetic, and sleek. This is a chance to show off your style and have a ton of fun with a high-energy group dynamic.
        Option 2: The Cast of a Hit Streaming ShowChoosing the cast of a recent hit show is a perfect way to show you're current and in the know. The number of characters often fits a larger group, and the costumes are usually easy to recreate.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person picks a specific character. For example, if you chose The Bear, you could have Carmy (white t-shirt, messy apron), Sydney (chef coat), Richie (black t-shirt), Marcus (apron, beanie), and Tina (casual clothes). The costumes are simple, but the key is nailing the specific character details.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The humor and effectiveness come from the interactions. You can walk around in a group, quoting famous lines from the show or reenacting a memorable scene. Props like a chef's knife or a walkie-talkie add to the effect.
        • Vibe: Embrace the specific tone of the show you've chosen. For The Bear, it's chaotic and intense; for Stranger Things, it's a mix of retro and sci-fi.
        Option 3: The MinionsMinions are a modern classic, and with a new movie recently released, they're perfectly trendy. The best part is that this costume is simple to create and works for any number of people.
        • Costume Pieces: All you need are yellow shirts, blue overalls, and large goggles. If you want to get creative, you can add different hairstyles or accessories to distinguish yourselves as specific Minion characters.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The more of you there are, the more hilarious it becomes. The key is in the performance—walking around in a big cluster, speaking in "Minionese," and engaging in silly, childlike antics.
        • Vibe: Go for pure, innocent chaos and funny group moments. It’s a lighthearted costume that's all about having fun together.
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      Try the full generator here .

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  • Question
    Should I be Alice from Wonderland or Dorothy from Wizard of Oz?
    Community Answer
    They are both good ideas. Alice seems less common, but you should choose your favorite. You could also go by hair color so you don't have to wear a wig - be Alice if you're blond, be Dorothy if you have dark hair.
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  • Question
    Can I be a character twice if I want to?
    Community Answer
    Of course! You can be the same character as many times as you'd like. You'll even save money on costumes.
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  • Question
    Should I choose a fox or a raccoon costume for Halloween?
    Potatoestosee
    Community Answer
    If you prefer elegance and a sense of mystery, go with the fox. If you align more with a rugged and adventurous persona, the raccoon is a better choice. If neither fully resonates, trust your instincts and choose the one you feel best embodies your personality.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      • Sometimes you don't even need a full-on costume—you just need to buy one or two things. For example, for a Pikachu costume, you could wear a yellow shirt, black pants, and makeup, so all you need to buy are ears and a tail.
      • Make sure that your costume accessories are safe and appropriate for factors like weather, the time of day, and your location. For example, be sure to have glowsticks or something of that nature, so drivers can see you.
      • If you are planning a group costume, be sure to start thinking of ideas a bit early. That way, you and the rest of your group have the time to settle on an idea.
      • Try merging two costumes together, like a ballerina witch or an astronaut dinosaur.
      • Try a mascot costume—they are warm and a great choice for every year.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thesorrygirls.com/fashion/halloween-costumes-using-basic-items-in-your-closet-1-item-5-different-ways#google_vignette
      2. ↑ https://gooddayswithkids.com/2018/10/11/halloween-costumes/
      3. ↑ Alina Bokovikova. Costume Designer. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://gooddayswithkids.com/2018/10/11/halloween-costumes/
      5. ↑ https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/2021/10/29/halloween-costumes-and-cultural-appropriation/
      6. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g7521450/funny-halloween-costumes/
      7. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1422/group-halloween-costumes/
      8. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g7521450/funny-halloween-costumes/
      9. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g33864467/easy-halloween-costumes-for-couples/
      1. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/tips/g1913/pet-halloween-costumes/

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