50 Best Halloween Costumes of All Time, from the Classics to Major Pop Culture Moments
Need costume ideas? Get inspired by some of the GOATs.
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The thought of how fast this summer passed is almost as scary as not having an absolutely iconic Halloween costume this year. Let's be real—every year, you vow that you'll get your sh*t together in order to have the best costume yet you grab the same one you've worn the past two years. Consider this your sign that it's never too early to plan a genius costume. I don't mean to add to the 2024-induced anxiety, but it's time to get your Halloween 'fits together, whether it's a punny costume, a pop culture moment, or a well-thought-out couples costume. I mean, how else do you expect to get allll the compliments at your Halloween parties?
To help you find some epic costume inspo, we've compiled a list of the absolute best Halloween costumes of all! damn! time! From the tried-and-true classics (sorry, but a good witch costume never gets old) to more beloved movie characters (hi, Mia Thermopolis) and, ofc, current pop culture obsessions that everyone will appreciate (*cough* Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders *cough*). Trust, these costumes will never steer you wrong. Below, get inspired by celebs rocking some of the greatest Halloween costumes (like, ever) that you can recreate with Halloween makeup tutorials and some quick online shopping (we even shopped out a few key pieces for ya). But don't worry, there are also some ideas you can whip up by simply shopping your closet. So, my ghouls, let's get into it, shall we?
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 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. Make your partner dress as a NYC tourist if you want to make it a couples' costume. Bonus points if you go all out with green body paint.
Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz
Movie buffs will love this costume from Beetlejuice. And even if you don't have someone to double team this look with, each costume can easily slay on its own.
Dionne from Clueless
Clueless is a timeless movie—just like this look made famous by Dionne, Cher's best friend. 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Ghostbuster
If there's something strange in ya neighborhood, who you gonna call?
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
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