Who doesn’t love Halloween? If the mountains of candy and delicious treats, endless horror movies, and spookily decorated houses on your street weren’t enough, surely the chance to dress up as your favorite character from pop culture is enough to spark some enjoyment, at least for one night. We’re here to tell you it’s never too early to start planning your costume for October 31st. Below, we’ve put together some of the best Halloween costume ideas, with options for everyone, including singles, couples, friends and families.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to think about what kind of costume you want. To help you get an idea about what kind of Halloween outfit is right for you to wear on Hallow’s Eve, try asking yourself these questions.
How many people are in your party?
It opens up a range of coordinated outfits if you’re a couple, several friends, or a family unit. While it’s fun to let everyone choose what they want to be, coordinating outfits allows you to create a more significant impression on other trick-or-treaters. Think about going as an entire family of “Incredibles” or the main characters from your favorite horror movie.
How much time do you have to get ready?
It may not have occurred to you, but if you’re short on time when you get home from work or have several children to prepare, it’s worth considering costumes with minimal preparation time. In the same way, if you have spare time and want to go all out, look for options with added face paint, specific hairdos and added effects to stand out from the crowd.
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How much effort do you want to put in?
Leading on from the time question is the effort question. Think about how much effort you want to put into getting ready. If you’re looking to impress a date or show off your makeup skills, you may want to commit more time to the process.
Do you prefer topical or classic costumes?
There are benefits to both. A classic costume done well is hard to beat on Halloween. However, topical costumes tend to get people talking and laughing. Consider what impact you’re going for when you make your choice. Also, think about whether you want to go the family-friendly route with a silly outfit or opt for a scary Halloween costume instead.
How long are you going to be wearing your outfit?
Finally, think about the practicalities of wearing your outfit. If it’s a whole-day event, you might not want to be stuck inside a sweatsuit with a wig on top. And, consider whether you’ve got a lot of distance to cover or whether you’ll be close to your own home should you need to bail.
After considering these questions, you should have a good idea about the type of costume you’re after. Below, you’ll find the best Halloween costume ideas for this year.
1. Jurassic World Dinosaur Costume
BEST DINOSAUR
Nothing captures people’s attention faster than seeing a dinosaur walk into the room. This inflatable costume is sure to garner some laughs, and you’ll undoubtedly be the life of the party. The real question is: which dinosaur are you? Your choices are T-Rex, Triceratops, or Velociraptor. Grab a couple of friends to go as the other dinosaurs or have them dress as characters from the Jurassic World movies to make it a group costume.
2. HOPOCO LED Purge Halloween Mask, 2 Pack
BEST MASK
These Purge-inspired face masks are sure to spook and delight everyone you encounter on Halloween. They’re sold in a set of two (purple and green), so they’re great for couples or friends. Each is premium PVC with brilliant LED lighting that offers three different modes: steady light, slow flash, and fast flash.
3. DeHasion Inflatable Clown Costume
BEST INFLATABLE
How unique and cool is this inflatable clown costume? Designed as a jester in a headstand, this costume is one size fits most. It features a blower powered by 4-AA batteries to stay inflated. Allow your children or spouse to play the circus ringmaster to make a group or family costume for the night.
4. Women’s Delightful Mad Hatter Halloween Costume
Entertain the masses in the Mad Hatter costume. It comes with everything you need to pull off the look, including the Hatter’s dress, a bow tie, detailed belt, jacket, and hat. Made from 100% polyester, it’s comfortable and easy to wear all night long. Have friends dress as Alice or the rabbit to make a group costume.
5. Squid Games Cosplay Costume
MOST TOPICAL
Take on the night dressed as a character from one of Netflix’s most popular series of 2021. This set comes with a soft polyester suit, belt, gloves, and face mask to sell the complete look. Have others join in the fun by purchasing a similar look in green.
6. Morphsuits Adults Monster Urban Legends Costume
BEST CREEPYPASTA/URBAN LEGEND
In case you’re wondering what a creepypasta is: one, no, it’s not a new dish at Olive Garden. Creepypastas are the internet’s version of old-school urban legends, and they’ve garnered quite the cult following over the past few years. It’s a cool opportunity to dress a little spooky and have a dark backstory. Plus, these literally cover your entire body from head to toe, so hardly any outside effort is needed. There are tons of creepypastas out there, from Slender Man to Eyeless Jack. You and the crew could go as the entire book of legends if you wish.
7. Elvis Baby
BEST CELEB-INSPIRED FOR BABIES
Words cannot express just how cute this Elvis Aloha Onesie Costume is. The officially licensed design mimics the look of the iconic Elvis Aloha jumpsuit. It comes with pants, a hat, and booties to complete the look. Dress as the adult version or carry a guitar and mic and act as a roadie to compliment your little one’s look.
8. Smiffy’s Men’s Borat Mankini
BEST NSFW
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you surely remember the Borat films and tiny thong unitard worn by Sacha Baron Cohen during one scene. Channel the look for Halloween by dressing as the Kazakhstanian king himself in the effortlessly humorous, infamous-as-hell mankini from the first film. While we don’t recommend you throw yourself onto the streets clad in this sexy one-piece, it fits for any adult-only party you might be attending this year. You can’t pull off Borat’s iconic look without the hair, stache, and sunglasses, so don’t forget to add those to your cart for the cherry on top of your Halloween costume!
9. Marvel Avengers Play Trunk
BEST CHILDRENS AVENGERS
Searching for an easy and affordable way to dress your children for Halloween this year? Try this Marvel Avengers Play Trunk. It’s chock full of amazing costumes from the franchise, including Black Panther, Iron Man, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. Officially licensed by Disney and Marvel Studios, it comes with all of the tidbits and accessories needed to make your children’s Halloween evening the best ever.
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10. Rubie’s Grand Heritage Pennywise Costume
Love the movie IT? Welp, this is your chance to get into character. Transform in horror icon Pennywise with this top, pants, mask, and wig
11. Newhui Joe Exotic Sequin Shirt
BEST NETFLIX COSTUME
Hey, all you cool cats and kittens! Ready for Tiger King Season 2? If you’re looking to dress up as the characters (er, real people) from Netflix’s Tiger King, there are a few options out there to choose from. It’s a pretty safe bet that there will be a lot of cool cats out there this Halloween season. The obvious choice is to go with the leader of the pack and dress as Joe Exotic. Pair this sequin top with a yellow mullet wig and a baseball cap, and you’d be good to go. Another stand-out from the show is Carol Baskin. All you would need for that one is a t-shirt with a kitten on it and a flower crown. But for more Tiger King ideas, see further down the list.
12. Tiger King Joe Exotic Costume Set
BEST JOE EXOTIC ACCESSORIES
You’re going to need the rest of the Joe Exotic accessories to complete the look above, including his trucker hat, blond mullet, clip-on earrings, and unique mustache. It’s a classic look and one that you want to try to pull off this upcoming Halloween.
13. Carol Baskin Costume
ANOTHER TIGER KING OPTION
If you want to dress up as the legend herself, we’ve included a few accessories below, including some big cat-themed leggings, a blonde wig, and some flower child accessories to complete the look. Do you want to get gruesomely controversial? Carry a decapitated man’s head with you. If you know, you know.
14. Disney Princesses Play Trunk
BEST DISNEY PRICESS KIT
Got a kid that loves to dress as Disney princesses? Well, this is just the thing you need. This trunk set of Disney Princess costumes comes with everything they need to morph into four classic Disney characters: Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White.
15. California Costumes Rogue Pirate
BEST PIRATE
Ahoy, matey! If you’re looking for a costume that will allow you to show off a little bit of chest, then this pirate number will give you just what you desire, you sexy swashbuckler! The set comes with everything you’d need: a vest, striped pants, wrist cuffs, a belt with a buckle, and boot covers. While it certainly would be cool to see an entire crew of pirates, perhaps consider adding a mermaid or sea creature if you’re going in a group or pair.
16. Dopey Costume
MOST ADORABLE
Slip this super adorable and unisex costume on your little one and allow them to morph into everyone’s favorite dwarf adorably. This set, made for kiddies six months and up, comes with the top, booties, and hat with ears attached. Dress as Snow White, Prince Charming, or any of the other six dwarfs to complement this cute costume.
17. Disguise Men’s Genie Costume
MOST MAGICAL
You don’t need to rub a magic lamp to come across this mystical genie costume. The full-body costume includes a royal purple polyester robe and shirt, with a headpiece to match. Magical abilities, not included. Got a group? You could either stick with the theme and invite Aladdin, Jasmine, and Jafar to tag along — or crack open the entire Disney catalog. The options are endless.
18. Charades Unisex-Adults Astronaut Costume
BEST SPACE COSTUME
With Jeff Bezos’s recent journey to space, astronaut costumes are all the rage. If you’re dreaming about your own mission to Mars, pretend on your home planet with this astronaut costume that’s built for the cosmos. Have kids? Dress them up as aliens. It will be a cute and funny full-fam Halloween costume.
19. Men’s Medical Doctor Costume
BEST MEDICAL COSTUME
If there’s one thing we can all be sure of in 2020 and 2021 (and there’s not much), it’s that doctors have been our heroes this year. They’ve been on the front lines, battling the current health crisis, and if you wish to honor them with your costume this year, this is a great pick. Grab a couple of friends and dress up as doctors, nurses, and other essential workers whose sacrifices we couldn’t be more grateful for.
20. Scooby-Doo Plush Deluxe Adult
MOST TIMELESS
Zoinks! Scooby-Doo and the crime-solving members of Mystery Inc. have been around since 1969. The beloved cartoon series has been revived several times over the years, with the most recent movie was released just this past summer. It’s a timeless cast of characters everyone is sure to get excited over. Of course, Scooby isn’t complete without the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang — Fred, Velma, Daphne, and Shaggy.
21. Forum Novelties Men’s Chicken Fight Costume
MOST COMICAL
Cluck cluck, baby. Ditch the horse for a feathered companion and ride this chicken to the finish line. As a funny take on the classic chicken pool game, this ridiculous costume will bring tears to kids and adults alike for the right reason. Ride-on costumes are always so much fun to look at, especially when pulled off correctly. Honestly, there’s nothing more perfect to pair with this cowboy hat.
22. Trick Or Treat Studios Michael Myers Halloween Costume
BEST ’80s SLASHERS
Ah, the ’80s. It was the decade that gave us many things, including the stuff of nightmares. The 1980s gave way to a massive surge in slasher movies and introduced an entire generation to a new slew of monsters. Now is your chance to pay homage to the killers that kept you up at night as a kid. The king of Halloween is, of course, Michael Myers, but other key slasher villains include Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th), Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and Chucky (Child’s Play).
23. Fun World Big Bag Granny Wolf Costume
BEST FAIRY TALE
Once upon a time… we all remember the stories of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and this costume takes a comical spin on the fairy tale classic. The visual of you in a granny nightgown will surely be the topic of conversation for many Instagram posts to come. This fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without Little Red Riding Hood.
24. Popfunk DC Comics Adult Superhero Tee
MOST LOW-KEY
Are you having trouble committing fully to a costume this year? No worries, we understand. But you can still get a little festive by throwing on this tee. It literally does all the work for you, and you rock some serious Superman vibes as he’s about to leave the office to save the world. If you’re paired with someone who also wants a super casual costume, they could dress in business attire and be the Lois Lane to your Superman.
25. Fun World Men’s 3D Zombie Costume
BEST UNDEAD
The exposed bones and decaying flesh really sell this undead attire. The costume comes with pants, a shirt, a pair of gloves, and a mask with a wig. This way, you’re fully covered, and no one will mistake you for the living. There are two ways to accompany this costume: Option one is to have a horde of zombies, while option two is to divide the crew and make some of them living zombie hunters.
26. Mandalorian Cosplay Costume
BEST OTHER WORLDLY
The Skywalkers can move over; there’s a new Star Wars hero in town, and he’s accompanied by possibly the cutest sidekick the galaxy far, far away has ever witnessed (Babu Frik, anyone?). The Mandalorian TV show has taken the Star Wars universe by storm, which is why turning up to a Halloween party in this topical outfit is sure to draw plenty of admiration. This Mandalorian Cosplay Costume comes with the top, pants, gloves, a cloak and an armor set for a near-complete Mandalorian look. You’ll need to provide your own helmet. But just remember, you can’t take it off. No Mandalorian outfit would complete without his ever-present sidekick, Baby Yoda.
27. Baby Yoda Costume
BEST STAR WARS
Pair the above Mandalorian costume with this sweet Baby Yoda set. It includes a hooded robe, headpiece, and booties. It seriously couldn’t get any cuter than this.
Read More: Best Family Halloween Costumes
28. HUAYUARTS Pumpkin Inflatable Costume
BEST CHILD-FRIENDLY
Sometimes you just want to stick to a fun, easy, and child-friendly costume that isn’t going to give your kids nightmares. If that’s you, consider this HUAYUARTS Pumpkin Inflatable Costume. It’s quick and easy to slip on, will give your friends and family (children included) a good laugh, and can be kept as a great go-to option anytime you forget in years to come. Included with the 100% polyester, waterproof and breathable pumpkin outfit is a motorized fan that keeps the outfit inflated when you’re inside. (Batteries are not included.) Taking the kids trick-or-treating? We can’t imagine anything more adorable than a big adult pumpkin with their little pumpkin kids walking down the street.
29. Rubie’s Ghostbusters Costume with Backpack
BEST MOVIE FRANCHISE
Celebrate the Ghostbusters franchise by dressing up as everyone’s favorite ghost-fighting heroes with this Rubie’s Ghostbusters Costume with Inflatable Backpack. It’s ideal for individuals, friends, and families alike and works well if one or more of your group also dresses as a pursuable ghost. Have your friends tag along as Slimer, Marshmallow Man or any other ghost or ghoul to be busted.
30. I’m Fine Slash Humor T-Shirt
LEAST EFFORT
This humorous “I’m Fine” t-shirt takes no effort to wear but is a great slasher movie reference of a recently stabbed character. It’s also sort of an excellent metaphor for these past two years, isn’t it? The best part is it takes minimal effort to pull together this costume, about as much effort as it takes you to get dressed every day. Maybe add a few other movie tropes into the mix — the lone explorer out in the woods or perhaps the red herring?
31. AltSkin Men’s Full Body Mummy Spandex Suit
MOST FORM-FITTING
Skintight suits aren’t for everyone, but if you like that kind of thing and want to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with a traditional outfit, the AltSkin Men’s Full Body Mummy Spandex Suit could be for you. It’s made from a polyester and lycra blend for comfort and security. Plus, it has a bandage print which saves the hassle usually associated with mummy-style outfits. Add other characters of the mummy-fighting Brendan Fraiser, Rachel Weiss, and Tom Cruise film to create a group costume.
32. Glow in The Dark Skeleton Jumpsuit Pajamas
FAMILY PICK
Choosing Halloween outfits becomes a lot harder when you’ve got a whole family to dress. That’s why these Glow in The Dark Skeleton Jumpsuit Pajamas are a handy option to have. The jumpsuits are available in all sizes, from child to adult, and include a full zip along with a hood for added comfort. They sport a skeleton design on the front, which glows in the dark, meaning a number of these walking down the street at night would be a spooky sight to see indeed.
33. Spooktacular Creations Renaissance Medieval Vampire
MOST CLASSIC
When it comes to traditional and ever-popular Halloween outfits, it’s hard to look beyond a vampire. Bram Stoker’s original Dracula never gets old on Halloween, which is why dressing in this Spooktacular Creations Renaissance Medieval Vampire is always going to be a safe bet. It includes a vintage-looking vest and jabot, shirt, cape, and cane, along with a stand-up collar. Add a pair of pointed fangs and a paler-than-average face. Then, you’re good to go. If you’re sticking to the classics, why not go as a gang. Werewolves, Frankenstein, mummies and zombies are ideal.
34. Forplay Women’s Super Seductress Costume Set
Another blockbuster that got pushed back due to the virus outbreak was Wonder Woman’s second outing in Wonder Woman 1984. As DC’s most recent and previously most successful character, why not dress as Wonder Woman herself, Diana Prince, with this Forplay Women’s Super Seductress Costume Set? It includes the headband, bodysuit, cape, arm cuffs, and lasso of truth in case you encounter any felons you want to interrogate. Make a couple’s costume by adding Steve Trevor, Diana’s love interest and companion, to the mix.
35. Rubie’s DC Comics Batman Shirt With Mask
Celebrate Halloween as Bruce Wayne this year with this Rubie’s DC Comics Batman T-Shirt With Cape And Mask. This officially licensed costume includes a tee with an attached cape and a half mask. While not as complete as some Batman costumes, this set’s simplicity makes it ideal for a last-minute or more incognito dress-up option. Couples should check out the Harley Quinn costume idea below. Alternatively, you’ll never go wrong with the Joker, Robin, or Alfred by your side.
36. Forum Novelties Men’s Wizard Adult Costume
MOST MAGICAL
Long before the boy with the scar on his forehead, wizards had large pointy hats, carried magical staffs, and wore gowns with oversized sleeves. This Forum Novelties Men’s Wizard Adult Costume is ideal for putting that magic back into a wizard’s appearance, and it lets you create a more personal interpretation of how magic-wielding folk would have looked. This polyester outfit includes a hat, a tunic with the robe attached, and a belt. To complete the look, add staff and beard for a traditional wizard style. For couples, try a wizard and witch combo.
37. Fun Costumes Oversized Alien Adult Costume
MOST OUT OF THIS WORLD
Given how 2021 is shaping up, it seems pretty likely that the next occurrence in this notable year will be an alien invasion. Well, at least that’s what your friends will believe when you turn up wearing this Fun Costumes Oversized Alien Adult Costume. The all-green outfit is made from a 100% polyester velour fabric and has elastic ankles and wrists and a centered front zipper for secure and easy fitting. You’ll also find gloves sewn into the cuffs and an intergalactic raygun to complete this fun Halloween outfit. To celebrate with friends, add an astronaut buddy as your alien visitor.
38. Oya Costumes The King of The North Costume
BEST FOR FRIENDS
You may have loved the ending, or you may have hated the ending. Whatever the case, you’ve most likely watched all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, the Westeros-based TV show. Unsurprisingly, the characters from this top-rated show still remain a stand out as costume choices this All Hallow’s Eve. This comprehensive Jon Snow Oya Costumes The King of the North Costume is an ideal choice, and it comes with almost everything you’ll need to pull off a convincing GOT costume. Add pants, gloves and a sword to complete the look. Game of Thrones is filled with so many epic characters that picking out an extra to join you should be simple, whether you’re a couple, friends or a family.
39. Joyfunny Men’s Superhero Panther Jumpsuit
BEST COMIC BOOK
No dress-up list is complete without the juggernaut that is the Marvel franchise. Due to the virus outbreak, we’ve been temporarily starved of new feature films, though we do know new Black Widow, Thor, Guardians, Dr. Strange, and more are on the horizon. There’s also a Black Panther sequel in the works, which is why this Joyfunny Men’s Superhero Panther Jumpsuit should be considered as your Halloween costume. Add Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, or the entire Dora Milaje to make the couples or group costume complete.
40. Rick and Morty Deluxe Rick Men’s Costume
BEST FOR TEENAGERS
Rick and Morty is one of the hottest properties in the world of TV entertainment at the moment. And while this season may be over, there will undoubtedly be plenty of love for anyone who turns up dressed at the galaxy’s worst/best grandpa. This officially-licensed Rick and Morty Deluxe Rick Men’s Costume includes the wig, eyebrow and favored lab coat of the man himself. Consider adding a home-crafted portal gun for a more complete and Rick-tastic look. There would be no Rick without Morty. And if you need more, add Jerry, Beth, Summer, or any number of the great characters that make up the unforgettable cast of the show.
41. HuangWeida Trolls Costume
BEST FOR LITTLE GIRLS
Ah, a theme your kids can’t get enough of — Trolls. Allow your child to dress as Poppy this year to satisfy the obsession. We’d suggest that you dress like a troll yourself, but we don’t want to put you through the embarrassment. Maybe just paint your skin blue and call it a day when accompanying little one’s trick-or-treating antics.
42. Stegosaurus Inflatable Alien Hold me Costume
BEST FOR LITTLE BOYS
Your mini-me will be the talk of the town in this hilarious alien abduction costume we can’t stop laughing at. With this costume, he can even show off his acting skills and pretend he’s actually getting abducted the whole night when trick-or-treating. Folks will get a kick out of it. Obviously, you have to dress like the alien we chose above. There are no ifs, and, or buts about it.
43. Leg Avenue Men’s Top Gun Flight Suit Costume
BEST RETRO
If you feel the need for speed, you’re in luck. With Top Gun: Maverick on the way, Top Gun fever is about to hit the town, and if you’re a fan of the 1986 original (who isn’t?), then turning up in this Leg Avenue Men’s Top Gun Flight Suit Costume is about to become a lot more relevant again. The flight suit is made from 100% polyester, features the Top Gun signet and includes a pull-up closure for a secure and comfortable fit. Going as a couple or group. Goose? Iceman? Slider? Or if you’re a mixed couple, it has to be Tom Cruise’s Maverick and Kelly McGillis’ Charlotte Blackwood.
44. Charades Women’s Harley Quinn Costume
BEST WITH MAKEUP
If you want an outfit choice that mixes exciting clothes with fun makeup, the Charades Women’s Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Costume fits the bill. Harley Quinn’s popularity is riding high on the back of the 2021 Suicide Squad film, so this costume choice is sure to receive a positive response. This officially licensed outfit comes with a lightweight costume top, sequin shorts, a black belt, and a long sleeve jacket with a zip-up front. Paint your hair, paint your face and grab a giant wooden hammer. Then, you’re ready to cause mayhem. Have your friends or fam dress Harley Quinn’s known associates and adversaries, including the Joker himself and the caped crusader, Batman.
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