18 Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023
- Abby Henry
- Oct 19, 2023
- 5 min read
Pumpkin spice is back in season, the air is getting cooler and Halloween is right around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about costumes, particularly ones that don’t break the bank and are made of rewearable pieces.
In this article, we have included some pretty low-effort ensembles that will stun this holiday. Remember to shop sustainably and always take a look at what you already have before purchasing anything new!
STAPLES
First up are some Halloween staples. From witch to muse to devil, these costumes are solid, recognizable and perfect for any and all Halloween-themed events!
Witch
Witch costumes are especially fun because you get to decide exactly which type of witch you’ll be. Are you Sabrina Spellman-inspired? Or are you going for more of a “Hocus Pocus” vibe? Either way you will definitely be able to pull some items from your closet and maybe even DIY some others! Pick your favorite spooky dress, pair it with some celestial makeup and add some funky jewelry. Need a witch hat? Here is a how-to!
Fairy
Another fun and easy staple is the fairy costume. Once again, you get to decide what kind of fairy you’ll be. Maybe you’re a water or garden fairy. Maybe you’re a nymph or sprite! It’s all up to you! Just find an Earth-y dress and some pretty jewels, and you’re good to go! You can even DIY your own fairy wings.
Vampire
If you want to go for something a bit spookier, a vampire costume is absolutely perfect! All you really need is some red and black clothing, preferably Victorian-inspired, and some bloody makeup. If you’re feeling especially creative, add some fake teeth and fancy jewelry.
Angel and Devil
If you have a costume partner, or even if you don’t, angel and devil costumes are the way to go. They work just as well individually as they do together. They’re easy to complete and fully rewearable! If you want to accessorize, you can make your own devil horns or angel wings to go with!
Muse
Another excellent and easy costume is the muse! You can spice this up and make it a group costume to mimic the muses in "Hercules," or you can go alone! Just wear something white and flowy and add various gold accessories (jewelry, headbands, etc.). Get creative! Maybe stack your hair up on top of your head like a goddess or do some dewy makeup.
POP CULTURE
Next up are some pop-culture-inspired costumes. Some of the most iconic celebrity costumes have been simple pop-culture references (think Harry Styles as Elton John, Lupita Nyong’o as Dionne from “Clueless,” etc.). Moral of the story: iconic pop culture moments never go out of style!
Freddie Mercury
Who could forget Freddie Mercury’s iconic drag performance in the “I Want to Break Free” music video? The outfit itself is super simple: black leather skirt, tights, heels and a pink sweater vest. Just don’t forget his most iconic accessories: the mustache and bob.
Tanya McQuoid
If you are at all familiar with “The White Lotus,” you’ll recognize Jennifer Coolidge’s iconic performance in the franchise as Tanya McQuoid. And who better to dress up as than the queen herself? All you’ll need are some comically large sunglasses, a cute sundress and a 2000s-esque updo.
Violet Beauregarde
If you want to stay comfy and cute this Halloween, Violet Beauregarde from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a perfect choice. Throw on a cute blue sweatsuit, add some blue makeup and bubblegum, and there you go—Violet Beauregarde!
Beyoncé
2023 has been a huge year for Beyoncé and her music. She officially embarked on her ninth concert tour in May and is planning to release a film documenting it all in December. Her outfits have been absolutely stunning this tour, so why not try to replicate those this Halloween? Just grab a metallic bodysuit and some tall boots!
Carrie
Going for more of an eerie vibe? Why not go as Carrie White from the cult classic “Carrie”? All you’ll need is a pretty slip dress, prom queen accessories and some fake blood.
Pearl
Another iconic horror-film-inspired costume: Pearl. Just grab a vintage-looking red dress, an ax, and an oversized bow. For makeup, try some runny mascara and a bold red lip.
Ariel
Though always a fun character to dress up as, Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” is particularly relevant this year. The main thing here is the colors of the pieces you choose: purple top, green bottoms and a cute red lip! You can even accessorize with some ocean-inspired jewelry!
DUOS
If you have a partner or even just a bestie, you might want to try coordinating! Here are a few costumes you can do with someone else, or even alone.
Coraline and Wybie
Why not be the most iconic blue-haired girl in all of film? Coraline Jones is the perfect costume for a chill party or spooky hangout, and who better to pair her with than her partner in crime? Slip into a cute yellow coat and some boots for Coraline, or for Wybie, a black leather jacket and fingerless gloves.
Suzy and Sam
Another absolutely iconic duo: Suzy and Sam from “Moonrise Kingdom.” Any Wes Anderson film is honestly great for Halloween, but Suzy and Sam are particularly fun. For Suzy, all you need is a 1960s mod-inspired dress and some blue eyeshadow. And for Sam, just throw on that old boy scouts outfit you’ve got lying around!
Katie and Sadie
For the final duo costume, who better than Katie and Sadie from “Total Drama Island”? This is the perfect costume for best friends, and it’s super low-effort but very recognizable! Just grab some striped tees and pink shorts, and there you go!
GROUPS
If you have a group of friends who want to dress up this Halloween but no solid ideas, these next few ideas are for you!
The Cheetah Girls
The Cheetah Girls are always a great group Halloween costume, and their look is super easy to achieve! If you’ve got a group of besties, just slip into some monochrome tracksuits, add a thick headband and throw on some y2k-inspired makeup!
The Heathers
Another great group costume: the girls of “Heathers.” You can go more movie- or musical-inspired, either way, the group’s outfits are fun, full of color and ultimately, made of easily attainable clothing. You can go as either just the Heathers, or as the Heathers plus Veronica! Just make sure to tease your hair!
The Breakfast Club
Last but not least is the Breakfast Club. This costume is incredibly easy to throw together with things you already have lying around: a black scarf, knee-high boots, a flannel, a letterman jacket.
Ultimately, Halloween is a celebration of fall and community. Whether you choose to be a spooky vampire, an ethereal muse, or a prim and proper Heather, make sure to have fun this holiday!
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