Super Creative Halloween Costumes
Halloween is the best time of year to explore your creative side. For many people, Halloween marks the one night a year where we are free to show a different side of ourselves. Whether that means adopting a rock star alter ego or dressing up as a mythical creature, this holiday is a surreal, judgment-free zone. We can indulge our imaginations and become anyone we want to be. It doesn’t matter if you’re DIYing your one-of-a-kind costume from items that you already own, or heading to a store to pick up a prepackaged costume. The important thing is to dress up and get into the spirit of the holiday.
Check out these clever and creative Halloween costumes for inspiration.
The Original Ariel Dress
Ladies, we all want to dress up as a Disney princess at least once in our lives, right? We’ve seen the elaborate gowns created by talented cosplayers, but we just don’t have the time, money, or skill for that. What’s a girl to do? You could always go the easy route and pick a simple yet recognizable outfit from the princess’s wardrobe.
This makeshift outfit is super memorable, despite not being Ariel’s signature look. People will be too busy congratulating you on your originality to notice you’ve gone with a simple look. The little crab purse is an excellent touch, we hope she has a fork -er, we mean a dinglehopper in there!
Ghosted
These two finally found each other after dealing with all the nonsense that happens on dating apps. We’re all familiar with Tinder, Bumble, and even Hinge. Some of us might still be using them. One of the most frustrating aspects is being ghosted. In fact, it can be downright terrifying if it happens with someone you thought you had chemistry with.
That’s what makes this couples’ costume so perfect. Even alone, the Tinder ghost makes a pretty awesome look. Just imagine all the bad dating decisions and let-downs you experienced haunting you forever. That’s enough to make anyone shudder with fear. Try this out with your partner or friend at your next costume party!
Kit and Kat
Dressing up with your twin sister? Or a friend who looks weirdly similar to you? This is the perfect unique concept for matching costumes. Sure, they could’ve gone the route of cheerleaders, or even a feminine version of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, but this is a lot more creative. Not to mention it’s probably easier to put to get.
Lots of ladies like to look their best on Halloween night. They’d rather be runway ready instead of spooky and scary. These two managed to pull off a modelesque look while still coming up with a cheeky concept. If you and your bestie were looking for a sweet idea, this one is definitely it.
Kevin Bacon
The best Halloween costumes involve clever puns that take a minute to settle in. Sure, most people will walk by this girl and think she’s dressed as a boring bacon strip. But those people should pay better attention to detail because they’re missing out on a brilliant joke. The deadpan expression really sells the photo for us.
It’s almost like she’s saying, “Do you get it? Do you get my joke?”. Don’t worry, we definitely get it. We hope the rest of our readers do too. But just in case you haven’t yet, she’s Kevin Bacon. When an actor has a last name like that you’ve got to turn them into a punny contest.
Operation!
Couples’ costumes can be tricky to figure out. The last thing you want to be is generic, a show stopping outfit needs an element of originality. This pair definitely had a creative mindset when putting their look together. Who doesn’t like a little childhood nostalgia incorporated into their costume? If you’re not familiar with Operation then you’re seriously missing out!
This game is the perfect way to pass time on a rainy day, plus it makes you feel like a real surgeon (if you stretch your imagination enough). These two could’ve simply thrown on scrubs and called it a day, but they went the extra step to make something really special.
Juno Movie Poster
Pregnant ladies need costume ideas, too! While the woman in this photo may not actually be with child, she’s definitely giving the illusion that she’s about to pop. Major kudos to these two for putting together an elaborate costume. There’s no way they won’t be instantly recognized. They even got the same shirt Michael Cera wore on the film poster!
That’s some real dedication. Juno’s outfit is a bit off in some places, but it’s still clear who she’s supposed to be. These two must be some big fans of 00s movies. And what film from that decade is more iconic for a couples’ costume than Juno? Just sling some of the titular character’s unique lingo and you’re ready to go.
Cleopatra and Caesar…Dressing
You tell your boyfriend to find a Caesar costume that’ll perfectly complement your glamorous Cleopatra, and this is what he ends up bringing home. While that story sounds hilarious, more likely than not this was planned. We guess they could only go all out with one of their costumes. But it totally works, plus it’s a lot more unique this way.
You don’t need to be a history buff to get the concept behind this look. His girlfriend’s outfit is perfect on its own, but next to his it’s downright funny and clever. There’s no way these two went out without having a million photos taken of them.
Toy Soldiers
Group costumes can be tricky. The hard part is making sure everyone knows exactly what to bring to the table, otherwise, the whole look falls apart. This is the true definition of teamwork, and exactly what any manager would want to see in the workplace. The original poster mentioned that they won the costume contest, and we’re definitely not surprised!
It must’ve been complicated to create all those green props. We wonder if the little stands are glued to their feet. Do they have to waddle around like the characters in Toy Story? Most likely not. We’re guessing they’re only there so long as photos are being taken.
A Twist on Jabba and Leia
Are you and your beau Star Wars fans? If so, you’re in luck. There are several combinations you can choose from when it comes to a couples’ costume. Your average straight pair might opt for Han Solo and Princess Leia, but that was a bit too predictable for this costume. They wanted to take a humorous route, and it paid off.
We’re not sure if the boyfriend is annoyed because he doesn’t like the costume, or if he’s simply embodying the mood of Princess Leia after being captured. Either way, it works for the photo. No doubt that this look will inspire sci-fi fans around the world. Please tell us where we can get that Jabba suit, we need it before Halloween!
Taco Belle
You can’t go wrong when it comes to dressing up as a Disney character, especially the princesses. They’re all extremely recognizable, not to mention their elaborate dresses and gowns make you feel like royalty for the night. We think it’s fair to assume many girls and women like to play princess for a day, but what if you want to put a twist on the classic look?
You can never go wrong with puns, and this one is perfectly incorporated into the outfit. It’s as if Belle’s gown was always meant to be adored with tacos. She should walk around with a taco in hand, just to achieve the full effect.
The Bouvier Sisters
You and your sisters want matching outfits this year, and there are too many outfits to choose from! Are you going to be the Powerpuff Girls? The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus? Perhaps you’ll go Broadway and portray the Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton? These are all great choices, but the photo below wins us over. Classic cartoons are always a favorite in our book.
Plus, we always appreciate a costume that chooses authenticity over glamor. The Bouvier sisters might not be the most fashionable animated ladies, but they sure are hilarious. We actually prefer this look without the glowing yellow skin. It’s easier to pull off and makes the characters appear more real!
E.T. & Friends
The classic movie E.T. serves as the inspiration for this incredibly creative and cute family costume. One of the best things about this costume is the fact that it can be assembled based on items that you already own. Have a pair of overalls and a striped top? You’re instantly Gertie.
For Elliott, all you really need is a red hoodie. E.T himself is a bit harder – but if you’ve got a white towel and a mask, you’re good to go! Just add a bicycle, and everyone will instantly recognize who you’re portraying. We love this cute, low-effort costume!
Shrek & Princess Fiona
Everyone’s favorite Ogres make the perfect couples costume! Just be sure that your partner is cool with a lot of green face and body paint. That stuff can take time to apply (and remove!). You don’t necessarily need the prosthetic ears and noses – just throwing on the vest with green face paint is enough for the average person to understand your costume.
Shrek is a cultural icon after all. Maybe watch the movie before stepping out, that way you’ll be prepared with all the catchphrases. If you have a third friend who’s ready to join the party, see if they’d be willing to dress up as Donkey! You’ll have the perfect fairytale trio to impress on Halloween.
Clueless Cast
Dressing up as the cast of the classic 90s movie Clueless is the perfect way to get your friends involved in a group costume. Each of the main characters wears a distinct outfit on the movie poster, other people will instantly recognize your crew’s costume. Just pick who’s going to be Cher, Dionne, and Amber ahead of time. And try not to fight too much over who gets to play Cher!
You might need to go shopping to really pull this look off, but the pieces shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Plus you can probably find a way to incorporate them into your daily wardrobe. Stay fashion-forward all year round!
French Kiss
This extremely pun-ny outfit works on two levels. First off, the distinctive black and white face makeup makes it clear that this couple is dressed up as members of the 70s glam rock band Kiss. But why the red berets and scarves? Isn’t it obvious? These are trademark stereotypes of French fashion. So, we have KISS, and French – making the costume “French Kiss.” Get it?
This clever costume definitely made this couple stand out from the crowd by combining two very different aesthetics. Everyone loves a good pun, and this couple has executed it perfectly and without too much effort. The French wine bottle is the cherry on top.
Burger & Fries
Peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk – there are some things that go together perfectly. A burger and fries are one of those classic combinations, and it makes one of the cutest couples costumes out there. This costume will tell the world that you and your bestie are inseparable. It might also make people crave fast food…
While it’s probably unlikely that you can create this burger and fries couples costume with things you already have at home, the investment is worth it. If you enjoy being the center of attention and want all eyes to stay on you, this is a great option. You’ll undoubtedly turn heads wherever you go on Halloween.
Darla from Finding Nemo
Don’t worry, no real fish were harmed in the making of this costume! This woman perfectly executed a costume based on Darla, the dental patient depicted in the classic Pixar film Finding Nemo. From the headgear to trademark purple sweater and the pigtails, she got all the details exactly right. While she was a background character, she’s still super memorable.
For this costume, you’ll need a purple sweater, a plastic bag, a rubber fish, and some hair bands. This costume is especially great if you have actually braces – this is your time to shine! Add some tinfoil to your braces and wrap it around your ears for the full effect.
“Cool Mom” from Mean Girls
When we look at this costume, we can practically hear Regina George’s mom saying, “I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom!” Parodied by everyone on SNL, even by Kris Jenner in an Ariana Grande music video, the Cool Mom has become an icon of our times. Plus, it’s a pretty simple look to put together.
For this costume, you need a pink sweatsuit or tracksuit, a martini glass, and an old school video camera. Most people will instantly understand who you’re portraying, you’ll be sure to get some laughs. Bonus points for adding a blonde wig. Strike a pose, and you’re ready to go. Even better if you’ve got a friend to play your spoiled daughter.
Wayne’s World
The classic 90s movie Wayne’s World, based on characters from the SNL skit of the same name, is a perfect source of inspiration for a funny friend’s costume. All you need are some black glasses, old blue jeans, a flannel shirt, and a black hat – you’re pretty much good to go! If you can snag a replica of the Wayne’s World hat you’re absolutely golden.
This dynamic duo dressed up as Wayne and Garth and the results are, as they would say it, “Excellent!” This costume is easy to create and execute, and a fun trip down memory lane. Once you get these outfits on, as Wayne says in his trademark phrase, it’s “Party time!”
It’s Raining Men!
Turning a song into a Halloween costume can be tricky. If you pick an old tune, you run the risk of being dated. And of course, there will always be people who won’t recognize the reference. However, we don’t think that’s going to be a problem with this costume. Just hearing the words “Tonight for the first time just about half-past ten” is bound to send a room of people into a chorus of It’s Raining Men!
You hear the song just by looking at her outfit, which means it’s definitely working its magic. The best part is customizing the look with all your celebrity crushes. This look is perfect for anyone who wants to put together a cheeky and creative costume.
Linguini and Remy
This costume is the perfect way to show off your adorable baby. Plus, what little kid doesn’t love a piggy back ride? Most parents will pick out generic costumes for their kiddos, but this dad put some thought into the concept. It came out looking great! Dad even resembles Linguini a bit, don’t you think?
This costume is both creative and fairly easy to put together, that is if you’re able to get your hands on a chef’s uniform. If you don’t work in the profession yourself you can probably find a friend to loan you an extra set for the evening. Just make sure Junior doesn’t spit up on it!
A Lego Family
We love costumes the whole family can get in on. They really went all out when creating these outfits, they definitely don’t look simple to make. Even the dog’s getting into the theme! Though it also looks like they might be a bit stuffy to walk around in all day. For their sake, we hope they live in a cooler climate.
There’s a good chance they took this photo and removed the heads and hands immediately after. That’s really no way to spend a Halloween party. Some costumes are great for photos but less practical when it comes to trick or treating. Mom and dad probably wore regular shirts for their own comfort.
Terrance and Phillip
Now, this is a low-effort costume that really packs a punch. South Park first aired in 1997, and the characters are just as recognizable today. It also helps that these two were central figures in the South Park Movie. Fun fact; Terrance and Phillip were created when critics claimedSouth Park was nothing but bad animation and gross-out humor.
Canonically, characters with heads like these are meant to be Canadians. If you’re from Canada this might be the perfect costume for you, especially if you happen to be living in the United States. It’s funny, easy to make, and you can dress up with a friend! We see no downsides here.
The Grady Sisters
Plenty of people avoid the route of choosing a spooky costume for Halloween. However, if you’re big on horror films, this could be the perfect outfit for you and a friend. You can’t get more classic than the Shining, even people who haven’t seen the movie will recognize these creepy sisters. What’s more, these outfits are fairly simple to put together.
You don’t have to match the movie perfectly to pull off this look. Searching for the right dress could make for a fun day at the thrift store. And if you don’t have a friend with a familial resemblance, you can always go to the comedy route. Put your boyfriend in a dress and be simultaneously scary and comical!
Peter Pan and Shadow
Want to be dad of the year on Halloween? This costume concept is the perfect way to put your kiddo front and center while still being an integral part of their look. Sure the Peter Pan outfit is enough on its own, but it’s made a whole lot more interesting with the addition of his misbehaving shadow.
The only downside is having to follow your child around for people to understand the idea. Otherwise you’re just a shadow, and we’re not sure Peter’s silhouette is recognizable enough to stand on its own. Either way, your child is sure to have a great time running around after the pictures are taken!
Blown Away Weather Woman
When it comes to dressing up as a particular profession, weather girls tend to fall under the radar. Most girls will scramble for the nurse, princess, and fairy costumes, those are the fun and glamorous ones. But who says your outfit needs to look stylish to turn heads? Sometimes comedy is your best bet. With a little creativity, your costume could be a showstopper.
We love the commitment she put into making this look authentic. It could be a perfectly calm, sunny day, but based on this picture we’d all assume there’s an incoming hurricane. Plus, this isn’t a costume that requires a lot of expensive materials. Who among us doesn’t already have a busted umbrella?
Amazon Prime
The materials for this costume should be fairly simple to find, you just need ingenuity and creativity to assemble them. We’re amazed that this person was able to turn cardboard boxes into a detailed Optimus Prime costume. Best part? No painting or colors are necessary here. You can leave the cardboard as raw as the day it was shipped.
The tape gun accessories really seal this as a super unique outfit. It doesn’t get better than this, we wouldn’t fault you for using this costume as inspiration. As amazing as this costume is, it didn’t make it to the top three at their office. It must’ve been rigged, we demand a revote!
Bear-ista
Everyone loves a good pun, especially when it comes to Halloween costumes. Using a play on words to come up with a one-of-a-kind costume is sure to be a big hit. This woman got creative and came up with her own mythical being, a furry creature that serves up hot drinks of all kinds. Introducing the the “Bearista.”
This costume does require some props. You need some fuzzy bear ears and some furry bodywear, like wristbands or a bodysuit, and don’t forget the fluffy boots. For the barista, an apron and coffee cup is needed. It’ll be a lot easier to find these things if you work at an actual coffee shop!
Pumpkin Spice Girls
Are you ready to “spice up your life,” but don’t have the time, energy, or number of friends required for a proper Spice Girls group Halloween costume? You can turn the concept of “spice girls” into a pun-based costume that’s easier to pull off, instead. No platform heels required! If you’re going for the fall theme then you really narrow down your options.
All you really need is an apron, a friend, and two spice boxes. The mini pumpkins add an extra element, making it clear that you’re everyone’s favorite coffee flavor in October. Pumpkin spice is all over the place this season, why not bring it to your Halloween party?
Bob Ross & Blank Canvas
Bob Ross, known for the classic PBS painting show bearing his name, is one of the most distinctive figures on low-budget TV. With his soothing voice, bushy beard, and a small nest of curly brown hair, usually coupled with a denim shirt and a pair of blue jeans, he’s instantly recognizable.
This is an awesome option for an original matching costume. We love that this couple decided to pay tribute to this artist by coming up with a creative couples costume based on his TV show. And who doesn’t love a throwback to a nostalgic TV show? The woman as Bob Ross’ blank canvas works perfectly. “Happy little trees,” it is!
Napoleon & Pedro
All Millennials will remember Napoleon Dynamite, the 2004 sleeper hit comedy that spawned memorable lines like “Tina! Come and eat your meatloaf,” and “Give me some of your tots!” The movie features an awkward high school student named Napoleon, who befriends a new foreign exchange student from Juarez, Mexico named Pedro.
The hilarious movie centers around the duo’s adventures as they launch an unlikely campaign for Pedro to be elected student body president. While there are many comedic moments, the friendship between Napoleon and Pedro is truly touching, making this is a great costume for a pair of close friends. Bonus points if you throw out some of the movie’s quotable lines while in costume.