53 Most Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for 2024
If you want to turn heads this fall, you’ll need to start planning your Halloween costume ideas now. Pop culture inspires many of the top costumes every year, but you can put your spin on everyday objects to showcase your creativity.
Your local craft store might become your best friend in this process. There’s no shame in rocking a pre-made costume, but if crafting is your thing then Halloween is your time to shine. Budget is always a consideration, and you might be surprised to learn that making your own Halloween costume ideas can be more cost-effective, according to Yahoo Finance.
What is traditionally the most sought-after Halloween costume? It changes every year, though some looks never go out of style. So what will be the most popular Halloween costume this year? Keep your eyes on popular TV shows and movies and of course viral moments whether from celebrities, politicians or your favorite YouTuber.
Whichever way you want to go, it’s fun to start planning ahead for creative Halloween costume ideas. Whether you’re looking to channel an icon from the past or keep things modern, this list is the perfect place to get inspired.
Jump to Section
- Adult Halloween Costume Ideas
- Group Halloween Costume Ideas
- Family Halloween Costume Ideas
- Kids’ Halloween Costume Ideas
- Halloween Costume Ideas for Teens
- Halloween Costume Ideas for Women
- Halloween Costume Ideas for Men
- Best Halloween Costume Ideas on a Budget
Adult Halloween Costume Ideas
1. Bob Ross
One of the most beloved artists of all time, known for his silly catchphrases and positive attitude, Bob Ross makes a great Halloween costume idea for adults.
An old button-down and a curly brown wig are all you need, but holding onto a paintbrush and palette won’t hurt. Don’t forget to grow or paint on a bit of a beard, too.
You can turn this into couples Halloween costumes by having the other person dress up as a nature painting thanks to quickly smearing some paint on a white or black shirt.
2. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
This star-studded film received high praise in the box office several years ago, but it also lends itself to an almost effortless Halloween costume idea for couples.
For the girls, you still get to do your hair and makeup and feel pretty, with just a few additions of red blood splatter. Your boyfriend or spouse wears a white Tee and white boxers while you rock an oversized white button-down.
Add some well-placed blood splatter on both of these dynamic duo costumes to make it look like you’ve just escaped gunfire, just like in the movie.
3. The Mask
This Jim Carrey film was a huge hit back in the day, and you’ll be recognized immediately with this Halloween costume idea for adults.
Don your brightest yellow suit and top hat (doesn’t everyone have one?) and paint your face bright green. It’s a great excuse to re-watch this ’90s film if you need a refresher on how to re-create this look.
4. Breadwinner
A funny play on words, a breadwinner is a great Halloween costume for adults. Drape a few medals around your neck and hold onto several loaves of bread. Your friends will get the message in no time.
5. Pennywise
For the lover of all things spooky, this Halloween costume idea for adults is one of the best. When the movie It came out in 2017, it was immediately popular.
This creepy clown costume involves some serious face makeup, an over-the-top outfit and maybe a wig. Save this look for an adults-only Halloween party because you could seriously scare little kids.
If you’re really into the scary clown theme, it makes for a fun Halloween party theme where everyone does their own version.
6. Naked Troll Doll
Who remembers those tiny, colorful troll dolls with hair that sticks straight up? If you can pull it off, this is a hilarious and nostalgic Halloween costume idea for adults.
For women, wearing a nude or tan bodysuit and optional tan tights is the move. You can always add a colored tutu for a bit more coverage, just make sure it’s the same color as your wig or hair spray paint. Men can do this one too, just make sure to find the right shade of tan for a t-shirt and pants.
For your hair, you can get crafty and put a plastic cup or waterbottle on the top of your head and fasten your hair on the top before applying several cans of hair spray paint. Wigs work too, and you won’t risk your hair remaining hot pink or purple for several days after the holiday.
7. Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz
This Halloween costume idea for adults is exactly what the holiday is about. A couple of classic Halloween movie characters channeled in real life.
A bold black and white striped suit and the partner wears a big, tiered red dress complete with a red veil. Don’t forget wigs for both characters to help seal the deal.
Group Halloween Costume Ideas
8. Negroni Sbagliato Prosecco
In the clip heard ‘round the world, Emma D’Arcy details her cocktail of choice: a negroni Sbagliato with prosecco. With a little bit of lead time, you can custom order or even make a trio of shirts for a cute Halloween costume idea.
Grab your two best friends and pose together with this famous Italian cocktail in hand.
9. Yellowstone
Put on your real Western gear and dress up like the characters from Yellowstone. Cowboy hats, big buckles and a country-chic dress will have you channeling Beth, Rip and John Dutton in no time.
10. Powerpuff Girls
Throwback to this colorful cartoon from your youth with a Powerpuff Girls Halloween costume idea for groups. You and your two besties can source or create a trio of colorful dresses with their signature black belt.
Fun touches like a wig or a giant bow can help you feel even more like Buttercup, Bubbles and Blossom. Need to add a fourth? Mojo Jojo is an important character, too!
11. The Wild Thornberrys
Who remembers this cartoon from back in the day? The Wild Thornberrys makes an awesome Halloween costume idea for groups. Find some fun props like a long, crimped blonde wig and a bushy orange mustache to pair with your exploration outfits.
12. Rhyme Without Reason
Rhyme without reason ideas are some of the funniest play-on-words Halloween costume ideas out there. You’ll need at least one other person to participate and dress up with you.
You’re essentially looking for two words, ideas or phrases that rhyme but have no real relation. This party idea is popular amongst Greek Life, but makes a hilarious couples' costume, too.
Things like “Golf Pro and Let It Go” — one person dresses up as a golfer and the other as Elsa the snow queen. Shrek and Star Trek could be fun, while Mr. Clean and Lightning McQueen could work for kids or adults.
13. Spice Girls
You can take this Halloween costume idea one of two ways: the music group, or a play on words. There are plenty of iconic photos of this girls group to channel with a little creative thinking.
Or, you can lean into the play on words and print out a giant label from a spice container (McCormicks is super recognizable) to wear with a group of friends. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and allspice are just as well-loved as Ginger, Sporty, Posh, Scary and Baby Spice.
Family Halloween Costume Ideas
14. Starbucks Supplies
Quite a few things go into your morning coffee run from Starbucks and dressing up like a cute half-pint of milk and a tiny pink cake pop is an adorable family Halloween costume idea.
The parents can wear all black with the classic dark green Starbucks apron, while little ones can dress up as a carton of milk, a colorful cake pop and of course a Starbucks coffee.
With a little crafting (or ordering online) a tan-colored dress with a big logo and a DIY whipped cream hat will convey your theme.
15. Cruella De Vil and the 101 Dalmatians
This beloved Disney film has become the cutest Halloween costume idea for families. Mom can dress up in black, white and red (ideally with a faux fur coat) and everyone else plays a Dalmatian puppy with floppy, spotted ears and a cute red collar.
If you need to turn this one solo, glue a bunch of stuffed animal Dalmatians to a dress or shirt/pant combo.
16. Cloud and Rainbow
Dress your little one up as the cutest rainbow while the parents are the rain clouds. Buy a clear or white umbrella and glue big poufs of cotton on it to look like a fluffy cloud for this family Halloween costume idea.
Attach a few blue cutouts of water droplets with fishing line to look like rain. The rainbow outfit is pretty easy to pull together with two cardboard cutouts attached by ribbons over the shoulders.
17. Where’s Waldo?
Everyone recognizes Waldo in his signature red and white stripes, and this makes the easiest Halloween costume idea for families.
Everyone is their own version of Waldo in a red and white striped shirt and stocking hat. You probably have most of the items you need already in your closet.
18. Farmer’s Market
With one (or both) of the parents in overalls and classic farm attire, the rest of the family can dress up as the cutest produce out there. This Halloween costume idea for families can be as easy or complex as you make it.
You can purchase pre-made tomato or carrot costumes or make your own with supplies from your local craft store. Get creative with your produce choices and make your baby into a radish or a few stalks of asparagus.
19. The Princess and the Frog
This newer Disney movie has been a hit and is sure to become a popular Halloween costume idea for families in no time. Pick and choose who wants to dress up as a princess, a frog, a knight in shining armor or maybe even Dr. Facilier with this recognizable top hat with skull and crossbones.
Kids’ Halloween Costume Ideas
20. Dinosaur Hoodie
Create an adorable Halloween costume idea for kids in just a couple of hours with super limited supplies. This dinosaur hoodie calls for your child’s hoodie of choice, some duct tape and paper and of course scissors.
The Craft Patch Blog gives an easy step-by-step guide for you to follow. The best part is you can use any color(s) of duct tape you like and when the night is over, they peel off and the hoodie is as good as new.
21. Mario & Luigi
Despite the fact that Super Mario has been around for decades, it’s still popular amongst the youngest crowd. There are so many reasonable costume sets out there, but you can always attempt to DIY it with a few trips to the craft store.
Don’t forget the big stick-on mustaches! This Halloween costume idea for kids is ideal for brothers or best friends.
22. Houseplant
Get crafty for this DIY Halloween costume idea for kids: a houseplant. Purchase a soft woven basket, the kind that’s flexible, and cut out the bottom for your little one to step into.
Fasten some suspender straps to the top of the basket with a hot glue gun to keep the basket up, then attach some faux plant leaves around the edge of the basket at different heights. You can always make the leaves out of craft paper, too.
23. Block of Cheese
This cute Halloween costume idea for kids involves another trip to the craft store. Find two large poster boards or pieces of cardboard and after cutting holes in them and painting them yellow-ish orange, attach them with ribbon straps to hang one in front and one in back.
Dress your kiddo up in a similarly hued shirt and you’ve got the cutest wedge of Swiss cheese around.
24. The Wizard of Oz
There are so many lovable characters from The Wizard of Oz that make a perfect Halloween costume idea for kids. A one-piece lion suit, a blue gingham dress with sparkly red shoes and a shiny silver suit will be recognized by everyone.
25. Mickey or Minnie Mouse
This cartoon is much older than your kids, but they still know Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Their looks are iconic and easy to find or recreate for this simple Halloween costume idea for kids.
26. Ice Cream Truck
If your kids are going to be trick or treating in a wagon, this is the cutest Halloween costume idea ever. Dress them up in little white jumpsuits with bow ties and and apron.
If you’ve got time, you can put an hour or two of crafting into creating some cardboard cutouts to transform their wagon into an ice cream truck. This tutorial can give you inspiration an a step-by-step guide.
27. T Rex
This hilarious inflatable T-Rex Halloween costume idea for kids is a classic. You’re bound to see at least one every year, but especially on a little kid there’s something so humorous about it.
Watching their little legs run in this inflatable suit is sure to bring endless entertainment. There’s an adult version too if you want a super easy family costume. It’s super affordable and easy to get on and off.
Halloween Costume Ideas for Teens
28. Taylor Swift
Beloved by almost every teen, tween (and even many adult) girls, Taylor Swift is a fun Halloween costume idea for teens. Fans love to dress up as the T. Swift “era” of their choice for her concerts, and this is perfect for trick or treating or a costume party, too.
You can dress up as Taylor herself with a wig and a stage-lookalike outfit, but your favorite era works just as well.
29. Scarecrow
A true symbol of Fall, a scarecrow can be the perfect Halloween costume idea for teens. Your teenager can wear their favorite denim jeans, shorts, skirt or overalls and a plaid shirt. A few touches of light face paint and a straw hat make the look complete.
30. Serena Williams
Dress up like the world-famous tennis player, Serena Williams. You can channel any of your favorite WTA pros, but Serena Williams has worn some pretty iconic outfits on the court.
Her controversial puffy black tutu and bodysuit make a wholesome Halloween costume idea for teen girls, with a tennis racquet as your accessory.
This idea can easily work for boys or girls by simply wearing athletic gear (shorts or a skirt) and holding a racquet.
31. Cat Burglar
Left your costume to the last minute? No problem, this Halloween costume idea for teens couldn’t be easier. Going as a cat is perhaps the simplest way to go about it, but take it a step up by dressing in black and white stripes.
Add some cat ears, drawn-on whiskers and don’t forget to carry some sort of canvas bag or pillowcase to stash your stolen treasures for this funny play on words.
32. The Main Character
Whatever the most popular TV show of the moment is, you’re sure to find inspiration for a Halloween costume idea for teens. Game of Thrones has been popular for the last few years, while cartoon characters like Rick and Morty or old-school favorites like Harry Potter get some sort of representation every year.
Check out current series based in the past like the best hip-hop 70s outfits in The Get-Down or draw inspiration from the wild semi-true story of Baby Reindeer.
33. A Cupcake
With some crafting magic, you can create this sweet Halloween costume idea for teens from scratch. Buy a couple of poster boards and paint them to look like a cupcake liner before folding them up in a zigzag formation.
Use layers of tulle to create a frosting top and add some giant sprinkles made of craft paper. Optional: a big red ball on a headband to look like a cherry.
Halloween Costume Ideas for Women
34. Mia Thermopolis From The Princess Diaries
This iconic Halloween costume idea for women will be widely recognized. The hardest part is getting your hands on an old-school Walkman or CD player.
Don a white dress of your choosing, a princess crown (and maybe even some elbow-length gloves) along with some black sunnies to disguise your identity and headphones with cords. You’ll be getting the royal treatment in no time.
35. Dionne or Cher From Clueless
This all-plaid ensemble is coming back as a cute Halloween costume idea that you could also wear for a night on the town. Choose your color scheme and channel Cher in yellow plaid or Dionne in black and white plaid with red accents. Check out a thrift store for something similar or Amazon if you want a replica.
36. Tanya From White Lotus
Yet another beloved character played by Jennifer Coolidge, Tanya is the epitome of high-maintenance vacation vibes. You might even have everything you need in your closet already.
Put on a flowy floral dress, but don’t forget a delicate shawl to drape over your neck and head. Big sunglasses, a suitcase in tow and a glass of champagne in your other hand complete this look.
37. Rosie the Riveter
Talk about an iconic image, Rosie the Riveter is the picture of a strong and confident woman. And her look is easy to re-create for a Halloween costume idea for women.
A red bandana, tied in a neat bow in the front paired with denim from head to toe is all that it takes. Don’t forget to pose by flexing your bicep.
38. Elle Woods
One of the most recognizable and beloved Halloween costume ideas for women has to be Elle Woods. A gorgeous blonde wig (or your natural locks), curled to perfection and your favorite pink dress set the base. All that’s missing is your small pup accessory — real or stuffed.
39. Britney Spears
Choose your favorite Britney look for this Halloween costume idea for women. Go the Toxic route with a giant fake snake or secure a shiny red jumpsuit to channel Britney’s Y2K performance.
You should be able to get an over-the-ear microphone online or from a costume shop to complete your look.
40. Raining Men
On the odd chance you happen to have leftover face cutouts of your husband or fiancé from your bachelorette weekend, this is the perfect Halloween costume idea for women.
Even if you don’t, you can order them from Etsy or FedEx Kinkos or print at home a few photos of your favorite male heartthrobs.
Find a cute umbrella and using ribbon or fishing line, fasten dangling face cutouts from your umbrella. Don’t forget your rain boots because it’s raining men!
Halloween Costume Ideas for Men
41. A Mime
Every year, you’re bound to see at least one mime Halloween costume idea, and that’s for good reason. It’s relatively quick and easy to pull off, and you still feel like you went all out.
A beret and a striped shirt are necessary, along with white gloves and some simple black and white face paint. Don’t forget to tie a red kerchief around your neck.
42. Don Alejandro From Legend of Zorro
This Halloween costume is all about mystery and a little bit of heroics. Dress in all black then get yourself a black cape, black flat brim hat and eye mask and of course, a toy sword.
Other than a few necessary accessories that should be pretty affordable, you can rock whatever all-black attire you want. File this under cheap and easy Halloween costume ideas for adults.
43. Men in Black
It doesn’t get much simpler than this Halloween costume idea for men modeled after the movie Men in Black. Put on your most comfortable black suit and tie, and don’t forget to wear dark sunglasses all night long.
Mystery is part of the look here! Bonus points if you have a cute pug dog who can tag along.
44. Edward Scissorhands
For the true fanatic, Edward Scissorhands is a classic and somewhat creepy Halloween costume idea for men. If you’re into DIY, you can make your own scissor hand gloves or purchase them online. Don’t forget to wear the wig and a slightly gothic outfit with lots of black leather.
45. Mail Man
Pay homage to the guy or gal who makes sure you get your Amazon packages each and every day. You can buy real UPS or USPS outfits from a uniform distributor, and this Halloween costume idea for men usually takes a humorous spin with extra shorts (optional).
Add in another element of disguise with a stick-on mustache. You can go the police officer route too.
46. Willy Wonka
Keep it light-hearted with this childhood classic Halloween costume idea for men. A purple jacket and a larger-than-life top hat are key to nailing this look.
You can go the extra mile and wear a curly wig to channel Gene Wilder, and it wouldn’t hurt to stash a few golden tickets in your pocket to hand out throughout the course of the evening.
47. A Piñata
Go the colorful (and comfortable) route with this Halloween costume idea for men. You can buy a premade option or have fun DIYing this look, starting with a colorful morph suit.
Attach multicolored ribbons or streamers in rows from top to bottom, making sure to alternate colors and include as many vibrant shades as possible.
Best Halloween Costume Ideas on a Budget
48. Tetris
This Halloween costume idea couldn’t be any easier (or more affordable!). Don an all-black outfit and use either sticky notes or take the extra time to use a paint marker and create your own makeshift Tetris board across your torso.
49. Mummy
Pulling together a mummy costume is a cheap and easy Halloween costume idea for kids or adults. Wear all white and wrap yourself in toilet paper or streamers.
Face paint is optional, but can lend itself to your “dead” appearance with a bit of white and grey coloring.
50. Bubble Tea
Dress up as your favorite refreshing drink with this affordable Halloween costume idea for women. Put on your favorite white (or light-colored) mini dress and use pins to affix black pom poms from the craft store to the bottom section of the dress.
You can reuse a paper towel center by cutting it a bit shorter and giving it a coat of paint, whatever color you want your “straw” to be. Clip it to your hair or glue it to a headband at an angle and voila! You’re a cup of bubble tea.
51. The Night Sky
This adorable Halloween costume idea comes together in no time at all and for a very low cost. Dress yourself in all black, then affix your choice of glow-in-the-dark sticky stars, giant shiny star stickers or some other craft store version like paint markets or puff paint. Optional: a headband with a shiny moon stuck to it.
52. Burger
With a tan dress (or shirt and pants) and a bit of felt from the craft store, you can embody the fan-favorite hamburger. This creative Halloween costume idea on a budget allows you to parade around in character with all the comfort of your everyday clothes.
Use felt and scissors to create layers of lettuce, tomato and maybe a slice of cheese before fastening felt sesame seeds to your top bun.
53. Safari
Chances are you might have a few items in your closet that could lend themselves to your safari-themed Halloween costume idea on a budget.
Cargo pants, khaki pants or anything Army green will look great. Some leather boots, binoculars and maybe an explorer’s hat will have you looking the part with very little cost or effort.
You’re never too old to dress up for Halloween, no matter what they say. Don’t panic when wondering how to come up with a Halloween costume idea.
There’s nothing wrong with the looks you see time and time again: they’re popular for a reason! But take a look at your favorite show or the latest viral moment from SNL or TikTok to capture a moment that everyone will recognize.
The sooner you start planning, the more time you have to get every detail right in your homemade costume. Leaving it to the last minute can leave you stressed and without many options. Last-minute shipping around Halloween is likely to result in delays, meaning an incomplete costume for you.
Get inspired and get started now with these creative Halloween costume ideas for everyone.
For even more fun Halloween ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
