If Halloween is creeping up and you havenât already picked out your costume, take inspiration from some of your favorite movie and TV characters during the spooky season. From Wednesday Addams to Harley Quinn, these looks take mere minutes to put together â and you can probably use whatâs in your closet!
Throw on an animal print shirt and flower crown and call yourself Carole Baskin for the night, or transform into Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders by simply wearing a dark suit and a tweed hat. In need of an easy-to-make group costume idea? Consider dressing as players from Netflixâs Squid Game (you only need a green tracksuit) or Minions from Despicable Me (grab a yellow shirt and jeans).
Keep scrolling for easy Halloween costume ideas inspired by movie and TV characters.
Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30
From Ariana Grande â who paid homage on The Voice in 2021 â to Christa B. Allen, celebrities have dressed as Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) from 13 Going on 30 for various occasions. If you, too, want to tap into your inner âfabuloso,â it couldnât be easier. Recreate Garnerâs look during the âThrillerâ dance scene from the 2004 flick with a colorful patterned dress, butterfly necklace, pink purse and an aughts-inspired updo, and youâll find yourself âflirty and thrivingâ for Halloween.
Kim Possible from Kim Possible
If youâre dressing as Kim Possible for Halloween, you may have most of what you need in your closet. Start with a black long-sleeve top and green cargo pants, and add a pair of black boots for footwear. To complete the look, grab a brown utility belt and a pair of gray leather gloves.
Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo
Jeepers! Make like Sarah Michelle Gellar and dress as Daphne Blake from 2002âs Scooby-Doo. For this classic pop culture-inspired costume, youâll need a purple dress, a green neckerchief and a red wig. Donât forget the purple heels and a matching headband.
Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead
Fans of The Walking Dead can portray Andrew Lincolnâs Rick Grimes by wearing his sheriff uniform. A two-tone uniform shirt (or a beige short-sleeve shirt already in your closet) and black pants are all you need to pull this look off. For extra effect, top it off with a western hat, gun belt and badge.
Harley Quinn from The Suicide Squad
According to Uproxx, Margot Robbieâs Harley Quinn from The Suicide Squad was the most-Googled Halloween costume of 2016, and it still has longevity years later. First, team the iconic âDaddyâs âLil Monsterâ shirt with shorts or pants. Next, tie your hair â or a blonde wig â into two pigtails and color the ends with wash-out pink and blue hair dye. For makeup, get creative with pink and blue eyeshadow and red lipstick.
Joker from Joker
Another classic Halloween costume with plenty of room for creativity is the infamous evil clown, Joker (Joaquin Phoenix). Grab some face paint to create the characterâs signature white face, black eyes and bloody smile, and color your hair green with wash-out spray. For clothing, opt for a vibrant purple or any brightly colored suit.
Moana from Moana
To bring a little paradise into your Halloween costume, consider transforming into Moana from the 2016 Disney animated movie of the same name. Go down the DIY route by styling a neutral-colored skirt with a red top and a flower crown.
Thomas âTommyâ Shelby from Peaky Blinders
Dig out your best formalwear to channel Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) â think a wool suit, dress shoes and, of course, a tweed hat â and youâve got the perfect Peaky Blinders costume.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
A great DIY costume for brunettes, a Wednesday Addams-inspired look takes no time at all to put together. Grab a black dress (bonus if it has a Peter Pan collar) and black pantyhose, braid your hair into two plaits and apply some dark lipstick.
Dionne Davenport from Clueless
As if youâre back in â95, transforming into fashionista Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash) from Clueless is as easy as using a few items already in your closet. Pair a black-and-white plaid skirt or jacket from your closet with a red sweater and a statement hat.
TâChalla (a.k.a. Black Panther) from Black Panther
All you need to channel TâChalla as Black Panther (played by the late Chadwick Boseman) from 2018âs Black Panther is a black bodysuit (or a long-sleeve shirt and pants), black gloves and a silver statement necklace.
Olive Penderghast from Easy A
This Easy A (2010) costume inspired by Emma Stoneâs Olive Penderghast is simple to pull off. Style a black corset top with black skinny jeans and accessorize with pearl necklaces and black sunglasses. Donât forget to add a scarlet âAâ to your top!
Lara Croft from Tomb Raider
Morph into Alicia Vikanderâs Lara Croft with a simple green tank top and green or black pants paired with chunky combat boots. Pull your hair into a low pony to complete the look.
Regina George from Mean Girls
If you love the 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls, there are several ways to go about a Regina George (Rachel McAdams) costume â whether itâs the Winter Talent Show outfit or the cafeteria get-up. Perhaps the most iconic of looks is Georgeâs pink outfit. To pull this off yourself, pair the characterâs âa little bit dramaticâ tank top with a black mini skirt and pink cardigan.
Karen Smith from Mean Girls
You wanna do something fun? Go as another iconic Mean Girls pick, Karen Smith (Amanda Seyfried). Channel your inner mouse (duh!) with a pair of mouse ears and pin a tail to a black minidress.
Edward Cullen from Twilight
There is never a wrong time to sink your teeth into an Edward Cullen-inspired costume. To transform into the teenage vampire (played by Pattinson) from the Twilight movie franchise, youâll need jeans, a blue dress shirt and a pea coat. Add gold-hued contact lenses to complete the look, and if itâs a particularly sunny day, donât forget to add some body glitter.
Jennifer Check from Jenniferâs Body
Find inspiration from Megan Fox and dress as Jennifer Check from the 2009 cult-favorite film Jenniferâs Body for Halloween. Before you walk out the door, throw on a pink velour jacket, jeans, wedges and heart-shaped earrings.
Robin Buckley from Stranger Things
Robin Buckleyâs (Maya Hawke) Scoops Ahoy uniform has become synonymous with her adventurous character from Stranger Things. Put on a blue sailor top, blue shorts, knee-high socks and a pair of red Converse â and donât forget your name tag!
Cruella de Vil from Cruella
Want to portray a classic Disney villain? A black faux leather pantsuit, sharp eyebrows and a bold red lip are the basis of Stoneâs Cruella de Vil, but itâs the two-toned wig that really makes a splash.
Rick from Rick and Morty
Get ready for many intergalactic adventures and turn yourself into Rick from Rick and Morty. For this costume, youâll need a blue T-shirt, a scientist lab coat and a spiky pastel blue wig.
Harry Potter from the Harry Potter movie series
Grab your letter from Hogwarts and portray Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) for Halloween. Youâll need round glasses, a wand and a Gryffindor scarf for this costume. Plus, you can draw a scar on your forehead using a black eyeliner pencil too!
Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movie series
Need a Dumbledore (the late Sir Michael Gambon) to your Harry Potter? Grab a long purple-hued cloak, long white beard and pair of glasses to execute the look.
Cassie Howard from Euphoria
HBOâs Euphoria has given viewers plenty of Halloween costume inspiration, but we are partial to Cassie Howardâs (Sydney Sweeney) school outfit on the third episode of season 2. Tie your hair in a high ponytail, but leave a few pieces loose in the front. Then, secure a few elastics down your hair to create a âbubbleâ effect. Throw on a blue wrap-front top and carry a pink purse to complete the costume.
Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries
To channel a pre-makeover Princess of Genovia (Anne Hathaway) from 2001âs The Princess Diaries, go for a classic Grove High School uniform: a blue plaid skirt, blue blouse and black blazer jacket. As for the accessories, youâll need black knee-high socks, flat shoes and a tie.
Ted Lasso from Ted Lasso
If youâre a soccer fan, consider dressing up as Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) from the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series of the same name. For this super simple costume, team a blue-and-red athletic jacket with track pants, a visor and, of course, a fake mustache. Bonus points if itâs real.
Margot Robbieâs Barbie from Barbie
Bring the retro vibes into your Halloween costume, inspired by Robbieâs portrayal of Barbie from the 2023 Greta Gerwig-directed film. Youâll need to layer a patterned leotard over a pair of neon pink bike shorts and accessorize with neon earrings and a bold visor. Donât forget your neon yellow rollerblades!
Maverick from Top Gun: Maverick
To pull off a Top Gun: Maverick costume, pair a green boiler suit with combat boots, dog tags and aviator sunglasses Ă la Tom Cruiseâs Pete Mitchell from the movie franchise.
Joe Exotic from Tiger King
Take it back to 2020 with a Joe Exotic (a.k.a. Tiger King) Halloween costume. All you need is a tiger-print shirt, a blonde wig, a mustache and clip-on earrings.
Carole Baskin from Tiger King
Calling all cool cats and kittens! If youâd like to dress as Baskin for Halloween, pair a tiger-print top with jeans, printed sneakers and a dramatic flower crown.
Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision
Unleash your inner superhero with a Scarlet Witch costume. Youâll need a red leotard, cape, go-go boots and Wanda Maximoffâs (Elizabeth Olsen) signature headpiece from the Disney+ series. Leave your hair natural, or rock a short red wig to complete the look.
Lady Bird from Lady Bird
For another easy Halloween get-up, consider dressing as Saoirse Ronanâs titular character in Lady Bird. Youâll need a white polo top, a sweater vest and a short pleated skirt. The focal point of your costume should be a pink arm cast like Ronan wore in the 2017 coming-of-age film, which you can recreate with pink athletic tape.
Joe from You
For a costume that takes no more than 30 seconds to perfect, simply place a dark cap on your head, throw on a matching jacket and walk around with a longing look on your face. Youâll immediately mirror Joe (Penn Badgley) from You.
A player from Squid Game
Dress as a player from Squid Game by throwing on a green tracksuit and wearing a sticker with your favorite number.
The doll from Squid Game
It may look super sweet, but if youâve seen Squid Game on Netflix, you know differently. To achieve this look, layer an orange dress over a yellow blouse and complete the outfit with knee-high socks and flat black ballet pumps.
Danny Zuko from Grease
Have everyone asking, âTell me more,â when you don a white T-shirt, a leather jacket and slicked-back hair like Greaseâs Danny Zuko (John Travolta) from the 1978 musical film.
Sandy Olsson from Grease
Honor the late Olivia Newton-Johnâs Sandy Olsson at the start of Grease and wear a long yellow skirt and white blouse. Donât forget to carry around a binder too.
âBadâ Sandy from Grease
Alternatively, dress up as Sandy at the end of Grease. For this look, we suggest a black Bardot bodysuit, leather pants and a pair of red heels. Finish off the costume with a curly blonde wig and bold red lip.
Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington from 1993âs The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic spooky season get-up. To dress as the Tim Burton-animated character, grab a pinstripe suit and bowtie. You can also purchase a skeleton mask or get creative with white and black face paint.
Elastigirl from the Incredibles movie franchise
To transform into Elastigirl (like Katy Perry recreated for Disney night on American Idol in 2023) from the Incredibles film series, a red catsuit, black boots and black eye mask are all you need. Unlike most superhero costumes, this heroineâs look doesnât require a cape!
Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus
To portray the witch and one-third of the Sanderson sisters, Winifred Sanderson (Bette Midler), from the Hocus Pocus movies, use items already available in your closet. All you need is a green dress, purple pantyhose and Winnieâs staple red lip.
Drea from Do Revenge
The costumes from Netflixâs 2022 dark comedy Do Revenge were inspired by iconic teen movies, which makes one of the outfits a great choice on Halloween. Perhaps the most standout look is Dreaâs (Camila Mendes) lilac crop top, yellow tennis skirt and yellow headband.
Daenerys from Game of Thrones
Look no further than Emilia Clarkeâs Daenerys from Game of Thrones for another easy Halloween costume idea. Recreate her season 1 look with a gray chiffon dress and long blonde wig.
Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
Get inspired by Harry Stylesâ âHarryweenâ look from 2021 and dress up as Dorothy (Judy Garland) from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. For the costume, wear a blue gingham pinafore dress, blue socks and ruby red slippers. To complete the ensemble, braid your hair into two plaits and tie them with baby blue bows at the ends.
Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanyâs
To channel Audrey Hepburnâs Holly Golightly in the 1961 rom-com Breakfast at Tiffanyâs, opt for a long black gown, black satin gloves, pearl necklace and sleek updo.
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
For fans of the Legally Blonde movie series, an Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) costume is a must. No matter what you wear, go pink from head to toe and rock a stylish 2000s blowout. What, like itâs hard?
Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby
An impressive Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) costume inspired by the 2013 film adaptation The Great Gatsby consists of a suit (white, tan or black), tie and cane. So easy!
Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby
Sparkle and shine as Carey Mulliganâs Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. Pair a flapper-style dress with metallic heels, a blonde flapper wig and plenty of opulent accessories.
Donna Sheridan from Mamma Mia!
A true icon, unleash your inner Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) from 2008âs Mamma Mia! and wear a white blouse, black overalls and neutral-hued canvas shoes. Accessorize with gold rings and wear your hair in loose waves.
Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl
To create Blair Waldorfâs (Leighton Meester) school uniform from Gossip Girl, youâll need a black pleated skirt, a white blouse and a black necktie. Donât forget to throw on your best headband too!
Jughead Jones from Riverdale
Transforming into Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) is an ideal last-minute and cost-effective costume for all Riverdale fans. Grab your favorite jeans, T-shirt and jacket, and pop on a beanie hat.
Minion from the Despicable Me movie franchise
To DIY a Minion costume, youâll need blue denim and a yellow T-shirt. For your face, get creative and use face paint or accessorize with a yellow beanie hat and round glasses.
Elsa from the Frozen movie franchise
Ideal for kids and adults alike, transform into Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) from the Frozen film franchise with a sparkly blue dress and long blonde braided wig.
The Grady Twins from The Shining
For the perfect duo costume, dress as the creepy Grady Twins from the 1980 horror flick The Shining. All you need are two blue baby-doll-style dresses, white socks, black shoes and pink ribbons tied at your waists.
Lizzie McGuire from The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Be inspired by Lizzie McGuireâs (Hilary Duff) whirlwind trip to Rome in the 2003 Disney flick The Lizzie McGuire Movie. For Lizzie, youâll need a purple ensemble, complete with pants, a top and a jacket. If youâd rather be Isabella (also portrayed by Duff), switch the pants for a skirt and grab everything in green.
Janine from Abbott Elementary
Dress to impress this Halloween as everyoneâs favorite second-grade teacher on TV. Abbott Elementaryâs Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) has plenty of iconic outfits to pick from; however, you can keep it chic and simple with a green turtleneck, patterned maxi skirt, gold hoop earrings and, of course, you canât forget her badge holder!
Elphaba from Wicked
Becoming a wicked witch is easier than it looks. To do Wickedâs Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo in the 2024 adaptation) justice, youâll want to commit to tons of green face paint (and a little extra for your hands). Once done, complete the ensemble with a black dress, a crooked broomstick and a black hat and boots.
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