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With Halloween coming up, I have a lot of ideas, so I thought I’d share some inspiration!
Disclaimer: these costumes are for the girls and the gays. <3 sorry boys
✦ Witch
My grandma was a witch every year, so this one always reminds me of her. She’d wear a flowy black outfit and a witch hat and keep it super chic and simple. It’s a classic (maybe a little bit of a cop-out), but it’s easy and timeless, so I had to include it.
✦ Devil
Another classic. I like when people make this one cute, not scary.
Red Devil Bonnet (Etsy, this one is expensive but lots of cheaper options)
✦ Ghost
You can’t go wrong with a tablecloth ghost, but I also love a more elevated version too with sheer veil, white dress, and a little lace.
✦ Government Shutdown
A little conceptual, but funny. Dress as the Statue of Liberty or the Abe Lincoln, then add a “Closed” sign.
✦ Showgirl
Feels obvious but deserves a spot. A quick ThredUp search will get you hundreds of sparkly orange dresses. Add teal jewelry, a feather headpiece, and you’re done.
Orange Dress ideas (ThreadUp) | Orange Feather Head Band (Amazon) | Teal Feather Boa (Amazon) | Teal Earrings (Amazon)
✦ Labubu
Very 2025. All you really need is a fuzzy hoodie with ears - maybe add makeup if you want to go full Labubu. If you don’t know what Labubu is, Gen Alpha and TikTok definitely do. NPR has a great piece on their origins.
Official Labubu Costume (Dollskill, pricey) | Pink Sweater Ideas (ThredUp) | Ears (Amazon) | Vampire Teeth (Amazon)
✦ Chappell Roan The Giver
From her single “The Giver”, the cunty construction worker look.
✦ Miley Cyrus Can’t Be Tamed
I saw someone on TikTok do this and it was so good. Just lots of black, belts, and a studded jacket. Super easy and a fun throwback.
✦ Shrek Fairy Godmother and Price Charming
Would make a hilarious duo or solo costume. You’ll need a red dress, wand, and sassy little glasses. A purple wig if you’re going all out, or just slick your hair back and call it good.
Red Dress Ideas (ThredUp) | Glasses (Amazon) | Wings/Wand (Amazon)
✦ Freaky Friday Trio
A 2000s classic. Especially timely with the sequel coming out. Great group costume, easy to thrift together.
This is a great DIY!
✦ Grey Gardens
My college roommate and I did this one: Little Edie and Big Edie from the Grey Gardens documentary. So weird, so funny, so easy to make from whatever’s in your closet.
Credit to this blogger who shared her costume ideas for this one!
✦ Moth
For my DIY friends and way cuter than a butterfly IMO. You just need a cute dress and some handmade wings. Could even work as a couple’s costume (“moth to a lamp”).
✦ Dalmatian
If you own anything black and white polka dots, this one’s easy. Add ears and you’re done. Make it a couple’s look with a firefighter.
Polka Dot Dress Ideas (ThreadUp) | Ears (Etsy)
✦ Venus Fly Trap
Another fun DIY. My mother-in-law once made this for Riley’s brother as a kid, and it was so cute (pic below). The headpiece is the tricky part, but you can simplify it with pink and green clothing and some good makeup.
✦ Joan of Arc
This is super on trend this year. Pair a chainmail veil and sword with a white skirt or grey dress.
✦ Alien / Space Girl
I love an alien costume and I’ve done it a few times. My favorite way to make it cute is with a mod 60s vibe with metallics, big lashes, and a fun wig. Silver is classic, but neons or holographic make it feel more playful.
✦ Roadkill
I think this one is so funny. Combine faux fur or animal print with distressed clothes and messy hair. Smudge on some eyeliner tire marks or leaves for drama. Morbid, but in a hot way.
✦ Party animal
This one’s always good. Mix any animal print you own with a party hat and you’re done. Add some glitter makeup or a boa to sell it. Easy, silly, and always a crowd favorite.