There's nothing that generates quite the same amount of joy as a costume party. The opportunity to become someone you're not – someone you've always wanted to be – just for one night is undeniably desirable. Thankfully, Halloween comes around every year to curb our 'dress-up' appetite; but with so many potential costume contenders to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start.
To save you time, we've decided to do the heavy lifting for you, searching through the archives of Halloweens gone by to collate the 45 best Halloween costumes of all time – regardless of budgets and time restrictions (we all know someone who leaves it to the last minute).
From pop-culture icons, to your favourite artists of the 21st century, and of course, a touch of spooky-chic to keep you on trend, here's our list of the best, most timeless Halloween costumes that are sure to win you best dressed every year.
1. Victoria's Secret Angel
Now that the new-look Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has officially aired, there's never been a better time to unleash your inner Angel. Make like Adriana Lima, Tyra Banks, and Alex Consani in an ethereal-meets-bombshell costume this Halloween. Even better, there's arguably no easier costume to DIY: all you ened is some fierce lingerie and, of course, a pair of wings. The bigger the better, if you ask us.
2. Elisabeth Sparkle from The Substance
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Halloween is meant to be scary, and The Substance is up there with the creepiest movies we've seen this year — or ever. So we'd hazard a guess that there'll be a few iterations of Elisabeth and Sue trick or treating this spooky season. For the demure amongst us, we're obsessed with this colour-blocked coat look. Or, if you prefer to show a little more skin, why not don your favourite lycra leotard? Decaying limbs and vial of The Substance optional.
3. Chappell Roan
Obviously the costume of the year is going to be breakout superstar Chappell Roan, who has a plethora of signature looks to pull from. Of course, there's her Midwest Princess album cover look that has become so instantly recognisable. Perhaps her smoking statue of liberty from this year's Gov Ball? Or her butterfly look (crafted by Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy) that was donned for Coachella? Or maybe her MTV VMAs Joan of Arc get-up? Chappell's world is your oyster.
4. Sabrina Carpenter
This year also belongs to one Sabrina Carpenter, whose signature heart-shaped cut-out tour looks, lacy garters and matching knee-high Go-Go boots have become a uniform of sorts as she toured her new Short 'n' Sweet tunes. We'd say it's pretty imperative to get your golden locks and curtain bangs in good order to nail this look – and perhaps try out one of Sabrina's signature beauty looks?
5. Charli XCX
It's official: brat summer is extending into Australian spring – and honestly, Charli XCX has truly dominated this year's soundtrack with her latest album. We'd be channelling her Sweat tour get-up, a look that will leave no one guessing what colour your underwear are... Even better, make this a couple's costume by phoning a friend to dress as fellow pop star and Charli's BFF, Troye Sivan.
6. Carmy and Syd from The Bear
Channel Carmy from The Bear this Halloween with his signature white tee, tattooed arms, and that messy, stressed-out chef vibe. Just don't forget the apron and an intense need for perfection – you're cooking up more than just a look.
7. Raygun
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Suit up as Raygun from the Olympics this Halloween, rocking her bold, retro-inspired athletic gear in the green-and-gold. Top it off with vintage sneakers and a few questionable dance moves.
8. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
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The internet has become obsessed with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – in particular, trying to recreate their iconic Thunderstruck routine online. But if you're game (and flexible), we'd suggest donning their signature uniform, a high pony, and attempt some of those kicks.
9. The Matildas
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Also in the sporting world are the iconic Matildas, who are still repping the green-and-gold kits abroad. Whether donning a Sam Kerr low-ponytail or a signature hair ribbon like Hayley Raso, you won't be fielding any questions about who you're dressed up as.
10. Beetlejuice and Lydia
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Now that Tim Burton's Beetlejuice sequel has hit cinemas, it's likely we'll be seeing plenty of Lydias and Beetlejuices this spooky season. One of film history's most bizarre unions, Beetlejuice and Lydia is always a crowd-pleasing costume idea – from Bella Hadid and The Weeknd to Devon Ross.
11. Bella from Poor Things
Arguably this year's best-dressed film character was Bella, from Yorgos Lanthimos' Oscar-winning film, Poor Things. A great excuse to act like an adult baby all night, and don the puff-sleeve of your dreams.
12. Emily in Paris
An excuse to don your most garish assortments – topped, of course, with a patterned beret – in the name of Halloween. Depending on who you ask, Emily is a style icon of sorts. And she's definitely had a mega year on screen.
13. Challengers
Name a more iconic film from this year... we'll wait. Whether you'll be donning the J.W. Anderson 'I TOLD YA SO' tee, or grabbing two friends to recreate this iconic bedroom scene, there are so many iconic movie moments and looks to channel.
14. Saltburn
I know it came out yonks ago, but Saltburn was released after last year's Halloween, so we really are due for some stag-horned men and ballgown-ed women.
15. Margot Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenenbaums
Written into Halloween costume folklore, Wes Anderson's Margot Tenenbaum is a costume adored by fashion darlings and indie cinema buffs alike.
16. Hocus Pocus
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There's something so classically Halloween about the Hocus Pocus film (and it's 2022 sequel), that it will just never grow old as a costume idea. Take cues from the Riverdale girls, who donned the leading trio's looks themselves.
17. Morticia and Gomez
Classic, chic and absolutely theme appropriate; you can never go wrong with an homage to Halloween's resident family, The Addams Family. The perfect solution to couples dressing, pull out your best black gown and pinstripe suit for a look that will never fail to impress.
18. Bring It On
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Certainly, dressing up as a cheerleader for Halloween may seem like an obvious choice, but this seemingly simple costume leaves a lot of opportunity to get creative. Take inspiration from your favourite cheer-icons and take your costume to the next level with a perfectly rehearsed routine for the final touch.
19. Marilyn Monroe
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A women who lived life like every day was a dress-up party, Marilyn Monroe is a fool-proof option for any Halloween celebration. There's never an inappropriate time to pop on a gorgeous blonde wig and an elaborate diamond necklace.
20. The Flintstones
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An iconic TV reference, step back in time and give The Flintstones a modern twist with a playful rendition of the show's signature fashion style. Bone chain belt and all.
19. Beyoncé and Jay-Z
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The Queen B and Jay-Z – a Halloween costume that will turn heads and is incredibly simple to recreate. Especially this matching suit moment, which we are absolutely loving by the way.
21. Cher and Dionne from Clueless
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For a Halloween outfit you can pull together without a second thought, you can't look past the 90s duo that is Cher and Dionne from Clueless.
22. Off-duty Princess Diana
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Bike shorts, oversized jumpers and chunky sneakers – the unofficial uniform of 2020. Now, it's time to turn your WFH look into a Halloween costume, following Hailey Bieber's footsteps and taking ultimate style lessons from Princess Diana.
23. Rock 'n' Roll legends
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If you're in the mood for a family affair, a throng of musical icons isn't a bad place to start. From Joan Jett to David Bowie, there's no limit on the combinations.
24. Elvira from Scarface
There are few silver screen characters more iconic than Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Scarface. And all you need is a long blue dress and a blonde bob wig – et voila!
25. Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's
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A black dress, tiara and croissant in hand – Holly Golightly from Audrey Hepburn's iconic film, Breakfast at Tiffany's is exactly who we want to be for Halloween this year.
26. Frankenstein's Bride
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Frankenstein has had enough time on the Halloween stage, it's time to make way for his bride.
27. The Modern Vampire
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If you've ever wanted to go to a Halloween party dressed in your pyjamas, here's your chance. This modern take on the classic vampire is perfect for party-goers who want to slap a costume together on the day.
28. Marie Antoinette
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Do you take Halloween pretty seriously? Here's your time to shine, with an elaborate Marie Antoinette costume that could see you take Kirsten Dunst's place in Sofia Copolla's 2006 film.
29. Leeloo from the Fifth Element
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The space angel of our dreams.
30. Catwoman
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An all black outfit, cat ears and a strong red lip are all you need to recreate Catwoman's signature outfit this Halloween.
31. FemBot and Austin Powers
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Halloween is definitely the chance to go all out on pink feathers and matching silk gloves, courtesy of the Austin Powers character, FemBot.
32. Game of Thrones
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One of the most divisive series in television show history, one thing we can all certainly agree on is that the characters in Game of Thrones make for great Halloween inspiration.
33. The Mask
We'll admit, this one requires a lot of commitment, but there's something so playful about Gigi Hadid's modern iteration of The Mask.
34. Jessica Rabbit
A regular appearance during Halloween, Jessica Rabbit is one of animations most memorable characters and she certainly makes for a great costume.
35. Forest Fairy
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If you're wanting to make an impact this Halloween, upgrade your childhood Tinkerbell costume with this fashion-forward approach to a forest fairy. Don't hold back on the glitter.
36. Cavewoman
Get in touch with your primal side.
37. Gogo Yubari from Kill Bill: Vol 1
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Make like Megan Fox and MGK and take the punny root with your Halloween costume this year.
38. Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie's glam rock alter ego is a timeless Halloween costume to turn to, for those who already own a blue pantsuit and have a penchant for punchy eye makeup.
39. Greta Gerwig's Barbie
We've seen many iterations of Barbie (and Ken) in recent years, as portrayed by Margot Robbie (and Ryan Gosling), in Greta Gerwig's hit film. If you're searching for some pieces to complete your look, this Vintage Aromenia swimsuit or Amelie George Faux Coat from Depop will definitely do the trick.
40. The Guccis
For those of us who, due to capacity restrictions when the film came out back in 2021, were not able to dress in their House of Gucci fantasies as planned.
41. Elvis and Priscilla Presley
Take a leaf out of Jacob Elordi and Kaia Gerber's book and dress up as the royal couple of rock'n'roll themselves. If Austin Butler and Olivia de Jonge's portrayal in last year's Baz Luhrmann film wasn't enough, Sofia Coppola's newly released Priscilla should provide apt inspiration.
42. Suzy Bishop (Moonrise Kingdom)
Another beloved Wes Anderson character and go-to Halloween costume for anyone with an affinity for 1960s style.
43. Harry Styles
Now this one does require some creativity. Our advice is to get crafty and stitch or sew some metallic fabric on a thrifted jumpsuit, and amp up your HS attitude to compensate for the home made costume. A+ for effort – you'll be the talk of the party.
44. Cher
You can never go wrong with dressing up as Cher.
45. Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries
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Lean into the Y2K craze by recreating the iconic Princess Diaries movie poster as Mia Thermopolis.
46. Britney Spears
Sure, her ...Baby One More Time school-girl look is iconic. But this year, we're channeling this red lycra one-piece from Oops!… I did it again.
47. Pearl
For the scary-movie dressers, Mia Goth's Pearl is our scream queen icon for 2023.
48. Ladybird
The girls who get it, get it. Indie movie fans shouldn't overlook the iconic pink cast and home-died hair of Ladybird.
49. Baz Luhrmann's Juliet
There might never be a more ethereal presence on-screen like Clare Danes' Juliet in this Baz Luhrmann adaptation.
50. Fleabag and Hot Priest
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Probably the coolest couple costume we can think of, make like Daisy and Paul and channel our favourite on-screen star-crossed lovers from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's beloved TV series Fleabag.
51. The Shining twins
When in doubt on Halloween, nothing really trumps referencing a horror genre classic like The Shining, à la Emma Chamberlain and then-boyfriend Role Model. Just make sure you have a friend to join you for this one.
52. Envy Adams from Scott Pilgram
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There's something a little more fun about dressing up as a side-character. Move over Ramona Flowers, its the year of Envy Adams – just make sure Black Sheep is on the party playlist for 2023.
Want more Halloween costume ideas? Check out the best Halloween costume for your Zodiac sign, or get inspiration from some of our favourite celebrity Halloween costumes. If dressing up isn't your thing, why not peruse a list of our favourite spooky films to honour the holiday?
