If you’re anything like us, picking your Halloween costume every year is a stressful task. Do you go ultra-niche and risk everyone missing the reference? Maybe something super trendy, but which pop culture moment is the best? Or what if you went with something classic, but it’s too basic? The choices are paralyzing.
Whether you’re aiming for something sexy and daring or would rather have an outfit that’s cutesy and demure, the most important part of Halloween shopping is to have fun and find something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. But with endless scrolling and store visits, sometimes it’s hard to choose what exactly that outfit is. The key to picking the right costume? Don’t overthink it.
There are ways to make even the most classic Halloween costumes unique. “You can make any costume your own by showing your personality through how you accessorize it and through hair and makeup,” says Erika Soto, Boohoo senior brand executive.
To eliminate the stress, we’ve compiled a list of iconic Halloween costumes that will never go out of style, no matter how popular. Read on below for inspiration, but be warned, you may have to get your credit card ready.
Witch
It doesn’t get more classic than the tried-and-true witch costume. To give this iconic fit some creative touches, pairing with horns instead of a tall hat—á la the Maleficent look—or deck out your witches hat with gold spray paint and glitter glue. Truly, a good witch costume never gets old, so grab your besties and give yourselves a little Hocus Pocus makeover for your next party.
Anything Britney Spears
Hit me baby one more time… because a Brittney Spears-inspired costume will never cease to turn heads. As simple as it may seem, every pop culture lover will instantly recognize the eras of this queen. Our personal favorite? The iconic red jumpsuit from Britney’s Oops!…I Did It Again music video.
Classic Cowgirl
I bet you have a pair of cowboy boots in your closet right now, so why not wear them on Halloween, too? Western style has been all-the-rage this past year, which is why a cowgirl costume is the perfect choice for all your Halloween festivities. Not to mention, you can style this ensemble to give a modern nod – Cowboy Carter, anyone?
Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’
Whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed—and the same goes for anyone who thinks a Legally Blonde costume is overdone. This costume is as easy as it is classic. Simply take any pink dress from your closet, a blonde wig, and a tiny little handbag, and voilà! You’re transformed into our girl Elle Woods. Bonus points if you add a tiny dog to your purse as well.
Cheerleader
A cheerleader is the most iconic costume you can wear, and it doesn’t get more quintessential than a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader! After binge-watching the documentary on Netflix, we’re ready to get our Thunderstruck routine down and our splits perfected. The key to this look? It’s all about the hair. Make sure you style your locks with lots of volume or opt for a show-stopper wig to nail this costume.
Taylor Swift Eras
Taylor Swift has been a classic costume for years, especially her iconic ensemble in the “22” music video. And now, with the popularity of the Eras Tour, we’re bound to see lots of renditions on the streets on Halloween weekend. Get creative with your Swiftie era and opt for a more niche Taylor. From her new Kansas City Chiefs era to the “Fortnight” music video, you really have endless options to choose from.
Vampire
For the girl who wants something simple and sophisticated, a vampire is the perfect costume. It doesn’t take much to get the look, just an all-black ensemble, a smokey eye, a bold red lip and you’re set! For the girlies who like a little gore, add some fake blood tastefully dripping from your lips to really seal the deal.
Tennis Player
We’ll take any excuse to wear a tennis skirt. Channel your inner Serena Williams and dress up like your favorite tennis pro for a look that’s not only classic but comfy. We bet you have most of the apparel in your closet, too. Grab your pleated skirt, V-neck sweater, and polo tee. But if you really want to go the extra mile, try one of Williams’s most iconic on-court looks with a pleated denim skirt. Game, set, match!
Beetlejuice
Get spooky and embrace your inner Betelgeuse—or Lydia Deetz in her iconic red dress, whichever floats your boat. You can’t go wrong with a Beetlejuice reference, and movie buffs will know exactly the energy you’re conjuring up. If you love the quintessential black and white striped suit, try adding a ghoulish green wig, like the IRL Wig from The Wig Company, to really bring the character to life.
All About Barbie
It’s time to make your plastic fantasy dreams a reality. There are so many ways to dress up as Barbie for Halloween. To recreate the adorable pink jumpsuit from the movie á la Margot Robbie, wear a vintage chevron striped swimsuit, or simply throw on a pink dress and every matching accessory you have. The choices are limitless, and people will be greeting you with “Hi, Barbie!” no matter which fit you choose.
Fierce Feline
Whether you want to feel like a complete baddie or just want to throw on a pair of kitten ears for your office party, a cat-like costume is never a bad choice. This fit is what you make it, so if you want to go all-out, the key is to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Get yourself a pair of long, sharp claws (Glamnetics press-on nails are a savior for this one), put on your most flattering all-black bodysuit, and plop on some adorable cat ears to complete the look – and feel like a hottie, of course.
Superhero Chic
From Wonder Woman to Mrs. Incredible, there are so many timeless superheroes to choose from for your next Halloween party. These costumes have been a staple for decades now, so there are plenty of places to get your capes and bodysuits – and with endless options to choose from, you can really mix and match accessories to make your costume truly unique.