84 Creative Halloween Costumes for Women That Will Help You Win Fright Night

You know the drill. The temps start to drop, the light gets shorter, leaves change color. Gourds appear. And then, you blink and Halloween is here. Meaning it’s time to start plotting what cute, silly or spooky costume you’ll be wearing. Not to mention coordinating group Halloween costumes for the entire crew. And whether you decide to hit the streets or stay in your yard (stocked with treats, of course—including plenty of nut-free Halloween candy), you want to make sure your costume is ultra-Instagramable.

From iconic Halloween movies like Freddy Krueger and spooky icons like Wednesday Addams and Beetlejuice to pop culture icons like Elle Woods, Ariana Grande and Frida Kahlo, here are 84 creative Halloween costumes for women that you’re sure to rock on October 31.

“Given that I've been compared to Wednesday Addams my whole life, it was only a matter of time before I embraced her gloomy braided pigtail look for Halloween,” says PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida. “I was admittedly a little low-effort with my outfit, choosing a collared sweater and mini skirt I already had in my closet, but I did play up her sullen vibes by putting black and gray eyeshadow all around my eyes. I matched my look with my friends and their new baby, who all rounded out the Addams Family Values ensemble—we were just missing a Pugsley.” If your wardrobe is made up of mostly black (guilty), this one should be a piece of cake. *Dark jokes, braids and resting bitch face not optional.*

Shop similar styles: Crazy Grid Blazer ($50; $45); Dresstells Pleated Skirt ($33); G&Y Black Tights ($8)

One of the year's most talked-about films has been Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, with Anne Hathaway starring as the long-suffering, oppressed and overlooked wife of the titular hero. All you need for this costume is a flowing Grecian goddess gown, and a bow and arrow to hand to all your suitors.

Shop similar styles: Grecian Gown ($53); Bow and Arrow Set ($27)

“A Disney princess is one of the most classic Halloween costumes for women, so last year I dressed up as the live action Ariel (played by Halle Bailey),” says former PureWow Beauty & Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, who is obsessed with Halloween. “I skipped going to a costume store and just whipped up a comfy outfit with items I got straight from Amazon. As long as you’re rocking red hair and her signature colors (purple and green) then you’re all set.”

Shop similar styles: Wavy Red Wig ($20); Quince Aubergine Silk Blouse ($80); Quince Forest Green Silk Skirt ($80)

House of the Dragon just wrapped its third season, and given its popularity, you could choose any character from the series and people will likely get the reference. In the past, Candelario has dressed up as Aemond Targaryen, whose unmistakable eye patch and mop of blond hair make him easy to spot in a crowd.

Shop similar styles: Leather Eye Patch ($14); Straight Blond Wig ($23)

"The fur coat. The Birkin bag. Lacoste tennis dress. A straight bob and red barrette. Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums will always live rent-free in my mind," Wu says. You may have to opt for a Birkin bag lookalike, but otherwise, with a good dose of ennui, you’ll nail the character. 

Shop similar styles: Flygo Faux Fur Coat ($92); Reformation Ani Loafer ($268)

“I was Laurie Hernandez back in college, and I even went as far as bedazzling a whole leotard,” Candelario says. “I was committed to channeling my inner Olympian (even if I can't perform an impressive dismount).” And lucky for us, the brand worn by the likes of Hernandez and Simone Biles is available on Amazon. If winter sports are more your speed, it's pretty much obligatory to channel Alysa Liu, the first American women's figure skating Olympic gold medalist since 2002. Grab a gold, sparkly figure skating dress and some hair dye; the athlete's signature is her halo-dyed locks.

Shop similar styles: GK Patriotic Leotard ($60), Kaei&Shi Gold Fringe Romper ($60)

Emily Brontë's famed Gothic novel got a fresh Hollywood treatment this year with Emerald Fennell's polarizing adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Though many were riled up that the source material seemed to have been just a suggestion, there was no denying that the fashion was eye-catching. One of the most talked about looks was Catherine Earnshaw's latex confection, shown above. This is a Halloween costume that's sure to stop people in their tracks.

Shop similar styles: Selkie Nellie Gown ($569); Gothic Victorian Gown ($46); Leau Corset ($110)

When the fifth installment of the Toy Story franchise hit theaters in June, it was clear that this was Jessie's time to shine. No longer a side character to Buzz or Woody, the yodeling cowgirl came into her own with a sentimental character arc that had fans teary-eyed. All you need for this costume is a red cowgirl hat, boots and some chaps. BYOB(ullseye).

Shop similar styles: Jessie Costume ($52; $39)

Our favorite journalist-turned-fashion-girl Andy Sachs came back for The Devil Wears Prada 2 as stylish as ever. But how could we forget her iconic blue sweater and Miranda Priestly's infamous cerulean lecture? This Halloween costume will be both funny and practical—throw on your best cerulean sweater and voilà.

Shop similar styles: Quince Cashmere Sweater ($50); Gap Button Down ($60); Plaid Skirt ($40; $37)

One of horror’s more recent scream queens, the indelible Mia Goth, brings this iconic character to life. Bonus points if you pick up a varsity jacket embroidered with your own name.

Shop similar styles: Quince Bomber Jacket ($100); “Oui” T-shirt ($24)

A24’s unexpected smash hit, Everything Everywhere All At Once, had a lot going on. From googly eyes and hot dog fingers to pet rocks and bagel black holes, one of the notables was the movie’s villain, Jobu Tupaki. You’ll need a pink wig, romper encrusted with Elvis-level rhinestones and lots of sparkles for this one.

Shop similar styles: Pink Wig ($17); Lulus White Jumpsuit ($79)

Don’t want to play the villain? Then channel Jobu’s mom, Evelyn (played by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh). Googly eyes and red vest are musts.

Shop similar styles: Black Googly Eyes ($6); Amazon Puffer Vest ($25)

Not into Snape and Malfoy? Swap the color of the scarf to join another house. Or, skip the pupil thing altogether, throw on all black, a ratty old cap and you’re a spot-on sorting hat.

Shop similar styles: Quince Cashmere Crewneck ($80); Harry Potter Scarf ($25)

Calling all Bob’s Burgers fans. Not only is this Tina costume pretty easy to put together, it’s also oh-so comfortable.

Shop similar styles: Hanes V-Neck T-Shirt ($20; $11); Urban CoCo Skater Skirt ($23; $17); Joulli Knee-High Socks ($22; $15); Converse High-Tops ($65)

Genius. (Just make sure you don’t forget a little lipstick “bloody nose.”)

Shop similar styles: Kosas Deep Talks Red Lipstick ($26); Aphratti Peter Pan Dress ($35); Zip-Up Hoodie ($15)

Rope your partner in if you require an Elvis, but with a big bouffant, heavy eyeliner and a tailored ‘60s shift dress, what more do you need?

Shop similar styles: Pomander Place Tweed Bianca Dress ($168; $76)

There are so many Britney eras that are worthy of a Halloween costume, but we’ll take the ‘90s pop princess aesthetic any time.

Shop similar styles: Pop Singer Costume ($39)

Netflix’s Wednesday made goth girls cool again, so why not nod to the OG goth girl, Lydia Deetz? Poltergeist and demonic wedding not included. All you need are a black blazer, plaid skirt and button-up shirt, which you may already have lurking in your closet. Though, if you’re looking for a luxe upgrade, you can spring for Thom Browne, as shown on Jenna Ortega.

Shop similar styles: Gap Button Down ($60); Sézane Jack Jacket ($245); Tanming Plaid Maxi Skirt ($40)

Get two of your friends to go as ketchup and mustard to complete the all-American meal.

Shop similar styles: Hot Dog Costume ($29)

We’ve got chills and, yes, they’re multiplying. (Note that you could also go as “good” Sandy, but this sassy crop top-leggings look is so much more fun.)

Shop similar styles: Off-the-Shoulder T-Shirt ($15); Spanx Faux Leather Leggings ($98; $49); Inez Mia Slingbacks ($315)

In the wise words of Harvard Law grad Elle Woods, “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed.” As you’d expect, you have outfit options: A pink skirt suit, satin pajamas…and a bunny.

Shop similar styles: Cicy Bell Cropped Tweed Blazer Set ($90; $83)

From Bridgerton to now My Lady Jane, I love me some period dramas. Stand out from the Penelopes and Daphnes of the trick-or-treating crowd and opt to go as Lady Jane Grey from the popular series. Shape shifting optional. Throw on a cape and you’re good to go.  

Shop similar styles: CountryWoman Victorian Gown ($109)

Grab a rose, smear a little mascara down your cheeks and have a ball.

Shop similar styles: Lulus Moonlit Maxi Dress ($99)

The chances of you terrifying your friends are good to excellent. (Psst…if you’re going to be around others, you may want to take a safety precaution and bring fake scissors.)

Shop similar styles: TopTie Twill Coveralls ($27); Gold Scissors ($10)

Great with or without a Gomez, honestly. (As sadly this particular Gomez/Morticia pair is no more.)

Shop similar styles: Slit Maxi Dress ($40); Long Straight Wig ($14)

Random? Maybe. Adorable? Duh.

Shop similar styles: Revolve Ada Mini Dress ($82; $70); Golf Umbrella ($29; $25)

See what a little temporary hair dye and tired girl makeup can do?

Shop similar styles: Zesica Striped Blazer ($55; $40); Feiersi Pinstripe Pants ($30); Manic Panic Red Hair Dye ($14)

Dare I say you’ll look…marvelous?

Shop similar styles: Idealsanxun Plaid Skirt ($43; $37); Quince Cashmere Cardigan ($90); Satin Square Neck Scarf ($7)

For all the tennis fans, you can’t go wrong with a Challengers-inspired costume. Starring Zendaya as the indomitable Tashi Duncan, the Luca Guadagnino film tells the story of a former tennis prodigy-turned-ferocious coach. Needless to say, Tashi has some serious style throughout the film, which is conveniently one of the easiest Halloween costumes for women you could whip up. Throw on a tennis dress, grab a racket and put your hair in a rope braid. Or, go for her iconic court-side look with some shades, a neutral lip and crisp shirtdress.

Shop similar styles: Halara Backless Twisted Active Dress ($45); Ralph Lauren Belted Shirtdress ($248); Ray Ban Wayfarer II Sunglasses ($231)

If you have a penchant for ball gowns, bubble gum pink, magic wands and flowing tresses, Glinda from Wicked is one of the girliest Halloween costumes for women. Enthusiastic, eager personality required.

Shop similar styles: Tall Princess Crown ($50); Mac Duggal A-Line Ball Gown ($398)

While we might not have Gigi Hadid’s makeup artist, we have a whole lot of Halloween spirit and fond memories of having our faces painted as kids. Tip: Buy more face paint than you think you’ll need.

Shop similar styles: Fedora Hat ($26); Kelyaa Yellow Suit ($69); Mehron Face Paint ($14)

You know the one. The one that basically broke the internet and then was recreated by Kevin Hart and hopefully by you this Halloween.

Shop similar styles: Women’s Turtleneck ($14); Leather Fanny Pack ($27); Paperclip Chain Choker ($11)

Pay your respects to the late Queen Elizabeth by dressing up as Her Majesty for Halloween. Honestly, as long as your sensible (but colorful) coat and hat match one another, you should be good. (Although an English accent and gaggle of corgis couldn’t hurt.)

Shop similar styles: Queen Elizabeth Costume ($22); Curlbiuty Pea Coat ($100; $70)

It’s not Halloween if a witch doesn’t appear, is it? Elphaba is arguably one of the most renowned, so stock up on some green face paint, grab your broom and get ready to fly away into the night.

Shop similar styles: Elphaba Costume ($50); CC Beauty Face and Body Paint Stick ($10)

The cutest little aardvark and license to be kind of annoying to everyone around you for a day.

Shop similar styles: Molerani Pink Corduroy Dress ($39); Quince Button Down ($40); Mouse Ear Headband ($9)

Just make sure to look kind of disinterested in everything.

Shop similar styles: L.L. Bean Jacket ($140); FindDress Pleated Mini Skirt ($20); Dr. Martens Jadon II Boots ($210)

A less conventional choice than Sharon Tate, but here we are. Probably the only time you’ll get a free pass to wear a Hawaiian shirt.

Shop similar styles: Nitagut Hawaiian Shirt ($20); Short Shaggy Wig ($24)

Maybe not the most practical costume in terms of, well, seeing, but it’s so damn chic.

Shop similar styles: Sia Wig ($22); Large Bow Headband ($11)

No, I’m still not over the cinematic masterpiece that is Inside Out 2. Yay!

Shop similar styles: Quince Cashmere Sweater ($120); Blue Wig ($17); Body Paint ($7)

Being an ice queen has never been cooler. Renditions of “Let it Go” not required.

Shop similar styles: Adult Princess Dress ($39); Braided Wig ($19)

This one gives you free range to greet everyone by saying, “Hey all you cool cats and kittens,” every time you enter a room.

Shop similar styles: Cat Lover Costume ($40); Flower Crown ($15)

Channel your inner songstress and go as this high ponytailed queen of pop.

Shop similar styles: High-Low Tulle Minidress ($60); Over-the-Knee Boots ($40)

Get your mini-me into the Halloween spirit with this mommy-and-me princess Jasmine fit. Make it a family affair and ask your partner to be Aladdin.

Shop similar styles: Arabian Princess Costume ($77); Princess Jasmine Wig ($23)

There is so much to choose from when it comes to Moira Rose, but nothing beats this over-the-top pope-inspired wedding ensemble that’ll ensure you’re the center of attention.

Shop similar styles: Pope Hat ($20); Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress ($30)

And if you have a toddler, they can serve as one of the cute dwarfs.

Shop similar styles: Snow White Costume ($70); Wavy Bob Wig ($20); Violette_FR Petal Bouche Lip Paint ($31)

While others spend the night imitating ghouls and monsters, you can spend All Hallows Eve looking fab while imitating the RnB legend Toni Braxton. Make it a double diva costume by pretending to be Beyoncé pretending to be Toni Braxton.

Shop similar styles: Gap Tank Top ($20); Fahsyee Faux Leather Biker Jacket ($46); AE High-Waisted Jeggings ($50; $30)

Maddy Perez will always have the girls in a literal and figurative chokehold, but I suggest you stick to the latter when you channel Euphoria High’s favorite bad girl.

Shop similar styles: Long-Sleeve Cut Out Top ($20); Tony Bianco Caprice Heels ($150)

Channel childhood nostalgia with the world’s most beloved manga character, Sailor Moon. Enlist your friends as the Sailor Soldiers and it’s a legendary group Halloween costume for the books. 

Shop similar styles: Sailor Moon Costume ($61); Sailor Moon Wig ($26)