From popular fictional characters to even the infamous badge lady, these Halloween costumes are sure to rack up the likes (or laughs).
If you’re clueless about what to wear for Halloween this year, step right this way. From fantastic pop culture moments to popular fictional darlings, we’ve got the best trending Halloween costume ideas. So make your way to the nearest costume shop or start getting crafty, because Halloween’s coming soon!
Best Halloween costume ideas in 2023
1. The other Barbies and Kens
Yes, we know that dressing up as Barbie is so July but the beauty of the movie is its many Barbies and Kens. If you’ve already channelled stereotypical Barbie, try others like President Barbie, Weird Barbie, Tourist Ken and, of course, Mojo Dojo Casa House Ken.
Recreate the look: Get a president sash and pink tulle dress, whip out your coloured eye shadow pencils for Weird Barbie’s face scribbles, or bring Mojo Dojo Casa House Ken-ergy with a faux fur coat, bandana and shades.
2. Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show
Who else has Rihanna’s Super Bowl remix on their playlist ever since her amazing performance? We sure do. Blast her greatest hits while prepping the all-red outfit. A surprise baby bump is optional but bonus points for carrying along the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder for touch-ups.
Recreate the look: Layer those reds with a latex top, bomber jacket or tracksuit and sneakers. Complete the look with bright red lipstick.
3. Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us
Revisit the reigning ‘daddy’ of TikTok, Pedro Pascal, and channel his hit HBO miniseries with an ensemble for two. This works if you have a partner-in-crime to dress up with, since both Joel and Ellie play integral parts in the series.
Recreate the look: This Halloween outfit is probably one of the easiest to recreate. Dust out an old navy blue button-up with a backpack and toy rifle for Joel. To dress up as Ellie, layer up with a grey long-sleeved shirt, red button-up, and red sneakers.
4. M3GAN, the creepy AI doll
We never expected this campy sci-fi-horror flick to be a hit – and even better, a potential Halloween outfit idea! Don’t forget to blast Sia’s Titanium while you channel the freaky M3GAN.
Recreate the look: Preppy meets freaky here, so this is your chance to go all out. Pull the look together with a sleeveless blazer, a black and white striped long-sleeved shirt, white tights, a neckerchief, black ballet flats and, of course, a long blonde wig.
5. Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Disney fans got to relive a part of Ariel’s world thanks to the live-action adaption of The Little Mermaid. Whether it’s the new-age Ariel or the classic, both are worthy of a great Halloween outfit idea.
Recreate the look: Continue the mermaidcore trend with a blue scallop-shaped bikini top to mimic Ariel’s iconic look. Pull the look together with a sequinned fishtail skirt. Accessorise with pearl jewellery, and seashell hair clips, and don’t forget the ‘dinglehopper’ (aka a fork).
6. Tanya McQuoid from The White Lotus
We loved The White Lotus for many things and Jennifer Coolidge’s portrayal of the aloof Tanya McQuoid sits right on top. She may be a hot mess but boy do we love her La Dolce Vita style.
Recreate the look: Step into the old money aesthetic with oversized designer sunglasses, a flowy beach dress, a wide-brimmed sun hat and statement jewellery.
7. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour
You saw this coming, right? 2023 is undoubtedly Taylor Swift’s year, and Swifties are so here for it. Before she graces us with her concert in Singapore next year, relive your beloved Taylor Swift era at Halloween.
Recreate the look: Fearless, Red, 1989, Reputation, Evermore, Lover and Eras… there are so many to pick from. Try a sparkly fringed dress, a sequin co-ord or a flowy maxi dress with ruffles. Just remember to bejewel your look.
8. Beyoncé from the Renaissance Tour
Count on Queen B to pull off plenty of stunning tour looks during her Renaissance Tour. From the metallic bodysuit to the structural bee-inspired ‘fit to the optical illusion catsuit with hand motifs, she was killing it.
Recreate the look: Since we don’t all have costume-made designer outfits lying around, get the essence of her look by donning all-silver ensembles, embellished cowboy boots and a hat, body suits with cool cutouts, as well as lotsa sparkles, sequins and glitter.
9. Young Queen Charlotte from the Bridgerton series
The Bridgerton world is the gift that keeps on giving – especially during Halloween. Slip into royalty with Queen Charlotte’s opulent ensemble this season.
Recreate the look: If a Regency-era ball gown is too much to handle, opt for an empire-waist dress, white gloves, dainty jewellery and the highest updo hairstyle your mane allows.
Past Halloween costume ideas that are still hella fresh
10. Eddie Munson, Vecna or Max from Stranger Things
The characters, sets and outfits scream “perfect Halloween costume idea”. There’s a new trend each season and the latest is no different. Dress up as the wholesome Eddie Munson or take the horror route with the horrific villain, Vecna. Even dressing up as Max is a winner – especially during that scene. Just remember to play Kate Bush in the background.
Recreate the look: For Eddie, we’re going with the Hellfire Club t-shirt, denim jacket, and mullet. For Max, a light blue jacket with a checkered shirt and retro headphones will do the trick.
11. Evelyn Wang from Everything Everywhere All at Once
One of the top hits that 2022 gave us also has great Halloween costume ideas. Channel Michelle Yeoh’s badass role as she journeys across the multiverse.
Recreate the look: The googly eyes and sausage fingers are obvious options but you can also recreate Evelyn Wang’s purple puffer vest and floral blouse combo.
12. Kate and Edwina Sharma from Bridgerton
Transport to the regency era with the gorgeous Bridgerton sisters – but don’t get caught swooning over Anthony Bridgerton.
Recreate the look: Think corset dresses, gemstones, jewels, tiaras, and gloves. If you’re going as Kate Sharma, remember to deck it out in purple.
13. Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
This Netflix reboot got us loving her favourite goth girl once again. This one’s a classic so you can’t go wrong with it.
Recreate the look: High-collared shirts or dresses, black tights and a subtle red smokey eye look will have you covered. Oh, and don’t forget the braided pigtails.
14. Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ken
If you didn’t get a chance to dress as Barbie or Ken when the movie was released in July this year, here’s your chance. Ryan Gosling in a platinum blonde wig and fully submitting to the barbiecore trend is something we won’t forget in a while.
Recreate the look: The blonde wig is a must to carry the look together but neon green, yellow and pink colours are the way to go.
15. The characters of Encanto
Get the whole family into the Halloween spirit by dressing up as the Madrigal family from Encanto. From Mirabel to Luisa to Bruno, your outfits will have everyone talking about them.
Recreate the look: You could mix and match the colours, and accessories of your chosen characters’ outfits but our suggestion? Make your way to the costume shop for peace of mind.
16. The characters from Euphoria
Alexa, play All for Us by Labrinth. It’s time for Euphoria. Cut-out mini dresses, graphic eyeliner, purple hues and all that glitter – the hit TV series has plenty of iconic looks to pick from. Don’t forget to practice lines like “B*tch, you better be joking”, “Is this f*cking play about us?”, and of course, Cassie’s monologue in the girl’s bathroom.
Recreate the look: Go risque by going as Maddy or embody Cassie’s retro-feminine looks.
17. The gang from Avatar: The Last Airbender
Another series that witnessed a resurgence thanks to the new live-action remake is Avatar: The Last Airbender. We love how every character has a unique look – even side characters like Ty Lee, Suki, Uncle Iroh and the cabbage man. But we won’t be surprised to see multiple Aangs, Zukos, Kataras, Tophs and Sokkas this year.
Recreate the look: Whether you’re going as Aang or Zuko, remember the airbender tattoos and scar; or even an Appa plushie as a bonus! There are various costume rental stores offering the whole shebang.
18. Phua Chu Kang
Take a trip down memory lane with the best contractor in “Singapore, JB and some say Batam”. Yup, add a local touch by channelling the series’ titular character, PCK himself.
Recreate the look: You’ll need a wig, a striped shirt, a facial mole and those yellow boots!
So, which Halloween costume idea is calling your name?
