Best Halloween Costumes 2025 — Pop Culture, Horror & DIY Inspiration
It’s that time again — spooky season is back! If you’re still hunting for Halloween costume inspiration, 2025 has you spoiled for choice.
This year’s trends mix horror icons, viral moments, and pop culture gold in a way that’s actually fun to recreate.
Whether you’re off to a friend’s house party or trick-or-treating with the kids, here’s your ultimate guide to the trending Halloween costumes of 2025.
What Makes Halloween 2025 Different?
Unlike last year’s quieter Halloween, 2025 has delivered an avalanche of costume-worthy moments.
From record-breaking horror films to pop stars serving viral looks, there’s genuine variety this time around. You’ve got choices for every vibe whether it’s frightening, fabulous, or somewhere deliciously in between.
Pop Culture’s Biggest Halloween Costume Trends
Sinners: 1930s Mississippi Glamour Meets Gothic Horror
Ryan Coogler’s breakout horror hit Sinners has taken over pop culture.
The 1932-set vampire tale stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Smoke and Stack. And it’s the film’s jaw-dropping period fashion that’s made it Halloween gold.
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter nailed vintage Southern Gothic with utilitarian blues for Smoke and fiery reds for Stack.
Spirit Halloween’s officially licensed Sinners collection includes sleek three-piece suits and blood-splattered dresses that balance sophistication and spook perfectly.
Why it works:
- Instantly recognisable vintage aesthetic
- Ideal for individuals or groups
- Glamorous but achievable
- 1930s silhouettes that photograph beautifully
You can DIY it with thrifted vintage pieces for a more authentic (and sustainable) touch.
Chappell Roan: Maximum Drama, Maximum Impact
The Midwest Princess herself has practically become a Halloween theme. Chappell Roan’s over-the-top looks are made for anyone who loves bold makeup and campy glamour.
Top Chappell costume ideas:
- Pink Pony Club Cowgirl – pink fringe top, cowgirl boots, and a glittery hat.
- Midwest Princess Cover – teal dress, tiara, and sash for dreamy royalty vibes.
- Statue of Liberty – green body paint and full commitment required.
- “Good Luck, Babe!” Pig Look – red dress, synthetic pig nose, and unapologetic weirdness.
Whichever look you pick, go heavy on the blush and bold eyeshadow. This is no time for subtlety.
Sabrina Carpenter: Short n’ Sweet Style
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour gave us the cutest costume inspiration — short babydoll dresses, sparkly corsets, and a pinch of attitude.
Best Sabrina-inspired looks:
- Heart cut-out dress (DIY it with precision).
- Denim bikini with lipstick mark — cheeky and iconic.
- Playboy Bunny — her sparkly Dallas Halloween outfit.
- Sandy from Grease — timelessly sultry.
- Tinker Bell — a green mini with wings and platforms.
Keep the makeup pink and playful, with chocolate-brown lips and enough blush to be visible from space.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The Power Couple Costume
No Halloween list in 2025 is complete without the internet’s favourite couple. The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce duo costume is everywhere. It’s easy, instantly recognisable, and adaptable for any event.
What you’ll need:
- For Taylor: sparkly outfit (Eras Tour-inspired), red lipstick, cat-eye liner, and a microphone.
- For Travis: Kansas City Chiefs jersey or red tracksuit, cap, and fake Super Bowl ring.
Bonus points for adding friendship bracelets and posing like you’re caught by paparazzi. Easy, effective, and guaranteed to get a “you two look amazing” all night long.
KATSEYE: Pop Perfection
HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE are this year’s breakout costume inspiration.
Each member’s fashion-forward performance outfits mix streetwear with sparkle. This is perfect for coordinated group costumes.
Think metallic crop tops, statement accessories, bold eyeliner, and platform boots.
Each person can embody a different member’s aesthetic, from edgy monochrome to futuristic neon. Add microphones and glitter for that on-stage vibe.
Sue from The Substance: Pop Star Meets Body Horror
Margaret Qualley’s Sue blends pop-star sparkle with unsettling body-horror vibes. Think neon metallic bodysuits (fuchsia or bright pink), a pleated white mini skirt, white trainers (Asics are perfect), white sunglasses, and sleek bouncy hair.
Nail the upbeat “Pump It Up” aerobics-host energy — or add prosthetic effects and special FX makeup to lean into the film’s darker twist.
Horror Movie Costumes: Frightfully On-Trend
Aunt Gladys from Weapons: This Year’s Viral Villain
Aunt Gladys has become 2025’s surprise horror icon. Amy Madigan’s gloriously unhinged character has inspired TikTokers everywhere to grab ginger wigs, smeared lipstick, and tinted sunglasses. The look is disturbingly chic chaos. Bonus points if you can nail her laugh.
What you’ll need:
- Bright orange wig (micro bangs if possible)
- Oversized tinted glasses
- Clashing colourful clothes
- Red lipstick applied chaotically
- Big handbag and vintage jewellery
It’s unsettling perfection, and ripe for both “scary” and “sexy” interpretations.
Hugh Grant’s Mr Reed from Heretic: Cosy Menace
Hugh Grant’s cardigan-wearing villain from Heretic proves that horror doesn’t always need blood and gore.
His look — a cosy colourblock cardigan, reading glasses, and a disturbingly pleasant smile — makes for a subtle but instantly recognisable costume. Perfect for those who want to lean into psychological menace.
Nosferatu: Gothic Glamour Returns
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu remake revives Gothic horror in all its glory. Whether you channel Count Orlok with pale makeup and period military coats or one of the film’s haunting Victorian characters, this is pure vintage horror chic.
The Nosferatu x La Femme en Noir collection offers authentic replicas if you want to go full aesthetic.
Pennywise from IT: Still Floating Strong
With IT: Welcome to Derry hitting HBO, Pennywise is officially back. Choose between Tim Curry’s colourful 1990 version or Bill Skarsgård’s darker 2017 take.
The key is the makeup: white face, red triangles, and that menacing smile. Don’t forget the red balloon.
Ghostface from Scream: Classic and Effortless
Sometimes simplicity wins. A long black robe and white mask remain unbeatable.
Ghostface works solo or as a group costume (the more Ghostfaces, the better). Comfortable, spooky, and iconic — what’s not to love?
Werewolves: Full Moon Favourites
Transformative and terrifying, werewolf costumes are timeless. Go full creature with fur suits or mid-transformation with ripped clothes, prosthetics, and clawed makeup. Add fake blood and wild hair for that freshly-transformed look.
Wednesday Addams Renaissance
Wednesday season two reignited goth-core obsession. The classic black dress and deadpan stare combo never fails, but new glittery dance-scene looks add sparkle to the spooky.
Bonus: you get to look unimpressed all night, which is always fun.
Zombies and Post-Apocalyptic Vibes
28 Years Later: Rage-Infected Revival
Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later introduced Alpha zombies — stronger, scarier, and faster. Go grimy, bloodied, and furious, or dress as a weary survivor in tattered military gear. Think The Walking Dead, but make it British.
Classic Zombies: Always Trending
Zombies never die (literally). They’re cheap, customisable, and terrifying when done right. Old clothes, fake blood, and dark eye makeup — sorted. Add contact lenses and wounds for extra realism.
Labubu: Creepy-Cute Sensation
TikTok’s favourite collectible makes a surprisingly adorable costume. Furry jacket, sharp-toothed grin, and floppy ears — it’s weirdly charming and great for low-effort party looks.
“Starter Pack” Dolls
Turn yourself into a life-sized boxed doll. Complete with your “starter pack” accessories (coffee, phone, anxiety meds — whatever defines you). Creative, clever, and guaranteed to go viral.
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Spirit Halloween’s forecast nailed it: K-pop demon hunter aesthetics are huge. Think pastel hair, leather jackets, combat boots, and supernatural flair. Perfect for friend groups.
Wicked Witches & Nostalgic Classics
With Wicked: For Good premiering soon, Elphaba and Glinda are everywhere again. Whether you’re team green or team pink, these are instantly recognisable, easy to DIY, and perfect for besties.
Oasis: Britpop Revival
Nothing says throwback like Liam and Noel Gallagher circa 1996. Grab your parka, bucket hat, sunglasses, and attitude. For couples or friendship groups, it’s low-effort, high-impact, and very British.
Cher and Dionne from Clueless
Ugh, as if! This 90s duo remains one of the best best-friend costume ideas ever. Yellow plaid for Cher, black-and-white ensemble for Dionne, and matching knee socks. Cute, iconic, and timelessly fun.
Lilo & Stitch
Disney nostalgia never dies. One person goes Lilo (red Hawaiian dress, sandals, flower hair clip), the other Stitch (blue onesie or face paint). It’s wholesome, easy, and perfect for couples or friends.
Group Costume Gold
- The Sinners Cast — vampiric 1930s gangsters.
- Pop Girlies Squad — Chappell, Sabrina, Taylor, and more.
- KATSEYE — coordinated pop star energy.
- Wicked Ensemble — an Oz revival with sparkle.
- Addams Family — timelessly spooky.
- Oasis Duo — peak Britpop attitude.
- Lilo & Stitch — adorable duo energy.
- Clueless Crew — 90s nostalgia done right.
DIY Halloween Costume Tips 2025
- Thrift smart: Vintage and charity shops are treasure troves.
- Makeup > money: You can fake luxury with skill, not spending.
- Accessorise properly: One key prop (wig, hat, mask) transforms the look.
- Use tutorials: YouTube is a goldmine for makeup and costume hacks.
- Commit: Channel your inner actor — Aunt Gladys laugh, Wednesday glare, Ghostface tilt. Own it.
What Makes a Costume Trendy in 2025?
It’s all about cultural connection. The biggest hits draw from viral pop culture, box office success, and memorable aesthetics.
People aren’t after lazy cat ears anymore — they want creative, effort-filled looks that photograph well and spark conversation.
Costumes to Avoid in 2025
- Generic “sexy” professions — unless it’s ironic.
- Cultural appropriation — just don’t.
- Expired memes — if it’s old news, skip it.
- Half-hearted costumes — no one likes a lazy ghost.
- 2024 repeats — Barbie was fab, but she’s done.
Making It Instagram-Worthy
- Lighting: Good lighting can turn Aunt Gladys from odd to iconic.
- Details: Authentic textures and colours pop in photos.
- Poses: Practise expressions that match your character.
- Setting: Choose photo locations that fit the vibe (Nosferatu in a gothic alley, not your kitchen).
- Golden Hour: Soft light equals stunning shots.
Where to Shop Halloween Costumes 2025
- Spirit Halloween: Official Sinners, IT, and Ghostface gear.
- Etsy: Handmade, custom, and creative pieces.
- Charity Shops: Authentic vintage finds for Sinners and Nosferatu vibes.
- Local Fancy Dress Stores: Try before you buy.
- Amazon: Great for last-minute wigs and accessories — read reviews carefully.
The Finishing Touch
Halloween 2025 is bursting with creativity, glamour, and a proper dose of fright. Whether you’re channelling 1930s vampires, pop star drama, nostalgic duos, or viral horror icons, the key is commitment.
Perfect your makeup, master the details, and embody your chosen character. That’s how you’ll truly slay Halloween.
Now, get planning before all the good costumes vanish into the night.
