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Halloween

From Movies to Memes: Trendy Halloween Costumes of 2023

Celebrate 2023’s iconic pop culture moments with these costumes.

A still from ‘The Little Mermaid,’ remake, where Ariel is emerging from the water, and also a still from the horror film Megan. Credit: Reviewed / Disney / Geoffrey Short / Universal Pictures

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Best Halloween Costumes for 2023 from Little Mermaid to Barbie Whether you’re headed to a party, trick-or-treating, or just hanging out with friends, finding the best Halloween costume can be a lot of fun. While you can always choose from an assortment of pre-made costumes, it can often be less expensive and more environmentally friendly to utilize pieces from your own wardrobe to put together a winning look for the Halloween party. There’s something especially fun about finding the perfect costume that everyone will recognize.

We did the heavy lifting for you, with plenty of Halloween costumes that will feel perfectly on-trend this year. From Barbie’s rollerblading look, to M3gan, toTwitter’s rebrand, these are the pop culture Halloween costumes to shop (and make) this fall.

The Little Mermaid Costume

Head under the sea with this Ariel costume inspired by the Little Mermaid's 2023 remake

A still from ‘The Little Mermaid,’ remake, where Ariel is emerging from the water
Credit: Disney

We expect the live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ to be one of the season’s hottest costumes.

Inspired by Ariel's world, If you’re anything like us, the remake of The Little Mermaid has you wishing that you could be part of Ariel’s world all over again. The live-action film brought updated ideas and dazzling effects to the nostalgic 90s classic.A subtle adult costume can easily evoke the character without resorting to a premade, officially-licensed costume.

To recreate Halle Bailey’s mermaid princess this Halloween, grab a fin-style skirt and a purple crop top. Pair it with some shoes worthy of the magical mermaid herself. If you’re up for some props, bring along a fork (better known as a dinglehopper) in case your hair needs any help on a windy night.

Product image of Forplay Mermaid Skirt with Hologram Finish
Forplay Mermaid Skirt with Hologram Finish

This green mermaid-style skirt is the perfect way to give the look of a tail while still using those legs that Ariel was willing to trade her voice for.

From $38 at Amazon
Product image of Lyaner Short Sleeve Crop Top
Lyaner Short Sleeve Crop Top

This purple crop top will instantly give Ariel vibes while also being a cute piece that you can wear again and again.

$23 at Amazon
Product image of Lucky Step Glitter Sneakers
Lucky Step Glitter Sneakers

These sparkly tennis shoes are the perfect way to add a little glam and help your human feet blend seamlessly with the fin look of the skirt.

$33 at Amazon

Rollerblade Barbie Costume

Escape the real world with this iconic look from the year's pinkest blockbuster: Barbie

A still from the Barbie movie, where Barbie and Ken are rollerblading on a sidewalk in neon outfits.
Credit: Atsushi Nishijima

Barbie is easily the most successful film of the year, and you can choose which Barbie (or Ken) you want to dress up as this Halloween.

Nobody has had a better year than Barbie, and her box office hit is a Halloween costume gold mine. One of the silliest, most recognizable looks is from the rollerblading scene. While we’re showcasing Barbie’s look (after all, Ken is “just Ken”), this is a perfect couples’ Halloween costume for any pair who wants to show off some 80s glam.

Show off that Kenergy and your pink pride with this fun outfit. Who knows? Maybe you’ll roll right into Barbieland if you’re lucky.

Product image of ComfyCamper Pink Leotard
ComfyCamper Pink Leotard

This leotard will serves 80s fun with a comfortable fit to match.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of Always Women's High Waist Bike Shorts
Always Women's High Waist Bike Shorts

These vibrant shorts are available in sizes XS to XL and are perfect for working out or hanging out long after Halloween is over.

$16 at Amazon
Product image of Cosplaya 80s Beach Visor Hat
Cosplaya 80s Beach Visor Hat

Keep the sun off your face with this matching 80s visor.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of Impala Lightspeed Inline Skate - Barbie Bright Yellow
Impala Lightspeed Inline Skate - Barbie Bright Yellow

Find the perfect roller skates to complete your look from this official Barbie collaboration.

$190 at Impala Skate
Product image of 90s Retro Neon Circle Hoop earrings
90s Retro Neon Circle Hoop earrings

These fluorescent earrings are a great way to give some glam and add a pop of color to everyday outfits, too.

$6 at Amazon
Product image of ToBeInStyle hick Knee High Leg Warmers
ToBeInStyle hick Knee High Leg Warmers

While not to be used as real kneepads, these leg warmers are perfect for keeping you cozy while also completing your look.

$16 at Amazon

Oppenheimer Costume

Oppenheimer's signature look can capture the other half of a Barbenheimer couples' costume

A coat, pants, tie, and fedora all in brown, along with a pin that reads K-6.
Credit: Reviewed / Amazon / Etsy

Barbie wasn’t the only one dominating the screens this summer, so be prepared with an Oppenheimer look for Halloween, too.

If you’re more Oppenheimer than Barbie, it’s easy to copy his signature look, as well. You can put together an Oppenheimer costume at local thrift stores with a little digging. (You may even be able to raid your own closet).

However, if you want the perfect piece for every part of Oppenheimer’s look, you’re in luck. We’ve pulled together our favorite finds for each, right down to his pipe. Just don’t forget the K-6 Button to make your character unmistakable at a glance.

Product image of Somthron Casual Trench Coat
Somthron Casual Trench Coat

Start your Oppenheimer costume (or a great capsule wardrobe) with a classic trenchcoat.

$51 at Amazon
Product image of Archer Fedora
Archer Fedora

The fedora is one of Oppey’s style signatures throughout Oppenheimer, and you can steal the look for a bargain.

$16 at Walmart
Product image of Branduce Brown Tie
Branduce Brown Tie

This classic brown tie has a sweet vintage vibe.

$10 at Amazon
Product image of Haggar Pleated Dress Pant
Haggar Pleated Dress Pant

To round off the basics of the outfit, add a pair of timeless pleated dress pants.

$37 at Amazon
Product image of Smiffys Plastic Smoking Pipe
Smiffys Plastic Smoking Pipe

Add a costume pipe to get that mid-century vibe.

$10 at Amazon
Product image of  Oppenheimer K-6 button
Oppenheimer K-6 button

Nail the smallest details with this button, a copy of the one that Cillian Murphy wears in the film.

$10 at Etsy

Abbott Elementary Mr. Johnson Costume

Clean up at the costume contest

A photograph of actor William Stanford Davis dressed as Mr. Johnson, the custodian from Abbott Elementary, sweeping up a yellow room.
Credit: ABC / Matt Sayles

If you can’t get enough of Abbott Elementary, this Mr. Johnson costume might be the simplest way to get in the festive spirit.

Abbott Elementary is one of the biggest comedies on television, and it’s a goldmine for costume ideas. Go as a group as the whole cast of public school teachers, or stand alone as the happy and hilarious school custodian, Mr. Johnson, in the spirit of the student who emulated him so well.

The button-up shirt, slacks, and shoes can easily become individual wardrobe staples for work or events. Together, they create everyone’s favorite custodian. Add a keychain full of keys and the essential Abbott patch and lanyard and you’re ready to go. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own Mr. Johnson ID to make it clear at a glance exactly who you are.

Product image of Jack Victor Clandeboye Contemporary Fit Solid Linen & Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Jack Victor Clandeboye Contemporary Fit Solid Linen & Cotton Button-Up Shirt

This shirt comes in Mr. Johnson’s signature color in a quality that you’ll be excited to wear to a variety of events.

From $139 at Nordstrom
Product image of Libin Mens Golf Pants
Libin Mens Golf Pants

These teal slacks are a great way to add a little color to an everyday outfit, along with their costume potential.

$37 at Amazon
Product image of Dr. Scholl's Harrington II Oxford
Dr. Scholl's Harrington II Oxford

These black shoes offer durability and comfort that would make Mr. Johnson envious.

$70 at Amazon
Product image of 3x3
3x3

Pin or sew on this Abbott Elementary patch to really nail the details of your costume while supporting a small business.

$9 at Etsy
Product image of Abbott Elementary Lanyard
Abbott Elementary Lanyard

While any blue lanyard will get the point across, this Abbott-specific one is perfect for going the extra mile.

$10 at Etsy

M3GAN Movie Costume

Get into the real Halloween spirit with the creepy doll look

A still from the film ‘Megan,’ in which the doll is reading a book to a child.
Credit: Geoffrey Short / Universal Pictures

For an unforgettably frightful evening, don a ‘Megan’-inspired costume and learn some dance moves.

The horror movie Megan became an instant campy classic when it premiered at the start of the year. With just a few carefully selected pieces, you can recreate the creepy doll’s signature style.

Just grab a tailored tan dress, a striped long-sleeve shirt, some white tights, and Mary Janes. Don’t forget to add her bow! That final touch of childlike whimsy is that makes the robot so unnerving. You can even commit fully by learning the dance that made M3GAN a true legend.

Product image of English Factory Pleated Shoulder Shirt Dress
English Factory Pleated Shoulder Shirt Dress

This pleated dress (available in XS-L) will quickly become a wardrobe staple, but add a few accessories and transform into the newest nightmare.

$56 at Macy's
Product image of Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Wear the signature stripes beneath the dress with this slim-fit shirt (available in XS to 2XL).

$12 at Amazon
Product image of Frola 80 Denier Solid Color Tights
Frola 80 Denier Solid Color Tights

White tights are an essential component of any M3GAN look.

$9 at Amazon
Product image of M3GAN Cosplay Bow Tie
M3GAN Cosplay Bow Tie

To complete Megan’s sweet but sinister look,, grab a custom made bow modeled after M3GAN herself.

$18 at Etsy
Product image of Dream Pairs Mary Jane Shoes
Dream Pairs Mary Jane Shoes

These Mary Janes (available in sizes 5 to 11) are a classic part of everyone’s favorite campy horror doll.

From $33 at Amazon

Rihanna Super Bowl LVII costume

This showstopping look went down in history in one of the most-watched Super Bowl performances ever

Photographs from Rihanna’s 2023 Superbowl performance where she is wearing a monochromatic red outfit.
Credit: Getty Images / Ezra Shaw / Christian Petersen

This red-on-red-on-red costume will have all your friends saying “Please don’t stop the music.”

Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance was memorable for a lot of reasons, from her hit-filled setlist to announcing her pregnancy on the country’s biggest stage. The way she proudly shared her baby bump in this instantly iconic outfit is just one reason to love the all-red ensemble.

While you certainly don’t have to be pregnant to wear it (because everyone deserves to feel as fabulous as Rihanna), it is a nice change of pace to have a glamorous Halloween costume option for those busy creating a new life.

It’s easy to feel like the only girl in the world with this costume. Just pull together the coveralls, leotard, bustier, and shoes, and add some bright red lipstick to match.

Product image of CQR Zip-Front Coverall
CQR Zip-Front Coverall

These red coveralls (available in XS-2XL) are essential to Rihanna’s Super Bowl look and can be worn in colder months as a great new wardrobe addition.

$50 at Amazon
Product image of Laolasi Mock Neck Bodysuits
Laolasi Mock Neck Bodysuits

This long sleeve leotard (XS-3XL) is a comfortable, chic way to achieve the all-red look beneath the coveralls.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of Zdhoor Wet Look PVC Push Up Bra
Zdhoor Wet Look PVC Push Up Bra

After Halloween, this red bustier (available in S-5XL) will be great for a night out.

$7 at Amazon
Product image of Feethit Running Shoes
Feethit Running Shoes

These all-red sneakers are perfect for daily wear long after Halloween is over.

$37 at Amazon

This Grimace Halloween costume continues the birthday bash

A photograph of Ronald McDonald and Grimace walking in a parade.
Credit: Getty Images / Eugene Gologursky / Stringer

The Grimace shake (and resulting TikTok hysteria) was one of the most iconic 2023 moments.

When McDonald’s celebrated Grimace’s birthday with a signature purple shake, it became an instant TikTok trend. From there, it was a quick rise to internet stardom across social media. To recreate the fuzzy purple guy yourself this Halloween, just grab a T-shirt or sweatshirt printed with Grimace’s face and vibrant purple color, and pair it with purple leggings and shoes. You’ll never have a cozier Halloween costume.

Product image of Grimace Halloween Costume Shirt
Grimace Halloween Costume Shirt

This Grimace face shirt is the perfect centerpiece to your costume. Plus it’s offered in sweatshirt varieties which are perfect for a chilly October night.

$13 at Etsy
Product image of Natural Feelings High Waisted Leggings
Natural Feelings High Waisted Leggings

These leggings will be a nice pop of color to your workout and loungewear wardrobe while also showing off Grimace’s legs in style.

$13 at Amazon
Product image of Landeer Memory Foam Slippers
Landeer Memory Foam Slippers

While you can certainly get real shoes, we’re partial to these slippers. They really get across the cozy, soft feeling of the giant purple McDonalds star.

$24 at Amazon

Taylor Swift Fearless Era Costume

Taylor Swift's Eras tour showed her range. Choose your favorite look.

Taylor Swift on stage performing in a gold dress with sequined fringe and sparkling silver cowboy boots
Credit: Getty Images / Kevin Winter

2023 has been huge for Swifties, from surprise album releases, fresh “Taylor’s Version” recordings, and now an upcoming concert film from her smash-hit Eras tour. Start here to capture her iconic Fearless era (or jump off from here to any of her classic looks). Still not convinced? We've put together seven other Taylor Swift-inspired Halloween costumes.

Product image of LIK EPOCH Sleeveless Fringe Party Dress
LIK EPOCH Sleeveless Fringe Party Dress

This glittery dress features a flapper silhouette and plenty of fringe. It’ll also be great for Great Gatsby-themed parties or as a cocktail dress when Halloween is over.

$52 at Amazon
Product image of MUCCCUTE Rhinestone Mid-Calf Boots
MUCCCUTE Rhinestone Mid-Calf Boots

These boots have a great Western look and can serve as a statement piece when Halloween is done.

$80 at Amazon
Product image of Morvally Blonde Wig
Morvally Blonde Wig

This wavy blonde bob comes with bangs that instantly say “antihero.”

$20 at Amazon

Queen Charlotte Bridgerton Costume

Queen Charlotte's spicy-but-epic love story inspired a lot of pining and some great costumes

Golda Rosheuvel in a purple Regency gown as Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton
Credit: Netflix

Golda Rosheuvel and India Amarteifio have worn so many incredible looks throughout the Bridgerton spinoff that you can almost wear any ruffled gown you want as a costume.

Shonda Rhimes’ steamy adaptation of Julia Quinn’s romance novel series immediately took the world by storm, blending unique music, larger-than-life costumes, great dialogue, and a gorgeous cast. This year’s prequel series about the young Queen Charlotte was one of the best seasons so far. Pair this regal look with your very own King George for a great couples’ Halloween costume idea.

Product image of MelangCos Cosplay Regency Dress
MelangCos Cosplay Regency Dress

This dress offers the right balance of bright color and floral detail to fit the vibe, while still being affordable

$56 at Amazon
Product image of Forum Novelties Marie Antoinette Wig
Forum Novelties Marie Antoinette Wig

This wig may not be as versatile as a blonde bob, but it can definitely command a room (and add a few inches to your height).

$36 at Amazon
Product image of Unicra Baroque Gold Tiara
Unicra Baroque Gold Tiara

This tasteful tiara atop your Regency wig will bring it all together

$13 at Amazon

X (aka Twitter)

Go for some personal rebranding

Photograph of a laptop screen showing the login screen for Twitter’s rebrand to X.
Credit: AP / Jonathan Brady

For an unexpected and unique funny costume, dress up as the Twitter-to-X rebrand.

Ever since Elon Musk bought Twitter, it seems like the social media giant has been in the news constantly. One unexpected but easy costume is the surprise branding change from “Twitter” to “X.”

If you’re the creative sort, just grab a blue t-shirt and paint the old white Twitter logo over it. Then, use black fabric paint to paint the X over that, crossing it out and showing off the new logo in one. For those who aren’t very good at the whole art thing, printed logos and iron-on transfers will be your best friend. Even if you only print the white bird and draw a big black X over it, most people will immediately get what you’re referencing.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for an official logo to print, or just for inspiration for your painting, there’s an official place to find it.

Product image of Magcomsen Men's Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Magcomsen Men's Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This shirt is available in men’s sizes S-XXL and will be the perfect shade to evoke the Twitter of ages past.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of Artecho Professional Acrylic Paint Set
Artecho Professional Acrylic Paint Set

Fabric paint in white and black, the only colors you need to recreate these two well-known logos.

$10 at Amazon
Product image of PPD Silicone Papers for T Shirt Transfer
PPD Silicone Papers for T Shirt Transfer

For those who aren’t the craftiest, try printing the logos onto iron-on transfer paper instead.

$7 at Amazon

Declassified Alien Costume

The truth is out there

A photograph of a panel of government officials at the US Department of Defense.
Credit: Jack Gruber / USA Today

The truth is out there, so dress the part.

The highly anticipated congressional hearing about UAPs didn’t disappoint. While the language might have changed from UFO (unidentified flying object) to UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomena), the base facts remain the same: there’s something out there that no human can explain.

If you’re ready to celebrate the potential for alien life forms, we’ve got an easy and fun costume ready for you. Just find a shiny silver skirt and either buy or make a way for it to stand out like your own wearable UAP. Pair it with some light-up pants (or add some glow sticks to your own) and voilá, you’ve become one of 2023’s biggest headlines. Add an alien green shirt and some sci-fi-worthy glasses to complete the look, or wear all black on top to let the UAP be the star.

Product image of Sivvan Long Sleeve Comfort Underscrub Tee
Sivvan Long Sleeve Comfort Underscrub Tee

Start your costume with an other-worldly neon green tee.

From $13 at Amazon
Product image of Hde Pleated A-Line Circle Skater Skirt
Hde Pleated A-Line Circle Skater Skirt

Add a space-age silver circle skirt. It’s a perfect fit for Halloween, plus it’ll come in handy during festival season.

From $20 at Amazon
Product image of Aingycy Puffy Tutu Skirt
Aingycy Puffy Tutu Skirt

To add some volume to the circle skirt, wear a petticoat or tutu skirt underneath.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of Aifuu LED Flash Light Rave Pants
Aifuu LED Flash Light Rave Pants

Commit to the bit with a pair of pants with built-in lights that’ll make you the life of the party.

$37 at Amazon
Product image of Fun Central - LED Light Up Spaceman Shades
Fun Central - LED Light Up Spaceman Shades

Your pants don’t need to be the only light-up part of your outfit. This pair of sunglasses will light up your night.

$9 at Amazon

AI-generated Art Costume

Nod to artificial intelligence with this clever, trendy Halloween costume idea

A photograph of a billboard with an advertisement for AI software.
Credit: AP / Ng Han Guan

Whether it’s Chat GPT or Midjourney, AI was a major technological breakthrough.

One of the biggest topics of 2023 is the debate around art created by artificial intelligence. Whether you love it or hate it, we’ve all likely encountered AI art at some point this year. While the technology is impressive, it still can’t hit the level of human artists. Elements like hands, hair, faces, and limbs are particularly tricky for it, giving rise to endless internet jokes.

To poke a little fun at the emerging tech’s growing pains, grab the accessories below and pair them with any outfit that you love. Wear one of them or all of them, and use the hair gel to style your hair into anime-worthy spikes that go off at every type of nonsensical angle.

Product image of Loftus Realistic Severed Arm Prop
Loftus Realistic Severed Arm Prop

Fake hands are a Halloween staple, but in this case, you won’t be adding any blood. Just pin it inside your sleeve beside one of your real hands and wait for people to do a double-take.

$7 at Amazon
Product image of Dodococa Googly Eyes Glasses
Dodococa Googly Eyes Glasses

Eyes can be particularly hard for AI to get right.Cut these glasses in half and secure them onto your face to truly disorient anyone who sees you.

$5 at Amazon
Product image of Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Hair Gel
Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Hair Gel

Environmental logic is often lost on AI-generated art. Use hair gel to create a windswept look that can’t possibly have the same wind source for all of your hair.

$6 at Walmart
Product image of Imagine Prompt Artificial Intelligence Art T-Shirt
Imagine Prompt Artificial Intelligence Art T-Shirt

This T-shirt is a great way to immediately prompt people to what you are while also being subtle enough that you can wear it after.

$18 at Amazon

Enter the Spider-Verse

A still image of Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse movie
Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

Miles Morales' Spider-Man, Peter Parker's Spider-Man and Gwen Spider are seen in an image from the "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" movie.

For Spidey fans, the superhero is an amazing costume option. Between Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and all the characters in the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man can be a costume for everyone in the family.

There are some easy ways to bring web-slinging characters to life, including Spider Gwen. The best part is that these costumes include pieces that can be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe.

Spider Gwen

Product image of Wsysnl Cos Spider Gwen hoodie
Wsysnl Cos Spider Gwen hoodie

This hoodie would be great for Halloween and for walks around your friendly neighborhood.

$34 at Amazon
Product image of Alo Yoga Women’s Airbrush Legging
Alo Yoga Women’s Airbrush Legging

One of our favorite yoga pants, these leggings will be great for workouts, trips to the store, or just lounging.

$98 at Alo Yoga
Product image of ViGrace Women’s Winter Gloves
ViGrace Women’s Winter Gloves

You can never have enough great gloves—and these aren’t just warm, they’re also touchscreen compatible.

$12 at Amazon
Product image of Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS

Your costume wouldn’t be complete with some new kicks. These Brooks running shoes are one of our favorites and a best-seller on Amazon.

$100 at Amazon

Spider-Man (Peter Parker)

Product image of Somthron Men's Casual Trench Coat
Somthron Men's Casual Trench Coat

Don’t be like the meme. Stand out from the Spider-Man costume with the best-selling trench coat.

$49 at Amazon
Product image of lululemon ABC Classic Pants
lululemon ABC Classic Pants

We love these pants, and we think you’ll love them too.

$128 at Amazon
Product image of Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man T-shirt
Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man T-shirt

Sure, you could get a costume, but this is a shirt you’ll actually want to wear.

$24 at Amazon

Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

Product image of Marvel Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse Sweatshirt
Marvel Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse Sweatshirt

This cotton blend sweatshirt is officially merchandised by Marvel.

$40 at Amazon
Product image of Blulu Full Face Cover Knitted Balaclava
Blulu Full Face Cover Knitted Balaclava

A Miles costume wouldn’t be complete without a mask. This one will keep you warm on the coldest days and can also be worn as a beanie.

$15 at Amazon
Product image of Under Armour Men's Raid Shorts
Under Armour Men's Raid Shorts

The four-way stretch gym shorts have more than 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

$20 at Amazon
Product image of BALEAF Men's Fleece Lined Running Tights
BALEAF Men's Fleece Lined Running Tights

After Halloween, these thermal running tights will keep you warm on your winter runs.

$35 at Amazon
Product image of Air Jordan 1 Mid Shoes
Air Jordan 1 Mid Shoes

If you were looking for a reason to buy Air Jordans, now you have it.

$125 at Nike

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