Halloween is almost upon us and if you’re planning to dress up for the occasion, you’ve come to the right place.
While it’s always been far bigger event in the US, the holiday has really gained traction in the UK with a host of Day of the Dead parties and events set around October 31, alongside children’s trick or treating adventures and pumpkin carving.
Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party yourself or heading out into the night to enjoy a spooky soirée, one thing is for sure - fancy dress is non-negotiable.
From classic ghoulish garb such as ghosts, witches and zombies to TV and music-inspired costumes and topical novelty costumes, there’s an army of looks to choose from this Halloween.
If you’re short on time as well as inspiration, we’ve put together a Halloween cheat sheet of the best fancy dress costumes for men and women.
Simply hit the Buy it now button, find your size and wait for those Best Dressed awards to come rolling in.
See our favourites below
Use these quick links to jump to each section:
- Film inspired Halloween costumes
- TV inspired Halloween costumes
- Novelty Halloween costumes
- Classic Halloween costumes
- Halloween face paint
Film inspired Halloween costumes
Rocketman Elton John Dodgers Baseball Uniform Cosplay Costume
One of the biggest movie releases of the year, we predict that the Elton John Rocketman diamante Dodgers baseball uniform will be a hugely popular costume idea. Get the look in all its glitzy fabulousness in all sizes from XS to XXXL.
£71.63 | Coshd | Buy it now
Spider-Gwen Cosplay Costume
This Halloween, transform into Spider-Gwen, the star of an alternative universe where Gwen Stacey was bitten by the radioactive spider instead of Spiderman’s Peter Parker. The outfit is made up of a jumpsuit with a concealed zipper at the back and the matching mask.
£34.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Freddie Mercury Costumes
Freddie Mercury’s outfits have long been considered cult and you can capture the spirit of the Queen frontman this Halloween with a whole host of costume ideas. Our personal favourites have got to be the ensemble inspired by the Break Free music video and the iconic yellow jacket worn on stage at Wembley Stadium.
£32.99 | Jokers Masquerade | Buy it now
£27.99 | Morph Suits | Buy it now
Lion Costume
The hotly anticipated Lion King live action remake finally dropped and in honour, we are taking inspiration from the King of the Jungle with this fierce outfit idea.
£50.99 | Halloween Costumes | Buy it now
Kill Bill Costume
For an epic costume idea, look no further than the Black Mamba herself. The costume is made up of Beatrix Kiddo’s signature yellow jumpsuit with the corresponding sides and badges. It also includes a sword so you are ready to enact your revenge.
£33.99 | Escapade | Buy it now
Back to the Future Costume
2015 may have come and gone without self-drying jackets with adaptable sleeves but self-tying shoes are now a reality and this futuristic Marty McFly-inspired ensemble is the ideal Halloween outfit. The costume comes with the jacket resembling the one worn in the 1989 film as well as a “You’re Fired” printout and Sports Almanac. The hover board and hat can be added to complete the look. Michael J. Fox’s outfit from the first Back to the Future film in the trilogy is also available to buy.
£60.99 | Halloween Costumes | Buy it now
Rubie's Official Harry Potter Voldemort Adult Costume
Harry Potter fever shows no sign of slowing down - and this Voldemort costume makes an ideal option in keeping with the scare factor of Halloween. The costume features a scary mask inspired by the film depiction of the antagonist as well as a black robe.
£30.98 | Amazon | Buy it now
Gryffindor Costume Harry Potter Robe
If you were disappointed to be put in Hufflepuff or Slytherin on Pottermore, then take Halloween as the perfect excuse to dress up exactly as you want with this Harry Potter-inspired robe that will allow you to embrace your inner Gryffindor Lion. The red and black robe features the house’s Lion crest embroidered on the breast.
£24.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Chucky Ladies Costume
Those who still harbour fears of the demonic doll Chucky should look away now, lest you be scared until next year. This Chucky costume comes complete with jumper, dungarees, mask and knife to really replicate the terrifying homicidal maniac from the much-loved films.
All you need to complete the look is a pair of red tights and some fake blood to take this year's Hallowen costume to the next level.
£27.99| Smiffys | Buy it now
Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow fancy dress costume
A Halloween stalwart ever since the film's release in 2003, get ready to transform into the "trickster pirate of the Seven Seas", the bawdy, rum-soaked Captain Jack Sparrow.
Complete the look for Halloween this year with a cutlass and gun to hang on your waistband, and don't forget the thick black and smudged eyeliner to really set the outfit off.
£25 | Asda | Buy it now
Power Rangers Morph Suits
Get a few friends together and relive your 90's childhood and if you really want to mix if up just add some padding in the belly area and a walking stick and go as the Power Rangers at retirement. Morph Costumes offer a range of creative options that make ideal Halloween outfits but we particularly love the Power Rangers option. The polyester-spandex blend outfit is offered in a range of colours so you can assemble the entire squad.
£23.99 | Morph Costumes | Buy it now
The Purge mask
With its sneaky exaggerated grin, this sinister smiling mask is guaranteed to give anyone the creeps and is an easy last-minute costume solution. Similar to the masks worn in the Purge movie, it’s made of plastic and is designed with eye holes and an elastic strap. One size should fit most adults and teens while matching accessories are also available.
£3.99 each | Party Delights | Buy it now
Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad
Harley Quinn - the star crossed lover of the Joker - is a terrific choice for Halloween, swinging her baseball bat and charming everyone. This costume includes all the garments, so all you need to do is whip your hair into pigtails.
£42.99 | Very | Buy it now
Ghostbusters Halloween costume
Time to show the ghouls that this year, you aren't afraid of no ghosts. The enduringly popular 1984 film is a classic on Halloween each year, and now you can easily recreate the look made famous by Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd more than 30 years ago.
The iconic costume will ensure you're prepared to tackle any ghosts that come your way on the scariest night of the year.
£22 | Asda | Buy it now
Professor McGonogall from Harry Potter
A sweeping cloak is the perfect accessories for any Halloween party. Revolutionise the generic witch costume and channel your inner Hogwarts professor with this beautiful dark green McGonogall outfit. Stern stare not included.
£22 | George at Asda | Buy it now
Wonder Woman
The first proper female superhero smashed through our screens this year to riotous success. Though we may never have Gal Gadot’s biceps or skills with a sword, this costume is guaranteed to make any woman feel powerful.
£42.99 | Party Delights | Buy it now
Edna Mode Incredibles Costume
This Edna Mode costume will allow you to capture the spirit of the superhero fashion designer with her signature black hair style with round glasses. An iconic fashion icon in her own right, the costume includes the dress, just remember, no capes.
From £35.99 | Fun | Buy it now
ABBA Dancing Queen Costume
It's fun, it's ridiculous, it's Halloween! Impossible not to have a good time in this one, it might be marketed towards women but we think the gents could pull it off on a whole other level. Channel the 1970s Disco fever with this costume that is comprised of a shiny blue lace-up jumpsuit with flared sleeves and a tiered flared lower leg. Complete the look with a long wig and platform boots.
£22.54 | Amazon | Buy it now
Clueless Cher Costume
The iconic Clueless look has well and truly returned to the fashion agenda as a popular everyday as well as Halloween style. The costume is made up of the jacket, coordinating skirt with the tank top and attached sweater.
£39.99 | Smiffys | Buy it now
Smiffys Spice Girls Ginger Spice
While the world eagerly awaits and hopes for a Spice Girls reunion, channel your inner Spice Girl with this iconic Ginger Spice look featuring a Union Jack dress and a ginger wig. Complete the look with knee-high red boots.
£17.73 | Amazon | Buy it now
TV inspired Halloween costumes
Stranger Things 3 Costume Robin Scoops Ahoy Uniform
If you are looking for a slightly different take on a Stranger Things costume from the classic Eleven ensemble, we think this Scoops Ahoy uniform worn by Robin Buckley will go down a treat.
£11.99 | eBay | Buy it now
The Handmaid's Tale Costume
Few costumes are as recognisable as that from The Handmaid’s Tale. Don this red cape and pair it with a white bonnet for the full look.
£19.53 | Amazon | Buy it now
Rick and Morty Pickle Foam Men’s Costume
A cult favourite since it was first aired in 2013, this Halloween costume is exactly what Rick and Morty fans have been looking for. The iconic pickle costume will accompany you on any adventure on the scariest night of the year.
£45.99 | Halloween Costumes | Buy it now
Deluxe Rick Costume
If you don’t fancy spending the evening in a pickle suit, why not show your appreciation for the iconic cartoon by dressing as the protagonist himself? The set is composed of a wig and a unibrow and should be styled with a white lab coat, mint green top and brown trousers.
£45.99 | Halloween Costumes | Buy it now
Adult Bob's Burgers Bob Costume
Continuing with the cartoon theme, this Bob’s Burgers costume will be a fan favourite at costume parties without much effort required. The outfit is made up of a white apron with the restaurant’s iconic logo and comes with the eponymous protagonist’s signature moustache.
£24.79 | Amazon | Buy it now
Macho Man Randy Savage Costume
Oooh yeah, this attention-grabbing costume will sure to be a hit at your Halloween party. The Randy Savage-inspired outfit comes with a jacket, trousers and everything you need to pay tribute to the WWF Heavyweight champion.
£72.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
See the full range of Halloween costumes from Amazon here.
Game of Thrones White Walker Mask
Get the White Walker look without having to spend hours in hair and make-up with this scarily lifelike mask. In honour of the final season ever of HBO’s hit show, this mask makes a great costume and will be sure to get a few scares.
£37.62 | Amazon | Buy it now
Adult Penelope Pitstop TV Costume
Evoke 70s nostalgia in this Penelope Pitstop costume inspired by Wacky Races, the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series. The striking outfit is comprised of a dress, leggings, hat and gloves that will have you looking sassy and ready to win best-dressed. You’ll need to source a pair of white boots and blonde wig elsewhere, though.
£36.64 | Joker’s Masquerade | Buy it now
Novelty Halloween costumes
Pumpkin Stand Out Suit AKA David S. Pumpkins
Suiting up just got a new meaning this Halloween with this super ridiculous option in the inspired by Tom Hanks' famous Saturday Night Live character, David S. Pumpkins.
The episode first debuted in October of 2016 and has been woven into the fabric of pop culture ever since. The costume is comprised of a suit with a jacket, trouser and a tie with an all-over orange pumpkin print.
Tom Hanks not included.
£41.99 | Smiffy | Buy it now
President Costume
Make Halloween great again with this Donald Trump-inspired costume. This set includes the president’s signature jacket and tie with the added bonus of the pin badges and a MAGA-inspired hat. Fully commit to the look with fake tan all over your face.
£23.99 | Party Delights | Buy it now
Sriracha Tunic Adult Costume
If you love Sriracha as much as we do then you will not be able to get enough of this costume. This spicy costume will be sure to hot up any Halloween celebration. Turn it into a group costume with your family or friends in ketchup, mustard or a giant hot dog outfits.
£35.67 | Amazon | Buy it now
See the full range of Halloween costumes from Amazon here.
Fortnite Brite Bomber
Undoubtedly one of the most popular games of the decade, this Brite Bomber costume from Etsy is handmade in the US but can be delivered in time Halloween. If you're looking for a ready-to-go UK only option Amazon has a few on offer, they're not as detailed as the Etsy option but a do fine job representing the Brite Bomber aesthetic nevertheless.
£31.24 | Amazon | Buy it now
See all Fortnite costumes on Etsy here and more Fortnight costumes on Amazon here.
Classic Halloween costumes
Kidnap Clown Costume
This clever costume gives the illusion that you are about to be kidnapped by a scary clown, resulting in a scary outfit with minimal effort required. The costume is comprised of a black top with a stuffed clown upper body complete with a head and arms as well as the blue mock legs and checkerboard printed trousers for you to wear.
£29.99 | Fancy Dress Ball | Buy it now
Spellbound Witch Adult Costume
Whilst a simple black witch costume is always a safe option, why not switch things up with this more detailed and colourful option. Featuring a black and purple colourway, you can easily match your makeup to this number for the ultimate spooky-meets-glam look. This costume includes a full length dress, choker and matching pointed hat.
£15.01 | Amazon | Buy it now
Classic Supergirl Hero Costume
You’ll look ready to save the day in this timeless Supergirl costume, which comes with everything you need to channel the iconic female super hero. The red-and-blue long-sleeved dress, of course, features an attached red cape – in case you want to fly away from the party – and there’s also a gold belt and knee-high metallic boot toppers included in the set to complete the look.
£34.98 | Fancy Dress | Buy it now
Womens Poison Ivy Costume
Poison Ivy is without doubt the most glamorous villain in Gotham, so if you’re looking to really impress on Halloween go for this intricate green costume. Crafted from dazzling fabric, the dress is decorated with faux leaves to create the look of an eco-conscious plant lover who is crazy but sexy. The length can also be adjusted, depending on your preference. A pair of ivy-printed tights, boot covers, mask and gauntlets are also included.
£34.99 | Joker’s Masquerade | Buy it now
Adult Classic Catwoman Costume
It wouldn’t be a roundup of women’s fancy dress costumes without Batman’s ever-popular Catwoman. Slip into this sleek black jumpsuit, which is made of polyester fabric and foam, to become Gotham’s dark heroine. It features attached shoe covers and comes with a vinyl belt, a headband with cat ears and an eye mask.
£45.99 | Halloween Costumes | Buy it now
Ladies Queen Of Hearts Costume
Off with their heads! This elaborate fairy-tale costume will help you become Alice in Wonderland's most horrible Queen. The beautifully designed dress, which comes in various women’s sizes from extra-small to extra-large, comes complete with a hooped petticoat and a tiara that will have you looking ready to rule Wonderland.
£22.15 | Amazon | Buy it now
Skeleton Jumpsuit Costume
Quick, easy and comfortable, what more could we really want from Halloween? Okay, candy, booze and a generally good/messy night out but you get where we're going. Feeling spooked by a last-minute Halloween invite? Snap up on of these this skeleton jumpsuit for an effortless costume that can be easily thrown on and paired with some skull makeup. Choose from three sizes.
£26.99 | Fancy Dress | Buy it now
Deluxe Mermaid Costume
What girl doesn’t dream of being a sparkly mermaid for the day? Get the mermaid look in this totally-extra outfit consisting of a halter-top bralette, shimmering turquoise tail skirt and two starfish pins.
£40.99 | Escapade | Buy it now
Crazy Bear Mask
Yep, this one's suitably terrifying - this Crazy Bear will surely leave the party guests in awe.
One outfit suggestion is to wear it with a cutesy costume, and with the mask on your head, you're ready to go.
£5 | Tesco | Buy it now
Smiffys Monster Mask
He did the mash, he did the monster mask! This Frankenstein-inspired mask is perfect for upping the spooky stakes this Halloween. Get the look by pairing it with a with a dark suit to bring a bit of macabre fun to proceedings.
£16.38 | Amazon | Buy it now
Smiffys Old Witch Mask with Hair
As Halloween masks go, we find this one pretty terrifying - and not just because it's so realistic.
All you need to complete the look is a cauldron and broom and you are well on your way.
£10.50 | Amazon | Buy it now
Halloween face paint
Card and Party Store Killer Clown Makeup
Keep it ultra simple and just focus on your scariest face. With this makeup set, you can complete the killer clown costume. It is comprised of a red nose, teeth, makeup tray with a sponge to apply as well as liquid latex and fake blood for a realistic and terrifying look.
£6.32 | Amazon | Buy it now
Revolution Pro SFX Paint Palette
Whatever costume you decide to go with, this professional set will complete the look with its extensive range of colour options. Embody a skeleton or a creepy ghoul with this palette of 12 versatile and easily blendable cream pigments.
£6 | Revolution Beauty | Buy it now
Horror Zombie Make Up Kit
If you are looking to create a truly terrifying make up look, this Zombie kit is the one for you. It contains fake skin, five different colour variations of paint and ample amounts of fake blood.
£5.99 | Party Delights | Buy it now
