It’s never too early to start thinking about all things spooky. In fact, Halloween will be here before you know it. What scary movies should you watch this spooky season? What pumpkin-flavored goodies should you consume? Where will you go to pick apples? And perhaps most importantly, what will your Halloween costume be this year?
Thankfully, our favorite TV shows are a great place to look for inspiration for Halloween costume ideas. There are so many shows to choose from. Seems like a no-brainer to dress up as one of your favorite characters. Here are 12 ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Wanda Maximoff from 'WandaVision'
We love the idea of dressing up as Wanda Maximoff of the Marvel TV series, WandaVision, starring Elizabeth Olsen, as a less-expected take on the superhero costume genre. Wanda is a total bada– and it wouldn’t actually be too hard to throw together a Scarlet Witch costume, it might even be a good last-minute option. You might even be able to fashion that headpiece out of paper or cardboard.
Beth Dutton from 'Yellowstone'
Beth Dutton is a modern icon. We love this Yellowstone character for a Halloween costume because 1. We haven’t seen a ton of people doing it and 2. You can get most of the costume components in a single trip to the thrift store. The only thing you might have to splurge on is a wig. Just make sure to do the bruises and cuts and maybe throw in a prop cigarette and glass of whiskey.
Eleven from 'Stranger Things'
Stranger Things has offered up major Halloween inspo since it came out in 2016. Wow, has it really been almost a decade?! Over all that time and four soon-to-be five seasons, the character of Eleven has taken on many iterations. She’s provided almost an endless supply of Halloween costume ideas, from her meek, buzz-cut era to her empowered ’80s look. Take your pick.
Ted Lasso From ‘Ted Lasso’
Stay curious and never be judgmental in order to become Coach Ted. You will need a tracksuit, mustache, whistle, hat, and lots of dad jokes. In this Apple+ series, the title character wins over the hearts of everyone at AFC Richmond with his eternal optimism. He has no idea about football, what we call “soccer” in the US, but he believes in the goodness of everyone he meets, which is contagious in the best way possible. Just don’t serve him tea.
A contestant on ‘The Bachelor’ or ‘Bachelorette’
The beauty of this costume idea is you can shop in your closet. Don a cute gown, cocktail dress, or suit and you are set. Accessorize with a rose and/or date card. If you see a cute stranger at the party, a great way to break the ice would be to ask them if they accept this rose. It’s a killer opening line and might even lead to love just like the dating show franchise.
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen From ‘House of the Dragon’
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and its prequel, House of the Dragon, Westeros is the perfect place to look for inspiration. Consider the rightful queen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, from the latter. This tough cookie is battling it out for her inheritance. As a bonus, you get to accessorize with dragons. You could dress up your pets or even your kids. At your celebrations, be sure to warn everyone that “Winter is coming.”
Wednesday Addams From ‘Wednesday’
It’s time to braid your hair or get a dark wig. This Goth chick loves a classic long- sleeve black dress with a white collar. You can accessorize with the creature Thing, a disembodied hand. Bonus points if you learn the dance from Wednesday and perform it for all your friends.
Emily From 'Emily in Paris'
Bonjour, Halloween lover. To pay tribute to this romantic comedy Netflix series, channel your inner mime. Wear some version of black and white stripes and pair it with a red beret. For fun props, consider a croissant and a passport. Voilà – you are all set.
Tanya McQuoid From 'White Lotus'
Actress Jennifer Coolidge brought this iconic, quotable character to life on the hit HBO series. To honor her, wear your best casual floral dress, head scarf, and dark oversized sunglasses. At the party, always have a prop drink in your hand and consider a suitcase as well. Just don’t let anyone try to murder you.
Carmy From 'The Bear'
Warning: If you dress up like Carmy from the hit FX series The Bear, people will respond to you all night with “Yes, chef!” – but that’s not a bad thing. This costume is simple. All you need is a plain white tee, blue apron, massive amounts of anxiety, and a healthy ego. If you actually cook your friends a pasta staff meal, they will be sure to appreciate it.
Elle Woods From 'Legally Blonde'
OMG, you guys, have you heard? In May of 2024, Reese Witherspoon announced that the beloved Legally Blonde character Elle Woods was coming to television. There is going to be an Amazon prequel series. To celebrate, wear something pink and fabulous for Halloween. Make sure to include Bruiser Woods as well.
Cressida Cowper From ‘Bridgerton’
Dear gentle reader, it’s time to don your best pink Regency-Era gown and attend a ball. Bonus points if it is as lacy, frilly, and girly as possible. The real fun in dressing up like Cressida Cowper from Bridgerton, though, will come with the hairstyles. She always has an over-the-top do, so go wild. You can make this as funny as you want to.
