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75 Celebrity Halloween Costume Ideas over the Years That Are Worth Revisiting
Plus, key market pieces needed to re-create each look.
When it comes to getting dressed up for Halloween, there are two types of people: those who go all out and the ones who would rather … not. Regardless of which camp you fall into, there are a slew of options to pull inspiration from. In fact, upon reflection much of that inspiration is churned out by A-listers as they attend their own festive gatherings. From Heidi Klum's annual bash to the countless soirees hosted at your favorite restaurants (we're looking at you, Catch NYC), celebrities over the years have pulled out all the stops, and as fall approaches, these costume ideas are worth revisiting.
Whether you're looking for something spooky, sexy, or somewhere in between, you have ample inspiration courtesy of Hollywood's finest. Burgeoning fashion icon and actress Zendaya once channeled a Tommy Hilfiger–clad Aaliyah from the '90s, while Julianne Hough spent one Halloween portraying True Romance character Alabama, complete with the signature leopard-print coat. On the scarier side of things, singer Lucy Boynton's interpretation of Tim Burton's Corpse Bride had a sweet edge, thanks to her crochet-knit dress. And if the holiday just isn't your vibe, Naomi Campbell's no-costume costume in 2002 was equal parts chic and on theme.
In terms of re-creating your favorite look, you may consider investing in items that you can wear on October 31 and beyond. If you're not sure where to start, ahead we're highlighting 75 of the most memorable celebrity Halloween costumes, plus the key pieces essential to pulling them off.
The Classic Witch
Follow Cardi B's lead this October and opt for a sultry take on the classic witch costume. Just wear your favorite LBD with long gloves and, of course, the pointed hat to top it all off. To re-create the rapper's cinched look, add a matching corset.
Shop the look: Dion Lee Lattice Strap Corset
Alice from 'Closer'
Model Elsa Hosk channeled Natalie Portman's character, Alice, in the 2004 romantic drama Closer. Key pieces in successfully pulling off the look include a fringed bra top, platform pleaser sandals, and, of course, the pink wig.
Shop the look: Fleur du Mal Fringe Ouvert Bra
1960s Fembot
Back in 2018, Kendall Jenner went full-on Fembot à la movie series Austin Powers, and we'll admit it's a pretty genius idea. For those who own a pastel-colored negligee with fur trimmings, you're already halfway there.
Shop the look: Gilda & Pearl Diana Sheer Slip Dress
Mod Stewardess
Iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford, along with husband Rande Gerber and Hollywood actor George Clooney, decided to go the open-skies route, dressing up as pilots and a flight attendant. White boots and a sleeveless shift dress will emulate the distinct mod vibe.
Shop the look: Nomasei Stretch Boots
Bloody Baseball Player
Kristen Stewart sported a slightly gory take on the baseball player costume by adding fake blood to her crewneck top and pinstriped pants combo. And, of course, don't forget the dad cap to, quite literally, top it all off.
Shop the look: Veronica Beard Jeans Mason Baseball Tee
Plastic Mermaid
A satirical take on the classic mermaid costume, Alexa Chung's 2018 Halloween look includes the obvious long sequined skirt and bra top comb, but with a plastic bag addition. This is a nod to—one can only assume—the global crisis of ocean pollution.
Shop the look: Lapointe Sequined Slit Skirt
Miss Sara Bellum from 'The Powerpuff Girls'
Leave it to Doja Cat to take a character from everyone's favorite nostalgic cartoon show and turn it into a must-wear costume for Halloween. The singer belted a plunging red blazer dress to re-create the elusive look of Miss Sara Bellum from The Powerpuff Girls.
Shop the look: Cazinc the Label Blazer Dress
Elton "Rocketman" John
Harry Styles channeled a quintessential Elton John look, featuring a glittered Dodgers baseball ensemble and oversized embellished sunglasses. Of course, Gucci has similar styles should you also want to emulate Rocketman this Halloween.
Shop the look: Gucci Diamante-Embellished Sunglasses
Peik Lin from 'Crazy Rich Asians'
Olivia Munn took a rather niche approach back in 2018, dressing up as Awkwafina's Crazy Rich Asians character, Peik Lin. The A-lister just layered bold prints with statement accessories and a blonde wig—et voila.
Shop the look: Rowing Blazers Warm & Wonderful Sheep Vest
Dionne Davenport from 'Clueless'
In a checked skirt suit, Lupita Nyong'o dressed up as '90s style icon Dionne Davenport from the classic teen flick Clueless. Get the look with an oversized plaid blazer layered over a fitted cardigan.
Shop the look: Everlane '80s Blazer
Latex Goddess
Top model Duckie Thot donned a floor-length latex look with pierced details on the "black carpet" of Heidi Klum's famed Halloween event. For a milder take, consider a bodysuit or cutout, fitted dress over latex pants instead.
Shop the look: DieselP-Arcy Pants
Flo-Jo
Model and actress Liris Crosse emulated Olympic track star Florence "Flo-Jo" Griffith Joyner with a brightly colored, one-leg catsuit and long red acrylic nails. Get the look with an equally bold one-piece layered over leggings.
Shop the look: SKIMS Metallic Swim Cycle Suit
Skeleton Queen
A few years ago in London, Maya Jama offered up a more ambiguous route to the classic skeleton costume with a lamé slipdress and coordinating face paint. The one-step ensemble makes for a great last-minute look (cape optional).
Shop the look: Rick Owens Silver Slip Dress
The Players Club
Model Winnie Harlow attended Heidi Klum's 19th annual Halloween party in a blonde wig and a red latex bodysuit with matching thigh-high boots. Channeling Ronnie from The Players Club, the costume included fake dollar bills dragging at the hem of her faux fur coat as a nice finishing touch.
Shop the look: Anoeses "Stella010" Latex Bodysuit
Cruella De Vil
With just one glance, it's apparent that Iggy Azalea is dressed up as everyone's favorite Disney villain, Cruella De Vil. Apart from the real-life Dalmatian on the red carpet, the black-and-white look and bold red lip are dead giveaways.
Shop the look: Apparis Milly Jacket
Black Swan
If you're not sure what to wear this Halloween season, you can't go wrong with some iteration of the Black Swan costume. Easy to style yet just niche enough to not be too common, the look can be made more laid-back by swapping the skirt and stockings for leather pants.
Shop the look: Nadine Merabi Roxy Black Skirt
Dorothy and the Tin Man
A cute couple's costume idea, The Wizard of Oz's characters are actually quite easy to achieve. Thanks to brands like Hill House and LoveShackFancy, gingham smock dresses are as popular as ever, while the key to nailing Ben Platt's Tin Man is an all-silver look.
Shop the look: LoveShackFancy Chennedy Mini Dress
'80s Rocker
Fully committing to the '80s rocker vibe, the iconic Mariah Carey wore a spiked blonde wig with leather hot pants and a neon electric guitar. Re-create the look for yourself by throwing a classic biker jacket over a distressed band tee. (Bonus points if you go for the thigh-high boots.)
Shop the look: Deadwood Joan Leather Biker Jacket
Maleficent
Disney's Maleficent costume in theory can be difficult to execute. But in reality, all you need is a hooded cape with a horned headband for the full effect. Add a smoky eye and burgundy lip for extra drama.
Shop the look: RTA Jude Poncho Dress
Pinup Baby
Gizele Oliveira was yet another guest at Heidi Klum's beloved Halloween bash. The model attended the party in her best "pinup baby" costume with a baker boy cap, bustier and high-rise disco pants for the ultimate 1960s look.
Shop the look: Ruslan Baginskiy Beaded Cotton Cap
Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.
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