Top 12 Halloween costume ideas for 2025 (and where to buy them)
Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most creative yet. From viral pop culture references to bold, fashion-forward looks and spooky classics with a twist, this year’s best costumes are all about expression and impact. Whether you want to go funny, scary, glam, or DIY, here are twelve costume ideas that are set to trend, and where to buy them in the US.
K‑Pop and Fantasy Demon Hunters
What’s hot: Inspired by the supernatural-meets-pop aesthetic, these costumes are a mix of K-pop idol fashion and dramatic fantasy drama. Think flowing coats, layered textures, shimmering makeup, and LED details.
Why try this: It’s perfect for cosplay lovers, friend groups, or anyone who wants to stand out in a crowd.
Where to buy: Party King Costumes, Rubie’s Costume Company, and large online retailers like BuyCostumes.
Pro tip: Go all-in with accessories. LED eyelashes, silver boots, or glitter makeup can level up the entire look.
Wicked and Witchy Duos
What’s hot: The Elphaba and Glinda pairing from Wicked is making a comeback, and modern witch aesthetics (think glam, glitter, gothic) are everywhere.
Why try this: Great for besties, sisters, or couples. It’s recognizable, fun to accessorize, and works for all ages.
Where to buy: Trick or Treat Studios, HalloweenWholesalers.com, and Spirit Halloween.
Pro tip: Match color palettes and layer in brooms, hats, or glitter capes to pull the look together.
Classic Horror Icons
What’s hot: Dracula, zombies, ghosts, and slashers like Michael Myers are still going strong, but the 2025 twist is glam-horror hybrids and quality upgrades.
Why try this: If you want something timeless but terrifying, this is your lane.
Where to buy: Trick or Treat Studios, FrightCart, HalloweenWholesalers.com.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on accessories, realistic masks and prosthetics make a huge difference.
TV and Streaming Characters
What’s hot: Expect to see costumes from this year’s viral horror series, fantasy dramas, and even niche cult hits.
Why try this: Everyone knows the character and it’s a great conversation starter.
Where to buy: Rubie’s, and any licensed merchandise retailer.
Pro tip: Pair the outfit with recognizable props or quote-ready accessories.
Barbiecore Halloween
What’s hot: All-pink everything with a Halloween twist. Think spooky dolls, glam vampires, or sparkly skeletons dressed in hot pink.
Why try this: It’s fun, flirty, and incredibly photogenic.
Where to buy: Walmart, and mainstream costume retailers.
Pro tip: Add Barbie-like hair, glitter accessories, or custom blood-stained gloves for contrast.
Pastel Spooky / Pink-O-Ween
What’s hot: A soft, dreamy take on Halloween with pastel skeletons, glitter ghosts, and unicorn zombies.
Why try this: A perfect fit for those who love Halloween but not the gore.
Where to buy: HalloweenWholesalers.com, Etsy, or specialty costume shops.
Pro tip: Use soft lighting and themed accessories to create a magical, eerie vibe.
Funny and Meme Costumes
What’s hot: Expect to see viral moments from TikTok such as Labubus, food puns, and pop culture jokes turned into wearable costumes.
Why try this: Low effort, high laughs. Perfect for parties.
Where to buy: Amazon, or novelty costume retailers.
Pro tip: Add a sign or accessory to explain the joke if it’s niche, you’ll thank us later.
Couples and Duo Costumes
What’s hot: From vampire lovers to peanut butter & jelly, there are endless duo options for you and your plus one.
Why try this: Perfect for date night, double features, or costume contests.
Where to buy: Party King Costumes, and Spirit Halloween.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, buy one full costume and build the second with accessories.
Family and Group Themes
What’s hot: Coordinated group looks like monster squads, alien families, or matching glow-in-the-dark skeletons.
Why try this: It’s fun, makes great photos, and works for all ages.
Where to buy: Party City, and Target.
Pro tip: Look for multipack deals to save money and guarantee coordination.
Easy and Last-Minute Costumes
What’s hot: Black cats, ghosts, skeleton T-shirts, and kits with headbands, capes, and masks you can grab and go.
Why try this: You don’t have to plan weeks in advance, and you’ll still be in costume.
Where to buy: Target, or Amazon Prime.
Pro tip: Add statement makeup or LED face paint to give simple costumes an edge.
Inflatable and Novelty Costumes
What’s hot: T-Rex suits, alien abductions, ride-on llamas, basically anything that blows up and turns heads.
Why try this: Viral, hilarious, and surprisingly easy to wear.
Where to buy: Amazon, or major party retailers.
Pro tip: Test your battery pack before Halloween night and have backups ready.
DIY and Mash-Up Kits
What’s hot: Create-your-own looks using cloaks, LED add-ons, thrift finds, and custom props.
Why try this: No one else will have your exact look, and you can reuse pieces later.
Where to buy: Etsy and Michaels for parts and kits.
Pro tip: Start early, experiment with textures and lights, and make your costume Instagram-worthy.
Final thoughts
Halloween 2025 is all about standing out, whether you’re embracing glam-punk fantasy, channeling your favorite TV villain, or crafting your own hilarious twist on a viral meme. Whatever direction you choose, the key to a great costume is owning your theme, planning ahead, and adding those unique touches that make people say, “Where did you get that?” With so many creative options and places to shop online and in-store, now’s the time to find your perfect Halloween look before the best ideas (and sizes) sell out.