Halloween’s creeping up and you and your boo still don’t know what to wear? Classic. I’ve been there—last year, my partner and I spent two hours scrolling Pinterest, got distracted by snacks, and ended up throwing on all black outfits with “We’re burglars” written on notebook paper. Cute? No. Cheap? Yes. But you can do better.
If you’re in college, Halloween is basically the Super Bowl of social events. You can’t just half-commit. You want something that’s funny, easy to recognize, and not going to cost your entire semester’s ramen budget. Don’t worry, I got you. Here are 14 couples Halloween costumes college students will actually love (and, let’s be real, actually wear).
1. Barbie and Ken (Because, duh)
The Barbie movie broke the internet, and you already know every other couple on campus is going pink. But hey, sometimes basic is iconic.
- Barbie: Grab literally anything hot pink—bonus points for rollerblades if you can balance after two White Claws.
- Ken: Shorts, an open button-up, and way too much confidence.
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This works because it’s instantly recognizable. Plus, let’s be honest, you’ve secretly wanted to say “Hi Barbie!” all night.
2. Shaggy and Velma (Scooby-Doo vibes)
Scooby-Doo costumes never go out of style, and IMO, they’re underrated as a couples costume.
- Velma: Orange turtleneck, pleated skirt, knee-high socks. Nerdy glasses = mandatory.
- Shaggy: Baggy green shirt, brown pants, scruffy hair. Done.
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Bonus? If you’re shy, Velma’s “I lost my glasses!” excuse works great when you want to avoid awkward convos. ;)
3. Mario and Princess Peach (Nintendo royalty)
Want to keep it wholesome? Channel your inner Nintendo nerd.
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Mario: Overalls, red cap, fake mustache (unless you’re already rocking one).
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Peach: Pink dress and a crown—Amazon has them for cheap.
Couples who game together, costume together. Ever wondered why Mario never gets tired of saving Peach? Probably the dress.
4. Jim and Pam (The Office fans unite)
Sometimes, you don’t need crazy props to win the costume game. Jim and Pam are the perfect low-effort, high-reward option.
- Pam: Button-up cardigan, skirt, and a name tag.
- Jim: White shirt, tie, messy hair, maybe draw some “three-hole punch” dots for the inside joke.
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It’s the kind of costume that makes people smile without asking, “So… what are you supposed to be again?”
5. The Classic Vampire Couple
Okay, maybe it’s cliché, but there’s something fun about putting on fangs and pretending you’re in Twilight.
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Him/Her/Whoever: Black outfit, cape, plastic fangs, fake blood.
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Partner: Same thing—boom, you’re Dracula and Dracula-ette.
Low stress, high spook factor. And FYI, fake blood also works as last-minute makeup.
6. Woody and Jessie (Toy Story nostalgia)
If you want to lean into nostalgia, Woody and Jessie are gold. Everyone recognizes them, and they’re super playful.
- Woody: Cowboy hat, boots, jeans, flannel.
- Jessie: Red cowgirl hat, braid, white-and-yellow top.
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Bonus: yell “YEEHAW!” every time someone hands you a drink.
7. Netflix and Chill (Pun lovers only)
Yes, it’s corny. Yes, it’s hilarious. College Halloween parties thrive on this kind of humor.
- Netflix: Red shirt with the Netflix logo slapped on.
- Chill: Blue shirt, snowflake or ice pack accessories.
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It’s cheap, funny, and the “Ohhh, I get it!” reactions never get old.
8. Jack and Sally (For the Tim Burton fans)
If you love a darker, artsy vibe, channel The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- Jack Skellington: Black-and-white striped suit, skeleton face paint.
- Sally: Patchwork dress and stitched-face makeup.
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Honestly, this one looks amazing in photos, and your artsy friend with the Polaroid will thank you.
9. Lifeguard and Drowning Victim
Here’s one that’s easy, cheap, and makes people laugh.
- Lifeguard: Red shorts, whistle, maybe a lifeguard hoodie.
- Drowning Victim: Messy hair, smeared eyeliner, floaties or a pool noodle.
Not only does this costume get laughs, but it’s also practical—you can spot your partner across a crowded frat basement instantly.
10. Bonnie and Clyde (With less crime, hopefully)
Want to look like a power couple? Go with Bonnie and Clyde.
- Bonnie: Beret, skirt, maybe a toy gun (depends on your party’s rules).
- Clyde: Suspenders, tie, fedora.
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It’s vintage, stylish, and makes you look like you didn’t just throw something together last minute (even if you did).
11. Ghosts (But make it funny)
Yes, I mean the sheet-over-your-head classic. But here’s the twist: add accessories.
- Her ghost: Pink sunglasses, a purse.
- His ghost: Beer hat or backwards cap.
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You’ll get bonus points for irony when people realize you spent $3 on a sheet and still look better than half the party.
12. Angel and Devil (Classic, but always works)
You can’t go wrong here—it’s simple, recognizable, and lets you show a little personality.
- Angel: White dress, halo, wings.
- Devil: Red dress or suit, horns, tail.
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Ever wondered which one of you is really the angel? Spoiler: it’s neither.
13. SpongeBob and Patrick
This one’s bold but hilarious. You’ll get laughs all night.
- SpongeBob: Yellow shirt, brown shorts, high socks.
- Patrick: Pink shirt, green shorts with purple flowers.''
It’s silly, cheap, and if you nail the voices—“No, this is Patrick!”—you’ll be the life of the party.
14. Adam and Eve (But, like, appropriate)
If you want to push the line but still keep it campus-appropriate, Adam and Eve works with a little creativity.
- Both: Neutral-colored clothing (beige tank tops and shorts).
- Props: Fake leaves pinned on or carried around.
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Funny, clever, and just the right amount of scandalous. ;)
Pro Tips for Pulling Off College Halloween Costumes
Now that you’ve got options, here are a few quick tips so you don’t end up like me (aka, “The Lazy Burglar” of 2022):
- Comfort over everything. If you can’t sit, dance, or drink in your costume, it’s not worth it.
- Go cheap but smart. Thrift stores are goldmines for random costume pieces.
- Test it out. Wear it for five minutes at home. If it falls apart while you’re pre-gaming, it’s game over.
- Commit. Half-committed costumes = awkward “Wait, who are you?” questions all night.
Conclusion
Halloween in college is basically a rite of passage—you’ll either nail your costume or end up in a meme-worthy fail photo. But hey, that’s part of the fun. Whether you go with Barbie and Ken, SpongeBob and Patrick, or the good old angel/devil combo, the best costumes are the ones you actually enjoy wearing.
So grab your partner (or your situationship, no judgment) and pick a look that screams, “Yes, we put thought into this,” even if you threw it together five minutes before the party. Just remember: comfort, creativity, and commitment—that’s the holy trinity of college Halloween costumes.
Now the real question is… which one are you wearing this year? ;)