Halloween costumes are either the best part of October… or the most stressful. Be honest—how many times have you stood in front of your closet the night before Halloween thinking, “Maybe I’ll just throw on cat ears and call it a day”? Yeah, same.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to settle for basic. Some of the most aesthetic (and ridiculously easy-to-pull-off) costumes come straight from the movies and TV shows you already love. Whether you’re going for spooky, chic, or just Instagram-worthy, I’ve rounded up 15 costume ideas that hit the sweet spot between stylish and recognizable.
And no, I’m not including Harley Quinn for the 50th time—promise.
1. Margot Tenenbaum – The Royal Tenenbaums
If you want a moody, vintage vibe, Margot is your girl. That fur coat + striped Lacoste dress + kohl eyeliner = instant aesthetic queen.
- Key pieces: Faux fur coat, striped polo dress, heavy eyeliner, blunt bob wig.
- Vibe: “I hate everyone, but I look amazing.”
- Bonus? You’ll stay warm while your friends freeze in fishnets.
2. Wednesday Addams – Wednesday / The Addams Family
Okay, let’s be real—Wednesday Addams never goes out of style. Jenna Ortega just gave the look a fresh twist.
- Key pieces: Black collared dress, braids, black tights.
- Add in her Rave’N dance look (black tulle dress) if you want something more dramatic.
- Why it works: Effortless, creepy-chic, and people will instantly “get it.”
3. Mia Wallace – Pulp Fiction
Mia Wallace is basically the OG minimalist costume. If you want to look cool without trying too hard, this one’s gold.
- Key pieces: White button-up shirt, black pants, short bob wig.
- Don’t forget that iconic red lip and maybe a fake cigarette for effect.
- IMO, it’s the best last-minute costume that still looks intentional.
4. Cassie Howard – Euphoria (Maddy optional for a duo)
Yes, Euphoria gave us enough Halloween inspiration for years. Cassie’s cowgirl look (you know the one) is the ultimate mix of aesthetic and fun.
- Key pieces: Blue rhinestone cowgirl outfit, big curls, winged eyeliner.
- Pair with a “Maddy” if you want to go as a chaotic duo.
- Warning: People might expect you to bring the drama. :)
5. Cher Horowitz – Clueless
As if! Cher’s yellow plaid skirt suit basically screams Halloween classic. It’s nostalgic, cute, and instantly recognizable.
- Key pieces: Yellow plaid skirt + blazer set, white knee socks.
- Add a mini flip phone for extra flair.
- Why it slaps: Everyone loves a good ’90s throwback.
6. Coraline – Coraline
Want a slightly creepier aesthetic without going full gore? Coraline nails it.
- Key pieces: Yellow raincoat, blue bob wig, and a stuffed black cat.
- If you’re feeling ambitious, DIY button eyes.
- Result: Quirky, eerie, but still super aesthetic.
7. Blair Waldorf – Gossip Girl
If you love preppy fashion, Blair Waldorf is basically Halloween on easy mode.
- Key pieces: Plaid skirt, collared blouse, headband (a must).
- Bonus: Carry around a Starbucks cup to complete the “Upper East Side” look.
- Why it’s fun: You can be shady all night and blame it on the costume. ;)
8. Jack Skellington & Sally – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Couples costume alert! You can’t go wrong with this duo if you’re into whimsical spooky vibes.
- Key pieces for Jack: Black pinstripe suit, skeleton makeup.
- Key pieces for Sally: Patchwork dress, stitched makeup, red wig.
- Works for friends, couples, or even a solo if you just pick your fave.
9. Rue Bennett – Euphoria
Let’s be honest—Rue’s hoodie + Converse combo might be the most comfortable costume ever.
- Key pieces: Oversized hoodie, Converse, messy hair.
- Add in glitter tears for the full Euphoria aesthetic.
- Pro tip: This is basically pajamas you can party in.
10. Eleven – Stranger Things
Choose your Eleven era and go from there. Personally, I vote for Season 1 because nothing beats that pink dress + Eggo waffles combo.
- Key pieces: Pink dress, tube socks, blonde wig, box of Eggos.
- Or, go Season 4 with the grunge look—flannel + bloody nose.
- Why it’s great: Everyone loves a Stranger Things nod.
11. Dani – Midsommar
Creepy folk-horror vibes meet flower-crown aesthetics. It’s basically a horror movie disguised as a Coachella outfit.
- Key pieces: White peasant dress, massive flower crown.
- If you’re extra, carry a fake May Queen bouquet.
- Fair warning: Someone will shout, “NOT THE BEAR SUIT!” at you.
12. Sabrina Spellman – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
For witchy vibes without going full-on “witch hat + broom,” Sabrina is the move.
- Key pieces: Red coat, black headband, knee-high boots.
- Add in a plush black cat to be “Salem.”
- Why it’s aesthetic: Cute and spooky without being cliché.
13. Harley Quinn – Birds of Prey
Okay, okay—I said no Harley Quinn repeats. But hear me out: the Birds of Prey version with glitter and fringe is way more aesthetic than the tired Suicide Squad one.
- Key pieces: Sequin shorts, colorful fringe jacket, pigtails.
- Go wild with face glitter.
- IMO: It’s actually fun and fresh if you avoid the cliché baseball bat pose.
14. Lydia Deetz – Beetlejuice
Goth fashionistas, rejoice. Lydia Deetz is the spooky chic icon we all need.
- Key pieces: Black wide-brim hat, goth dress, messy bangs.
- Or go bold with the red wedding dress look.
- Why it works: It’s goth, but fashionably goth.
15. Barbie & Ken – Barbie (2023)
Let’s face it: 2023 turned Barbie into the costume. And it’s still going strong.
- Key pieces for Barbie: Pink anything, preferably from her rollerblading scene.
- Key pieces for Ken: Neon vest, visor, “beach” attitude.
- Bonus: Great for couples, groups, or even solo (we support independent Barbies).
- Why it’s unbeatable: Fun, colorful, and 100% Instagram-ready.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—15 aesthetic Halloween costumes inspired by movies and TV shows that don’t involve panic-buying a Spirit Halloween bag set at 11 p.m. These ideas are stylish, recognizable, and (best of all) easy to pull together without breaking the bank.
Honestly, Halloween should feel fun, not like a stressful cosplay competition. Whether you’re pulling out your inner Cher Horowitz or rocking Wednesday’s deadpan vibes, remember the point is to enjoy yourself.
And if all else fails? Just throw on a black dress, carry a candle, and tell everyone you’re “an indie horror film protagonist.” Works every time. ;)