If you are planning on dressing up this Halloween, you may be searching for the perfect costume. Many choose Halloween outfits that are creative, funny, and relatable. If you’re having trouble coming up with a unique ensemble, we’re here for you. This list includes five of the best Halloween costumes for 2023.
Halloween may be your favorite holiday, but did you know how it started? Built from a hodgepodge of diverse parts, Halloween is one such tradition that has been continually reinvented since its ancient origins as a Celtic pagan ceremony. Yet beneath the superhero costumes and bags of candy still beats the heart of the original. The Celts lived in what’s now Ireland as far back as 500 B.C. They celebrated New Year’s Day on Nov. 1, which they called Samhain. They believed that leading up to the transition to the new year, the door between the worlds of the living and the dead swung open. The souls of the recently dead, previously trapped on Earth, could now pass to the underworld. Since they thought spirits came out after dark, this supernatural activity reached its peak the night before, on Oct. 31. The Celts invented rituals to protect themselves during this turbulent time. They put on costumes and disguises to fool the spirits. They lit bonfires and stuck candles inside carved turnips – the first jack-o’-lanterns – to scare away any spirits looking for mischief. If all else failed, they carried a pocketful of treats to pay off wayward spirits and send them back on their way to the underworld.
So make sure you dress up in a really great disguise to hide from the spirits. But also, if you want the most candy this trick-or-treat season, also make sure your costume is creative. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 parents which reveals that scary (15%) and pop culture-themed (13%) costume wearers also tend to fill up candy bags faster. Overall, three in five (61%) believe that creative costumes garner more candy. So, it’s no surprise that kids are asking for classic costumes such as pirates and vampires (41%), scary characters (41%), superheroes and villains (39%), and pop culture figures (39%). That doesn’t mean they aren’t getting creative. When asked about the weirdest costume their child has asked for, respondents said, “chicken nuggets,” “a blue tarantula,” and “a green bean.”
If you aren’t looking to dress up as a vegetable, our recent picks stem from memorable celebrity moments and recent movie theater hits. For our findings, we visited 10 of the leading pop culture websites to see which Halloween costumes are sure to impress this year. Our list is ranked based on the best Halloween costumes across these sites.
The List: Best Halloween Costumes, According to Experts
1. Barbie
“Barbiecore” has taken the summer by storm thanks to the highly anticipated new “Barbie” movie. There are so many fabulous outfits seen in the film. “Barbie costumes are sure to stick around through the next few seasons. So, get all dolled up (pun intended!) for the holiday by replicating a look or two. This vintage-inspired ensemble is sure to be a fan favorite, but all you really have to do is grab a variety of pieces that make you look pretty in pink,” says The Pioneer Woman.
Barbie is such an easy look to pull off. Just think pink! There are so many iconic Barbie outfits to choose from, whether it’s a classic look worn by a doll you had as a kid or an ensemble taken from the movie. “One of the most striking options from the movie is this neon Lycra skating set, which will be even more fun if you can rope in your other half or a friend to play dress up with you. You’ll need a platinum blond wig (styled in a half-up hairstyle for Barbie), a neon pink leotard with shorts, and cotton candy-colored lipstick,” offers Allure.
There is no limit to what Barbie can do. From professional roles to leisurely activities, there is an option for everyone. “Remember back in the day when we were all SO excited to see those first few stills of the ‘Barbie’ movie? If you want to relive the way you felt when you first saw Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in their neon-colored attire on the streets of Los Angeles, roller-skating Barbie is the perfect Halloween costume. Bonus points if you can get your Ken to join in,” shares The EveryGirl.
2. Wednesday Addams from “The Addams Family”
Wednesday Addams will always be a Halloween vibe, especially since The Addams Family series will be back for a second season. “Keep it super moody with an all-black outfit, straight braids, and black nail polish,” offers Country Living.
Since “Wednesday” hit Netflix last November, this will be the first Halloween we’ll have the opportunity to dress up as the new version of Wednesday. “Dress up as Wednesday played by Jenna Ortega. Black tulle and lace, plus long black braids are a must when it comes to recreating this look,” states Decider.
When it comes to dressing up as members of the Addams family, there are the Wednesday girls, and then there are the Morticia girls. “The bad news: We can’t all magically become as cool as Jenna Ortega overnight. But the good news is that it’s fairly easy to dress up as her iconic character, Wednesday Addams. All you need is some chunky loafers, a collared dress, and some braids in your hair,” says The EveryGirl.
3. Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”
Halle Bailey is the newest inspiration for the Ariel costume from her role in 2023’s “The Little Mermaid.” “The aesthetic is ideal for last-minute and plan-every-detail Halloween-goers. Create your own glistening dress using iridescent, flowing fabrics, or choose from plenty of pre-made costumes…All that’s left to do is style your hair — locs or a copper color to replicate the character’s — and experiment with the best metallic eye shadow you have,” states Allure.
If you really want to get into Ariel’s character, slather yourself in shimmering body oil. “Don a bikini or shell top in purple or blue. Pair it with a tight and shimmery mermaid tail skirt in aqua colors (think green and blue) to channel the beloved mermaid princess. You can also add other mermaid-core elements, such as a dinglehopper-inspired bracelet and starfish clips to complete the look,” offers Poster My Wall.
If only your middle school self who wore those mermaid-tail pattern fluorescent leggings could see you now. You can even add a few of Ariel’s accessories like a Flounder plush toy. “If after watching Disney’s dreamy reimagining of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ you found yourself wanting to be a part of that world, now’s your chance! Transform into the beloved mermaid princess with a few costume items like a shell top and mermaid tail skirt,” explains The Pioneer Woman.
4. Maverick from “Top Gun”
Suit up as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell from “Top Gun” to support this classic movie and sequel. “Since the sequel was the blockbuster event of 2022, you can bet that it’ll be a popular choice this year as well. Along with the famous flight jacket, find a few wardrobe basics like jeans, a white tee, and boots. Needed accessories include aviators and a cap. Now, adventure awaits.” states The Pioneer Woman.
With the sequel’s popularity, there’s never been a better time for fellas to dress up as Tom Cruise‘s character. “Grab yourself a wingman or two and serenade the ladies with your very own rendition of ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.’ Or update the look and go with a Rooster costume,” suggests Country Living.
Even though Tom Cruise’s Maverick first appeared on screen in 1986, the character has always remained a popular Halloween go-to. “Throw on a pair of aviators and pair it with Maverick’s signature bomber, or, if you’re feeling more like Goose or Iceman, opt for a flight suit,” shares Decider.
5. Queen Charlotte from “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story”
Ready to take your Halloween to new heights? Step into the past. “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” follows Queen Charlotte’s rise and epic love story while displaying an abundance of gorgeous Georgian-era gowns and hairstyles. This Halloween, dress up as the queen and exude elegance all night by imitating her iconic look. All you need to take on the royal role is an opulent wig, a regal ball gown, a crown, gloves, and jewelry,” states Poster My Wall.
Love of “Bridgerton” continues this year with the release of “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” and the memorable Georgian-era inspiration. “You’ll have to look beyond the racks of a regular store to find a ball gown fit for a queen, so head to a costume shop or a kitschy thrift store to live out your regal fantasies. Finish the look with a royal bun (the bigger and more embellished, the better), a glitzy tiara, and barely there makeup,” offers Allure.
It was such a treat to watch Charlotte’s iconic love story. The only thing that could’ve made it better was her abundance of opulent gowns and gorgeous hairstyles that the show has become known for. “We get to wear Charlotte’s beautiful attire. To take on the royal role of Queen Charlotte, you’ll need a huge ball gown and a crown. Other accessories like gloves and jewelry will also help you to exude elegance,” boasts The Pioneer Woman.
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Sources:
- The Pioneer Woman
- Etonline – Best Family Costumes
- Country Living
- Russh
- Decider
- Elle
- Allure
- Poster My Wall
- Etonline – Best Costumes for Women
- The EveryGirl
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.