The Ultimate List of Halloween Costume Ideas for Women
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
'Tis the season for that one friend to start the convo about what everyone is going to dress up as for Halloween 2022. If the brainstorming session seems a little premature, we're here to remind you that fall — and spooky season — is just around the corner. Plus, last-minute Halloween costumes can be stressful to put together if you're also on the party planning committee. Luckily, finding the perfect scary Halloween costume or work-appropriate costume is easy, thanks to our roundup of the best Halloween costume ideas for women. Whether you go with a badass superhero costume or a fun and punny costume idea, you're sure to find your dream look for Halloween 2022.
With pop culture references, TV and movie characters galore, plenty of these ideas can make for great trio costumes or group costumes if you and your friends are struggling with what to go as for the holiday. And if you and your partner have decided to match this Halloween, then you can find more than one dynamic couples costume that fits your vibe. You'll also see budget-friendly options, plus-size Halloween costume ideas for women, and DIY outfits you can pull together with items you already have in your closet. Whether or not Halloween is your favorite holiday, it's almost time to start planning your costume. If anything, by getting a jumpstart on your look, you won't have to worry about your first choice costume being sold out in your size.
For more, check out our roundups of the best gender neutral Halloween costumes and Halloween costume ideas for men.
'Barbie' Movie Costume
Piñata Costume
Ninja Costume
Loofah Costume
Jessica Rabbit Costume
Green Crayon Costume
Annie Oakley Costume
Carebear Costume
'Moana' Costume
Legend of Zelda Costume
'Bob's Burgers' Louise Costume
'Sesame Street' Elmo Costume
'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' Oompa Loompa Costume
Circus Ring Master Costume
'Ghostbusters' Jumpsuit Costume
Cheerleader Costume
80s Costume
'Top Gun' Costume
'Beauty and the Beast' Belle Costume
Black Cat Costume
'The Little Mermaid' Ariel Costume
Giraffe Costume
'Grease' Pink Lady Costume
Referee Costume
Rapunzel Costume
'Scream' Costume
Nurse Costume
'Peter Pan' Costume
'Sleeping Beauty' Costume
Nun Costume
Maleficent Costume
Dress your daughter as Sleeping Beauty for a Maleficent-themed family Halloween costume idea that's sure to get all of the attention. And since both the dress and headpiece are included in this costume, you're looking at a true steal for the price.
Voodoo Magic Woman Costume
Put a spell on the entire party with this cool and magical costume. While the costume only comes with the hat, hat ties, vest, jacket, bone and skull belt, waist ties, and the monkey hand necklace, it gives you a lot of room to make it your own. And, many reviewers say that you're getting a true bargain based on the quality of the pieces.
Spanish Pirate Costume
This costume comes with everything you need: dress, sleeves, a feather hat, belt, and pouch. Just put on a red lip and some knee-high boots to complete the look. And yes, it actually looks like the picture.
Twisted Clown Costume
Nothing screams Halloween like a twisted spin on a clown costume. And don't worry about whether or not it'll be too short. Reviewers say that this dress fits perfectly.
Eleven from Stranger Things
Elven has grown up in the recent seasons of Netflix's Stranger Things. So this Halloween, take on The Upside Down with this retro patterned romper.
Robin Buckley from Stranger Things
Robin Buckley (played by Maya Hawke) first appeared in season three of Stranger Things. Since then, she has become a main character in the sci-fi drama. It's hard to say whether more people will dress up as Eleven or Robin this year.
Cozy Black Bat Costume
Looking for a costume that's cute and will keep you cozy? This low-maintenance cozy black bat costume will do the trick. Reviewers do warn that it's a bit longer than expected.
Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmations
For a sexy costume, try this midi-dress with a front zipper, ribbon tie back slit, a red vinyl belt, and a bone accessory. Customers praise how stretchy the dress is, but warn that the belt can run small. You will have to order the black-and-white wig and cigarette holder separately.
Vivian from Pretty Woman
Queue up Roy Orbison's song "Pretty Woman" for your entrance at the Halloween Party as Vivian. All you need is a cropped white tank, a micro blue skirt, and her hallmark cap. Of course, you could also opt for her Opera look with some costume rubies.
Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas
This short-sleeved swoop-neck dress is an easy costume for Halloween night. Match with a Jack Skellington for an adorably spooky couples costume, or rock the patchwork dress solo. Just make sure you dress up for the right holiday.
RELATED: 48 Adorable Disney Couple Costumes for a Magical Halloween
Push It Pop Star Costume
If you watched the music video for Salt-N-Pepa's 1987 hit song "Push It" on repeat in order to learn the accompanying dance moves, then its time to bring that choreography back on the floor this Halloween and go as one of the hip-hop stars.
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
Going as a Playboy Bunny is a sexy go-to for Halloween, but for a unique spin, say you're Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. After all, the movie takes a turn after that particular "costume" party. Court adjourned.
Barbie
You don't need a Ken doll to dress up as Barbie on October 31. Rock that high pony and unitard solo and everyone will know who you are going as this year.
Britney Spears from Toxic Music Video
If your favorite Britney Spears song is "Toxic," then, baby, can't you see? This retro stewardess costume is calling.
Smurfette Costume
Perfect for any Smurf lover out there, this Smurfette costume is totally adorable with blue leggings, a white scalloped dress, and a white hat to complete the look. One five-star reviews notes that the costume is high quality, but can run small.
Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park
This costume calls for an adventurous spirit who isn't afraid to take on a dinosaur (or two) on Halloween night.
Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus
If the cat's got your tongue about what to be this Halloween, then look no further than this convincing Winifred Sanderson costume. The velvet dress is well made and relatively affordable for a costume you can use more than every 300 years. We call that a double *damn*.
RELATED: 56 Best 'Hocus Pocus' Lines From the Quotable Halloween Classic
Cher from Clueless
As if you can find a more iconic '90s fit than this all-yellow plaid ensemble.
Dionne from Clueless
Speaking of the 1995 cult classic, there is no Cher without Dionne. So, match with your bestie this Halloween night, and if you really want to make a statement, you can purchase Dione's iconic hat, too.
Tinker Bell from Peter Pan
The only thing you'll need to complete this look is a little bit of pixie dust.
RELATED: 29 DIY Disney Costumes for Adults to Dress Up In for Halloween
Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers
Shop this one-stop quirky costume set that includes a dress, foam wig, and glasses, so you can look like the real (animated) deal. Reviewers note the dress runs small, so order a size up if you're worried about it being too short.
Little Red Riding Hood
This red dress and cloak with a black satin bodice and organza ruffle will turn the fairytale on its head because Little Red Riding Hood is no shy girl anymore.
Sandy from Grease
Keep Olivia Newton John's spirit alive by dressing up as her iconic role as Sandy in the 1978 hit Grease. All you really need is a form-fitting all-black full bodysuit. From there, grab a leather jacket if you have one, pop on a red lip, curl your locks, and get out on the dance floor in those pumps.
RELATED: 30 Best 'Grease' Halloween Costumes You Can DIY or Buy
Hermione from Harry Potter
Take a traditional witch costume one step further and go as the one and only Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. You'll look like a real member of the wizarding world with this authentic skirt that has the Gryffindor emblem. One note, the tie and wand are not included.
Victorian Ghost Bride Costume
This costume proves that not all ghosts have to be ghastly. Reviewers say that the wire at the bottom of the dress helps keep its shape. And the veil is included as well.
Rachel, Monica, or Phoebe from Friends
If you, like us, have taken a personality quiz to see which character from Friends you most align with, then it's time to use that verdict as inspiration for this year's Halloween costume. All you need is a baby tee and slip dress and before you know it — you're sipping coffee at Central Perk with your five best friends.
Alice from Alice in Wonderland
You're late! Late for a very important date! The date being, this year's Halloween costume party, which you are sure to win thanks to this blue dress and white apron made for Wonderland adventures.
Mad Hatter Costume
For those of you looking for the perfect costume guaranteed to turn heads, this Mad Hatter look will do the trick. Noted by many reviewers to be "the perfect fit," you'll get everything you need (minus stockings and shoes) with this 5-piece costume.
Handmaid's Tale Costume
You won't be able to find an easier Halloween costume than this red cloak. And while it makes for the perfect last-minute costume, viewers of the show will know how spooky this costume really is.
'80s Workout Girl Costume
The '80s were all about bright colors and singing along to Olivia Newton John's "Let's Get Physical." Fluff up your hair and tease it with a comb to mimic the hair styles from back then. Reviewers note that the leotard can run small so you may want to size up.
Poison Ivy Costume
If you want to channel an anti-heroine instead of a superhero this Halloween, this cute Poison Ivy costume will help you do just that with no problem. Equipped with an adjustable dress to give you the length that you desire, you'll get everything except the red wig and green shoes with this one. Reviewers even say that it "looks exactly like the picture."
RELATED: 35 Superhero Costumes for Women So You Can Save the Day on Halloween
Darth Vader Costume for Women
Looking to give off a mysterious vibe this Halloween? Dressing as Darth Vader just might do it. Plus, many of the reviewers say the fit is perfect — especially if you're a curvy girl.
Little Bo Peep
Whether you grew up hearing the famous nursery rhyme as you slipped into slumber, or you read the verses to your kids every night, this adorable pink and blue polka-dot dress is too cute to pass up. The puff sleeves and matching bonnet will transform you into a storybook character.
Fire Captain Costume
You'll be too hot to handle when you show up in this fire captain costume. And while reviewers note how cute this costume is, they also note that it runs small — so you may want to order a size up.
Adult Anna From Frozen Costume
Fill the night with delight when you show up in this beautifully designed Anna costume. One reviewer even claimed that "the material is so much nicer than other costumes."
Princess Elsa from Frozen
If you are looking for an easy BFF costume that's princess-themed, have one friend go as Elsa and the other as Anna. This sparkling blue dress also comes with a snowflake necklace for total "Let It Go" vibes.
Minion Costume
You may want to make these faux demin overalls part of your everyday wardrobe after Halloween night. The sparkly goggles? Maybe not, but we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to get up to some more mischief in the world of Minions.
Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road to your next Halloween party with this Dorothy costume. Though you'll need to grab the blue socks and red heels, reviewers claim that this is a "great costume for the money." Just be prepared to adjust the shoulder straps a bit.
Supergirl Costume
Head out to save the town in this classic Supergirl costume that reviewers say is made with good quality material. Just note that the boots are not included.
Cleopatra Costume
Turn heads all night in this sexy Cleopatra costume fit for a queen. Available in both black and white, reviewers say this is a comfortable fit for anyone. And yes, the headpiece is included.
Catsuit
Whether you're looking to portray the infamous Catwoman à la Zoë Kravitz, or you want to pull an Ariana Grande and throw on some black bunny ears to match, this is the first cat suit you should consider. Bonus: reviewers say it's super comfy.
Harley Quinn Costume
Join the Suicide Squad this Halloween by knocking this Harley Quinn costume right out of the park. While the tights, shorts, shirt, belt, and jacket are all included in this getup, you'll want to make sure you order the Harley Quinn wig separately. Also, depending on the type of fit you're looking for, many reviewers suggest ordering a size up.
Hippie Costume
Have a groovy night by taking it back the '70s with this peace-bearing Hippie costume. The only thing you'll need to pair with this is the right shoes and good vibes. Reviewers claim it's very cute and fun. Can't beat that.
RELATED: 30 Groovy '70s Costume Ideas That Are Just the Right Amount of Vintage
Progressive Agent Costume
If you've always dreamed of being a Progressive Agent, this Flo costume will make your dreams come true. Though the pants and shirt are not included, your wig, headband, name tag, button, and apron will be. According to reviewers, though, you may want to either style your own hair, trim the wig, or find a different Flo-style wig.
Batgirl Costume
Consider yourself a DC fan over Marvel? Then you know this Batgirl costume should be your number one pick. While you're guaranteed to stand out for the night, some reviewers have emphasized that if you're in a humid location, this material may not breathe well.
Sailor Costume
Lead your kids into the night, like a sailor leads her ship. Bonus points if you can get your loved ones to answer any of your questions with "Aye, aye, Captain." And don't worry — this one is said to run true to size.
Queen of Hearts Costume
In this red and black garb, you'll be hard to miss wherever you go. Plus, reviewers say it fits comfortably, can keep you warn, and will garner loads of compliments.
Cinderella Costume
If you've always wished to be a princess for just one night, this Cinderella costume should be right up your alley. Featuring a gown that has a fitted top and flowing bottom, you'll get (almost) everything you need to pull off the perfect princess look — no fairy godmother needed. Reviewers rave about how well it's made.
Princess Fiona from Shrek
While you can use this authentic-looking gown to go as a Medieval queen, you can also dress up as Princess Fiona thanks to the deep green color and velvet material.
Mrs. Incredible
Your family already knows how incredible you are, so why not dress up as Elastigirl this Halloween? This red and black jumpsuit with the iconic "i" logo will remind your kids who's boss.
Velma from Scooby-Doo
Perhaps your favorite character from the animated mystery show is Velma. If so, snag this affordable orange turtleneck and red pleated skirt. The set also includes socks and glasses, but you'll have to buy a wig separately.
Shego from Kim Possible Costume
Everyone goes as Kim Possible for Halloween, so why not shake things up and go as Shego, one of the major villains in the animated series? The neon green color blocking in this bodysuit will draw lots of attention.
Betty Boop
Little black dress who? We say take out that red mini dress you have in the back of your closet and strike a Betty Boop pose.
Snow White Costume
The blue velvet bodice and shimmering yellow skirt of this Snow White dress make it rather breathtaking for a Halloween costume. Some customers note that the satin ribbons on the puff sleeves could be sewn better, though.
Skeleton Jumpsuit
The best part about this jumpsuit (besides the price point compared to other options on the market), is that it's available in 10 other editions that really bring new meaning to a simple skeleton costume. From red roses to a Christmas-themed suit, there's sure to be a jumpsuit for your taste.
Monarch Butterfly Cape Wings
This costume only comes with the cape, but for $10 it's absolutely gorgeous and you can have fun finding black, orange, red, and yellow clothes to match the hues in the fluttering wings. One customer writes, "This one is beautifully printed on both sides, so looks good from front and back."
Morticia Addams
The Addams Family is in league with Beetlejuice for the best classic Halloween movie, which makes Morticia Addams the queen of all things Halloween. This off-the-shoulder retro velvet dress *screams* Morticia and happy customers note how great it fits.
1920s Flapper Costume
With this gorgeous vintage ensemble, you'll convince the crowd they have traveled back in time to the roaring '20s. The sequin and fringe dress is available in over a dozen colors and happy customers rave about its quality and fit.
SHOP FLAPPER COSTUME ACCESSORIES
Ursula from The Little Mermaid
This Ursula costume is definitely on the pricier side for a Halloween costume, but with almost 150 five-star reviews, the tentacle skirt is definitely worth it — and can be used for years to come. One customer writes, "I ordered this to attend a princesses and villains bar crawl with. Costume contest and I won. This costume is amazing and fun!"
Scarecrow Costume
If fall is your favorite season, then consider dressing up as a scarecrow for Halloween. You can lean into the harvest vibes with the patchwork details, or go spooky on the makeup for a scarier look.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
Fear not, Halloween doesn't need to fall on a Wednesday for you to dress up as the iconic Wednesday Addams. With this Peter Pan-collared skater dress from Amazon, all you'll have to do is braid your hair in two plaits and you're good to go.
Daenerys Targaryen from The Game of Thrones
With The Game of Thrones prequel series now streaming on HBO, there's no better Halloween to dress up as Daenerys Targaryen. This grey chiffon dress comes with a matching brooch and arm cuffs. Reviewers do note that sizing can be tricky.
Athenian Goddess Costume
If you or the kids are obsessed with Percy Jackson, then dress up as one of the powerful Greek goddesses for the night. This costume is based on Athena, the Goddess of wisdom and war, so this elegant dress will have you feeling empowered.
Mary Poppins Costume
There's no review claiming this Mary Poppins' bag can actually hold anything and everything, but it still has that familiar pattern and can definitely hold at least a few Halloween treats.
Marilyn Monroe Costume
The moment you walk into the room wearing this iconic white halter dress, everyone will know who you are going as this Halloween — whether you buy a platinum blonde wig or not. One customer writes: "This is the perfect Marilyn Monroe dress, it is however completely see through...We purchased some white spandex shorts and they worked great for keeping things hidden."
Rockford Peaches Baseball Dress Costume
If your sport of choice is baseball, then you probably know that The Rockford Peaches were a women's professional baseball team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — and that they inspired the movie A League of Their Own. You're definitely going to hit a home run with this costume.
Mulan Costume
Let's be honest: Mulan is one of the most kickass Disney princess. Channel her unbeatable confidence this Halloween by wearing this dress, available in both blue and pink, and praised for its high quality.
Mrs. George from Mean Girls Costume
Not only is this Mean Girls-inspired costume easy to pull together last-minute, but it's also super comfy — who doesn't want to wear a tracksuit all night? And really, we can't think of any fictional mom more iconic than the "I'm not a regular mom, I'm a cool mom" Mrs. George, as made famous by Amy Poehler.
Katniss Everdeen Costume from The Hunger Games
Searching for a totally badass costume this year? Look no further than this Katniss Everdeen costume equipped with the symbolic Mockingjay pin. May the odds be ever in your favor (of winning the annual costume party contest).
Medusa Costume
Turn people to stone when they catch just a glimpse of this shimmery Medusa costume complete with a rather convincing 2-piece headset.
You Might Also Like