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If you’re like me, you probably won’t decide on your Halloween costume until October 30th, when it’s way too late. So, you run around the house looking for something—anything—that you can throw together. Then, you end up with a lame costume that you don’t even post on your Instagram. Ugh. Let’s make this year different, shall we? 

This year, we’re figuring out our costumes well in advance. We’re getting it shipped in time to arrive and we’re not throwing something together that our friends will be puzzled about. Oh no. This year, they’re going to recognize our costume. And they’re going to love it. Sorry, kids. This year, you can match your costume to what the adults are wearing. We’re putting ourselves first, for a change. 

This Halloween, consider these 14 iconic character costumes that your friends will get a kick out of. At worst, they’re all going to know what you are…and that’s a step above previous years. You can go with these ideas I’ve provided, or use them to inspire a different idea that you’ll be proud of this year. Act fast! Halloween is just around the corner and you don’t want to be lazy this year. Your Instagram followers are counting on you!

  • Cowboy Ken from Barbie

    Barbie is the biggest movie of the year, in fact…it’s the biggest movie in recent memory. When was the last time a movie made such a big impact in the pop culture zeitgeist? Beats me. Why not celebrate by dressing up in one of the signatures looks from the movie? Cowboy Ken does more than just “Beach.” With the Cowboy Ken costume, you’re not just Ken…you’re a ten.

  • Super Mario

    Speaking of big movies that have come out recently, did you see the Super Mario Bros Movie? It was amazing! Mario is one of my favorite characters of all-time…and the costume is ridiculously simple and easy. Plus, it’s great for any weather, because let’s be honest you never know what the weather will end up being on Halloween. With this Super Mario costume you are set-up for a great night no matter what. It’s also super easy to get some friends together and all be characters from the movie. You can have Mario, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, and the whole gang!

    Get It Now From Amazon
  • Ursula from The Little Mermaid

    We finally got our live-action Little Mermaid movie, and now you can bring it to life with this awesome costume. Look…not everyone wants to be a Princess. Halloween is a great time to bring out your inner villain. Who better than Ursula? Plus, it’s not like you can’t turn this into something that looks good! It’s great for a Halloween party or could go with the little one’s Ariel costume. The choice is yours.

  • Ted Lasso

    Ted Lasso is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable characters on TV today. We’re all still sad to see the TV show go, but now you can put a smile on people’s faces by showing up to the party or up to the door in a Ted Lasso costume. Warning: puns not included. Come up with those beforehand. 

    Get It Now From Amazon
  • Buzz Lightyear

    Take Halloween 2023 to infinity and beyond with a Buzz Lightyear costume. When I was a kid, Buzz Lightyear was a popular costume because the original movie had just been released. Now, as an adult, I’m ready to rock it again. Buzz is back and popular again thanks to Disney’s Lightyear movie. It’s truly timeless. Take a nasty fall while out Trick Or Treating? You didn’t trip…you fell–with style. 

  • Wednesday Addams

    Thanks to the hit Netflix show Wednesday, Wednesday Addams made a huge return to pop culture this year. The look is iconic and everyone will be able to recognize the costume. Bonus points if you can learn the viral dance. You will be the life of the party (which Wednesday would hate, ironically). 

    Get It Now From Amazon
  • Elvis

    The biopic about Elvis was another massive movie to hit theaters this year. Why not get into character? Who doesn’t love the idea of dressing like Elvis and busting out some moves and iconic lines like, “thank you, thank you very much.” There are few things better than a bad Elvis impression, and we all love to give it a go. Make this Halloween a rockingroovin’ time, baby.

  • The Last Of Us Clicker Mask

    The Last of Us was one of the biggest shows of 2023, and showing up in a Clicker mask is both awesome and scary. That’s a recipe for a great Halloween night. All you need is the mask, and the rest of it is totally up to you, as they were humans so you can wear normal clothes with this costume. You can even wear a coat and layer up. This idea is completely weather-proof. Have you ever decided to go with a costume where you can’t wear a coat over it or else it’s ruined? Then Halloween is 30 degrees and freezing? I’ve been there. This mask lets you avoid all of that. Can’t say the same for your friends costumes, though… 

    Get It Now From Amazon
  • Scarecrow from The Wizard Of Oz

    Not only is this costume iconic and timeless, it also gives you cover in case you do anything dumb on Halloween. Simply blame it on not having a brain and break into song. They’ll all think you did it on purpose. Fool-proof, baby. This way, you and your friends can all dress up as characters from the movie. You can be joined by Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and some flying Monkeys, there are tons of options.

  • Velma Dinkley Halloween Costume

    Jinkees! You can’t forget about Scoob and the gang. If your friends are in the mood for a group costume, Scooby-Doo and the gang is a great way to go. Halloween Costumes.com, which has this Velma costume, also has Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby costumes. So it’s like a one-stop shop for everyone!

  • Forrest Gump Costume Suit

    Of course, we can’t forget this notable Tom Hanks character. Forrest Gump is still one of the best movies of all time. And honestly, if you want everyone to recognize you, grab a box of chocolates and this costume.

  • Ghost Face Costume

    Obviously, Ghost Face has to be on here. From the moment Scream became a cult classic, Halloweens were never the same. The Ghost Face mask has become as iconic as the Michael Myers mask and the Freddy Kreuger hockey mask. So if you really want to be iconic… you gotta go with a classic like this.

  • KISS Demon Costume

    When it comes to rock legends, you know Kiss is at the top of that list. And with their farewell tour going on, why not dress up as Gene Simmons’ iconic persona The Demon. Granted you may have to watch a YouTube video to get that makeup perfect, but hey, it’s worth it if you’re going to go all out.

  • Ghostbuster Jumpsuit

    Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! Yeah, can’t get any more Halloween-esq than the Ghostbusters. This one is great for a group of friends, solo, or maybe as a “couples” costume… check out our bonus item below!

  • Bonus: Ghostbusters Stay Puft Costume for Infants

    I mean, come on! This is hilarious and adorable all at once. If you’re a parent taking your kid out for Halloween this year and you want to get in on the dress-up fun going as a Ghostbuster and the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man would be iconic! Plus, it’s going to get a lot of laughs out of folks. And if you’re feeling really creative you could try to recreate that scene from Ghostbusters with your infant/toddler in a smaller-scale toy city or something. Either way, this would be incredible.

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