Top 10 Halloween Costume Ideas (2018)

Dressing up as a cowboy or a western dame is often dismissed as a very generic choice, and for years that’s just what it was - a bottom of the barrel last minute costume idea for the uninspired. But with the success of HBO’s “Westworld,” America’s Old West is hot again. You can keep it simple by dressing up as a generic park visitor and keep the Westworld-specific reveal in your back pocket until someone questions your costume. Of course, with so many numerous distinct and recognizable hosts to choose from, like Dolores, Maeve, Hector, and Armistice, there’s also plenty of opportunity to up the ante by dressing as a self-aware western android.

This unique Netflix co-production is a testament to the streaming service’s willingness to greenlight bold original concepts, and its success is proof that subscribers are interested in this sort of cutting edge programming. This reckless tale of nihilistic teenage rebellion introduced us to two of the most remarkable characters in recent memory: runaways Alyssa and James. We’re not picking favorites, but as far as Halloween inspiration is concerned, Alyssa’s incognito blond haircut, oversized leather jacket, flower dress, and boots are begging to be replicated. Of course, if you’ve got a Hawaiian shirt lying around and a willing accomplice, a matching James costume comes together easily too!

Whether you don a mermaid tail or grab some glass slippers to live out your Cinderella fantasies, if you’re repping the House of Mouse on the spookiest night of the year, you’ll be a hit. And this year, you can bring out your inner royal AND be comfortable! 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” got everyone insanely excited by bringing together our favorite Disney ladies, but this time, they’re more self-aware and decked out in thematic - and amazing - loungewear. From Anna’s “Finish Each Other’s Sandwiches” shirt to Aurora’s “Nap Queen” one, you can recreate these tees yourself, or find them pre-made online. Best part? You can even wear them once Halloween’s done!
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“Game of Thrones” is another property that’s inspired legions of Halloween costumes, but with the shocking conclusion of Season 7, we’ve got a brand-new couple costume with a whole lot of hype behind it. That’s right, finally meeting face to face in seventh and penultimate season, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen of the many names developed a bond that people are still talking about. And for Halloween 2018, you can help to keep that conversation going with your significant other by dressing up as the dragon and the wolf. Jon’s outfit is pretty straightforward, but with Khaleesi’s varied wardrobe, well… the sky’s the limit!

Speaking of costumes that are real one-two punch, how about this dynamic duo from the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Living out your dreams of befriending Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly might be beyond your grasp, but at least you can replicate their superheroic looks from their 2018 film. Unless you’re a professional cosplayer or absolute master with a sewing machine, you’re probably going to need to purchase a store-bought one. Of course, you could also flex your geek cred by embracing more classic costumes from the comics! Now… if only we could get these costumes to work like in the film!

Sure… we could make arguments about how these costumes are timely because “Solo” came out in May 2018 or due to the announcement of “Clone Wars” Season 7, but we don’t really need to because, well… “Star Wars” is timeless - it’s ALWAYS a good choice. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” has definitely inspired a renewed interest in Chewbacca and Han Solo couple costumes, but characters from “The Last Jedi” and “The Force Awakens” are still equally as relevant and popular. Of course, the return of “Clone Wars” does make this a great time to go for a more obscure character. Who’s up for a little Cad Bane or Bo-Katan cosplay?

When Hulu adapted this classic tale by Margaret Atwood, they knocked it out of the park in multiple ways. Not only did they successfully translate Atwood’s story and message to the small screen and perfectly cast Elisabeth Moss in the starring role of Offred, but they also nailed the aesthetic by hiring Ane Crabtree as costume designer. While the white bonnet and red robes look might be a simple one, it makes for a powerful image and has undeniably become iconic since the show’s debut. For those looking to put together a costume that requires little effort but makes a big impression, look no further.

Speaking of simple red costumes that are sure to turn heads, how about this little number? Initially broadcast on Antena 3 and capturing the attention of viewers around the world thanks to a distribution deal with Netflix, “La casa de papel,” known as “Money Heist” in North America, is a gripping heist series with the sort of aesthetic that you can’t ignore. As a result of the show’s success, the disguise worn by our criminal protagonists has become rather iconic - not unlike the “V for Vendetta” mask before it. All you need is a red jumpsuit and a Salvador Dali mask - both of which are easily available online thanks to this show.

They’re baaaaack! Everyone’s favorite Pixar superhero family made their long-awaited return to the big screen in 2018 to wonderful and wildly entertaining results, making now the perfect time to slip into some spandex of your own. This costume idea works for an individual, a couple or a family of up to 5! Simple in its design, the classic red and black Incredibles outfit can easily be purchased online at reasonable prices. Fun, and instantly recognizable, your Incredible family costume is sure to be well-received at any Halloween event.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Rick & Morty

Ariana Grande

Mr. Rogers

Who could’ve guessed that a modern take on the world of Archie, drawing inspiration from the likes of “Gossip Girl” and “Twin Peaks,” would take the world of television by storm? The students of Riverdale High are stylish, gorgeous, and oh so perfect to serve as your inspiration this Halloween. You can roll into the party solo as any single character or make an ensemble event out of it. Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Cheryl, Josie, Valerie, and Melody - there’s no shortage of characters to choose from, and every one of them has a distinct look that fellow fans are sure to spot. What can we say… this is the year of Riverdale.