I can still clearly remember the time when celebrating October 31st was not a thing here in Australia. Halloween costumes? Spooky decor? Irritating trick-or-treaters? Honestly? Can't relate!
But Halloween festivities are slowly becoming a part of our culture, don't you think? I'm sure you have noticed. Shops in the neighbourhood have incorporated horror-themed designs in the past couple of years. My little one and her cousins are already informing the family of what they want to dress up as and what kinds of chocolates we must give them. And our department had just announced we might have our first-ever Halloween party!
My first thought: what to wear? To be honest, I'm quite hesitant. Dressing up has always been fun - but it's also a lot of effort. But we must always try things at least once. So, if you're scouring the Internet for the best Halloween costume ideas for adults for 2024, you've come to the right place.
Essentials for Do-It-Yourself Halloween costumes
Little Black Dress
Every woman must have her BLD. If you don't already have one, believe me, it will make a lot of your dressing-up problems disappear. For Halloween, you can be a witch just by adding a pointy hat, stockings, and a broom. You can be the devil with just a devil headband and a cape. Add sparkly bling, and you're ready for a Gatsby-themed night. Add white gloves and an elegant necklace to channel your inner movie star. The sky is literally the limit!
Art and Craft Supplies
When it comes to last-minute costumes, don’t underestimate the power of basic art and craft supplies. Items like cardboard, markers, glitter, fabric scraps, and hot glue can go a long way in creating DIY props and costume pieces. You can quickly make things like crowns, wings, or even armour with a little creativity and some scissors. Plus, it’s a great way to put a personal touch on your outfit.
Makeup
Learning how to do your own makeup can completely elevate a simple costume. With a few YouTube tutorials, you can master the basics of Halloween makeup, whether you're aiming for something glamorous, spooky, or downright scary. Even basic eyeliner can create a cat-eye, whiskers, or spider webs, while red lipstick is perfect for vampires or movie stars. Special effects makeup like fake blood or face paint can add depth to zombie or monster costumes. It’s one of the easiest ways to transform your look without needing a full wardrobe change.
Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch that can pull any costume together. Whether it’s a themed headband, a wig, hats, belts, masks, sunglasses, or quirky jewellery, small details can make a huge difference. You can easily find these at affordable shops like Daiso, thrift stores, or even lying around your house. Think of a pirate’s eye patch, a superhero’s cape, or a tiara for a princess - all simple pieces that can make your costume stand out.
Halloween-themed costumes
Wicked Witch
The Wicked Witch is one of the most recognisable costumes if you need to put something together in a jiffy. Wear a pointy hat and bring your kitchen broom, and you're good to go! Plus, Ariana Grande's Wicked is set for just after this year's Halloween, so you're on a theme.
Ghost
Ghosts are another fixture for horror-themed parties, and they're usually pretty easy to DIY. Get an old white sheet you're not using anymore and cut holes for your eyes. Done!
Zombie
A zombie costume also comes together quickly. After all, you can pretty much use whatever old clothes you have in the closet, adding a few cuts and rips here and there. It comes down to hair and makeup - make sure to be as dishevelled and rotten as you can.
Zombie bride
Alternatively, why not go as a zombie bride? Mean Girls is admittedly one of my favourite movies, and everyone remembers Cady's iconic Halloween costume. If you haven't already given away your white dress to Retrostar after the divorce, then this is the perfect time to say goodbye.
Skeleton
Skeleton is another popular and easy Halloween costume. It's quite easy to DIY for a last-minute costume, too. You only need a matching black shirt and black pants. Paint the front and back with white bones, and you're good to go.
Spirits from the Land of the Dead
My daughter has been obsessed with Pixar's Coco since she was one. Many adults take inspiration from intricate makeup and elaborate clothing from Mexican folklore. I personally don't have the makeup skills to DIY everything and channel my inner Frida Kahlo, but I'm sure you'll be in the running for the best costume award.
Scary Movie Characters
If you’re aiming for a fright, scary movie characters like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, or Chucky are solid choices. These costumes are usually simple but pack a punch, especially when you focus on the right hair, mask, or makeup to bring the creepy factor.
Fictional characters
Fairy
If you're looking for an easy way to craft a classic fairy look, we've got you covered! The fairy is a quick and easy outfit that comes together in no time. A large piece of tulle can transform into wings, while a simple article of clothing makes for an adorable dress. Add some adhesive glitter for sparkle, and you’re set to go!
Mermaid
Channel your inner Ariel this Halloween! Head to your local thrift store and search for a large piece of shimmering fabric, then add some body paint for that iridescent glow. You can even craft an adorable doll of Flounder to carry around.
Mythology
Homer's gods and goddesses are another safe yet dainty option for costumes. A flowy white dress, sandals, and gold accessories would be fairly easy to find in your closet or the local thrift shop.
Novelty
Animals
If you're leaning toward something adorable and easy, animal costumes are always a hit. Grab some zebra or tiger-striped clothing and pair it with animal ears. You can also add face paint to enhance the look—think whiskers, a cute nose, or bold stripes. You can also turn yourself into a unicorn with just a headband and a rainbow dress.
Objects
If you have a LOT of time and a LOT of creativity, you might want to check out cosplaying objects. Think a Rubik's Cube, a Starbucks cup, or a french fry. Though it's not that easy to assemble, you're going to be a huge hit at the party.
Best Halloween costumes from pop culture moments
The Eras Tour
Whatever your opinion of her, Taylor Swift is undeniably this year's most influential pop star. The great thing about this is there are a lot of eras to get inspiration from. If you went to the show in Sidney - I didn't - maybe you even have an outfit ready to be recycled for your Halloween costume this year.
Oh, and how about Taylor Sheesh? It would be heaps of fun impersonating the famous Taytay impersonator!
Barbie
In 2023, Good Housekeeping had a Barbie Halloween costume on the top of their list. It's unsurprising, given Barbie was last year's highest-grossing movie. If the trend continues, we're expecting to bump into lots of walking and talking emotions at this year's party.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Okay, I'm highly anticipating this one. Jenna Ortega's Wednesday Addams has become a Halloween fixture, and her fashion in this film is just as promising. It's always a nice idea to get inspo from movies with definitive fashion.
Chappell Roan
Admittedly, I'm biased on this one, but the Midwest princess is definitely 2024's phenomenon. She's like Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga all rolled into one. There are also lots of looks to recreate so that you won't run out of ideas.
Jojo Siwa
To be honest, I have a very soft spot for Jojo Siwa. I used to babysit a niece who was obsessed with her. Her current rebrand as a gay pop icon has become a major pop culture meme. If your friends don't find the ensemble recognisable enough, you can always say you're from Kiss.
Couple costumes
Cowgirl and cowboy
If you're coming in as a couple, cowgirl and cowboy is one of the easiest to assemble. A plaid shirt, denim jeans or shorts, leather boots, and a cowboy hat are basically everything you need. You might also sneak in a whip for a sprinkle of naughty.
Angel and devil
The angel and devil iconography is one of the most common Halloween costumes of all time, and also quite easy to DIY. You can simply mix and match stuff you already have in your wardrobe and your kids' art drawer. You may want to buy the wings and the pitchfork, but you can also make them yourself using cardboard and sticks.
Group costumes
If you’re heading to a Halloween party with friends, why not coordinate a team? Ideas could include the cast of Charlie's Angels, characters from The Lord of the Rings, or the iconic Ghostbusters team. Team costumes are a fun way to stand out and ensure you and your mates arrive in style!
Conclusion to best Halloween Costumes 2024
As Halloween continues to become a more significant part of Aussie culture, it's exciting to see how creative everyone is getting with their costumes. Whether you're pulling together a last-minute look with a little black dress or going all out with pop culture-inspired outfits, the possibilities are endless. From easy DIY costumes to iconic characters, Halloween 2024 is your chance to have fun and show off your creativity.
So, why not give it a go? Dressing up doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and with the right accessories or a bit of makeup, you can transform yourself into something truly memorable. Whether you're channelling a Taylor Swift era, a Pixar favourite, or a classic skeleton, there’s a costume idea for everyone. This Halloween, let your imagination run wild and enjoy every moment of the spooky season!
