The whole point of Halloween is to look effortlessly cool, even if you secretly started planning your costume back in August. Trends come and go like the seasons, always circling back with a new twist.
Once you’re in college, Halloween somehow becomes way more serious. That being said, here are a few costume ideas that are the perfect balance between effortless and eye-catching, without me spoiling any of my own, of course.
Polka dots are making a comeback, and what better way to hop on the trend than by turning it into your Halloween costume? Go as a Dalmatian, it’s cute, easy and instantly recognizable. If you have a group, turn it into “101 Dalmatians,” or pair up with someone as a firefighter and a Dalmatian. For a costume that seems simple, the possibilities are kind of endless.
Costumes based on books are arguably my favorite, and there are so many to work with. “A Bad Case of Stripes” mixes that niche, if you-know-you-know aspect, while also being eye-catching. Halloween is your chance to go all out, so paint your entire body with rainbow stripes and carry around a thermometer all night!
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” costume is a bit more detailed, but when you pull it off, it’s this cool mix of familiar and totally unique. I promise you won’t see another caterpillar that night. And if you’ve got some overalls lying around, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” is super nostalgic — and honestly, the perfect excuse to snack on cookies all night.
Cartoon characters are always a safe bet, so here’s a quick list of some classics you can’t go wrong with. Hello Kitty is super popular right now, and there are tons of fun ways to dress her up. Paddington Bear is pretty simple. Just throw on some bear ears, rain boots and a raincoat, and you’re set. Betty Boop’s got that timeless, elegant vibe. Strawberry Shortcake is adorable and perfect if you want to turn it into a group thing.
I’ll be the first to say that we need more scary Halloween costumes. I promise there is a way to wear a scary costume and still be hot.
You can paint your face, wear a corset and be a clown; add a party hat and add as many colors as you can. Even Edward Scissorhands is a good option, just find every single black article of clothing you own and wear it at the same time, then put on your makeup in the dark and carry around a bunch of scissors. Freddy Krueger, Jigsaw, Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees are all classics that offer so much creative freedom.
At the end of the day, Halloween is all about having fun and expressing yourself, whether that means you’re going for a spooky, silly, nostalgic or unique look. The best costume is one that feels effortless but still turns heads, so don’t be afraid to get creative (or start planning early).
