Halloween is the perfect time to dress up, express yourself, and step into the shoes of your favourite iconic characters. From Hollywood classics to modern icons, Halloween offers endless options for costume creativity. This year, if you really want to channel some unforgettable movie characters, we’ve put together a list of legendary ladies whose outfits perfectly capture their unique personalities, styles, and unforgettable looks.
Halloween and Its Traditions
Halloween is more than just candy and decorations; it celebrates creativity, nostalgia, and fun! People of all ages enjoy dressing up as iconic figures, from movie heroes to spooky villains. Halloween costumes are rooted in old customs where people wore disguises to ward off spirits, and it’s since evolved into a night of self-expression, creativity, and fun. Every Halloween, people worldwide choose Halloween costumes that reflect not only their favourite characters but also their unique styles.
For those who love fashion, Halloween is the perfect chance to recreate looks from classic films and popular movies featuring characters who represent boldness, romance, and unforgettable aesthetics.
Popular Female Characters to Dress Up As This Halloween
The Halloween season is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and transform into one of the many iconic female characters from film and television. Whether you have a specific character in mind or are looking for inspiration, you can easily find pieces lying around in your closet to help you bring these beloved personas to life. From classic figures to modern-day heroines, your ability to portray their unique style is the key to pulling off a memorable look. Here are some fantastic ideas for Halloween costume inspo that are easy to create and make you the star of any celebration!
Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad
Harley Quinn is undeniably a Halloween costume favourite. Known for her mischievous personality and fierce loyalty to herself, she epitomises “bad girl” energy. Her look from Suicide Squad movie is fun, edgy, and easy to recreate, making it perfect for Halloween. The iconic outfit includes her “Daddy’s Lil Monster” blouse, pink and blue makeup, and trademark pigtails. Opt for a red and blue jacket, fishnet tights, and some fake tattoos to pull off her look. Don’t forget her baseball bat for that extra bit of attitude!
Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch is one of the most iconic looks in film history. Marilyn represents old Hollywood glamour, femininity, and allure, making her a timeless Halloween costume. This easy-to-put-together look simply requires a white dress, lipstick, and curled hair, though you can add a wig to truly capture her look. Pull off this ensemble with a red pout and that famous pose to really make an entrance this Halloween.
Barbie from Barbie
Margot Robbie’s Barbie made a major comeback in 2023, with her aesthetic featuring fun colours, sparkles, and, of course, pink! The character Barbie represents confidence, positivity, and being unapologetically yourself. Her costume is easy to create—all you need is a pink dress or skirt, a big smile, and maybe even a tiara. Throw on some heels, accessorise with some pearls, and you’re ready to go. Barbie is all about dreaming big, so don’t hold back on the glitter!
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games
For a fierce and adventurous Halloween costume, Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games is an inspiring choice. Katniss represents strength, courage, and resilience, and her outfit is practical and powerful. To recreate her look, grab a black jacket, cargo pants, and a toy bow and arrow set. Finish the look with a braided hairstyle, boots, and a serious attitude. Perfect for those who want a costume that’s both low-maintenance and striking.
Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, is the queen of classic, timeless style. Her look from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is elegant and easy to pull together. For her famous black dress, add a pearl necklace, long black gloves, and a tiara for a touch of sparkle. Holly represents romance and sophistication, and her look is sure to be instantly recognisable. This costume is perfect for those who want a refined, vintage Halloween style.
Fran Fine from The Nanny
Fran Fine from The Nanny brings vibrant ‘90s fashion to life with her love for bold colours, plaid skirts, and sky-high heels. Fran is quirky, confident, and full of personality, so if you really want to stand out, this is a great choice. Her outfit usually includes a plaid skirt, a colourful blouse, and a fabulous fur coat. Finish with big hair and bold eye makeup—the bigger, the better! This is a DIY dream if you love the ‘90s style and want something fun and vibrant for Halloween.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
Wednesday Addams is a perfect Halloween costume for those who prefer a darker, minimalist look. Known for her sarcastic wit and iconic pigtails, Wednesday’s style is easy to recreate with a black dress with a white collar and black eyeliner. She represents a spooky, deadpan sense of humour and is loved for her “too cool to care” attitude. Jenna Ortega’s recent portrayal of Wednesday has given the character a modern edge, making it a great Halloween costume choice.
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
If you’re a fan of all things pink and fabulous, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is your go-to costume. Elle is smart, fearless, and stylish, known for her pink outfits and her love of law. To pull off Elle’s look, wear a pink skirt suit and heels, and grab some fabulous sunglasses. Elle Woods proves you can be smart and fashionable, making her a truly inspirational character to emulate this Halloween.
Cruella de Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Cruella de Vil, with her dramatic style and love for fur, is another instantly recognisable Halloween costume. She’s a villain with a fashion-forward twist, and her outfit is easy to DIY. Opt for a black dress with a fur coat (faux, of course!) and add her famous black and white wig. Cruella is bold, stylish, and a little wicked—perfect for anyone wanting to channel their inner villain.
Wonder Woman from Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the ultimate symbol of power and bravery, making her an empowering choice for Halloween. Her costume represents strength and justice, and it’s a Halloween costume that never goes out of style. DIY-ing her look requires a red top, a blue skirt or shorts, and knee-high boots. Don’t forget her tiara, cuffs, and maybe even a lasso to complete the look. Wonder Woman’s outfit is perfect for those who want to feel strong and confident while looking fierce.
Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sally is a charming, slightly eerie choice for Halloween, perfect for those who love a whimsical, spooky vibe. Known for her patchwork dress, stitched features, and compassionate personality, she brings a gentle yet haunting presence. To pull off Sally’s look, opt for a patchwork-style dress, wig with red hair, and a little makeup to mimic her stitched scars. Sally’s costume is great for fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas and gives off a hauntingly sweet feel for Halloween.
Cher Horowitz from Clueless
Cher Horowitz is the ultimate ‘90s fashion icon, known for her upbeat personality, wealth, and unforgettable wardrobe. She embodies confidence, charm, and a bit of naivety, all wrapped up in a perfectly coordinated outfit. Cher’s iconic look features her yellow plaid outfit, knee-high socks, and sunglasses—a style that screams Beverly Hills chic. With a love for fashion, Cher knows how to mix vintage elegance with preppy flair, making her the ultimate costume for anyone who loves bold aesthetics. To dress like Cher, pair a bright plaid ensemble with a heel and finish with a bit of attitude—because, in Cher’s words, “As if!”
Emily from Corpse Bride
Emily from Corpse Bride is another beautiful yet spooky character for Halloween. Known for her pale blue dress, eye makeup, and skeletal features, Emily’s costume captures both romance and the supernatural. To recreate this look, you’ll need a white dress, a flower crown, and dramatic makeup to highlight her haunting beauty. Emily represents love beyond the grave, and her style is both ethereal and unforgettable, making her a unique and elegant choice.
Celebrate Halloween in Style
Whether you’re dressing up as a glamorous movie character, a fierce heroine, or a quirky classic, Halloween is your chance to become whoever you want to be. From vintage glamour to modern-day icons, these Halloween costume ideas will let you step into the world of your favourite characters and embody the styles, attitudes, and unique vibes they represent. So grab your costumes, pull out the perfect accessories, and confidently bring your favourite character to life this Halloween!