Best Halloween Costume Ideas for Women in 2026

Planning Halloween with your husband, boyfriend or partner? Explore our costume ideas for men to find an outfit they will love too.

Find Your Starting Point

Four different ways to approach your costume. For this year’s screen characters, returning favorites and classic looks, explore our 100 Halloween costume ideas for 2026.

Emma SwanRed Jacket + Jeans

Eleven — Pink DressCollared Dress + Navy Jacket

Scarlet Witch — Red JacketRed Jacket + Black Dress

Morticia AddamsLong Black Dress + Sleek Hair

Compare Costume Ideas

Costume	Start Here	Preparation
Emma Swan	Red Jacket + Jeans	Everyday clothes
Kim Possible	Black Top + Green Cargo Pants	Everyday clothes
Ashley Spinelli	Orange Beanie + Red Dress	A few specific pieces
Maggie Greene	Dark Tank + Jeans + Boots	Everyday clothes
Joyce Byers	Striped Tee + Olive Overshirt	Everyday clothes
Nancy Wheeler	Plaid Layers + Shearling-Style Jacket	A few specific pieces
Jyn Erso	Utility Vest + Scarf + Cargo Pants	A few specific pieces
Rey — Jakku Outfit	Pale Wraps + Brown Boots	Full costume or styling
Princess Leia — White Gown	White Dress + Side Buns	Full costume or styling
Eleven — Pink Dress	Collared Dress + Navy Jacket	A few specific pieces
Peggy Carter	Blue Skirt Suit + Red Fedora	A few specific pieces
Lara Croft — Classic-Inspired	Teal Tank + Shorts + Boots	A few specific pieces
Harley Quinn — Suicide Squad	Graphic Tee + Red-and-Blue Shorts	Full costume or styling
Scarlet Witch — Red Jacket	Red Jacket + Black Dress	A few specific pieces
Black Canary — Arrow	Black Layers + Eye Mask	Full costume or styling
Android 18	Denim Vest + Striped Sleeves	A few specific pieces
Wonder Woman — Classic	Red Bodice + Star-Patterned Shorts	Full costume or styling
Catwoman — The Dark Knight Rises	Black Suit + Eye Mask	Full costume or styling
Moana	Red Top + Printed Cream Skirt	Full costume or styling
Lagertha	Braided Hair + Layered Warrior Outfit	Full costume or styling
Daenerys Targaryen — Blue Dress	Blue Gown + Pale Braids	Full costume or styling
Morticia Addams	Long Black Dress + Sleek Hair	Full costume or styling
Wednesday Addams — Classic	White Collar + Black Dress	A few specific pieces
Cruella De Vil — Animated-Inspired	Split-Color Hair + Statement Coat	Full costume or styling

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Preparation

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Start With Clothes You May Already Own

Jeans, jackets and simple dresses can become a costume when the details are specific.

Red Jacket + Jeans

1. Emma Swan

Emma Swan is a strong starting point if you already have jeans, boots and a pale long-sleeved shirt. The red leather-style jacket does most of the character work; the swan necklace adds a more specific Once Upon a Time detail. Start with the jacket’s color and shape before spending on smaller accessories. It is an easy outfit to keep wearing through a long evening, and it gives you a television character without a wig or elaborate dress.

Black Top + Green Cargo Pants

2. Kim Possible

Kim’s mission outfit starts with a black top and green cargo pants, making it useful if you prefer trousers and boots. The guide adds a brown utility belt and gloves to sharpen the reference. Choose the top length you want to wear; a longer black top can keep the same overall color combination. This is a good option when pockets and freedom to move matter more to you than a costume gown or a large prop.

Orange Beanie + Red Dress

3. Ashley Spinelli

Spinelli turns a red dress, dark jacket and orange beanie into a recognizable Recess outfit. Her striped tights and chunky boots give the simple clothes their cartoon character. The guide’s jacket is a practical dark interpretation, so focus on the red dress and orange hat before matching every small feature. Tie short pigtails if your hair allows. Check the sizing on the striped tights individually, since an older listing in the kit is labeled for children.

Dark Tank + Jeans + Boots

4. Maggie Greene

Maggie’s guide builds a Walking Dead look from a dark tank, jeans, belt and sturdy boots. It is one of the more ordinary clothing combinations here, so a little worn-in styling or a group theme helps explain the character. The costume does not depend on the weapons listed in the older guide. Choose this when you want to reuse practical clothes, and keep the outfit version consistent instead of adding pieces from several seasons.

Striped Tee + Olive Overshirt

5. Joyce Byers

Joyce is a useful choice for someone who would rather wear relaxed jeans than a fitted costume. Start with a striped T-shirt and olive overshirt, then add the slightly untidy shoulder-length hair if you want a closer match. The colored lights are the clearest Stranger Things clue in the guide; use them as a photo backdrop or carry a small costume-safe set. The other props are optional, and the clothes can come straight from your wardrobe.

Plaid Layers + Shearling-Style Jacket

6. Nancy Wheeler

This Nancy outfit combines a plaid shirt, sweater, jeans and a shearling-style jacket for a layered early-series look. Boots and fingerless gloves finish the kit. You do not need to wear every warm layer indoors: decide which parts of the outfit suit the event, then keep the plaid and jacket as the main cues. Nancy works especially well with a Stranger Things group, since these ordinary clothes are less obvious as a solo costume than Eleven’s pink dress.

Recognizable Movie and TV Outfits

Choose the version first, then build its layers and finishing details.

Utility Vest + Scarf + Cargo Pants

7. Jyn Erso

Jyn’s Rogue One outfit gives you a Star Wars costume built from practical layers. The brown utility vest and gray scarf sit over dark shirts, with cargo pants and boots underneath. Choose the vest first because its shape sets this apart from a generic dark outfit. Fingerless gloves add detail without requiring a large prop. If you are coordinating with other Star Wars fans, settle on this Rebel field outfit before borrowing accessories from another character.

Pale Wraps + Brown Boots

8. Rey — Jakku Outfit

Rey’s original Jakku look uses pale clothing and crossed fabric wraps with brown boots, a wrist cuff and a shoulder bag. Start with the costume’s draped layers and the three-bun hairstyle; they explain the character more quickly than a pile of props. The linked kit includes a staff and BB-8 options, but neither is needed to make the clothing work. This is the Force Awakens outfit, rather than the gray or white looks from later films.

White Dress + Side Buns

9. Princess Leia — White Gown

Leia’s white gown and two side buns are a clear, relatively simple Star Wars reference. The guide contains more than one outfit, so choose the white dress and white boots for this version and leave the other costume’s pieces out. You can style the buns with your own hair or use a wig. Pay attention to the dress length before the party. The hairstyle and white silhouette can carry the costume without any handheld prop.

Collared Dress + Navy Jacket

10. Eleven — Pink Dress

Eleven’s first-season pink dress, navy jacket, tube socks and sneakers make a comfortable character outfit with a very specific palette. The guide includes a blonde wig for the disguise version, but you can also follow her short-haired look. A waffle prop adds a recognizable detail without much bulk. Keep this shopping list separate from Eleven’s later mall outfits: the dress, jacket and socks are what make this particular version easy to identify.

Blue Skirt Suit + Red Fedora

11. Peggy Carter

Peggy Carter is the choice for someone who enjoys a tailored outfit. The guide pairs a blue skirt suit with a white blouse, red fedora and coordinated shoes and bag. The hat is the detail worth locating early; an ordinary office suit alone does not tell the same story. You can keep the makeup simple and let the red-and-blue contrast do the work. Skip the weapon listed in the old kit and use the hat or clutch for photos.

Teal Tank + Shorts + Boots

12. Lara Croft — Classic-Inspired

The linked Lara guide takes a classic-inspired approach with a teal tank, shorts, belt and sturdy lace-up boots. That is different from copying the gray top in its character image exactly, so settle on the kit’s teal version first. A long braid and fingerless gloves add the adventurer detail. You can leave the weapons and holsters out. This is a good choice when you want a sporty outfit and already own much of the clothing.

Superheroes, Games and Anime

From a red jacket to a full costume suit, choose how far you want to transform.

Graphic Tee + Red-and-Blue Shorts

13. Harley Quinn — Suicide Squad

This Harley guide follows the Suicide Squad outfit: graphic white T-shirt, red-and-blue shorts, fishnets and two-tone pigtails. Work out the clothing and hair before adding jewelry or makeup. The shorts and wig are more specific purchases than the belt or gloves, so start there. It is not the red-and-black jester suit or a later movie outfit. You can keep your hands free at a party by leaving the bat and other weapon props out.

Red Jacket + Black Dress

14. Scarlet Witch — Red Jacket

Scarlet Witch’s red-jacket look is an approachable superhero outfit if you already own a black dress and boots. Add the long red jacket, pendant and dark arm warmers from the guide, then decide how much hair styling you want. This version does not call for the later red crown and full costume. It is a useful middle ground between everyday clothes and a specialized superhero suit, especially if you want to sit and walk comfortably through the event.

Black Layers + Eye Mask

15. Black Canary — Arrow

This Black Canary guide uses the Arrow-style black outfit: fitted top, leather-style jacket and trousers, tall boots, gloves and an eye mask. A blonde wig can finish the reference, but start by deciding which black pieces you can reuse. The jacket, mask and hair are the strongest cues. This is not the classic fishnet-and-leotard version. Build the outfit around those clothes rather than assuming you need every prop included in the older shopping list.

Denim Vest + Striped Sleeves

16. Android 18

Android 18 offers an anime look assembled from a denim vest and skirt, a dark top, striped sleeves, leggings and boots. The short blonde bob and Red Ribbon detail make the denim outfit more specific. Pay attention to the layers: a generic denim dress will not create the same combination as the vest and skirt. Choose this if you like the idea of anime cosplay but would rather use familiar garments than a full uniform or armor suit.

Red Bodice + Star-Patterned Shorts

17. Wonder Woman — Classic

The classic Wonder Woman kit uses a red bodice, blue shorts with white stars, a gold belt, tiara and cuffs. Start with the main clothing and check how the pieces fit together before adding accessories. This follows the familiar comic-inspired palette rather than the more armored movie costume. Boots complete the look, but choose footwear you can actually wear for the event. The tiara and wrist cuffs provide the superhero detail even without carrying a lasso.

Black Suit + Eye Mask

18. Catwoman — The Dark Knight Rises

Catwoman’s guide contains both a fitted black costume and ordinary Selina Kyle clothing. For the masked movie look, choose the suit, gloves and eye mask; the skirt suit, floppy hat and luggage belong to another direction. Make that decision before buying the accessories. A black costume needs little color coordination, but fit matters when you sit down or move around. This is the Dark Knight Rises interpretation rather than a stitched or comic-style Catwoman suit.

Fantasy, Dark Classics and Dramatic Looks

These outfits put more emphasis on the dress, hair or a statement outer layer.

Red Top + Printed Cream Skirt

19. Moana

Moana’s recognizable outfit centers on the red top, printed cream skirt and shell necklace from her first film. Use those character garments as the reference rather than adding a generic leaf skirt simply because the older kit lists one. A wig is optional if you want longer hair, and you can leave the paddle at home. This gives a Disney group a different clothing shape from a princess ball gown while keeping a clear, specific character outfit.

Braided Hair + Layered Warrior Outfit

20. Lagertha

Lagertha asks for more planning than most of the clothing-based choices. The guide combines a long-sleeved top, structured bodice or faux chain-mail layer, skirt or leggings, belt, bracers and boots. Choose one coherent layered outfit before ordering all of the alternatives. The braided hair takes its own preparation time, so practice it ahead of the event. A shield can add to a photo, but the clothing and braids should work before you consider carrying anything large.

Blue Gown + Pale Braids

21. Daenerys Targaryen — Blue Dress

This Daenerys guide builds a blue-dress interpretation with a pale wig, belt and dragon-themed accessory. It is a different shopping list from her later dark coats or white winter outfit, so choose the blue-gown direction first. Hair styling and the dress color provide the strongest cues. A small dragon can add context without the size of a shoulder prop. Look at the gown’s hem and fit before spending time on jewelry or an additional cloak.

Long Black Dress + Sleek Hair

22. Morticia Addams

Morticia starts with a long black dress whose narrow shape and flowing sleeves give it character. The guide offers alternative dresses, so choose one rather than treating both as required pieces. Long straight hair and red lipstick finish the look; dramatic face makeup is a choice, not a requirement. Check the hem with your shoes before the party. Morticia also makes a natural partner costume with Gomez, with each person following a separate, complete outfit guide.

White Collar + Black Dress

23. Wednesday Addams — Classic

Classic Wednesday uses a black dress with a crisp white collar, black tights, Mary Janes and two braids. The clothes are simpler than her later dance dress, and they can work with very little makeup. Start with the collar and braids because those distinguish the outfit from an ordinary black dress. The toys and prop knife in the older guide are optional. Choose this version when you want a dark costume that is still straightforward to put together.

Split-Color Hair + Statement Coat

24. Cruella De Vil — Animated-Inspired

Cruella’s animated-inspired look pairs a simple black dress with a dramatic coat, red gloves and split black-and-white hair. The wig and coat are the purchases that change the outfit most; the base dress may already be in your wardrobe. Choose a faux-fur coat for the costume and decide whether you want to wear it all evening or mainly for photos. This is the familiar animated palette, not one of the newer film’s many fashion outfits.

Narrow It Down Before You Shop

Audit Your Wardrobe

Jeans and boots give Emma Swan a head start; a black dress can support Scarlet Witch, Morticia or Cruella, depending on its shape. Lay out what you have before choosing the character. Then compare the big missing piece: a red jacket, a long fitted gown or a statement coat.

Count Preparation, Not Just Items

A short list can still take time if it includes a wig, braids or detailed makeup. Wednesday’s braids are a different commitment from Lagertha’s styling, and Harley’s two-tone hair takes more planning than Joyce’s everyday look. Think about shopping and getting ready separately.

Commit to One Version

Leia’s white gown, Rey’s Jakku wraps and Eleven’s pink dress are specific outfits. The guide may include alternatives, but that does not mean you should combine them. Pick a reference and use it to decide which pieces belong on your list.

Choose an Outfit You Can Wear Through the Event

Kim and Jyn give you trousers and boots; Peggy offers a tailored skirt suit; Morticia puts the focus on a long dress. Try the main clothes with your shoes before adding the small accessories. A costume can suit your plans as well as the character.

Plan With Your Partner Without Matching Every Detail

Gomez and Morticia have different shopping lists but make a clear pair. A wider Star Wars or Stranger Things group gives each person more choice. Agree on the world and how elaborate you want the outfits to be, then let everyone choose a role they enjoy.

Spend on the Detail That Explains the Character

Peggy’s red hat and blue suit work together; Android 18 needs the denim and striped sleeves; Cruella relies on the split-color hair. Put your budget toward that recognizable detail before buying generic jewelry or props that do little for the outfit.

A Few Questions Before You Choose

What is a good last-minute costume for a woman?

Look first at Emma Swan, Kim Possible, Joyce Byers or Maggie Greene if you already own jeans or cargo pants, boots and suitable tops. The strongest choice depends on your actual clothes: Emma needs a red jacket to read clearly, while Joyce benefits from her striped tee and olive overshirt. Check what is missing before calling any costume last-minute.

Which choices work without a dress or skirt?

Kim Possible, Jyn Erso, Maggie Greene, Joyce Byers and Nancy Wheeler all offer trouser-based outfits. Lara Croft uses shorts, and the masked Catwoman outfit is a fitted suit. Start with that clothing preference before comparing wigs or accessories.

Do I need a wig or face makeup?

Not for every outfit. Emma, Jyn and several of the ordinary-clothes options can work with your own hair. Leia’s buns, Wednesday’s braids and Cruella’s split-color hair contribute more to recognition. Choose the character detail you want to reproduce rather than assuming every costume needs a complete makeover.

How can I compare cost without a fixed price?

Divide the kit into pieces you own, pieces you can borrow and pieces you need to buy. The main dress, jacket, wig or costume suit often decides the budget. Listings and sizes change, so compare the cost of your actual missing pieces instead of relying on the number of items in a guide.

Which outfits work well for a work party?

Emma Swan, Peggy Carter and the layered television outfits can be useful starting points when you want your face visible and clothes you can sit in. Consider your workplace’s event guidance, then decide whether a wig, long hem or big prop would be convenient. A clear character detail can be enough without a full transformation.

Can these become partner or group costumes?

Yes. Morticia pairs with Gomez, Leia or Jyn can join a Star Wars group, and Eleven, Joyce and Nancy offer different Stranger Things outfits. Decide on the group before shopping, then follow each person’s guide separately. A coordinated theme does not require everyone to spend the same amount.

Do I need the weapons shown in some of the older kits?

No. Focus on the clothing, hair and accessories that identify the character. Leia’s white gown and buns, Lara’s braid and adventurer clothes, and Peggy’s red hat work without weapons. If you choose to bring any costume prop to an event, check that venue’s rules.

Are the costumes ranked from best to worst?

No. Numbers make the selection easier to browse. The groups and preparation filter help you compare different starting points, and the best choice is the one that fits your interests, wardrobe and plans.

Choose two or three favorites and compare only the pieces you are missing. Decide whether you want the evening to involve ordinary clothes, a recognizable dress or a larger transformation, then check the fit of the main outfit before adding accessories. If the guide contains multiple versions, keep one clear reference beside your list. Try the clothes, shoes and hair together while there is still time to make adjustments. When you are planning with a partner, share your choices early so each person can build an outfit they will enjoy wearing.

Woman wearing a classic Lara Croft inspired costume — Explore the Lara Croft guide

Pick a Costume You Want to Wear

The strongest starting point is a character you like and a level of preparation you actually want. A red jacket and jeans can make Emma Swan work, while Morticia or Lagertha gives you room to spend more time on the full outfit. There is no need for those choices to take the same amount of effort.

Once you have a favorite, use its guide to build from the main clothes outward. Keep the details that make the character clear, skip extras that do not improve your version, and give yourself a chance to try everything together before Halloween. If you are dressing with someone else, choose a shared theme that leaves room for both of you.