We’re getting tired of seeing the same old costumes repeated year after year, and we aren’t the only ones.
Sashabella Regalado ‘26 says, “Halloween is a time to get creative, so I think that we should just try to come up with more diverse and unique costumes, rather than just the boring ones we see every year.”
Angelina Avalos ‘25 agrees by saying, “I think that when it comes to Halloween, the fun of it is not just getting candy or partying. I think costumes make Halloween, Halloween. Seeing the same thing every year is lame, so why not just be unique? Just like the unique toilet costume Ms. Danns’ nephew was last Halloween.”
Whether you want to stand out at the Halloween party or just bring a smile to everyone’s face, these alternative costume ideas might be able to do the trick:
- Elle Woods instead of Barbie:
Why be a plastic doll when you can be a fabulous and empowered law student like Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde”? For this costume, think pink, pink, and more pink. Wear a pink blazer, a pink skirt, pink heels, and carry around a pink law book. You can even accessorize with a chihuahua plush and a Harvard Law School acceptance letter. Bonus points for practicing your “bend and snap.”
- Purple Minions instead of the usual yellow ones:
We’re done with the yellow minions; the purple ones are taking over! To style this costume, buy a purple onesie or jumpsuit and layer it with a purple tutu. You can even paint your face purple and wear purple goggles. Carry a banana that’s been painted purple to add a touch of humor to your costume. Rather than purchasing a purple wig, you can tease and put some purple hairspray on to get that crazy hair look.
- Chipettes instead of Alvin and the Chipmunks:
It’s time to let the ladies take the spotlight! Besides, everyone knows the Chipettes have way more iconic songs. Dress up as one of the Chipettes—Brittany, Jeanette, or Eleanor. Opt for colorful and stylish outfits. You can even use your Rosary skirt since all of the Chipettes wear plaid skirts if you are in a rush. Don’t forget their signature bow. To really sell the outfit you may need to carry around a microphone and break out into song for the whole night!
- Ballerina Lego Batman instead of the regular Dark Knight:
Style yourself as Ballerina Lego Batman by wearing a pink ballerina leotard, a pink tutu, and pink fairy wings instead of a cape. Don’t forget a pink Lego Batman mask. In case people question who you are, carry around the “Ballerina Lego Batman” figure with you for the night. Make sure to dance your way through to save Gotham, one pirouette at a time.
- Candace and Vanessa instead of Serena and Blair from “Gossip Girl:”
Forget the classic superhero duos; try doing Candace and Vanessa from “Phineas and Ferb.” For Candace, unless you are a natural ginger, rock a red wig; a white tank top; and a red skirt. For Vanessa, go for a black dress; a black choker; and some edgy accessories. Spend the night trying to bust your brothers or friends–you could even try to convince them to be Phineas and Ferb!
- Gnomeo and Juliet instead of Romeo and Juliet:
Shakespeare meets garden gnomes in this adorable costume idea. Gnomeo and Juliet are a perfect pair. Dress in garden gnome attire, with pointy hats, beards, and all things gnome-like. Don’t forget to carry tiny garden tools and declare your love for each other with dramatic flair. You can really be creative with this one, but try to stick with the classic red colors for Juliet and the blue colors for Gnomeo. To be or not to be…Gnomeo and Juliet?
- King Julian and Mort instead of Mario and Luigi:
If you want to go as an iconic best friend duo, why not become the wacky pair from “Madagascar”? King Julian and Mort bring the laughs. For King Julian, wear a crown made out of leaves, a robe, a gray dress, and some cool face makeup. For Mort, you can either literally wear a lemur onesie, or a beige dress and a headband with some little brown ears on it. Good luck finding a lemur onesie though; they sell out fast. Both costumes require tails, but that is a personal choice. If you really want to make it work, wear the tails girls.
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce instead of Kim Kardashian and one of her crazy ex’s:
Since the new couple is so recent, barely anyone will be wearing this costume. It is especially cute if you have a football loving boyfriend. To dress up as Taylor Swift, wear just about any sparkly outfit and buy one of those blow-up guitars. Your partner can become Travis Kelce by wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey and holding a football. Such an easy but effective costume that is sure to be noticed by everyone around!
Choosing a non-basic Halloween costume is all about embracing your creativity and humor. These costume ideas are sure to have everyone laughing. Plus, they stay on budget and can be worn more than once, which is always a positive. Not only do these make for cute Halloween costumes, but they are a good twist on some of the more basic ideas. Happy Halloween everyone!
