Category: Costumes

You know Halloween 2023 will be the Year of the Barbie costume (c’mon, the movie alone inspired endless merch and raked in more than $1 billion at the box office). But you don’t necessarily want to look like every other pink cowgirl or neon skate-suit-wearing partygoer. We get that.

That’s why we’re voting you dress like a much more interesting character from the franchise: Weird Barbie. You don’t have to know how to do a split (though that’d help sell it, if we’re being honest) or possess Kate McKinnon’s comedic timing—really, all it comes down to is a poofy dress, a little face paint and a wild-eyed look.

Mastering the Weird Barbie Costume:

Yes, Spirit Halloween sells an official costume, and yes, it’s sold out, but it’s not even her best look. Here’s what we suggest instead:

• Puff-sleeve pink babydoll dress — Amazon sells a few spot-on styles (like this one for $51), but you could also go for a basic magenta puff sleeve dress (like this style for $19 from Amazon, this $28 number from Forever21 or a plus-size Draper James design from Kohl’s)
• Bold faux-snakeskin boots — $30 at Walmart, or opt for a bolder yellow, Croc-patterned boot for $27 (also sold through Walmart)
• Face paint crayons — For getting that, kid-scribbled-my-makeup-on-me look. $10 at Amazon
• Spiky blonde wig — You’ll need to do some teasing and spiking (and maybe take some scissors haphazardly to it) for the full effect. $20 at Amazon

Note: We’re not affiliated with Mattel or Warner Bros. We’re just fans, sharing costume ideas for other fans.

If you’ve ever admired the decked out homes on Pinterest, Instagram and Tiktok that seem like they could double as movie sets, you’re not alone. And if you’ve vowed to achieve something similar, only to realize you’ve dropped $100 on Halloween decorations, only to have very little to show for it, you’re…probably me, honestly. Each year, I had a little to my All Hallows Eve display, but October 2023 may be the best time to really stock up.

Amazon’s Halloween decorations offer something for everyone, and with Prime Big Deals Day running October 10 and 11, there are some serious discounts to be had. Here’s some of the top spooky season decor I’ve seen—at prices that won’t kill your wallet.

1. Floating Candles with Wand Remote

They’re as close as you’ll get to Hogwarts at home. If you haven’t seen these babies all over Tiktok, let us introduce you: These flickering flameless candles are meant to be hung from the ceiling at varying heights so they look like they’re floating. With the press of a button on the magic wand remote, you can turn them on and off. Enchanting, no? Especially when you consider they’re currently $24 for a dozen (remote included).

2. Blacklight Flood Lights

Four waterproof blacklight flood lights let you set some serious mood lighting all over your home. Plus, they’re backed by a two-year warranty. Save 20 percent and snag these during Prime Deal Days for $56.

3. 1,400 Square Feet of Spider Webs

Webbing to cover your whole house! And enough to do so for years! And an excuse not to dust—ever! What more could you want? Normally $25; currently $10

4. Skeleton Flamingos

If your Halloween decor tastes skew more kooky than creepy, you’re my people. And you need these zombie flamingos, stat. Normally $20 for two; currently $16.

5. Eldnacele Halloween Flickering Candles

They’re no Black Flame Candle, but that’s a good thing. This set of three LED candles comes with a different design etched on the outside: a skull, spider or raven. Normally $26, currently $18

6. WYNK IV Bags for Drinks

Remember when Capri Sun-style bags were popular for making your own drinks? It’s like that, only…way creepier. Normally, a pack of 10 costs $20, but for Prime Day, it’s $8.

7. Coffin Letter Board

The old letter board trend gets a macabre update that’s perfect for announcing your party’s signature snacks and drinks. And as a Prime Big Deal, it’s nearly 40 percent off. $27 at Amazon

8. Faux Flock of Crows

Quoth the raven, “crows are the new bats, pass it on.” This set of six sets the mood without skewing gory. $14 at Amazon

9. Colvis Indoor Decorations Set

It’s a one-click buy for all of your basic table decor: Happy Halloween bunting, 3D bats to arrange on the walls, a cobweb table runner and tablecloth, and an appropriately dreary mantle scarf, just to name a few highlights of the 38-piece set. Snag it for $12

10. Hourleey 6-Foot Ghost Pumpkin

Okay, so he’s two feet shorter than the viral Lewis the Halloween Ghoul, and a little spookier—but he’s also 76 percent cheaper. Right now, he’s 15 percent off for Prime Day, too. $43 at Amazon

Lead Photo: Amazon

“Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me…” Ahh, the song that Disney Channel-watching millennials grew all too familiar with in the early aughts. Kim Possible, the cartoon about a high schooler who fought crime in her spare time, earned a kind of cult status—alongside shows like the Powerpuff Girls, Spongebob Squarepants and Lizzie McGuire—making it a fun dose of “remember this?” nostalgia to bring to a party. And, a Kim Possible-inspired costume features our kind of ‘fit: Largely pieces you’ll wear again and again (including some you may already have on hand).

Sure, you can buy an officially licensed costume (wig and all) for $50, but if you plan on wearing the top, pants or boots after October 31, you might as well buy the actual clothes themselves.

What Do You Need for a Kim Possible Costume?

1. Red wig — 23″ wig with side bangs, $18 at Amazon
2. Black mock-turtleneck crop top or body suit — Try this Amazon crop top for $16 (available with one-day shipping!), or for something a little less midriff-baring, opt for this $26 bodysuit (also Amazon)
3. Green cargo pants — The looser fit, the better, like this $30 Amazon find (which also features one-day shipping)
4. Low-slung belt — Instead of a tactical belt, opt for something more practical for everyday life, like this modern belt bag ($11 at Amazon)
5. Combat boots — If you’re looking to save money, you can snag an Amazon Essentials pair for roughly $25. If you want something you’ll wear for years, you can spring for a pair of Doc Martens ($160, Amazon).

Lead Photo: Disney

Note: We are not affiliated with the series or the Disney Channel/Disney. We’re just fans, creating costume ideas for other fans.

School girl Britney, ’90s tour opener Britney, “Oops” era Britney—those costumes have been insanely popular, but where’s the love for Christina Aguilera?! The pop queen has had some iconic looks, but one I’ll never get over is her “Come on Over” video look.

It makes for the ideal Christina Aguilera-inspired costume, and while finding exact replicas of her style is tricky, these are close enough that everyone you know will get who you’re emulating, and the styles aren’t so stuck in the early 2000s that you won’t want to wear ’em again (individually, that is).

Just for a few minutes, let’s relive this masterpiece, okay?

Inspired? How could you not be, honestly?! Let’s break down the main components of the look, and where you can find similar styles.

How to Get Christina Aguilera’s “Come on Over” Look:

• White crossover cropped halter top — Find one at Gap ($20), Old Navy ($6) or Alo ($68)
• White flare pants — Try these front-slit pants ($21) from Amazon, white low-rise jeans from Gap ($18) or ruched-front flare leggings from Amazon ($13)
• Pink hair extensions — $8 at Amazon
• Rhinestone body stickers — Start with a heart and a few flourishes ($10 at Amazon), then round things out with additional, individual gems ($4.50 at Amazon)

Note: We have no affiliation with Christina Aguilera or RCA. We’re just fans, sharing costume ideas other fans might like.

Forget the Pumpkin Spice Latte—one of the surest ways to know Halloween is on the horizon is when the empty hull of an old Toys ‘R’ Us, Books A Million or Luby’s Cafeteria gets transformed into a Spirit Halloween Store. The costume shop has become a go-to for last-minute getups, but its online storefront is even more impressive.

There are dozens of looks to pore through, so we’re doing the legwork for you. Here are the 10 best Spirit Halloween costumes we’ve seen this year. Once you’ve found your ideal look, you can order it online or pick it up curbside. It doesn’t get easier than that.

10. Doodlebob Costume

A deep cut for hardcore Spongebob fans, “Frankendoodle” or “Doodlebob” appeared in season 2 of the series as Spongebob’s evil creation, and this year it’s been trending in search as an under-the-radar costume idea. You can snag it in kids’ and adults’ sizes for $40.

9. Lydia Deetz Costume

Okay, so you’ve already done Wednesday Addams and you want something similarly gothic-lite—we’ve got you. Er, Spirit’s got you, provided you’re willing to shell out $60. Bonus points if you pair it with this Handbook for the Recently Deceased purse.

8. Corpse Bride Costume

While we’re on the Tim Burton train, how fabulous is this Corpse Bride costume? It’ll set you back $60, but it’s a less-expected look that will help you stand out in a sea of Barbie pink.

7. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Costume

What? You said you wanted to look hot this Halloween. And for $40, what’s hotter than this?!

6. A League of Their Own Rockford Peaches Costume

It’s the group costume everyone feels comfortable in. Snag one for $50.

5. Ringmaster Costume

Show ’em all who runs this circus called life with this $50 costume. All that’s missing is a great pair of boots.

4. Beth from Yellowstone Costume

Yellowstone has been one of the hottest shows of the year. Why not lean into it, even if you may have to explain your look to a few people? That OTT jacket is worth it. Get it for $50.

3. Western Barbie Costume

You’ve committed to dressing as Barbie, no matter how many Barbies are at every party. Why not go for an exact movie look? You’ll have to provide your own hat and boots, but the top and pants are really what matters. Add it to cart for $60.

2. “Can I Speak to the Manager?” Karen Costume

While I loathe the term “Karen,” I have to admit, this costume is pretty funny. And very low effort, considering it’s just a $12 t-shirt. Sunglasses and Kate Gosselin-style ‘do optional.

1. M3GAN Costume

C’mon, you know you’re going to have fun busting out the Megan dance all night long with this costume. You get just the dress and bow collar for $60, but all you really need is a pair of tights and Mary Janes or ballet flats to complete the look.

The Dolphins could beat the Broncos by a whopping 50 (!) points, setting the record for the most points scored in an NFL game in nearly 60 years. Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Sophie Turner, Blake Lively, Carson Daly, Jeremy Strong and Paul Rudd could all attend the Chiefs vs. Jets game—and all of it gets completely overshadowed by the appearance of Taylor Swift, and her rumored romance with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

We all thought Barbie and Ken would dominate 2023 couples’ costume ideas, but this duo swooped in and, well, we’re calling it: Swelce, or Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, are the “it” couples costume this year. The look is pretty easy to pull off, too. See for yourself:

The Chiefs Fan Taylor Swift Costume:

Part 1: The Chiefs Windbreaker

Okay, so the exact Chiefs jacket Swift wore is out of stock (though it’s worth checking Fanatics in case a pre-Halloween restock happens), but here are some similar styles:

• Red & Black Chiefs Jacket, $60 at Amazon
• Red & White Windbreaker, $13 at Forever21
• Guess Red & White Windbreaker, $56 at Guess.com

Part 2: The White Tank

• Scoop-neck tank, $18 at Amazon
• Henley-style tank, $24 at Amazon

Part 3: Denim Shorts

• Black denim cutoffs, $31 at Amazon

Part 4: The Accessories (AKA Friendship Bracelets & a Red Lip)

• 3-pack Chiefs fan bracelets, $21 at Amazon

The Swiftie Travis Kelce Costume:

Let’s not overthink this—a jersey or Chiefs shirt and friendship bracelets will do (and okay, maaaybe a fake moustache), unless you want to go all out and mimic some of his loose-fit designer looks he posts on Instagram.

• Nike Kansas City Chiefs Kelce jersey, $130 at Fanatics
• Red & orange football jersey, $20 at Amazon
• Synthetic moustache, $5 at Amazon
• 12-pack Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets, $13 at Amazon

And if all else fails, there’s this pretty spectacular take on an Eras tour shirt, featuring Kelce.

As Taylor Swift geared up for her first tour in years—which kicked off on Friday, March 17, aka St. Patrick’s Day—we saw a surprising jump in our Swift-inspired costumes from #13DaysofHalloween past. Turns out, if you’ve gotten a coveted ticket to one of her shows, you might be wondering what to wear.

Aside from paying homage to Swift’s music and feeling on brand for the Eras tour—it is a retrospective of her career, after all—the desire to go all out could be motivated by the fact that Swift’s mom, Andrea, has been known to pick fans from the crowd to meet her backstage. (The theory: The more Swift-spirited you look, the better your odds, perhaps?) Well, whatever your motivation, we’ve got plenty of Eras tour outfit ideas to get you pumped for the show.

Update: We’ve seen such a response to this story that we decided to add an extra look, inspired by the “Lavender Haze” music video—and perfect if it’s still a little bit chilly where you are.

Bonus: A Look Inspired by Taylor Swift’s ‘Lavender Haze’ Music Video

• Lavender shaggy coat, $46 at Amazon or faux-fur style, $38 at Amazon
• Pale blue slip dress, $25 at Forever21 or $30 (normally $128!) at Saks Off Fifth
• Glossier Lidstar Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow in Lily, $18 at Sephora

1. Midnights Taylor Swift ‘Anti-Hero’-Inspired Outfit

• Striped bodysuit, $33 at Amazon (alts: this $35 striped Amazon find, or for more coverage, a long-sleeve rainbow striped bodysuit, $13 at Shein. There’s also this diagonal stripe swimsuit, $18 at Amazon—as well as this bodysuit from our Barbiecore post, $27 at Amazon, available with Prime shipping)
• Orange & gold booty shorts, $28+ at Etsy (or shimmery gold ones from Amazon, $25)
• Knee-high faux-snakeskin boots, $80 at Amazon
• Star eyeliner stamp, $9 at Amazon

2. ‘Midnights Mayhem with Me’-Inspired Outfit

An IYKYK look for the hardcore fans out there, it’s less obvious than a Sharpie-covered “You Belong with Me” shirt, though it may not be as attention-getting.

• A cozy, daisy cardigan (a close match is sold out, but you could try this $29 find from Amazon, or this $22 style from Shein)
• High-waisted jean shorts ($26, Amazon)
• Bangs + braids (23″ blonde wig with bangs, $24 at Amazon)
• Your choice of prop(s): bingo machine ($8, Amazon), red phone ($17, Amazon) and/or stuffed Scottish Fold cat (or close match, $17 at Amazon)

3. Folklore Taylor Swift-Inspired Outfit

• Chunky cream cardigan at Forever 21 ($39) or Lucky Brand ($119)
• Sleeveless nightgown at Amazon ($30 with one-day delivery) or try this $25 number as an alternate

4. Reputation-Inspired Outfit

Psst: The link above will also show you how to get a look similar to the zombie/”Out of the Woods,” if you want to go all out.

Originally posed as a Halloween costume, this look called for a bunch of props, which you can’t bring into a stadium, so we’ll focus on the essentials of the look here:

• Oversized Hoodie: Rhinestone Tiger version, $35 at Amazon; Sequin pullover, $15 at Amazon
• Red Suede Thigh-High Boots, $43 at Amazon

5. 1989 Taylor Swift “Bad Blood”-Inspired Outfit

Note: The original costume idea called for a fake gun. Don’t bring that to a stadium. Seriously.

• Red wig, $9 at Amazon (you’ll need to trim it to clavicle length)
• Black Faux-Leather Bustier Top, $39 at Amazon
• Cutout Black Long-Sleeve Crop Top, $24 at Amazon
• Faux-Leather High-Waisted Shorts, $32 at Amazon
• Faux-Leather Fingerless Gloves, $9 at Amazon
• Over-the-Knee Heeled Boots, $21 at Amazon
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Dark Red Lipstick, $7 at Walmart

6. 1989 Taylor Swift “Blank Space”-Inspired Outfit

• Black Lace Sleep Mask, $8 at Amazon
• Black Lace Fingerless Gloves, $10 at Amazon
• Black Lace Crop Top, $16 at Amazon
• Sheer Black Robe, $20 at Amazon
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Dark Red Lipstick, $7 at Walmart

7. 1989 Taylor Swift “Shake It Off”-Inspired Outfit

• Long-Sleeve Pink Crop Top: Try a pink cropped sweater ($25 at Amazon) or cat cropped hoodie ($11 at Shein)
• White leotard, $23 at Amazon
• Black ankle-length leggings, $24 at Amazon
• Ballet flats with ankle strap, $42 at Amazon

8. Red Taylor Swift “22”-Inspired Outfit

• Red Heart-Shaped Sunglasses, $8 at Amazon
• White Shirt, $9 at Amazon and Black Iron-On Letters, $16 for 18 sheets at Amazon
• Black High-Waisted Shorts, $33 at Amazon
• Women’s Black Wide Brim Hat, $19 at Amazon

9. Red Taylor Swift “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”-Inspired Outfit

• Fake Black Wayfarer Glasses, $11 at Amazon
• Clip-In Bangs, $20 at Amazon
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, $10 at Amazon
• Multicolor Button-Down Pajamas: Swift-inspired Squirrel Pajamas, $71 at Etsy; Pink Cat Pajamas, $54 at Amazon; Rainbow/Cactus Pajamas, $40 at ASOS; LITERAL Taylor Swift-Print Pajamas (in several styles), $70 at Amazon

10. Red Taylor Swift “All Too Well”-Inspired Outfit

Just grab a red scarf. Boom. That’s it. That’s the lewk.

This post contains affiliate links, and purchases made through those links help fund the operation of this site. LBW is in no way affiliated with Taylor Swift or Republic Records/Universal Music Group; we’re just fans, providing costume ideas for other fans.

Lead photo: “Anti-Hero” music video, Republic Records/YouTube

Happy Midnights launch day to all who celebrate! For those who endlessly searched for (and analyzed) Easter eggs, who stayed up past midnight, who preordered one (or several) editions of Taylor Swift’s new album, these Taylor Swift “Anti-Hero” costume ideas are for you. The video, written and directed by Swift, is deliciously layered and humor-laced, cutting through the acidity of the song’s tale about being your own worst enemy.

If you’re looking for a last-minute costume, a look inspired by one of the Taylor Swiftian-ghosts is it. (Though Carmy from The Bear or Mrs. George from Mean Girls are also pretty easy to pull off.) However! If you have a few days to wait for delivery, Swift’s rabble-rousing shadow side is a fun costume to rock. (And it makes for a great outfit to wear during her Eras tour—just sayin’.)

Just note that we’re really close to Halloween, so double-check the shipping dates before you order!

The “Anti-Hero”-Inspired Ghost Costume

• Gray floral sheets, $25 at Target or $40 at Amazon (with one-day delivery)
• Brown wide-brim hat, $18 at Amazon
• Brown gardening gloves, $13 at Amazon
• Cat ears headband, $6 at Amazon
• Daisy sunglasses, $12 for two pairs at Amazon

A Look Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Inner “Anti-Hero”

• Striped bodysuit, $33 at Amazon (alts: this $35 striped Amazon find; a long-sleeve rainbow striped bodysuit, $13 at Shein, Diagonal stripe swimsuit, $18 at Amazon, as well as this bodysuit from our Barbiecore post, $27 at Amazon with Prime delivery)
• Orange & gold booty shorts, $28+ at Etsy (or shimmery gold ones from Amazon, $25)
• Knee-high faux-snakeskin boots, $80 at Amazon

• Star eyeliner stamp, $9 at Amazon

This post contains affiliate links, and purchases made through those links help fund the operation of this site. LBW is in no way affiliated with Taylor Swift or Republic Records/Universal Music Group; we’re just fans, providing costume ideas for other fans.

Craving more Taylor Swift-inspired outfit ideas? We’ve got 11 looks for you right here.

Lead photo: “Anti-Hero” music video, Republic Records/YouTube

Editor’s Note: This post originally ran on Oct. 21, 2022. The links have been updated in light of Swift’s upcoming Eras tour.

Even though Netflix’s series, Wednesday, didn’t premiere until a month after Thanksgiving, it was already generating tons of buzz as a Halloween costume (with searches up 120 percent then). Since then, interest in Wednesday Addams’s looks have only snowballed, inspiring the whole “soft goth” trend (aka a muted smoky eye and lip).

A black collared dress is a quintessential Wednesday-inspired outfit, but the show opened us up to so many more options: namely, plenty of Pugsley-esque stripes, loose cropped pants and chunky boots, as well as that incredible black lace number she wore to the school dance.

Beyond that, the look is pretty simple to nail, provided you (or someone you know) can master a basic braid. And even if you can’t do that, no worries—we’ve got a wig that’s taken care of the braids and bangs for you.

How to Dress Like Wednesday Addams

• Collared long sleeve dress: skeleton print ($29 at Amazon) or solid black ($32 at Amazon)
• Black eyeliner pencil, $5 at Amazon
• Long black braided wig with bangs, $27 at Amazon

Other Wednesday Addams-Inspired Outfits to Check Out

• Lace Cosplay Dress, $45 at Amazon
• Oversized Striped Pullover Sweater, $38 at Emmiol
• Crown Vintage Sage Chunky Penny Loafer, $60 at DSW

This post contains affiliate links, which help fund the operation of this site.

We’re in no way affiliated with Netflix or the Wednesday series. We’re just fans of the streaming network, providing costume ideas for other fans. This post originally ran on Oct. 1, 2022, and has since been updated.

With the release of Midnights, Taylor Swift is everywhere. And while you could throw on a gray floral sheet, sunglasses and cat ears and call yourself an “Anti-hero” ghost, there’s another low-effort—and equally cozy—last-minute costume to consider: A throwback to Swift’s Folklore era.

While Taylor Swift once sold a sweater that looked just like the one worn in her “Cardigan” video, it doesn’t seem to be available anymore. However, you can get a similar cozy look with a chunky cream cardigan. (Bonus points if you sew on silver star patches or find one with navy trim.)

Beyond the famously oversized cardi, all you really need is a cream or ivory nightgown and your hair pulled into a curly, loose low bun. Done.

It’s also an easy addition to a group costume, provided you can convince a few friends to dress at Swift’s other album eras. (Which, PS—we have a few ideas for, too.)

‘Folklore’ Taylor Swift-Inspired Costume:

• A chunky cardigan from Forever 21 ($32) or Kohl’s ($24)
• Sleeveless nightgown at Amazon ($30 with one-day delivery) or try this $25 number as an alternate

Psst: If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could buy silver star iron-on patches and add them to the Kohl’s or Forever 21 sweaters. We found a 20-pack on Amazon with one-day delivery for $7.

This post contains affiliate links, which fund the operation of this website. We are not affiliated with Taylor Swift or Republic Records in any way.

“Sk8r Boi” and “Complicated” are 20 years old?! Yeah, that made us feel old too. Whether it’s Avril Lavigne’s anniversary of hitting the TRL charts—or her meteoric rise on TikTok—I was surprised to learn from my colleagues at PureWow that Avril Lavigne costume ideas are one of the top searches this Halloween.

For some, you can raid your closet for Hot Topic finds from the early aughts. If you weren’t an angsty tween or teen then—or you KonMari‘ed all those studded belts and loose ties—no worries. There’s a simple formula to rocking Avril Lavigne’s look.

The Ultimate Avril Lavigne-Inspired Costume (Celebrating Her Let Go Era):

• Stick-straight hair (try this straightening iron, $30 at Amazon)
• Heavy eyeliner (we like this smudgy Covergirl one)
• White tank top, $17 at Amazon
• Loose tie, $12 at Amazon
• Striped arm warmers, $10 at Amazon
• Three-piece studded bracelet set, $14 at Amazon
• Black cargo pants, $13 at Amazon
• Studded belt, $14 at Amazon
• Converse sneakers, $66+ at Amazon (or $20 for a similar style)

We select every item that appears on these pages, and we may earn a commission through affiliate links that appear here, which fund the operation of LBW. We’re not affiliated with Avril Lavigne or Arista Records in any way; we’re just fans, providing Halloween costume ideas for other fans.