60 Halloween Costumes for Teens That Are Perfectly Trendy
Even picky kids will find a fun option.
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Teenagers are picky, and that's the simple truth. That doesn't really change when it comes to choosing a Halloween costume, either. While younger kids' costumes might be easier to create, teens and tweens may have a harder time deciding. Do you go with something funny and silly or scary and spooky? Luckily, this list of the very best and most creative teen Halloween costumes will certainly help. There are cool solo costumes, best friend costumes, and even group costumes to get the whole crew together.
Whether you're the teen in question or the parent of one, these ideas will be your best source of inspiration. After all, who doesn't want to try pop culture costumes like Barbie or a favorite TV character? For the creative types, try out one of these DIY costumes (there are options for everyone from beginners to more advanced crafters). Though, if the goal is to look for something store-bought, there are plenty of options for that, too.
One of the best things about these ideas is that they're budget-friendly and can easily take your teen from the classroom to a spirited night out without missing a beat—in fact, some only require a few accessories! (Don't you love when things are just easy like that?) Now, that's Halloween magic that will impress even the hardest-to-please teen.
More Halloween costume ideas that you'll love:
Sabrina Carpenter Costume
Own the party like it's your very own stage! Whether you're recreating Sabrina Carpenter's glammed-up concert looks or rocking her edgy music video outfits, the pop princess has a fashion sense that's all about confidence and sparkle. Think bold colors, shimmering corsets, and statement boots.
Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Sweeten up your celebrations with a look that embodies pure nostalgic fun! Choose from Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Blossom, Lemon Meringue, or any of the other berry friends, then don their signature dresses, striped tights, and coordinating bonnets. It's equal parts sugary and stylish!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
The Craft Costume
Channel the ultimate witchy schoolgirl vibes with dark plaid skirts, preppy tops, black boots, dark eyeliner, and edgy accessories to nail that '90s goth aesthetic. Summon spells solo or roll with your coven, either way, you’ll own the Halloween scene. Just don't forget to call on your "we-are-the-weirdos" attitude!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Carmy Costume
Carmy from The Bear is great for teens who want a simple, low-key costume that’s effortlessly cool and still brings the heat! Just throw on a plain white tee, a navy apron, and add some messy hair to really step into the chef's chaotic kitchen.
Elphaba Costume
For those feeling a little wicked, pick up your broom and dress as this green queen! After all, it's just in time for part two of the musical film. To be the best Elphaba you can be, you'll need her signature black outfit and pointy hat. You can even use face paint to recreate her iconic emerald skin.
Child’s Play Costume
Ready to slay the holiday (literally)? Go full-on chaos with Chucky’s classic striped sweater, denim overalls, wild orange hair, and wicked smirk, or embody bad gal glam as Tiffany in her iconic leather jacket, wedding dress, and bold lipstick. This can also make for a creepy couples costume.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Clark Kent Costume
Totally timely given the recent release of the new Superman movie, all you need to transform into the ultimate undercover hero is a white button-down shirt, black-rimmed glasses, and a sneaky peek of a Superman logo beneath your shirt.
Party Animal Costume
This clever costume brings together animal ears with festive party accessories to create a punny party animal. Start with a basic headband and add animal-inspired details like furry ears, antlers, or even a cute snout. Then turn up the fun by gluing on mini balloons, tiny party hats, or confetti-like embellishments. The best part? You can customize it to match your favorite animal!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Heathers Costume
Turn your teen angst into the ultimate costume! Suit up as the unforgettable clique with bold blazers, plaid skirts, scrunchies, and loads of attitude. Go classic with Heather Chandler’s powerful red, Heather Duke’s green envy vibes, or Heather McNamara’s cheery yellow. Don’t forget to accessorize with a croquet mallet for the ultimate dramatic flair.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Glinda Costume
She's bound to be in the most popular costume in class thanks to the new release Wicked. Of course, with plenty of Glinda and Elphaba costume options, you could DIY one or just order one online!
Carrie Costume
Fans of classic scares, this is for you! Blend elegance with eerie vibes when you go as the ultimate spooky prom queen, complete with a flowy gown, some tiara glam, and, of course, a splash of fake blood. It'll certainly be a night to remember!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Nintendo Switch Costume
What's a video game you like playing with your best friend? Well, that doesn't matter too much here, because whatever it is, you're sure to enjoy this DIY Nintendo Switch costume.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Beetlejuice Costume
Go as the ghost with the most this Halloween! The most important item? The striped suit, of course. Use temporary dye to get the green hair or just go with a wig. Either way, this look is sure to impress.
Get the tutorial at Dandy in the Bronx.
Lydia Deetz Costume
Here's another Beetlejuice-inspired costume! It's super fun (and easier than it looks) to DIY this Lydia Deetz red wedding dress. Just don't say his name three times!
Get the tutorial at All The Little Happy Things.
'Teen Wolf' Costume
This would be a hilarious costume for a basketball player! Play tribute to Michael J. Fox's memorable role as an ordinary teenager who discovers he's a werewolf. It'll have everyone howling with laughter.
Roller Disco Barbie Halloween Costume
There are so many Barbie costume ideas you can go with—but this DIY Barbie look is definitely a show-stopper. There's a lot that goes into this one (outfit curation, craftsmanship... rollerskating skills 😂), but it'll definitely be worth it in the end.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Nail Polish Costume
If you're a teen gal, there's a good chance that you have a favorite nail polish color. It might seem niche, but why not dress up as exactly that for Halloween? You'll just need some cardboard and paint to create the look.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Wednesday Addams Costume
She's creepy and she's kooky, which makes Wednesday Addams the perfect Halloween character. Plus, it's super simple to put the look together. The braids are the most important part!
Get the tutorial at Lyndsay Picardal.
Rock Candy Costume
Go ahead and show everyone else how much you rock by putting on a solid colored outfit, then creating some DIY shimmery boxes over your clothing to recreate the iconic candy. A painted aluminum foil tube and foam sphere will work just fine for the hat.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Harry Potter Hogwarts Student Costume
So you got into Hogwarts, now what? Well, you'll need a wand and uniform, for starters! Choose from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw houses.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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