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If you're a fan of Halloween, then you probably don't mind when things get a bit spooky. That includes heart-pumping Halloween movies, frightful decorations, and scary Halloween costumes, too! Halloween costumes can be any number of things, whether you opt for something silly or even a group effort with their BFFs and significant other. But Halloween truly is a creepy time of year when you think about it, and sometimes, people want their costumes to match that eerie vibe. So, go ahead and enjoy this list of curated scary Halloween costumes!
The interesting thing about the word "scary" is that it's completely subjective. Most of the costume ideas on this list are movie villains and classic figures that are creepy enough to induce nightmares, just without all the gore. Because let's be real, anyone who watched Beetlejuice knows that a full cast can be terrifying without any jump scares! (Yes, those looks are included below.) Oh, and don't get us started on vampires... you know, the fanged monster that haunts the halls like they've been dead for a hundred years? If you're scared of witches (or are completely fascinated by them), then you'll be happy to know that a few different versions of them make this list. You probably get the point now, so scroll away for some inspiration.
The Halloween costumes don't stop there:
Madame Leota Costume
Feeling psychic? Madame Leota From the Haunted Mansion is who you should embody this year! Believe it or not, this entire costume is totally wearable. You'll need cardboard for the table, a vintage looking table cloth, and an acrylic globe for the crystal ball.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Spell Book Costume
What's scarier than a literal spell book? There are words and saying in there that can alter the trajectory of your life! This unique idea will have everyone around you saying "oooh" and "aaah."
Get the tutorial from A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Lock Costume
Go as the one and only head of the trio of villains in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Lock! It's pretty easy to get this one done, you'll just need a matching red shirt and pants set, and then a shiver-inducing mask and pointy tail.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Sally Costume
Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas has one distinct look. Is it the teal-green skin? Yes. Is it the patches of stitches across her body and face? Yes. Is it the bug-eyed features? Yes... again! Recreate this look for Halloween, and you'll catch everyone's attention.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Mummy Costume
How could you forget about the classic mummy costume? Just practice your deranged walk, and you'll seriously be a classic hit this year. (All you'll need is toilet paper!)
Jack Skellington Costume
Who's sally without her Jack? This doesn't have to be a couples costume, though, because Mr. Skellington is recognizable on his own. It's the bone-like structure he has, accompanied by a suave (but also creepy) looking suit.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Lydia Deetz Costume
Oh, Lydia Deetz, the iconic bride from Beetlejuice. Your look was so fantastic, you have people replicating it each Halloween! Jump on the bandwagon with this very red look.
Get the tutorial from Keiko Lynn.
Constance Hatchaway Bride Costume
There's just something about the whole tortured bride gig! Constance Hatchaway may be a ghost, but she's a lover at heart. Paint yourself a light shade of blue to get the whole "ominous ghost" thing down, and then match your dress accordingly.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Beetlejuice Costume
Villain? Cinematic hero? You choose! Either way, Beetlejuice's character was practically made for Halloween. His velvet suit and somewhat spruced up green hair during the wedding scene is one to remember—especially on the holiday.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Vampire Costume
Vampires are always going to be scary—no matter how intriguing they may come across. Fangs are pretty easy to find anywhere, and so are capes! So, if this one is calling your name, you'll have no problem whipping it up in no time.
Shock Costume
You can't forget Shock, aka the only female villain part of the trio. Aside from her attire which is a simple purple dress and purple witch hat, she truly is misunderstood.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Ballroom Ghosts
Yes, they might have been absolutely terrifying in Haunted Mansion, but the Ballroom ghosts served plenty of looks. Who knew you could be this dashing in the afterlife? This one requires a bit of work, but it's more than worth it.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Cruella Costume
Even the name "Cruella" is enough to send some people into orbit. However, other people are rather intrigued by the whole fashionable movie villain thing—especially when it comes to the black and white hair. Look chic this Halloween—no one is stopping you!
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Vintage Clown Costume
Clowns can be scary, goofy, and... vintage! That's right. With some pastel color clothing, bright colored makeup, and a rather somber expression on your face (that part is free!), you'll be able to get the whole look down.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
Werewolf Businessman Costume
A werewolf... but make it a business man. That's actually pretty scary when you think about it! (No one wants to work with an evil figure.) This one is also bound to get some laughs out of people.
Sanderson Sisters Costume
The Sanderson Sisters aren't just any witches... they're spunky. eclectic, and rather peculiar witches who've been asleep for quite some time. You and two other people will love going as the staple characters from Hocus Pocus, especially if you loved the movie growing up! Yes, you'll need a vacuum.
Get the tutorial from Brit+Co.
Wednesday Costume
Wednesday deserves more recognition for being scary. She wouldn't just win any argument, but she'd make you wish you never crossed her path to begin with. Her attire is simple: black braided hair, a black dress with white collar, and some black shoes, too.
Get the tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger.
Chucky Costume
Dolls are meant to be fun to play with, but Chucky has changed that sentiment completely. Don't let the overall jeans and kiddish striped shirt fool you—he's out to do some bad things! You'll obviously need a bright orange wig to help make this one come to life.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Casey Becker Costume
Before you can even get to the look, you'll have to get the scream down first. Then, you can start looking through your closet for most of the items to become Casey Becker from Scream. A blonde bob-styled wig might be the only thing you'll need to purchase!
Get the tutorial from Living After Midnite.
Pumpkin Scarecrow Costume
Okay, whoever thought to make a pumpkin look scary while embodying a scarecrow knew just what they were doing. This one will bring on nightmares, instantly! Still, it's pretty darn neat once you finish the look.
Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs.
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