38 Iconic Halloween Costume Ideas for Women from Movies and Series

Here you’ll find a list with 38 Halloween costume ideas for women featuring your favorite characters from classic and modern movies and series to inspire you for your next spooky party.

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Halloween is the perfect excuse to let your creativity run wild, transform yourself for a night, and pay tribute to the movies and series characters that have made an impact on our lives. If you’re looking for a unique, stylish, and personality-filled costume this year, classic characters from film and television are the best inspiration.

In this article, you’ll find 38 iconic Halloween costume ideas for women inspired by movies and series, with tips, tricks, and secrets to make your costume a perfect 10. From stylish villains to timeless heroines and drama queens, you’ll find the inspiration you need to stand out at any party.

Get ready for a journey through the world of film and television, and find the inspiration for your next Halloween look!

Why Choose a Movie or TV Costume

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why this is one of the best options. A costume inspired by a film or TV character is a surefire hit for several reasons:

• Immediate Recognition: There’s nothing more frustrating than having to explain who you are all night. With an iconic character, people will know right away who you’re dressed as, and the compliments will come pouring in.

• Built-in Value: This type of costume gives you the opportunity to play with the details. You can recreate a scene, use a famous quote, or even carry a signature prop that makes your costume unique.

• Infinite Possibilities: The world of movies and TV shows is vast. From cult classics to recent releases, there will always be a character that fits your style and personality.

How to Create the Perfect Costume: A 3-Step Guide

It’s not just about buying an outfit. For your costume to stand out, you need a strategy. Here’s the key to making it happen.

Step 1: Research and Selection (Your Director’s Moment)

Before you buy anything, do some smart searching. Think about your favorite movies and TV shows. Which character left a mark on you? Who has a style you love?

• Be Detailed: Don’t just stick to the main idea. Look for images of the character from every angle. What accessories do they wear? What’s their hairstyle like?

• Search by Keywords: When you’re searching online or at thrift stores, use specific keywords. Instead of “princess costume,” try “live-action Cinderella blue princess dress.” This will give you more accurate results.

• Consider Your Budget: Some costumes can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for characters with more “everyday” clothes or ones you can recreate with items you already own.

Step 2: Makeup and Hair (The Magic Touch)

Makeup and hair can elevate a costume from “good” to “spectacular.” Don’t underestimate them.

• Tutorials at Your Fingertips: The internet is your best friend! Search for makeup tutorials for your character on YouTube or TikTok. There are thousands of artists who recreate incredible looks step-by-step.

• Smart Investment: If your character requires very specific makeup (like a superhero with scars or a being from another world), consider investing in quality products that won’t harm your skin.

• Hair, the Forgotten Detail: Good hair is key. If your character has an iconic look, like Merida’s curly hair from Brave or Mia Wallace’s bob from Pulp Fiction, a quality wig can make all the difference.

Step 3: Accessories (The Finishing Touch)

Accessories are what tell your character’s story. Don’t overlook them.

Attention to Detail: If your character carries a weapon, jewelry, or a peculiar object, look for it. If you’re Cruella de Vil, you need her cigarette and holder. If you’re Harley Quinn, your bat is a must.

Do It Yourself (DIY): Can’t find the perfect accessory? Make your own! A little cardboard, paint, and creativity can turn you into the queen of Halloween DIY.

Comfortable Footwear: Unless your character is known for very specific shoes, choose comfortable footwear. You’ll be on your feet, dancing, and walking all night.

38 Iconic Halloween Costume Ideas for Women from Movies and Series

The time has come! Here’s a selection of iconic Halloween ideas for Women, divided by genre so you can find your ideal costume.

Horror and Mystery Icons (For the Brave)

1. Wednesday Addams – Wednesday: A minimalist goth costume that’s on-trend. You just need a black dress, braids, and pale makeup to nail this look.

2. Annabelle – Annabelle / The Conjuring: The scariest doll. A vintage white dress with a red bow, braids, and creepy wide-eyed makeup.

3. Freddy Krueger – A Nightmare on Elm Street: A classic horror movie costume that’s easy to recreate. A red and green striped sweater, a fedora, and the unmistakable claws. The burnt face makeup is key.

4. Chucky – Child’s Play: The killer doll. Denim overalls, a striped shirt, a red wig, and, of course, a prop knife.

5. Bellatrix Lestrange – Harry Potter: An unforgettable villain. The wild, curly hair, a black dress, a corset, and dark smoky makeup. The wand is an essential accessory.

6. Pennywise – It: A terrifying yet glamorous costume. A vintage clown dress, red pom-poms, and pale white makeup with an evil smile.

7. Valak – The Nun: For those who want to cause a real scare. The nun’s habit, but with pale makeup and dark, soul-sucking eyes.

8. Cruella de Vil – Cruella: The most fashionable villain. A glamorous black outfit, black gloves, a two-toned wig, and dramatic makeup.

9. Maleficent – Maleficent: A dramatic and powerful costume. A black dress, iconic horns, and very sharp contouring makeup.

10. Morticia Addams – Wednesday: The matriarch of the Addams Family. A long, floor-length black dress with flared sleeves. Straight black hair and red lipstick are essential for this look.

11. Dani – Midsommar: A costume that looks like it’s from a music festival, but with a sinister twist. A white dress with floral embroidery and a giant floral crown. Ideal for a group costume.

Heroines and Villains from the Worlds of Fantasy and Superpowers (For those who want to save or rule the world)

12. Minerva McGonagall – Harry Potter: A magical professor costume. A green robe, a pointed hat, and a wand. This is an elegant and respectable costume.

13. Rhaenyra Targaryen – House of the Dragon: An epic royal costume. A medieval-style dress, a platinum blonde wig, and, if you dare, the silhouette of a dragon as an accessory.

14. Wanda Maximoff – WandaVision: A perfect comic book costume. A red suit with a cape, a horned headpiece, and a signature hairstyle. Ideal for a powerful look.

15. Wonder Woman – Wonder Woman: The iconic superhero suit. The blue and red outfit with the golden star, the tiara, and the Lasso of Truth. An empowering costume.

16. Harley Quinn – Suicide Squad: One of the most beloved villains. Two-toned hair, denim shorts, a ripped t-shirt, and, of course, a bat.

17. Hermione Granger – Harry Potter: A costume for a smart and brave girl. The Hogwarts robe, a striped tie, curly hair, and a magic wand.

18. Princess Leia – Star Wars: An intergalactic classic. A white dress, hair buns, and, if you want, a laser pistol.

19. Elphaba Thropp – Wicked: The Wicked Witch of the West. A black dress, a witch’s hat, and, most importantly, green makeup all over your face.

Modern Classics and Princesses (For those who dream of happy endings)

20. Barbie – Barbie: The most viral costume of the year. Choose from any of her iconic looks, like the cowgirl outfit, the skating dress, or her classic party dress.

21. Lilo – Lilo & Stitch: An adorable little girl’s costume. A skirt made of leaves, a red top, and leaf leis.

22. Snow White – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: A Disney classic. A blue and yellow dress, a headband with a bow, and makeup with red lips and rosy cheeks.

23. The Queen of Hearts – Alice in Wonderland: A dramatic and theatrical costume. A red and black heart-shaped dress, a crown, and makeup with red lips and a bit of white on the face.

24. Jenna Rink – 13 Going on 30: The colorful party dress. A striped silk dress, straight hair, and, if you want, a pack of “Razzles” candy in your pocket.

25. Mia Thermopolis – The Princess Diaries: The “before” and “after” look. You can choose the school uniform or the elegant white princess gown and tiara.

26. Daphne Blake – Scooby Doo: The group’s fashionista. A purple dress, a green scarf, red hair, and heeled boots.

27. Velma Dinkley – Scooby Doo: The brains of the group. An orange turtleneck sweater, a red pleated skirt, knee-high socks, and round glasses.

From the shows that stole our hearts (and nightmares)

28. Anne Shirley – Anne with an E: A sweet, vintage look. A dress with puffed sleeves, an apron, and red braids.

29. Eleven – Stranger Things: A popular, retro costume. A patterned romper, high socks, sneakers, and, if you’re feeling it, a box of Eggo waffles.

30. Ellie Williams – The Last of Us: A survivalist costume. A t-shirt, a backpack, jeans, and a jacket. An easy costume to recreate.

31. Edna Mode – The Incredibles: The most particular fashion designer. A black bob, huge round glasses, and a black dress.

32. Carrie Bradshaw – Sex and the City: A very chic costume. A ballet tutu, a fitted t-shirt, a pair of heels, and a handbag.

33. Rachel Green – Friends: A 90s costume. A plaid skirt, a white turtleneck top, black shoes, and long white socks.

34. Blair Waldorf – Gossip Girl: The Queen of the Upper East Side. A “good girl” look with a headband, a skirt, and a collared shirt.

35. Max Mayfield – Stranger Things: An 80s skater costume. A striped t-shirt, shorts, sneakers, and red glasses.

36. Nina Sayers – Black Swan: An elegant and dark costume. A black tutu, a corset, stockings, and a dramatic smoky eye.

37. Wilma Flintstone – The Flintstones: A simple but fun costume. A white dress with one bare shoulder, a stone necklace, and a high-bun wig.

38. Young-Hee (The Doll) – Squid Game: A viral and terrifying costume. A yellow dress with orange overalls and braided hair. Ideal for a good scare!

How to Create Your Costume on a Budget (DIY and Thrift Stores)

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an amazing costume halloween ideas for women. Here are some tricks:

• Repurpose clothes from your closet: A pair of jeans, a basic t-shirt, a leather jacket… they can be the foundation for almost any costume!

• Thrift stores and consignment shops: They are a paradise for finding unique pieces at low prices. Look for vintage coats, dresses, hats, gloves… you never know what treasures you might find.

• Crafts: If you have time and enjoy creating, you can make many accessories yourself. A hat, a tiara, a toy weapon… you just need cardboard, glue, and paint!

• Makeup as a main tool: Good makeup can work magic. Don’t underestimate the power of well-applied eyeshadow or dramatic eyeliner to transform your face.

Extra Tips to Shine at the Party

• Attitude: A costume is only half the work. The other half is attitude. Once you put on the costume, get into character.

• Music: Create a playlist with songs from your character’s movie or show. This will help you get into the role.

• Group costumes: If you’re going to the party with friends, consider coordinating your costumes. A group of the Mean Girls, the Stranger Things crew, or the Harry Potter characters are always a hit.

In Conclusion for Choosing the Perfect Costume

• Know your style: If you love glamour, characters like Blair Waldorf or Carrie Bradshaw are ideal. If you prefer a darker vibe, Morticia Addams or Wanda Maximoff might be your match.

• Comfort is key: A very elaborate costume can be eye-catching, but if you can’t move, dance, or eat, it loses its charm.

• Makeup is key: For Halloween, makeup is almost as important as the clothes. A red, black, and silver eyeshadow palette can save you for several characters.

• Strategic accessories: A wig, a necklace, a hat, or a pair of boots can transform a basic look into an amazing costume.

• Be creative: You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars. Combine clothes you already own with a few key details to bring your character to life.

Halloween is much more than a last-minute costume—it’s an opportunity to express yourself, have fun, and pay tribute to the characters you love. With these 38 Halloween costume ideas for women, you have options for all styles, from glamorous to terrifying, along with tips to help you create a memorable look without spending too much. Which of these costumes would you dare to try?

Happy Halloween, and may your costumes be as legendary as your favorite characters!