Halloween costume ideas
In 2021 we recommended Squid Game and Money Heist as last-minute costume ideas. Four years later, it’s clear which looks have endured-and which new series are taking over every party this Halloween.
When we wrote about Halloween costumes in 2021, Squid Game had just dropped on Netflix and the green tracksuit was the hottest group-costume tip. Today we know just how good that tip was: the series became Netflix’s most successful production ever, earned a second season in 2024 and a final third in June 2025. The Player suit still hangs in every second Halloween aisle. Time for an honest update: what still holds from back then, what you can wear today, and how to conjure a costume in 20 minutes that everyone will recognise.
- Series costumes beat generic every time: instant recognition wins the night. Squid Game and Money Heist still work unchanged since 2021.
- Added in 2025: Wednesday Addams, Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked, plus the K-pop Demon Hunters look. All three are party- and group-friendly.
- The sheet ghost remains the best budget costume: an old sheet, two holes, done. Costs almost nothing and photographs surprisingly well.
- Group beats solo: partner looks and four-person crews from the same series bring more attention than the most elaborate single costume.
- Last-minute? Solid-colour jumpsuit plus mask, or a 2000s childhood hero. Both ready in under half an hour.
Halloween isn’t a contest for the most expensive costume; it’s a contest for the strongest instant recognition. That’s exactly why series looks work so reliably: they carry a shared reference everyone in the room already understands. Let’s see what became of our 2021 picks and which new ideas belong on today’s list.
Squid Game and Money Heist: The Classics That Endure
The green tracksuit with the white number was a well-kept secret in 2021; today it’s everywhere. Squid Game wrapped with Season 3 in June 2025 after pulling more than 60 million views in its first three days and topping charts in 93 countries. Along the way it introduced fresh icons: the black Front Man mask with its geometric emblem and the pink guard overalls. Pick your side-player or guard-and the crew is ready.
Money Heist, La Casa de Papel in the original, still ran in 2021, and the red jumpsuit with the Dalí mask has since become a staple. Both share the same advantage: a single-colour jumpsuit plus the matching mask can be assembled in minutes and works solo or in a pack. If you want something fresher today, pair the Dalí look with a bundle-of-cash accessory or go straight for the current Squid Game motif.
A great Halloween costume doesn’t need a big budget-just a reference everyone in the room instantly gets.
What’s New for 2025
The biggest newcomer since our original feature is Wednesday Addams. The black dress with white collar and the severe braids top the 2025 Halloween trend reports, and the best part: you barely need special pieces. A black dress from your own wardrobe, a white collar, and that signature deadpan expression are all it takes.
Rounding out the list are Glinda and Elphaba from the Wicked film-perfect as a duo in pink and green-and the vibrant K-pop Demon Hunters look for anyone who prefers it loud. What ties these three to our 2021 tips? They’re all series and film references that read instantly. The red thread stays the same; only the templates change with what’s hot right now.
The Budget Classic: Sheet Ghost
When you want zero fuss, nothing beats the sheet ghost. An old white sheet, two eye holes, done. Simple to make, surprisingly striking in photos-especially when you stage a mini shoot as a group. This look debuted in our 2021 article and still delivers, costing almost nothing yet drawing all the eyes. For maximum impact, photograph your ghosts against a dark wall or in the park at dusk.
Last-Minute? Three Looks Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Three fail-safe shortcuts if you only remember at midday. First: a single-colour jumpsuit plus mask, Squid Game or Money Heist style. Second: a childhood hero from the early 2000s-figures from that era are instantly recognizable. Third: your current favourite from a series, film or book. Even if it’s not the lead, the key is feeling comfortable in it.
Once the costume is settled, round out the night. For party snacks, check out our delicious pumpkin dishes for Halloween, and if you want to look sharp all year round, browse our holiday-ready outfits.
Quick Answers
▸Which Halloween costume is most popular in 2025?
According to the latest trend reports, Wednesday Addams and Squid Game lead the pack, followed by Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked and the K-pop Demon Hunters look. Squid Game’s final season in June 2025 has kept it front and centre.
▸Does the Squid Game costume still work after all these years?
Absolutely. The green player suit, Front Man mask and pink guard overalls remain top choices, especially for groups. The series’ finale in 2025 has only boosted its presence.
▸What’s the cheapest costume that still looks good?
The sheet ghost. An old white sheet with two eye holes costs almost nothing and photographs like a million-especially when you stage a group shoot at dusk.
▸How do I nail a last-minute costume?
Go for a clear reference: a single-colour jumpsuit plus mask, a childhood hero from the 2000s, or your current favourite character. All three come together in under 30 minutes and are instantly recognizable.
Image credits: youDRESSED archive (cover), Unsplash / Sonya Pix
