Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant clash of aesthetics, where classic glamour meets internet-born edge. The most sought-after costumes are drawing directly from the biggest movies we’ve seen this year, viral animated series, and even the plush toys you’ve seen clipped to every celebrity’s handbag. This season is shaping up to be less about generic frights and more about embodying the characters that have defined our cultural conversations.
From the long-awaited magic of Oz to the stylish demons of a viral K-pop sensation, here’s your definitive report on what’s hot and how to get the look.
Wicked
The cinematic event of the season is still (no surprises there) providing a perfect, and perfectly contrasting duo for best friends or couples. The battle for popularity isn’t between good and wicked, but between green and pink.
- Elphaba: The Green Goddess: The complex and powerful witch is a show-stopping choice. The key to nailing this look is in the emerald green body paint and a dramatic, black witch’s hat and gown. The goal is to “defy gravity,” so focus on a look that is more mystical and formidable than purely sinister.
- Glinda: The Pink Dream: For those drawn to the “good,” Glinda offers a chance to shimmer. The look is all about sparkle and sweetness. You’ll need a pretty pink dress, a blonde wig styled in perfect curls, and of course, her signature sceptre. As one trend report notes, don’t forget to “work on your ‘toss toss'” to fully capture her ethereal physicality.
KPop Demon Hunters
Move over, traditional anime—the stylish, character-rich world of KPop Demon Hunters is the go-to for coordinated group costumes and individual looks with a serious attitude. The anime’s diverse cast offers a range of personas to embody.
- Rumi: The Main “Bad B”: As the most popular Halloween costume of the year, all eyes will be on Rumi. Most are attempting her glam demon form, which requires intricate face paint or prosthetics to capture her demonic features without looking “like a three-year-old has drawn on you”.
- Mira & Jinu: The Stylish Standouts: For a bold look, channel Mira, the tough nut of Huntrix with her long pink hair and matching eyebrows—a commitment that might involve dye. Alternatively, Jinu, the animated heartthrob, is a trending choice, though pulling off his supernatural “aura” is considered a high-difficulty challenge.
- Baby Saja & Derpy: The Demonic Creatures: For a less humanoid option, the demonic cat Derpy with his Cheshire-cat grin, or one of the Saja Boys like Baby Saja, offer looks that are “minimal work for maximum payoff,” with many direct replicas already available on fast-fashion sites.
The Music Icons
Musicians continue to be a major inspiration, offering fully realized and highly recognizable looks.
- Taylor Swift: The “Showgirl” Eras: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour provides a deep well of costume ideas. The key is in the details: recreate a specific era’s iconic outfit, from the fringe and sequins of the 1989 era to the ethereal gown of the Folklore set. Don’t forget the signature red lipstick and trading friendship bracelets to complete the vibe.
- Sabrina Carpenter: The “Manchild” Aesthetic: For a more contemporary and casual music-inspired look, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” aesthetic is a perfect choice. Think Y2K-inspired pieces like low-rise denim, baby tees, velour tracksuits, and pops of bright color. The attitude is just as important as the outfit—playful, a little ironic, and effortlessly cool
The Niche Internet Hits
Beyond film and TV, this year’s trends are dominated by quirky, community-driven phenomena.
- Labubu: The ‘Ugly-Cute’ Plushie Come to Life: The viral plush toy from Pop Mart isn’t just a bag charm—it’s a full-blown costume phenomenon. With its furry exterior, wide eyes, and a mischievous grin showing nine visible teeth, a Labubu costume is the ultimate “if you know, you know” flex for 2025. The look requires a full-body furry suit in white or a signature color, large pointed ears, and a mask or intricate face paint to capture its uniquely “ugly-cute” charm. Given the toy’s massive popularity on TikTok and endorsement by celebrities like Jennie, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, this costume is a guaranteed conversation starter.
- The “Performative Male” Archetype: For a humorous and timely option, the “Performative Male” costume critiques a certain type of online masculinity. The look is simple but specific: a beige polo shirt, khaki trousers, a black leather belt, and a podcast microphone. It’s a costume that relies on the wearer’s performance of offering unsolicited, overly confident opinions on “logic” and “reason.”
Bottom Line
This Halloween, the most memorable costumes will be those that tap into our shared cultural moment. Whether you choose the grandeur of a blockbuster, the sleek style of an anime hero, or the quirky charm of a viral toy, your look is sure to be a hit. Happy costuming!
