Business
WWD Honors Industry’s Top-Performing Companies, Designers and Executives
Footwear News
Adidas Confirms Record-Breaking Q3 Results
Fashion
Cate Blanchett and Uniqlo Launch “Stories She Tells”
From Celebrity Tributes to Hit TV Shows, Here Are 10 Halloween Costume Predictions for 2026
We narrowed down the top trending Halloween costume ideas for 2026, allowing you to be part of the pop culture moments that defined the year — if only on the 31st.
By Sophie Dunne Plus Icon
E-Commerce Writer
Recent Articles by Sophie Dunne
- 5 Must-Read Design Books to Inspire You This Fall
- NRF Forecasts 4.2% U.S. Holiday Sales Gains
- US Cotton Trust Protocol Reports First Regen Cotton Results
October 22, 2026, 2:18pm
- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on X
- Share this article on Pin It
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on LinkedIn
- Share this article on WhatsApp
- Share this article on Email
- Print this article
- Share this article on Talk
- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on X
- Share this article on Pin It
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on LinkedIn
- Share this article on WhatsApp
- Share this article on Email
- Print this article
- Share this article on Talk
Add us as a Google Preferred Source

Courtesy 20th Century Studios, Andrew Putler/Staff, Focus Features /Courtesy Everett Collection
- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on X
- Share this article on Pin It
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on LinkedIn
- Share this article on WhatsApp
- Share this article on Email
- Print this article
- Share this article on Talk
- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on X
- Share this article on Pin It
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on LinkedIn
- Share this article on WhatsApp
- Share this article on Email
- Print this article
- Share this article on Talk
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
In this article
- How We Identified These 2026 Halloween Costume Predictions
- Why Trust WWD
- Meet the Author
- How We Identified These 2026 Halloween Costume Predictions
- Why Trust WWD
- Meet the Author
View More
It’s been a busy year of viral moments, box-office hits, celebrity buzz, and TV shows that dominated the cultural conversation, so choosing a Halloween costume should be a breeze. Online data reports and keyword research both point to a tight edit of prevailing costume ideas for 2026, making it easy to predict which ensembles we’ll see this year.
10 Halloween Costume Predictions for 2026, According to Data and Our Editors
REAL SCARY
Nikki From ‘Obsession’ Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $23.95 Jump to Details
“THAT’S MY HUSBAND”
Taylor Swift Chiefs Supporter Halloween Costume
Buy Now at ebay $149.99 Jump to Details
TRIBUTE
Dolly Parton Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $78.99 Jump to Details
25TH ANNIVERSARY
Britney Spears at 2001 VMAs Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $93 Jump to Details
ALTERNATIVE HALLOWEEN DEVIL
Miranda Priestly Wig From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $23.99 Jump to Details
GRAB YOUR ROBE
‘The Traitors’ Hooded Cloak Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $33.99 Jump to Details
NYMPH MODE
Calypso From ‘The Odyssey’ Halloween Costume
Buy Now at threadup $13.46 Jump to Details
CLASSIC PICK
Cowboy/Cowgirl Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $39.99 Jump to Details
ANCIENT QUEEN
Cleopatra Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $39.95 Jump to Details
GREEK GORGON
Medusa Halloween Costume
Buy Now at amazon $37.99 Jump to Details
View more +
From the haunting image of “Obsession’s” Nikki covered in blood to Miranda Priestly’s silver hair, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Halloween costumes that are bound to make appearances at parties, parades, and spook walks later this month.
Related Articles

EXCLUSIVE: Marrakshi Life's First Retail Space to Open in Moroccan Botanical Splendor With Gabriella Khalil

The Best Work Bags for Women to Wear This Fall

Based on data from TikTok and online marketplace Vinted, as well as keyword results on Google Trends, we’re seeing some of the year’s most memorable moments — including the release of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” — emerge as potential costume contenders. Courtesy Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Most of these options can be shopped directly on Amazon, so they’ll almost certainly arrive at your door before the big day.
REAL SCARY
Nikki From ‘Obsession’ Halloween Costume
$23.95
Nikki had a lot of bad moments in “Obsession,” but the night she wore this iconic outfit will forever stand out to fans. (Fake blood is a must-have accessory for the costume, by the way.)
Inde Navarrette‘s character became one of 2026’s most recognizable horror figures as the Curry Barker film turned into a breakout hit.
The easiest way to imitate Nikki is with her red-and-black, zebra-print halter top, black leather shorts, and knee-high boots. Finish off the look with sinister (albeit fake) blood to make your outfit a tell-tale Nikki costume.
According to exclusive reports obtained from Vinted, searches for Nikki-inspired Halloween outfits have been climbing — as netizens seek to copy the One Wish Willow victim’s most significant getups.
“THAT’S MY HUSBAND”
Taylor Swift Chiefs Supporter Halloween Costume
$149.99
After Taylor Swift wore this Wear by Erin Andrews top to a Chiefs game last month, it, naturally, proceeded to run out of inventory in hours. However, third-party retailers on eBay are still selling the official piece: good news for Swifties who want to recreate the look, for Halloween or everyday wear.
When Travis Kelce scored his first touchdown of the season against the Indianapolis Colts on September 20, Swift — who was wearing this Andrews-designed tank — pointed to her wedding ring and shouted, “That’s my husband,” generating an instantly viral moment worthy of a Halloween costume.
Add a Swift-esque wig, a fake engagement ring, light acid-wash jeans, and a thin black belt to the mix, and everyone will know who you’re referencing. Alternatively, the NFL Shop sells several Kansas City Chiefs T-shirt dresses, letting you mimic Swift’s look at the 2024 Chiefs game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
TRIBUTE
Dolly Parton Halloween Costume
$78.99
This Dolly Parton costume comes with a wig resembling the country star’s signature blonde locks and a pink, fringed jumpsuit (akin to her 1977 Grammys look). Take our advice and tack a glittery microphone prop onto the purchase.
Following Dolly Parton’s death on August 25 at age 80, tributes to the country icon have poured in, positioning Dolly costumes as especially fitting choices for Halloween 2026.
It’s no wonder that relevant outfits are already on backorder at costume retailers like HalloweenCostumes.com. For context, there were over 440,000 Google searches for “Dolly Parton Halloween costumes” in one month alone, suggesting the late singer will be everywhere come October 31 — so enduring and resonant is her image (not to mention legacy).
25TH ANNIVERSARY
Britney Spears at 2001 VMAs Halloween Costume
$93
This ‘fit, found on Amazon, features a green bralette, butterfly-embellished hot pants, a sequined belt, temporary tattoos, and a plush snake (boots not included).
The 2026 VMAs marked 25 years since Britney Spears delivered what was arguably the show’s most unforgettable performance. The pop star danced to “I’m a Slave 4 U” with a seven-foot albino Burmese python draped around her shoulders, and clips of the era-defining act are circulating online again after the major anniversary.
Considering this renewed wave of attention across social media, expect to spot many a Spears-coded costume in a few weeks — and hop on the bandwagon yourself, with this bestseller on Dolls Kill’s official Amazon storefront, if the early aughts are speaking to you.
ALTERNATIVE HALLOWEEN DEVIL
Miranda Priestly Wig From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Halloween Costume
$23.99
Mirroring her sartorial equations can be as simple as styling pieces like fitted dresses, long fur coats, and classy heels, but Miranda Priestly’s silver, side-swept pixie-bob proves more difficult to find online (at the time of this writing, no retailers sell an exact replica of her standout wisps).
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” arrived in theaters on May 1, nearly two decades after the original film debuted Meryl Streep’s famously icy Runway editor. Priestly’s whole aesthetic is defined by polished tailoring, statement outerwear, and plenty of designer-level attitude, making it highly adaptable for spooky season.
Vinted data revealed a high volume of searches for Priestly-channeling Halloween outfits, with faux-fur coats up 190 percent and purple dresses up 164 percent. As for her steely ‘do, we discovered a gray, pixie-cut wig with curtain bangs on Amazon — achieving the most spot-on reproduction of the fashion mogul’s coiffure.
GRAB YOUR ROBE
‘The Traitors’ Hooded Cloak Halloween Costume
$33.99
This forest green “Traitors” cloak flaunts a hood for a dramatic, haunting reveal.
“The Traitors” has become a reality-TV phenomenon, and Alan Cumming‘s gloriously theatrical wardrobe on the show is almost as legendary as the game itself. If you’re going as the host, lean into Scottish-dandy style sensibilities with a kilt, dramatic coat or cape, statement accessories, and (for the ultra-committed among us) a slicked-back gray wig.
Cumming has donned everything from tartan and kilts to elaborate capes and flashy suits throughout the series, granting Halloween revelers plenty of chances to flex their creative muscles. However, if you wish to turn up to your next Halloween soirée as a Traitor, this cloak is a nonnegotiable.
NYMPH MODE
Calypso From ‘The Odyssey’ Halloween Costume
$13.46 $26.99 50% off
Replicate Charlize Theron’s depiction of Calypso from 2026’s “The Odyssey” with a fishnet dress and gladiator sandals for good measure.
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” became the year’s buzziest cinematic talking point following its July 17 arrival. It’s safe to say the movie’s mythological characters have also been informing Halloween styles as of late, with Google Trends witnessing a spike in queries for Calypso costume ideas in particular.
If you love Theron’s take on the goddess nymph — fishnet dress and all — you can ace the look from home with this ThredUp find. If it sells out, browse ThredUp’s wider selection of fishnet dresses, but shop soon since thrifted clothing can go quickly.
Want to move away from the modern-day adaptation of Calypso? This ancient goddess Halloween costume from Amazon is close enough to how Homer described the nymph in his epic poem.
CLASSIC PICK
Cowboy/Cowgirl Halloween Costume
$39.99
This Amazon-sourced cowgirl Halloween costume boasts a cowboy hat, bandana, belt, bangles, and fringe vest in brown, black, pink, and cow-print iterations.
Cowboy and cowgirl fashion has reigned supreme for several years, and it’s not very likely that the trend will disappear in 2026. To go the extra mile, complete your own Western costume with add-ons like metal spurs, cowboy boots, and a large hobby horse.
ANCIENT QUEEN
Cleopatra Halloween Costume
$39.95
This Cleopatra costume includes a long, ornate dress, gold headpiece, and wig.
Cleopatra may not have had a new movie devoted to her in 2026, but the Egyptian queen remains a perennially fascinating Halloween muse. Her contributions to society have also been back in the spotlight thanks to archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martínez’s ongoing hunt for Cleopatra’s lost tomb at Taposiris Magna in Egypt, where excavations were able to uncover coins bearing the queen’s image and other artifacts from her era.
While Elizabeth Taylor‘s 1963 portrayal is undoubtedly a lauded one, skip the Hollywood clichés in favor of a more historically accurate costume. We encourage examining Cleopatra’s surviving portraits before clicking “add to cart” — replete with details like a snake headdress, traditional-to-Egypt garb, and hair gathered in a low bun.
GREEK GORGON
Medusa Halloween Costume
$37.99
This Medusa Halloween costume turns the Gorgon’s quintessential snake hair into a practical headband, matched with a flowy green dress.
You heard it here first: Medusa could be one of Halloween 2026’s biggest costume sensations. Google Trends shows that “Medusa Halloween costume” is currently the top trending costume search, soaring by 40 percent in just 24 hours.
Per Greek mythology, Medusa is a Gorgon with snakes for hair — whose gaze, of course, turns people into stone. On the 31st, you just might have the same effect.
How We Identified These 2026 Halloween Costume Predictions
To identify the Halloween costumes that are predicted to be everywhere this year, we looked at what people are searching for, watching, and talking about right now. Specifically, our team obtained exclusive data reports from TikTok and online marketplace Vinted to see which costumes, characters, and fashion pieces are dominating real-life conversations and online searches. We also analyzed Google Trends to hone in on prevalent Halloween costume keywords. Finally, WWD Shop scoured social media to spot viral videos, buzzy celebrity moments, and notable cultural trends that could translate to leading costume ideas in October. The tight edit of costumes that ended up making the cut are guaranteed to win you some contests (or in the very least turn some heads along the way).
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Sophie Dunne is an E-Commerce Writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across WWD, Footwear News, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor across all brands, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD, and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Dunne lived in Dubai for four years, working as an Emirates Cabin Crew Member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Dunne has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology.
Tags
Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day
WWD Recommends
-
EXCLUSIVE: International Marketing Firm Ykone Expands in Tokyo, Milan Via M&A
-
Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Campaign Spotlights the Manhattan Flagship
-
By
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Marrakshi Life’s First Retail Space to Open in Moroccan Botanical Splendor With Gabriella Khalil
Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat
Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates
Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse
CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages
Icebreakers with François Arnaud
Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton
'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society
Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors
Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere
A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship
Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect
Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC
Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime
Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe
A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce
WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’
Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration
Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala
A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years
Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years
WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution
The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far
5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection
LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew
WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling
Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week
First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne
First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale
First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri
First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper
First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab
First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM
First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1
First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson
Hot Summer Bags
WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022
On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks
'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show
Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor
Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker
Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors
Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?
Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More
Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks
Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars
Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel
Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'
Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry
Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign
These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers
Most Popular
-
Chlöe Bailey Gives the Lakers a Boost on Opening Night With Her Voice…
-
Janet Jackson Elevates the Dark Glamour Trend in Christian Siriano
-
Angel Reese Arrived to Her Powerhouse WNBA Finals Game in Gucci…
WWD
Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.
Enter your Email
Sign Up Sign Up
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.