47 Classic Halloween Costume Ideas With a High Fashion Twist

Little Red Riding Hood, a roller derby skater, a flower child—Sydney Sweeney’s cover shoot for W has more Halloween costume inspiration than Party City.

Sydney Sweeney photographed by Carlijn Jacobs for W Magazine, Special Summer Issue, 2025.

Let’s be honest, the devil is extremely brat, and Charli XCX would definitely approve of dressing up like a high fashion devil in a chic red look this Halloween.

Charli XCX photographed by Hedi Slimane for W Magazine, January 2025.

Not all fairies wear wings, and Chappell Roan proved that in her cover shoot for W, declaring “I’m a fucking fairy,” in an array or eclectic looks, which can absolutely be recreated with items already in your closet (and a whole lot of makeup).

Chappell Roan photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, Volume 3, 2025.

Did she murder her husband? Maybe. Did she look great while doing it? Most definitely.

Ayo Edebiri photographed by Luca Guadagnino for W Magazine, February 2025.

Embrace the burlesque revival with over-the-top bouffant hair and layers of chic pieces that can be removed without revealing too much.

Mikey Madison photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott for W Magazine, January 2025.

Natasha Lyonne is proof that you don’t need to dress up like a baby to nail a cupid costume.

Natasha Lyonne photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott for W Magazine, January 2025.

Skip the green face paint, and grab your favorite black dress and boots, add a little eyeliner and a pointy hat and you’re all good to go.

Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.

Actually, Jennifer Coolidge’s entire cover shoot for W is filled with Tokusatsu costume inspiration.

Jennifer Coolidge photographed by Lenne Chai for W Magazine, Volume 2, 2023.

Yeah, everyone’s going to be doing it, but that’s just because it’s a great costume. All you need is a whole lot of pink and a Ken to follow you around all night.

Margot Robbie photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, Volume One 2019.

The perfect costume if you don’t want to make small talk at the party.

Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, June 2011.

Channel your inner Carmen in a dramatic gown in seasonally appropriate shades of orange and black.

Penélope Cruz photographed by Pedro Almodóvar for W Magazine, 2022.

Look good while still staying warm during your late October night out.

Seth Rogen photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.

Okay, you may not have access to Schiaparelli couture, but you can definitely still pull this interplanetary look off.

Zendaya photographed by Jack Davison for W Magazine, Volume 2, 2022.

Pair some angel wings with an etheral white gown for a more mature take on this classic costume.

Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.

A costume that’s best accompanied by a group of friends dancing around you at all times.

Naomi Campbell photographed by Rafael Pavarotti for W Magazine, 2022.

Drape yourself in black fabric—or even bed sheets—and flap your arms for dramatic effect.

Michelle Yeoh photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine Volume 1, 2023.

Keep it cute as a woman of the cloth in a simple habit with a mini LBD and thigh-high socks.

Amber Valletta photographed by Michael Thompson for W Magazine, Volume 4 2022.

Wear your favorite dress and all-white makeup for a chic take on the classic Halloween costume.

Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, May 2013.

A massive 10-gallon hat and a simple jean jacket and you’ll be ready to ride off into the sunset.

Benedict Cumberbatch photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2022.

A simple outfit with black with white spots is reminiscent of the young version of the dreaded spotted lanternfly. Add red wings for the full effect.

Janelle Monae photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W magazine Volume 1 2023.

Break out all the feathers and prepare to molt all night long.

Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, October 2012.

If the devil can wear Prada, why not the pumpkin?

Photograph by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 5, 2021.

Level up your simple bunny ears by wrapping yourself in some faux fur.

Photograph by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 5, 2022.

Make like Beauty and the Beast’s Belle in a golden yellow gown—this one just so happens to be from Alexander McQueen but any sweet yellow frock will do.

Ruth Negga photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine Volume 1 2022.

It’s all about the theatrics with this one.

Cate Blanchett photographed by Shirin Neshat for W Magazine, 2018.

While everyone else may be dressing like Barbie, try a creepier version of the costume by throwing on your best baby doll dress, a bow in your hair, and a dead-eyed look on your face.

Amelia Gray photographed by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 6, 2022.

Put on a colorful dress, strap on some wings, and poof: You’re a butterfly! Bonus points if both items match your hair color. Even more points if they match your home, as well.

Florence Welch photographed by Tina Barney for W magazine, Volume 2, 2018.

Every Halloween party needs a nurse on standby.

Kate Moss photographed by Richard Prince for W magazine, 2003.

The anthurium flower has captured fashion’s attention thanks to its prominence on the dresses and accessories at Loewe. But it also makes for a striking costume when recreated at home.

Model Mona Tougaard photographed by Rafael Pavarotti for W Magazine, Volume 1 2023.

Get your Joker costume in this year before Folie à Deux comes out and the party is crawling with them.

Will Ferrell photographed by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, February 2012.

A fuzzy bear costume is perfect for a cold Halloween night.

Photograph by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 4 2018.

Once you have the jacket, the hat, and a riding crop–you won’t even need pants.

Madonna photographed by Steven Klein for W magazine, June 2006.

Less is more with this one. To really drive the point home add a gold championship-style heavyweight belt.

Anthony Ramos photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 1 2022.

Gather all the tulle you can find, and go as a couture bride.

Anya Taylor Joy photographed by Paolo Roversi for W Magazine, April 2017.

Most ballerinas don’t wear heels with their tutus, but you can make an exception for Halloween.

Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2006.

Unless you’re Rihanna, it’s unlikely that makeup master Pat McGrath will do your makeup for Halloween. But, you can always take a stab at imitating her work.

Photo by Mert and Marcus for W magazine, September 2014.

No birds were harmed in the making of this costume.

Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, June 2011.

Skip the tricky fins, just add a snorkle.

Unknown T photographed by Tim Walker, W Magazine 2021.

Find someone who is willing to commit to being Batman, and then wear whatever you like as their sexy sidekick.

Photograph by Inez and Vinoodh for W magazine, December 2008.

You probably already own something with cheetah print. Pick up a matching mask for an especially ferocious evening.

Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2007.

Okay, this one is a little bit trickier. But once you have the tail, and someone to carry you around, it’s easy.

Kristen McMenamy photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, December 2013.

A more abstract option, but a cool one, nonetheless.

Brie Larson photographed by Juergen Teller for W Magazine, February 2014.

Simply imagine your version of what may or may not be flying those UFOS.

Julia Nobis photographed by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, March 2014.

Every Halloween party could use a David Bowie moment.

Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, August 2011.

It’s not 2024 yet, but a politician costume is definitely still in style.

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried photographed by Michael Thompson for W Magazine, October 2011.

Modern jokers know to trade the oversized clown shoes for flip-flops. Honking red nose is optional.

Michelle Williams photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W magazine Volume 1 2023.