10 Non-Embarrassing Halloween Costumes That Won't Cost a Fortune
Obviously my non-existent boyfriend and I are dressing as Ariana and Pete this year.


No, Halloween is not the one time of the year when you can appropriate any culture you want, thanks for asking! However, you can channel celebrities, athletes, and pop-culture icons in an outfit that—surprise—doesn't blow your monthly shopping budget. Because, really, who wants to spend money on something you're only going to wear one day out of the year? Pick from these fun, not-super-expensive options, below.
1. Princess Diana
Tell them you're wearing Princess Diana's '94 "revenge dress," and they'll know exactly what you're talking about (if they're over the age of 20). Instead of accessorizing with a diamond necklace that belongs to the royal family, a choker will do.
Speechless dress, $59
Forever 21 choker, $10
2. Cher
The best part about channeling the iconic singer is you can wear the long black wig, flare jeans, and bohemian top year-round, rather than just buying pieces that'll only work for one night.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
'60s wig, $20
American Eagle jeans, $20
Romwe top, $10
3. Ariana Grande
Grab a hoodie, thigh-high boots, a lollipop, and a boyfriend who has BDE, and you're all set. Don't forget one very crucial component: the ponytail.
H&M hoodie, $25
H&M boots, $30
Pack of lollipops, $4
Tinder, free
4. A Gymnast
Because we're all winners here, take notes from Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and the rest of the fierce five by wearing a leotard and a medal around your neck. If you're not too thrilled with the current state of the country and don't want to spend the money on a patriotic leotard, a plain bodysuit will do the trick.
Gap leotard, $9
Gold medal, $2
5. Holly Golightly from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
The rom-com genre is officially making a comeback, which is even more of a reason to throwback to the '60s with Holly Golightly from the classic rom-com, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Forever21 dress, $8
Spritz pearl necklace, $5
Claire's tiara, $9
Forum Novelties gloves, $5
6. A Tennis Player
Let world-renowned tennis players like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova inspire your costume this year, then sign up for those tennis lessons you put on your resolutions list...nine months ago.
Vineyard Vines tennis dress, $44
7. Sabrina from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'
Ahead of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reboot, remind everyone who the OG Sabrina is. The black cat is optional (so are the shoes, apparently), though it is Halloween...
ModCloth top, $45
H&M pants, $35
8. A Flight Attendant
Look, it's you, the flight attendant who helped land Post Malone's plane safely.
Flight attendant costume, $25
Forever21 bandana, $6
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
What Is the "Protect the Dolls" Tee
Celebrities from Pedro Pascal to Tilda Swinton have co-signed Conner Ives’s slogan tee, turning it into a viral rally cry that has already raised over $300,000 for Trans Lifeline.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast Breaks Down Its Shocking Ending, From the Major Team-Up to the Tragic Death
Stars Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-yeong, and Lee Min-jae have a lot of thoughts about the K-drama's epic finale.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's Was
The Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Summer 2025 Shoe Trends Stylish Women Will All Wear in Two Months
Get a head start.
By Emma Childs
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
By Emma Childs
-
Daisy Edgar-Jones Perfects the Boho Fashion Trend and Meaningful Minimalism in Under 12 Hours
There's no aesthetic she won't try.
By Emma Childs
-
Florence Pugh Is the Lingerie Dressing Trend's Poster Girl in a See-Through Stella McCartney Mini Dress
She loves a see-through look.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber Match in Little Black Dresses With Individual Twists
The two looked nearly identical while attending the Broadway premiere of ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
By Lauren Tappan
-
Chase Sui Wonders Finds '90s Nostalgia in a Rare Spring '97 Prada Dress
She referenced Gwyneth Paltrow’s '90s-era style with an archival Prada print once worn by the star.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
By Lauren Tappan