The iconic national dress of Japan
Harley Quinn emerged as a Halloween favorite in the 2010s, thanks to the movie 'Suicide Squad' (2016). Her playful yet edgy style became a bold costume choice.
Halloween costumes have evolved dramatically over the decades, reflecting societal trends, pop culture, and historical events. From the glamorous flapper dresses of the 1920s to representations of political figures of today, each era introduces unique themes and styles. Iconic costumes often emerge from films, music, and frightening themes, shaping how people express themselves during this spooky season.
Click on to discover the most popular Halloween costumes from the past century.
Political figures became popular Halloween costumes in the 2020s, with individuals dressing as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, allowing for commentary on current events during Halloween.
Sources: (Cosmopolitan) (Reader's Digest) (Business Insider)
See also: Halloween costume guide: how to avoid getting cancelled
Inspired by the hit series 'Squid Game,' costumes featuring tracksuits and masks surged in popularity in 2021.
The Minions from the 'Despicable Me' franchise became a popular Halloween costume in the 2010s. Bright yellow outfits and goggles made them a fun choice for kids and adults.
Costumes of historical figures gained traction in the 2020s, with people dressing as influential figures like Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, and Abraham Lincoln.
Zombie costumes surged in popularity during the 2010s, inspired by shows like 'The Walking Dead' and the rise of zombie walks. Tattered clothing, fake blood, and gory makeup transformed people into the undead.
The 'Harry Potter' series sparked a costume craze in the 2000s. Fans embraced outfits inspired by Hogwarts students, wizards, and magical creatures, celebrating the enchanting world.
Children and adults alike eagerly donned colorful spandex outfits, embodying their favorite heroes on Halloween night.
Characterized by colorful dresses, wings, and wands, these whimsical outfits appealed to both children and adults.
Elsa's iconic blue gown from 'Frozen' (2013) became a popular Halloween costume in the 2010s, with young girls eagerly dressing as the Snow Queen.
The Spice Girls sparked a costume craze in the 2000s, with fans emulating their iconic looks from Baby Spice to Posh Spice. Couples also dressed as David and Victoria Beckham for Halloween.
Often featuring short dresses and accessories, this playful yet provocative interpretation allowed for creativity and fun.
Inspired by the 1996 film 'Romeo + Juliet,' angel costumes featuring flowing white gowns, halos, and wings became popular. This heavenly look provided a soft contrast to spooky themes.
The '80s saw a surge in superhero costumes, reflecting the popularity of comic book characters for both children and adults alike.
Big hair was a defining trend of the '80s, so naturally, an exaggerated version found its way into Halloween. These oversized hairstyles added drama and fun, reflecting the decade's vibrant pop culture and music scene.
From movie characters to famous public figures, masks dominated Halloween in the 1980s, offering a variety of frightening and fun designs.
Inspired by classic horror films, mummy costumes with rolls and rolls of white bandages tapped into the fascination with Ancient Egypt and spooky themes.
Moving away from scary characters, the '70s popularized costumes inspired by artists and famous bands like KISS, celebrating the era's vibrant music scene during Halloween.
Characterized by flowing skirts and scarves, echoing the era's popular fashion, this mystical look appealed to those drawn to the supernatural.
Thanks to Hollywood, vampire costumes became widespread in the 1960s. Capes, fangs, and pale makeup transformed many into seductive creatures of the night.
Featuring horns and red outfits, these costumes represented mischief and rebellion, appealing to the decade's counterculture movement and Halloween festivities alike.
Giant baby costumes gained popularity in the 1930s, offering a humorous twist on Halloween with their often oversized and comically designed outfits.
The '50s saw a resurgence in witch costumes, often styled with full skirts, pointy hats, and broomsticks. This classic look remained popular for both men and women.
Also in the 1920s, witches became popular Halloween costumes, reflecting society’s fascination with the supernatural during this era.
Inspired by commedia dell'arte, the harlequin costume gained popularity in the 1930s, blending whimsy and theatrical flair for Halloween.
Pirate costumes became a Halloween staple in the 1940s, fueled by adventure films and tales of the high seas.
With characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader becoming favorites, fans eagerly embraced the galaxy far, far away, making 'Star Wars' costumes a popular choice for Halloween.
A popular Halloween costume, the rise of scary clowns added a spooky twist, blending playful whimsy with eerie undertones.
The release of Netflix's 'Wednesday' sparked a surge in popularity for Wednesday Addams costumes, highlighting how popular TV series can significantly influence Halloween costume trends.
Flapper dresses became iconic for Halloween, symbolizing women's liberation and reflecting their newfound independence with fringe and bold styles during the spooky season.
The most popular Halloween costumes from each decade
From classic horror to modern trends
FASHION Trends
Halloween costumes have evolved dramatically over the decades, reflecting societal trends, pop culture, and historical events. From the glamorous flapper dresses of the 1920s to representations of political figures of today, each era introduces unique themes and styles. Iconic costumes often emerge from films, music, and frightening themes, shaping how people express themselves during this spooky season.
Click on to discover the most popular Halloween costumes from the past century.