20 classic Halloween costumes that you can’t go wrong with

Not only is a ghost a classic Halloween costume, it’s also one of the easiest to put together. A ghost will always be a good costume option due to its ease and mass appeal. 

You can go tons of different ways with a witch costume. You can be a good witch, a bad witch, a scary witch, a sexy witch - the options are endless and none require too much for a costume. Whether you want to paint your face green or just wear a hat, it’s a great go-to. 

There are so many costume options these days that it’s rare to even see a mummy anymore, but that’s exactly why it remains a good choice. It’s a classic that’s easy to identify, but there likely won’t be too many people wearing the same thing. 

A pumpkin is another costume along the lines of a mummy. Not many adults wear pumpkin costumes, but they’re always a cute option. They’re also perfect for family costumes because they’re easy to find. 

Almost any type of animal makes for a good Halloween costume, but especially a cat. And there’s no pressure to be a black cat - there are so many options. But no matter which breed you choose, you’ll have a great costume for the holiday. 

Vampires can be taken down tons of avenues, too. There’s always the generic option, but there are so many vampires in pop culture that you can choose from, too, like Dracula or any one of the Cullens.

Almost every little girl in the world has dressed up as a princess for Halloween, and it’s a good option for women, too. There are loads of Disney costumes available, but there are even more options for generic princesses. 

A movie star is a classic costume option that’s easy to put together. While many opt for a particular look - like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - it’s just as fun to go without a specific identity and just pretend to be a famous person. 

A pop star costume runs in the same vein as the movie star costume. You can be Britney Spears or Freddie Mercury if you’d like, or you can just dress up in a fabulous outfit and carry a microphone and call yourself a singer for the night. 

An athlete of any sort is a great costume because you can totally look the part with equipment and a full uniform, or you can use it as an easy costume option to lure your friend or partner who doesn’t want to dress up. 

A firefighter is a classic costume option for individuals, but it can also work as a great couple’s costume. Bonus points if you have a dog. 

A maid is a classic costume option that doesn’t get as much wear as it once did. However, it’s still perennially available to purchase, and it’s easy for others to identify. And if you don’t want to wear a skirt or a dress, you can be a butler in pants instead. 

Pirate costumes are a ton of fun. They’re a bit of a hassle to put on due to all the layers, but that is made up for by the numerous props and accessories available. Swords, guns, hooks, parrots, eye patches, hats - if you want it, you can wear it. 

A lifeguard costume isn’t the best option if you live in a cold area, but if it’s warm where you live, it’s perfect. And if you live by the beach, you’ve got the perfect backdrop for authentic photos. 

It isn’t Halloween if you don’t see a clown. You can take it in a scary direction or a silly one, but either will be easy to source and scream 'Halloween'. 

Never question your choice if you go as a cheerleader for Halloween. Don’t even question it if you live somewhere cold, because there are clothing options to keep you warm. 

It’s a bit ironic how many people dress as doctors and nurses on Halloween, considering it’s a busy night for ERs. Nonetheless, they’re both great costumes, especially because they come with props. Any costume with a prop is worth wearing. 

If you don’t want to be a hippie, you can dress as a flapper or someone from the ‘50s, a disco dancer, or even someone from the ‘80s. The reasoning for decade costumes becoming so popular is unclear, but they’re all viable options at Halloween and will remain so.

Dressing as an angel for Halloween is a solid option for men and women. It’s more typical of a female, but there’s no reason someone else can’t don the ensemble, too. Grab a halo and some white clothing, and you’ve got yourself a costume. 

Halloween isn’t complete without seeing a boxer on the streets. Hopefully, it’s just someone dressed in a costume and not anyone looking to square up.