Are you ready to take your costume game to the next level? Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of the most popular costumes of 2023! Whether you’re attending a costume party or gearing up for Halloween, it’s essential to know what’s hot and trending. In this article, we’ll dive into the top picks for popular costumes, exploring why they’re so popular and providing tips on how to dress up like these beloved characters. So, grab your imagination and get ready to shine!
Barbie:
Straight from the new Barbie movie featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie costumes are all the rage. With its bright and bouncy ridiculousness, this movie has everyone buzzing about what pink outfit to wear. It’s an eye-catching choice and a perfect couple pairing for 2023. So, embrace the pink and rock anything pink for a fabulous Barbie-inspired look.
Wednesday Addams:
Thanks to the new Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, fans are obsessed with everything related to this iconic character. To nail the Wednesday Addams look, all you need is a black dress to capture her trademark stare, pale skin, and black hair. Channel your inner Wednesday with an iconic dance performance, to The Cramps’ song “Goo Goo Muck”. You’ll sure be a social sensation at Nevermore’s Rave’n Dance.
Eleven:
Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of Eleven in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things continues to captivate audiences. With her psychokinetic and telepathic abilities, Eleven is the breakout character of the show. Each season, she sports a different costume, from a pink smock dress to an 80s-inspired jumpsuit and a yellow and black battle look. Keep up with the latest season and choose your favorite Eleven costume for a guaranteed hit in 2023.
Maverick:
All Top Gun fans will feel the need for speed when they dress up as Maverick from the beloved movie series. The new movie has reignited everyone’s love for this iconic character. To create an easy and instantly recognizable Maverick costume, all you need is an aviator suit, sunglasses, and a cocky attitude. Get ready to take flight and rock that aviator swagger!
Mabel Mora:
Are you a fan of Selena Gomez and the hit series Only Murders in the Building? If so, you’ll love dressing up as the tech-savvy and fashion-forward character, Mabel Mora, this Halloween. To achieve the Mabel look, you’ll need a yellow sweater, an orange fur coat, plaid pants, and combat boots. Complete the ensemble with sunglasses, a yellow beanie hat, and red headphones to become the epitome of Mabel’s style.
Bridgerton:
Step into the glamorous and grandiose world of Bridgerton with a costume inspired by the hit series. Set between 1813 and 1827, Bridgerton has pioneered a fashion trend known as “Regencycore.” Embrace the romance and elegance of the era with a Bridgerton-inspired costume. Think beautiful gowns, intricate hairstyles, and accessories that transport you to the Regency period.
Mario Brothers:
The release of The Mario Brothers movie has transported us back to our childhood and reignited our love for these iconic game characters. Whether you choose to dress up as Mario, Luigi, Waluigi, or Princess Peach, these nostalgic costumes are sure to be a hit with gamers young and old. Let’s-a go and embrace the world of Mario with style!
Elvis:
Thanks to Baz Luhrmann’s epic Oscar-nominated Elvis movie, a whole new generation has fallen in love with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis-inspired costumes have been a hit throughout the year, and they’re still going strong. To rock your Elvis look, don a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit, style your hair into a black pompadour wig, and add some gold Elvis sunglasses. Get ready to sing your heart out all night long!
Batman and Catwoman:
Become the dynamic duo of Gotham City with Batman and Catwoman costumes. With Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman in the new movie, these retro couple costumes remain fan favorites. Dress all in black, don your caped crusader mask, cape, gloves, and add some black boots for the ultimate effect. Don’t forget your trusty batarang! Become the embodiment of mystery and intrigue with these timeless costumes.
Chucky:
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without the creepy little doll known as Chucky. This classic horror character has inspired a whole generation to beware of dolls when they’re home alone. Recreate Chucky’s distinctive clothing by wearing a pair of jean overalls, a rainbow-striped shirt, and red hair. You can achieve the hair with a wig, hair dye, or simply by messing up your own hair. Just make sure to add a fake knife to complete the chilling look.
Cruella:
Disney’s release of the Cruella movie starring Emma Stone has introduced a new generation of fans to the notorious Cruella de Vil. The outstanding and inspirational costumes designed by Jenny Beavan have sparked a wave of admiration and interest in dressing up as the new Cruella. Embrace the edgy fashion of the ’70s and channel your inner Cruella with a black and white wig and black fitted dress. Don’t forget to rock combat boots for that added flair.
Beetlejuice and Lydia:
Tim Burton’s dark comedy Beetlejuice is a perfect choice for Halloween. With its creepy yet funny characters, it offers a variety of costume options. The film won an Oscar for its outstanding makeup, making the costumes truly inspirational for any Halloween-themed party. Whether you dress as the grotesque yet hilarious Beetlejuice or the angst-ridden Lydia in her ’80s black attire, you’re guaranteed to be the life of the afterparty.
Tinkerbell:
Let your inner child soar with a Tinkerbell costume inspired by the magical world of Peter Pan and Wendy. With the reboot of Disney’s classic tale, you can relive the enchantment of your childhood. Transform into the mischievous green pixie by donning a sparkly green dress, fairy wings, and a blonde wig. Sprinkle some magical fairy dust and spread joy wherever you go.
Indiana Jones:
Who didn’t want to be Indiana Jones, the beloved archaeologist, from the classic ’80s adventure movies? His whip-cracking, fedora-wearing persona resonates with everyone. With a new movie out this year, Indiana Jones is more popular than ever. To outfit yourself in this fantastic costume, you’ll need a brown jacket, a fedora hat, and a whip to crack. Get ready for a thrilling adventure!
The Joker and Harley Quinn:
These Batman arch-villains have achieved their own movie and continue to captivate audiences. Dressing up as Harley Quinn is a perfect Halloween choice. Whether you’re going solo or creating a best friend ensemble or group getup. And, of course, if you have someone special in your life, recruit them to dress up as The Joker for a fun couples costume. These characters have strong and distinctive looks that are easy to emulate. For Harley, go for her red and blue costume with a baseball bat, and for the Joker, rock his purple or burgundy suit, green hair, and perpetually white face with a big smile.
Scream:
Keep the Halloween tradition alive with the classic Ghostface costume from the Scream movies. This anonymous masked and hooded figure successfully lurks in dark corners. Ready to pounce on unsuspecting victims in our imaginations every Halloween. To dress up as Ghostface, all you need is the distinctive Scream mask, a black hooded robe, and a large knife. With the release of the latest Scream movie, this costume will continue to be a top choice in 2023
Squid Games:
Squid Games, the South Korean survival drama television series on Netflix, took the world by storm in 2022. With contestants fighting to the death for vast wealth, it became a thought-provoking and dark cultural phenomenon. We predict Squid Game costumes will be a Halloween classic, thanks to the ease with which groups of friends can dress up as the main characters. Whether you choose to be one of the guards in an anonymous masked red jumpsuit or a machine-firing masked doll, these costumes will be a hit in 2023. Alternatively, you can also opt to dress as one of the unfortunate contestants in their green numbered tracksuits.
Harry Styles:
With his successful world tour in 2023 and his iconic personal style appealing to fans of all genders, Harry Styles has become a fashion icon. GQ referred to him as one of the “best-dressed men in the world” with “elegance and bold choices.” His inclusive appeal and distinctive elegant style make him a clear winner to dress up as this year. Grab a frilly see-through shirt, some wide-flared checked trousers, and a feather boa, and you’ll be ready to sing your heart out in true Harry Styles fashion.
Cher:
Cher Horowitz, the fashion-forward protagonist of the iconic ’90s film Clueless, remains a timeless symbol of style and sophistication. Her impeccable fashion sense and trend-setting outfits have made her a beloved character. To channel Cher’s fashion-forward looks, opt for plaid blazers, matching skirt sets, knee-high socks and Mary Jane shoes. And don’t forget playful accessories like mini backpacks and flip phones. Embody Cher’s confident, fashion-savvy persona and make a statement at any costume party or ’90s-themed event. And don’t forget to sprinkle a few classic Cher phrases like “as if!
Zombies:
The popularity of zombie-themed TV series continues to rise, ensuring that zombie costumes will dominate Halloween parties this year. After a year of pandemic-related anxieties, it’s no surprise that the zombie apocalypse genre has resonated with audiences. Whether you’re inspired by shows like The Last of Us or All of Us Are Dead, dressing up as a zombie allows you to go all out and create a terrifying undead character. Wear torn and stained clothes, preferably with a splash of fake blood from your unfortunate victims. As you band together to unleash the zombie horde.
There you have it—the most popular costumes of 2023 that will make you the life of the party. From the glamorous world of Barbie to the dark allure of Wednesday Addams, the choices are diverse and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of iconic characters like Mario and Indiana Jones or want to embrace the darkness with Cruella and Chucky. These costumes allow you to unleash your creativity and make a lasting impression. So, get ready to turn heads at costume parties, impress your friends, and create unforgettable memories with these top trending costumes of 2023. The choice is yours—what will you dress up as this year?
Meet Dale Pruser, our fabulous blogger who lives and breathes costumes! With boundless enthusiasm and a knack for turning heads, she’s the perfect guide to unleash your inner alter ego. Dale’s 30+ years experience in the costume and cosplay industry, make her the go-to source for finding the perfect costume. Her passion and knowledge shine through her blog posts, where she shares helpful tips on finding the perfect costume, DIY hacks to make your outfit stand out, and even delves into the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic characters. Her writing is as vibrant and colorful as the costumes she adores. With a twinkle in her eye and a wardrobe bursting with creativity, Dale dives headfirst into the realm of costumes. She lives for those magical moments when you put on a costume and become someone entirely different—whether it’s a mighty superhero, a swashbuckling pirate, or a glamorous 1920s flapper.