31 Best Halloween Costumes for Teens That Are Easy, Clever, and Fun

Looking for the best Halloween costumes for teens? Then you've come to the right place. There's nothing scarier than not knowing what you're going to wear on Halloween! Even if you're many years past your childhood trick-or-treating days, it's still fun to dress up in a spooky, stylish, clever, or silly costume and hang out with friends and family. It's even more fun when you make it from items you can reuse or rewear long after October 31.

The best part of dressing up for Halloween is that, costume-wise, the sky is truly the limit. You can shout out your favorite Netflix or Prime Video show, dress up like a musician, pull your inspo from your favorite Nintendo video game, recreate a beloved childhood costume, or make your friends laugh with a cheeky, topical, on-theme pop culture or celebrity costume.

Cool Halloween costumes mark their time. The same way we had an influx of Harley Quinns in the 2010s thanks to Margot Robbie, last year we saw a lot of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Wicked costumes. This year, we expect to see many more Heated Rivalry and Off Campus costumes. That said, some classics always stick around, like zombie costumes and pirate costumes.

If you want to keep it simple, vampire fangs, like the ones Sterling Point's Bo Bragason rocks in horror-comedy The Radleys (pictured above), are always a last-minute resort. And, hey, you can also be a werewolf with those. If you prefer scary costumes and adult movies, recent and past hits like Obsession, Kill Bill, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and more are also popular options. Still, plenty of other PG options are available for teen costumes.

From easy costumes to creative outfits you can DIY with thrifted items and what you already have in your closet, we rounded up inspiration to get you started finding the best Halloween costumes for teens. (These are mainly individual costumes, but if you want couple or group Halloween costume ideas, we've got you covered.)

1. Carrie from Carrie

The horror movie prom queen is another go-to costume, and it's so much fun to DIY; we have a feeling we'll see quite a few given Prime Video's reboot! Buy a slip dress or find one at the thrift store, cover it in fake blood, add a tiara, and boom! You're Carrie.

2. A Malone's waiter from Off Campus

Off Campus costumes will be everywhere this year. Want a not-so-obvious costume inspired by the show that's also simple and last-minute approved? Then get ready to work a shift at Malone's like Allie and Hannah. Grab a Malone's T-shirt (you can also find some on Etsy and Amazon), put on your favorite jeans, and get ready to take everyone's orders. If you can, add some statement earrings and style your hair like Allie's.

3. Teagan from Crew Girl

Another comfy costume you can rock is Teagan Tao from Crew Girl. Get some Easton Prep merch, put on your best sweats, and some sports glasses, and you are pretty much done. You can also go the extra mile and transform into a full-on coxswain with a rowing suit, a headset, and a cap.

4. Huntr/x from Kpop Demon Hunters

We saw a lot last year, but there will definitely be a ton of Kpop Demon Hunters costumes this year as well, so why not join the fun? Dress up as Rumi, complete with her exact jacket and a purplish-pink braid. Extra points if you bring a personalized cup of ramen and a portable mic to rock out to. If you don't spiritually connect with Rumi, Zoey and Mira are great options, too.

5. Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo had quite the year with the release of you seem pretty sad for a girl in love, so why not channel the cover of the album with a pink mini dress and some Mary Janes? You can keep it 1:1 with heels or opt for a more comfortable shoe with the same effect. Alternatively, there are plenty of other Olivia Rodrigo Halloween costume ideas out there. And, hey, you can always rewear or adapt whatever outfit you choose for her tour concerts.

6. Adéla

Another pop star that's having a moment you can channel is Teen Vogue cover star Adéla. The key here is the pink hair, which you can achieve with washable hair dye or a wig. For the outfit, pick any look from the star, but this denim look from Reading Festival is easy to recreate while staying warm.

7. Aaliyah

Another music icon you can channel for Halloween is the late Aaliyah. A style icon still referenced by many, Aaliyah has plenty of looks to inspire you, but this all-white bandana look is one of the most instantly recognizable.

8. Taylor Swift

Swift is continuing her The Life of a Showgirl era with The Encore, and you can channel the vibes easily for Halloween. All you need is a shimmery dress, tights, and a feather boa to capture the album's aesthetic. Add her current favorite orange lipstick and lots of sparkle, too. (Psst: you can also turn plenty of other TSwift looks into a Halloween costume.)

9. Girl with a Pearl Earring

Looking for something super low-maintenance? Dress up as the famous Vermeer painting with just a few strategic accessories: a headband and some pearl earrings. Pose in front of a sheet backdrop for the full effect.

10. Minions

Get a crew of friends to dress up as Minions and take over the Halloween party, or go solo as a lone Minion. You probably already own ⅔ of this costume, so get to searching now!

11. A Sheet Ghost

It's a classic. Enough said! Grab a flat sheet, cut eye holes, and you're done. Doesn't get much simpler than that!

12. Cowgirl

Pull on your fave Levi's jeans and a white tank, then add a hat and boots for another simple Halloween costume.

13. Jessie from Toy Story

If you want to be a specific cowgirl, then Jessie from Toy Story takes the cake. So many celebs have tried their hand at this costume, which might be one of the most popular Disney costumes. You can go for a 1:1 replica or channel Jessie with pieces you can rewear.

14. Lord Farquaad from Shrek

If you want to make a lasting impression this Halloween, put on your best wig and channel your inner Farquaad.

15. Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries

Another popular Halloween costume among celebs is Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries, especially the poster version. All you need is a strapless white gown, a tiara, some retro headphones, and sunglasses. Pro tip: Many people opt for a mini dress and sandals when recreating this look, but to stay true to the movie, look at the alternate poster and go for a longer dress and combat boots!

16. Jenna from 13 Going on 30

A lot of people try to recreate the 13 Going on 30 Versace dress, but why not take a page from Lili Reinhart's Love Hypothesis press looks and go for her slip dress look? Keep it simple with the dress and a sleep mask, or add a trench coat for warmth.

17. Kim Possible from Kim Possible

Call her, beep her, if you wanna reach her! To dress as the Disney heroine, you need a black top, cargo pants, and some cute boots—easy to repurpose for daily life, too! Throw in some orange hair dye for a costume feel.

18. Ashley from Just My Luck

So many Lindsay Lohan characters deserve to be Halloween costumes, but if you want a deep cut, we suggest Ashley from Just My Luck. You'll need a pink fluffy coat, hoop earrings, sunglasses, and low-rise jeans for the ultimate Y2K look.

19. Cher Horowitz from Clueless

Clueless celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, so you can pay homage to the iconic teen movie with Cher's yellow plaid skirt suit, or go for a deep cut with the Alaïa dress. Obviously, it doesn't have to be an Alaïa, but if you want to commit to the bit, you can find semi-affordable secondhand options to cherish in your closet later. To round off the look, add some red heels and a retro cellphone.

20. Daria Morgendorffer from Daria

Want to channel another on-screen fashion icon? Look to animation and dress up as sitcom queen Daria Morgendorffer. The key pieces are probably already in your wardrobe, and if they aren't, you can reuse them for years. You can also channel Jane Lane instead or, better yet, make it a couples Halloween costume with your bestie.

21. Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is one of the best Halloween movies and Winona Ryder's best role. This costume includes the iconic satin-and-lace dress with a flouncy tulle skirt and a cute bow at the back. If you want the look but prefer a longer version, Target has you covered. Just don't forget to style your hair like Lydia or add a wig!

22. Wednesday Addams

Put a glamorous, high-fashion spin on the iconic Wednesday Addams with a dress that Wednesday herself would love. Think high necklines, goth details like black sequins and lace, and of course, all-black everything. Then add boots, braids, and a sullen smirk. You can't go wrong with monochrome or white collars, but if you want more inspo, we've got you covered here. Whatever you do, just make sure your hair is jet black and in braided pigtails.

23. Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas

If you'd rather be inspired by a different Tim Burton creation, Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas is a super easy one-item option.

24. Juliet's angel look from Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet

Don't want to do too much with your look? An angel look takes two seconds to throw on, but if you want a twist, you can channel Juliet as an angel from Baz Luhrmann's iconic Romeo + Juliet. All you need is angel wings and a long white dress, which you can find in your closet or thrift. For a more accurate replica look, there are also options online.

25. Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Another great movie-inspired niche look is Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Go for a matching sportswear set; extra points if it's velour. Add a blonde bob with bangs, and paint your face purple for the post-explosion look. If you want to really commit, bring gum.

26. Eleven from Stranger Things

Eleven costumes are a modern-day classic. Channel Millie Bobby Brown's character with this look from season one of Stranger Things. Bring Eggo waffles as the ultimate prop, or bring a friend dressed as Eggo waffles.

27. A member of Josie and the Pussycats

Even if you are not a trio, dressing up as a member of Josie and the Pussycats is a great Halloween idea. All you need is an animal-print top, some Y2K-inspired pants, and a cat-ear headband. If you want to go the extra mile, bring some music props.

28. Ghostface

The Scream franchise is still running, nearly 30 years later, and the Ghostface mask is a modern classic. Wear it with your regular clothes for a funny contrast, or throw on a black robe and add a fake knife to complete the look.

29. Nina Sayers from Black Swan

If you want drama, Nina Sayers from Darren Aronofsky's 2010 Black Swan has also become a Halloween classic. All you need is a black tiara and a feathery black dress, or a black bodysuit with a tutu. The key in this look is the exaggerated makeup, so you can play around with your outfit base and improvise.

30. Momo Ayase from Dan Da Dan

If you're an anime fan, channel Momo Ayase from Dan Da Dan with this full pack. Complete the look with a Turbo Granny plushie from the Crunchyroll store, then keep it on your bed forever!

31. Statue of Liberty

If you want to channel a perennial icon, dress as the Statue of Liberty, taking a page from Chappell Roan's unforgettable Gov Ball drag. Obviously, you can keep it simple; pick your favorite turquoise dress or ensemble and add a tiara, a torch, and a book or notebook with JULY IV MDCCLXXVI scribed in it.