There's no better place to find up-to-date and trending Halloween [1] costume ideas than your TV. If you think about the nostalgic '80s excellence of Stranger Things [2] or the endless complexities of the sixth season of Game of Thrones [3], it's easy to see how your favorite shows could yield truly smashing Halloween costumes. But how will you ever choose? Who will you be? To get your brain excited, we're shouting out some of the most iconic TV characters of the past year.
Eleven From Stranger Things
- What to wear: If you're not planning on shaving your head (pause and think about how much time it'll save you in the morning before deciding), get yourself some kind of flesh-colored skull cap or a bad blond wig. Then, find a high-necked baby-pink dress with a white collar, a blue jacket, striped knee socks, white Converse, and a chunky black watch. As a bonus, dribble some fake blood out of your nose and carry around an empty box of Eggo waffles.
- How to act: Since Eleven barely speaks throughout the series, you're off the hook for having to say anything out loud until Nov. 1. Practice staring intently and trying to move things with your brain (and be sure to let us know if you succeed).
The Shame Nun From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: You can buy a gray nun's costume [5], or just throw on a long-sleeved gray dress and wrap a gray scarf around your head in the same way she does. To add the finishing touches, wrap a light-colored rope around your waist and carry around a thick book and a bell.
- How to act: Strict and demoralizing. Look down on anyone who's having fun and scream out, "SHAME!" at random intervals throughout the night while ringing your bell.
Negan From The Walking Dead
- What to wear: We have a feeling Negan will be a popular costume this year, and for good reason. Slick your hair back, glue on a mustache, and then put on a black leather jacket, a red scarf, dark pants, and a leather glove on one hand, and carry around a baseball bat covered in barbed wire.
- How to act: Negan treats everything he does as if he's center stage, in the midst of a performance. He's simultaneously charismatic and terrifying.
Cookie Lyon From Empire
- What to wear: Leather, fur, a skintight dress, and sky-high heels. The more outrageously fabulous, the better.
- How to act: Like you run the damn show, because you do.
Sam and Dean Winchester From Supernatural
- What to wear: Both the Winchesters are almost always in jeans and boots. Sam often goes for plaid shirts, while Dean picks solid-colored earth tones. Layer with black or green army jackets. Denim jackets work too! You can even make your own demon blades if you're so inclined.
- How to act: Like you're on the hunt. Sam is usually more cautious and more of a planner. Dean acts now and thinks later.
Barb From Stranger Things
- What to wear: Barb's role in Stranger Things [6] might not be the most robust, but her wardrobe certainly is. Once you've figured out a way to get her short red hairstyle, get a plaid shirt with as many ruffles as possible, high-waisted light-wash (mom) jeans, a thin watch, and some Sally Jessy Raphael glasses. Feel free to tote around a fake notebook or binder.
- How to act: A little bit aloof and uncomfortable in social situations, Barb acts a bit like Nancy's mom throughout the show. Stay away from any pools, and refuse any and all offers of beer, especially if someone asks you to shotgun it.
Jesse Custer From Preacher
- What to wear: A priest's cassock, plus a healthy dose of stubble and a cigarette hanging out of your mouth.
- How to act: You're a good person deep down, but you're being corrupted by God's power (literally). When people upset you, just put on your lowest, growliest voice and tell them what you want them to do.
Kimmy From Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- What to wear: A yellow cardigan over a floral top and bright pink jeans. Rock a backpack and a smile.
- How to act: Like you just got out of a bunker — I mean, like you just moved to New York City, that's all.
Jamie From Outlander
- What to wear: A tartan over a white shirt with a brown vest over it. Rock a red wig.
- How to act: Tough and gallant, and use a thick Scottish brogue.
Michonne From The Walking Dead
- What to wear: A dirty tank top to show off your extremely toned arms, a leather vest, a pair of olive-colored skinny jeans, and a bandana to put just over your forehead. Grab a fake katana to complete the look.
- How to act: Like a badass. Michonne speaks her mind and isn't afraid to (literally) cut down anyone who gets in her way. There's also a softer, jokier side to her, though, so don't spend all of your time brooding.
Resurrected Jon Snow From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: Nothing but a loincloth and the pallor of man who's been dead for a few days.
- How to act: Um, like you just woke up from being dead for a few days. You know, excited, but also kind of disillusioned by the nothingness? Like that.
Supergirl From Supergirl
- What to wear: You know this outfit! Wear a blue long-sleeved leotard with a red miniskirt and red cape.
- How to act: Virtuous and like you might leap out of the building at any minute.
Castiel From Supernatural
- What to wear: A tan trench coat, a button-up shirt, and a tie. Bonus points if you can find something that looks like an angel blade!
- How to act: Generally confused by humans. Cas also has a very staccato, proper way of speaking English.
Old Melisandre From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: Well, there's not much to this costume, so that's a plus. The true, old version of Melisandre is butt-naked, so get yourself a body suit that matches your skin tone and a stringy white wig. If you can use makeup to draw on a few wrinkles, you'll nail it.
- How to act: Exhausted and over life in general. Refuse all offerings of food, and avoid mirrors.
Steve Harrington From Stranger Things
- What to wear: So you want to be the popular guy, huh? Tuck a striped, long-sleeved polo into some belted khakis and rock a pair of brown loafers [8]. Feel free to pop the collar.
- How to act: Charmingly cocky is Steve's MO, so don't be afraid to get your flirt on.
Red From Orange Is the New Black
- What to wear: A bright red spiky wig, a chef's jacket, and glasses around your neck.
- How to act: Powerful. Speak in a Russian accent.
Luke Cage From Luke Cage
- What to wear: A hoodie under a jacket that's riddled with bullet holes.
- How to act: Aloof, and literally indestructible.
Alex Parrish From Quantico
- What to wear: A tight black v-neck, a leather jacket, and your badge on your jeans. Pull your gorgeous, luxurious hair up.
- How to act: Like you're suspicious of everyone around you. Don't be afraid to be the life of the party, but make sure that you always have a watchful eye on your friends.
The Flash From The Flash
- What to wear: TV's newest superhero requires a dark red suit that covers your head and whole body. Don't forget the black flash symbols over the ears.
- How to act: Kind of naive but ready to kick butt.
Lyanna Mormont From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: A black turtleneck under a fluffy black fur coat and black leather gloves. Part your hair in the middle and pull it halfway back.
- How to act: Don't say a lot, but when you do, speak with authority and finality. Hold your hand up to silence the prattle of others.
Kilgrave From Jessica Jones
- What to wear: A dapper purple suit.
- How to act: Give people some serious, concentrated looks — you're controlling their brains when you speak, after all.
Jacqueline Voorhees From Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- What to wear: A posh Manhattanite's wardrobe of a silk blouse and trim slacks or skirt. Louboutins, of course.
- How to act: Pretty oblivious and in your own little world where everyone is a billionaire.
Dustin From Stranger Things
- What to wear: Dustin's red, white, and blue baseball hat shouldn't be hard to mimic if you buy a plain white hat and some red and blue paint. Once that's done, pick up a curly brown wig, an old-school graphic t-shirt, some brown corduroys, a denim jacket, and a backpack. Also consider getting something to make it look like you're missing your front teeth.
- How to act: Dustin is a total scene-stealer, so you should be, too. Get ready to bust out some tricks this Halloween [13] (like cracking your arms in a cringe-inducing way, for instance), and make sure you keep your friends laughing.
Jessica Jones From Jessica Jones
- What to wear: A dark plaid button-down, a leather motorcycle jacket, ripped jeans, and tough black boots. Wear a dark wig and fingerless gloves.
- How to act: Scowl and sulk a lot, and reluctantly help people only if you have to.
Crowley From Supernatural
- What to wear: Crowley's an all-black kind of deal, probably because he's the King of Hell or whatever. Get the black shirt and tie, and layer with a black coat if weather permits.
- How to act: You're the King of Hell! No one messes with you. Also, you might want to work on your gruff British accent.
Cersei Lannister From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: For I-Just-Blew-Everyone-Up Cersei, wear short blond hair, a crown, a long black long-sleeved dress, and some kind of silver designs for your shoulders. If you want to go the extra mile, stick a bunch of fake swords to your back so it looks like you're sitting on the Iron Throne no matter where you are.
- How to act: Cersei always has the best, most cutting comebacks, so make sure you're on your game on Oct. 31. Also, have a glass of red wine to swirl around threateningly at any given moment.
Rick Grimes From The Walking Dead
- What to wear: Since ditching his sheriff uniform, Rick has opted for a bit of a more casual style. Get some jeans, a white shirt, and a jacket with a fur collar. Carry around a gun and slick your hair back.
- How to act: Ready to kill some zombies.
Sarah From Orphan Black
- What to wear: There are lot of Orphan Black clone costumes you could do, but I vote for the original (sort of). Get Sarah's look with tons of black; wear a leather jacket, ripped black tights, and combat boots, plus a ton of black eyeliner.
- How to act: Tough! Speak with a British accent, but drop into others if you need to.
Oliver Queen/Arrow From Arrow
- What to wear: A black hooded jacket, pants (leather is ideal if you have it), and gloves. Wear the hood up and paint a thin green mask over your eyes. And like with many other costumes in this slideshow, carry a bow and arrow.
- How to act: Like a secretive vigilante.
Piper Chapman From Orange Is the New Black
- What to wear: Tan prison garb and a white t-shirt underneath. No makeup.
- How to act: A little freaked out, with flashes of anger.
Jim Hopper From Stranger Things
- What to wear: Halloween [14] retailers have plenty of different versions of cop costumes, so if you search for one in a khaki color, like a state trooper, your Hopper costume will be complete. Grow out or paste on some five o'clock shadow if possible, and maybe carry around an empty beer can for good measure.
- How to act: Picture your most hungover, irritable moment, and then try to keep that attitude going all night.
Carol Peletier From The Walking Dead
- What to wear: There are a few different versions of Carol that you can be: OG Carol (a shaved head, printed shirt, khakis), faux-housewife Carol (a floral button-down shirt, a tray of cookies, a maniacal smile), or hardcore Carol (a baggy jacket, cargo pants, a gray t-shirt, tall black boots, and knuckle dusters). A short, gray wig is necessary.
- How to act: You want people to like you, but also be pretty afraid of you. Practice cowering in fear, scaring small children with terrifying stories, and glaring.
Arseface From Preacher
- What to wear: Wear a nice blue shirt and khaki pants, but let's be real, the star of this costume is the arse on your face. Get creative at the craft store.
- How to act: You're a kind soul plagued with regret. You have a past that you're afraid to let people know about, so you go overboard trying to be helpful. You may or may not be living in hell.
Nancy From Stranger Things
- What to wear: If you don't have long brown hair, get yourself a long brown wig and pin it back on both sides of your head. Then, pair it with a cutesy striped sweater or button-down (buttoned all the way up, naturally), and a high-waisted skirt or jeans. If you go for a skirt, make sure you wear it with white tights and flats. Keep in mind Nancy's cool accessories, which include her homework, notebooks, and a bat.
- How to act: By the end of season one, Nancy proves herself to be not only book smart, but street smart as well. Be the girl with the plan on Oct. 31.
"A.D." From Pretty Little Liars
- What to wear: Black hoodies, black ski mask, black pants, black gloves, black boots. Everything black.
- How to act: "A.D." is constantly sneaking around and causing mischief.
Crazy Eyes From Orange Is the New Black
- What to wear: Tie your hair into little knots on your head, and if you can cross your eyes, even better.
- How to act: Not as crazy as you might think; it's more about being overly friendly. Fixate on one person and smile at them relentlessly.
Hakeem From Empire
- What to wear: A posh hoodie and a gold chain with leather sweatpants.
- How to act: Sing "Drip Drop," and be a cocky jerk.
Claire From Outlander
- What to wear: A big tartan skirt with a blouse over it and a gigantic woolly scarf.
- How to act: Use an English accent and be a little cagey about your identity.
The High Sparrow From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: Honestly, you could just cut holes in the side of a large potato sack for your arms and you'd have something akin to the High Sparrow's raggedy dress. If you don't have a potato sack lying around (understandable), just throw on your baggiest, drabbest, light-colored clothes and get yourself a white wig. Go barefoot if possible, and feel free to carry a book around with the Faith of the Seven's seven-pointed star carved into it (or better yet, ask your friend to wear a black robe and paint the symbol on their forehead and follow you around all night).
- How to act: Cocky and self-assured.
Tulip From Preacher
- What to wear: A black leather jacket over a cropped top or bra, jeans, and some cool sunglasses.
- How to act: You're a badass who doesn't take sh*t from anyone. Flex your Southern accent and flirt around.
Titus From Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- What to wear: A red satin robe and pajama pants.
- How to act: Drink Pinot Noir while singing "Peeno Noir [15]."
The Waif From Game of Thrones
- What to wear: A short blond wig and some variation of gray pieces of clothing layered over each other. Feel free to carry a long wooden staff or fake dagger around with you in case you come across anyone dressed as Arya.
- How to act: The Waif is the WORST. She's rude as hell and will betray you at any moment. For instance, if one of your friends asks you to get them a drink, do so, but before you to hand it over to them, chug the whole thing while looking them dead in the eye, and then shoot them your meanest smile. Also, only refer to your friends and family as "the girl" or "the boy." They'll really enjoy that, we promise.
Ezekiel From The Walking Dead
- What to wear: Ezekiel hasn't made his big arrival on the show yet, but if you're a fan of the comic books or you watched the season seven trailer, you know that not only is he nearly here, but his look is also pretty iconic. If you want to get a head start on the character, get yourself: gray hair, a long coat, fingerless leather gloves, a shirt with a fun print on it, a wooden staff, combat boots, and a tiger stuffed animal (in honor of Ezekiel's pet tiger, Shiva).
- How to act: Project an eccentric and flamboyant attitude. Try and force your friends and loved ones to refer to you as "King."
Joyce From Stranger Things
- What to wear: Joyce has a more low-key '80s mom look than the rest of the parents on the show, so all you'll really need is a thin dark jacket, a striped shirt or chunky turtleneck sweater, and flared jeans with a shaggy brown bob hairstyle. If you really want to hammer home the fact you're dressing up as her, consider bringing a rubber axe or a piece of cardboard painted with the alphabet out with you. You could even go one step further and wrap part of your body in colorful Christmas lights.
- How to act: Tense. Very, very tense. To really nail your portrayal of Joyce, walk around whatever Halloween [16] party you're attending while yelling, "WILL!" and "Where's my boy?! Find my boy!" over and over again.