7 Easy Halloween costumes for adults—with minimal effort involved

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie as Ken and Barbie in the Barbie movie/ in a yellow and pink gradient template

(Image credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

last updated 29 August 2023

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Too busy feasting on candy corn and binge-watching the best Halloween movies to think about a costume? We get it: spooky season can be pretty hectic, which is where these easy Halloween costumes for adults come in...

From iconic Halloween mainstays to pop culture characters that have made a big impact these past few months (yes, of course, Barbie made the list!), our list has a little something for everyone—whether you're party-bound or just kicking back watching spin-chilling flicks on the couch.

'Tis the season to be spooky after all but for those with feeling the "less is more" vibe this year, here are a bunch of easy Halloween costumes to inspire you, along with shoppable picks to help you get your outfit right. Who's ready to dress up (with minimal effort)?

Easy Halloween costumes for adults

1. 'Barbie'

Margot Robbie wearing a pink cowgirl outfit in the Barbie movie

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It's a pretty safe bet that we're going to see endless iterations of Margot Robbie's roller-skating, patriarchy-busting Barbie this October 31, especially in her iconic Cowgirl get-up.

This outfit is an easy co-ord, that even without Barbie's blonde locks, will be a recognizable ode to the film.

2. 'The Little Mermaid'

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Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel sparked many a 'Mermaidcore'-related trend this year. So, no doubt you're likely already well equipped with some shimmering ocean-themed accessories for a mermaid look on the fly, or at the very least, you'll be able to find a costume pretty easily—thanks to all the buzz around the movie.

All you really need is a purple top or bralette and a sea-foam green skirt or pants for a really straightforward Ariel-inspired look.

3. '13 Going on 30'

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Put your hair in a messy bun, throw on a statement necklace and get into this multicolor dress. Boom! Jenna Rink! The striped design and cut-out feature will make you feel as though you've stepped back into 2004.

4. 'Wednesday'

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Wednesday Addams never goes out of style, no matter the generation of Addams you love (personally we can't wait for Wednesday season 2) and thanks to her affinity with monochromatic outfits, you need only throw on a black dress to embody her moody, gothic vibe.

5. 'IT'

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You'll be the best-dressed lady this side of the sewer with a bright-yellow raincoat à la Georgie. All you need is to pair this lightweight, zippered number with your favorite galoshes and you'll be mistaken for a resident of Derry, Maine.

6. 'The Bachelorette'

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A sparkly sequin number and a few red roses are all you need to channel your favorite reality TV show. Just make sure you hand out those florals accordingly, ladies. To dial up the spooky factor, pair it with one of these Halloween nail designs.

7. 'Bridgerton'

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We certainly hope you find the perfect costume that's all things spooky and comfy! If you need us, you can find us at the party next to the candy apples. We'll be the ones dressed like Pennywise's next meal.

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few.

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.

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