Halloween Costumes for Teens

As mental health professionals who have worked with families, schools, and communities for years, we know Halloween is one of the most highly anticipated holidays for teens. It’s a special time of year where they can be as free-spirited and expressive as they want without being too “kiddie” or too “adult.”

Finding the perfect Halloween costume is a common challenge, though. Teens want to be stylish, comfortable, perhaps a little spooky—but not embarrassing or too weird. Parents want safe, age-appropriate costumes that won’t break the bank.

Why Halloween Costumes Are Important to Teens

Choosing a Halloween costume is not just about the dress-up factor. Costumes are a social element of Halloween and help teens express their identities, strike up conversations, or even make memories with friends.

A carefully picked costume can make a teen feel confident and comfortable at a party, get them noticed on social media, and keep them from feeling like the only person asking, “What are you supposed to be?”

The Trendiest Halloween Costumes for Teens in 2025

Pop culture influences most Halloween costumes, especially among teens. This is because they are the biggest fans of all things TV, movies, gaming, and music.

We see this trend reflected in their costumes every year, and 2025 is no exception. Some of the trendiest costume themes we’ll be seeing this year include:

1. Movie and TV Characters

Streaming services churn out new shows and movies every month, and many teens love emulating their favorite characters. Popular characters include:

Superhero classics: Spider-Man, Deadpool, and a fresh twist on Batman
Fantasy adventures: Stranger Things, House of the Dragon, or Wednesday
Animated legends: Disney, Pixar, or anime classics like My Hero Academia

These are popular costumes because they are easy to recognize, fun to wear, and often come with readily available accessories like wigs, jackets, or props.

2. Music Icons

Music is another cultural influence that impacts teen fashion every year. Pop singers, rockers, rappers, and more have legions of young fans. Teens often love dressing up like their favorite artists for Halloween. Some of the most common requests in 2025 include Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, Burna Boy, and more.

3. Video Game Characters

Gaming is a huge trend with teens, and this is also reflected in their costumes. Video games have thousands of characters with unique and easily recognizable styles. Some of the most popular costumes this year include Fortnite skins, League of Legends champions, Mario, Zelda, Pac-Man, Sonic, and more.

Group and Duo Halloween Costumes for Teens

Halloween is almost never a solo experience for teens. They often trick-or-treat or go to parties with friends, and coordinating a costume with their friends can be a lot of fun. Some of our favorite classic duos or group costumes this year include:

Classic duos: Bonnie and Clyde, Mario and Luigi, Batman and Robin
Best friend costumes: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sun and Moon
Entire squad: A team of zombies, the Scooby-Doo gang, or superheroes like the Avengers

Group costumes also look great in photos, plus they help shy teens feel included.

Easy DIY Halloween Costumes for Teens

Costumes don’t need to be expensive and store-bought. Easy DIY costumes are fun, affordable, and give teens a chance to express their creativity. We have a list of some of our favorite easy Halloween costume ideas for teens, including:

Mummy Wrap: Bandages or torn white fabric wrapped around the body and head. Add a little black or brown makeup.
Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and a straw hat, plus a fake camera.
Cat Burglar: Black jeans and a striped shirt with a black beanie and a sack with a dollar sign.
90s Throwback: Baggy jeans, a flannel shirt, and retro sneakers.
Ghost with a Twist: Instead of a plain white sheet, cut holes for sunglasses or draw funny/spooky designs on the sheet.

DIY costumes are especially great for last-minute planning or when teens want to stand out from the crowd.

Halloween Costumes That Are Scary but Not Too Scary

Teenagers often want something scary but not too over-the-top. These costumes have a little horror element but are easy to wear. Some balanced ideas this year include:

Vampires: Popular with adults and teens alike, just add dramatic makeup and a sleek outfit.
Werewolves: Fake fangs, some face paint, and a shredded flannel shirt are all you need.
Haunted Dolls: Creepy makeup with an old-fashioned dress or shirt and pants.
Skeletons: Glow-in-the-dark skeleton bodysuits are especially fun for nighttime events.

These costumes offer a great balance between scary and wearable.

Related:100 Fun Things to Do With Kids

Tips for Picking the Perfect Teen Costume

In our practice, when working with families and teens, we often give three main tips when choosing a costume:

Comfort

Costumes that itch, are too heavy, or are difficult to move in won’t be worn. Opt for breathable fabrics and make sure the teen can walk and sit normally.

Safety

Outdoor trick-or-treating means making sure the costume is safe. Choose reflective elements or carry glow sticks. Masks shouldn’t block vision, and props like swords or sticks should be lightweight.

Personal Style

The best costumes are those that align with the teen’s personality. Some like humor, some want spooky, and some want glam. Parents should encourage teens to pick a costume that is “them” in some way.

Budget-Friendly Costume Shopping Tips

Halloween does not need to be expensive. Here are some money-saving tips that don’t sacrifice creativity:

Thrift stores: Great for unique jackets, dresses, or hats.
Closet raiding: Teens often have many costumes already in their closets.
Swap costumes with friends: Fun and eco-friendly.
DIY accessories: Instead of an entire costume, make or buy one or two key props like hats, wigs, or masks.

Halloween Costume Don’ts for Teens

While we focus on fun and creativity, it’s also worth mentioning a few things to avoid:

Don’t pick costumes that could be interpreted as offensive or culturally insensitive.
Don’t choose costumes that are unsafe in crowds, like big wings or long capes.
Avoid overly complicated costumes that are difficult to eat, walk, or use the restroom in.

Conclusion:

Halloween is one of the most fun and exciting times of the year for teens. The perfect Halloween costume lets them step into a new character, express their creativity, and bond with friends. There are plenty of options for trendy, DIY, or spooky classics, so every teen can make this year unforgettable.

As we have seen, the best teen Halloween costumes in 2025 focus on balancing style and practicality. Teen costumes should be stylish but comfortable, creative but affordable, and most of all fun but safe.

We hope these ideas and tips help you and your teen plan ahead and enjoy a Halloween filled with laughter, photos, and memories that last long after the candy has been eaten.

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