Life
15 '90s Halloween Costumes That Are Super Creative
Channel your inner '90s spirit animal this Halloween without breaking the bank. Whether you take a cue from the silver screen or find your sartorial calling from your favorite after school TV show, these creative '90s Halloween costume ideas will bring back all the nostalgia for an epic night of trick-or-treating.
The best part about going '90s for Halloween (in addition to it being the greatest decade ever) is that you probably already have a lot of the necessary pieces hanging out in your closet. Cut down on costume costs by making use of what you already own — either because you never parted ways with that embellished jean jacket you sported in high school, or because so many of the decade's trends have made a comeback. Floral dress? Check. Black choker? Check. Black booties? Check. With a little creativity, you can cook up exactly what you need to play your part as Clarissa, Buffy, or Angela Chase. Or grab a buddy and suit up as your favorite Men In Black, or head out with your squad as the most stylish set of wannabe witches practicing The Craft.
Everyone can appreciate a good '90s costume, and your nostalgic getup is guaranteed to impress everyone at the party. So while others are heading out as fresh off the press pop culture references most people have yet to make time for on their unviewed DVR, hit the town in a '90s ensemble that will be a welcome blast from the past for all.
1. Clarissa from Clarissa Explains It All
Play dress up as the decade's favorite teenage host, Clarissa Darling, wisely tackling every issue our coming-of-age selves ever pondered over.
What You'll Need:
- Your best mish-mash of '90s girl garb, complete with scrunchie ($54, Nordstrom), plastic bead earrings ($22, Novica), and bright tights ($5, Novica) layered with contrasting socks ($45, Ssense).
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
2. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
Do the twist as this slick character from Quentin Tarantino's classic.
What You'll Need:
- Black bob with bangs wig ($27, Costume Supercenter)
- White button down ($36, Banana Republic)
- Skinny black slacks ($40, Target)
- Red lipstick ($28, NARS)
- Fake blood
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
3. Scream
Reawaken everyone's '90s nightmares as this iconic killer.
What You'll Need:
- Scream mask ($17.99, Buy Scary Halloween Costumes)
- Black cape ($60, Yoins)
- Fake knife ($3.99, Party City)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
4. "Got Milk" Advertisement
This one's as simple as sporting a milk mustache. You can dress as your favorite '90s milk-mustachioed celeb if you want to take it to the next level.
What You'll Need:
- Glass of milk
- White face paint ($10, Amazon)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
5. Mary from There's Something About Mary
Step out as this golden girl that's driving everyone crazy with a little red number and a lot of... umm, hair gel.
What You'll Need:
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
6. The Craft
Gather your girls for a witchy good time donning these colorless gothic ensembles that feature all our favorite '90s trends.
What You'll Need:
- Assortment of '90s goth-inspired clothes in black and white
- Layers of chokers ($56, Shopbop)
- Black knee-high socks ($6.25, Aeropostale)
- Black boots ($190, Zappos)
- Dark lipstick
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
7. Josie Geller from Never Been Kissed
Head back to high school as baby-faced Drew Barrymore from this adorable teen film.
What You'll Need:
- White blouse ($12.79, Amazon)
- White boa ($6.66, Amazon)
- Red cafeteria lunch tray ($7.95, Amazon)
- Plenty of hairspray ($7.25, The Hut)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
8. Hanson
A trio of long blonde locks is pretty much all you need to MMMbop all Halloween.
What You'll Need:
- Three blonde shoulder-length wigs ($50, Etsy)
- Representations of the brothers' respective musical instruments
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
9. Newsies
Don your best newsboy attire and practice your high-kicks (and high notes) for this musical ensemble.
What You'll Need:
- Button down ($50, The Gap)
- Khaki slacks ($30, The Gap)
- Suspenders ($85, Harry Rosen)
- Newsboy hat ($110, The Real Real)
- Newspaper
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
10. Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
Put on your gothic Sunday's best as this sadistic sweetheart who stole our hearts when she destroyed Camp Chippewa.
What You'll Need:
- Black dress with white Peter Pan collar ($20.99, Amazon)
- Black tights ($8.95, Daily Look)
- Black Mary Janes ($12.71, Amazon)
- Dark nail polish ($8, Walgreens)
- White powder for ghostly complexion ($38, Macy's)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
11. Scully from The X-Files
Get serious as Dana Scully with the right suit and badge.
What You'll Need:
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
12. Angela Chase from My So-Called Life
Layer up as Liberty High School sophomore Angela and narrate the trials and tribulations of being a teen while you trick-or-treat.
What You'll Need:
- Floral dress ($20, LucLuc)
- Flannel ($49, RVCA)
- Black tights ($5, Amazon)
- Black boots ($160, Zappos)
- Red backpack ($16, Aeropostale)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
13. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Kick some vampire A in your best '90s ensemble while carrying a bloody stake.
What You'll Need:
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
14. Men In Black
Grab a friend and clean up in matching black suits and sunglasses.
What You'll Need:
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
15. Elliott from E.T.
Don a red hoodie and hop on your bike to play the unlikely friend to the most adorable extra terrestrial.
What You'll Need:
- Red hoodie ($26, Wearall.com)
- Jeans
- Bicycle
- Milk crate ($9.99, Container Store)
- E.T. doll ($11.45, Amazon)
Costume tutorial: Polyvore
Images: 20th Century Fox, Giphy (15), Polyvore (15)
