Make 2022’s top Halloween costumes with clothes you’ll actually want to rewear

Halloween is just a few weeks away, so if you’ve got a costume party to go to, it’s time to start getting it ready.

But with many of us trying to keep costs down and waste less, going out to buy a costume you’ll never wear again isn’t exactly a good option.

Instead, consider using clothes and accessories you already own then, if you need extra pieces for the outfit, buying things you’d wear again long after spooky season is over.

As for the costumes that’ll be turning heads across the country come Halloween, there’s a real mixed bag.

With the autumn release of Netflix’s new show Wednesday, Maria predicts that the Addams Family daughter will be a popular costume this year – especially as the phrase ‘Wednesday Addams costume’ receives an average of 58,000 monthly Google searches worldwide. 

She says: ‘Recreate this look by pairing a printed black dress with a white pointed collar, with Wednesday’s signature braids.’

With 50,000 monthly searches, the titular character in Disney+’s Wandavision – also known as the Scarlet Witch – is up there with the most coveted costumes for women.

Played by Elizabeth Olsen, Wanda wears a red cape and headpiece, which you can make at home using red fabric and cardboard offcuts.

‘Incorporating a red leather top, corset or catsuit can really help in emulating the Wanda Maximoff look,’ adds Maria.

Uncut Gems actress Julia Fox has been all over our social media feeds this year, so it stands to reason we’ll get a number of Halloween outfits in homage.

Julia is known for her dramatic black eyeliner look which can be easily recreated, while Maria recommends donning double denim to fully emulate the star’s style.

Tom Cruise revived his role as Maverick in the new iteration of hit movie Top Gun this year, so it makes sense that associated costumes are averaging 12,000 monthly searches online.

Maria says: ‘Fake moustaches, bomber jackets and aviator glasses make the ideal, minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise.’

‘Arguably one of the biggest and most-anticipated shows of the year, House of the Dragon will likely be among the most popular Halloween looks this year,’ says Maria.

‘Dressed in a long black robe, white-blonde wig and equipped with a plastic sword, we are sure to see many Daemon Targaryen lookalikes this Halloween season.’

To create the costumes using items you’ll rewear, look for regal features like brocade fabric and accessories that have a medieval edge (yes, we know it’s not actually set in medieval times).

Elvis and Priscilla

Looking for a couple’s costume? You likely won’t be the only ones who’ve thought of a tribute to Elvis and Priscilla Presley.

Maria says: ‘Replicate Priscilla’s iconic look with a 60s-inspired mini dress and bouffant hair, and style a leather jumpsuit and gelled back hair for the signature Elvis image.’

The hair and beauty is so iconic, however, that you don’t even need to fork out for purpose-made ensemble. Go for oversized tailoring and Grease-style shirts to emulate Elvis, and stick with shift dresses to compliment your Priscilla beehive.

Barbie and Ken

Sneak peek photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film sparked a whole trend: Barbiecore.

‘Whether it is matching neon rollerblading outfits or hot pink cowboy costumes,’ comments Maria, ‘searches for “Barbie Halloween costumes” reach an average of 15,000 each month worldwide. 

To live life in plastic as Mattel intended this spooky season, go with lots of pink, neon, and 80s prints. You can also theme your Barbie and Ken ‘fits, just like the different dolls are.