Halloween 2025: Running out of time? Try these quick and iconic TV show costumes for the Halloween celebration

With Halloween just a day away, many costume‑seekers are facing the familiar scramble: elaborate store‑bought outfits sold out, hand‑crafting too time‑intensive, and the clock ticking. But for TV fans, this year offers a silver lining, several spooky, screen‑ready costume ideas that are both recognisable and easy to assemble, even at the last minute.

No one should feel pressure or stress during spooky season; it’s meant to be fun, not frantic. Luckily, if you’re a TV lover scrambling for a costume, there’s no need to panic. Whether you’re on a budget, short on time, or simply not in the mood for anything complicated, television offers plenty of memorable and easy-to-pull-off characters.

Last-minute Hollywood costume ideas

Lumon Employee

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Severance made a significant impact on television this year, especially with the premiere of its new season, making it the perfect moment to dress up as one of its characters. The majority of the show’s cast are employees of Lumon Industries, a company with a formal dress code but no strict uniform, offering plenty of flexibility for a DIY costume.

You can either emulate a specific character or simply become an anonymous Lumon employee, either way, it’s an easy look to pull off. Slip into standard office attire, print a makeshift ID badge on plain paper, slide it into a lanyard, and wear it around your neck. With Severance earning critical acclaim and attracting millions of viewers, now is the perfect time to bring this sleek, eerie office costume to life.

The Bent-Neck Lady

'The Haunting of Hill House' (2018)

The Haunting of Hill House is a widely acclaimed horror miniseries that has reached far more viewers than you might expect. Mike Flanagan’s Netflix adaptation earned praise for its chilling atmosphere and memorable, unsettling characters. Among the most iconic is the Bent-Neck Lady (portrayed by Victoria Pedretti).

Her unnerving presence comes from her unnatural gait and the grotesque twist of her neck, which gives the character her chilling name. Fortunately, this costume is straightforward to recreate: all you need is a white dress, ideally one you don’t mind getting a little messy, and makeup to achieve a pale, ghostly complexion. For maximum effect, keep your neck bent while moving around.

Rick Grimes

'The Walking Dead' (2010-2022)

Rick Grimes, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, is the central figure of The Walking Dead and one of the easiest characters to recognize and replicate for Halloween. Thanks to the show’s long-running popularity, Rick-inspired costumes have become a familiar sight on streets during past Halloweens.

The costume is deceptively simple because it’s largely everyday clothing, with a creative twist. Rick’s signature look as a county deputy includes combat boots, a badge, a beige button-up shirt, and a cowboy hat.

Any Member of Mystery Inc. 'Scooby-Doo!'

(1969-Present)

The iconic Mystery Inc. gang from the enduring Scooby-Doo! franchise has remained a Halloween favorite for decades, thanks to their simple yet instantly recognizable outfits. Each of the four mystery solvers wears everyday clothing, but with distinct colors and styles that make them easy to identify. In nearly every episode, the characters stick to the same signature looks while solving spooky mysteries, making it simple to replicate for a costume.

Choosing which character to dress as comes down to personal preference and what you already have in your wardrobe. Whether you channel Velma, Shaggy, Daphne, or Fred, these classic looks are both nostalgic and effortless, perfect for individuals or groups aiming for a fun, recognizable Halloween ensemble.

Wednesday Addams

'Wednesday' (2022-Present)

Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series Wednesday has quickly become a go-to Halloween costume since the show’s debut. The youngest Addams daughter is beloved for her sharp sarcasm, passive-aggressive wit, and fiercely independent personality, making her a character that resonates with both kids and adults alike.

To pull off Wednesday’s signature look, all you need is a black knee-length dress, black tights, and a crisp white collar. Braid your hair into pigtails and add some dark eyeliner to capture her brooding, gothic vibe. For an extra touch, carry a black umbrella. The result is an easy, iconic, and comfortable costume that’s both stylish and instantly recognizable, all achievable with items you likely already have at home.

Eleven

'Stranger Things' (2016-2025)

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) from Stranger Things has become a Halloween staple thanks to her iconic Season 1 look. This easy-to-recognize costume features a retro pink knee-length dress, ’80s-style tube socks, and optionally a blue jacket, with an empty box of Eggo waffles as a fun prop. While it’s highly popular and you might not be the only one wearing it, its simplicity, comfort, and instant recognizability make it a go-to choice for last-minute Halloween costumes.