Halloween is still weeks away, but costume shops and search engines are already telling us how October 31 is going to look. Search interest in Halloween costumes follows the same curve every year — quiet through summer, climbing steadily from late August, then peaking hard in the final two weeks of October. If you want the good stuff before it sells out, now is the window.
This year’s trends lean heavily on pop culture, social media aesthetics, and group coordination. Here’s what’s rising fastest, and how to pull each look together without overspending.
1. Rumi and the K-Pop Demon Hunters crew
The runaway breakout of the season. Interest in K-Pop Demon Hunters costumes has been climbing across search platforms, with Rumi leading the pack — specifically searches for her braided hairstyle and layered streetwear styling.
How to do it: Start with the hair, because that’s what makes the character read instantly. Braided styling with a bold colour wig does most of the work. Layer fantasy-styled streetwear over it — think structured jackets, statement boots, and graphic pieces rather than a single head-to-toe costume piece. Coloured wigs in purple and pink were already a common sight on doorsteps last year, so expect them to sell out early.
Budget tip: This is one of the easier trends to DIY. Most of it is a wig plus clothes you may already own.
2. Wicked: Elphaba and Glinda
Wicked keeps its grip on costume demand this year. Emerald gowns, dramatic capes, and heavy stage-style makeup are among the most-searched looks, and the structured silhouette matters as much as the colour.
How to do it: Go bold on makeup and props. A pointed hat, a wand, and high-impact eye makeup are what separate a recognisable Elphaba from a generic witch. It also works beautifully as a duo costume, which is part of why it keeps trending.
3. Horror film characters from 2026’s biggest releases
It’s been a huge year at the box office for horror, and costume retailers have flagged films including Backrooms, Obsession, and The Bride! as major inspiration sources for this Halloween.
How to do it: The best film-inspired costumes combine ordinary clothing with one unmistakable detail — a specific accessory, a makeup effect, or contact lenses that change the whole face. Pick the one visual everyone remembers from the film and nail that.
4. Group costumes: Inside Out and Toy Story
Group themes remain one of the most-searched Halloween categories, particularly for families and friend groups, and this year’s leading picks come from Toy Story 5 and Inside Out 2. The newer emotions introduced in the sequel — Anxiety in orange, Ennui in indigo, Embarrassment in pink — have expanded the options for bigger groups.
How to do it:
- Assign characters based on group size and personality fit
- Mix well-known characters with newer ones for balance
- Keep a consistent colour palette across the group so it reads as one theme in photos
Also trending for groups: Star Wars and Mandalorian lineups, Minions, Moana, and Greek mythology and Odyssey-inspired themes.
5. Pastel spooky
The “pastel spooky” aesthetic is holding strong. Searches are peaking for pink, sage, and white pumpkins, often paired with disco ball ghosts for indoor decorating. On the costume side, the look borrows from viral plush toys: oversized eyes, soft pastel textures, and exaggerated smiles.
Why it’s popular: It sits right between cute and creepy, which makes it extremely shareable — a big driver of costume choice for teens and college groups.
6. Superheroes and, increasingly, villains
Superhero costumes never really leave the top tier, and the current slate of blockbuster releases keeps them there. The more interesting shift is toward villains — some of the most talked-about characters going into this Halloween aren’t heroes at all.
How to do it: Villain costumes tend to be more distinctive at a party, since you’re less likely to run into three other people in the same outfit.
7. Anime and cosplay crossover
Convention culture has spilled into Halloween shopping in a big way. A lot of people now build a cosplay during the year and adapt it for October 31. Expect strong wig, makeup, and prop demand in this category.
The classics that never go away
Costume trends shift every year, but a handful of staples always hold their ground: witches, vampires, ghosts, skeletons, pirates, princesses, and superheroes. If you’re shopping last-minute or on a tight budget, these are the safest bets — and the ones most likely to still be in stock in late October.
When to buy
Seasonal demand for Halloween costumes climbs from late summer and peaks in October, and “costumes” consistently outpaces “decorations” in search volume. Practically, that means:
- Mid-September to early October: Best selection, especially for trending licensed costumes and wigs
- Mid-October: Prices firm up, popular sizes start disappearing
- Final week: DIY territory — expect thin shelves
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Halloween costume for 2026? No single official ranking exists yet, since retail and search data firm up closer to the date. Based on current search trends and retailer predictions, K-Pop Demon Hunters characters, Wicked-inspired looks, and 2026’s major horror films are the strongest contenders.
What are the best group Halloween costumes this year? Inside Out and Toy Story themes lead for families and friend groups, followed by Star Wars and Mandalorian lineups, Minions, and Greek mythology themes.
What is a good last-minute Halloween costume? Stick to classics that rely on things you own plus one or two accessories — a witch, a vampire, or a ghost can be assembled in under an hour with a hat, some makeup, or a sheet.
When should I buy a Halloween costume? Mid-September through early October gives you the best combination of selection and price. Trending licensed costumes and coloured wigs are usually the first things to sell out.
Planning your Halloween? Bookmark this page — we’ll be updating it as new trends emerge through October.