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Style > Beauty

The Best College Halloween Costume Ideas 2020

Autumn Moon
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.

Although we might not be able to go out this year, that doesn’t mean Halloween in quarantine has to be lame. A lot of things are different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate spooky season in a safe and responsible way—and of course, take lots of smokin’ pictures for the gram. Be safe in style with these hot costume ideas.

The Classics: Vampire, Maid, Bunny, Cat, Nurse, Devil, Angel.

I like to refer to these costumes as “the classics” because they never go out of style. If you need an idea last minute, odds are you have something in your closet that could pass as one of these costumes. Although these are definitely not the most creative, as they are repeated year after year, you’re always safe being one of the halloween “classics,” and are sure to look good. The best part of these costumes is that they’re good for your walle—tthey all require minor accessories you can find cheap at a local dollar store or online at sites like amazon. 

The Character: Mia Wallace, Wednesday Addams, Ashley O, Harley Quinn, etc.

“The character” refers to iconic characters from movies or television shows both recent and from the past. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction is a sexy timeless Halloween classic and all you need is black undergarments, an oversized white button-up shirt, black boots, red lipstick, and black hair or a black wig. Other great “character” costume ideas include Wednesday Addams, Ashley O, Harley Quinn, and more. 

The Period Piece: ‘20s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s


The “Period Piece” includes decade costumes. This can range from being a ‘20s flapper, a ‘50s pink lady, a hippie from the ‘60s, a groovy disco chick from the ‘70s, a Madonna-inspired hottie from the ‘80s, ‘90s chic—which can feature denim on denim like the cast of friends, or even a Y2K 2000s inspired costume with fashion inspiration from socialites like Paris Hilton.

Spooky yet chic: Skeleton, Dead bride, Mummy, Zombie, Purge

The “spooky yet chic” category is similar to the “classics” category but a bit more creative and scary for a solid night of fright. All of these costumes are relatively easy to create and include fun, creative makeup looks. My favorite thing about this category of costume ideas is that they’re really in line with the holiday and can be sexy while also being a bit startling—the perfect mix. 

The Historical Icon: Cleopatra, Rosie the Riveter, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, Marie Antoinette, Serena Williams, Marilyn Monroe, etc.

This category encompasses female historical icons with badass outfits. Ranging from Cleopatra to Marilyn Monroe, you’re sure to make a statement being any of these historical women. Although it definitely might take more work, it’ll be worth it when your costume stands out from the crowd.

The Duo/Group: Fembots, Ballerinas (Black Swan), Superheros, and more!

The “Duo/Group” category of ideas includes the spice girls, the cheetah girls, the clueless crew, victoria’s secret angels, powerful girls, and cavewomen. Group costumes take more collaboration and may be on the back burner this year with ~quarantine~ and all, but it’s always fun to get your girls together to make a statement costume that everyone is in awe of. 

Pop Culture Craze: Brittany Spears, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Literally anyone in the “WAP” Music Video, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, etc.

 

“Pop culture craze” is a loaded category. This can range from any celebrity to all of the other quirky pop culture events we’ve witnessed this year. My personal favorite would be all of the outfits from the “WAP” music video – the looks are bold but so fun—so if you’re brave enough, give that costume a try this Halloween.

Although this Halloween is certain to be a different one, that doesn’t mean that all the holiday spookiness and fun has to fade away. So throw on your costume, pour yourself a spooky cocktail concoction, take cute photos, and dance in the mirror. Oh, and happy haunting to all my Halloween hotties! 

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Autumn is a junior studying film/television & journalism at Boston University. She is extremely passionate about writing & film, traveling, her family and friends, and telling stories.