When it comes to celebrity Halloween costumes, there's no better star to dress up as than legendary, generation-defining music icon Britney Spears. Not only has she supplied plenty of Halloween costume inspiration over the years, but she's still giving us ways to channel her pop star essence even today.
While you could stay current by channeling one of Spears's more recent looks — like her Versace custom wedding gown or one of her many bikini looks — we have to admit that it'll be way more fun to get a little vintage with it and revisit something that's classic Spears. After all, it's never too late to get in on the "Baby One More Time" schoolgirl trend — let's be honest, it's pretty timeless — or re-create Spears's look from her "Circus" tour or other memorable VMA performances (snake not required).
Ice Spice just paid tribute to Spears, plus Madonna and Christina Aguilera, at the 2023 MTV VMAs with an outfit that nods to the trio's iconic 2003 performance at the award show. So clearly there's plenty of inspiration to choose from. Pick a look for yourself, or gather up your friends to join in the fun. A great group costume is to have each participant revisit a different Spears ensemble from her iconic discography, which spans decades.
Scroll through now for ways to channel and celebrate the music icon — who's now two years free from her controversial conservatorship — then get to work on those Britney Spears Halloween costumes, b**ch!
1Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Baby One More Time" Video
Of course, the most obvious and famous Spears' costume is a solid option, since life would clearly not be the same without 1999's "Baby One More Time" video.
What to wear: A white shirt with buttons (note: you will not be using the buttons), tied up in a knot. A short plaid skirt, gray cardigan, knee socks, and Mary Jane heels. Braid your hair into pigtails and add marabou ponytail holders.
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2Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: The 2001 American Music Awards
What to wear: A long denim skirt, a sparkly belt, and a sleeveless denim top. Add a denim handbag, a chunky sparkly necklace, and a denim-clad partner for the full effect.
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3Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Oops . . . I Did It Again" at the VMAs
It's hard to forget where you were if you tuned in on that fateful night in September 2000. Spears took the stage at the MTV VMAs in nothing more than a nude sequined bodysuit and performed "Oops . . . I Did It Again," and the rest is history.
What to wear: A flesh-colored bra and pants, strategically covered in crystals, with silver heels. Make sure your hair is perfectly tousled, and don't hesitate to wear a headset microphone.
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4Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Work B**ch"
Go call the po-lice! Go call the gov-nah! Spears's sexy look in her "Work B**ch" video makes the perfect Halloween costume.
What to wear: Take those tiny shorts from your Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke costume, and cover them with chains. Add a studded bra and sky-high heels, and don't forget the whip!
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5Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: Dancing to Vanilla Ice on "X Factor"
There was so much to love about Spears's "X Factor" judging gig, from her studious glasses to her golf claps to her goofy facial expressions. One of the best moments from her run on the talent show, though, was the rousing reaction she had to a young man who channeled Vanilla Ice.
What to wear: A black dress with subtle cutouts and a blonde, bobbed wig.
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6Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Sometimes" Video
This is the Spears costume for procrastinators, since it's hands-down the easiest of her outfits to recreate. All you need is some simple white, though a beachy photoshoot will help you achieve the full effect.
What to wear: All white everything — white crop-top turtleneck, loose white pants, and running shoes.
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7Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the VMAs
In September 2001, Spears took the stage at the MTV VMAs with a boa constrictor and a dream: to be the hottest, most desirable pop star to ever leave the rainforest. Were it not for this moment, would we even have Katy Perry's "Roar" video?
What to wear: A green chiffon bra, teeny-tiny jewel-encrusted denim shorts, and flat, knee-high boots. Whatever you do, don't forget the snake (we recommend a stuffed one, but it's ultimately your decision).
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8Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Oops I Did It Again" Video
The year was 2001, and Spears actually made us believe that we could not only go to the moon, but meet and fall in love with a cute astronaut up there, too. This red latex look is a surefire, instantly recognizable Halloween hit.
What to wear: You know the drill — red latex bodysuit with sturdy black boots (because you can't dance on the moon in sneakers). Wear a long wig in a high, slicked-back ponytail, and pile on the white eyeshadow.
If Spears told us once, she's told us a thousand times: "There's only two types of people in the world; the ones that entertain, and the ones that observe." Her "Circus" tour look will definitely plant you firmly in the first category.
What to wear: A black leotard with knee-high boots and a red ringmaster's jacket. You will obviously need a top hat and riding crop á la Britney's "Circus" tour props. All eyes are on you in the center of the ring — after all, you're a "put-on-a-show" kind of girl.
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10Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Pretty Girls" Video
Spears's style in the "Pretty Girls" video was undeniably over-the-top. She and Iggy Azalea recreated the film "Earth Girls Are Easy" with their '80s Barbie looks, making for the perfect Halloween costume.
What to wear: A long-sleeved leopard-print crop top over a hot pink bra. Grab a pair of ripped patchwork jeans (in the lowest rise you feel comfortable in). Add a silver belt and giant plastic earrings, and don't skimp on the crimps.
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11Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Toxic" Video
It's very possible that no one has ever looked this hot at 10,000 feet. Spears's "Toxic" video is a classic, and the outfits here might be some of her most memorable.
What to wear: A bright blue dress with gold piping and cutouts in all the right places (you know where we mean). You'll also need a jaunty matching hat.
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12Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: Going to the Chapel With Madonna
Picture it: It's August 2003, you're sitting in your living room watching the MTV VMAs, and out comes Spears, chewing gum while belting out "Like a Virgin," and then pow! Before you know it, she's making out with Madonna.
What to wear: A semi-wedding dress — make sure the skirt and veil are detachable, so you can reveal the sexy white bustier and short-shorts that you're wearing underneath. Layer lots of pearls and chains around your neck. Add a "boytoy" belt and white lace gloves. Carry a bouquet of flowers. No matter what you do or who you kiss, make sure you keep the gum in your mouth.
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13Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Make Me . . ." at the VMAs
In 2016, Spears returned to the MTV VMAs stage for the first time in nearly a decade to perform her hit song "Make Me. . . " with rapper G-Eazy. She worked the crowd in a bright yellow look that was one part Barbarella and one part WWE.
What to wear: A yellow leotard with open sides and matching knee-high boots. You can call it a comeback.
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14Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Scream & Shout" Video
Spears's look for the "Scream & Shout" video was the perfect mix of '60s Barbarella and '90s Fly Girl.
What to wear: A low-cut black crop top, high-waisted skirt, ankle boots, and fishnet gloves. Pile on the gold baubles, and tease your hair to oblivion. Add a slim gold headband and lots of fake eyelashes.
