Say hello to the most creative, original, and hands-down unique costumes that Halloween has ever seen [1] in 2019. This year has brought the costume game to a whole new level, and if you want to keep up with the times, then dressing up as something totally unconventional is all you have to do. From a nod to punny references [2] that will bring the laughs to group costumes that everyone will want to be a part of, this year is all about the creativity. So if you want a 2019 Halloween costume [3] that is absolutely original that no one else will have or a clever costume [4] that will make everyone do a double take, these ideas will check all of the costume contest boxes.
Check out 2019's most out-of-the-box ideas ahead, and let this Halloween [5] be one filled with cool creativity and scary good costumes.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Gamora
Guardians of the Galaxy member Gamora makes for a surprisingly sexy costume — just dress in a tight black outfit, paint your face green, and complete the look with a purple wig (or purple hair dye, if you're really committed).
Edna Mode
Fashion designer Edna is the most underrated character in The Incredibles, and dressing up in her trademark A-line black dress, giant specks, and severe bob cut will give you a costume that definitely won't be unappreciated.
Candy (Uni)Corn
Unicorns are basic, but when you combine them with candy corn, you get a costume that is anything but expected. Wear the traditional unicorn horn, but pair it with a yellow and orange ensemble.
Tonya Harding
No one can do Tonya better than Margot Robbie, but with some wild '80s hair volume and a bedazzled figuring skating costume, you can give it your best shot.
Raining Men
Hallelujah — an original costume idea! Dress for a rainy day with rainboots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella. Then decorate the umbrella with the raining men of your choice.
A Shrimp on the Barbie
Cute, creative, and ideal for any anyone with a sense of humor, dressing up as a shrimp on the "barbie" will win you applause for the rest of the year. Find a Barbie shirt or make your own, and keep your eyes peeled for a shrimp hat. You are ready to take on the holiday!
Devil Wears Prada
Not everyone can pull off a Meryl Streep [8] costume, but dressing up as a devil wearing Prada is easy — you can even write 'Prada' across a plain shirt if, like most people, you don't happen to have anything from Prada lying around.
Tracey Gordon
If you haven't watched it yet, Chewing Gum is one of quirkiest shows on Netflix, and its protagonist, Tracey Gordon, makes for a totally original costume. You just need Tracey's two trademark braids and an eccentrically preppy ensemble — and, of course, a big piece of bubble gum.
Miss Universe
Step aside, Priyanka Chopra — you, too, can be Miss Universe for the night. Use anything from a little black dress to a trash bag for your universe, and decorate it with an array of colourful planets (with bonus points for scientific accuracy).
Violet Crawley
Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey is the queen of sass, and to celebrate the forthcoming movie, you should deck yourself out with one of the Dowager Countess' wild hats and signature purple damask ensembles. Don't forget your cup of tea!
Emperor Kuzco
Emperor's New Groove is one of the greatest animated movies of all time, and Emperor Kuzco is a costume everyone will recognise. Get a drapey red dress, blue dangling earrings, and get crafty with some yellow construction paper for Kuzco's gold trim and crown.
Moana
Channel your inner Moana with a red tube top, grass skirt, and some funky turquoise jewellery.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Inspired by the musical, this costume is a modern take on the lovable sea sponge, channelling SpongeBob's trademark white shirt, red tie, and square pants without actually transforming yourself into a giant sponge.
Heather Chandler
Heathers is an '80s cult classic, and you can channel the Heathers' leader with some argyle, plaid, and a croquet mallet.
Helga Pataki
Hey Arnold!'s Helga Pataki is relatable as hell, and she's also totally easy to re-create with a pink jumper, matching pink bow, and pigtails. You're also just not doing Halloween [9] right if you don't give yourself Helga's signature unibrow.
Crazy Cactus Lady
You've heard of a crazy cat lady, but what if you're a crazy cactus lady? A messy 'do and a plant-printed outfit is all you need for this look.
Debbie Thornberry
The petulant teenager of The Wild Thornberry's family is easy to take on with ripped jeans, a cropped orange tank, and lots of snark.
Ms. Marvel
Captain Marvel may not premiere until 2019, but you can still dress up as Ms. Marvel with a black Spandex leotard, a red sash, and some badass boots. You'll also need to give yourself a mask and a giant lightning bolt to complete the look.
ZomBeyoncé
There's only one Queen Bey, but anyone can be a Zombie Beyoncé. Channel your favourite Beyoncé look and then use your makeup skills to transform yourself into a member of the undead.
Darla
Pixar's most terrifying villain, Darla from Finding Nemo, is easy to re-create even if you don't have headgear. Give yourself a metal mouth with a wire hanger and carry around a plastic fish in a bag — we don't advise using a real one, unless you actually want to be Darla.
Deviled Egg
Everyone will get a laugh out of this creative costume. Just draw on a little yellow to a white shirt and put on a pair of devil horns, and let this costume win Halloween [10].
Punk El
Pretty Eleven from the first season of Stranger Things [11] has already been overdone — why not dress up as the bitchin' new punk rock El instead? You'll just need to slick back your hair, ring your eyes with dark makeup, and wear lots of heavy black layers.
Killer Clown
Clowns are scary as is, so this killer clown definitely takes it up a notch. You can DIY [12] this costume with some fun mix-and-match clothing and face paint.
Arthur's Fist Meme
This costume is a two-for-one: you get to be everyone's favourite aardvark, Arthur Read, as well as everyone's favourite meme, Arthur's Fist. All you need is a yellow sweater, round frames, and some craft skills to make a set of ears and a cardboard frame.
Bowser
Forget Princess Peach — surprise everyone by showing up as Mario's nemesis Bowser instead. You'll just need his shock of fiery red hair, badass spiky bracelets, a pair of horns, and a large spiked shell to wear on your back.
Unicorn Frappuccino
The Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino craze might be over, but that doesn't mean it can't make for a great costume. Get a tulle skirt for a frothy hat and complete the look with a neon pink outfit.
Dora Milaje Warrior
You're unlikely to find the elaborate armour worn by Black Panther [14]'s Dora Milaje warriors in stores, but you can easily fake your own with a dark red shirt, brown leggings, and a giant belt. Complete the look with large bangles and a whole lot of warrior attitude.
Ariana Grande From the "God Is a Woman" Video
Ariana Grande [15]'s "God Is a Woman" video is a literal masterpiece [16], and you can transform into a work of art yourself with a gauzy purple ensemble and plenty of pink and lavender paint.
Hannah Baker
We may have seen the last of Hannah Baker on 13 Reasons Why [17], but you can still keep her memory alive by dressing up in her cinema uniform, complete with white collared shirt, red vest, and black bowtie.
But That's None of My Business Meme
To re-create Kermit's 'But That's None of My Business' meme, all you need to do is to dress up as the famous green frog and sip a glass of iced tea whenever the occasion calls for it.
Barbie and Ken
A love story for the ages. Cardboard, paint, some stickers, and cellophane can almost guarantee a costume party win.
Zoe Benson
In honour of American Horror Story [19]'s return, dress up as Coven's Zoe Benson, wearing the Miss Robichaux's Academy all-black uniform and Zoe's giant floppy hat.
Resting Witch Face
Take a classic witch costume to the next level by putting a funny spin on it. Make a shirt that says "resting witch face," and you are sure to have everyone under your spell.
Cat Burglar
The cat's out of the bag, because this costume is punny and cute. Put on cat ears with a striped shirt, and don't forget your bag of loot.
Blind Mouse
The more, the merrier for this costume! Find two other friends to dress up with you, and you can all be the three blind mice. Just add ears, a cane, and sunglasses to finish off your costume.
A Blessing in Disguise
Cute, creative, and oh-so-easy, dressing up as a blessing in disguise is a blessed costume idea. Find a cute mask and a name tag, and you're ready to go!
Comic Book Woman
A little makeup goes a long way with this comic book-inspired look.
Mad Scientist
If you have a white coat and test tube, then consider being a mad scientist. This costume can get as creative as you want it to, so don't be afraid to add some crazy-cute makeup to go along with it.
Poison Ivy
To become Poison Ivy (not to be confused with the 1992 Drew Barrymore [20] movie), you'll want to deck yourself out in green and top off your look with some fiery red hair.
French Toast
No foreign language skills or culinary skills are required for this sweet and simple costume.
Sugar Mama
Got a baby carrier? Got a bag of sugar? Congratulations, it's a costume!
Trap Queen
Again, not sure Fetty Wap would really appreciate this one, but when you affix mouse traps to a regal robe, everyone else certainly will. Just make sure you don't trap any of your party guest's fingers by accident.
Copy Cat
Anyone can wear a pair of cat ears, but only the most clever partygoers see an opportunity for the perfect pun.
Fantasy Football
Rep your favorite football team while also getting to wear a tulle skirt and a pair of wings.
Taco Belle
Channel Beauty and the Beast with this adorable costume, but rather than carrying around books, you'll be toting a Quesarito instead.
Identity Theft
It may not be easy for the cutie you meet at the Halloween [21] party to remember your name, but it will be worth it for this hilarious (and hilariously easy) costume.
The "Spice" Girls
A red apron and some fun labels make these "spice" girls a clever joke that will definitely get your squad in the running for best costume.
A Bump in the Night
Things that go bump in the night are usually terrifying, but with this starry night ensemble, you'll look adorable.
Smarty Pants
This costume is easy and cute — dress up in geek chic, and then stick on a bunch of Smarties rolls.
Old Fart
How do you look at this and not laugh? You can definitely make this yourself if you're crafty, and the addition of some good makeup, a gray wig, and glasses take it to the next level.
Fruit Ninja
Dress however you feel a ninja would and carry some fruit around all night to emulate this popular game.
Mummy
The undead will have never looked hotter if you use some strategically wrapped gauze for this slinky mummy look.
Beanie Baby
Pick your animal then make a Ty tag for this easy throwback costume.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Literally a t-shirt, a bowl, and lemons are all you need to be the one who gets all the chuckles during Halloween [22] season.
Party Animals
You can wear a party hat with any kind of animal shirt you have lying around the house. Easy enough!
Photoshop
Make the Photoshop logo on a plain blue sweatshirt and carry around the program's "tools" in their real form.
'90s School Photo
With some help from your own closet, cardboard, and construction paper, you too can make this winner of a costume.
Rey of Sunshine
What do you get when you cross Star Wars and a chance to be funny? This awesome "Rey of sunshine" costume that can be made with a few DIY [23] touches.
Oh Deer and Holy Cow
Seriously, we are laughing just looking at this photo. Fabric paint and some poster board can be used to help create the costume, while some simple face paint completes the look.
Captain Obvious
How do you not LOL when you see this? A captain's hat and name tag make this an easy costume that people will give you props for.
Chicken Strip
While you can buy parts of this costume, you can also get crafty with a bag of feathers and Monopoly money to make this chicken strip come to life.
Hairy Potter
Give the classic costume a hairy twist this year. All you have to do is wear a long wig and put on a potter's apron with clay smudges.
French Kiss
A French kiss doesn't have to involve lots of PDA. Style this costume with a black and white striped shirt, a beret, and makeup made notorious by the band KISS. Throw in a baguette for a tasty prop.
Ceiling Fan
Channel your high school days and grab some pom-poms for this easy-peasy getup. Simply draw "go, ceiling, go!" on your t-shirt.
Snail Mail
For this couples costume, have one person be the mailman (or woman) and the other be the snail!
Pig in a Blanket
Here's another easy one: pick up a pig nose and some ears, and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. The bonus is that you'll be comfortable and warm!
Heavy Metal Rock Band
Consisting of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and bromine (Br). Rock on!
Social Butterfly
For social butterfly, just tape on the logos for social networks like Facebook and Twitter, then throw on a pair of wings.
Cereal Killer
Make a skirt out of mini cereal boxes and hold a (fake) knife to pull off this pun.
