College Halloween parties [1] are all about the wildly creative [2], totally trendy, and drop-dead cute costumes, so why not get an A-plus in every category? For all the parties happening this season, get in character when you dress up in one of these frighteningly festive costumes for college girls that range from timely pop culture references [3] to scary-good original ideas to something that you can totally make yourself that will be both crafty and clever [4]. We know that college costume parties are some of the best all year, so make sure you're in nothing less than a bone-chillingly perfect outfit.
Do yourself a favour and check out the hottest costumes [5] that you can wear to every college party this season, and make Halloween [6] goosebump-worthy in all the best ways.
— Additional reporting by Kelsie Gibson and Hedy Phillips
Carrie Bradshaw From Sex and the City
The ultimate style icon, dressing up as Carrie Bradshaw will require hot street style and voluminous curls. Any of her outfits are fair game, so get creative!
Dead Holly Golightly From Breakfast at Tiffany's
Put a killer spin on the traditional Breakfast at Tiffany's star by adding classy skull makeup. Trust us when we tell you that this costume will make you look drop-dead gorgeous.
Taylor Swift's 1989 Album Cover
Sing along to your favourite songs this Halloween [8] when you dress up as Taylor Swift [9]'s 1989 album cover. You'll need a blue and white long-sleeved shirt and red lipstick. Carry around a white cutout to make it look like you're a Polaroid picture.
Knight in Shining Armor
To be the knight in shining armor that you already are, wear silver clothing with a cape and bring nothing but bold confidence, and maybe a homemade weapon. Knee-high boots and a DIY [10] crest will complete the look.
Skeleton
If you don't want to go all out with a costume, doing your face makeup to resemble a skeleton will do just fine. Wear black and white to complete the costume.
Unicorn
Glitter on glitter is the motto of this costume! Pack on the glitter and rainbow colours to make this costume come to life.
Lara Croft From Tomb Raider
Bring the heat this Halloween [11] when you dress up as Lara Croft. All you'll need is an olive green crop top, short shorts, and some top-notch fake weapons.
Taylor Swift at the American Music Awards
A pink and gold fringe dress with silver booties and pink hair is all you need to be to transform into Taylor Swift [12]'s glam American Music Awards outfit.
Mia Thermopolis From The Princess Diaries
Genovia won't even know what's coming when you dress up as Mia Thermopolis this Halloween [13]. You can either be the pre-princess version of Mia by wearing a school uniform and glasses, or you can be the princess version by wearing her iconic silk off-the-shoulder dress with a tiara.
Ashley O From Black Mirror
A lilac bob with shaggy bangs and a white crop top will do the trick for this Ashley O costume. Channel your inner superstar to make this look really come to life.
Missandei From Game of Thrones
Missandei's iconic blue crisscross dress is the best way to portray this Game of Thrones character. You can wear a two-piece set, dress, or homemade outfit for this one.
Regina George From Mean Girls
Cut circles out of the front of a white tank top and pair it with a black skirt to be a very unbothered Regina George.
Jean Grey From X-Men: Dark Phoenix
The Jean Grey look can go one of two ways. You can be the cool, calm, and collected Jean in a navy blue cardigan and black jeans or you can go world-saving mode and turn into the powerful Phoenix by wearing her iconic blue and yellow 'fit. Take your pick!
Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Pop Art Print
If you want your Halloween [14] costume to be a work of art, then opt for a Roy Lichtenstein-inspired costume. This one is all about the makeup, so be sure to have your palettes ready!
Mummy
The undead will have never looked hotter if you use some strategically wrapped gauze for this slinky mummy look.
Morton Salt Girl
A yellow dress and blue umbrella are all you need to be the Morton salt girl. Oh, and don't forget the salt!
Fleabag From Fleabag
Good news! You can dress like Fleabag without looking a fleabag! Her notable jumpsuit, red lipstick, and a cig will take you to London and back again. Have a partner in crime? Have them dress up like the priest in season two!
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).
Elton John From Rocketman
TBH, the crazier the outfit, the better. If you really want to dress up like the legend himself, you'll need an outfit that is complete with colours and designs of all kinds. If you're really feeling wild, you can copy his devil outfit and go all out with feathers, flames, and sparkle, so much sparkle.
Tourist
We've all been a tourist at one time or another. A Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and a floppy hat are all you need for this look.
The Evil Queen From Snow White
Dark hair, red lips, and a tempting apple will instantly turn you into Queen Grimhilde from Snow White. Wear a black cape or hoodie for the full effect.
Spice Girls
If you and your friends friends want to go in on a costume together, being the Spice Girls is as good as it gets. Have everyone dress up as their favourite singer and just strike their famous pose.
Wednesday Addams From The Addams Family
Braid your hair into matching pigtails and wear an all-black outfit. You'll want a white shirt underneath your top, though, for Wednesday's usual white collar to show through.
Sia
Be as mysterious as Sia for the night with her trademark black-and-white wig and giant hair bow. You don't need dollar bills to have fun, but your compromised vision might require someone to lead you around the party.
Scarecrow
Perfect for the Fall and easy for any costume party during the year, being a scarecrow never gets old. Find your cutest flannel and pair of overalls and complete the look with a touch of cute makeup.
Rosie the Riveter
If you want to be something iconic (and easy!), Rosie the Riveter is calling your name. A red bandana and blue jean shirt will bring this costume to life.
Comic Book Woman
A little makeup goes a long way with this comic book-inspired look.
Party Animal
Dress up as any animal you please and top it with a party hat for an instantly clever costume.
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.
Ramen
If you have an old Frisbee lying around, consider transforming it into a big bowl of ramen for your next costume. Just add noodles and your favourite toppings to the dish, and everyone will want to eat you up!
Woodland Fairy
This dreamy costume idea is all you need to have a magical Halloween [15]. Find a flowy dress and attach faux flowers to it with safety pins. Add a flower crown and wings for an extra dreamlike touch.
Misbehaviour and Misdirection
Who wants to be Miss America when you can be Misbehaviour and Misdirection instead? Put on a formal dress and crown, and make a sash with the corresponding name. Just add props to make this costume complete!
Mary Poppins
This ladylike look requires a black bowler hat, black skirt, black tights, white button down, and a cute red bow tie. Don't forget your umbrella!
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.
Kim Possible From Kim Possible
If you have cargo pants and a black crop top, dressing up as Kim Possible will get you through any sitch. Make sure everyone knows that they can call you and beep you if they want to reach you.
Killer Housewife
Throw on a dress, an apron, and some pearls, and you'll be the spitting image of a typical 1950s housewife. You can add rubber gloves and a sponge for good measure.
Detective Pikachu From Detective Pikachu
You'll want to find all the yellow clothing you can for this costume. Paint your cheeks with nice red dots and top it off with your favourite detective hat.
Jazzerciser
A headband and some neon gear are all you need to make this look.
WWII-Era Army Girl
An olive-green blazer with a tasteful pencil skirt will give this wartime outfit the old-school vibes it needs. Curl your hair and pin it back to complete the look.
Killer Clown
Clowns are scary as is, so this killer clown definitely takes it up a notch. You can DIY [16] this costume with some fun mix-and-match clothing and face paint.
It's Raining Men
Hallelujah! It's raining men! Make your own umbrella or attach photos of your favourite men to an umbrella and let the fun begin. Finish off the outfit with a raincoat or waterproof poncho.
Gingerbread
If you have red hair, you won't even need a wig for this one. Otherwise, find a red wig and carry around a loaf of bread.
Frida Kahlo
To dress up as this iconic painter, you'll need a bold brow, bright lipstick, and an eye-catching flower headband.
Hot-Dog Stand
Calling all dog-lovers! If you want to dress up with your furry friend this Halloween [17], being a hot-dog stand is about as good as it gets. Dress up your pup in a hot-dog costume, and get as creative as you want with your own costume. We recommend carrying the appropriate condiments and a hot-dog sign.
Fortune Teller
Become a sexy fortune teller with a headwrap, dark makeup, and lots of loose, drapey layers. Don't forget your crystal ball!
Flower Child
A crown of flowers will work great for this flower-child outfit.
French Toast
No foreign language skills or culinary skills are required for this sweet and simple costume.
Flight Attendant
Most skirt suits will work to create this costume, so it's all in the hat and the name tag. To be an old-school flight attendant, you'll want a dainty hat, and you should also have a name tag with your airline on it.
Elliot From E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Easy and simple, all you need to be Elliot from E.T. is a red zip-up jacket, a bike, and any kind of creature you want. The sky is the limit here!
Daphne Blake
The most sophisticated member of the Scooby-Doo crew can easily be taken on with a purple dress, green scarf, and bright red wig.
Eleven From Stranger Things
There are a few ways you can dress up as Eleven, but as long as you have your Eggos, everyone will know who you are.
Dorothy
Follow the yellow brick road with a blue gingham jumper and a pair of red flats. Don't forget Toto!
Dora the Explorer
You can be the grown-up version of Dora the Explorer if you've got a purple backpack. It also wouldn't hurt to carry around a map.
Devil Wears Prada
Not everyone can pull off a Meryl Streep [18] 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.
First Base
Only take things as far as first base on Halloween [19] with the help of this costume! Dress up as a baseball player and put kiss marks wherever you please.
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 [20].
Daenerys Targaryen
To become the Mother of Dragons, you'll need a pair of boots, leggings, and a dark-coloured dress. Don't forget Daenerys' signature white-bleached hair!
"I'm a Mouse, Duh"
Whether you want to be Minnie Mouse or a Karen Smith Mean Girls [21] version of a mouse, this costume is easy enough for anyone.
Crazy Cat Lady
All you need for this one is a housecoat, wild hair, too much lipstick, and too many stuffed cats — extra credit if you already own them.
Cowgirl
Say howdy to the easiest costume ever — all it takes is a chambray button-down and a wide-brimmed hat to become a cowgirl.
Copy Cat
Anyone can wear a pair of cat ears, but only the most clever partygoers see an opportunity for the perfect pun.
Cher Horowitz
Clueless star Cher Horowitz is easy to reenact with a plaid two-piece set and the boxiest cell phone you can find.
Carmen Sandiego
Where in the world do you get a Carmen Sandiego costume? As long as you have a red trench coat and a red hat, then you've got one!
Care Bears
The Care Bears logos are pretty easy to paint onto fabric that you can attach to a shirt to match your bear. Don't forget your cute little bear ears.
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.
Blind Mice
Even if you can't convince two of your friends to do this one with you, you can still pretend to be a blind mouse who lost her other pals.
Holly From Breakfast at Tiffany's
Dressing up as the beloved Breakfast at Tiffany's star requires minimal effort. Simply wear a tasteful black dress, big sunglasses, and a chunky necklace. Finish off the look by doing your hair in a high bun and adding a sparkly accessory.
Bear-ista
Make a barista costume even cuter by putting this clever spin on it. All you have to do is wear a barista apron, bear ears, and face makeup. Don't forget your iced coffee!
Beanie Baby
Pick your animal then make a Ty tag for this easy throwback costume.
A Shrimp on the Barbie
Cute, creative, and ideal for anyone with a sense of humour, 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!
Tin Man
A Tin Man costume is all about the accessories! Pair a silver or black dress with a tin hat and ax, and feel free to add silver makeup or hair colouring to your outfit.
Bat
If you have a black dress and pointy ears, the only thing left that you'll need to be a bat is a makeshift cape. Cut a wing-like design in a blanket or piece of cloth and take on the night!
Princess Lolly
Even if it's been a while since you last played Candy Land, you can still transform yourself into Princess Lolly with a pink wig, pastel dress, and homemade crown. You'll also make some new friends if you bring along some lollipops to hand out.
Strawberry
Be a sweet treat this Halloween [22] when you dress up as a strawberry. All you need it a red shirt or dress, green and black construction paper, and a small green hair accessory.
Taco Belle
If you thought we would get through a Halloween [23] post without a tribute to tacos, you were wrong. Taco Belle is a play on Disney and our beloved late-night spot, so why wouldn't this make just about everyone laugh? Make your own taco drawings or print them out from the web and add them to your best Belle getup to take back the night.
Wonder Woman
A red, white, and blue outfit will save the day if you're in need of a last-minute costume. Pair a blue skirt with a red top and headband, and you're ready to go.
A Bra
The bigger, the better, the tighter the sweater is right! Find a friend and wear large shirts with big bouncy balls underneath them. Draw or attach fabric to your shirts to make the outline of a bra, and make sure the bouncy balls are nice and pronounced. You two will win the breast costume of the year!