Top 14 Scary Halloween Costume Ideas for Women
Halloween is the perfect time to embrace your inner monster or supernatural being!
If you’re looking for spine-chilling Halloween costume ideas that will leave everyone gasping, you've come to the right place.
Here’s a roundup of some of the scariest Halloween costume ideas for women, each with tips on how to pull off the look effectively.
Whether you want to be a classic horror character or create something uniquely terrifying, these ideas will have you ready to haunt the night!
More Halloween Costume Guides
Incase you don’t find what you’re after here, check out the following Halloween fashion guides for 2024;
#1 Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Channel your inner ghost with a Beetlejuice costume! This character from Tim Burton’s cult classic is known for his wild personality and distinctive appearance.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Start with a black-and-white striped suit. You can either buy a costume or create one using a striped jacket and pants.
Makeup: Use white face paint to create a ghostly pallor, and add dark eyeliner around your eyes for that undead look. Don’t forget to create wild, messy hair using green and black hairspray or a wig.
Accessories: Complete the look with Beetlejuice’s signature red tie and a fake snake as a prop for a touch of authenticity.
The combination of ghoulish makeup, wild hair, and erratic behavior makes Beetlejuice a frightening yet fun character. His unpredictable nature makes him a favorite for those wanting to bring both laughs and scares to Halloween.
It’s perfect for women hosting or attending a Halloween house party this year.
#2 Chucky
Chucky Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Transform into everyone’s favorite killer doll with a Chucky costume! This iconic character from the “Child’s Play” franchise is sure to frighten anyone who crosses your path.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a blue overall jumpsuit, preferably with colorful stripes underneath, mimicking Chucky’s childlike look. You can easily find these online or at a costume shop.
Makeup: For makeup, create scars and stitches on your face using special effects makeup or face paint. Don't forget to add some fake blood for added horror.
Accessories: Carry a plastic knife or a toy weapon to complete the creepy doll look.
Chucky embodies the innocent facade of a child’s toy turned murderous, creating a contrast that is inherently terrifying. His wide grin and evil nature make him one of the most memorable horror characters.
#3 Werewolf
Werewolf Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Unleash your inner beast with a werewolf costume! This classic horror creature is perfect for those who want to embrace their wild side.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Choose a torn-up flannel shirt and denim or cargo pants to reflect the rugged look of a werewolf. Adding faux fur to the shoulders and sleeves can enhance the look.
Makeup: Create a wolf-like appearance with makeup by using gray and brown face paint to create fur patterns. Use special effects makeup to create fangs, and make your nose darker.
Accessories: Consider wearing wolf ears or a headpiece, and carry a prop moon or a toy bone for an added touch.
Werewolves tap into primal fears about transformation and losing control. The idea of a human turning into a savage beast is both thrilling and terrifying, making it a popular choice for Halloween.
#4 Vampire
Vampire Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Become the quintessential creature of the night with a vampire costume! This classic Halloween figure is elegant yet frightening, offering a variety of creative options.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Choose a long black or red cape over a formal dress or suit. Think Victorian elegance or gothic glamour.
Makeup: Pale your skin using foundation, and add dark eyeliner and red lipstick for that signature vampire look. Create fake blood drips from your lips to enhance the scare factor.
Accessories: Complete the look with fake fangs, a dramatic necklace, and maybe a prop goblet to resemble blood.
Vampires symbolize danger, seduction, and the fear of the unknown. Their allure is matched by the horror of their predatory nature, making this costume a timeless choice for Halloween.
You can pretty much get away with wearing anything as long as you get the makeup right. I recommend a little black dress and this makeup…
vampire makeup - Image Source
#5 Caroline’s Mum Costume
Caroline’s Mum Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Bring a fresh twist to your Halloween look with a Caroline’s Mum costume! This character from “Coraline” is both intriguing and unsettling.
Make it less creepy then the above and it’s perfect for mums hosting a kid friendly Halloween party this year.
How to get the look
Tips:
Outfit: Start with a yellow raincoat, bright striped shirt, and jeans to mirror the character's appearance.
Makeup: Focus on the button eyes by creating fake buttons using black circles on your eyelids. Add pale foundation and rosy cheeks for an eerie effect.
Accessories: Use yarn or a wig to create the character's short, dark hairstyle, and carry a small doll or toy to represent the story.
Caroline’s Mum, with her button eyes and unsettling demeanor, taps into childhood fears about the unknown. The duality of her character makes her costume both fascinating and frightening.
#6 Mummy
Mummy Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Wrap yourself up in the mystery of the past with a mummy costume! This classic look is easy to put together and is sure to be a hit. Once again, perfect for actual mummies or mummies to be.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use strips of white fabric, bandages, or gauze to wrap your body. You can also find ready-made mummy costumes online for a more convenient option.
Makeup: Pale your skin and add dark eyeshadow to create a hollowed look. You can also use gray or brown makeup to mimic the ancient look of a mummy.
Accessories: Carry a fake sarcophagus or an ancient-looking prop to enhance the theme.
Mummies evoke fears of death and the unknown, making them an ideal choice for Halloween. The idea of ancient curses and preserved bodies brings an extra layer of fright to this classic costume.
#7 Scary Witch
Scary Witch Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Unleash your dark side with a scary witch costume! This timeless figure is versatile and allows for plenty of creativity.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a long black dress or skirt with a tattered cape. Add layers of dark fabrics to enhance the witchy vibe.
Makeup: Go bold with dark eye makeup and bold lips. You can also add a green tint to your skin for a classic witch look. Use special effects makeup to create scars or warts.
Accessories: Complete the look with a pointed hat, a broomstick, and a cauldron prop filled with fake potion ingredients.
The witch archetype embodies fears of the unknown and the power of dark magic. This costume allows for both elegance and terror, making it a popular choice for many.
#8 Samara from The Ring
Samara from The Ring Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Become the haunting figure from “The Ring” with a Samara costume! This character is sure to send chills down anyone's spine.
It’s also the one that freaks me out the most, personally.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a long, tattered white dress to mimic Samara’s look from the film.
Makeup: Pale your skin, and use dark eyeliner to create sunken eyes. Add fake blood or dirt to enhance the eerie look.
Hair: Use a long, black wig, and style it to look wet and unkempt, resembling Samara's iconic appearance.
Samara’s presence is unsettling and represents deep fears of death and the unknown. The eerie aura she embodies makes this costume a chilling choice for Halloween.
#9 Porcelain Doll
Porcelain Doll Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Step into the world of fragility and fear with a porcelain doll costume! This look combines elegance with a touch of creepiness.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Choose a vintage dress that resembles a doll's outfit—think frills, lace, and pastel colors.
Makeup: Use white foundation to create a porcelain-like finish, and add rosy cheeks. Draw delicate lines for lashes and use bright lipstick.
Accessories: Incorporate a doll wig or styled hair with ribbons. Consider carrying a small doll or a box to enhance the theme.
Porcelain dolls often evoke feelings of discomfort due to their lifelike features and the history of them being considered haunted. This costume allows for a beautiful yet eerie representation.
#10 Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Embrace the terror of dreams with a Freddy Krueger costume! This classic horror character is sure to frighten anyone who recognizes him.
It also happens to be what I will be dressing up as this year! Yay. We can be twinning. (but not shinning twinning… unless you want to?).
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a red-and-green striped sweater, a fedora hat, and dark pants. Consider distressing the clothes for an authentic look.
Makeup: Use makeup to create Freddy's burnt skin effect. Use brown and black face paint to create scars, and add teeth to mimic his frightening grin.
Accessories: The iconic bladed glove is a must. You can find replicas or create one using cardboard and foil.
Freddy Krueger embodies the fear of nightmares and the idea that danger can lurk even in your dreams. This costume is perfect for those who want to evoke genuine fright.
#11 Ouija Board
Ouija Board Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Get mystical with a Ouija Board costume! This creative idea allows you to embody a popular symbol of the supernatural.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a black dress or outfit, and create a Ouija board using a large cardboard piece to attach to your costume or drawing on yourself.
Makeup: Use dark, dramatic makeup to create a ghostly appearance. Incorporate symbols or letters on your face or body using face paint.
Accessories: Carry a planchette or a fake Ouija board prop to enhance the look.
The Ouija board symbolizes contact with the spirit world, which can evoke fear and intrigue. This costume is perfect for those who enjoy the spooky side of Halloween.
#12 Pennywise
Pennywise Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Transform into the terrifying clown from Stephen King’s “It” with a Pennywise costume! This look is sure to frighten those who encounter you.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Use a colorful clown suit with ruffles, and add a red balloon for authenticity.
Makeup: Create a white face with red and black details for the eyes and mouth. Use fake teeth or red lip color to enhance the scary grin.
Hair: A bright orange wig styled in a clownish manner is essential to complete the look.
Pennywise embodies the fear of clowns and the dark side of childhood innocence. His playful demeanor contrasts sharply with his sinister intentions, making this costume a haunting choice.
#13 Carrie
Carrie Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Become the iconic character from Stephen King’s Carrie with a blood-soaked costume that is both terrifying and memorable. It’s a great costume for prom themed halloween parties or masquerades.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a prom dress, preferably in white or pink, to represent her famous prom scene.
Makeup: Use fake blood to create a dramatic look, dripping from your face and dress. Enhance the look with messy hair and tear-stained makeup.
Accessories: Carry a fake tiara or roses to symbolize the prom, and add fake blood to complete the horror.
Carrie’s transformation from a shy girl to a vengeful force taps into deep fears of bullying and isolation. This costume is both tragic and terrifying, making it a strong choice for Halloween.
#14 The Nun
The Nun Halloween Costume Idea for Women - Image Source
Invoke fear with a scary nun costume! This idea is inspired by various horror films featuring nuns and their unsettling aura. Perfect for home parties so you don’t scare any taxi drivers.
How to get the look
How to Pull It Off:
Outfit: Wear a black habit or dress that resembles a traditional nun's outfit, along with a white collar.
Makeup: Use pale foundation and dark eyeliner to create a ghostly, haunting look. Adding fake scars or dark lipstick can enhance the horror element.
Accessories: Consider carrying a fake rosary or a cross to accentuate the nun theme.
Nuns are often depicted in horror as figures of authority and fear, adding an unsettling layer to this costume. Their duality of faith and fear creates a chilling presence that resonates with audiences.
Your Questions Answered…
How can I make my Halloween costume scarier?
To amp up the scare factor, focus on makeup to create eerie looks, incorporate props that enhance the theme, and choose darker color palettes.
Adding fake blood, using special effects makeup, or wearing masks can elevate the creepiness of your costume.
Last minute scary Halloween costume ideas for women:
If you’re short on time, consider quick options like a ghost (white sheet with eye holes), a vampire (black outfit and makeup), or a witch (black dress and a pointy hat).
These can be thrown together with minimal effort but still have a significant impact. Also check out this list of last minute costume ideas.
Adult scary Halloween costume ideas for women:
Options like Pennywise, Beetlejuice, or Freddy Krueger are great for adults looking to embrace horror. These characters have a nostalgic and terrifying element that resonates well at adult Halloween parties.
Plus size scary Halloween costumes:
Don’t forget that many scary costumes can be adapted for plus-size options! Characters like Vampires, Chucky, and Witches can be found in larger sizes, and you can always create a DIY costume that suits your body type while ensuring maximum impact.
With these scary Halloween costume ideas for women, you’ll be ready to embrace the spooky season with style! Choose the look that resonates with you and enjoy the haunting festivities!
Check out our Halloween tab for more and keep things spooky! For more scary women’s costume ideas check out this article.
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