Why be a ghost when you can be glamorous, undead, painted, bewitched, bewigged, robotic, romantic, and delightfully theatrical? This year, skip the generic costumes and pull your Halloween inspiration straight from Broadway, where clothing becomes character and drama is the dress code.
From camp horror to high-gloss glamour, here is how to dress Broadway for Halloween using inspiration from this season and last.
Beetlejuice: The Demon’s in the Details
For the Halloween personality who thrives on chaos and eyeliner.
Think black and white stripes, gravity-defying hair, corpse bride lace, and the unhinged smirk of someone who absolutely should not be trusted with ancient magic.
Carry a sandworm-striped bag for candy. Required line: “It’s showtime.”
The Queen of Versailles: Haunted Luxury
Sequins. Sky-high hair. Diamonds for days. A look that says “I built my empire” with undertones of “and now I haunt the foyer.”
Serve billionaire glam with a ghostly twist. Think undead Palm Beach royalty meets Broadway spotlight.
ART: A Walking Canvas
Minimalist but dramatic. Wear white from head to toe and add bold paint streaks as if you left a gallery fight or started one.
Carry a miniature blank canvas. Gaze at strangers like their taste in art disappoints you deeply.
The Rocky Horror Show: Time Warp Energy
Corsets, pearls, fishnets, platform heels, smoky eyeliner. This costume is about power, sensuality, camp confidence, and zero shame.
If you break into the Time Warp in the kitchen, you are doing it right.
Maybe Happy Ending: Romantic Retro Robots
A softer sci-fi look. Pastel tones, gentle wiring accents, subtle metallic glow, vintage headphones, and a record tucked gently under your arm.
You are a robot discovering love and vinyl. The most important accessory is sincerity.
Death Becomes Her: Immortal Glamour
Old Hollywood elegance with a supernatural glitch. Sleek satin, refined pearls, immaculate hair and makeup plus one tasteful sign of stylish demise.
Suggest eternal beauty with slightly cursed undertones. Just try not to lose an arm at the party.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York): Sweet Meet-Cute Style
For those who prefer charm over fear. Effortlessly cool New York wardrobe, a bakery box, and rom-com energy.
A love story costume for people who arrive fashionably late but with dessert.
More Broadway Inspirations to Steal
Water for Elephants: vintage circus glamour and sawdust sparkle
The Wiz: technicolor emerald chic with gold-power energy
Back to the Future: 1980s denim, lab coat, messy genius hair, hoverboard prop
Hadestown: industrial romance, deep colors, flower crown with edge
Cabaret: Berlin club decadence, smoky eyes, suspenders, satin shorts
Suffs: historical sashes, structured jackets, hats, determined purpose