This Halloween Be Iconic: Popular Costumes for 2026

by Kerri Cooke

Every year Halloween costumes are much the same as the year before. The boys like the superheroes and the Avengers. (Spiderman will continue to be extremely popular due to the movie out earlier this year.) The standard girl costumes often include Disney princesses or Cleopatra. The change in the market year to year is mostly due to the influences of pop culture. 

Here are a few costume ideas that will be popular in 2026: 

Dolly Parton – As Dolly Parton’s death is still fresh on people’s minds, fans young and old alike will dress in tribute to Dolly. Her songs and movies are trending, following the usual trend that happens when an American icon dies. Don’t forget a guitar with the blonde wig and a bedazzled outfit. 

The Odyssey – As the biggest blockbuster of the year, The Odyssey inspired method dressing for those attending a movie screening, so it’s the perfect time to dust off your sandals and create or purchase a Greek-inspired outfit. Character inspiration can include Odysseus, Penelope or Calypso. 

Toy Story – The fifth movie of the Toy Story series came out earlier in the year and will have the kids wanting those Buzz and Woody costumes again. But this time, Jessie is the protagonist of the movie, so more girls will want to go as the iconic cowgirl.  

Frankenstein – After the success of the popular Guillermo de Toro adaptation, Victorian fashion is trending. Dress like Elizabeth in an elegant and colorful dress, mirror Victor Frankenstein by utilizing the color red or go as Frankenstein’s monster. The latter look would be best accomplished by makeup or prosthetics.  

The Couple on the Empire State Building – For daredevils seeking inspiration, nothing compares to the viral clip of a couple scaling the Empire State Building, planting a flag and getting engaged. The outfits aren’t hard to recreate, so any couple can copy the entirely black outfits. A ski mask with ears for women might be the one thing you don’t have in your closest. 

The Devil Wears Prada – Throwing it back like it’s 2005, a new wave of Miranda Priestly’s will hit the streets this Halloween. (Sass not included with the outfit.) Another fun choice would be to dress up like Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton. 

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – With another new Mario movie hitting theaters this year, those who are fans of the video game and characters will dress up as Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi and Bowser. These costumes would be great for friend groups.  

Jimothy – Don’t be shocked if you see a few people dressed as raccoons. After a raccoon with short spine syndrome went viral and united the nation, there’s definitely some Jimothy fans who will be committed to the bit.  

Moana – Since the live action Moana hit theaters, more girls will be choosing this Hawaiian Disney princess as a character.   

Nostalgic Characters – With the sequels of millennial classics coming out, get ready to revive some iconic characters. There’s Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games, Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries, Cher from Clueless and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. 

Whatever costume you, your friends or your kids choose, there’s plenty of room for personalization and diversity.