31 Scary Cute Halloween Costumes for Kids & Adults

Want to look absolutely adorable while still embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween?

Finding that perfect balance between scary and cute can feel impossible when you’re scrolling through the same boring costume ideas everywhere.

Get ready to discover 31 amazing Halloween costumes that will have everyone asking where you got your incredible outfit – from DIY marshmallow men to creepy-cute ghost twins!

Your most Instagram-worthy Halloween is about to become reality!

Top Picks Today

1 Cabbage Patch Costume

Your little one becomes an adorable Cabbage Patch Kid with this nostalgic costume that brings childhood memories flooding back. The signature look captures everything parents love about these classic dolls.

Create the iconic yarn hair by attaching colorful string or wool in messy, wild styles. Add a simple onesie or overalls with a name tag for authenticity.

Complete the look with rosy cheeks using face paint and don’t forget those chunky baby shoes. This costume works perfectly for toddlers and brings out their natural cuteness while giving parents a sweet trip down memory lane.

2 Marshmallow Man Tutu

Your little girl transforms into the sweetest ghost-busting hero with this adorable Stay Puft marshmallow man tutu costume. She gets all the spooky fun without any scary nightmares.

This DIY project requires basic sewing skills to create the signature puffy collar, sailor cap, and blue tie. The fluffy white tutu adds the perfect girly twist to this classic character.

Pair everything with a simple white shirt and leggings for an instantly recognizable look. Your mini marshmallow man will steal the show at any Halloween party!

3 Blue Monster Onesie

Your little one transforms into everyone’s favorite cookie-loving monster with this cozy blue creation. The fluffy fabric keeps them warm during chilly trick-or-treat nights.

Start with soft blue fleece to create a simple onesie design. Sew basic sleeves and legs for maximum comfort and movement.

Add oversized googly eyes on top of the head for that classic Cookie Monster look. Your child will love making monster sounds all evening long!

4 Lion Cub Outfits

Your little one becomes the cutest predator on the block with a fluffy lion cub costume that’s equal parts fierce and adorable.

These outfits typically feature a golden-brown jumpsuit with an attached hood that has tiny ears and a soft mane. The oversized paws and tail complete the jungle royalty look.

Add a cardboard sign that says "Future King" or "Little Roar" around their neck for extra charm. Watch them practice their best growls while trick-or-treating through the neighborhood like they own it.

5 Pink Barbie Outfits

Hot pink and sparkles transform your little one into everyone’s favorite fashion icon this Halloween.

These Barbie-inspired costumes work perfectly for non-scary celebrations where cute beats creepy. Your daughter gets to embody the glamorous world she already loves.

The key is layering bright pink pieces with glittery accents. Sparkly pants, shimmery tops, and bold accessories create that signature Barbie glamour.

Add pink sunglasses, plastic jewelry, and maybe even a blonde wig to complete the look. She’ll feel like she stepped straight out of Barbie’s dreamhouse.

6 Warm Gnome Outfit

Your kids stay toasty warm while looking absolutely adorable in this cozy gnome costume. No more worrying about chilly October nights ruining the fun!

This no-sew solution starts with their favorite puffer jacket as the base. Simply add colorful felt pieces and construction paper details to transform them into a magical garden gnome.

Grab some bright red gnome hats to complete the look. Your little ones get to trick-or-treat comfortably while you get peace of mind knowing they’re bundled up and cute.

7 Cardboard Ghost Costume

Cardboard boxes transform into the perfect last-minute ghost costume when you’re short on time. Your kids will love this simple DIY project that takes just minutes to create.

Flatten old packing boxes and cut eye holes where your child’s eyes align for safe visibility. Make sure the holes are positioned correctly before cutting.

Paint the cardboard white for authenticity, then add black circles around the eye holes for an extra spooky touch. This costume works great for trick-or-treating and won’t break your budget.

8 Ursula Sea Witch

Purple tentacles and dramatic makeup transform your little one into Disney’s most memorable underwater villain while keeping the look perfectly adorable.

The octopus-inspired dress becomes the costume’s centerpiece. Choose flowing purple fabric that moves like tentacles when she walks.

Bold face paint completes the transformation. Use non-toxic purple and silver paints to create Ursula’s signature dramatic eye makeup and pale complexion.

Add white hair spray or a styled wig to nail the sea witch’s iconic look without any scary factor.

9 Milk Cookie Costumes

White outfits and brown circles create this adorable duo that wins hearts everywhere. Your kids become everyone’s favorite snack combo without any scary elements.

Grab a round wooden board and transform it into a giant cookie using paper mache and brown paint. Add chocolate chip details with darker paint or fabric pieces.

The milk costume needs a white outfit with a clear plastic "glass" effect. Pair them together for maximum cuteness that photographs beautifully.

10 Green Princess Gown

Your little one transforms into the beloved ogre princess with this enchanting Shrek-inspired look. The flowing emerald dress captures Princess Fiona’s iconic style perfectly.

Create her signature braided hairstyle using hair extensions or a wig in auburn tones. Add a sparkly tiara to complete the royal touch.

Finish with fairy-tale makeup featuring rosy cheeks and a sweet smile. This costume brings magic and humor together for an unforgettable Halloween night.

11 Twin Ghost Costumes

Matching blue dresses and perfectly synchronized movements create an instantly recognizable costume that gives everyone chills. Your little ones transform into the iconic Grady twins from "The Shining."

You can easily make the dresses using simple blue fabric and white collars. Add white knee socks and black Mary Jane shoes to complete the look.

Practice walking hand-in-hand and speaking in unison for maximum spooky effect. This twin costume works perfectly for sisters or best friends who want to coordinate their Halloween night.

12 Mushroom Costume Tutorial

Bright orange fabric transforms any white dress into an adorable toadstool that stands out at every Halloween party.

Create the mushroom cap by sewing a large circular hat from orange material. Add white felt dots for that classic spotted look.

An off-white or cream shift dress becomes your perfect mushroom stem. No complicated sewing required – just simple shapes that anyone can handle.

Make it family-friendly by crafting mini plush mushroom pillows for kids to carry. Your little fungi will steal the show!

13 Clown Face Paint

White face paint with bold red accents creates an instantly recognizable clown look that’s both spooky and playful. You’ll transform into a classic character with just a few simple makeup techniques.

Start with a white base covering your entire face, then add dramatic red lips that extend beyond your natural lip line. Paint red teardrops under each eye for that haunting touch.

Black eyeliner around your eyes completes the look perfectly. Add rosy cheeks with red face paint, and don’t forget to outline your eyebrows in black for extra drama.

14 Harry Potter Outfit

Transform into the wizarding world’s most beloved character with pieces you probably already own. This magical look brings Hogwarts charm without breaking your budget.

Start with a black cropped top and pair it with a fluffy black tulle skirt for that perfect witchy vibe. Add black boots to complete your base outfit.

The real magic happens with your accessories. Wrap an oversized red and yellow striped scarf around your neck – this instantly screams Gryffindor house pride.

Finish with round glasses to nail Harry’s signature look. You’ll have everyone asking for autographs at your Halloween party!

15 Yogurt Container Costume

Transform your little one into a walking advertisement for healthy living with this adorable yogurt container costume. She’ll represent wholesome choices while looking absolutely precious.

Start with a bright rainbow shirt as the base. Create or buy a large cylindrical white container that fits over her torso like a tube.

Add the classic yogurt label design with colorful fruit graphics and brand-style text. Your mini health ambassador will spark smiles and conversations about eco-friendly choices at every Halloween stop.

16 Minion Dress Costume

Yellow overalls and goggles instantly transform your little one into everyone’s favorite animated sidekick. These adorable dress versions put a fun twist on the classic Minion look.

The structured dress design makes trick-or-treating comfortable while keeping that authentic Minion shape. Your child can move freely without bulky costume pieces getting in the way.

Complete the transformation with signature accessories:
• Round goggles or safety glasses
• Yellow knit beanie or cap
• Black gloves for those classic Minion hands

This costume works perfectly for Despicable Me fans who want something both recognizable and practical for Halloween night.

17 Green Cactus Outfit

Your child becomes an adorable prickly plant with just a few simple pieces. Start with a green sweater and attach colorful pom poms all over to create those signature cactus spikes.

Add a brown or terracotta-colored skirt to mimic a plant pot base. You can even use a regular brown skirt or wrap fabric around their waist.

This costume works perfectly because it’s cozy and creative. Your little cactus stays warm while trick-or-treating, and the fluffy pom poms make them irresistibly huggable despite being "prickly."

18 Pool Noodle Rainbow

Bright foam pool noodles transform into the most adorable rainbow costume that makes your little one shine at every Halloween party.

Simply bend colorful pool noodles into a perfect arc and secure them to create that magical rainbow shape. The lightweight design means comfortable trick-or-treating all night long.

Pair with a fluffy rainbow tutu, crisp white shirt, and sparkly star headband for the complete look. This budget-friendly costume delivers maximum wow factor with minimal effort.

19 Sally Dress Tutorial

Your little one transforms into the beloved Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas with this surprisingly simple dress tutorial. The patchwork design looks complicated, but it’s actually perfect for beginners.

The real magic happens with the stitching details. Instead of hand-sewing every line, you use dimensional fabric paint to create Sally’s signature stitched look in minutes.

Start with a basic dress pattern, then add colorful fabric patches in different shapes and sizes. Finish by painting on those iconic zigzag stitches that make Sally’s costume instantly recognizable.

20 Cup Noodles Costume

Your kids become a walking, steaming bowl of deliciousness with this adorable DIY costume. You’ll love watching them waddle around as everyone’s favorite instant meal.

Start with a large cardboard box or storage container that fits around their torso. Paint it to look like a Cup Noodles container with the classic logo and colors.

Fill the top with yellow yarn or rope to create realistic-looking noodles. Add some felt vegetables and a chopstick prop to complete the look that’s guaranteed to make everyone hungry!

21 Fire Chief Outfit

Your little hero transforms into a brave fire chief ready to save the day! This costume combines safety gear with adorable style touches.

Start with an oversized red fire chief jacket and add a bright yellow hard hat for authentic appeal. Black boots complete the official look.

Add a fun striped skirt underneath to give this uniform a playful twist. The contrast between tough firefighter gear and cute feminine details creates the perfect balance.

Consider bringing along fire-themed props like a toy hose or walkie-talkie to complete the heroic transformation.

22 Hand Sanitizer Bottle

Transform into everyone’s pandemic hero with this timely and clever costume that’s both funny and nostalgic.

Create the bottle shape using a white pillowcase or fabric tube. Add a blue cap made from cardboard or a blue beanie on top.

Print out a large Purell label or design your own hand sanitizer branding with fun Halloween touches. Attach it to the front of your costume.

Complete the look with white shoes and maybe carry around actual hand sanitizer to really sell the character!

23 Target Shopping Mom

Your little one transforms into every Target-loving mom’s mini-me with this hilarious costume that hits way too close to home.

Dress them in a classic red shirt and comfortable jeans, then add a small shopping cart filled with pretend groceries and snacks. The magic happens when you create a simple Target logo from red and white construction paper.

Attach the homemade sign to their cart, and watch as other parents instantly recognize this relatable masterpiece. It’s the perfect mix of cute and clever that celebrates the universal mom experience.

24 Pizza Costume

Your little one becomes their favorite food with this deliciously fun costume idea! Pizza beats candy any day when it comes to creative Halloween outfits.

Grab some cardboard and felt to build the perfect slice. Cut a triangle base, then layer on colorful toppings like pepperoni circles, green pepper strips, and black olive dots.

Hot glue everything in place for a costume that stays put during trick-or-treating. Add some fake parmesan sprinkles on top for extra pizza perfection!

25 Mario Character Costumes

Red overalls and a mustache transform your little one into the world’s most famous plumber instantly. Mario costumes bring pure joy to Halloween night.

Grab blue jeans or overalls, add a red shirt underneath, and top it off with Mario’s signature red cap. Don’t forget the iconic fake mustache for the complete look.

Princess Peach works perfectly for siblings who want to join the fun. Her pink dress and crown create a royal Nintendo duo that everyone will recognize.

26 Lobster Duo Costumes

Your kids become the catch of the day with this adorable ocean-themed duo that’s sure to make waves at any Halloween party.

One child transforms into a bright red lobster while the other becomes the lobsterman who caught them. This quirky combo creates instant storytelling magic that other trick-or-treaters will love.

Complete the look by carrying a bucket filled with plastic lobsters as props. The lobsterman can "show off" their impressive catch while the lobster child playfully tries to escape back to the sea.

27 DIY SpongeBob Costume

Yellow paint and cardboard transform your child into Bikini Bottom’s favorite fry cook. This budget-friendly costume takes just one evening to create.

Grab a large square box and cut openings for your child’s head and arms. Paint the entire box bright yellow to match SpongeBob’s iconic look.

Add his classic features with black paint or markers. Draw his big eyes, square pants, and that unforgettable goofy smile that makes everyone laugh.

Your little one becomes the star of Halloween night while you save money on expensive store-bought costumes.

28 No Sew Bat

Black fabric transforms into amazing bat wings without touching a single needle or thread.

Grab an oversized black long-sleeved shirt and cut wing shapes along the sleeves and sides. The loose fabric creates that perfect flowy bat effect when you spread your arms.

Add simple white felt triangles for fangs and you’re done! Pair with black leggings or a skirt for a complete costume that takes under 30 minutes.

This budget-friendly option works great when you need something quick and adorable.

29 Pumpkin Toddler Costume

Your little one becomes the sweetest pumpkin on the block with this adorable costume that melts hearts at every doorstep.

Start with an orange long-sleeve shirt as your base layer. Add orange leggings and either sew a pumpkin design or grab a cute pumpkin-themed t-shirt to layer on top.

Top it off with a festive orange hat that screams autumn fun. Your toddler will love carrying their pumpkin-shaped bucket for collecting treats.

This costume works perfectly for chilly October nights since those cozy layers keep tiny trick-or-treaters warm while they waddle from house to house.

30 Cardboard Lego Blocks

Your kids become walking toy blocks with this brilliant cardboard transformation. Grab large boxes, cut arm and head holes, then let the paint party begin!

This costume turns into the perfect family craft session. Your little ones love helping with the bright colors while you handle the cutting and assembly.

The best part? You probably have most supplies at home already. Cardboard boxes and acrylic paint create an instantly recognizable costume that wins every neighborhood contest.

31 Gothic School Dress

Black dress with crisp white collar transforms you into the queen of gothic chic instantly. This timeless look screams spooky sophistication without trying too hard.

Pair your dress with braided pigtails and knee-high socks for that authentic boarding school vibe. Dark mary jane shoes complete the mysterious student aesthetic perfectly.

The real magic happens with your deadpan expression. Practice that blank, unimpressed stare in the mirror until you master the art of looking beautifully bored.

This costume works for any age and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum gothic impact.