From *Obsession* to woodland fairies: Halloween costume ideas for 2026

Halloween costume ideas for 2026 range from characters in hit films and television shows to pop stars, political figures and handmade woodland creatures, according to a BBC News round-up of forecasts from costume sellers, designers and fans. [1]

Nikki, from horror film *Obsession*, is among the looks shops say customers are asking for. Her red-and-black zebra-print top went viral earlier this year; one London shop owner said people had asked for the outfit but it was not in stock. The BBC also reported demand for *Scream* masks, which a Bournemouth fancy-dress shop manager said accounted for 30% of the shop’s sales.

Other screen-inspired ideas include Claudia Winkleman’s *The Traitors* look, the J-Lo and Top Gun’s Maverick costumes worn by *Off Campus* characters Allie and Dean, and outfits from *Widow’s Bay*. Film choices range from *The Odyssey* and *Wuthering Heights* to *The Bride!* and *Practical Magic 2*.

Costume designer Tamar Zaig said she expected gothic romance and historical styles to be popular, including corsets, lace and dramatic silhouettes. She also predicted tributes to Dolly Parton and costumes depicting political figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

For a less familiar look, the BBC’s contributors pointed to whimsical costumes such as gargoyles, moths, mushrooms and woodland fairies. Creator Tiggy Bellinger said she makes outfits from clothes she already owns or borrows, and encourages others to try DIY costumes rather than buy ready-made ones.

Other suggestions include *KPop Demon Hunters* costumes, which a shop manager said were its biggest sellers for children, and a duo look based on pop stars Charli XCX and Madonna. The predictions reflect contributors’ observations and expectations, rather than a definitive ranking of the year’s most popular costumes.