Halloween is hands down my favourite holiday. But each year, I get stumped about what to dress up as! At university, there is always an excuse for fancy dress, which can make it even harder. Sports night, themed parties, social events, you name it. Your classic looks can grow old pretty quickly! So don’t worry, we’ve listed 50 of the best fancy dress ideas for you to try, Halloween or not, so you can have fun without stressing or spending a fortune.
50 Best Fancy Dress Ideas For Students
1. Fairy
Whether you love fantasy or just like an excuse for wearing glitter, a fairy is the perfect costume for a party. It is also very versatile! You could be the classic Tinkerbell, with a little green dress, or find some woodsy accessories, like a flower crown. For a nostalgic twist on this look, you could be a Winx Club fairy. Or, if masculine is more your vibe, you could always don some blue silk pyjamas and fairy wings like The Rock in the Tooth Fairy.
2. Chappell Roan
This singer has certified herself as a style icon. From elaborate Joan of Arc cosplay to a glittering cowgirl, her looks are always amazingly put together. Her concert fits and music video looks are bound to give you inspiration! With a big red wig, you’re already halfway there. Just don’t forget your go-go boots and colourful eyeshadow!
Her album cover look for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was a very popular look last year, and is easier than you think. A blue dress, tiara, sash and white face paint are all you need. If you’re feeling really low budget, you could even use a Cousin Itt costume to replicate her green-haired lost love in The Subway music video.
3. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina’s blonde blowout and sparkly dresses are the perfect inspo for a Halloween costume. With so many fun concert looks, the options are endless! You could wrap yourself up in a towel to recreate her iconic outfit reveal, or if you’re more crafty, grab some sequins and jazz up a corset. Don’t forget her shiny tights to get that popstar on-stage glam!
If you want a spookier look, her outfit in the Taste music video is a great idea. A blue two-piece drenched in fake blood and paired with a chainsaw is perfect for a matching costume with your bestie as Jenna Ortega’s character. Or for a more risqué look, a lacy white set and flawless makeup will have you just like her scream-queen look in Tears. The singer is also known for her own Halloween costumes, which are great inspiration for that girly yet spooky vibe.
4. 70s/80s Retro
Disco lives on! Partygoers of the 80s and 70s left us with some very iconic looks. Bell-bottoms, tassels, pantsuits, and the biggest hair you’ve ever seen. Wearing something from these fabulous eras is definitely the way to go, whether you’re inspired by the nostalgic looks of Stranger Things or would like to emulate the ABBA and Madonna looks of the time.
5. Barbie
Barbie has always been the It girl! With her plethora of careers, hobbies and passions, you could dress up as pretty much anything. Pilot Barbie, Football Barbie, Teacher Barbie, Doctor Barbie… the list goes on. However, you could make it even more iconic with her looks from the 2023 movie!
Anything pink will do, though a pink vest, pink trousers and a cowboy hat is definitely the way to go if you want an eye-catching fit. A friend could even join you as Ken, with matching pink neckties to boot!
6. Doll
With so many creepy dolls in scary movies, they make a great fancy dress costume. If you like the unsettling vibe of Annabelle, Chucky and Jigsaw, then this is definitely for you. However, if scary is not your vibe, then you could always emulate the cute looks of porcelain dolls! Ruffles, pastels, and cute jewellery will have you looking just as adorable. Plus, there is plenty of great inspiration from Gyaru fashion. With so many sub-styles, your look is completely up to you!
7. Devil/Angel
Who doesn’t love a classic costume? Sometimes, the most obvious ones are the best. The simple devilish energy with red horns vs the haloed angel can be a great place to start. You can personalise this costume with any accessories you’d like, and with whatever you have on hand!
For example, a white dress would work great with angel wings, whilst a pair of fiery red boots would stand out from the crowd. Glittery eyeshadow, a red lip or a smoky black eye would also look amazing. If you want to make this costume even more unique, a nod to your favourite character would do the trick. Maybe the angelic beauty of Claire Danes in Romeo + Juliet, or the smart, undercover look of Tom Ellis in Lucifer is the one for you.
8. Old Person
Another costume where your local charity shop will come in clutch. This outfit is great because it’s totally up to you! You might even find some good inspo with your own grandparents. Knitted sweaters, slippers, walking stick… It’s a great costume if you want something comfy and silly to wear all night.
9. Bridgerton
Watching Bridgerton, who doesn’t envy their poofy, elaborate dresses? Fancy dress is the perfect excuse to dress to impress. There are plenty of dresses online, though you could even make your own! Make sure to buy a hoop skirt, as it gives your gown that Regency flair, as well as some sparkly jewellery and gloves.
10. Addams Family
The Wednesday series revived the world’s love for the Addams Family. Head-to-toe black, gothic accessories and a creepy vibe, they are the epitome of Halloween season. Morticia and Gomez make a great couples costume, with a sleek black dress and striped suit. For the series’ namesake, Wednesday Addams, anything black will do. With two braids and a dark lip, you’re guaranteed to pull off her ghoulishly tasteful style.
11. Pirate
Yargh! You don’t need a giant ship and crew of shipmates for this look. All you need to start looking like Blackbeard is a pirate hat, eye-patch and blouse. Accessorise your swashbuckling fancy dress with lots of jewellery, black boots, and a sword.
There’s lots of inspiration online for your outfit, so you don’t need to go out and buy an expensive costume. A corset, sash around the waist, or your best long coat will do. You might even draw on a moustache if you’re feeling extra Captain Hook!
12. Mermaid
This one is definitely for the makeup-lovers. Though a tail would be perfect for this costume, you might find it difficult to move all night. So, a great way to get the mermaid look without the tail is with makeup! A DIY way to get that scaly look is to use fishnets. Hold them against your face, and then dab on colourful eyeshadow and glitter. It pairs well with some pearlescent jewellery and shell accessories. For your outfit, a ruffle top or something you might see at a Zara Larsson concert would be perfect for that ethereal ocean vibe.
13. Game character
Video Game characters have plenty of cool looks that fit the fancy dress vibe. Whether you like the retro, tough vibe of Resident Evil’s Leon Kennedy, or the comforting, delightful styles of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, it’s up to you! There’s plenty of cosplay videos on TikTok to take inspiration from, and many of their outfits are great for a DIY costume.
An affordable option takes notes from this year’s Minecraft movie. A blue T-shirt and jeans are all you need to be the lovable protagonist, Steve. Plus, many stores sell pickaxes and swords in the toy section to pair with your outfit.
A favourite of ours is the Sims costume. It’s a silly and affordable look that is perfect for a last-minute party invite. You can wear whatever you like, so long as you print out a green diamond and tape it onto a headband.
14. Alien
Though Sigourney Weaver’s Alien look is legendary, we’re talking about those that live in different galaxies. Green, friendly, riding in UFOs, an alien costume is the perfect fancy dress for those who enjoy sci-fi. Green clothing, face paint, and DIY antennae are good items to start with.
You could also make this a duo costume! Have your partner dress as an astronaut, or they could be your nerdy scientist buddy, like Hail Mary’s Ryland Grace.
15. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… This costume is great for the spooky season! A striped suit, white and black face paint and green hair are all you need to be the iconic conman of the afterlife. You could even use temporary green hair spray or chalk instead of wearing a wig all night. Plus, this sleazy spirit works great as a couples costume! If you love wearing black, use some hairspray to spike your bangs, and you’re Lydia Deetz!
For couples or friends who like a more understated costume, another great option is Adam and Barbara Maitland. With a chequered shirt and floral dress, you’ll look just like the friendly ghosts in the attic, but without their terrifying faces!
16. Elle Woods
Elle Woods is a great costume for anyone who loves pink! Whether it’s a pink pantsuit, a pink skirt or something outrageously fashionable, to get the iconic look of the girly lawyer, it’s all about the fantastic accessories, high heels and bouncy curls. If you can’t carry around a chihuahua in your purse all night, a pink hat, a fluffy coat, or some oversized sunglasses will work just fine!
17. Minions
These bright yellow banana-loving creatures are great for a solo or group costume. Get your friends together, chuck on a yellow top, blue overalls and a pair of goggles, and you’re all set! You could even get one friend to be Gru, with a striped scarf and the perfect plan to steal the moon.
18. Knight/Princess
The knight and princess look has been iconic for centuries, and isn’t just for the Ren Faire. A flowy dress paired with a tiara is all you need to be the princess of the party. To be the kingdom’s trusted guard, a makeshift tunic pairs well with a fake sword and shield. You might even find some costume chainmail online!
Your royal look can follow the muted, serious gowns of House of the Dragon, or you might make it more fun and modern, like Chappell Roan’s concert look. We love her DIY Medieval cone hat. There are plenty of second-hand petticoats on apps like Depop and Vinted, to give your dress that princess poof.
19. Clown
If you’re someone who likes a spookier costume on a student budget, then being a clown is the best option. It all comes down to the makeup! Use some white face paint and colourful drawn-on shapes to become the coolest, or creepiest, clown around.
There’s the traditional Pennywise route, with a curly wig and unsettling smile, or the trending style of a hyper-pop rainbow clown. Pinterest has some great ideas for this costume, equipped with pompoms, striped tights and whatever else your heart desires!
20. Aunt Gladys
The unsettling whimsy of Aunt Gladys’ bright red wig and thick glasses make her look like a great Halloween costume. Plus, her messy makeup and accessories make it difficult to mess up. You’re likely to find her chunky jewellery at your nearest charity shop, and the perfect 80s-style windbreaker on Depop! Just don’t go snapping any twigs and setting off your own magic ritual at the party.
21. Animals
Not only are animals a classic fancy dress costume, but they’re also versatile and affordable! Whether you call it a day with a pair of cat ears, or you’d like to test your makeup skills, it’s a great costume. For those who like a simple yet effective costume, deer, cat, dog, and ladybird are some of our top choices. They’re easy to do on a budget if you have neutral colours in your wardrobe and have a little experience with makeup and DIY accessories.
A fur coat, bat wings, a pair of antennae made with pipe cleaners and hot glue… the options are endless! If you’re feeling more crafty, we love the viral ostrich costumes.
22. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The chaotic yet glamorous outfits of this movie are ideal for fancy dress. Fishnets, dark colours, and bright makeup are perfect for the eccentric looks of the Transylvanians.
23. Doctor & Nurse
Watching the Pitt not only makes me think I could do emergency medicine on the fly, it also makes me want to wear some scrubs! A comfortable and lowkey costume, wearing a doctor’s coat or pair of scrubs is a great last-minute costume. Your student lanyard is an easy way to accessorise this look on a budget, to mimic their ID cards. Plus, it works even better if you have a stethoscope, face mask and a pair of latex gloves. If you’re not a medical student, you might have to source this medical gear online. But don’t worry, Amazon and Etsy have plenty of affordable options to choose from!
24. Witch
With so many iconic witches to name, it’s not surprising this costume makes our list. The sequel to Practical Magic has given new life to the old and worn witchy looks. Now you can look magical on a budget, with most of the clothes already in your wardrobe.
25. Plague Doctor
A gender-neutral costume, you say? And one that’s terrifyingly on theme? Say less! A Plague Doctor is an easy look for fancy dress, with a long, dark cloak and mask being all you need.
26. Goddess/God
The Greek & Roman Gods are a staple in pop culture. White togas, gold laurel wreaths and sandals- they may be cliché, but they’re perfect for fancy dress! Plus, the Gladiator look works great for a sports night party.
27. Skeleton
This undead look is a popular go-to for Halloween. TikTok has revamped this look with plenty of makeup inspiration! You can even find clothes with bones on, or you might DIY your own by bleach-staining black clothing. It’s fun and totally unique! Plus, you can even take inspiration from the incredible looks of Día De Los Muertos. Make sure to include lots of colourful accessories, a big, floral headband and the iconic face paint.
28. Vampire
Like vampires, this timeless costume will never go out of style. The classic look is a great last-minute costume, with some fangs, fake blood and maybe even a makeshift cape. However, as long as your outfit fits the gothic vibe, you can wear pretty much anything! A lacy top, long, dark coat, and some tall boots are a good place to start.
29. Chef
Yes, chef! All you need for this look is a white jacket or apron. You might want to upgrade it with a chef’s hat, but without this it makes a good lowkey costume. With this clean, budget-friendly look, you can be just like the hardworking chefs of The Bear, or the iconic Gordon Ramsey.
30. Cowboy
Yee-haw! For this Western look, you might use the traditional look of a Cowboy hat and boots. This look can be accessorised with pretty much anything you have on hand. For example, you could use a belt, tassels, a necktie or a leather jacket. Denim also works great, like the suave looks of Pedro Pascal in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, or the infamous rugged duo in Brokeback Mountain. Of course there is also Woody from Toy Story, if you prefer a nostalgic nod to your childhood.
31. Cheerleader
Another classic look! Did anyone else obsess over joining the cheer teams of 2000s movies, or was it just me? There are plenty of matching cheer outfits online, though sweats and a headband would also work for the athlete-off-duty look. For a unique twist on this look, you could go as the girls of Bring It On, though don’t go stealing anyone’s dance moves whilst you’re at it!
32. Challengers
Our favourite throuple live on as a great fancy dress idea. Not only is it an iconic pop culture look, but it’s great for those who want something cheap and easy to do. Your costume can also be repurposed, especially if you’re a tennis fanatic like them! Though this movie has several stylish fits, our favourites for fancy dress are the looks from the infamous hotel room scene and the notorious T-shirt.
For Tasha, a 2000s-style cropped, pink hoodie works great. But if you’d like your outfit to be even more lowkey, then a T-shirt with the words ‘I Told Ya’ will have people appreciating your subtle nod to the movie, or wondering what exactly you told them.
However, as long as you carry around a tennis racket, you can wear whatever you like. Just say you’re an extra from the movie and nobody can tell you otherwise!
33. Bob Ross
A man famous for his happy outlook, you can’t go wrong dressing up as Bob Ross. All you need is a button-up shirt, a pair of jeans, and a wig; it’s a top fancy dress idea wearable by anyone. Plus, if Bob’s not your style, you can always be his piece of art instead.
34. Kpop Demon Hunters
This look isn’t just for fans of the movie and K-pop stans. The flashy outfits and voluminous hairdos of the girl group, Huntr/x, are ideal for anyone who likes to dress up, or a group looking for their next shared costume!
35. Saltburn
This movie’s fever-dream energy serves as great inspiration for a fancy dress costume. With Wuthering Heights, it brought back all the iconic glamour and disturbing moments of Emerald Fennell’s other sensational movie. Whether it’s the studious University looks or the hypnotic costumes of the party scenes, this movie has several looks to base your next costume on.
36. Audrey Hepburn
The looks of this style icon are always in fashion! From ballet flats to capris, to cat-eye sunglasses and sleek up-dos, Audrey Hepburn’s looks on-set and on the street remain legendary. Whether it’s the fancy dresses of Holly Golightly or the romantic looks of Princess Ann. Her chic choppy bangs and flawless eyeliner will make sure you’re the fashionista of the party.
37. Jennifer’s Body
If you haven’t dressed as Megan Fox for Halloween yet, what have you been doing? Her looks in this cult-classic are ideal for a fancy dress costume. You could wear her trending high school look, with a cropped hoodie and big earrings, or if you like a more frightful outfit, her bloodied dress and slicked-back hair are definitely the way to go. If you’re feeling particularly subtle, you might even dress as another character! Anyone else remember Kyle Gallner’s iconic emo look?
38. Kim Possible and Shego
Another nostalgic nod to our childhoods. This duo works best if one of you has red hair, and the other has black. With such simple outfits, don’t forget Kim’s utility belt and dark lipstick on your upper lip.
39. Carrie Bradshaw
Gen Z has rediscovered the notorious looks of the 90s and early 200s, including the dishevelled yet chic style of Carrie Bradshaw. As the protagonist of Sex and the City, she has plenty of inspiration for fancy dress! Though Carrie is known for wearing lots of designer outfits, you can find a lookalike by thrifting or checking your own wardrobe.
To get her look, try: a pair of cargo shorts, kitten heels, and a flowy, chaotic top. Don’t forget tons of jewellery, voluminous hair, and your token purse! A tutu for her intro look, or a sleek dress, are also great options.
40. Frankenstein
With so many recent productions of Frankenstein, 2026 is the year of awesome monster costumes! Frankenstein’s monster has many iterations, whether you go the classic route with green skin, an oversized suit and fake stitches along your forehead, or take on Guillermo Del Toro’s pitiful monster, with a fur coat, greasy hair and scars across your face. Additionally, you could pair this with Dr Frankenstein himself! All you need is a white lab coat, and maybe some goggles and gloves as accessories.
Another good and unique take on this look would be the Bride of Frankenstein! To get her classic look, a black wig or teased hair, a dark lip and a long white dress. You might even have a more refreshing take on this look with the dazzling looks of Jessie Buckley in The Bride!
41. Wicked
Wicked has a grip on pop culture, whether it’s the long-loved musical or the infamous press tour of 2025. With detailed outfits, green skin and lots of fun accessories, the looks of Wicked are perfect for fancy dress!
42. Athlete
With the viral sports romance of Heated Rivalry, wearing your sports gear as a costume is an easy, and fun fancy dress idea. You can use whatever you have at home, whether it’s a football shirt and cleats, or a hockey jersey. This costume is great for those on the go, who want something fashionable without the big price tag.
43. Avatar: The Last Airbender
The perfect idea for a big group of friends! It’s especially great if you want to give a nod to your love for anime. You can check out more group fancy dress ideas here too.
44. Gnome
Unlike others on this list, you don’t need to reference 2026 pop culture to make this a great costume! Gnomes are a silly and fun costume for any fancy dress party, and are great for those on a budget. With a red, pointy hat, you can source your outfit mainly from your own wardrobe. Go as a solo garden gnome, or have fun with a group costume! You could even make this a couples costume, with the adorable looks of Gnomeo & Juliet.
45. Performative Male
If you’re looking for a trendier look for 2026, the ‘performative male’ is a good idea! These looks went viral online, poking fun at men who have a certain aesthetic, such as reading in public or dressing in thrifted clothes to combat toxic masculinity. There were several dress-up contests held in different cities to celebrate this silly get-up.
To complete this look, wear your most Pinterest-worthy outfit, with items like baggy clothing and pastel accessories. Pair it with some glasses, a paperback in your back pocket and your trusty tote bag. Voila! Show off your look like you’re Jacob Elordi off the clock.
46. Good Omens
A trendy twist on the classic demon/angel dynamic. Aziraphale’s on-earth looks include smart pieces, like a tailcoat and bowtie, whilst Crowley uses the rugged dark aesthetic of leather and black glasses. If you want something cool, and you love a contrasting duo costume, this one’s for you!
47. Scooby Doo
Who doesn’t love the nostalgic outfits of Mystery Inc.? If you love vibrant colours and fashionable fits, then this one is for you! An orange jumper, a purple dress, a neon green necktie or even brown corduroy pants. Whether you want to be Shaggy, Velma, Daphne or Fred, this look works great as a solo nod to the franchise, or as an iconic group costume.
48. Zombie
Pop culture is inundated with cliché, gory, and iconic zombie characters! From the walkers of The Walking Dead to the clickers of The Last of Us, there is plenty of inspiration for your fancy dress costume. A great way to make this costume budget-friendly is to thrift clothing, or use any old clothes you no longer wear. Tear them up with scissors, cover them in fake blood, and Voila! Don’t forget to paint your face with some dark eyeshadow, white face paint and fake blood. With a red hoodie, you could try the zombie look from Warm Bodies, which will have film-lovers appreciating your niche knowledge.
49. Kill Bill
Kill it at the party with looks from this iconic movie. Uma Thurman’s bright yellow suit is a good one for those who like to stand out, and also gives you the perfect excuse to carry around a cool Katana all night.
50. Euphoria
Euphoria has the perfect vibe for fancy dress. Over-the-top outfits and glamorous makeup, characters look the part whether they’re partying or walking to class. You can dress this look down with Zendaya’s casual fits, or be the star of the party with lots of glitter and the iconic looks of arch-rivals Cassie and Maddie.
Now you have some great ideas for fancy dress, but where will you wear them? Check out our guides, such as Halloween things to do in Birmingham, or check social media for any local club nights and events!