Halloween Costumes 2026: The 11 Looks London Is Wearing

From Freaky Nikki to Dolly Parton and full Gothic romance, these are the Halloween costumes 2026 belongs to — the looks set to take over London’s house parties, pub crawls and club nights — and exactly where to shop them before 31 October.

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If your Halloween plan is still “I’ll sort something out,” you have under two weeks. The good news: the Halloween costumes 2026 has served up are some of the best in years, according to a BBC round-up of this season’s trends. Horror hit Obsession, the Gothic glamour of Wuthering Heights and The Bride!, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and a wave of 90s nostalgia mean there is something for every budget and every level of effort. The trend this year is less about looking terrifying and more about looking unforgettable. Think corsets, lace, rhinestones and a strong red lip — which, conveniently, is exactly what the London Fashion Week AW26 catwalks were serving too (catch up on our London Fashion Week coverage). Here’s what to wear, and where to buy it fast.

1. Freaky Nikki from Obsession: the top Halloween costume of 2026

If one costume defines Halloween 2026, it’s Nikki. The indie horror’s breakout character turned a red-and-black zebra-print top into the most hunted item of the year — it sold out, came back with a waitlist, and fancy dress shops across London are struggling to keep anything Nikki-adjacent in stock. Don’t wait for the original: a red corset or animal-print top, black shorts, a messy dark wig and a little fake blood gets you 90% of the way there. You’ll need: red/black zebra-print corset or crop top · black mini shorts · dark wavy wig · stage blood gel

2. Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors

The easiest “recognised instantly” costume in Britain. You almost certainly own half of it already: a heavy fringe, chunky knitwear or tartan, black everything and smoky, smudged eyeliner. Add fingerless gloves and a dramatic cape for bonus points — and practise saying “Traitors… raise your hand.” You’ll need: fringe wig (if you don’t have one) · tartan cape or chunky knit · fingerless leather gloves · black kohl liner

3. Couples Halloween costumes 2026: Allie and Dean from Off Campus

The ice hockey romance that took over everyone’s feed has a Halloween party episode built in: Allie goes as J-Lo, Dean goes as Maverick from Top Gun. Recreating a costume of a costume is peak 2026 — and it’s a brilliant, low-effort couples look. For him: khaki flight suit · aviator sunglasses · patches · bomber jacket For her: green plunge dress · big curly hair · gold hoops

4. Gothic Halloween costumes: Wuthering Heights and The Bride!

This is the most “fashion” costume on the list — and the one you’ll actually rewear. Margot Robbie’s Cathy and Jessie Buckley’s Bride have brought corsetry, lace and big romantic silhouettes back, and the same mood ran through the London Fashion Week shows — see our Gothic fashion edit for pieces you’ll wear long after the 31st. Go Victorian ghost bride in white lace, or moody moorland heroine in black velvet with windswept hair. You’ll need: corset (overbust or waist cincher) · lace or tulle skirt · lace gloves · veil or ribbon choker · deep berry lip

5. Gods and heroes from The Odyssey

The summer blockbuster has made Greek mythology one of the season’s biggest themes. Bronze-look armour and a cape for Odysseus; flowing white or gold drapery, a laurel crown and gold arm cuffs for a goddess. It’s flattering, comfortable and works brilliantly as a group — bring a friend as the Cyclops. You’ll need: white or gold draped dress / toga · gold laurel crown · arm cuffs · gladiator sandals · (for him) breastplate and red cape

6. Dolly Parton

Following her death in August, aged 80, a Dolly costume this year is a joyful tribute rather than just a bit of fun — and fancy dress shops say blonde wigs, cowboy waistcoats and microphones are flying out. Go big: the biggest blonde wig you can find, rhinestones on everything, a fringed jacket and a toy guitar. You’ll need: voluminous platinum wig · rhinestone or fringed western jacket · cowboy boots · statement earrings · toy guitar or microphone

7. Ghostface from Scream 7

With Scream 7 and Scary Movie 6 both out this year, the slasher classic is having a moment all over again. It’s the costume that works on anyone, at any party, in about four minutes. You’ll need: official Ghostface mask · black hooded robe · black gloves · (optional) a vintage flip phone prop

8. 90s and 00s nostalgia: Buffy and Practical Magic

With the Practical Magic sequel out last month, witchy-sister energy is everywhere. Pair up as the Owens sisters in velvet, silver jewellery and long flowing hair, or go full Buffy with a slip dress, leather jacket and a (prop) stake. You’ll need: velvet slip dress · long-line cardigan or leather jacket · chunky silver rings · crescent moon necklace

9. Wednesday and Bridgerton — the returning favourites

These two never really leave, and this year is no exception. Wednesday is the ultimate wardrobe-raid costume: a black collared dress, two plaits and a deadpan stare. Bridgerton takes slightly more effort but delivers maximum glamour: an empire-line gown, opera gloves and pearls.

10. Kids’ Halloween costumes 2026: KPop Demon Hunters

The Oscar-winning animated film is the biggest children’s seller this year. The wigs do most of the work — pink for Mira, purple for Rumi — with a sparkly crop top, cargo trousers and a toy sword.

11. Something different: the whimsical trend

Whimsical fashion dominated feeds this year, and it’s spilling straight into Halloween. Think gargoyles, moths, toadstools, woodland fairies and 17th-century Pierrot clowns — costumes that feel more art-school than shop-bought. Grey body paint and a crackle-effect make-up turn you into a stone gargoyle or weeping angel; a ruffled collar and a black-and-white face makes a perfect Pierrot. The best part: most of it can be built from what’s already in your wardrobe. You’ll need: grey or white body paint · crackle-effect SFX make-up · ruffle collar · moth or fairy wings · grey tights

Last chance: order your Halloween costumes 2026 in time for the 31st

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so most parties are on Friday 30 or Saturday 31 October. Order by the middle of next week to be safe — or use Prime next-day for last-minute emergencies. Which costume are you going for? Tag us @ldnfashion — we’ll share our favourite London looks. Want more? Browse all our Halloween stories and our corset guides.