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1920s: Flapper dresses -

Flapper dresses became iconic for Halloween, symbolizing women's liberation and reflecting their newfound independence with fringe and bold styles during the spooky season.

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1920s: Witches -

Also in the 1920s, witches became popular Halloween costumes, reflecting society’s fascination with the supernatural during this era.

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1930s: Giant babies -

Giant baby costumes gained popularity in the 1930s, offering a humorous twist on Halloween with their often oversized and comically designed outfits.

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1930s: Harlequin costume -

Inspired by commedia dell'arte, the harlequin costume gained popularity in the 1930s, blending whimsy and theatrical flair for Halloween.

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1940s: Pirate -

Pirate costumes became a Halloween staple in the 1940s, fueled by adventure films and tales of the high seas.

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1950s: More witches -

The '50s saw a resurgence in witch costumes, often styled with full skirts, pointy hats, and broomsticks. This classic look remained popular for both men and women. 

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1960s: Devil -

Featuring horns and red outfits, these costumes represented mischief and rebellion, appealing to the decade's counterculture movement and Halloween festivities alike.

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1960s: Vampire -

Thanks to Hollywood, vampire costumes became widespread in the 1960s. Capes, fangs, and pale makeup transformed many into seductive creatures of the night.

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1970s: Mummies -

Inspired by classic horror films, mummy costumes with rolls and rolls of white bandages tapped into the fascination with Ancient Egypt and spooky themes.

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1970s: Musical artists -

Moving away from scary characters, the '70s popularized costumes inspired by artists and famous bands like KISS, celebrating the era's vibrant music scene during Halloween.

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1970s: Fortune teller -

Characterized by flowing skirts and scarves, echoing the era's popular fashion, this mystical look appealed to those drawn to the supernatural.

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1980s: Masks -

From movie characters to famous public figures, masks dominated Halloween in the 1980s, offering a variety of frightening and fun designs.

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1980s: Clown -

A popular Halloween costume, the rise of scary clowns added a spooky twist, blending playful whimsy with eerie undertones.

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1980s: Big wigs -

Big hair was a defining trend of the '80s, so naturally, an exaggerated version found its way into Halloween. These oversized hairstyles added drama and fun, reflecting the decade's vibrant pop culture and music scene.

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1980s: Superheroes -

The '80s saw a surge in superhero costumes, reflecting the popularity of comic book characters for both children and adults alike. 

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1990s: Nurse -

Often featuring short dresses and accessories, this playful yet provocative interpretation allowed for creativity and fun.

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1990s: 'Star Wars' characters -

With characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader becoming favorites, fans eagerly embraced the galaxy far, far away, making 'Star Wars' costumes a popular choice for Halloween.

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1990s: Angels -

Inspired by the 1996 film 'Romeo + Juliet,' angel costumes featuring flowing white gowns, halos, and wings became popular. This heavenly look provided a soft contrast to spooky themes. 

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2000s: Power Rangers -

Children and adults alike eagerly donned colorful spandex outfits, embodying their favorite heroes on Halloween night.

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2000s: Spice Girls (David Beckham) -

The Spice Girls sparked a costume craze in the 2000s, with fans emulating their iconic looks from Baby Spice to Posh Spice. Couples also dressed as David and Victoria Beckham for Halloween.

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2000s: Harry Potter -

The 'Harry Potter' series sparked a costume craze in the 2000s. Fans embraced outfits inspired by Hogwarts students, wizards, and magical creatures, celebrating the enchanting world.

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2000s: Fairies -

Characterized by colorful dresses, wings, and wands, these whimsical outfits appealed to both children and adults. 

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2010s: Minions -

The Minions from the 'Despicable Me' franchise became a popular Halloween costume in the 2010s. Bright yellow outfits and goggles made them a fun choice for kids and adults.

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2010s: Zombies -

Zombie costumes surged in popularity during the 2010s, inspired by shows like 'The Walking Dead' and the rise of zombie walks. Tattered clothing, fake blood, and gory makeup transformed people into the undead. 

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2010s: Harley Quinn -

Harley Quinn emerged as a Halloween favorite in the 2010s, thanks to the movie 'Suicide Squad' (2016). Her playful yet edgy style became a bold costume choice.

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2010s: Elsa from Frozen -

Elsa's iconic blue gown from 'Frozen' (2013) became a popular Halloween costume in the 2010s, with young girls eagerly dressing as the Snow Queen.

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2020s: Squid Game -

Inspired by the hit series 'Squid Game,' costumes featuring tracksuits and masks surged in popularity in 2021. 

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2020s: Historical figures -

Costumes of historical figures gained traction in the 2020s, with people dressing as influential figures like Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, and Abraham Lincoln. 

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2020s: Wednesday Addams -

The release of Netflix's 'Wednesday' sparked a surge in popularity for Wednesday Addams costumes, highlighting how popular TV series can significantly influence Halloween costume trends.

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2020s: Political figures -

Political figures became popular Halloween costumes in the 2020s, with individuals dressing as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, allowing for commentary on current events during Halloween.

Sources: (Cosmopolitan) (Reader's Digest) (Business Insider) 

See also: Halloween costume guide: how to avoid getting cancelled

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