35 Iconic Brunette Halloween Costume Ideas for Dark-Haired Women
Famous singers, beloved movie stars, glamorous TV characters — the possibilities are endless!
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As much as we love dressing up for Halloween, putting together the perfect costume can be costly, even when you attempt to DIY one yourself. All those wigs and that fake blood can add up to a not-so-budget-friendly spooky ensemble. So when there's a chance to use what we already have — like, say, our hair color — we have to jump at the opportunity. And for those dark-haired ladies who want an easy costume, we've got brunette Halloween costumes that are both classic and creative.
Go historical (and inspiring) with a Ruth Bader Ginsburg DIY outfit, channel a famous singer with an Olivia Rodrigo or Selena Quintanilla outfit or opt for your favorite TV character like SVU's Olivia Benson or Empire's Cookie Lyon. You can also stick to traditional favorites like Disney's Princess Belle, Wonder Woman, Princess Leia or Betty Boop. For our fair-haired friends, don't you worry — we've also got costume roundups for blondes and ideas for redheads as well so you can get in on the fun.
Princess Mia from 'The Princess Diaries'
Princess Diaries 3 is officially happening, so naturally you have to celebrate by remembering Mia when she became Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo back in 2001 in the very first movie. Us? Dressed as a princess on Halloween? "SHUT. UP."
SHOP TIARA, SUNGLASSES AND GLOVES
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Blair Waldorf from 'Gossip Girl'
It's been over 10 years since we last saw "Queen B" ruling the Upper East Side with an iron fist, and she's still one of our favorite TV characters of all time. To get her look, it's time to go all in on preppy and plaid clothing pieces and accessories.
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Priscilla Presley from 'Priscilla'
Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, which focused on Elvis' ex-wife rather than the King himself, was released last year. What better time to pay tribute to the influential pop culture figure than with one of her '60s ensembles, complete with heavy eyeliner and big hair?
Cookie Lyon from 'Empire'
Honestly, who doesn't want to spend their Halloween walking around in a faux fur coat and jewels? You probably won't measure up to Taraji P. Henson's version of Empire's Cookie Lyon, but you can try!
Eleven from 'Stranger Things'
With Stranger Things wrapping up its run with a fifth and final season in early 2025, why not throw it back to season 1 with this classic Eleven look?
Captain Olivia Benson from 'Law and Order: SVU'
She's been on the force (and our screens) for 25 seasons (and counting!) and is hopefully not going anywhere soon. With a simple but sleek blazer, jeans and police badge, you can be as fierce as Captain Olivia Benson this Halloween.
Olivia Rodrigo
Even if the pop singer didn't sing the seasonally appropriate song "Vampire", we'd still think she has just the right look to recreate on Halloween. The bubbly brunette has been rocking this look on her GUTS World Tour, set to run through spring 2025, and now you can too!
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Isis from 'Bring It On'
Cheer captain Torrence (Kirsten Dunst) might have been the central character of the original Bring It On, but Gabrielle Union's Isis shined equally as bright. Why do you think she and the Clovers took first place?
Betty Boop
Become a lady in red by recreating the classic look of Betty Boop. Grab a red dress and some hoops, pop on a red lip and you're set to go. Easy and iconic.
Rory Gilmore
Fans have always said Gilmore Girls is a quintessential fall show, so why not celebrate by paying homage to Rory on Halloween. Sure, she's not always the most likable character, but she does provide for some good TV and her school uniform is easy to put together yourself. For full authenticity, add some knee-high socks with saddles shoes, sneakers or loafers to complete the look.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
It's been four years since her passing, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg is still as influential as ever. DIY the entire ensemble for this former Supreme Court Justice with the easy instructions at the link below!
Emily Cooper in 'Emily in Paris'
Dressing up as Emily Cooper from the hit Netflix show Emily in Paris is never a bad idea. Reach into your closet for a black blazer, striped shirt and a chic skirt to put this look together. With Emily having tons of fashionista moments in the show, there are plenty of options to pull off this character.
Queen Charlotte
Bridgerton fans flocked to this prequel about Queen Charlotte and her rise to the throne when it was released in May 2023. Get your finest jewels ready for the Halloween ball!
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Selena Quintanilla Costume
Honor the legendary Tejano music icon by dressing up as the one and only Selena Quintanilla! DIY one of her classic concert outfits like the famous purple jumpsuit or bedazzled black bustier.
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'13 Going on 30' Jenna Rink Costume
This iconic 13 Going on 30 dress is the perfect costume if you are heading to a fun Halloween party and want to dance the night away. Show off your "Thriller" dance moves just like Jenna in the movie.
Who wouldn't want to be Wonder Woman for a day? Transform into this popular brunette superhero by donning this star spangled costume, including her iconic gold tiara.
Tina Belcher Costume
If you love Bob's Burgers, all you'll need is a blue T-shirt and skirt, glasses and knee-high socks to turn into your favorite awkward teenage girl from the adult animated comedy.
Serena Williams Costume
To really bring your A-game this Halloween, dress up as legendary tennis pro Serena Williams in her famous black tutu, which instantly became iconic when she wore it at the U.S. Open in 2018.
Becoming your favorite (and coolest) Addams family member couldn't be easier: Just throw on a black collared dress and put your long brown hair into braids.
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Rosie the Riveter Costume
You can't forget one of the most iconic brunettes in history, of course! To recreate Rosie the Riveter's chic, fierce look, simply slip on your go-to denim and put your brown locks up in a red bandana — then adopt a "we can do it" attitude toward anything and everything.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
Katarina Avendaño (she/her) is the senior SEO editor for Good Housekeeping, where she writes and edits lifestyle content and contributes to SEO strategy. Before joining GH in 2021, she was the digital editor at New York Family, where she was responsible for the website’s content and strategy. Katarina received her bachelor's degree in communications and Spanish from the University of Washington.
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