Top TV Characters to Dress Up As This Halloween

Jessica Morris ‘19 / Emertainment Monthly TV Staff Writer
Halloween is dangerously soon and if you have yet to pick a costume, you may be finding yourself feeling nervous. But have no fear, there is still time to put together a costume using either the pieces you already have or from shopping around your local thrift-store. Sometimes getting ready for Halloween is a little more difficult when store-bought costumes aren’t exactly cutting it. Luckily, dressing up as a great television character can be a cost-effective and creative way to celebrate the season. No Frozen costumes here, thanks!
Below is a list of some exciting characters to dress up as this Halloween season. Some costumes on this list would be easier than others, while others may require some more effort and a little more shopping (unless you already happen to have a tan or orange jumpsuit to wear as a member of the Orange is The New Black cast, in which case, just do you). A final note for this costume list, however: as always with any sort of costume, remember to be respectful and be mindful of who you might be offending with the choices you make. Halloween is supposed to be fun for everyone so create your costume using appropriate pieces that won’t make others feel uncomfortable. Mind your boundaries and have a good time! Being socially aware is always fun.
Without further adieu:

1. Rick Grimes & Michonne (The Walking Dead)

While a few of the other characters from The Walking Dead would also make great Halloween costumes (Glenn, Daryl, and the ill-fated Beth, to name a few), Rick and Michonne happen to be two of the most recognizable characters from the series. Rick’s look has changed over the years due to his steady transition from good cop to bad cop — from his season 1 sheriff outfit to his current angrier zombie-apocalypse -surviving-dad look. Whichever Rick you choose, the costume requires some stubble (which can be done with makeup), some fake blood, and a lot of dirt to get the full effect. Michonne also requires some fake blood and dirt, as well as a katana sword. Otherwise, just try to match one of her costumes from the show using whatever pieces are easily accessible.

2. Jon Snow & Daenerys (Game of Thrones)

Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow are definitely two of the most well-known characters from television. Being from a fantasy series, however, both characters are a little more difficult to dress up as for Halloween and might require more work to perfect your outfit. Still, Jon is a great costume if you want to remind your friends that Jon Snow is definitely-not-dead this Halloween. And Daenerys is always ideal if you hope to incorporate your pet dragon into your costume. Looking at their character designs from the show, it is easy to determine what you might need to find to complete either of these costumes. If you’re adventurous and would like to put together a more hands-on costume, either of these characters may be right for you. Daenerys would require a white-blonde wig though.

3. Literally any of the inmates (Orange is the New Black)

Orange is the New Black costumes have been popular ever since the Halloween after the first season’s debut on Netflix. The characters are exciting and interesting and also easy to dress up as for Halloween. Your costume will require an orange or tan jumpsuit and a red nametag to go with. While some of the other characters have specific looks (like Red), others are more general so it should be easy to pick at least one of the characters to go as this Halloween. With Piper, Suzanne (Crazy Eyes), Alex, Nicky, Taystee — the list of characters to choose from is endless. You could also go as one of the guards — but only if you plan to go as Pornstache because otherwise, what’s the point?

4. Dana Scully & Fox Mulder (The X-Files)

Since 1993, Mulder and Scully have unapologetically been the ultimate couple costume for Halloween (source still needed). Now that the X-Files revival series is set to air on FOX this coming January, dressing up as Scully and Mulder is extra relevant. Not that dressing up as Scully and Mulder was ever not relevant. Both Mulder and Scully would be easy to dress up as using items from your own closet but it also might be good to check a nearby thrift store since your costume might require some 90s vibes, depending on which X-Files era you’re aiming for. If you’re not a redhead, it might be good to consider getting a red wig if you plan to dress as Scully. Red hair and Dr. Dana Scully is kind of iconic.

5. The Chanels from Scream Queens (Scream Queens)

If you and your friends have already tried dressing up as the Heathers and Cher, Tai, and Dee from Clueless, going as The Chanels from Scream Queens may be your obvious go-to this Halloween. You can try to dress up as a specific Chanel, or just try to encapsulate their spirit with your costume by wearing lots of pink or at least a different pastel shade. Any feathery or fluffy sweaters or skirts will work well, as will high heels and pearls. Chanel #3 always wears earmuffs, making her character the easiest to capture in a Halloween costume. Going as one of The Chanels will work best as a group costume. Bonus points if you can manage to add a Red Devil to your Halloween crew.

6. Any Shield agent (Agents of Shield)

Are you a Marvel fan but don’t feel like going as one of The Avengers and joining all of the other Black Widows and Captain Americas you’re bound to see on Halloween night? Dressing as one of the Shield agents from Agents of Shield might be a good way to rep Marvel and your love for comics and superheroes while trying a costume that’s a bit more unique. To really look the part of a Shield agent, this costume requires you to wear all black but is basically a DIY. Combat boots would help, as would any Marvel merchandise with the Shield logo.

7. Selina Meyer (Veep) or Frank Underwood (House of Cards)

During the weirdest presidential campaign of all time, dressing up as either of two of TV’s best fictional presidents would be a good call. Selina is often shown in red, so any red stately outfit would work. A bobbed brunette wig would help in completing the costume as would a small American flag pin on your right lapel. For President Underwood, don a suit and tie and try your best to look threatening yet presidential. As a Democrat, Underwood is dressed frequently in blue so aim for a blue color scheme in your costume. If you’re going as Frank, finding a Claire would benefit the look immensely.