The internet is buzzing with spooky trends, creepy challenges, and urban legends that have teens talking. This Halloween, why not bring those internet frights to life with scary teenage costumes?
From creepypastas to viral videos, we’ve got costume ideas inspired by the things that keep teens up at night. Get ready to be the most talked-about character at the party (and maybe even go viral yourself!).
Pop Culture Frights
Halloween is just around the corner, and the pressure to find the perfect costume is on! As a teenager, you probably crave something scary and exciting, but also age-appropriate and undeniably cool. Fear not, fright-seekers! This section of our guide dives deep into the world of pop culture frights, offering a chilling selection of costume ideas inspired by the hottest TV shows, movies, and even viral internet trends.
Trending TV Shows and Movies
- Wednesday from Wednesday: The Addams Family is back with a vengeance, and Wednesday Addams is cooler than ever. Capture her signature spooky chic with a black and white striped dress, a long braid with dark ribbon accents, and a deadpan stare (practice in the mirror!). Bonus points for a fake spider brooch or a plastic severed hand casually dangling from your bag.
- DIY Tips: You can likely recreate Wednesday’s look with a black and white striped dress you already own or find at a thrift store. Add a detachable collar made from white felt and accessorize with a black ribbon for your braid.
- Vecna from Stranger Things: This monstrous villain from the Upside Down is sure to send shivers down spines. Vecna’s costume requires a bit more effort, but the payoff is a truly terrifying look. Start with a black base outfit, like leggings and a long-sleeved top. Find or create a prosthetic makeup piece for his cracked and sunken face, focusing on the red and black splotches. Don’t forget the long, creepy tendrils sprouting from his back – you can use black fabric or pipe cleaners to achieve this effect.
Minimal Special Effects Option: If creating a full prosthetic face seems daunting, focus on the dark and sunken eyes with heavy black makeup. Wear ripped black clothing and carry around a twisted vine or branch to complete the menacing vibe.
Viral Internet Trends
The internet is a breeding ground for creepy stories and unsettling characters. Here’s how you can transform some of these viral sensations into unforgettable Halloween costumes:
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Creepypasta Characters: Characters like Slender Man or Jeff the Killer have become iconic figures in online horror lore. Slender Man can be achieved with a simple black suit, a tall hat that hides your face, and long, white, featureless limbs – achieved with white gloves and oversized sleeves. Jeff the Killer requires a bit more makeup work. Aim for a pale, almost sickly complexion with a permanent, wide smile carved across your face. Messy black hair and dark circles complete the unsettling look.
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The Backrooms: This unsettling internet myth depicts a series of endless, yellow-lit hallways with a buzzing hum. To embody this unsettling atmosphere, wear a bright yellow jumpsuit or raincoat and find a flickering yellow light source to carry around (battery-operated fake candle, phone flashlight app). Mess up your hair and add dark circles under your eyes to emphasize the disorientation and fear associated with the Backrooms.
Remember, with a little creativity and these pop-culture inspired ideas, you can be the scariest (and coolest) teenager at your Halloween party! Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll explore classic monsters with a modern twist, and discover some creative costume hacks specifically for teens.
Classics Scary Teenage Costumes
The Werewolf: From Fangs to Fashion
- The classic werewolf is a Halloween staple, but this year, give it a modern edge. Forget the bulky fur suits! Instead, focus on creating a fierce and feral look with makeup and clothing. Start with a dark foundation and contour your face to create sharp cheekbones and a pointed jawline. Apply dramatic smokey eye makeup with bold lashes and don’t forget some blood-red lipstick or fake blood around the mouth to hint at the beast within.
- Channel your inner rockstar with ripped black skinny jeans, a leather jacket, and a tattered band t-shirt. Accessorize with spiked bracelets, a chunky chain necklace, and claw-like fingernail tips. This costume is perfect for teens who want to be scary without sacrificing their personal style.
Makeup Tutorial Tip
For a convincing werewolf transformation, focus on creating realistic fur textures with makeup. Use a brown eyeshadow palette to create shadows along your jawline, forehead, and cheekbones. Then, apply small strokes of black eyeliner to mimic individual hairs. Finish with a setting spray to ensure your fierce look lasts all night long.
The Vampir, Embrace the Darkness
- Vampires are another timeless Halloween costume, but this year, ditch the traditional cape and embrace a more contemporary take on the bloodsucker. Opt for a sleek black jumpsuit or a dark cocktail dress. Add a touch of drama with a statement necklace or a pair of statement earrings.
- For makeup, create a pale complexion with a white foundation and contour your cheekbones to give your face a sculpted look. Apply dark smokey eye makeup with dramatic eyeliner and voluminous lashes. The key to a modern vampire look is the lips. Instead of classic red, go for a bold burgundy or a deep plum shade. Finish the look with a touch of fake blood around the mouth for that extra scare factor.
- Costume Hack: Elevate your vampire costume with a pair of colored contact lenses. Opt for red or yellow contact lenses to create a truly unsettling gaze.
The Ghost: From Bed Sheet to Billowing Beauty
Who says ghosts have to be boring? This year, transform yourself into a spectral vision with a flowing, ethereal costume. Instead of the traditional bed sheet, opt for a white maxi dress or a flowing white skirt paired with a gauzy white top. Layer different fabrics to create a sense of movement and mystery. Accessorize with long, dangly earrings and a silver or pearl necklace for a touch of elegance.
To add a touch of spookiness to your white fabric, try using a watered-down solution of black tea or coffee to create a stained, aged effect. Let the fabric dry completely before wearing it.
The Grim Reaper: From Reaper Robes to Rocker Chic
- The Grim Reaper is a classic Halloween symbol, but for a more teenage-friendly twist, ditch the all-black robes and go for a more rock-and-roll vibe. Start with a black fitted dress or a pair of ripped black jeans and a black T-shirt. Layer with a long, flowing black coat or a black leather jacket.
- For makeup, create a dramatic smokey eye and apply white face paint around your eyes to create a skull-like effect. Accessorize with a black fedora hat and a statement skull ring. This costume is perfect for teens who want to be both scary and stylish.
- Bonus Tip: If you’re feeling extra creative, you can customize your Grim Reaper costume with band patches or safety pins on your jacket.
Scary Teenage Costumes Hacks
DIY Magic:
- Repurpose Your Wardrobe: Look through your closet for clothes that already have a spooky vibe. Dark clothes, ripped jeans, and flowy dresses can be the foundation for a variety of costumes.
- Thrift Store Treasures: Hit up your local thrift store for hidden gems. You might find a vintage dress perfect for a gothic ghost or a worn-out leather jacket ideal for a monster hunter.
- Get Crafty: Don’t underestimate the power of scissors, glue, and a little imagination. Turn old sheets into a flowing ghost costume, or add rips and fake blood to create a terrifying zombie look.
Makeup Marvels:
- Spooky Eyes: Smokey eye shadow in dark greys and blacks is a classic for a haunting look. Add eyeliner and mascara for extra drama. Experiment with colored contact lenses (if allowed) for an even more intense effect.
- Fake Wounds: Create realistic gashes and bruises with makeup and a little creativity. Use red and purple shades to create depth and then blend with foundation for a seamless look. There are also inexpensive temporary tattoos available for added effect.
- Special Effects Hacks: Toothpaste can be used to create a convincing zombie drool effect, while petroleum jelly can add a slimy texture to fake wounds.
Accessorize Like a Pro with scary teenage costumes:
The right accessories can elevate your costume from basic to breathtaking. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Hair Flair: Messy braids or a wild wig can instantly add a spooky touch. Colored hairspray is another option for a temporary pop of color.
- Spooky Jewelry: Hit up a thrift store or dollar store for costume jewelry you can modify. Add fake cobwebs or paint them with glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Props with Personality: For extra character, find props that complement your costume. A toy weapon, a creepy doll, or a lantern can add a finishing touch to your spooky persona.
Group Costume Genius:
Teaming up with friends is a fantastic way to create a truly memorable costume experience. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Movie Magic: Dress up as your favorite characters from a scary movie. Think iconic duos like Beetlejuice and Lydia, or a group of creepy students from The Craft.
- Hauntingly Historical: Research spooky historical figures like witches, plague doctors, or vampires. Each friend can choose a different character within the same theme, creating a chilling group dynamic.
- Mythical Mashup: Choose a mythological theme like Greek gods and goddesses or ancient Egyptian mummies. This allows for individual creativity while maintaining a cohesive group look.
Remember, the key to scary teenage costumes is confidence! Embrace your inner ghoul, have fun with the process, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. With these costume hacks, you’ll be the star of the fright night without putting a strain on your wallet. Now go forth and scare the living daylights out of everyone (in the best way possible, of course)!
