A group of young friends wearing fancy dress costumes on a night out during halloween, dancing in a nightclub in Newcastle, North East England. They are all having fun while pulling different poses and looking at the camera.

HALIFAX, N.S. — As Halloween approaches, many students struggle to plan what costume to wear. You may be wondering, “How do I pick a costume unique enough to stand out, but not too obscure that people won’t get it? How can I balance the right amount of funny and sexy? How can I do this on a budget?” If you find yourself asking these questions, fear not! The Mackerel is here to give you earth-shattering original inspiration for your 2025 Halloween costume. These ideas are so hyper-specific that nobody else will be wearing them, and everyone will praise you for your creativity! 

Popular character Halloween costume: 

Do you have a favourite character from a TV show, film, book, movie, limited series or Hollywood picture? You should dress up as this character for Halloween. If this character’s wardrobe is not obvious, you can always wear a name tag to let people know what character you are. Think about how much fun you’ll have quoting this character all night long. It’s okay if you only know one of their lines — say it over and over again, so people don’t forget who you’re dressed up as.

Funny Halloween costume: 

The best thing about this costume is that it’s funny. If you like being the comedian of the party, consider wearing a costume that will make everyone laugh. Comedy is subjective, so I won’t give you any specific examples of costume ideas, but think about what makes you laugh, chuckle or LOL, and emulate that for Halloween. You’re certain to be the life of the party, and you will thank us at the Mackerel for giving you such wonderful inspiration! 😂

Sexy Halloween costume: 

If you want to look super hot on Halloween, you should wear a sexy Halloween costume! Think about a Halloween costume you’d love to wear. Got it? Great. Now think about how you could alter the costume to remove 90 per cent of its fabric. Don’t worry if it only vaguely resembles the original costume, you’re smokin’! Anything can be sexy, from sexy minions (banana, anyone?) to sexy grandpa that ate paint, the world is your oyster. Your sexy oyster.

Scary Halloween costume: 

Many people forget about the scary aspect of Halloween, but you won’t. Try wearing a scary costume to your Halloween party to remind them what Halloween is all about. Think about what you and your friends find scary, and dress up as it to help everyone conquer their fears. This could be tangible fears, like an animal you’re afraid of, or more abstract, like your childhood trauma. Either way, at a party where everyone is trying to be sexy, funny or culturally relevant, you will stand out. You’re not like other girls, you know the true meaning of Halloween. Boo! 😜

Culturally insensitive Halloween costume:

Have you ever wanted to step into someone else’s shoes? If so, consider adding some culturally insensitive flair to Halloween 2025! Don’t worry about the haters — you culturally appropriATE! 

By Lauren Sooksom