If you love to dress up for Halloween but are discouraged by the increasing amount of gaudy costumes marketed to women, you may appreciate tasteful costumes that are beautiful – and perhaps subtly sexy, too. Everyone has a different threshold for how much skin they want to show or how extreme they want to go. Not only that, but knowing where you’ll wear your costume and what temperature you’ll be in is an important consideration! Based on the majority of Halloween costumes marketed to women, you’d think that every costume-wearing woman lives in a tropical climate. So unless you’re going to be in a climate-controlled indoor space, the amount of exposed skin is just as much about your physical comfort as it is about your personal comfort. In any case, if dressing up as an over-sexualized policewoman isn’t for you, there are plenty of classy Halloween costumes to choose from instead.
What Classy Halloween Costumes Are and Are Not
Classy Halloween costumes are chic, elegant, and flattering. They are sexy because they are attractive, not because they are Halloween-marketed stripper costumes (there is a difference). Another way to look at it: when you dress yourself to go to work, you may look beautiful and sexy simply because you style yourself well and accentuate your unique beauty. When you buy a costume to look like Cleopatra, you will probably also look beautiful and sexy because you will look like an Egyptian queen version of yourself. Whereas when you buy a ‘sexy Cleopatra’ costume, you will look like Cleopatra of the night. And maybe this is what you’re going for! But understand that there is also a such thing as looking sexy because you look great, not because you look like you the masculinized, pornography industry’s version of sexuality. So classy Halloween costumes are sexy in a beautiful, feminine way.
Choosing Your Look: Seventeen Ideas
What is your favourite story? Movie? Era in history? Industry? Culture or country (yet, do be aware of cultural appropriation)? Character? Wherever you draw your inspiration, there is probably a costume for that. And if there isn’t, make one! It is typically more affordable and flexible to piece together a costume on your own. Check out some ideas from these seventeen options for classy Halloween costumes.
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1. Cleopatra (historical figure)
Cleopatra is a classic cultural figure from the captivating era of ancient Egypt. She is sexy, stately, and historically significant. As a fourth grader, I dressed as Cleopatra for Halloween and won a costume contest at school. It was always my favourite costume and so I dressed as Cleopatra again a few years ago in the above pictured Cleopatra costume. While it’s comfortable, it doesn’t provide much warmth. This customizable made-to-order Cleopatra costume in either white or black covers more skin, which all Cleopatras will appreciate in cooler weather!
This gorgeous metallic gold dress is a great base dress for a customized Cleopatra costume. You could easily jazz it up with any of the myriad of snake-themed costume jewelry options available. This jewel-encrusted gold cobra headband in particular makes a perfect ancient Egyptian regal statement piece. However you piece together your costume, remember to top it off with a black wig.
2. Ancient Greek (historical era)
This beautiful Greek gown is the queen of classy Halloween costumes and will make a goddess out of anyone. With its elegant Greek design on the waistband, it’s a high-quality and beautifully designed dress. It can be customized in other colours, too.
I wore this flattering and comfortable Spartan Queen costume one year and loved it. It is, however, a chilly one due to the back being entirely exposed, so best for warm or indoors environments.
3. I Dream of Jeannie (TV character)
Who doesn’t love ‘I Dream of Jeannie’? Even if you never watched the show, Jeannie is such a fun and likeable character it’s hard not to adore her. So for Halloween, check out a few of these Jeannie-inspired finds.
While it’s difficult to find a Jeannie costume that looks truly authentic to the original, I’ve found a couple that make a cut and a couple more that pass as similar renditions. This one looks close to authentic, and while I have not tried it, the review photos look fabulous and it does look comfortable.
An alternative costume is one that doesn’t look quite identical but is recognizable enough, and can also serve as workout apparel (versatility!). This fitted Jeannie-inspired top can be worn as a costume or for a morning jog (along Cocoa Beach, of course). Wear it along with these Jeannie-inspired leggings to complete the look. They aren’t harem pants, but the design is clearly Jeannie!
Finally, this Jeannie-inspired costume isn’t an exact rendition but it’s cute, reviewed to be high-quality, and easy to complete with any number of sheer pink scarves.
4. Poison Ivy (Batman character)
The formidable Poison Ivy was most memorably portrayed by Uma Thurman in the 90s film Batman and Robin. Her role is iconic and perfectly poisonous. Play the part in this Poison Ivy bodysuit costume that is reviewed to be very comfortable and also includes a vine of artificial ivy to wrap around your body, one for your arm, and leafy hair accessories.
Alternatively, if you have access to ivy, you could snip a bunch and wrap it overtop of some sassy neon lime green holographic leggings and a green leotard. You could also buy fake ivy from a craft store. Or snag these fun leafy Poison Ivy eyebrows and Poison Ivy choker. Regardless of the source, if you are industrious enough, Poison Ivy can be a pretty low-cost costume. If you aren’t feeling particularly crafty or are strapped for time, nice classic Poison Ivy costume costs less than the higher-quality handmade ones and is a pretty cool rendition of the character.
5. Old Hollywood (historical era/industry)
Ah, the glamor of Old Hollywood. Think of actresses in the 1930s with long, silky evening gowns and a big fur stole with long white gloves. Talk about classy Halloween costumes! All you need to create this grand look is a long, beautiful gown, long silky gloves, and a stole or feather boa. Paint your lashes black (or opt for false lashes), your lips red (or a fun pink), and leave a trail of kisses wherever you go in your glamorous getup.
If you want to go all out, get fancy in this blush velvet robe that customers rave about. Elegance and glamour are what Old Hollywood is all about.
For a more casual affair, make it a daytime romance with this custom-made Grace Kelly-inspired dress. It is beautifully structured and figure-flattering. For a similarly gorgeous look, don’t pass up this equally casual yet perfectly elegant custom-made black dress.
6. Skeleton (traditional Halloween character)
Skeleton costumes are Halloween classics! Depending on how anatomically realistic you want to look, options range from this simple skeleton costume I adore to this more detailed skeleton costume. The nice thing about these stretchy body suits is that they’re comfortable, flexible, and sometimes they glow in the dark! You can easily dance, jog, do yoga, or do just about anything while wearing a skeleton bodysuit. But a super fun alternative to the classic skeleton bodysuit is a black-on-white skeleton dress. Not only is it fun to reverse the colour contrast, but the dress is casual and comfortable enough to wear on its own any time of the year.
7. Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians character)
Cruella de Vil is a famously fabulous villain, especially in her recent live-action debut. Since this character’s style is so easy to DIY and so classically awesome, it’s a fun and popular choice. You can throw together the pieces to make the costume yourself, or find a complete Cruella de Vil replica ensemble.
Cruella’s signature look is her black and white hair. While you could always dye your hair half black and half white, a much easier alternative is to get a good Cruella de Vil wig. I was happy enough with this wig, but depending on your style, there are many other options such as this punk rock Cruella wig.
The dress is the easiest part. You just need any black sleeveless dress. What’s more important is to include a faux fur coat or at least a stole. You can’t be Cruella without something that at least looks like fur. Though Cruella’s stole was traditionally white, this dalmatian-print stole fits the role perfectly. And a sexy pair of long red gloves add fantastic volume to the look. Apply plenty of red lipstick and green eye shadow, and maybe accentuate your cheekbones to provide definition. To really get detailed, add jade earrings and a ring. Carry a fake cigarette holder, and dahling you can’t go wrong!
8. Princess Jasmine (Aladdin character)
Princess Jasmine is such a fun Disney princess. She’s delightfully sassy and assertive, and her style is stellar. For a gorgeous rendition of the character’s garb, check out this gorgeous made-to-order Princess Jasmine costume. There are many variations of Jasmine costumes, but they share her iconic look.
9. Medieval woman (historical era)
If you know anyone who’s worked at a Renaissance Festival, talk to them about where they find their garb! Medieval culture is a big niche with plenty of popularity that keeps costumes varied and plentiful. It’s easy to find medieval gowns of various prices from a variety of sellers, including thrift stores. I once found a pretty pink princess gown at a vintage shop. Comb through any thrift store – they often have costume sections.
The nice thing about this time period’s fashion is that the sleeve and skirt length are almost exclusively long so you can more comfortably wear medieval dresses outside in colder climates. Whether your look is a more regal one or whether you prefer a casual Medieval corset dress for a simpler vibe, you shouldn’t freeze!
10. Flapper (historical era)
The Roaring 20s (unlike covid’s boring 20s) is another era that remains aesthetically popular. It’s remembered fondly for American post-war economic boom (before the 1929 economic crash, that is) and the changing social norms and apparel of women. Flapper dresses are timeless and classically stylish as shown by their influence on modern formalwear. For this reason, you’ll find no shortage of flapper garb online and in many vintage and thrift stores.
Don’t pass up this stunning handmade flapper dress in gold detail. You will dazzle the crowd in decadence! Whichever flapper costume is the one for you, top it off with a fake cigarette holder and some long gloves, and you’re ready to party!
11. Black widow (spider – traditional Halloween)
Not to be confused with the Marvel character, this Black Widow costume is simply a playful way to dress up as the actual spider. It’s less glamour and more playful, and reviewed to be very well made. My bets are that you won’t see another costume like it, whatever you do this Halloween!
While handmade costumes are well-made and therefore (understandably) pricy, you can sometimes find great deals if you check the clearance rack in party stores. I found a Black Widow costume many years ago that remains comfortable and flattering. A classic Halloween find for under $15, it included a black halter gown with red midsection and gold and black spiderweb cape.
Create your own with a black dress (or leggings and leotard/bodysuit), thick red sash, and a black lace spiderweb poncho. You could also drape this handmade crochet spiderweb dress overtop of a red dress. Add a black widow fishnet veil for dramatic effect, and nobody will have to guess your costume! To finish your ensemble, choose from plenty of great black widow spider jewelry.
12. Victorian woman (historical era)
Like medieval costumes, Victorian costumes are usually warmer and so easier to wear in colder temperatures. They couldn’t show too much skin, after all! Find plenty of exquisitely-made Victorian garb including made-to-order pieces. Or choose a simple and elegant Victorian outfit in any number of available colours. For a bolder colour pop, this stunning blue dress is a fun and simple rendition (if a bit ahead of its time).
13. Witch (traditional Halloween character)
The witch is the most popular Halloween costume and also the most versatile. There are as many versions of a witch costume as there are increasingly new pumpkin-flavored foods that debut every October.
You can be a playful purple witch or a fun orange polka dot witch. You can be an old-fashioned looking witch in almost-creepy Pilgrim-style. Wear a stylishly cute witch dress with sheer cap sleeves, or don a classically simple and plain witch costume.
You can also DIY a witch costume by putting on any dress you love and topping it with a basic witch hat or an ornate witch hat in any of many splendid styles. A dramatic fringe witch hat, for instance, will sashay with every head turn.
14. Fire goddess (fantasy)
Feeling flamy? Unleash your inner fire goddess with a fiery ensemble. A simple black inferno blaze dress serves as the base, or go with this fire-coloured dance dress for a flowy look. Drape a showstopping fire costume cape over your shoulders, and crown yourself with a shimmering fire crown headband (or this alternative fire headband). For an extra bright punch, wear a fun fiery wig. And if you really want to heat things up, wear a pair of phoenix flame wings.
15. Steampunk conductor (fantasy)
Steampunk costumes are fun but instead of the typical structured Victorian lace, why not mix it up and dress up as a steampunk train conductor? Start with a classic men’s train conductor costume or create the look with a pair of women’s bib overalls, conductor hat and train-themed red bandana. Pop some steampunk goggles on your hat – or, better yet, an authentic pair of refurbished 1850s cinder goggles (which train passengers wore in compartments that lacked windows, to prevent soot from blowing into their eyes). Add steampunk-themed accessories like wrist cuffs or a zipper bracelet, and you are well on your way to driving that crazy (but classy) train!
16. Sexy Sauron (Lord of the Rings character)
Before Amazon’s second season of Rings of Power debuted, I’m not sure there were many who associated Sauron with ‘sexy’ beyond perhaps a very small niche of fandom. Charlie Vickers’ portrayal of the Annatar version of Sauron, however, completely changed that. But rather than dress up as Annatar, why not embrace the many complex identities (or names, if you will) of Sauron as one coherent costume?
There are a few different ways you could go with this. To embrace Sauron’s Annatar form, don an elven tunic or similar elven garb and wrap Celtic knot-woven trim around your waste to resemble his sash. Channel his human form by wearing Halbrand’s medallion around your neck, and clothe yourself in a rugged linen shirt with the sleeves hacked off and matching cut-off pants.
Or go full-on evil armor and wear an impeccable replica of Sauron’s crown and other costume pieces, or this alternate version of Sauron’s costume, or lighter foam replicas. Don’t forget his gauntlets and, of course, the one ring.
For a more modern take, don fitted black leather armor or a classy but subtly menacing faux leather and suede shirt. But no matter which of Sauron’s identities you embrace, be sure to wear the one feature that ties them all together and which is crucial to this costume; that is, Morgoth’s crown.
17. Babymetal (band)
Babymetal is such a fun and unique band that inspires delightful classy Halloween costumes for those who lean more quirky and playful! Their signature girlie-metal-glam-goth look has become an iconic uniform for fans. And with their 2025 world tour, now is the perfect time to include Babymetal style in our classy Halloween costumes! With poofy tulle thigh-length skirts, black tights, chunky footwear, statement shoulders and chunky metal accents, you can’t go wrong.
Start with a red and black tulle skirt, such as any of these options:
- Red and black lacy tulle shirt with black lace-up waist pack
- Red and black tutu or this similar red and black tutu
- Red and black tutu that’s short in front and long in back
For a shirt, choose something black with puff sleeves such as any of these:
- Sheer black organza blouse with large bow and long puff sleeves
- Black cotton poplin blouse with puff sleeves and pointed collar
- Black boddice-style button-up blouse with lace trim puff sleeves
- Black button-up collared blouse with puff sleeves
Or, choose a two-piece outfit that includes a red and black corset with matching tulle skirt topped with a bolero jacket like these:
- Leatherette (vegan/imitation leather) bolero jacket with silver zipper sleeves or similar styles
- Elegant black tulle ruffle collar-style bolero
- Lacy black tulle and pleather ruffle collar-style bolero
- Sheer black ruffle bolero
- Starry silver pleather bolero
If your hair’s long enough, don’t forget high pigtails with metal spike hair ties! And add some leather wrist cuff with metal spikes for extra edge. Finish off the look with an adorable and formidable pair of black Mary Jane platform shoes with rivet-studded ankle straps (also available in red or pink).
18. And More…
As you can see, classy Halloween costumes embrace a variety of styles and genres. They can be fun while also being also flattering; and they can be sexy without being sexualizing (there is a difference).
While this concludes our list (for now), there are plenty of other ideas for classy Halloween costumes. Holly Golightly, a vampire, and circus ringmaster (my most recent choice) to name just a few. Whatever you choose, if you can’t find it, you can find ways to make it! And when searching for Halloween costumes to buy, remember there is a clear difference between sophisticated sexy and ridiculously raunchy. You don’t have to choose between the typical raunchy costumes marketed to women and a shapeless hotdog costume. You can always and absolutely be gloriously sexy and sophisticated in a dignified adult costume. Reclaim ‘sexy’ for what it’s really worth!