Halloween 2025 is all about standing out, and what better way to do that than with the best musician-inspired Halloween costumes? From scary metal masks to nostalgic emo vibes, these looks are perfect for social media, parties, or group costumes. Whether you want a to learn how to make it DIY without breaking the bank or you’re looking for a full pre-made set, these ten ideas will help you nail an iconic musician look for Halloween.
1. Taylor Swift Eras Tour outfit
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour sparked a wave of viral musician costume TikTok trends, making it one of the hottest Halloween picks right now. Choose your era: Lover pastels, Reputation snakeskin black, or glittery Midnights bodysuit. Once you have your era, the rest will fall into place:
- Glittery bodysuit or era specific inspired outfit
- Coordinated makeup (glitter, eyeliner, bold lips depending on the era)
- Friendship bracelets stacked up
- Bonus: Going with your significant other? Dress them up with some Kansas City Chiefs attire and you have the perfect couples costume. Going with your friends? Have everyone dress up as a different Taylor Swift era for extra flair.
Why it works: With the Eras Tour hype, this is one of the most viral musician costumes on TikTok. Whether you decide DIY it or you buy a set, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
2. My Chemical Romance Black Parade uniforms
My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade era gave us some of the most dramatic and unforgettable rock band Halloween costumes. Their military-style uniforms are perfect for both solo looks and group ensembles. Gather your materials for this look:
- Black marching band-inspired jacket with white or silver piping
- Black pants or skinny jeans
- Black boots or Converse sneakers
- Black gloves and dramatic eyeliner for Gerard Way’s signature vibe
- Bonus: A short platinum-blonde wig for Gerard’s Black Parade look, or red hair for Danger Days
Why it works: The Black Parade aesthetic is both theatrical and emo-iconic. It instantly signals who you’re dressed as, and it’s perfect for nostalgia-driven Halloween parties or TikTok recreations.
3. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s blend of Y2K pop glam and retro coquette style makes her one of the most in-demand musician-inspired Halloween costumes this year. Her look is all about confidence, sweetness, and just the right amount of sparkle. Grab the essentials:
- Mini dresses or matching sets with heart cut out — think pastel colors, satin, or sparkly textures
- Platform heels or knee-high boots for that stage-ready look
- Soft glam makeup: glowing skin, winged eyeliner, and a glossy lip
- Bonus: Carry a pink microphone prop or wear a “Short n’ Sweet”–inspired outfit to tie in her current era
Why it works: Sabrina’s style bridges nostalgic pop and modern femininity, making it perfect for viral musician costume TikTok recreations and easy to DIY or glam up for any Halloween party.
4. Britney Spears – I’m a Slave 4 U
Britney’s 2001 VMA look is daring, iconic, and one of the boldest musician-inspired Halloween costumes. With this outfit, Britney delivers one of the most glamorous iconic musician looks for Halloween. Recreating the look takes some extra effort to gather the materials, but once you find all the pieces, the look falls into place:
- Green bralette or halter-style top
- Low-rise pants
- Tousled blonde hair or wig
- Plush snake prop for the full effect
- Bonus: Add glittery body makeup for extra authenticity
Why it works: It’s nostalgic, unforgettable, and instantly recognizable. This costume works for anyone wanting to make a bold entrance and capture peak pop culture energy.
5. KISS Rock Band makeup & gear
For a classic rock band Halloween costume, you can’t go wrong with KISS. With face paint galore and the ultimate rock star looks, you’ll command the whole party’s attention. The essentials for this costume are:
- Black-and-white face paint in one of the band’s signature patterns (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, etc.)
- Black leather stage gear with studs and embellishments
- Platform boots
- Big teased wigs or hairpieces
- Bonus: A guitar or bass prop to complete the stage look
Why it works: The face paint alone is unmistakable. This costume works great for groups or as a bold solo statement, delivering instant rock legend energy.
6. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury’s yellow jacket and iconic mustache are Halloween staples. His stage look is flamboyant, fun, and one of the easiest to recreate, so it’s perfect for those short on time. Just gather the essentials:
- Yellow military-style jacket with buckles
- White pants with red and gold stripes down the side
- White tank top underneath
- Fake mustache and aviator sunglasses
- Bonus: A microphone on a half-stand for performance flair
Why it works: Freddie’s image is legendary in rock history. This costume has bold color, strong personality, and perfect nostalgia which is ideal for both DIY fans and full-on recreations.
7. Dolly Parton
As the queen of country and rhinestones, Dolly Parton’s style makes for a dazzling Halloween pick. With some pick-ups from your beloved grammy’s closet or a trip to your closest Goodwill, the essentials are easy to obtain:
- Big blonde wig full of curls and volume
- Rhinestone-studded Western outfit (fringed dress, denim with sparkles, or a glam cowboy set) equipped with cowboy boots
- Glammed-out makeup
- Bonus: Add a guitar or microphone prop to complete the look
Why it works: Dolly’s combination of over-the-top glam and country roots makes her one of the best musician-inspired Halloween costumes. It’s fun, flashy, and instantly tells people who you’re channeling.
8. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket
Michael Jackson’s red “Thriller” jacket remains one of the most iconic musician looks for Halloween. It’s simple to pull together but instantly recognizable. You can recreate this look with:
- Red leather (or faux leather) jacket with black detailing, ideally styled like the music video
- A single sequined glove
- Black pants or slim trousers
- White socks with black loafers
- Bonus: Zombie makeup to take it to the next level with a nod to the “Thriller” video
Why it works: The “Thriller” jacket is one of the most famous music video outfits of all time. It’s easy to recognize from across the room and makes for a standout solo or zombie group costume.
9. Slipknot masks & jumpsuits
Slipknot’s terrifying masks are a Halloween staple. Each band member’s mask is unique, which means you can choose your favorite or gather friends for a full rock band Halloween costume. Slipknot are legends in the world of metal, and their look is instantly recognizable. A Slipknot costume typically involves:
- A distinct mask of one of the members (Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, etc.). Some masks are grotesque, some more stylized, so you can pick what suits your budget and style. Want to make a mask yourself? Here’s a DIY Slipknot mask tutorial.
- A matching jumpsuit or coveralls, often dark or with Slipknot branding or patches, sometimes red or black
- Boots or heavy footwear
- Bonus: Accessories if desired (gloves, some dirt or grime to make it look lived-in)
Why it works: The masks alone are instantly recognizable and lean into Halloween’s horror aesthetic. It’s perfect for group costumes or viral TikTok content.
10. Hayley Williams & the Emo look
The return of mainstream emo makes Hayley Williams a perfect musician-inspired Halloween costume. Having been a style icon in the 2000s pop-punk/emo scene for years, her looks are both bold and expressive, which makes them perfect for Halloween. Her style can be recreated with:
- Bright hair: her orange/red hair is iconic and an instant standout. She has also done blondes, pastel highlights, and vivid color blocks for different eras (Riot! vs. After Laughter). Many Halloween stores offer wigs, or you can use temporary hair spray for the perfect emo hairstyle
- Strong eye makeup: smoky eyes, bold liner, sometimes color matching her hair or stage outfits
- Punk/emo clothing: skinny jeans or tight dark leggings, vintage band tees, plaid skirts, fishnets, ripped denim, Doc Martens or combat boots
- Bonus: Add accessories like studded belts, wristbands, chains, patches, maybe extra stage makeup (face paint, glitter)
Why it works: It’s an easy DIY music Halloween outfit that captures the nostalgic pop-punk vibe without needing a store-bought costume.
Some of these DIY music Halloween outfits can be pieced together at home (like emo girl Hayley Williams hair and Britney Spears with thrifted pieces), while others are easier to buy pre-made (like Slipknot masks or Freddie Mercury’s jacket).
Either way, you’ll make a recognizable Halloween costume appearance with any of these looks.
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