As the smell of pumpkin spice wafts from every coffee shop on campus, stores stock up on candy corn, and campus gets the slightest bit chillier (who am I kidding, Orlando never does), it is officially time to start planning your Halloween costume! Whether you’re a theatre kid at heart or are simply looking for a creative costume, here’s a top 10 list to help you bring musical theatre magic to your own outfit.
- Belle and the Beast (from Beauty and the Beast)
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It’s a tale as old as time with these two. Starting off the list are Belle and the Beast. What I adore about them is their near-perfect color compatibility. The royal blue and golden yellow are almost complete opposites, and incredibly vibrant. However, these two sit at the top of the list because their popularity means you’ll probably run into three or four lookalikes on Halloween night.
@victoriaahinojosa via Instagram - Elphaba and Fiyero (from Wicked)
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Another rather popular choice is Elphaba and Fiyero, especially following the Wicked movies. I fell in love with these characters in seventh grade, and their story holds such a place in my heart. No good deed goes unpunished, so don’t skip out on dressing up like this duo.
Their color palette is so rich, with all the emerald and gold. Elphaba’s all-black attire does an amazing job of muting Fiyero’s stark white and gold-accented guard uniform. Their split-complementary value contrast creates a visually striking balance that naturally draws the eye to the two. However, with their popularity, you’re sure to see a few more of them roaming around this Halloweekend. A good twist on the pair may be to have Fiyero as his scarecrow self!
@kaikestis via Instagram - Bonnie and Clyde (from Bonnie and Clyde)
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Well, the absolute best way to remember Bonnie and Clyde! I adore vintage-style clothing, and the backstory behind this costume sure is a kicker. “Why do you look like you’ve been shot at several times?”
If one remembers how Bonnie and Clyde met their end, it makes an interesting story starter that is sure to spark fun conversations at any party. As for the costume itself, these clothes are much simpler to acquire, with mostly vintage-looking colors of faded tweed, browns, and terracotta. The only thing you might have trouble finding is a pair of suspenders and SFX makeup if you would like to recreate Bonnie and Clyde’s demise. For its cost-effectiveness and historical reference, this duo lands at an eight.
@Louison_blivet via Instagram - Danny and Sandy (from Grease)
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As the caption says, you’re the one that I want, and I want you to try a fun, theatre-based costume. Growing up, I remember my family dressing up as Grease characters for Halloween one year (I was a Pink Lady), so this one is yet another classic. This look is so simple if you choose Sandy’s end character arc with the black leather-on-leather, and Danny’s leather with the T-Bird jacket, instantly capturing that effortless retro cool. This one makes No. 7 on the list; not only is it iconic, but it is also a super quick-and-easy outfit if you’re a bit late choosing a costume.
@halstonsage via Instagram - Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett (from Sweeney Todd)
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While this duo may not have been an actual couple in the musical (it’s for good reason too—Mrs. Lovett literally lies to Todd about his wife and causes most of his revenge arc and terrible ideas…), they’re absolutely worth noting as a great couples costume, with their dark, gothic palette. It’s very spooky, very Halloween.
The reason the two of them fit so well together, chromatically, is due to the fact that they both have different types of desaturation. Todd’s is a cool, monochrome tone, while Lovett’s is a warmer, Victorian style. As a former member of my high school’s musical theatre troupe and actor in our version of Sweeney Todd, I 110 percent recommend dressing up in this gothic, Victorian-era style at least once in your life; I assure you, you’ll “Lovett!”
@yurisisson via Instagram - Orpheus and Eurydice (from Hadestown)
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One of the most famous songs in this musical may be “Wait For Me,” but I can assure you, nobody is waiting for you to cosplay as this tragic couple; they’ll already be doing it themselves. Orpheus and Eurydice are one of my absolute favorite theatre couples, and with the pro-shot having been released over the summer, everyone will know exactly who you are. Their tale is indescribably beautiful and tragic (yes…I did cry in the theater as one of my best friends—dressed as Orpheus—laughed at me). I adore how their clothing is rather vintage and bohemian, perfectly matching their folk-inspired journey. If you decide to take this path, don’t look back, and be sure to remember the signature carnation.
@lambeydoescosplay via Instagram - Morticia and Gomez (from The Addams Family)
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Morticia and Gomez have been the face of undying love on social media for ages. I’ve even heard of the “Gomez test,” where one asks themselves if what someone is doing is something Gomez would do to Morticia. With their undying love and black-and-white, spooky appearances, the two of them are already in the spirit of Halloween, making them a timelessly effortless choice for any spooky celebration. That’s what places the pair at a perfect four.
@ariderion via Instagram - Phantom and Christine (from Phantom of the Opera)
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This pairing is so dramatic that I cannot even explain it! Everyone loves the mystery of a man in a mask, and the pair are so insanely high-contrast that they fit perfectly together. Christine’s soft white and light pink are highlighted by Phantom’s dark tones, creating a gorgeous theatrical duality on stage or at a party. And who doesn’t love a ghost story during the time of spirits?
@gift1dea via Instagram - JD and Veronica (from Heathers)
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Due to this musical, I cannot walk into a 7-Eleven like a normal person. JD and Veronica are another one of the more high-contrast couples, but they’re No. 2 because of their obsession with each other, which gives off an edgy, rebellious aesthetic that stands out in a crowd. And although this is rather controversial to say, JD, I would freeze my brain with you any day (I just…really like slurpees.)
@erii.coss via Instagram - Persephone and Hades (from Hadestown)
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Last but certainly not least, Hades and Persephone. These two are my all-time favorite in the history of theatre couples! The color contrast between Persephone’s lively green dress and flowers and Hades’ somber, coal tones…I have no words.
Those two are literally opposites: her representing life and him, the dead. Their arc, with how passionate their love could be, can be, has been, and hopefully soon will be, is just wonderful and amazing. Yes, I am extremely biased in putting these two at No. 1, but who can blame me? As someone who dressed up as a version of Persephone to see the Hadestown pro-shot, I am just in love with the bright vibes. Even more so, the story behind the pair truly cements them as the ultimate theatrical romance.
@ceekayecosplays via Instagram
Whether you choose a classic Broadway romance or a dark, tragic duet, these couple costumes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight this Halloween!