I don’t know about you, but Halloween is the one night of the year when planning goes way into overdrive. And yes, I’m talking about Halloween costume planning. Those Pinterest boards? Overflowing. The TikTok inspo videos? Endless. The group chat debates? A little heated. We’ve all been there. And if you’re boo’d up this spooky season, I know the urge to go full-on “couples costume goals” hits hard. But what happens when your partner really doesn’t want to dress up this Halloween?
There’s always that one problem: your partner (boyfriend, girlfriend, situationship, or “we’re just seeing where it goes” person) wants absolutely nothing to do with it. When I brought up matching costumes this year, my partner looked me dead in the eye and said, “Can’t I just wear my regular clothes?” Excuse me? It’s Halloween, not just any Friday night.
Listen, I get it. Not everyone dreams of coordinating outfits or wearing fake blood in public, and that’s okay. Was I a little devastated? Maybe. But trust and believe we’re still celebrating Halloween together, and yes, we’re dressing up. So, if your boo’s also allergic to costumes, I’ve got you. These 20 looks are festive, low-effort, and partner-proof, so even the most costume-phobic cutie can’t complain. They’re easy to throw together last-minute, and you can literally pull from what you already have and just run with it — because love means dragging them into the costume theme anyway.
- Beanie Babies
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Be a party animal (literally). All you need are fuzzy fits and a little red TY tag. Bonus points if you both pick animals that vaguely resemble your zodiac signs.
- Black Cat and Golden Retriever
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You’ve argued over who’s who in the relationship since date three, so why not bring it to life on Halloween night? One’s mysterious and unbothered, the other’s tail-waggingly obsessed. Here’s your chance to make it canon.
- Brokeback Mountain
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Dust off those cowboy hats and embrace the homoerotic tension. It’s giving “I wish I knew how to quit you,” and maybe or maybe not that’s about making your partner still dress up. Sorry, not sorry.
- Bugs
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Wing it with some last-minute bumblebees, butterflies, ladybugs, etc. All you need are wings and maybe a little buzz (wink).
- Challengers
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Athleisure, but horny. Any gym fit works — you know you still have that tennis skirt from that 2022 era. Channel your inner messy polycule energy both on and off the courts (of love).
- Charli xcx and Troye Sivan
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Is that a gay guy? Nope. Not just any gay guy, homie. That’s just Troye Sivan and his pop princess partner in crime. Serve club rat energy and pretend you’re in an SNL sketch gone too far.
- Flower and Gardner
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One of you blossoms, the other waters. Is it a metaphor for emotional labor? Maybe. Is it cute? Absolutely. Codependency, but make it photosynthesized.
- Firefighter and Dalmatian
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Stop, drop, and roll into the party. It’s giving “hot and bothered.” Bonus points if your partner barks on command (or just at men). Woof.
- Jake from State Farm (or Alex from Target)
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All you need is a red shirt, khakis, and unearned charisma. Perfect for your partner who refuses to “do costumes.” Insurance premiums and slay guaranteed.
- Katseye
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My milkshake brings all the Halloween fits to the yard — with a denim-on-denim moment. Double jean? Double trouble.
- Kevin James
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Flannel? Check. Dad jeans? Check. Your stances? Iconic. Do it for the memes. I mean, mems.
- Kim Possible and Ron Danger
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What’s the sitch? Just saving Halloween (and maybe your situationship) again with some cargo pants.
- Labubus
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All I have to say is fuzzy sweats, matching sets, and delulu confidence.
- Mailman and Love Letter
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Special delivery: you two looking dangerously adorable. Fragile content — handle with care (and consent).
- Performative Males
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Seen at every liberal arts college as of late. Grab a tote bag, a “I read banned books” sticker, and your everyday Depop fit. Now go mansplain gender theory ironically.
- SIMS
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Cut out a green diamond, tape it to your head, and start glitching mid-sentence. WooHoo optional.
- The Bear
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“Yes, chef.” That’s it. Throw on an apron (preferably blue), look stressed, and mumble something about how your dining hall’s dinner “just isn’t working.”
- The Chipmunks and Chipettes
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You don’t need the Witch Doctor to doctor your Halloween fit. Grab a hoodie in red, blue, green, pink, or purple, and boom — you’re Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor.
- Tourists
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Do you have a fanny pack and some socks with sandals? Pair those with some awkward enthusiasm, and maybe ask “where’s the bathroom?” every 10 minutes.
- (Wo)Men in Black
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Protecting the vibes, not the galaxy. Sunglasses and suits required. Neuralyzer sold separately; don’t forget.
At the end of the day, these 20 couples’ costumes are for the real ones — the lovers, the haters, and the “I’m only doing this because you asked nicely” partners. They’re easy and low-effort because sometimes, the scariest thing about Halloween isn’t the ghosts, it’s convincing your partner to wear literally anything else.