16 Red-Dress Halloween Costume Ideas

When it comes to Halloween costumes, you obviously want to nail your spooky (or stylish) look, but that doesn't mean practicality has to go out the window. If you're unsure of what to wear or who to dress up as, we recommend making use of a crimson-colored fashion item that's likely already a staple in your fall wardrobe: aka a classic red dress. A red-dress Halloween costume provides a wide range of styling options that'll allow you to easily look the part of your favorite pop culture figures or fictional characters this spooky season — and all on a budget, no less.

Landing on a costume idea for a red dress may seem daunting, but there are many reasons such a bold piece can work. The color alone exudes confidence, edge, and power, making red dresses a wardrobe staple. You can go the classic red-dress costume route with ideas like Pebbles from "The Flintstones" or Lydia Deetz from "Beetlejuice." Or you can get creative and channel an icon like Lil' Kim or a cartoon character like Didi Pickles from "Rugrats."

Need an extra push? Many costume options require a red dress while allowing you to stick to your authentic style. If you're obsessed with sultry silhouettes, take Heidi Klum as the perfect example. As the unofficial queen of Halloween, she's nailed the fiery color multiple times, including the Betty Boop spaghetti-strap dress she wore in 2002 and her jaw-dropping transformation into the iconic Jessica Rabbit in 2015. If you're a more laidback dresser, master Zoë Kravitz's tired vampire look with a simple silk robe, or channel the classic Little Red Riding Hood like Beyoncé did with a Carolina Herrera hooded minidress for her "Renaissance" World Tour. Want something more glamorous and red carpet ready? Opt for Christian Siriano's breathtaking gown when the designer dressed up as Sia back in 2020.

Ahead, you'll find plenty of unique red-dress costume ideas, plus affordable red dresses you'll want to purchase for this Halloween and beyond.