As Halloween rolls around once again, the familiar lineup of costumes floods stores and social media feeds: witches, vampires, superheroes, and characters from the latest blockbuster movie. While there’s nothing wrong with the classics, sometimes it’s fun to break away from the predictable and explore underrated costume ideas that offer creativity, humor, and a touch of the unexpected.
In 2024, why not go for something fresh and unique? Here’s a roundup of underrated Halloween costume ideas that are sure to make you stand out at any party or trick-or-treating event. These ideas range from pop culture-inspired outfits to quirky, DIY-friendly ensembles, proving that you don’t need to follow the crowd to capture attention. Here are underrated Halloween costumes in 2024 that you can choose as your own!
1. Obscure Nostalgic Characters
The world of pop culture is filled with icons, but some have faded into the background over the years, making them perfect for a surprise Halloween appearance. For 2024, consider bringing back beloved, yet overlooked, characters from the 1990s and early 2000s. Think of characters from old cartoons or TV shows that haven’t been heavily mined for costume ideas.
For example, a Reptar costume from Rugrats taps into a collective sense of nostalgia while avoiding the same old Disney or superhero routes. Similarly, dressing as Doug Funnie or Patti Mayonnaise from Doug offers a trip down memory lane with minimal effort. These costumes are simple but impactful, offering a combination of charm and “I remember that!” moments at any gathering.
2. Retro Futurism
Retro-futuristic themes, inspired by the idealized visions of the future from the 1950s to the 1980s, are back in fashion for Halloween 2024. Think of sleek silver jumpsuits, robot aesthetics, and bubble helmets. These costumes can be made with minimal materials but offer a strong visual punch. The beauty of retro-futuristic costumes is their flexibility—whether you go for the 50s UFO kitsch look or the edgy 80s cyberpunk, you’ll find there are plenty of ways to interpret this trend.
To really make an impact, try a DIY version of a retro robot or a space explorer with shiny fabrics, LEDs, and simple cardboard constructions. A Jetsons-inspired costume could also bring this theme to life with flair and humor. This is perfect for anyone looking to add a little sci-fi to their Halloween festivities, while steering clear of more obvious choices like Star Wars or Star Trek.
3. Historical Figures with a Twist
While historical figures can sometimes seem dry or overdone, putting a modern twist on these characters can be a fresh way to reinvent this costume genre. A great idea for 2024 is to choose a well-known figure from history and then combine their look with a pop-culture element.
For instance, you could dress up as Marie Antoinette in modern day (imagine an elaborate gown paired with modern accessories like an iPhone or Starbucks cup) or a vampiric Albert Einstein. These mashups add an unexpected layer of humor and creativity, making you not only the center of attention but also sparking conversations.
Another fun option could be a time-traveling Cleopatra who has just arrived in 2024, with a mix of ancient Egyptian fashion and futuristic accessories. The possibilities are endless, and these kinds of costumes offer both historical nods and creative license.
4. Food-Themed Costumes
Food-themed costumes are always a hit, but there are some that haven’t been tapped as much, giving you a chance to shine. Instead of opting for the usual pizza slice or hotdog, why not try something a bit more niche in 2024? Think about going as a sushi roll, complete with seaweed details and oversized chopsticks as an accessory, or dressing up as a bowl of ramen—a quirky, colorful costume with noodles, egg, and vegetables attached.
One food item that’s increasingly becoming popular but still underrated for Halloween is the avocado toast costume. The millennial favorite can be made fun with felt, a cardboard cutout, and paint, while still offering a recognizable (and tasty!) look. You can even pair this costume with others in a group for a full “breakfast” ensemble—imagine someone as a carton of orange juice or a coffee cup to round out the theme!
5. Minor Characters from Major Movies or Shows
Everyone wants to be the hero or villain from their favorite movie, but often, the supporting characters are the real gems. Going as a minor character can be a way to show off your deep knowledge of pop culture while standing out from the typical crowd.
For 2024, you could dress as Goose the cat from Captain Marvel, one of the most memorable, albeit minor, characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Or, consider a costume like Barb from Stranger Things—a cult-favorite character whose disappearance in the show is still a point of reference for fans. These types of costumes allow you to tap into a popular fandom while choosing a less obvious character, which makes them feel fresh.
Other ideas include lesser-known characters from blockbuster franchises like Agent Coulson from the MCU or Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts, who is often overlooked in favor of flashier characters like Dumbledore or Grindelwald. This is a great way to appeal to fans of the franchise without being yet another Harry Potter or Iron Man.
6. Internet Memes and Viral Trends
In 2024, internet memes and viral trends continue to provide endless inspiration for funny and timely costumes. Some of these are niche, but that’s part of the fun—those in the know will appreciate the reference, and you’ll likely be one of the few in your social circle to think of it.
Consider dressing up as one of the year’s viral moments, like a Viral Challenge Gone Wrong costume, where you can spoof the chaotic results of those TikTok or YouTube challenges. Alternatively, turn yourself into a Google Chrome “No Internet” dinosaur, which is instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever had their Wi-Fi go down.
A particularly unique idea is to embody a meme format—for example, you could recreate the popular Distracted Boyfriend meme with friends or dress as a Galaxy Brain version of yourself by creating a headpiece representing expanding levels of intellect. These internet-inspired costumes are not only funny but also a great way to show off your connection to digital culture.
7. Plant Life
Plants are often overlooked when it comes to costume inspiration, but in 2024, why not embrace the botanical trend? You could opt for a humorous Venus flytrap costume, with oversized teeth and a floral crown, or go for a more serene look with a cactus or potted plant ensemble.
One particularly fun idea is to dress up as a living houseplant, complete with a pot around your waist and branches or vines extending from your arms. You can accessorize with fake insects, plant labels, or watering cans for added effect. This costume offers plenty of room for creativity, allowing you to bring the outdoors to the Halloween party.
Conclusion: Underrated Halloween Costumes
As 2024 ushers in a new season of Halloween creativity, these underrated costume ideas offer a way to break free from the ordinary and showcase your originality. Whether you choose a nostalgic character, an offbeat meme, or a futuristic design, going for something less obvious will help you stand out from the sea of witches and superheroes. This year, let your imagination run wild and try one of these unexpected costumes to make a lasting impression at any Halloween gathering.
Happy haunting, and remember: the best costumes are the ones that surprise and delight!
