We’re on a steady course towards fright night. Halloween is coming on October 31, which this year falls on a Friday.
While kids bashing your doorbell as they’re trick or treating all night will probably still take place on the allotted day, the vast majority of Halloween parties are likely to continue through the weekend afterwards: November 1 and 2.
And for Halloween parties, there is only one dress code to which all attendees must abide: fancy dress.
Whether you like it or not (and make no mistake: here at Standard Shopping, we’re firmly in the former camp), Halloween offers a rare opportunity to dress up and get your freak well and truly on.
While some favour the classics or literature-inspired characters, Halloween is a chance to bring some topical humour to the party. From the A-list to politicians to going as something out of Black Mirror (ChatGPT costume, anyone?), the only limit to fancy dress outfits is your imagination.
While a homemade outfit will always have a certain charm, not everyone has the time or skills required to craft their own piece. Luckily, there are plenty of ready-made costumes ready to go from online stores with delivery right to your doorstep. Sizing can vary, but if you’re plus size, have no fear - there are lots of options designed for the curvier reveller.
We’ve gathered the best into an edit to make them easier to shop. From much-loved storybook characters to classically scary Halloween nightmares, scroll on to see the selection.
Simply hit the ‘Buy it now’ button, find your size and wait for those Best Dressed awards to come rolling in.
Shop now
Huasean Funny Artist Costumes Famous Painting Costume
Sizes: One size
Mona Lisa’s smile is enigmatic, one that the whole world knows. But what secret is she hiding? Bring forward your interpretation with this fun costume that pays tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
Another version depicting Edvard Munch’s The Scream is available if you want to tick the Halloween brief more closely.
Get a group together and you could be the Louvre on the move.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Proumhang Green Hooded Cloak Maxi Cape
Sizes: S - 2XL
Made from high-quality velvet, this cape is your gateway to a world of fancy dress opportunities. Channel an evil Snow White, make like Frodo or play pretend you’re the latest member of House Slytherin. Heck, you could even go as a Traitor.
Available in a choice of jewel tones, the floor-length piece features a hood that’s large enough to obscure the top half of the face for extra mystery. It ties easily with a ribbon at the collar and leaves you free to wear what you like underneath. Hand wash only.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
PartyforU Medusa Snake Halo Crown
Bring to life the horrible Grecian myth of Medusa, who could turn humans to stone with just one look. This snake-themed headpiece does most of the heavy lifting - just pair with a forest green gown and smeared eyeliner for the final flourish.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Joanie Tori Diamond Print Balloon Sleeve Midaxi Dress
Sizes: 8 - 26
A Harlequin-style dress you can continue to wear long after fright night has been and gone, Joanie is one label that knows how to dress plus size well. Team with red accents - shoes, lips, bag - for an easy Halloween look. The bonus? The side pockets perfect for keeping trick or treat rewards.
Buy now £51.00, Joanie
Richolyn Winifred Sanderson Costumes Dress with Wig
Sizes: M - 3XL
For under £30 you too can transform into one of Hocus Pocus’ Sanderson sisters. This set includes the dress and a wig to complete the effect. Repurpose a cauldron as a handbag and you’ll be all set for trick or treating.
Buy now £29.69, Amazon
Ann Summers Air Hostess Outfit
Sizes: 4 - 24
From the Mean Girls’ school of Halloween dressing comes this risque costume. Sold at Ann Summers, it’s a bold look that requires a high altitude of confidence - but not a pilot’s licence. Fly high in this scarlet mini dress, which comes with an airman’s hat as an extra accessory.
Buy now £36.00, Ann Summers
Smiffys Zombie Nurse Plus Size Adult Women’s Costume
Sizes: 18 -30
Smiffys is one of the best names in the fancy dress business. The selection is huge, and there’s even a Curves collection for plus-size customers. Done right, topical costumes will always get a good laugh, but if you want an option you can roll out every Halloween, the classics are the best investment. Stray from the witches and ghosts path and opt for a zombie nurse instead. Channel an undead Nurse Ratchet and cackle with glee as all in your path run for cover.
Buy now £23.49, Smiffys
Wicked Costumes Adult Womens Storybook Alice Fancy Dress Costume
Sizes: XS - 2XL
Tumble down the rabbit hole of fancy dress options at this retailer and prepare to be awed by the wonderland of choices. If you’re hoping to emulate one of fiction’s greatest characters Alice in Alice in Wonderland, this ensemble will get you there.
The puff-sleeve sky blue dress comes with a pleated skirt and white apron detail on the front, but you’ll need to find the other accessories - stockings and a blonde wig if required - to leave revellers in no doubt as to who you are.
Buy now £25.80, Amazon
Halloween Costumes Plus Size Women's Little Mermaid Prestige Ursula Costume
Sizes: 2XL - 5XL
Make like one of Disney's best baddies in this Ursula get-up from The Little Mermaid. The set comes with an undershirt, necklace, the dress itself and an inflatable overlay that is unquestionably the star of the show.
Buy now £90.99, Halloween Costumes
