Take the Time to Dress as Gene Simmons This Halloween
The style of iconic rock stars makes for an instantly recognizable Halloween costume. Most are easy to put together, while some require more extensive costuming, but it's worth it to replicate the look of Elton John or Alice Cooper. Here are 20 rock star-inspired Halloween costumes.
1. Freddie Mercury
Mercury had one of the most iconic looks in rock history. All you need for a Freddie Mercury costume is a white tank top, tight jeans, and a fake mustache to replicate his Live Aid look. Just don't skimp on his trademark confidence when you arrive at the party.
2. Elton John
Load up on sequins, feathers, and oversized rhinestone glasses to dress as Elton John. Channel his glam rock appearance and energy with a sparkling suit and any piano-inspired accessory.
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3. David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust
Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look makes for a wildly inventive and memorable Halloween costume. Take your time to paint the lightning bolt across your face and then squeeze into a metallic jumpsuit and don a red and orange wig.
4. Kurt Cobain
If you have a flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and messy blonde hair, then you have your Kurt Cobain costume. Add a vintage grunge band tee, Converse sneakers, and find a toy guitar to carry around for the evening.
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5. Gene Simmons
If you're ready to commit and go all out, then paint your face in KISS's satanic makeup scheme and wear black leather, spikes, and platform boots. Try to complete your costume with a Gene Simmons-style wig. This costume is big, theatrical, and super loud.
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6. Ice Cube
Get a black Raiders cap, dark shirt, gold chain, and lots of serious attitude to look like Ice Cube this Halloween. Fingerless gloves are a nice touch, and you should also spend most of the night scowling. A perfect costume for hip-hop fans.
7. Prince
Prince lets you have some flamboyant fun with your Halloween costume. Find a ruffled white shirt, purple blazer, and curly wig to create one of rock's most enduring styles. Finish your costume with some eyeliner and practice your most confident smirk.
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8. Janis Joplin
Channel Janis Joplin to become one of rock's biggest and wildest personalities. You have to tap into your bohemian energy with layered jewelry, tinted round glasses, and get your hair nice and wavy. Flow tops and fringed vests will bring the costume together.
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9. Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger had a ton of swagger, and that makes him the perfect Halloween costume. All you need is tight pants, an open shirt, a scarf, and a microphone prop.
10. Stevie Nicks
To dress like Stevie Nicks for Halloween, wear a black dress, a lace shawl, and platform boots to capture her witchy and awesome style. This costume radiates elegance.
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11. Alice Cooper
While not as complicated as a Gene Simmons costume, dressing like Alice Cooper does require more production. You'll need black eyeliner, fake blood, gothic clothing, and a leather jacket.
12. Ozzy Osbourne
Get a long, dark wig, round sunglasses, and a black trench coat to dress as rock's Prince of Darkness. For fun, carry around a fake bat and wear as many heavy rings as you can. A gothic cross will also work well.
13. Joan Jett
To dress like one of rock's most premier and beloved talents, Joan Jett, you'll need tight leather pants, a black tank top, and a red scarf. Add some bold eyeliner and spike your hair to capture her rebellious look.
14. Madonna
If you want to dress as Madonna this Halloween, you'll have to pick from one of her many trademark looks. We'd go with fingerless lace gloves, layered necklaces, fishnets, and a messy bow headband. Add some bright lipstick and make sure to Vogue your way into the party.
15. Bono
This one is pretty simple, but still makes a great costume. Wear a leather jacket, wraparound sunglasses, and slicked black hair to capture Bono's effortlessly cool look. The best part if you might have most of this costume lying around your house, so it only takes minimal effort.
16. Jimi Hendrix
Vibrant shirts, patterned vests, and scarf headbands will help you dress in Jimi's trademark psychedelic look. Make sure to wear bell-bottoms to match his era-defining flair.
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17. Debbie Harry
To make the lead singer of Blondie your next Halloween costume, you'll need a platinum wig, mini dress, and smoky eyes. You'll look like a punk-rock goddess, especially if you complete your outfit with bright and bold red lipstick.
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18. Mick Mars
You can tap into your gothic hair metal persona and dress in a Mick Mars costume. You'll need a black trench coat, fingerless gloves, and pale makeup. Don't forget to tease your hair to achieve the dark glam-metal aesthetic that made Mick Mars so cool.
19. Steven Tyler
A Steven Tyler costume is a lot of fun to wear, especially if you like bold looks mixed with flamboyance. Just get a flowy scarf, a patterned shirt, and awesome flared pants, and you'll easily replicate Tyler's dynamic look that even non-Aerosmith fans would recognize.
20. Billy Idol
If you're going to dress as Billy Idol for Halloween, you need to go all in. Bleach your hair blonde (at your own risk), don a black leather jacket, and practice your snarl for hours in a mirror.