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20 Rock Star-Inspired Halloween Costumes


20 Rock Star-Inspired Halloween Costumes


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.

File:Elton John 2023.jpgRaph_PH on Wikimedia

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.

File:Freddie Mercury performing in New Haven, CT, November 1977.jpgCarl Lender on Wikimedia

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.

File:ELTON JOHN THE ROCKET MAN.jpgMustafa Doğan Özçelik on Wikimedia

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. 

File:David-Bowie Chicago 2002-08-08 photoby Adam-Bielawski-cropped.jpgAdam Bielawski on Wikimedia

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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. 

File:Nirvana around 1992 (cropped).jpgP.B. Rage from USA on Wikimedia

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.

File:Gene Simmons - Azkena Rock Festival 2010 4 (cropped).jpgAlberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Ice-Cube 2014-01-09-Chicago-photoby-Adam-Bielawski.jpgAdam Bielawski on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Prince at Coachella 001.jpgMicahmedia at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Janis Joplin 1970.JPGGrossman Glotzer Management Corporation on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Mick Jagger Deauville 2014.jpgGeorges Biard on Wikimedia

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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.

File:StevieNicks2.jpgStevieNicks.jpg: Matt Becker derivative work: Elsa Baye on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Alice Cooper-6443.jpgHarald Krichel on Wikimedia

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.

File:OzzyChangingHands02-20-2010.jpgF darkbladeus on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Joan Jett 2013.jpgToglenn on Wikimedia

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.

File:Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Stockholm (23051472299) (cropped).jpgchrisweger on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Bono U2 360 Tour 2011.jpgPeter Neill on Wikimedia

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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. 

File:Jimi Hendrix 1968.jpgWarner/Reprise Records Uploaded by We hope at en.wikipediaCrop by Crisco 1492 on Wikimedia

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.

File:Debbie Harry, circa January 1978.jpgBrian McLaughlin; Distributed by Chrysalis Records on Wikimedia

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.

File:Mötley Crüe - 2005.jpgAlec MacKellaig on Wikimedia

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.

File:Steven Tyler en concierto.jpgJoan017 on Wikimedia

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. 

File:Billy Idol 2012.JPGpossan on Wikimedia