30s Halloween Costume Ideas In 2023
When it comes to Halloween, one way to stand out and embrace a touch of nostalgia is by donning a 1930s Halloween costume.
Author:Emily SanchezReviewer:Elisa MuellerOct 09, 2023661 Shares132.2K Views
When it comes to Halloween, one way to stand out and embrace a touch of nostalgia is by donning a 1930s Halloween costume.
The 1930s, characterized by the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, the era of gangsters and flappers, and the influence of the Great Depression, offers a rich tapestry of costume ideas.
Whether you're looking to channel the elegance of classic film stars or capture the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, this guide will provide you with creative inspiration and tips for creating an authentic 1930s-inspired Halloween costume.
Explore the world of vintage fashion and iconic characters of the era to make your Halloween celebration truly unforgettable.
30s Halloween Costume
Many classic Halloween costumes may be traced back to the classic horror films of the 1930s, such as Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, The Mummy, and The Black Cat.
A pair dressed as Bonnie and Clyde would make a great gangster duo, and glamorous costumes from the golden age of Hollywood would add a touch of class.
Some of the most recognizable 1930s Halloween costumes are based on cartoon characters. While the Indiana Jones appearance is more often associated with guys, it is readily modified for women to wear as a costume.
There are a lot of cool retro-inspired options for 1930s Halloween costumes. The vast majority of these retro outfits are store-bought variations on traditional Halloween garb.
The 1930s were a golden age for cinema and television in the United States and Europe. Films like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered. The 1920s were also the decade in which Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy became household names.
What about this lovely Snow White Dress if you're shopping for a feminine 1930s ensemble? Both a Land Girl outfit from the 1930s and a Dorothy outfit would work well!
The selection of men's 1930s costumes includes anything from faithful recreations of the Laurel and Hardy outfits to garb inspired by the Seven Dwarfs from the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs movies.
Best 30s Halloween Costume
Here are some '30s Halloween costume ideas that will transport you to a glamorous bygone era.
Old Hollywood Starlet
The 1930s were a time of cinematic magic, and the Hollywood starlets of the era were known for their timeless beauty and style.
Emulate the likes of Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, or Greta Garbo by donning a floor-length satin gown, a faux fur stole, and a dazzling statement necklace. Complete the look with classic finger waves in your hair and a bold red lip.
Gangster Or Flapper
The '30s were notorious for the Prohibition era, giving rise to gangsters and flappers. For a gangster look, wear a pinstripe suit, a fedora, and carry a toy Tommy gun.
To channel your inner flapper, opt for a fringe dress, a feathered headband, and a long strand of pearls. Both choices capture the essence of the era's rebellious spirit.
Art Deco Enthusiast
The Art Deco movement was at its peak in the 1930s, characterized by geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation. Dress up in an Art Deco-inspired gown or suit featuring bold patterns and metallic accents.
Accessorize with statement jewelry, like oversized earrings or a geometric brooch, to embrace the opulence of the era.
Classic Detective
Channel the mystery and intrigue of the 1930s detective novel by becoming a classic detective like Hercule Poirot or Sam Spade.
Wear a tailored suit or trench coat, complete with a magnifying glass, a vintage pipe, and a notepad to jot down clues. Add a fedora to complete the iconic detective look.
Bonnie And Clyde
For a couples' costume idea, Bonnie and Clyde are a legendary duo from the '30s. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious outlaws known for their crime spree.
Dress in '30s-style clothing, with Bonnie in a beret and Clyde in a suit. Accessorize with toy guns and a vintage getaway car cardboard cutout for a memorable ensemble.
Vintage Aviator
Embrace the adventurous spirit of the 1930s with a vintage aviator costume. Wear a leather bomber jacket, aviator goggles, and a pilot's cap. Don't forget the iconic scarf, which billows in the wind as you soar through the Halloween skies.
Great Gatsby-Inspired
The Roaring Twenties may have ended in 1929, but the glamour and extravagance spilled over into the early '30s.
Get inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" by wearing a flapper-style dress with intricate beadwork, a feathered headband, and long gloves. Men can opt for a sharp suit, slicked-back hair, and a pocket square.
Old-Timey Magician
The 1930s were a time when magicians were captivating audiences with their illusions. Transform into a vintage magician with a black tailcoat, a white shirt, a bowtie, and a top hat. Accessorize with a magic wand and a deck of cards for a touch of mystery.
Vintage Sailor
The '30s were also marked by the romance of sea travel. Dress as a vintage sailor with a sailor suit, complete with a sailor hat and a sailor collar. Add a toy anchor to complete the nautical look.
Classic Hollywood Director
If you'd rather be behind the scenes, go as a classic Hollywood director. Wear a suit, carry a vintage-style megaphone, and don't forget the iconic director's beret. You'll be ready to shout "Action!" and "Cut!" at your Halloween party.
Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Women
Piñata Costume Dress
Dazzle in Color with this Piñata Dress - $80 at Tipsy Elves
Unleash your inner party spirit with this vibrant piñata dress! Featuring a hidden full front zipper for convenience, practical pockets, playful ribbon fringe, and a delightful hood adorned with attached horns, this costume is a fiesta waiting to happen.
Jenna Rink '13 Going On 30' Costume
Step into the World of Chick Flicks - $22 at Amazon
For any chick flick enthusiast, the Jenna Rink costume from '13 Going On 30' is an instant classic. Get ready to inspire some re-watching of this beloved film with your iconic transformation.
Vivian From 'Pretty Woman' Costume
Elegance and Glamour Await - $50 at Halloween Costumes
Cue the iconic Roy Orbison tune "Pretty Woman" as you make a grand entrance at the Halloween soiree dressed as Vivian. This costume includes a dress, a chic jacket, and an elegant hat. Alternatively, channel her opera look with some costume rubies for added flair.
Barbie Cowgirl Costume
Disco Cowgirl Delight - Now 12% Off, $44 at Amazon
Drawing inspiration from Margot Robbie in the Barbie movie, this disco cowgirl outfit promises to be this season's hottest costume. The ensemble comes complete with a stylish top, trendy pants, and a fashionable scarf.
Morticia Addams Costume
Embrace Elegance in Darkness - $38 at Amazon
Become the Queen of Halloween as you channel Morticia Addams from The Addams Family. This retro, off-the-shoulder velvet dress perfectly captures her essence, and happy customers rave about its excellent fit.
Medusa Costume
Turn Heads with a Shimmery Gaze - Now 25% Off, $37 at Amazon
Strike fear into the hearts of onlookers with this enchanting Medusa costume, shimmering with an impressive 2-piece headset that adds a touch of authenticity to your transformation.
Mad Hatter Costume
A Wonderland of Enchantment - Now 35% Off, $55 at Amazon
For those seeking a show-stopping costume, the Mad Hatter look is the answer. Praised by many reviewers as "the perfect fit," this 5-piece ensemble includes everything you need to stand out, except for stockings and shoes.
Daenerys Targaryen From 'Game Of Thrones'
Embrace the Mother of Dragons - $56 at Amazon
With Game of Thrones and its prequel, House of the Dragon, captivating audiences, there's no better time to become Daenerys Targaryen. This graceful grey chiffon dress comes with a matching brooch and arm cuffs, although reviewers caution about sizing.
Cozy Black Bat Costume
Cute and Comfortable - Now 25% Off, $49 at Amazon
Searching for a costume that's both adorable and cozy? Look no further than this low-maintenance, snug black bat costume. Reviewers note that it's slightly longer than expected, ensuring a comfortable and stylish Halloween.
Hippie Costume
Groove Back to the '70s - $37 at Amazon
Transport yourself back to the '70s with this peace-loving Hippie costume. All you need are the right shoes and some good vibes to complete the look. Reviewers praise its cuteness and overall fun factor. It's a costume that's hard to beat!
Couples' 1930s-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas
Here are some couples' 1930s-themed Halloween costume ideas that will allow you and your partner to embrace the glamour and nostalgia of that era:
- Bonnie and Clyde -Emulate the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Dress as a stylish gangster and his gun moll, complete with pinstripe suits, fedoras, and a vintage car prop.
- Old Hollywood Stars -Go as a classic Hollywood power couple from the 1930s. Dress as iconic stars like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Don't forget the glitz and glamour of Hollywood attire.
- The Great Gatsby -Transport yourselves to the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel. One partner can dress as Jay Gatsby in a sharp suit, while the other can channel Daisy Buchanan with a flapper dress, pearls, and a feathered headband.
- 1930s Gangster and Showgirl -One of you can portray a dapper gangster with a pin-striped suit and a Tommy gun prop, while the other can be a glamorous showgirl in a sequined costume, feathered headdress, and long gloves.
- Fred and Ginger -Pay homage to the legendary dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Dress in elegant ballroom attire, with your partner in a dashing tuxedo and you in a flowing gown, and practice some classic dance moves.
- Vintage Detectives -Become a pair of 1930s detectives, inspired by characters like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Dress in tweed suits, carry a magnifying glass, and solve mysteries together at your Halloween party.
- Old-Time Radio Stars -Revisit the golden age of radio by dressing up as radio stars of the 1930s. One of you can be the suave radio announcer in a suit, while the other can be the glamorous radio show host in a vintage dress.
- Aviators of the Era -Celebrate the spirit of aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. Dress as adventurous aviators in leather bomber jackets, pilot caps, and goggles.
- Vintage Circus Performers -Bring the circus to your Halloween party with vintage circus-themed costumes. One partner can be a ringmaster in a top hat and tails, while the other can be an acrobat or clown in colorful attire.
- Bogie and Bacall -Channel the iconic Hollywood couple Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Dress as the legendary Bogie in a trench coat and fedora, and Bacall in a glamorous evening gown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Famous 1930s Movie-inspired Halloween Costumes?
Embrace the glitz and glamour of the 1930s with movie-inspired Halloween costumes. Channel your inner silver screen star by dressing up as iconic figures like Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, or Mae West. These timeless Hollywood legends can be great sources of inspiration for your 1930s Halloween costume.
How Can I Create A DIY 1930s Gangster Costume For Halloween?
Creating a DIY 1930s gangster costume is easier than you might think. Start with a pinstripe suit, a fedora hat, and a toy Tommy gun. Add a fake cigar and a tough-guy attitude, and you'll be ready to step into the shoes of a Prohibition-era gangster for Halloween.
What Makeup Looks Complement A 1930s Flapper Costume?
To complete your 1930s flapper costume, consider makeup styles that were popular during the era. Dark, smokey eyes, bold red lips, and exaggerated cupid's bows were all the rage. Don't forget to add some shimmer to your eyes and cheeks for that classic flapper glam.
Can You Suggest Some Accessories To Enhance A 1930s Halloween Costume?
Accessories play a vital role in perfecting your 1930s Halloween costume. Consider adding a long pearl necklace, a feathered headband, or a vintage-style clutch purse to elevate your look. These accessories can add authenticity and charm to your 1930s ensemble.
What Are Some Ideas For Couples' 1930s-themed Halloween Costumes?
If you're attending a Halloween party as a couple, there are plenty of fantastic 1930s-themed costume ideas to choose from. You could go as a gangster and his moll, a Hollywood starlet and her leading man, or even famous historical couples from the 1930s. These coordinated costumes will make you the talk of the party and capture the essence of the era.
Final Words
A 1930s Halloween costume allows you to transport yourself to a bygone era of sophistication and style while celebrating the spirit of Halloween.
Whether you choose to embody the glamour of Hollywood legends, the allure of flapper fashion, or the mysterious allure of a gangster persona, the 1930s offers a treasure trove of costume ideas.
By carefully selecting the right clothing, accessories, and makeup, you can bring the essence of this captivating decade to life.
So, as the Halloween season approaches, consider stepping back in time to the 1930s and adding a touch of vintage elegance to your festivities.
With creativity and attention to detail, your 1930s-inspired costume is sure to leave a lasting impression at any Halloween gathering.
Emily Sanchez
Author
Emily Sanchez, a Fashion Journalist who graduated from New York University, brings over a decade of experience to her writing. Her articles delve into fashion trends, celebrity culture, and the fascinating world of numerology.
Emily's unique perspective and deep industry knowledge make her a trusted voice in fashion journalism.
Outside of her work, she enjoys photography, attending live music events, and practicing yoga for relaxation.
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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