Join the Freak Show With These ‘American Horror Story’ Halloween Costumes
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If you're a ~true~ American Horror Story stan, you know that Halloween is arguably the most important day for all spirits and ghosts. Pretty consistently throughout the different AHS seasons, ghosts are bound to the property they die on. However, on Halloween, and Halloween only (as depicted by Murder House), the spirits are free to roam wherever they may choose. Come October 31, you better be on the lookout for Hypodermic Sally — I heard she's just *itching* to check out from her extended stay at hotel ghost.
Sorry to be blunt, but Sally is the least of your worries. I guess I forgot to mention the blood-sucking vamps and immortal witches — oh, and remember the murderous clown? Ladies and gents — and people everywhere — it's time to play the monsters of American Horror Story at their own game this Halloween. That's why I've put together a list of the most iconic characters — and their signature looks — so you can recreate some of your faves yourself. Without further ado, I present to you the final act: 15 American Horror Story costume ideas that'll steal the show.
And JSYK, I'm not someone who believes in buying clothes for one-time wear and one-time wear only. Heck, if I'm gonna drop my $$$ on a costume, I expect to get some pretty decent use out of it. So bank on using some pieces from these costumes well beyond Halloween.
The Countess
Season: Hotel
Personality: Considering that The Countess is a 112-year-old vampire and owner of Hotel Cortez, you better believe she's got some clout. I mean, it's Lady Gaga, what do you expect?! Although she is caring, as witnessed from a few of her kind actions throughout the season, the Countess is constantly searching for love and validation, contributing to her jealousy and manipulation.
Costume Notes: If you're going as the Countess, your costume can be nothing short of fabulous. Though this Ronny Kobo dress is $$$, it nails the look perfectly. If you feel sick just looking at the price tag — because, like, who has 500 bucks — we found two similar, more affordable-ish (stress on "ish") dresses at Revolve, but really any purple/pink maxi dress will do. See, Norma Kamali: Elliot Dress & Diana Gown. Don't come for me, I mean it's the Queen herself. I had to ball out. And you can rewear it again for a fab cocktail party.
Hypodermic Sally
Season: Hotel
Personality: Hypodermic Sally was murdered in 1994 and has been stuck in Hotel Cortez ever since — oh, and she's got a bit of a drug problem. If you haven't caught on, she isn't the happiest resident in hotel ghost. Sally is very disheveled in both appearance and personality, and you can catch her sporting her cheetah print jacket often. Why? Well, because she died in it.
Costume Notes: If you're going as Sally, this is the outfit to rep her in. In order to really nail her signature look, make sure you crimp your hair wildly and add some dark smudged makeup. You know, like if you slept in your makeup overnight after a few too many. (Me? Never!)
If you're really up for it, throw in a few fake cries here and there.
Montana Duke
Season: 1984
Personality: Montana Duke has deep-rooted insecurity issues, which you discover through her character progression. You can catch her constantly doing aerobics (it is the 1980s, after all), speaking her mind, flirting with those who catch her eye, and unapologetically exploring her sexuality.
Costume Notes: Montana Duke is played by none other than Billie Lourd. She has an edgy style and nails the '80s to a T. Leather, fringe, animal print, headbands, leotards — you name it! Blow out your bangs and throw on some intense eye makeup.
Liz Taylor
Season: Hotel
Personality: Liz Taylor finally feels comfortable expressing who she is, thanks to the encouragement of no other than the Countess herself. The Countess pushes Liz to embrace her true self instead of living life as her closeted, former self. Liz is a caring and gracious ghost, and even arguably the kindest of all AHS characters.
Costume Notes: Liz goes all out when it comes to her appearance. Statement jewelry, an intense eye makeup look, and colorful ~sparkly~ clothes are her forte. Don't hold back when doing your glam.
Madison Montgomery
Season: Coven & Apocalypse
Personality: Party girl Madison — who also happens to be a powerful witch — is a beautiful young woman thrown into the starlight at quite a young age. Because of this and other childhood issues, Madison appears troubled due to her overconfident and narcissistic qualities.
Costume Notes: The pretty young witch is ~highly~ fashionable. She usually appears in all-black sunglasses, dresses, and hats. To nail her look, ensure that your golden hair is perfectly done, have an expression that says don't talk to me, and hold a (fake) cigarette in hand.
Ramona Royale
Season: Hotel
Personality: Ramona is a confident and power-hungry vampire who wants nothing more than to get revenge on the Countess for a past tragedy.
Costume Notes: The vamp likes to make a statement — she was a 1970s movie star after all. Channel your own Ramona Royale with a bright blue jumpsuit, cropped fur jacket, flashy accessories, and the perfect pout.
Gabriel
Season: Hotel
Personality: Gabriel is commonly known for a disturbing, questionable, and gruesome scene in AHS that directly relates to his unfortunate relationship with drugs. He is always chasing a high, in fact, that's how he found himself at Hotel Cortez.
Costume Notes: Similar to Sally, make sure you sport the disheveled look if you're going to dress as Gabriel. In addition to the outfit below, spike your hair up with lots of gel, and top it off with some temporary blonde hair color spray to achieve Gabriel's signature bleached hair look.
Twisty The Clown
Season: Freak Show
Personality: Although Twisty doesn't speak much, he still ranks as one of the most frightening characters on the show. He is a clown of few words, but he is creepy as hell. You know, because he tends to murder people.
Costume Notes: Twisty's signature is his prosthetic smile used to hide his missing jaw. The mask below is perfect, well because, hello COVID, and hello Twisty. His clown costume is filthy. Although this one we picked below is a pretty good match, it wouldn't hurt to dirty it up a bit more. (Think: mud, fake blood.) Put your hair in three messy buns on top of your head, and use the green hair wax to get his signature locks — or opt for a wig to make it easier. Complete the look with some intense clown makeup and lots of fake blood.
Myrtle Snow
Season: Coven
Personality: If you watched Coven, you know that Ms. Myrtle is itching to destroy Fiona, but you also know that she is a high-class lady and everyone is aware of it.
Costume Notes: If you want to portray this fashionista with fiery hair, you likely need a slight closet upgrade. Switch your crop tops out for a victorian look and some big cat eyeglasses. Oh, and if you go with the wig, make sure you brush it out and tame any strays. Myrtle wouldn't be caught dead with a messy do.
Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt
Season: Apocalypse
Personality: She's a young woman who is entitled and privileged — and sure as hell acts like it. I mean, she's a Vanderbilt and a daughter of a billionaire, after all. Her bossiness and actions of superiority only get her so far.
Costume Notes: I'm NGL, Ms. Coco was pretty damn hard to shop for. I mean, how are you supposed to drop a few hundred on a purple ball gown and expect to wear it again?! So, we had to offer a few more options for this look. Of course, a few options for the classic ballgown ~lewk~ made the list, but if you're looking for versatility and more use, consider opting for a purple skirt and corset-inspired top. Just be sure to really dress it up with accessories that match her character. For the icing on the cake, buy some extra hold hair spray, because you're gonna need it in order to nail her intense updo.
Dandy Mott
Season: Freak Show
Personality: The guy is gorgeous, let's be honest. But he finds that his outwardly looks don't match his personality. He strives to join the circus freak show, but ultimately is denied. Desperate to fit in somewhere, he turns into a murderous nightmare.
Costume Notes: Ah, Mr. Dandy Mott, everyone. Though he looks like a man, he dresses and acts like a child. His mother spoiled him so much that he still plays with children's toys at an adult age. Other than that, he has psychopathic tendencies. To nail this look, opt for clothing that represents a circus man-child. Use strong hair gel and dust bright pink blush on your cheeks.
Moira O'Hara
Season: Murder House
Personality: Moira was a beautiful young woman constantly taken advantage of by married men's wandering eyes. So much so that it ultimately led to her death. She appears as a young sexy maid to the men that possess such unfaithful qualities and a tired old maid to those who truly see who she is inside. She is desperate to be free of her life as a trapped ghost after years of sadness.
Costume Notes: Sure, a sexy maid is a cliche Halloween costume, but a dead and sexy Moira O'Hara maid costume ~technically~ does not fall into said stereotype. Plus, if the classic college-sexy-party-gal isn't so much your memo anymore, you can always dress up as a dead and old Moira O'Hara — just lengthen the dress, button-up, and hide the garters. But don't worry, you can keep the fiery red hair alive.
Sister Mary Eunice
Season: Asylum
Personality: Sister Mary Eunice starts as an innocent and caring nun. As the show progresses, she becomes possessed and quite literally crazy and sadistic.
Costume Notes: Another can-be-sexy Halloween costume is none other than the nun. Sister Mary Eunice appears in a classic nun costume, complete with a large cross necklace. If you want to spice it up, IDK maybe for later 😏, slip on a red lingerie set to channel her iconic dancing scene.
Elsa Mars
Season: Freak Show
Personality: Elsa Mars is an evil boss-ass bitch (she does run the show, after all). A thick German accent is a must if you're planning on pulling Elsa off.
Costume Notes: If you're going to dress as the iconic Elsa Mars, you might as well recreate her most iconic look from the season. A bright blue suit, complete with matching eyeshadow, a berry lip, and perfect finger waves, will have you prepared to run the circus yourself.
Coven Witches
Season: Coven
Personality: They're a group of Salem witches — they all may have different personalities, but every one of them knows they're powerful AF. This would make an incredible group costume.
Costume Notes: The Coven clan isn't your regular run-of-the-mill scary, broom-riding witches you see in the fairytales. Instead, they switch their pointy hats for fur-trimmed caps, capes for chic dresses, and an all-black ensemble (sometimes complete with a bit of gold shimmer here and there).
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