The days are getting colder, and nights getting darker, which can only mean one thing: gay Christmas is coming. That’s right, it’s just about time for Halloween, and if you’re struggling to find inspiration for your killer 2023 queer costume, look no further – we’ve got you covered.

From old classics to soon-to-be favourites, this list of ideas is sure to have something for everyone!

Barbies and Kens

Not only has the Barbie movie solidified itself as a record-breaking success, it has also provided inspiration for what we anticipate will be some of the most popular costumes this Halloween. Whether you want to be a Barbie, Ken or Allan, the possibilities are endless.

Perhaps our favourite costume option is Weird Barbie. For this, you’ll need a puffy pink dress, whacky hairdo and colourful face paint to recreate Kate McKinnon’s unforgettable look.

Gay Cowboy

Gay cowboys have been making a comeback this year, much to the delight of queer fans. From Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke in A Strange Way of Life to Jack and Ennis in the theatre adaptation of Brokeback Mountain, there’s no shortage of inspiration for this costume!

Simply wear a cowboy hat, neckerchief and boots along with a flannel shirt tucked into a pair of tight denim jeans to achieve the look.

Wednesday

While dressing up as Wednesday Addams is not a new concept, the success of the 2022 Netflix series makes this an even more timely option. To best represent the iconic character, you’ll need a black outfit (preferably a dress with a white collar), paired with long plaits and a very serious expression.

Elvira

The Mistress of the Dark is as topical as ever, and her look is a truly iconic one… but that doesn’t mean it’s unattainable for us mere mortals.

To get that signature Elvira vibe, all you’ll need is a long black dress, preferably with cleavage to spare, and a skillfully styled black wig. The rest is all in the makeup and the attitude. (Don’t forget the black nails and that blood-red lip!)

Damien from Mean Girls

Speaking of beloved characters, this is a classic and simple one!

All you need to be Damien from Mean Girls is a big blue hoodie and a pair of sunglasses. If you feel like that’s not enough, add a sign that says, “She doesn’t even go here!” and this costume will be sure to land you lots of laughs.

Ellie from The Last of Us

This queer zombie-slaying teenager provides the perfect costume inspiration for Halloween 2023. Not only is it timely, its also simple!

All you need are practical layers like a long-sleeved baseball shirt, hoodie, khaki jacket and jeans, and a prop knife to elevate the look.

Megan Broomfield from But I’m a Cheerleader!

When Megan gets sent to a camp to ‘cure’ her of lesbianism, it in fact does the exact opposite. The outfit she wears is easy to fake; find yourself a pink shirt, pink skirt and some girly pink hair clips, and you’re there!

RuPaul from But I’m a Cheerleader!

Another option from the cult classic film is the character Mike, played by none other than RuPaul. For this, you’ll need a whistle, blue shorts, blue hoodie and blue T-shirt, on which you can ironically write, “straight is great”.

David Bowie

This can work for almost anyone, accomplished simply with a blue and red lightning bolt across the face, some lovely quaffed hair and a bodysuit or leotard of any colour. Then BAM, you represent this iconic image with a relatively easy costume!

Marceline from Adventure Time

Marceline’s costume is very easy to achieve. Get a grey tank top, some dark pants and a pair of red boots, and you’re sorted!

If you really want to amp it up, try to find a red guitar to stand in for Marceline’s awesome bass.

Willow Rosenburg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

With only a scoop neck shirt, long flowing maxi skirt, short red wig and of course, a ’90s choker, you’ll have yourself a Willow costume. This can also be a witch costume, just a slightly more unique one!

Carol Aird from Carol

Pair red nail polish and lipstick, with a red fascinator hat, faux fur coat, scarf, gloves and a general air of confidence, and your Carol costume is sorted!

Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter

Following the recent passing of Michael Gambon, why not honour his legacy with a Dumbledore costume?

This is one of the more complicated options on the list but if you get it right, it can be amazing. Some long sweeping clothes, a fake beard and a wand can give you the desired effect.

Women’s Soccer Player

Women’s soccer has certainly seen a surge in popularity over the past year, with the World Cup in Australia breaking multiple records. Take the chance this Halloween to dress up as your favourite queer player, whether it be the recently retired Megan Rapinoe, Australian superstar Sam Kerr, or Ireland’s own Katie McCabe.

All you’ll need is a jersey, shorts and socks paired with a pair of athletic footwear, and this look is complete!

Lestat and Louis from Interview With the Vampire

While vampires are always in at Halloween, why not find a sexy gay twist to elevate the costume? To achieve this look, add some fangs to smart formal wear.

Tanya from White Lotus

This list of Halloween costume ideas for 2023 wouldn’t be complete without Jennifer Coolidge’s White Lotus character. To dress up as Tanya, you’ll need some oversized sunglasses, a blonde wig, and an extravagant summery dress and shawl. To really make this one convincing, be sure to scream “These gays are trying to kill me!” at any given opportunity.

Drag yourself up!

Always wanted to drag up but never had the opportunity? Why not try it this Halloween?!

Whether a king, queen or in between, get creative with your look and identity – the world is your oyster.

That concludes our list of queer costume ideas for Halloween 2023; we can’t wait to see what amazing looks are served this spooky season.