October is creeping up, which means the annual question is here: What Halloween costumes are you wearing?

This year, you have a little extra breathing room. Halloween lands on a Saturday night in 2026, so there is no Tuesday-night scramble involving a costume, a sugar rush, and a desperate search for a decent party. The calendar has finally decided to behave.

And if you want to know what everyone else will be wearing, the early signals are already coming in. Halloween Express and TikTok are both pointing toward a mix of gothic glamour, witches, movie characters, superheroes, and a few looks that are going to make you wonder how many people had the exact same idea.

Absolutely. I’d slot these right into the existing piece so they feel like they were always part of it, rather than bolted on afterward.

Disney Princess Galore

Disney princesses never really leave the Halloween conversation, but this year they look ready to take over the neighborhood. Expect plenty of classic favorites – Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Cinderella – alongside newer princess energy for anyone who wants something a little less predictable. The beauty of the Disney route is that you can go full fairytale if you want, or steal just enough from the character to make the costume feel like your own. A great dress, some ridiculous shoes and the right attitude will get you surprisingly far. The tiara is optional. The confidence is not.

Music-Themed Halloween Costumes Are Ready for Their Close-Up

Music has always been fertile Halloween territory, partly because musicians tend to understand the value of a good costume long before the rest of us do. This year, expect plenty of looks inspired by major pop stars, iconic album eras, music videos and the kind of instantly recognizable stage outfits that make strangers yell the answer from across the bar.

The trick is picking a look people can actually recognize without requiring a five-minute explanation. You want someone to see you and immediately think, “Oh, that era.” Bonus points if the outfit gives you an excuse to spend the night pretending you are onstage instead of standing awkwardly beside the snack table.

Also, don’t forget that I have music books out that you can find on Amazon. They make for a great holiday gift, if I do say so myself.

Sports Figures Get Into the Game

Halloween and sports have always made an oddly satisfying pairing, because a jersey can do most of the heavy lifting while still leaving plenty of room for personality. Expect athletes, team uniforms and recognizable sports personalities to turn up at parties and trick-or-treat stops, particularly among kids and anyone who already spends an unreasonable amount of time checking box scores.

The best versions will probably be the ones that go beyond simply throwing on a jersey. Add the signature shoes, hairstyle, accessories or a little bit of the athlete’s unmistakable swagger, and suddenly you have a costume instead of something you wore because laundry day was yesterday. Just remember: the goal is to look like the player, not like you wandered out of the stadium parking lot.

Also, remember that I have sports books out that you can find on Amazon.

Thanks to following along on this Halloween adventure. Now, go get spooky.

Follow me on Instagram at @ericksonanne to keep up with my Halloween adventures.