-Header image by Robin Blake
As Halloween draws near, anyone looking to create a duo costume with a partner, friend, or sibling will be keen to find the perfect one.
To help you and your Halloween partner stand out, we’ve compiled a list of the top five duo costumes for 2024’s which includes some of the most anticipated movies from recent years. On top of this, we are offering tips on how to bring each look to life. Whether you’re looking for humor, horror, or something entirely unique, these costumes will have you ready to steal the spotlight at any Halloween event.
#5 Harley Quinn and Joker
With Joker: Folie à Deux slated for release in 2024, Harley Quinn and the Joker remain a staple of villainous couple costumes. Their chaotic energy and colorful styles make for an eye-catching duo.
Costume Tips:
- Harley Quinn: Channel Lady Gaga’s portrayal with mismatched outfits or mix bright colors and edgy accessories. Leather jackets with bold patterns, oversized boots, and her classic mallet or bat will complete the look. Don’t forget the smeared makeup, and for a more recognizable Harley, you can even include her signature pigtails.
- Joker: For Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, opt for the vibrant red suit and green hair, topped off with messy clown makeup. His worn, gritty look can be recreated by adding distressed details to the suit and using makeup for that haunting, smeared smile.
#4 Mario and Luigi
Thanks to the resurgence of interest caused by the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario and Luigi are back as a fan-favorite duo for Halloween. Their playful and recognizable outfits are perfect for double acts looking to add some nostalgia to their costume choice. Mario and Luigi are so universally recognizable that you can even play around with the outfits and include things like dresses, or even sport a two-piece.
Costume Tips:
- Mario: You’ll need blue overalls, a red shirt, and the classic red cap with the ‘M’. Accessorize with white gloves and a fake mustache to nail the look. A plush mushroom or coin prop will add an extra fun touch.
- Luigi: Follow Mario’s look but swap red for green. Don’t forget Luigi’s ‘L’ cap and matching green shirt. If you want to go the extra mile, carry a toy vacuum to play off Luigi’s Mansion. As long as you have the core colours and features suck as their caps, you have a lot of freedom with this one.
#3 Barbie and Ken
Still riding high from the 2023 Barbie movie, Barbie and Ken will be a hit again this Halloween. Whether you opt for their rollerblading neon outfits or the western-themed attire, these bold, vibrant costumes are perfect for couples wanting to make a colorful statement.
Costume Tips:
- Barbie: Recreate Western Barbie’s pink cowboy outfit with flared pants, a pink fringed jacket, and a matching hat. Alternatively, opt for her neon rollerblading look with knee pads, skates, and brightly colored spandex.
- Ken: Whether you choose the neon rollerblading Ken or his Western counterpart, don’t forget to add playful accessories like sunglasses, a fanny pack, or cowboy boots to complete the look.
#2 Beetlejuice and Lydia
With Beetlejuice 2 now out in theaters, this creepy yet comedic duo is a surefire hit for Halloween. Beetlejuice’s eccentric, chaotic look perfectly pairs with Lydia’s gothic vibe, making them a spooky couple to watch.
Costume Tips:
- Beetlejuice: The signature black-and-white striped suit is a must. Mess up your hair with green tints, and add pale face makeup with dark circles to capture his decayed, ghostly appearance.
- Lydia: For Lydia, you can go with her gothic black dress and veil or the red wedding dress from the original film. Pale skin, dark lipstick, and teased black hair will complete the eerie, gothic look.
#1 Deadpool and Wolverine
With Deadpool & Wolverine having hit theaters in July 2024, this antihero pairing offers the perfect mix of action and humor for Halloween. Deadpool’s irreverence contrasts sharply with Wolverine’s gruff demeanor, making them an epic duo.
Costume Tips:
- Deadpool: Stick to the iconic red-and-black jumpsuit with tactical gear and weapon props, like his katana or guns. If you’re feeling humorous, add a few “battle scars” or break the fourth wall with speech bubble props.
- Wolverine: Go for Wolverine’s classic yellow-and-blue suit from the comics or his more rugged look with a leather jacket, white tank top, and, of course, metal claws. Don’t forget his iconic dog tags, sideburns, and a grizzled attitude to match.
All these characters give a lot of freedom to play, whether it’s changing trousers for a dress, or tweaking colors, just be sure to keep key features unchanged, such as as Mario and Luigi’s ‘M’ and ‘L’ caps, or Deadpool’s red jumpsuit.