Costumes track whatever’s on screen — and 2026 is stacked, from Toy Story 5 to a lineup of comic-book villains. Here’s what’s trending for every age, plus where to actually buy it now that Party City is gone.
What’s trending for 2026
Costumes follow whatever’s on screen. For 2026, expect a wave of Toy Story 5 characters (it hits theaters this summer), plus Spider-Man and other superheroes that never go out of style. On the villain side, Doctor Doom and the Avengers: Doomsday lineup are the ones to watch — villains are having a moment.
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Little kids: comfort wins the night
For toddlers and young kids, the cutest costume is the one they’ll actually keep on. Bluey, Gabby’s Dollhouse and classic Disney characters rule this age group. Look for soft fabrics, nothing that drags on the ground, and room for a warm layer underneath — late October gets cold, and a shivering kid ends the night early.
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Tweens & adults: villains and ’90s throwbacks
Older kids and adults are leaning into two lanes for 2026: fantasy villains (think Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda, still going strong) and ’90s nostalgia — Clueless, A League of Their Own, and the decade’s pop icons. Both photograph great and work for couples or friend groups.
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Family & group themes that photograph well
Group costumes are the ones that end up framed. Pick one theme everyone slots into — a Toy Story cast, a superhero team, a deck of cards — so each person is distinct but the photo reads as one idea. Assign the reluctant teen an “easy” role (a background character counts) and you’ll actually get everyone to play along.
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Pets, accessories & the finishing touches
A costume is 90% the accessories. Wigs, makeup, weapons/props and the right shoes turn a cheap base into a great look — and a reflective element or clip-on light (more on that in our safety guide) keeps trick-or-treaters visible. And yes, dress the dog: a simple pet costume is the easiest laugh of the night.
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More Halloween, sorted
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