The Best Red-Dress Halloween Costume Ideas — From Jessica Rabbit to a Sexy Devil
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When it comes to Halloween costumes, you obviously want to nail your spooky (or stylish) look, but that doesn't mean practicality has to go out the window. If you're unsure of what to wear or who to dress up as, we recommend making use of a crimson-colored fashion item that's likely already a staple in your fall wardrobe: aka a classic red dress. A red-dress Halloween costume provides a wide range of styling options that'll allow you to easily look the part of your favorite pop culture figures or fictional characters this spooky season — and all on a budget, no less.
Landing on a costume idea for a red dress may seem daunting, but there are many reasons such a bold piece can work. The color alone exudes confidence, edge, and power, making red dresses a wardrobe essential. You can go the classic red-dress costume route with ideas like Pebbles from "The Flintstones" or Lydia Deetz from "Beetlejuice." Or you can get creative and channel an icon like Lil' Kim or a cartoon character like Didi Pickles from "Rugrats."
Need an extra push? Many costume options require a red dress while allowing you to stick to your authentic style. If you're obsessed with sultry silhouettes, take Heidi Klum as the perfect example. As the unofficial queen of Halloween, she's nailed the fiery color multiple times, including the Betty Boop spaghetti-strap dress she wore in 2002 and her jaw-dropping transformation into the iconic Jessica Rabbit in 2015.
Ahead, you'll find plenty of unique red-dress costume ideas, plus affordable red dresses you'll want to purchase for this Halloween and beyond.
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A Devil Costume
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A Little Red Riding Hood Costume
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A Tired Vampire Costume
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A Jessica Rabbit Costume
A Betty Boop Costume
A Lydia Deetz From "Beetlejuice" Costume
An Evil Bride Costume
A Lil' Kim Costume
A Fire Fairy Costume
A Didi Pickles From "Rugrats" Costume
A Sara Bellum From "The Powerpuff Girls" Costume
A Cher Horowitz From "Clueless" Costume
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
Finesse Trisha Vegan Leather Mini Dress ($36)
Whether you want to channel an alluring Santa Claus or Betty Boop, this vegan leather red dress is so versatile, you'll want to rock it well beyond Halloween.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
Leg Avenue Women's Beetle Bride 80s Halloween Costume ($62-$76)
Use this tulle dress to be Lydia Deetz or a red devil. Add the right accessories and hairstyle, and you're good to go.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
Lovers and Friends Cassandra Slip Red Dress ($68)
There's no better way to nail Betty Boop than with a sultry red minidress that pays homage to the iconic character. This style even comes with a lacy detailing that adds a subtle sexiness that's sure to help you achieve costume supremacy.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
Club L London Leonie Red Halter Dress ($115)
This classic red halter can not only help you nail Cher from "Clueless" for Halloween, but it's also a great option to have for future nights out. It also has a cool halter neckline that's flexible, so it won't feel like a pain to wear.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
Miss Circle Quilla Red Feather Blazer Dress ($125, originally $185)
This blazer dress just lives up to its name. Figure flattering as ever, the plunging neckline and button detail offer an alluring vibe that you can't beat. Consider platform heels to make even more of a statement with your costume.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
House of CB Shani Red Satin Corset Maxi Dress ($285)
In case you wanted to go with a piece less obvious, this corset maxi number is bound to become a closet staple. It can help you become the chicest Jessica Rabbit.
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Red Dress For Halloween Costume
NBD Maracuya Gown ($288)
This head-turning, off-the-shoulder number is not only perfect for a Jessica Rabbit costume but also for galas and even weddings during the holiday season.
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— Additional reporting by Kyley Warren
Naomi Parris is a New York-based fashion and beauty writer with over seven years of experience. She served as an editorial operations associate at PS, specializing in all things fashion. Obsessed with telling stories that merge fashion and culture, her areas of expertise include Fashion Week coverage, daily news, high-profile interviews, shopping roundups, and beauty stories.
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.