Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, leaving party-hosts with just enough daylight to set the scene and enough night to unleash the most talked-about looks. Google’s official Frightgeist ranking, released on October 14, shows which characters captured the public’s imagination, while Pottery Barn’s newest ghost collection proves that a friendly glow can turn any porch into a seasonal showcase.
Affordable viral costume ideas that topped Google’s 2026 list
All twelve costumes highlighted by the ranking can be assembled with items you likely already own, plus one or two statement pieces that signal the character unmistakably. Each suggestion stays under the $60 threshold, which leaves room for accessories, makeup, or even a matching outfit for your pet.
Nikki from Obsession
The unwilling heroine wears a red-and-black animal-print top, black leather shorts, knee-high boots, and a simple silver necklace. Pair the look with a splash of fake blood and the costume is instantly recognizable. The top is available from fast-fashion retailers for about $20; the rest of the items are likely already in a closet.
Buddy the Unicorn (Casper Kelly’s comedy-horror)
Google’s #1 trending costume is an orange-hooded, orange-sweatpants ensemble topped with a horn headband. Add a pink bandana and a large purple heart cut-out taped to the chest. All pieces can be sourced for under $30, and the quirky “wrong-look” vibe earns extra points.
Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada
Channel the editor-in-chief with a sharp silver bob wig, a royal-purple sheath dress, a black faux-fur coat, and oversized black sunglasses. Sheer tights and black gloves complete the ensemble; most items are wardrobe staples, and the wig typically retails for $25-$35.
Kim Kardashian as North West
This meme-worthy outfit hinges on a turquoise wig and a black tee printed with North’s EP cover. Add chunky silver studs, a black grill, and long monochrome nails. The wig is the most expensive element, usually around $30, while the rest can be assembled from accessories already at home.
Rob & Maura from The Traitors
Rob’s look is a pair of light-blue Dickies overalls, a white tank, a silver chain, and temporary snake tattoos (eyeliner works well). Maura’s side calls for a glossy latex dress, gloves, a beret, and a smoky eye. Overalls and a chain run under $20; the latex dress can be found on discount sites for $35-$40.
Athena & Odysseus from The Odyssey
Athena’s simplicity shines: an off-white, hooded linen shirt and a matching shawl. Odysseus requires weathered leather armor, a red-crested helmet, and a draped cloak. Linen pieces cost about $15 each, while the armor set can be assembled from thrifted leather jackets and cheap foam for under $45.
Hazel Hook (Descendants)
As Captain Hook’s daughter, Hazel sports a pirate-inspired coat, a tricorn hat, and a toy hook. A cheap faux-leather coat ($18) and a shop-bought hat ($12) complete the look.
Disco-era Scooby-Doo
Take the 1998 live-action film’s glittering version: a gold-sequined vest, bell-bottoms, and a colorful bandana. Most pieces are available from vintage stores for $10-$20 each.
Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl
The TikTok-famous hero wears only heart-printed underwear and a rugged jacket. A novelty underwear set ($12) and a distressed jacket ($18) achieve the effect.
Verity from Minecraft (mod-created)
She’s a backrooms-style horror figure: a tattered gray hoodie, black cargo pants, and a cracked mask. The hoodie and pants can be bought for $15 total; the mask can be crafted from foam for $5.
Oliver Tree
His signature look includes a bowl haircut wig, a bright orange windbreaker, and thick black boots. The wig ($30) and windbreaker ($20) stay within budget.
Lily Lovebraids (Poppy Playtime)
She’s a villainous teen with massive pink braids, a cropped hoodie, and fingerless gloves. A wig with long pink braids ($28) plus a hoodie ($15) works well.
All of these ideas rely on a combination of thrift-store finds, fast-fashion basics, and a few specialty pieces sold online for $10-$35 each. By shopping early—nine days before Halloween—shipping should arrive on time, and you’ll avoid the inflated prices that appear the week before.
Brighten your porch with Pottery Barn’s LED ghosts on sale
While some households opt for spine-chilling skeletons, Pottery Barn offers a line of friendlier illuminated ghosts that emit a soft LED glow after dark. The collection includes standing ghosts, a ghost-cat, a ghost-bat, and a ghost-girl with a bat-shaped bow.
Key price points (all discounted at the time of writing):
- Ghost Cat – $33.99 (originally $49.50)
- Ghost Bat – $40.99 (originally $59.50)
- Ghost Girl with bow – $69.50
- Two-ghost pumpkin holders – $63.97
These pieces are crafted from flowing white fabric and contain built-in LEDs, making them safe for indoor or covered outdoor use. Larger ghosts work as focal points on a porch, while the smaller characters can be grouped for a whimsical “ghost family” photo-op. Because each ghost is battery-operated, placement is flexible and no wiring is required.
Mixing a tall LED ghost with pumpkins, autumn mums, and a few lanterns creates a festive yet inviting atmosphere. The gentle illumination draws trick-or-treaters in without scaring them, offering a perfect balance between spooky and sweet.
Whether you’re dressing up for the night or lighting up your home, both the costume guide and the ghost décor collection prove that a memorable Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank.
