21 Ideas for a killer Halloween

What’s your Halloween personality?

Are you devilish or angelic? Ghoulish or glamorous?

Normally, we show you how to be more authentic. But Halloween is different. For one night, you can unleash your secret streak of Innovation, or your superhero Power, or your dramatic flair for Passion.

Every costume uses at least one of the seven Advantages to fascinate. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

INNOVATION: Costumes inspired by the Innovation personality will be forward-thinking, highly imaginative and original. Here’s your chance to push a few boundaries.

Futuristic Sci-Fi Character: Don’t limit yourself to the old reliables… think beyond Spock, R2D2 and Uhura. Let your imagination run wild and come up with your own cyborg or space alien.

Steampunk Inventor: With steampunk you can take on the Victorian aesthetic and make it funky. Accessorize with elaborate goggles and complex gadgetry.

Artistic Masterpiece: What better way to envision the creative than transforming yourself into a living work of art? Embrace avant-garde, abstract or even conceptual styles. Use makeup, body paint, and unique clothing to become a walking masterpiece.

PASSION: A Passion personality is known for their enthusiasm, energy and ability to engage others. These will be some of your most dynamic and vibrant costumes.

Rock Star or Pop Icon: Showcase your vibrant and charismatic side. Wear flashy costumes, accessorize with a mic, and perform like the rock star you are.

Upbeat Fictional Characters: Look to your favorite books or movies for characters known for their enthusiasm and high energy. We’re thinking Tigger bouncing down the sidewalk, or the Mad Hatter. 

Cupid or a Greek God or Goddess of Love: Who says Passion is just for Valentines Day?

POWER: The Power personalities are authoritative and confident. With these costumes, there’ll be no doubt about who’s in charge.

Superhero or Leading Villian: Fight for justice and make yourself heard as Superman or Wonder Woman, or go a bit darker as the Grand High Witch or Lord Vader.

Historical or Political Leader: These are the characters known for their leadership… Julius Caesar, Lawrence of Arabia, even Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Game of Thrones or Other Fictional Character: Who’s the cunning strategist or fierce warrior you most identify with? The scheming Cersei Lannister? Or maybe you’re more like Ser Arthur Dayne?

PRESTIGE: A Prestige personality is refined and elegant, with a competitive spirit. With these costumes you’ll exude class and sophistication.

Hollywood Glamour: Dress to win with your top-notch James Bond suit or your Marilyn Monroe wig and halter dress.

Olympic Athletes: Flaunt those gold medals as Usain Bolt, Simone Biles or Michael Phelps

Fictional Characters: Virtually anyone plucked from the Great Gatsby could work (don’t forget the peacock feathers!). And Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet checks the “timeless elegance” boxes.

TRUST: Trust personalities are reliable, dependable and loyal. With Trust, people will be comforted by your sense of security.

Medical Worker: Highlight the caring nurturing nature of Trust by dressing up as a doctor, nurse or other medical professional.

Firefighter or Other First Responder: Firefighters and first responders reveal the side of Trust that is a brave protector in times of crisis.

The Classics: a bedsheet ghost or fanged vampire could also work. Trust costumes are the choices with no surprises.

MYSTIQUE: The Mystique personality is typically understated, but intriguing. These costumes amplify that captivating air of mystery.

Magician or Illusionist: Dressing up as a magician or illusionist adds an element of mystery and fascination. Perform simple tricks or illusions to captivate and intrigue others.

Anonymous Mask: Don the iconic Guy Fawkes mask to remain anonymous and intriguing while standing up for a cause. Or maybe go the route of an elegant masquerade mask.

Film Noir Character: Emulate characters from classic film noir films. Private investigator, femme fatale or drifter all capture the essence of mystery and suspense associated with the Mystique personality. If all else fails, drag out the fog machine.

ALERT: An Alert personality is detail-oriented, analytical, and vigilant. You notice nuances and pay close attention to your surroundings. If you’re wearing an Alert costume, not much will get past you.

Forensic Expert: Dressed as a crime scene investigator will emphasize your meticulous attention to detail and precision. Carry a kit of forensic tools and evidence bags.

Journalist or Reporter: Dressing up as a journalist or reporter reflects your Alert curiosity and investigative nature. Carry a notepad, microphone, or camera to capture stories and details.

Mathematician or Mathematician’s Assistant: Dressing up as a mathematician or their assistant showcases your love for numbers and precision. Carry a small chalkboard with mathematical equations or a pocket protector filled with pens.

We’re curious – How will you be dressed this Halloween? Which Advantage will you play to?

Still need to take the Fascinate Test to unlock your own Advantages? Pick up Tests for your entire Halloween party guest list right here.

Happiest Halloween!

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About the author

Sally Hogshead

Sally skyrocketed to the top of the advertising world in her early 20s, fascinating millions of consumers for clients such as MINI Cooper and Coca-Cola. Since then, she’s published two New York Times bestsellers on the science of fascination, and is one of only 172 living members in the Speaker Hall of Fame. Over a million professionals have taken the Fascination Advantage® personality test to discover how others perceive their communication.

37 Comments

  1. Kristen

    I’m innovation and prestige…and I’m dressing as a peacock! Spooky!!

    Reply
  2. MorganWestern

    Im passion and Innovation and I’m being Alice from wonderland

    Reply
  3. Katrina

    I’m innovation and passion but I’m going as Mary Poppins. Hah.

    Reply
  4. MandyMohler

    Our Life Aquatic costumes would fall under the Prestige category I think. With Jacques Cousteau being the ultimate adventure man like Bond. Ocean and Squid are supports- not sure where they stand as Advantages. My personal advantage is Connoisseur.

    Reply
  5. Erin

    I’m Mystique – and I’m dressed as a Masquerade opera diva!

    Reply
  6. AlWild

    I’m going to wrap myself in tinfoil and go as a baked potato

    Reply
  7. YahidaWaleisky

    I am Mystique and I’m dressing as Spider Gwen

    Reply
  8. PWarrior

    ha ha… that is what I call wild.. love it 🙂

    Reply
  9. SheriLock

    I am Mystique and Alert and I am dressed as a giant Candy corn… at work!

    Reply
  10. CassandraSchmigotzki

    I have the Subtle Touch but I’m Wonder Woman.

    Reply
  11. DonnaR

    I’m Trust and Prestige and I am a patient with a plastic butt sticking out, at work no less.

    Reply
  12. Elaine

    Mystic and Trust. I am dressed as a hippie at work. Today is all about peace, love, and understanding.

    Reply
  13. CynthiaBeyer

    I am Innovation. My sister and I are dressing all in green, head to toe as “Two Peas in a Pod”.

    Reply
  14. KathyTeston

    I am power and prestige. I was a mime – I used the power of body language instead of my voice to communicate. I was able to stay in character all day (we had our Halloween festivities yesterday at work). I wish I could post a photo!

    Reply
  15. MelissaPowell

    I am Prestige and Alert. My costume is Steam Punk (Victorian Inventive)…Complete opposite of my day to day persona. We have contests here at work, so on one hand it was surprising to everyone…but on the other hand, by desire to win would make sense as to why I would choose something so far out of the for the sake of winning.

    Reply
  16. Carolyn

    renaissance lady to demonstrate mystique

    Reply
  17. SuzanneGrinnell

    Had s blast for Halloween dress up at the clinic. I am Innovation and Passion (the Rockstar). Our theme was the 80’s. I did a female and killer impersonation of Gene Simmons (Kiss band). My face paint was perfect and my wig was lusterous black with purple. I had black clothes and platform boots consistent with the 80’s. I let people know I was GINA Simmons. Haha. I got great comments from patients and from team members all day long. Great facebook comments to pics as well!

    Reply
  18. JaimeWojdowski

    Passion and prestige… I’ll be she-devil in a red business cocktail dress I found that already had a devilish angular neckline and just needed some horns and a tail!

    Reply
  19. SarahMcCormick

    I put together our group costume for our Marketing department at work and I decided we should be Marketing Minions! 🙂

    Reply
  20. JanetBryant

    Prestige + Power = Endora from Bewitched

    Reply
  21. OlgaPavlova

    I’m innovation and prestige too & my first thought was a peacock as well 🙂
    Kristen would you like to be my “business buddy”?

    Reply
  22. AlexandraSantiago

    Mystique + Passion …. I’m channeling that passion and representing as a die-hard NY Mets fan as I cheer them on in the World Series! (No mystique there, all love!)

    Reply
  23. LeahFry

    I’m Trust and Prestige too! I’m dressing up as the Queen of Hearts for a party at home 🙂

    Reply
  24. SonyJackson

    I’m Innovation & Prestige. This year, I’m going with Mermaid… it’s going to be interesting, since I still have to MAKE the costume! (My 2nd choice was peacock too, Kristen!) so you never know – tomorrow may bring another peacock! Last year Wilma Flintstone made an appearance… http://on.fb.me/1RiVl5b

    Reply
  25. Sony

    Mandy, these are brilliant!

    Reply
  26. GabrielleAstrope

    I am Innovation and I am going as the girl version of The Joker from The Dark Knight (The Hospital Scene). I’m not sure if that’s contradictory or right on the mark for Innovation. Anyways, I’m going to have a blast either way! 🙂

    Reply
  27. GabrielleAstrope

    Oops, I meant Evolutionary > Trust & Innovation.

    Reply
  28. LauraRamos

    Love it Sally! I’m fifty shades of whatever my innovative side is coming out 🙂

    Reply
  29. CaptainJimGordon

    Innovation – Fire Marshall Bill Burns (Jim Carey’s character from In Living Color)

    Reply
  30. Steve Fullmer

    Innovation: Steam punk with a touch of light-saber…

    Reply
  31. Donna

    Innovation + Trust I’m not dressing up this year, but if I did, it would be as a sorceress or black cat. I lean towards the classics.

    Reply
  32. Mary

    Innovation + Mystique – I’m not dressing up this year but my favorite costume of all time was one I cobbled together from various items in my wardrobe and in my make-up kit. I wore a poodle skirt, a white blouse, a cardigan, bobby socks and saddle shoes. I did my hair in a ponytail. I made up my face in silver and purple makeup. I said I was a teenager from Neptune, where one can never be too rich, too thin ot too purple!

    Reply
  33. Dawn L. Fairbrother

    When I was little, my mother took a white sheet and cut a hole in it. Then she put it over my head and added a ghoulish rubber Skeleton mask! Finally, by the time I was in the 6th grade, I was finally able to wear a costume of my choice! I dressed up as a Tap Dancer, which I was actually had learned to do! This is fantastic as this was my last year of trick or treating, per my mother. I was worn out by the end of the night; because, I had to do a little tap dance at every house in the neighborhood! But, it was worth it! I got double the amount of candy! I shared it with my best friend, because she had four brothers and sisters. I am an only child. My parents were stunned by the amount of candy I received! It was interesting to notice the candy seemed to disappear, after I went to bed!

    Reply
  34. Team Fascinate

    LOL….love everything about this story!

    Reply
  35. Team Fascinate

    Dressing up AND sticking to classics is the perfect combination of Innovation and Trust!

    Reply
  36. Selena

    Happy Halloween, fascinating people! Innovation + Passion. Queen of Hearts this year. ♥️♣️♦️♠️ Flamingo croquet – and then off with their heads!

    Reply

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