Looking for a Halloween party outfit? Try your hand at a more unique Halloween costume by recreating the outfit of a fantasy or sci-fi character instead. From the simple to the more complex, here are six to get you started:

1. A Hobbit from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

Fans of Cottagecore can’t find a better match than a Hobbit costume. 

Costume requirements:

• Curly or wavy hair
• Long sleeved shirt
• Cropped corduroy trousers (earth-colored or jewel-toned)
• Pant suspenders aka trouser braces
• Waistcoat (green, earth-colored, or jewel-toned)
• Bare feet – bonus if hairy (or footwear that looks like hairy feet)

Optional:

• Walking stick
• Pipe
• Gold ring on a silver chain (if Frodo)
• Cloak and sword (if Frodo, Sam, Merry, or Pippin)

2. Ororo Monroe aka Mohawk Punk Storm from Marvel’s X-Men

Storm has had a number of costume changes over the years, but her striking, powerful punk look is possibly the easiest Storm outfit to recreate.

Costume requirements:

• Long hair, worn as a long mohawk (white)
• Leather jacket with a collar and short sleeves (black)
• Plain t-shirt (white or black)
• Form-fitting trousers (black)
• Wrist length, fingerless gloves (black)
• Boots, ideally with a heel (black)
• Lightning Bolt earrings (gold)
• Painted nails (black)
• Studded choker (black)
• Fashion contact lenses (fully white)
• Dramatic eye makeup

3. Zoë from the TV series Firefly and Serenity movie

Loyal first mate on the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity, Zoë Washburne is a fighter and fiercely protective of her found family. Zoë’s practical nature is reflected in her ready-for-anything outfit.

Costume requirements:

• Long, curly hair (black or very dark brown)
• Leather v-neck vest with buckle side fastenings (chestnut)
• Long sleeve top with a v-neck and collar (olive green)
• Jeans or canvas trousers (brown or tan)
• Knee high leather boots with a low heel or flat (black or brown, worn)
• Thick leather belt with a square covered buckle (black)
• Long leather shoelace necklace (black)
• Leather hip holster
• “Mare’s Leg” cut-down lever action rifle (fake)

4. Death from the Discworld series by Sir Terry Pratchett

Death collects the souls of Kings, witches, wizards, and plot-significant characters of the Discworld. And loves cats. 

Costume requirements:

• Skeleton costume with a skull mask or face paint
• Long hooded cloak
• Long-handled Scythe
• Sword in a scabbard attached to a belt
• Mini hourglasses
• Kitten plushies (for pockets and shoulders)

Optional:

• A plastic rodent skeleton in a hooded cloak aka The Death of Rats

5. Prince Ashitaka from Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke

Prince Ashitaka of the Emishi people finds himself cursed while defending his village. Brave and practical, Ashitaka is ready for travel and prepared to fight if he has to.

Costume requirements:

• Shaggy, short hair (brown)
• Oversized short sleeve top (light blue)
• Long-sleeved top (dark blue)
• Pants (peach white)
• Moccasin boots (sand or beige)
• Hood (red)
• Mask (red)
• Wooden bow and arrows
• Belt (brown)
• Pouch (red)
• Sword scabbard 
• Short, broad-bladed sword with red ring pommel (foam/fake)

Optional:

• “Demon” tentacles on the right arm
• Yakul plushy 
• Hay cloak

6. Fiona Thorne from The Planar Pages series by D. Hale Rambo

Intrepid investigator, Fiona travels the stacked realms of the Book and solves mysteries. With more than a nod to Renaissance fashion, her practical, everyday attire might be the ideal challenge for fans of historic fashion.

Costume requirements:

• Curly brown hair, usually worn pinned up
• Velvet doublet (eggplant)
• Wool stockings or tights (forest green)
• Bandoliers with vials
• Long scarf with pockets

Optional:

• Lockpicks
• Coffee and a mug

Who will you be this Halloween? Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below.