We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Let me set the scene: The year is 2002. You doused yourself in Victoria Secret's Love Spell body spray and have an AIM away message up because you're painting your nails glittery blue to match your entire outfit (a Juicy Couture tracksuit, obviously), from head to toe (or rather, butterfly clips to pointy-toe heels). MTV is playing TRL in the background—or maybe it was The Proud Family on the Disney Channel? You didn't have a cell phone yet, but you would borrow your mom's tiny Nokia to play Snake. We didn't know it then, but all of these very early aughts things would make great material for throwback Halloween costume ideas someday. And folks, that day is now.
Maybe you were too young during the early 2000s to really remember any of this, but you're obsessed with everything from the era right now, which is totally understandable! After all, who doesn't love a good Y2K aesthetic?! Or maybe the decade marked some of your most defining coming-of-age experiences that you still look back on fondly (and cringingly). Either way, these 2000s Halloween costume ideas inspired by the pop culture moments, celebrities, and fashion trends of the time are a major burst of nostalgia for Halloween 2023. And considering that TikTok is constantly bringing back everything from the '90s and '00s, you'll likely get tons of wear out of these Y2k Halloween costumes. That's hot.
1
Miss Congeniality
She's beauty and she's grace. She's a federal agent with one heck of a personality. Recreate Sandra Bullock's iconic 2000s role by channeling your inner beauty queen, but don't forget the combat boots.
2
Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries
Presenting Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia. This film ruled Y2K, and copying this recognizable look from the movie poster is sure to be appreciated by many this Halloween.
3
Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30
Jenna Rink had everyone wanting to be 30, flirty, and thriving. And this colorful dress from the memorable dance scene has been living in our heads rent free ever since.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Juno
This 2000s comedy makes for a great couples costume. Plus, the look is so recognizable that there's a good chance everyone will recognize your costume.
5
Kim Possible
Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me. This redhead Disney Channel character is easy to nail as long as you've got the right hair color, cargo pants, and black crop top.
6
Mean Girls
The sheer amount of iconic costumes and one liners that came from this movie is wild. Whether you want to gather up the gals to recreate a Wednesday for the Plastics or go solo as a mouse (duh), this 2000s film has a costume for everyone.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Napoleon Dynamite
This is arguably the easiest costume on the list. Here's what you'll need to recreate the 2000s movie's main character: a curly wig, glasses, and ofc, a shirt that says "Vote For Pedro."
8
J.Lo at the 2000 Grammy Awards
When people are talking about the 2000s and referring to "the dress," they mean this plunging Versace look J.Lo wore to the Grammys. It's so famous, people still freaked out over it almost 20 years later when she wore a similar version again.
9
Lady Gaga's First Red Carpet Appearance
When Lady Gaga first entered the scene in 2008, no one really knew what to make of her. There's no shortage of iconic looks that she has graced us with in the years since, but if making a meat costume feels like a little too much work for you, then go with this v early-era Gaga look: a red bodysuit, matching gloves, nude fishnet or lace tights, and oversized sunnies. (Don't forget a long blonde wig with bangs, too!)
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Josie and the puss*cats
The 2000s were all about scarf tops, flashy low-rise pants, and animal print. Clearly, Josie and the puss*cats were all about those three things, too. A fun and nostalgic trio costume that never gets old: dress up as the members of this fictional girl band.
11
The Cheetah Girls
Speaking of girl bands and animal print! If you watched the Disney Channel around, oh, 2003, you and your friends probably dressed up as The Cheetah Girls at some point. So why not revisit the good times and do it again?
12
Paris Hilton at her 21st birthday bash
Look up "2000s fashion" in the encyclopedia. I'm pretty sure Paris Hilton's photo is right there wearing this ensemble from her 21st birthday. The chainmail dress is so memorable that Kendall Jenner brought it back for her own 21st. If you can't do the same for your birthday, Halloween is the next best thing.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
The Lady Marmalade Music Video
Lil' Kim, Pink, Mya, and Christina Aguilera are all musical and style icons in their own right, but this music video from all four of them together was beyond iconic—and it makes for a pretty memorable group costume idea, too.
14
Lara Croft from Tomb Raider
No, no, no, I'm not talking about the 2018 version—I'm throwing it all the way back to 2001 when Angelina Jolie played the badass archaeologist and inspired costumes for years to come.
15
Isis from Bring It On
Go as one of the Clovers cheerleaders or get a group together and dress up as the whole squad. This look is so gold, Gabrielle Union even brought it back last year for her own costume. Just brace yourself for the dozens of movie quotes you'll hear all night long.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Mariah Carey in a Juicy Tracksuit
The 2000s can pretty much be summed up in two words: Velour. Tracksuit. If you can't get your hands on one from Juicy Couture, any version would get the job done. Just make sure to pair it with gradient-lens sunglasses, long necklaces, and heels, because why not!
17
Nicole Richie Wearing a Denim Miniskirt and Uggs
Raise your hand if you've ever worn a miniskirt with Ugg boots. The fact that most people that were alive in the early 2000s could probably raise their hand for that makes this a pretty epic costume to recreate.
18
Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne was the reason many of us who grew up in the '00s learned how to tie a tie. (Just me? Cool.) Dust off your old striped one and wear it with a plain white tank top, loose cargo pants, and sk8r shoes, and you're basically Avril.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Destiny's Child
Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle had a lot of memorable moments together, but the looks from the "Survivor" era were *chef's kiss.* After you and your two friends are done arguing over which member you get to be, dress up in coordinating camo print and boots.
20
Queen Akasha in Queen of the Damned
Aaliyah had some of the most iconic fashion moments in the '90s, but the costume she wore to portray Queen Akasha in this early 2000s vampire movie deserves a moment, too.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
