Halloween is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking about costumes, decorations, treats, and all the fun that comes with October 31! Sometimes the hardest part of Halloween isn’t deciding whether to dress up. It’s figuring out what to wear. You want something fun, recognizable, and comfortable enough to enjoy your Halloween festivities without spending a fortune on a costume you’ll only wear once.
When I received a collection of Halloween costume ideas from AskGamblers, I thought they were worth sharing with our Greatful Moments readers. The ideas take inspiration from sports stars, memorable sporting moments, and popular entertainment from 2026.
Whether you’re looking for a costume for yourself, your husband, or a couple’s outfit you can put together together, these suggestions might give you the inspiration you’ve been looking for. And remember, you don’t have to buy a complete costume. Sometimes a few things from your closet, a creative accessory, and a little imagination are all you need!
Halloween Costume Ideas for Men
1. Ted Lasso– If you know someone who loves Ted Lasso, this could be a fun and recognizable costume. The character’s friendly personality and signature look make this an outfit you can put together without much fuss.
What you’ll need:
- A football club tracksuit or a plain quarter-zip top
- Khaki pants
- Comfortable sneakers
- A whistle worn around the neck
- A mustache
- A homemade sign that says “Believe”
The sign might be my favorite part. You can make one with cardboard and a marker, which means you don’t need to spend extra money on an elaborate accessory.
2. Lionel Messi– Football fans may enjoy dressing up as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
What you’ll need:
- An Argentina football jersey
- A number 10 on the back
- A toy or replica World Cup trophy, if you have one
The jersey does most of the work here. It’s a simple option for someone who wants a sports-inspired costume without having to assemble an entire outfit from scratch.
3. David Beckham and the Oversized Drink Looking for something a little more humorous? A David Beckham-inspired outfit offers an opportunity to have fun with fashion and a memorable oversized-drink look.
What you’ll need:
- Sunglasses
- A button-down shirt
- Tailored chinos or dark pants
- An oversized novelty drinking glass as a prop
- Alternatively, a David Beckham football jersey for a more casual look
The oversized glass is the conversation starter. Just remember to choose a lightweight, safe prop rather than carrying around a heavy glass all evening!
Halloween Costume Ideas for Women
4. Serena Williams– Tennis fans might enjoy creating a costume inspired by Serena Williams, one of the most recognizable athletes in the sport.
What you’ll need:
- A white tennis outfit
- A tennis racket
- A racket bag or sports bag
- Beaded braids or other tennis-inspired accessories
You don’t need to recreate a specific match outfit. A classic tennis look is enough to make the theme clear, and you can choose comfortable pieces you already own.
5. New York Knicks-Inspired Dancer– If you love basketball or enjoy a colorful costume, take inspiration from the New York Knicks’ orange and blue team colors.
What you’ll need:
- An orange-and-blue outfit
- White sneakers
- A high ponytail
- A Knicks logo or basketball-themed accessory
You can create your own version without copying a professional dance uniform. The team colors and a few well-chosen accessories can bring the idea together.
6. Alysa Liu-Inspired Figure Skater– For someone who enjoys elegant costumes, a figure-skating-inspired look could be a lovely choice. Inspired by American figure skater Alysa Liu and her Olympic success, this costume can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
What you’ll need:
- A gold skating-style dress
- Tights
- White boots or comfortable shoes
- A medal-style accessory or a bunch of roses
You don’t need actual ice skates to complete the look. White boots are a more practical option for walking around a Halloween party, trick-or-treating with the family, or attending a seasonal event.
Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples
7. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce– Are you and your sweetheart looking for a couples costume? A Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-inspired look combines music and football in one recognizable pairing.
For Taylor:
- A sparkly bodysuit or glittery outfit
- A microphone prop
- A blonde wig or temporary hair color, if desired
For Travis:
- A Kansas City Chiefs jersey featuring number 87
- A football helmet or another football-themed accessory
You can make the costumes as simple or elaborate as your budget allows. One person can wear a jersey and the other can choose a sparkly outfit, and you’ll still have a recognizable theme. This could also be a fun idea for friends who want to coordinate their costumes rather than dress as a traditional Halloween couple.
How to Put Together a Halloween Costume Without Spending a Fortune
One thing I love about these ideas is that many of them can be created with clothes and accessories you already have at home. Before shopping, take a look through your closets. A pair of khakis, a button-down shirt, a sports jersey, sneakers, or a white outfit might already provide the foundation for a costume. Then think about the one or two accessories that will make the outfit recognizable. A whistle, homemade sign, football, tennis racket, microphone, or novelty trophy can help complete the look.
Here are a few more ways to save:
- Shop your closet first. Use existing clothes as the foundation for your costume.
- Make your own accessories. Cardboard, markers, and craft supplies can go a long way.
- Borrow items when possible. A family member might have the sports jersey or accessory you need.
- Choose comfortable shoes. If you’ll be walking around a neighborhood or attending an outdoor event, comfort matters.
- Reuse the pieces later. Sports jerseys, sneakers, and everyday clothing can be worn again after Halloween.
The goal is to have fun, not to spend more than your budget allows.
A Note About Our Source These sports-inspired costume suggestions were provided by AskGamblers, featuring ideas from Irena Ducic, senior content editor. The original material draws on reported Google Trends and Pinterest interest to suggest costume themes for Halloween 2026. You can visit AskGamblers to learn more about the source.
Greatful Moments is sharing these ideas for their seasonal Halloween inspiration. Featuring this material does not mean we endorse gambling; decisions about gambling are a personal choice for individuals and families to make for themselves.
Halloween is a chance to have fun, get creative, and perhaps dress up as someone you wouldn’t ordinarily be during the rest of the year. I love that these costume ideas offer something a little different from the usual ghosts, witches, and vampires. Whether you’re a football fan, a tennis enthusiast, a music lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, there may be an idea here that sparks your imagination.
And don’t forget that you can put your own spin on any of these suggestions. You don’t have to get every detail exactly right. Sometimes the homemade sign, the oversized prop, or the funny accessory is what makes everyone smile. Now I want to hear from you! Which of these sports-inspired Halloween costumes is your favorite? Would you dress as Ted Lasso, create a Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce couples costume, or come up with something entirely different?
Share your ideas with Greatful Moments, and let’s make this Halloween a fun one!
Source credit: Costume inspiration supplied by AskGamblers.
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
