Three Halloweens ago, my best friend Dana and I agreed to “just figure out something fun” the week of. By Thursday we had a group chat full of unanswered screenshots, a half-finished argument about who got to be the cooler character, and zero costumes. We ended up as two mismatched ghosts in sheets, and the photos still make us laugh for the wrong reasons.
Good best friend Halloween costumes need three things: a pairing where neither person feels like the sidekick, pieces you can actually find, and something comfortable enough to survive a whole night. That’s the filter I used for this list. If you’re hunting for more matching ideas, my roundup of duo Halloween costumes goes even wider, and if your friend group is bigger than two, the trio Halloween costumes guide has you covered.
Below are 19 matching friend costumes, with rough costs, what to buy, and the one thing that tends to go wrong with each. There’s a comparison table near the end so you can pick by budget and effort, plus an FAQ. Short on time? Look for the easy last-minute Halloween costumes flagged in the table.
1. Thelma and Louise
This is the road-trip pairing that never goes out of style. Thelma gets a floral blouse, a denim jacket, and a messy updo; Louise gets a white tee, a scarf, and cat-eye sunglasses. It works because both characters are equally iconic, so nobody feels like the lesser role.
Budget about $30 to $50 and thrift as much as you can. A scarf tied over the hair reads instantly, and it’s free if you own one.
Pro tip: Bring a toy convertible or a vintage road map as a prop. It’s what turns “two girls in jackets” into an obvious reference.
2. Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair
Black braided pigtails, a dark pinafore dress, and a deadpan face for Wednesday; a rainbow striped sweater, a colorful wig, and a big smile for Enid. The contrast is the whole joke, and it photographs well because you’re literally opposites. If you’re dressing up for school-age events, my list of Halloween costumes for teenage girls has more looks in this vein.
The mistake to avoid is a cheap synthetic wig on the Enid side. Pick one with soft blended colors, and it’ll look far better in photos than a flat neon one.
3. Cher and Dionne from Clueless
Yellow plaid skirt set for Cher, and a matching plaid in a different color for Dionne. Add knee socks, a mini bag, and a flip phone prop if you can find one. It’s one of the easiest DIY Halloween costumes if either of you owns a plaid blazer.
Thrift stores almost always have plaid skirts. Expect to spend $20 to $40 total.
4. SpongeBob and Patrick
A yellow shirt with brown shorts and a white-collared top for SpongeBob; pink shirt with green shorts for Patrick. Draw the details on with fabric markers or print them on iron-on sheets. Honestly, the funniest part is committing to the walk.
It costs under $25 and works great for casual parties. Skip the face paint and let a simple headband do the character work.
5. Mike and Sulley
One of you is a green one-eyed ball, and the other is a big blue furry guy, and it’s wonderful. Mike can be a green hoodie with a giant paper eye attached; Sulley can use a blue fuzzy jacket with purple spots cut from felt. This one is comfortable, silly, and instantly recognizable.
Fleece is your friend here, since it’s warm for outdoor parties and cheap at craft stores.
6. Cookies and Milk
A brown shirt with white felt circles for chocolate chips, plus a white outfit with a paper milk-carton hat. It’s cute, it costs around $15, and you can put it together in an evening. It’s a strong pick among last-minute Halloween costumes because nothing needs to be ordered.
If you want something more substantial, turn the cookie into a big cardboard circle worn over the front. Just make sure you can sit down in it.
7. Bert and Ernie
Striped sweater, orange or yellow tops, and fuzzy hair pieces make these two easy to pull off. Ernie can carry a rubber duck and Bert can carry a pigeon plush for extra points.
This costume looks best in group photos with a bit of dialogue. We tried the “Bert is annoyed” pose and it got more laughs than the costume itself.
8. Salt and Pepper
Two shirts, two cardboard shakers, and a bit of silver or black glitter. It’s one of the cheapest options on this list, and it works even if you only decide the day before. If you’d like to explore more food-themed pairs, my guide to couples Halloween costumes includes a few that work just as well for friends.
9. Shaggy and Scooby-Doo
A green tee and brown bell-bottoms for Shaggy; a brown hoodie with black spots and a collar for Scooby. Add a sandwich for extra personality, because Shaggy is never without one.
The hoodie is the key piece, and you can make it by sewing felt spots onto a brown sweatshirt. The whole thing runs about $30.
10. Lilo and Stitch
A red dress and braids for Lilo, and a blue hoodie with ears and a long tail for Stitch. It’s sweet, a little nostalgic, and surprisingly comfortable. You can even add a small ukulele prop if you like.
Pro tip: Make the Stitch ears from felt and attach them to a headband. They stay upright far better than the floppy ones in boxed kits.
11. Rizzo and Frenchy from Grease
Pink satin jackets, fitted pants or skirts, and curled hair make a gorgeous pair. Pick two shades of the Pink Ladies palette so you look coordinated but not identical. It’s a great fit for friends who love a retro style.
A used pink bomber jacket costs $15 to $25 at most thrift stores.
12. A Pair of Crayons
Pick two different colors, wear matching outfits, and add a cardboard cone hat. It’s a low-effort costume that still looks tidy, and you can choose any colors you like. It’s one of the best budget Halloween costumes on the list since everything is basic clothing.
13. Tom and Jerry
Grey outfit with ears and a tail for Tom; a brown outfit with big round ears for Jerry. Add a piece of felt cheese for Jerry. It’s silly, quick, and comfortable, and the chase-pose photos are half the fun.
If you’re also dressing the younger crowd, check my guide to kids Halloween costumes for cartoon ideas that work across ages.
14. Hermione and Ron
A school robe, a striped scarf, and a wand for each of you, with Hermione’s bushy hair doing most of the work. Ron needs a messy red wig or simply a red hat. It’s easy to build from your closet if you already own a black cardigan.
15. Bacon and Eggs
A brown or red outfit with wavy felt strips for bacon; a white outfit with a yellow circle for the egg. It’s quick, comfortable, and funny at any party. My friend Maya wore the egg version to a breakfast-themed brunch and people were still talking about it two days later.
16. Anna and Elsa
Ice blue gown and a braid for Elsa; a green and magenta dress with pigtails for Anna. If you want to keep it comfortable, pick dresses you can wear again, rather than shiny costume-store fabric that itches.
Use a clear glue stick and a little glitter for snowflake accents. Expect to spend $40 to $80 for both.
17. Tweedledee and Tweedledum
Matching striped shirts, propeller caps, and shorts are all it takes. It’s a funny pick for friends who love matching, and it’s an easy one to expand if a third friend joins.
18. Chip and Dale
Brown outfits with tan accents, and one of you wears a small red nose while the other wears a tiny bow tie. It’s an adorable pairing that’s low-pressure and easy to wear. A pair of brown hoodies with felt additions will do the job.
19. Fortune Teller and Crystal Ball
One of you wears a scarf, big earrings, and layered jewelry; the other wears a silver or clear outfit with a round paper ball at the front. It’s mystical and funny at once, and it’s easy to put together with a thrift store trip. If you want a darker version, add a black veil and candles.
Which Best Friend Halloween Costume Should You Pick? (Quick Comparison)
| Costume | Rough Cost | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt & Pepper | $10 | Very low | Last-minute |
| Cookies & Milk | $15 | Very low | Last-minute |
| Crayons | $15 | Very low | Budget |
| SpongeBob & Patrick | $25 | Low | Casual parties |
| Cher & Dionne | $20 to $40 | Low | Thrifting |
| Thelma & Louise | $30 to $50 | Medium | Photos |
| Wednesday & Enid | $35 to $60 | Medium | Contrast photos |
| Mike & Sulley | $30 to $50 | Medium (DIY) | Funny crowds |
| Anna & Elsa | $40 to $80 | Medium | Reusable dresses |
| Hermione & Ron | $25 to $50 | Low to medium | Using your own closet |
How Much Do Best Friend Halloween Costumes Cost?
Most pairs spend between $25 and $80 combined. You can drop below that by thrifting and using pieces you already own, or go higher if you buy quality wigs and makeup. In my experience, the wig and the main signature piece are worth the extra money, while props can usually be cheap or homemade. If your plans include a partner, you might also like these unique couple Halloween costume ideas.
Tips for Picking Matching Friend Costumes
Start with the comfort question. If one of you hates face paint and the other loves it, pick something that skips it. Split the shopping list early, because it’s easier to buy two pieces each than to fight over who orders what. Try everything on together a few days beforehand, and take a test photo, because some costumes look better in the mirror than on camera.
Also plan for the weather, since October nights can swing from warm to cold quickly. Layers you can add or remove make the evening far easier, and a costume you can sit in is a costume you’ll wear to the end of the night. For family-friendly crowds, our family Halloween costumes guide has similar comfort-first ideas.
Final Thoughts
If I were starting over with Dana, I’d pick Thelma and Louise, split the shopping list two weeks out, and spend ten minutes on a test photo. It’s easy, it looks put together, and neither of us would feel like the sidekick. If you can’t decide, choose the one that makes you both laugh in the first thirty seconds. That’s usually the right one, and it’s what you’ll remember next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best last-minute best friend Halloween costumes?
Salt and Pepper, Cookies and Milk, and a pair of crayons are the fastest. Each can be pulled together in under an hour with basic clothes and some felt or cardboard.
What are good cheap best friend costumes?
Cher and Dionne, SpongeBob and Patrick, and Thelma and Louise all work on a small budget, especially if you thrift the main pieces.
How do we pick a costume if we can’t agree?
Each person picks their top three and you look for overlap. If there isn’t any, choose the one that’s more comfortable for whoever cares less, because they’re the one most likely to be miserable.
Can best friend costumes work for three people?
Yes. Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Crayons, and the Wednesday group all expand easily. Check our trio Halloween costumes for more.
Do friend costumes need to match exactly?
No. The best pairs complement each other, like Thelma and Louise or Mike and Sulley, rather than copying the same outfit.
How can I make DIY Halloween costumes look less homemade?
Spend on the one piece people notice first, such as the wig, hat, or main jacket, and keep the rest simple. Clean, well-fitted clothes make a bigger difference than expensive props.
Where can I find more costume ideas?
Browse our duo costume ideas, college costume ideas, and kids costume ideas for even more options.
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