We’re on a steady course towards fright night. Halloween is coming on October 31, which this year falls on a Thursday.
While kids bashing your doorbell as they’re trick or treating all night will probably still take place on the allotted day, the vast majority of Halloween parties are likely to take place the weekend before; October 25, 26 and 27.
And for Halloween parties, there is only one dress code: fancy dress.
Whether you like it or not (and make no mistake: here at ES Best, we’re firmly in the former camp), Halloween presents a rare opportunity to dress up and get your freak well and truly on.
While some favour the classics or literature-inspired characters, Halloween is a chance to bring some topical humour to the party. From the A-list to politicians to going as something out of Black Mirror (ChatGPT costume, anyone?), the only limit to fancy dress outfits is your imagination.
While homemade will always have a certain charm, not everyone has the time or skills required to craft your own piece. Luckily, there are plenty of ready-made costumes ready to go from online stores with delivery right to your doorstep. Sizing can vary but there are lots of options designed for the plus size reveller.
We’ve rounded up the best we’ve seen and put them into the edit below to make them easier to shop. From much-loved storybook characters to classically scary Halloween nightmares, scroll on to see the selection.
Simply hit the ‘Buy it now’ button, find your size and wait for those Best Dressed awards to come rolling in.
Shop now
Richolyn Winifred Sanderson Costumes Dress with Wig
Sizes: M - 3XL
For under £30 you too can transform into one of Hocus Pocus’ Sanderson sisters. This set includes the dress and a wig to complete the effect. Repurpose a cauldron as a handbag and you’ll be all set for trick or treating.
Buy now £26.59, Amazon
Haooyeah Women Cowboy Cheerleader Costume
Sizes: XS - 3XL
Make like America’s Sweethearts and don the Dallas Cowboy cheerleading outfit this Halloween. The two-piece is covered in stars with the tie blouse finished with a fringed hem that will shimmer with every flip and extended leg movement.
Sadly pom-poms and a cowboy hat aren’t included in the bundle, but they’re easy to pick up under Amazon’s roof. Sure to leave the competition thunderstruck.
Buy now £40.99, Amazon
Huasean Funny Artist Costumes Famous Painting Costume
Mona Lisa’s smile is enigmatic, one that the whole world knows. But what secret is she hiding? Bring forward your interpretation with this fun costume depicting Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. Another version showing Edvard Munch’s The Scream is available if you want to more closely tick the Halloween brief.
Get a group together and you could be the Louvre on the move.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Smiffys Zombie Nurse Plus Size Adult Women’s Costume
Sizes: 18 -30
Smiffys is one of the best names in the fancy dress business. The selection is huge, and there’s even a Curves collection for plus-size customers. Done right, topical costumes will always get a good laugh, but if you want an option you can roll out every Halloween, the classics are the best investment. Stray from the witches and ghosts path and opt for a zombie nurse instead. Channel an undead Nurse Ratchet and cackle with glee as all in your path run for cover.
Buy now £23.49, Smiffys
Proumhang Green Hooded Cloak Maxi Cape
Sizes: S - 2XL
Made from high-quality velvet, this cape is your gateway to a world of fancy dress opportunities. Channel an evil Snow White, make like Frodo or play pretend you’re the latest member of House Slytherin. Heck, you could even go as a Scottish Widow.
Available in a choice of jewel tones, the floor-length piece features a hood that’s large enough to obscure the top half of the face for extra mystery. It ties easily with a ribbon at the collar and leaves you free to wear what you like underneath. Hand wash only.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Smiffys Royal Red Queen Costume
Sizes: 8 - 26
Play your strongest hand in this Royal Red Queen costume from market leader Smiffys. The detailed outfit comes with a crown to ensure the look is as convincing as can be. Match with a pair of long black gloves and panto-style makeup and get ready to rule.
Buy now £22.18, Amazon
Lovehoney Fantasy Plus Size Frisky Flight Attendant Costume
Sizes: 6 - 24
From the Mean Girls’ school of Halloween dressing comes this risque costume. Sold at Lovehoney, it’s a bold look that requires confidence - but not a pilot’s licence, thankfully. Fly high in this scarlet mini dress which comes with a pointed airman’s hat as an extra accessory.
Buy now £34.99, Lovehoney
Adult plus size traditional Alice costume
Sizes: 2XL - 4XL
Tumble down the rabbit hole of fancy dress options at this retailer and prepare to be awed by the wonderland of choices. If you’re hoping to emulate one of fiction’s greatest characters Alice in Alice in Wonderland, this ensemble will get you there. The puff-sleeve sky blue dress comes with a pleated skirt and white apron detail on the front, but you’ll need to find the other accessories - stockings and a blonde wig if required - to leave revellers in no doubt as to who you are.
Buy now £29.99, Fancydress.com
Women’s Plus Size Mary Poppins Costume
Sizes: XL- 3XL
Dish out magic and charm by going as Mary Poppins this Halloween. This stunning Victorian-style ensemble includes everything but the bag and boots. It’s a fun look that has legs. As well as Halloween, roll it out for World Book Day or other fancy dress moments where you need to look supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Buy now £54.99, Fancydress.com
