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From beloved Golden Age musical stars to 1940s film noir femme fatales, these unique Old Hollywood Halloween costume ideas are sure to thrill classic film fans. Some of these Halloween costumes from movies and tv series are more niche than others, so you may find yourself explaining your look to a few folks. I think that could be great way to start a conversation with a new friend at the Halloween party. How many of these classic movie costumes do you recognize?

Old Hollywood Halloween costume ideas

Dorothy Gale costume idea

Recreate Judy Garland’s adorable outfit in The Wizard of Oz with a blue and white gingham pinafore dress over a white button-up shirt or blouse. Prefer separates? Get the look with a tank top and matching shorts or skirt. I’m wearing the Wayre Square Neck Button Front Tank and matching Wayre Travel Pocket Bermuda Flow Short in Ocean Gingham. Braid some pigtails and grab a basket to carry your Halloween candy, or a stuffed dog to represent your loyal companion Toto. Complete your look with a pair of ruby slippers and you’re off to see the wizard! Watch “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

Rita Hayworth as Gilda costume

“Gilda, are you decent?” These words led to the greatest hair toss in film history. Channel Rita Hayworth as Gilda in the 1946 film noir with a silky nightgown, gauzy floor-length robe, red lipstick and big, bouncy 1940s femme fatale hair. My robe is from Dottie’s Delights. This outfit is perfect for hosting Halloween house parties, but if you’re heading out, you can swap the nightgown and robe for a strapless black gown like the one Gilda wears on the movie poster. Watch “Gilda” (1946)

Phyllis Dietrichson costume

Double Indemnity is widely regarded as one of the best film noir of all time. Barbara Stanwyck is fantastic as Phyllis Dietrichson, a seductive housewife who quickly leads insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) down a path of deception and death. One of her outfits that gets the most screen time is the one she wears to meet Walter in the grocery store: you’ll need a collared blouse with billowy sleeves, wide-leg slacks, vintage-inspired cat-eye sunglasses and a blonde wig with bangs. Watch “Double Indemnity” (1944)

Esther Williams costume idea

Esther Williams starred in a number of fun technicolor films that highlighted her skills as a competitive swimmer. She often wore shiny metallic or glittery one-piece swimsuits, sometimes accented with a crown or hair accessory. This would be a unique Halloween costume if you happen to live somewhere warm enough to wear it. If you find a glamorous vintage swimsuit in your size, that’s grand, but a sparkly halter bodysuit can achieve the same look. I’m wearing the Unique Vintage Black & Silver Shimmer Romper & Sarong Set, without the skirt. Put your hair in an elegant vintage updo, add some sparkly jewelry and you’re ready for a midnight swim. Watch Neptune’s Daughter (1949)

Norma Desmond costume

“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” In Sunset Boulevard (1950), Gloria Swanson stars as the largely forgotten silent film actor Norma Desmond, who dreams of returning to the spotlight. When a struggling screenwriter named Joe Gillis (William Holden) wanders into her Hollywood home, he’s hired by Desmond to help with her big comeback, and psychological thrills ensue. To get the look, you’ll need a black robe like this one from What Katie Did, a metal belt, a leopard print scarf to wear on your head, a stack of shiny bracelets and a pair of vintage sunglasses. Cigarette holder optional! Watch “Sunset Boulevard” (1950)

Veronica Lake 1940s fishing costume

In the film noir This Gun for Hire, vintage hair icon Veronica Lake plays a magician/nightclub singer named Ellen Graham. In one memorable scene, she performs an act in which she makes small fish magically appear in a bowl, dressed in a sleek black outfit and hip waders. Get the look with a black rain hat, vintage blouse, black leggings and thigh high boots. You could carry a fishing pole, but for something a little less cumbersome, a fish-shaped purse would be cute. Watch “This Gun for Hire” (1942)

1920s silent film star costume

Heading to a murder mystery party this Halloween? Make believe you’re a silent film star in the glamorous Babeyond 1920s Sequin Evening Gown with elbow length satin gloves and a beaded handbag. A flapper headband is the perfect finishing touch. You could go a step further and paint your face and body to make it look like you just stepped out of an old black-and-white movie.

Samantha from Bewitched outfit

Samantha was stylish in every episode of the 1960s television series, Bewitched, and there’s no better time of year to channel the wonderfully dressed woman with magical powers. You’ll simply need a vintage dress, classic pumps, a broom and a 1960s hairstyle. You could also ask someone to dress as Samantha’s mother, Endora, and be the most fabulous witches at the party! Watch Bewitched (1964)

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