Halloween, the most spooky night of the year, is right around the corner and that means it’s time to decide who you will dress up as this year. To make the selection a bit easier, below is a compiled list of costumes based on your favorite gothic artists. So, whether you are more of a Cure-head or find yourself blasting tracks from She Wants Revenge during the month of October, this is the perfect place to find a costume for the goth’s favorite night of the year.
Artist: Siouxsie and the Banshees
Halloween Costume: Witch / Wizard
Siouxsie and the Banshees hit single “Spellbound” says it all for this band’s fans looking for a costume. This early 80s post punk style band incorporates plenty of experimental and unique elements (similar to a witches brew) throughout their entire discography. Influencing the gothic music and cultural scene for years after their disbandment, this band fits perfectly with a witchy or warlock style vibe.
Artist: Bauhaus
Halloween Costume: Vampire
Bauhaus is often seen as the “founding fathers” of gothic rock, known for their dark, gloomy, and almost spooky style of sound. Not only does the sound of the band give off a Transylvania-esk feel, but the band’s look and aesthetic definitely has some vampy elements included. Some might even mistake the singer of the iconic gothic Bauhaus track, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” for Count Dracula himself.
Costume: The Chameleons
Halloween Costume: Black Swan
The Chameleons, a classic post-punk gothic rock band, is the perfect fit for the classic black swan costume. Forming in the 1980s in England, The Chameleons are known for their atmospheric, yet moody and interesting sound. With most of the band members growing up in the the post-industrial era in Britain, there is a sense of alienation as well as bareness due to the lack of big industries and businesses in their environment, which overall contributed to their dark and mysterious sound, similar to the aesthetic of a black swan.
Artist: The Cure
Halloween Costume: Black Cat
The black cat might just be the perfect costume for any gothic rock fan, but a tried and true gothic costume needs to be matched with a band similar to a black cat’s famous spooky stature. The Cure has been the staple gothic sound of music fans for decades, and continues to hold a form of inspiration for many styles of bands to this day. Mysterious and dark, alluring and somewhat peaceful, the black cat is a perfect way to encapsulate the music of The Cure. Got a significant other who also loves The Cure, double up the black cat action and match to one of The Cure’s singles “The Lovecats”!
Artist: Urban Heat
Halloween Costume: Fortune Teller
Urban Heat is known for their incredible mixture of mysterious sounds as well an electric/funky vibe which ties in a psychic and fortune teller theme. Urban Heat’s music often has an atmospheric, ethereal quality. A fortune teller costume embodies that mystical energy, allowing you to channel the band’s unique sound and aesthetic. Fortune tellers evoke a vintage, bohemian look with flowing fabrics, bold accessories, and vibrant colors. This style resonates with Urban Heat’s eclectic influences, blending nostalgia with modern flair. With its mix of mystique, style, and interactivity, a fortune teller costume perfectly captures the essence of Urban Heat while making you the life of any Halloween party!
Artist: The Cramps
Halloween Costume: Creepy Doll
The Cramps are known for their dark, kitschy style that blends rockabilly with horror. A creepy doll costume captures that eerie, vintage vibe, making it a perfect homage to the band’s aesthetic. The Cramps’ music also mixes playful and macabre elements, a creepy doll can be both unsettling and intriguing. It embraces that blend of horror and humor that the band embodies. Creepy dolls are instantly recognizable and can be quite unsettling, just like The Cramps’ music.
Artist: Type O Negative
Halloween Costume: Medusa / Poseidon
Type O Negative often draws on themes of mythology and the macabre in their music. Medusa, with her haunting beauty and tragic story, aligns perfectly with the band’s gothic and introspective style. Type O Negative also is known from their moody, atmospheric quality of music that fits the mysterious, underwater world of Poseidon or the dark allure of Medusa. Your costume can evoke that same sense of depth and intrigue. By opting for a Medusa or Poseidon costume, you’ll not only showcase your love for Type O Negative but also embody the dark, mythical elements that resonate deeply with their music.
Artist: Sisters of Mercy
Halloween Costume: Evil Nun / Monk
The Sisters of Mercy imagery, including elements of the occult and the sacred, aligns perfectly with the look of a sinister religious figure. It’s a visually striking costume that pays homage to the band’s iconic style. The duality of an evil nun or monk reflects the band’s exploration of contrasting themes in their music, like sin and redemption, love and despair. Your costume can embody that tension, making it even more impactful. Just as The Sisters of Mercy captivate their audience, your costume can spark conversations and intrigue at any Halloween gathering. You’ll embody the mysterious and commanding presence that the band is known for. If you love The Sisters of Mercy, a evil nun or monk is the perfect costume to exhibit a gothic vibe.
Artist: Joy Division
Halloween Costume: Fallen Angel
Joy Division’s music captures a sense of haunting beauty and melancholy. A fallen angel costume embodies that duality—beautiful yet tragic—perfectly reflecting the band’s aesthetic. A fallen angel can also incorporate dark, ethereal elements like tattered wings and somber attire, mirroring the band’s iconic visual style. This look will resonate with fellow fans who appreciate the gothic vibe. By opting for a fallen angel costume, you’ll not only express your love for Joy Division but also embody the haunting beauty and emotional complexity that the band represents, making you a standout this Halloween.
Artist: She Wants Revenge
Halloween Costume: Devil
A devil is the perfect Halloween costume for a fan of She Wants Revenge because it embodies the band’s sultry, dark romanticism and their themes of desire and rebellion. The devilish aesthetic captures the essence of the band’s sound, which blends moody, atmospheric beats with provocative lyrics. With its seductive edge, a devil costume allows for a range of creative expression—think sleek black attire, dramatic horns, and striking makeup that reflects the band’s glamorous yet edgy vibe. This can evoke the brooding energy of songs like “Tear You Apart,” where the tension between desire and danger is palpable. This costume not only aligns perfectly with their darkly romantic sound but also makes a bold statement at any Halloween gathering, showcasing your love for the band while embracing the mischievous spirit of the season.
I am currently attending the University of North Texas with a photojournalism major. I love going to concerts of all genres, whether I am stage diving or headbanging, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate live music. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for CD's and records, spending time with my cats, going to art exhibits, and traveling (especially to NYC). My biggest inspiration is Danny Clinch, and one day I aspire to open up my own gallery to showcase my work!
