Some costumes never go out of style. Zombies? They just keep coming back—literally.
Whether it’s Halloween, a horror-themed party, or a zombie walk downtown, zombie costumes give you so much creative freedom. You can go gory, funny, creepy, or even glamorous. And no matter your style, there’s a way to zombify it.
Let’s dig into 10 seriously killer zombie costume ideas that will leave everyone in shock (and maybe a little scared).
1. Classic Walking Dead Zombie
Want to keep it traditional and terrifying?
This is your go-to look. Start with tattered clothes—the older, the better. Rip some holes, roll them in dirt, and use a mix of red and brown paint for a dried-blood effect.
Add pale face makeup, dark eye circles, and a little fake blood dripping from your mouth or hands. Bonus points if you add a creepy shuffle to your walk.
This costume always delivers on scares, especially at night.
2. Zombie Cheerleader or Football Player
Want to give your costume a high school horror twist?
Transform a classic uniform into a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Start with an old cheerleader or sports uniform, then distress it with cuts, burns, and fake blood. Add zombie makeup—sunken eyes, pale lips, and maybe even a missing tooth.
This works great for couples or group costumes. Bring fake pom-poms or a foam finger soaked in blood to add humor.
It’s nostalgic, fun, and totally terrifying.
3. Bride and Groom Zombies
Want a costume that’s hauntingly romantic?
Grab an old wedding dress and suit from a thrift store, then destroy them with scissors, coffee staining, and fake blood. You can also add dark eye makeup, messy hair, and creepy props like wilted flowers or broken veils.
It works beautifully as a couple’s costume—and the contrast between love and horror is perfect for costume parties.
You’ll look like you said “I do” and then crawled out of your grave together.
4. Zombie Doctor or Nurse
Need something hospital-chic but horrifying?
Use old scrubs or a lab coat and stain them with red paint, smears of “dirt,” and mystery green ooze. Carry fake medical tools like a stethoscope, bloody scalpel, or needle prop.
Smudge your makeup and use dark eyeliner for deep under-eye circles. Add a surgical mask with blood splatter for extra detail.
This costume screams medical emergency—with a strong dose of the undead.
5. Victorian Zombie Ghost
Feeling fancy and frightening?
Wear a long vintage dress or suit with lace and ruffles, then distress it with fake blood and dirt. Use gray and white makeup for a ghostly appearance and tease your hair into a wild Victorian mess.
Add accessories like pearls, gloves, or a top hat—then ruin them a little to keep the look creepy.
This style blends gothic elegance with zombie horror for a hauntingly beautiful effect.
6. Zombie Clown
Want to mix humor with horror?
Clown zombies are as creepy as they come. Find a bright costume with polka dots, ruffles, or stripes. Add pale face paint, a red nose, and sharp, exaggerated makeup.
Then, twist it: add blood, smear the makeup, and turn the smile into something sinister. You can also carry a balloon that says something like “Boo!” or “You’re next.”
It’s terrifying with a touch of twisted humor.
7. Zombie Prom King or Queen
Want a glamorous-yet-ghoulish costume?
Start with a thrifted tux or prom dress. Add a sash and crown to give it that pageant look, then destroy everything. Tear the outfit, smear it with makeup, and maybe even wear a bloody corsage.
This idea works for solo costumes or couples and is perfect if you want to mix fancy with freaky.
And yes—you should totally slow dance in character.
8. Apocalyptic Zombie Soldier
Craving a survival-themed look?
Get army fatigue-style clothing, boots, and a tactical vest. Then zombify it with dirt, blood, and torn fabric. Add face wounds using prosthetics or makeup for that realistic effect.
Carry toy weapons (obviously fake and safe) or military gear like a canteen or walkie-talkie.
This is a perfect balance between fighter and monster.
9. Zombie School Teacher or Librarian
Want something a little unexpected?
Use a pencil skirt or sweater vest and pair it with glasses, then wreck it. Add fake blood, mess up your hair, and create deep eye sockets with makeup. Carry books with fake blood fingerprints or torn report cards.
This costume is a great mix of smart and scary.
It’s also fun to use puns, like “Deadlines killed me” written on a chalkboard prop.
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Zombie
Want something different and eye-catching?
Use black clothing and tape glow-in-the-dark bones onto it. Add glow paint to your face and arms, and then go all out on your zombie makeup with glowing green or blue highlights.
Under blacklight, this look will pop. It’s perfect for dark parties, clubs, or haunted mazes.
You’ll be the most visible undead on the dance floor.
11. Zombie Farmer
Love rural horror vibes?
Throw on overalls, a plaid shirt, and rubber boots—then tear, burn, and splatter them with fake blood. Add hay sticking out of your sleeves or pant legs and carry a toy pitchfork or shovel.
Smear dirt across your face and arms, add dark eye makeup, and you’ve got a countryside corpse ready to roam the fields.
12. Carnival Zombie Performer
Want something theatrical and spine-chilling?
Take any circus performer costume—think ringmaster, trapeze artist, or fire breather—and zombify it. Ripped fishnets, smoky eyes, smeared face paint, and bloodied gloves will do the trick.
Top it off with circus-style props like juggling balls, a cracked mask, or a dead-eyed stare for added effect.
13. Underwater Zombie
Feeling deep-sea spooky?
Start with tattered clothes in shades of blue and green, and glue on faux seaweed, shells, or netting. Smudge your makeup with watery tones and add white contacts for a drowned effect.
Use blue highlighter for a wet, eerie glow. It’s creepy, creative, and refreshingly different from land-based zombies.
14. Zombie Prisoner
Looking for something gritty and bold?
Grab an orange jumpsuit or striped prisoner costume and go wild with cuts, handcuffs, and blood smears. Add gory face makeup, wild hair, and maybe a chain or number tag.
It’s a perfect look if you want to blend horror with a hint of rebellion—undead style.
15. Celebrity Zombie
Want to parody pop culture with a twist?
Pick a well-known celebrity or public figure, then zombify them. Think “Zombie Elvis,” “Undead Marilyn Monroe,” or even a zombified influencer. Use iconic clothes and hair, then distress everything and add signature zombie makeup.
It’s funny, edgy, and great for costume contests or Halloween satire.
16. Carnival Ride Victim Zombie
Ready for gruesome storytelling?
Dress like someone who got thrown off a haunted carnival ride. Use a messy wig, torn theme park attire, and smear everything with blood and grease marks. Add twisted limbs or fake fractures for drama.
It’s theatrical, weird, and ideal if you love creative backstories.
17. Witch-Zombie Hybrid
Can’t decide between spooky themes?
Combine the eerie vibes of a witch with zombie horror. Use a ripped black dress or cloak, a crumbled witch hat, and moss or cobwebs hanging off. Add undead makeup and glowing green eyeshadow for magic-meets-monster flair.
It’s a cursed, magical look that’s hauntingly gorgeous.
18. Carnival Food Vendor Zombie
Want horror with a dash of absurd?
Dress as a popcorn or hotdog vendor with a blood-splattered apron and torn paper hat. Smear ketchup and mustard around your mouth for a disturbingly delicious effect.
Bonus points if you carry a bloody hotdog tray or fake food with bite marks. It’s creepy and hilarious all at once.
19. Zombie Gamer or Streamer
Into modern twists?
Wear a headset, a gaming hoodie, and pajama pants, then zombify it all. Add dark circles under your eyes, fake blood, and maybe a broken controller in hand. You could even display a mock “Disconnected” or “Game Over” sign.
Perfect for gaming fans who want a casual but clever costume.
20. Celebrity Chef Zombie
Cook up a killer costume?
Wear a chef’s coat, hat, and apron—then distress with red splatter, fake cuts, and a cleaver or spatula prop. Black out a tooth, mess up your hair, and give your dishes a scary twist like “Brain Stew” or “Finger Fries.”
Funny, gory, and ideal for foodies with a dark sense of humor.
21. DIY Bone-Exposed Zombie
Want to go extra with effects?
Create the illusion of torn skin exposing bones or muscles using body paint or prosthetics. Tear your clothes around those areas and add shading for a 3D look. This is great for makeup lovers who want to push their skills.
It’s eye-catching, gruesome, and perfect for Halloween pros who want their zombie look to truly stand out.
Conclusion: Get Infected with Creativity
Zombies are the ultimate costume chameleons. You can go full horror or bring in elements of humor, glamour, or even satire. And whether you’re dressing solo or with friends, you’ll never run out of ways to put a fresh twist on the undead.
So, which zombie are you feeling this year? Start with the basics, add your own flair, and let your imagination (and guts) spill out.