Millions of Halloween costumes end up in waste - why not rent yours this year instead?

Let's make spooky season a little more sustainable.

Halloween Costumes Rental: Lizzo and Harry Styles at Coachella
(Image credit: Getty)

For some, Halloween is one of the most highly-anticipated dates on the yearly calendar. Between the parties, dress-ups and abundance of sweets, we can understand why it has been branded as an exceptionally fun holiday. However, did you know that Halloween is also responsible for the creation of an incredible amount of waste? 

According to Fashion United,  in 2019 around 39 million people in the UK dressed up for Halloween, and of that 39 million, an estimated 7 million costumes ended up as waste. Halloween may be branded as a 'spooky season,' but we never thought we'd find its statistics quite so unnerving. 

This year, why not opt for a more sustainable solution and rent your Halloween costume instead? 

For the fashion-inclined, there are plenty of options available from the likes of peer-to-peer rental app By  Rotation or fashion rental app HURR, all you need is a little imagination. Whether you want to emulate Paris Hilton's unforgettable 21st birthday look or recreate Jennifer Lopez's iconic red-carpet appearance at the 2000 Grammy Awards, you're just a few searches away from a Halloween costume guaranteed to impress. 

Renting your Halloween costume is a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday. You can create an entirely new look while knowing you're not adding to landfill or wear-once, throw-away culture. 

After a little inspiration? Keep scrolling for 6 fashionable Halloween costumes you can rent now

1. Carrie Bradshaw's Newspaper Dress

Rental Halloween Costumes: Carrie Bradshaw newspaper dress


(Image credit: Getty)
Rent Ashley Williams Newspaper Slip Dress
£74 at HURR

Rent Ashley Williams Newspaper Slip Dress

Iconic in and of itself, the Carrie Bradshaw newspaper dress appeared in both the original series and the second Sex and The City movie. While the original dress was by Dior, many brands have taken inspiration from it over the years. This Ashley Williams iteration could definitely pass as a Carrie-inspired look, just add heels.

2. Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys 

Rental Halloween Costumes: Jennifer Lopez at the Grammys

(Image credit: Getty)
Rent Rixo Rose Dress in Palm Print 
£44 at HURR

Rent Rixo Rose Dress in Palm Print 

Jennifer Lopez's appearance at the 2000 Grammy Awards was so iconic, her look is credited as the reason Google Images was invented. JLo's original look was by Versace, but this palm print dress from Rixo has quite a similar vibe (and a more wearable silhouette, if you're planning to go out in public).

3. Paris Hilton at her 21st Birthday 

Rental Halloween Costumes: Paris Hilton 21st Birthday

(Image credit: Getty)
Rent Poster Girl Metallic Dress
£114 at byrotation.com

Rent Poster Girl Metallic Dress

Understated is not a word often associated with Paris Hilton and the star certainly proved that at her 21st birthday party, by choosing to wear the now-iconic, chainmail mini dress. 

Many brands have since emulated the look and this Poster Girl rental would make the perfect option if you're looking to dress like Ms Hilton this Halloween. 

4. Lizzo and Harry Styles at Coachella 

Rental Halloween Costumes: Lizzo and Harry Styles at Coachella

(Image credit: Getty)
Rent Vivetta Pink Coat 
£69 at byrotation.com

Rent Vivetta Pink Coat 

When Lizzo and Harry Styles performed together at Coachella this year, dressed in matching pink fluffy coats, it was undeniably a moment. 

Grab your bestie and emulate the famous pair by renting a fluffy coat of your very own. It will certainly be one of the most cosy Halloween costumes you'll ever wear. 

5. Beyonce performing at the 2022 Oscars 

Beyonce Performs at The 94th Annual Academy Awards

(Image credit: Getty)
Rent De La Vali Dress

Rent De La Vali Dress

Beyonce opened the Oscars this year with a truly incredible performance. For the occasion, the star wore a neon yellow gown by David Koma. 

While Beyonce's exact dress may not be available, this feather-adorned yellow dress by De La Vali would work as something similar. Don't forget to add a pair of statement earrings. 

6. Wednesday Addams 

Wednesday Addams

(Image credit: Getty)
Rent Self Portrait Dress
£78 at byrotation.com

Rent Self Portrait Dress

Wednesday Addams is a tried and tested Halloween costume that returns year after year. Simply find yourself a black mini dress with a contrasting white collar—like this option available at ByRotation—style your hair into plaits and voilá. It's simple, yet effective. 

Zoe Anastasiou
Fashion Editor

Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire.