Halloween is meant for having fun and dressing up! Sure, there are costumes people could wear in other parts of the country, but hey, we’re in Los Angeles!
If you’re looking for something different for this year’s celebration, why not think local? There are lots of fun, easy (i.e.. not expensive and/or labor intensive) only-in-L.A. costumes perfect for Los Angeles kids (and families)!
Or why not go big? Our City has been known to revel in excess, so take these ideas and feel free to run with them. Make them your own. And above all, have fun!
14 Costume Ideas for Los Angeles Kids
Steve Jobs of Apple
Apple’s headquarters may be in Northern California, but the first retail store opened in the Glendale Galleria back in 2001 which is very much SoCal. And it’s easy to dress like the iconic Steve Jobs. Think tennis shoes, jeans, black turtleneck, wire-rimmed glasses, and of course, an Apple item in your child’s hand.
In-N-Out Burger Employee
Nothing says southern California quite like a burger from In-N-Out. The whole family can dress up in this one. White shirts and pants, a red apron, and don’t forget a paper hat.
Related: DIY Kids Halloween Costumes
See’s Candies Employee
2021 was the 100th anniversary of See’s Candies which opened its first candy shop here in Los Angeles in 1921 (at 135 N. Western Avenue). A fun way to celebrate is by dressing as one of the ever-friendly See’s Candies employees. Think a white dress (a possible way to use a prior year’s nurse costume), black bow tie, and white shoes. Don’t forget to carry a box as an additional prop.
Wizard of Oz Characters
The Wizard of Oz has strong ties to Culver City which makes it a fun idea for Halloween costumes for the whole family. Your pet dog is obviously Toto, and then depending on the size of your family, you can dress up as Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch, and the Good Witch Glinda.
Pink’s Hot Dogs Employee
Pink’s is an L.A. institution that makes for a fairly easy Halloween costume. All that’s really required is a pink shirt with a name tag you can make yourself. But you can also add a pink baseball cap and an apron to complete the look.
Minions
With Universal Studios just a short drive away, it’s natural to think of the Minions for an easy, family-friendly Halloween costume. Think jean overalls, a yellow shirt, and black gloves. Don’t forget the goggles!
Skateboarder, Surfer, Snowboarder
All three scream “L.A.” and all three are fairly easy in terms of costumes. In fact, ask around and you most likely can find the makings of a costume in your house or in a relative’s home. Or, be truly L.A. and combine them – because only in Los Angeles is it possible to surf and snowboard all in the same day! You can even dress as Marty McFly from Back to the Future (remember the jeans and red puffy vest).
Dr. Seuss Characters
Did you know that for many years the beloved Dr. Seuss lived in La Jolla? Take inspiration from the many characters Dr. Seuss created over the years for this year’s Halloween costumes. For “Thing One Thing Two” you need red clothes and blue hair. And don’t forget to label your red shirts with a white circle and use black lettering inside to write “Thing One” and “Thing Two.” While you can purchase a Cat in the Hat costume, you can also use a very d-i-y version using black clothes, a red and white striped hat (which can even be made with construction paper), and a large red tie.
Related: Find the Best Halloween Events in SoCal
Hollywood Director
What could be more Hollywood than a director? You’ll need a marker (also known as a clapboard) and what about an “Oscar”? If you really want to make sure you’re heard, you can also carry around a Director’s megaphone.
Pixar’s Inside Out Characters
Pixar Headquarters might be in northern California, but the Walt Disney Studios is located in nearby Burbank. And the family-favorite movie Inside Out lends itself to an easy, the whole-family-can-wear-it Halloween costume ensemble. To dress as one of the emotions think monochromatic clothing — green for disgust, red for anger, blue for sadness, purple for fear, and yellow for joy. You can even use hair dye (or wigs) to really complete the look!
Related: visit the Best Pumpkin Patches in LA
Bob’s Big Boy Look-Alike
Remember the statues out front of the iconic restaurants? Well, all that’s needed are red and white checked pants with red suspenders and a white t-shirt. Bonus points if you’re little one wants to carry around a plate with a toy hamburger.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Another great costume inspired by Walt Disney is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Now even if your family consists of two – one can be Snow White, one can be a dwarf, or even an apple (a baby in a bright red onesie is a cute little apple). The “dwarfs” can have white cotton ball beards, different colored hats and scarves for each dwarf, and even a shirt labeled with their name.
Related: Find the Best Costume Shops in LA
1980s Valley Girl
Remember the Valley Girl look? It’s not that hard to recreate in 2021. Think bright colors — leggings, a tutu, a t-shirt (can be worn off one shoulder), bracelets, sunglasses. You can even add leg warmers, and finger-less gloves to complete the look.
Farmer’s Market Yummies
What’s more L.A. than a weekly visit to the local Farmer’s Market? Dress up the family in some of the yummies you might buy there. A red dress with yellow oval dots become a strawberry. An orange onesie for a little one turns your cutie into a yummy looking carrot! Get creative with the clothes you have on hand. Don’t forget the overalls and a flannel shirt for the farmer – with a USDA Organic label on the shirt!
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
