It’s that time of year again: time for jack-o’-lanterns and spooky stories and – if you dare – casting aside your normal, everyday self in favor of a whole new identity.
We are talking, of course, about Halloween costumes. Whatever your age, dressing up for Halloween is an opportunity to express a side of yourself that you might not get to show in your regular life.
In that spirit, here’s a list of Halloween costume ideas for every personality type.
Don’t know your personality type? Take our free test here.
Analyst Personality Types
Architect (INTJ): Esoteric Historical Figure
Architects love learning – and their appetite for information makes them curious about subjects that might not be of much interest to most people. They don’t mind venturing beyond the mainstream, especially when it comes to gaining knowledge.
If this is your personality type, you probably aren’t drawn to generic Halloween costumes. But a little-known historical figure – now, that might be right up your alley. Whether your costume is of Siegfried Sassoon or Sei Shōnagon, enjoy this opportunity to learn about a person you don’t know much about. And when you’re explaining your costume to others, why not share some of the knowledge that you’ve gained?
Logician (INTP): Dystopian Character
There’s something about Logicians. These personalities don’t accept things at face value – instead, Logicians think through endless streams of what-ifs, wondering about all sorts of hypothetical situations.
This is the same thought process that leads to the most memorable dystopian fiction and movies. If you’re a Logician, why not channel your inner “what-if” mindset by dressing up as a dystopian character this Halloween – whether it’s Katniss Everdeen, Winston Smith, or even Big Brother himself.
Commander (ENTJ): Judge
Commanders are known for having strong opinions – and for not being shy about sharing them. People with this personality type rarely mince words, and they believe that it’s more helpful to tell someone the truth than it is to shield them from it.
If you’re a Commander, channel this side of your personality type by dressing up as a judge. Sure, you can be a literal judge with black robes (and a wig, if you live in a place where that’s a thing), but you can also think outside the box by dressing up as a judge from a reality TV competition.
Debater (ENTP): A Friend of Yours
It’s said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but most Debaters would probably disagree. That said, most Debaters would disagree with pretty much anything. People with this personality type question everything, taking pride in exploring different paths for themselves. In short, it’s hard to think of a personality type that would be less likely than Debaters to imitate someone else.
But Debaters also love doing the unexpected – and if this is your personality type, few things would be less expected than for you to dress up as one of your friends for Halloween. Choose an outfit that they would wear, carry around something from their favorite hobby, and do your best impression of them. Just remember: if you still want this person to be your friend come November 1, keep things kind and respectful, and avoid any impersonations that could be considered mean-spirited.
Diplomat Personality Types
Advocate (INFJ): Your Favorite Fictional Character
Advocates are known for being avid readers. For these personalities, a well-formed fictional character isn’t just the figment of some author’s imagination but rather a fascinating glimpse into a facet of human nature.
This Halloween, dress up as your favorite fictional character, whether that’s Elizabeth Bennet, Gandalf, Jay Gatsby, or someone else entirely. If it’s an obscure character that you’ll have to explain to everyone – well, who cares? Focus on the aspects of the character that inspire you, not what anyone else thinks.
Mediator (INFP): Your Favorite Magical Creature
Mediators are the personality type most likely to say they believe in magic. These dreamy, creative individuals long to escape the humdrum aspects of everyday life.
So this year, why not indulge your yearning for magic by channeling your favorite magical creature? Whether you dress up as a witch, wizard, or fairy, think of this as your opportunity to indulge your imagination.
Protagonist (ENFJ): Your Favorite Pop Star
We tend to think of Protagonists as serious – and it’s true that people with this personality type want to change the world for the better. But Protagonists have a lighthearted, fun-loving side, too, and they’re among the personality types that most love singing and dancing. In fact, 80% of Protagonists say they sing to alter or manage their mood.
This Halloween, dress up as your favorite pop star – whether that’s Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, George Michael, Psy, or Britney herself. And, if you’re feeling especially generous, treat your friends to a rendition of one of that star’s greatest hits, complete with choreography.
Campaigner (ENFP): Your Future Self
Campaigners dream big, and they have all kinds of hopes and visions for their future. They don’t just aspire to fame and fortune, though – instead, Campaigners love to imagine all the things that they want to try and do and be.
In honor of your unconventional aspirations, go with an unconventional costume: your future self. In your wildest dreams, are you a rock climber or a rock star? A backpacker or a backup dancer? An astrologist or an astronomer? Whatever pursuits you hope to take up one day, try one on for size right now by choosing it as your Halloween costume.
Sentinel Personality Types
Logistician (ISTJ): Yourself
According to our research, Logisticians are the personality type least likely to express an interest in dressing up for Halloween. We could try to push against that tendency – but maybe we should run with it instead. So, Logistician, this year, why not dress up as yourself? But remember: this is still a costume! You need to come up with an outfit, a hairstyle, and accessories that are iconically, unmistakably you.
Defender (ISFJ): Royalty
Defenders rarely get the credit that they deserve. These personalities work behind the scenes, keeping things running smoothly for everyone else. But even though Defenders rarely ask for appreciation or special treatment, that doesn’t mean that they don’t enjoy it on occasion.
So this Halloween, break out of your usual Defender mold and channel your inner diva by dressing up as royalty. King, queen, princess, prince – let this be one day of the year when you aren’t at everyone else’s beck and call.
Executive (ESTJ): Ghost
Executives believe in the value of clarity and precision. It makes sense, then, that these personalities would gravitate toward a classic Halloween costume that speaks for itself, not an esoteric ensemble that nobody can figure out on the first try (we’re looking at you, Diplomats).
What’s more classic than a ghost on Halloween? And here’s a bonus: if you’re an Executive, then a ghost costume speaks to your logical side as well. Executives are among the personality types least likely to believe in ghosts and supernatural beings, so by dressing up as a ghost, you’re helping prove that there’s a rational explanation for everything – in this case, a very real human dressed in a white sheet.
Consul (ESFJ): ’90s Pop Group of Choice
Group costumes can be hard to pull off – but if anyone can make it happen, it’s Consuls. They have a true talent for bringing people together, encouraging everyone to band together to get something done.
Consuls also tend to have a nostalgic side, which is why a ’90s-era costume, such as the Spice Girls or the Backstreet Boys, can be such a perfect fit. If this is your personality type, get your friends together and bring your favorite bygone musical group back to life – dance routine optional (but very much encouraged).
Explorer Personality Types
Virtuoso (ISTP): Indiana Jones
Let’s be real: Virtuosos have an independent streak a mile wide, so they tend to look askance at these types of recommendations.
That said, if this is your personality type, you can’t go wrong by dressing up as Indiana Jones, the much-loved fictional Virtuoso. This is the perfect costume into which to channel your capable, maverick, don’t-mess-with-me energy.
Adventurer (ISFP): Living Art
Adventurers are creative and often artistic, with an ability to turn everyday objects and supplies into so much more.
This Halloween, put your Adventurer talents to work by recreating a famous piece of art with your costume. Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Munch’s The Scream, one of Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits – choose a painting that inspires you and run with it.
Entrepreneur (ESTP): Extreme Athlete
Entrepreneurs don’t take the safe path through life. People with this personality type tend to feel most alive when they’re taking risks, and they know the value of a good adrenaline rush.
If you’re an Entrepreneur, chances are you have some equipment for an unusual or extreme sport hanging around your house. So this year, put that gear to use in your costume – whether you decide to be a skateboarder, an ice climber, or some other kind of extreme athlete.
Entertainer (ESFP): Classic Hollywood Star
Entertainers tend to bring more than their share of glamour and style into the world – just like the stars of yesteryear did.
This Halloween, channel your personality type’s scene-stealing side by dressing up as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier, Cary Grant, Rita Moreno, or whoever your favorite classic Hollywood actor might be.
Happy Halloween from 16Personalities!
We here at 16Personalities wish all of you a safe and spine-chilling Halloween. Will you be dressing up this year, dear reader? What’s your costume? Let us know in the comments below!