Have you ever wondered which Halloween costume represents your home state? While there are likely multiple good answers, we will list a single favorite Halloween costume state by state. Will Wisconsin be beer or cheese? Do you think Florida is an alligator or a snowbird? See what our Halloween costume experts think! We're not out to hurt your feelings, but we'd love to hear your thoughts. Keep reading to see the 50 states of America represented by Halloween costumes!
1. Alabama - Sand Mountain Sam Costume
Sand Mountain Sam is similar to Punxsutawney Phil as he's part of Alabama's tradition of predicting the start of spring. Since 1993, he has been predicting the weather Every Groundhog Day in Albertville, Alabama. Such a silly tradition demands a ridiculous costume, and you'll feel right at home in Alabama in this opossum costume.
2. Alaska - Bear Costume
Alaska is home to many species of bears, including the Kodiak bear, who only live in the Kodiak Archipelago in Southwest Alaska. Alaska is a hot spot for wildlife photography, and we always see pictures of bears with fish in their mouths when looking at Alaskan wildlife. Plus, this onesie bear costume will keep you cozy for Halloween in Alaska.
3. Arizona - Cactus Costume
The cactus is an undisputed symbol of Arizona, especially the Saguaro cactus. Hundreds of cactus species live in Arizona, but the Saguaro cactus stands tall as the biggest cactus species in the United States. Their range is limited to the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona, making them synonymous with Arizona. We couldn't possibly pick any other costume to represent Arizona.
4. Arkansas - Chicken Costume
Out of every state in the United States, Arkansas is #1 in exporting chicken. John Tyson founded Tyson Foods in the 1930s, a brand you're probably familiar with if you have ever looked at grocery store shelves. You should be proud of your poultry industry supremacy, Arkansas! Show it off by wearing a chicken costume for Halloween.
5. California - Marilyn Monroe Costume
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When people think about California, their minds immediately turn to Hollywood. And, who better to represent Hollywood than California native Marilyn Monroe? She's a classic Hollywood star and icon! Of course, we had to pick her most famous outfit as California's costume—Marilyn's white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch.
6. Colorado - Grady Twin Costume
The Stanley Hotel resides in Estes Park, Colorado, which inspired the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's The Shining. It sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and even hosts an annual Shining Ball. Such prime Halloween real estate cannot be overlooked! The costume we picked to represent Colorado is one of the Grady twins, a pair of the most memorable characters from The Shining.
7. Connecticut - Cheeseburger Costume
Connecticut has a rich history of hamburgers and cheeseburgers, so a cheeseburger costume made the most sense to us! While several regions in the United States claim they first invented the hamburger, the Library of Congress recognized Louis' Lunch as the creator of the hamburger, who sold the first hamburger steak sandwich in 1900. Louis Lunch is also the oldest fast food restaurant that serves hamburgers and the oldest continuously operating hamburger joint in the USA. To top it off, Meriden, Connecticut, is also famous for steamed cheeseburgers. And now we're hungry.
8. Delaware - Hazmat Suit Costume
We chose a hazmat suit costume for Delaware because they're referred to as the chemical capital of the world. (Not because they have anything to do with Breaking Bad!) They have several large chemical companies, including Du Pont, AstraZeneca, and Hercules LLC. While these hazmat costumes won't keep anyone safe in the event of an actual chemical event, it's the perfect Halloween costume to represent Delaware.
9. Florida - Alligator Costume
We'll admit that Florida isn't the only state in the United States with alligators, but it has some of the wildest headlines, including alligators. "Florida man hides gator in garage, said he didn't want someone to eat it"? Just another day in Florida. "Florida man grabs alligator, chases customers in-store while on a beer run"? Been there, done that. We guess they also are home to the Florida Gators, so sports fans will love this Florida costume idea, too.
10. Georgia - Peanut Costume
Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the United States of America, leading to its nickname as the peanut state. The only logical thing to do is to make your state proud by wearing a peanut costume for Halloween! Georgia's sandy soil and long growing season make it the perfect place to plant peanuts. We guess that's why they produce so many!
11. Hawaii - Spam Costume
Hawaii and its connection to Spam have deep roots, starting in WWII, in feeding the soldiers stationed there. However, its convenience and long shelf life were only a few reasons why it stayed! The Hawaiian islands have to import a lot of foods that can't be produced locally, making Spam an easy and shelf-stable option to keep on hand. If you're feeling creative, you could DIY a Spam musubi costume!
12. Idaho - Potato Costume
Sorry, Idaho, but you knew this was coming. When we think of Idaho, we think of potatoes. You even have a potato museum, a potato house, and a potato truck, so it's clear that you also take pride in your potatoes, even if it's a state-wide stereotype. We love that these potato costumes come in sizes for kids and adults so that you can include the entire family in your state costume idea.
13. Illinois - Chicago Costume
This Illinois costume idea has layers, but they all lead back to Chicago. (That's basically the entire state, right?) The famous musical Chicago is set in jazz-age Chicago from the 1920s and 30s. It's based on events that happened in Cook County, where a string of women were acquitted for killing their husbands. It led to lore that beautiful Chicago women could get away with murder. All you need for this costume idea is a flapper costume and perhaps the "Cell Block Tango".
14. Indiana - Race Car Driver Costume
When someone mentions Indiana, our minds immediately go to the Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis 500 (or Indy 500) is a famous motorcar race in Speedway, Indiana. The first race was held in 1911 and has continued yearly, with hiatuses for WWI and WWII. You can wear an Indy 500-inspired costume by dressing as a flashy race car driver. Do you agree with this Indiana costume idea?
15. Iowa - Corn Costume
We hope this adorable costumed baby is enough to soften the blow for anyone in denial that Iowa is our top pick for a corn costume. Iowa is the biggest producer of corn out of every other state in the USA, so it's no wonder that our minds turn to Iowa as soon as we hear corn mentioned. Turn this into a family or couple's costume by pairing corn costumes with a scarecrow.
16. Kansas - Dorothy Costume
One of the most famous things to come out of Kansas is the Wizard of Oz. Whenever we hear the state name, we immediately think, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore". A Dorothy costume is the most obvious answer! Of course, you can wear practically any Wizard of Oz costume and still be on theme. Have you worn a Wizard of Oz costume in Kansas?
17. Kentucky - Jockey Costume
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Americans love their sports, and the Kentucky Derby is so famous that it's often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about Kentucky. It is America's longest continually-running sporting event, with its first race in 1875. We'd recommend a jockey costume, although you could equally wear a horse costume to represent the horse raising that also happens in the state.
18. Louisiana - Mardi Gras Jester Costume
Adult Mardi Gras Jester Costume
Louisiana makes us think of New Orleans and all the food, festivities, and fun that come with it. What better representation for Louisiana than a Mardi Gras costume, especially the iconic jesters? If it's not green, purple, and gold, your fit isn't it. Luckily, you may already have one of these Mardi Gras costumes stashed away for use at yearly festivities, or if you don't, you can wear it for Halloween and pull it out later for Mardi Gras. We love multi-purpose costumes!
19. Maine - Lobster Costume
Did you know that the largest quantity of lobsters in America can be found along the coast of Maine? No wonder they're also the nation's top producer of lobster! Naturally, we had to pick lobsters as Maine's top costume idea. Lobsters are a favorite local cuisine, especially lobster rolls. Even if lobster rolls didn't originate in Maine, they certainly perfected it. What's your favorite way to eat lobster?
20. Maryland - USA Flag Costume
Maryland is famous for being the birthplace of our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, it was inspired by the attack of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Maryland also has deep roots in the United States government. Maryland surrounds the territory of Washington, D.C., and it has the nickname "free state" due to its history of political and religious freedom. Out of all 50 states in the United States of America, Maryland is the one most suited for a USA flag costume.
21. Massachusetts - Witch Costume
It's impossible to think about Halloween without witches, and the same can be said for Massachusetts and the Salem witch trials. From 1692-1693, over 200 people were accused as witches, with 30 of them found guilty. It was a time of mass hysteria that didn't age well, but it nonetheless left an impression on us. The witch costumes we wear for Halloween are more akin to those found in stories and fairytales, but they remind us of our past and how far we have come.
22. Michigan - Car Costume
We all know that Michigan is the automotive capital of the world. Henry Ford was born in Michigan, and it's the home of the biggest auto manufacturers in the U.S. Then you have the city of Detroit, with the nickname the Motor City. Nothing is more Michigan than wearing a car costume for Halloween!
23. Minnesota - Viking Costume
As a Minnesota costume company, we can say without a doubt that a Viking costume should represent Minnesota. No, Vikings didn't come from or visit Minnesota, but the rich Scandinavian heritage here led to things such as naming the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has more people with Swedish and Norwegian ancestry than any other state, and many foods and traditions are still held dear.
24. Mississippi - Elvis Costume
Elvis is to Mississippi as Prince is to Minnesota—a celebrated music icon from their home state. Elvis Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. While his family relocated to Tennessee, which is where his career took off, Mississippi can still boast that they're the birthplace of Elvis. (And you can tour his childhood home!) Get yourself an Elvis costume representing Mississippi, and you'll feel like the king of rock and roll.
25. Missouri - Grill Costume
If there's one thing we can expect from Missouri, it's Kansas City barbeque. The cooking style originated in Kansas City in the early 20th century, and it was set apart by slow-smoking meat and covering it in thick sauce coatings. (And now we're hungry once again!) Therefore, our favorite Missouri costume idea is a grill. Don't forget to grab a pair of tongs or a spatula as an accessory!
26. Montana - Prospector Costume
The prospect of finding gold was one of the reasons that people flocked West. Montana was one of these states, nicknamed the "Treasure State" because of the gold and silver ore deposits discovered there. People who went to pan for gold were called prospectors, so we're bestowing a prospector costume upon the state of Montana. Don't forget your pickaxe or shovel and miner's pan!
27. Nebraska - Tractor Costume
Did you know farms and ranches comprise 92% of Nebraska's total land area? Nebraska produces a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and potatoes, although it does not lead the nation in any one commodity. (Interestingly enough, they're 3rd in the country regarding corn, but they're nicknamed the Cornhusker State, and they have a team named the Corn Huskers.) Because Nebraska is so well-rounded in farming, we picked a tractor costume.
28. Nevada
Nevada, the state, isn't nearly as famous as its Sin City—Las Vegas. Las Vegas is famous for its many casinos, so we picked a playing card costume to represent Nevada. Aces are often an excellent card to have on hand in card games, which is why the phrase "coming up aces" indicates that something good is happening. We hope you can also carry that positive energy to your next Halloween party!
29. New Hampshire - Rock Costume
Kids' Rock, Paper, Scissors Costume
New Hampshire may not be the biggest or flashiest state in the United States of America, but it's great for anyone who loves beautiful natural scenery and the great outdoors. One of New Hampshire's nicknames is the Granite State due to its many granite rock formations and quarries. It's not normal to want to wear a rock costume for Halloween (unless you're a geologist), so we borrowed this one from a set of rock, paper, scissors costumes.
30. New Jersey
Did you know that New Jersey is the diner capital of the world? More than 500 classic diners line the roadways throughout New Jersey. It's a foodie paradise! Diners remind us of car hops, so we're picking this car hop costume to represent the state of New Jersey. May we take your order?
31. New Mexico - Alien Costume
We feel like an alien costume for New Mexico hardly needs explaining, but we shall do so for anyone unfamiliar. New Mexico is home to the city of Roswell, which inspired the name of the Roswell incident. The Roswell incident is one of the most famous UFO-related occurrences in the United States. They have since fully embraced their alien heritage, and you can tour Roswell and experience ufology museums and businesses. Now you know why an alien costume is perfect for New Mexico!
32. New York - Statue of Liberty Costume
Adult Statue of Liberty Costume
Most people think of New York City when they think about New York State. The City of New York has many notable landmarks, but we'd wager that the most famous is the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty has been depicted many times in popular media, from movies like Planet of the Apes to shows like The Simpsons and Futurama. And you can also wear a Statue of Liberty costume! Don't forget to include a torch and a tablet to complete the look.
33. North Carolina - Aviator Costume
North Carolina is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the American fathers of aviation. In Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful powered flight by airplane. The achievement only lasted 12 seconds, but their impact has had lasting effects! Grab an aviator costume, and you can dress like the Wright Brothers for Halloween.
34. North Dakota - Bee Costume
The state of North Dakota is another major player in agriculture, but it is also the #1 producer of honey. Naturally, this led us to the popular bee costume for North Dakota. We'd say that's a pretty sweet costume idea! We love that there are many bee costumes so your entire family can participate, too, from infants to kids, adults, and plus sizes.
35. Ohio - Rock Star Costume
Ohio may be known as "The Heart of it All", but it's also the heart of rock and roll. In the early 1950s, Cleveland disc Jockey Alan Freed was credited with coining the term "rock and roll" and promoting it. Cleveland also boasts both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. Therefore, dress as a rock star for Halloween! You can invent your own rocker or dress as one of the greats housed in the halls of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
36. Oklahoma - Tornado Costume
Oklahoma, like several other US states, is part of Tornado Alley. The states that make up this region are more prone to developing tornadoes than others. Oklahoma is so famous for its tornadoes that it was where Twister was set and shot. Without further ado, we suggest wearing a tornado costume to represent Oklahoma.
37. Oregon - Pioneer Costume
We chose a pioneer costume to represent Oregon because of the Oregon Trail. (That was a great game, and we guess it also has roots in American history.) Fur trappers originally laid the Oregon Trail, which was unsuitable for the wagon trails that would venture forth. Eventually, over 400,000 settlers traveled this trail starting in the early to mid-1800s. Oregon likely wouldn't be the way it is today without the influence of the Oregon Trail!
38. Pennsylvania - Hershey's Costume
We're only a little bit jealous to know that Hershey, Pennsylvania, is the chocolate capital of the United States. (Although the world capital goes to Brussels, Belgium.) Milton S. Hershey founded The Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894, although the name later changed to The Hershey Company. They produce many chocolate candies and other sweet treats, including Hershey chocolate bars and Hershey kisses. It's only natural that we'd choose a Hershey's chocolate costume for Pennsylvania!
39. Rhode Island - Sailor Costume
While Rhode Island is famous for being the smallest state in the United States of America, that doesn't make a great Halloween costume idea. However, Rhode Island is home to the sailing capital of the world, Newport. Newport is known for its sailing schools, yacht clubs, and boat races like the Newport Bermuda Race and the Ida Lewis Distance Race. Wear a sailor costume to represent Rhode Island for Halloween!
40. South Carolina - Lifeguard Costume
The USA has a lot of coastline, and South Carolina has some of the most favored beaches on the East Coast. You have famous beaches like Myrtle Beach, as well as beaches on Kiawah Island and Hilton Head. With all those beaches come many lifeguards, so we chose a lifeguard costume for South Carolina.
41. South Dakota - George Washington Costume
Adult George Washington Costume
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Anyone unfamiliar with South Dakota might wonder why we picked a George Washington costume to represent the state. He certainly wasn't from South Dakota, nor was his presidency stationed in the state. However, South Dakota is the location of Mount Rushmore, a monument depicting the heads of four famous presidents. Naturally, as our first president, George Washington is one of the four figures, along with presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
42. Tennessee - Dolly Parton Costume
Country music has deep roots in Tennessee. While Nashville is the capital of country music, Bristol is the birthplace of country music. Many famous country singers also come from Tennessee, including singer Dolly Parton. We also love that you can visit Dollywood in Tennessee, a Dolly Parton theme park. Dress up in a Dolly Parton costume for Halloween to reach those Tennesse roots!
43. Texas - Cowboy Costume
Texas has a deep history in ranching, cattle drives, and cowboys, including the cowboy capital of the world in Bandera, Texas. It's only fitting that a cowboy costume represents Texas. Visitors to Texas enjoy experiencing the rodeos, cattle drives, dude ranches, and other amenities that continue the cowboy legacy. Your kids will love adding this one to their dress-up trunk!
44. Utah - Napoleon Dynamite Costume
Adult Napoleon Dynamite Costume
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You might be wondering about the connection between Utah and a Napoleon Dynamite costume, but allow us to explain. Like some movies, Napoleon Dynamite got its start at the Sundance Film Festival, an annual movie festival held in Utah. (It's the largest independent film festival in the United States!) Napoleon Dynamite was also based on Jared Hess's earlier film, Peluca, produced as part of an assignment at Brigham Young University. And Brigham Young is a famous university in Utah!
45. Vermont - Waffle Costume
We apologize that we couldn't find a maple syrup costume, so a waffle costume seemed like the next best thing. (The squares allow it to hold all that delicious syrup!) Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States, which is pretty crazy if you think about it because it's the 6th smallest state. What's your favorite food item to pair with maple syrup?
46. Virginia - Thomas Jefferson Costume
Adult Thomas Jefferson Costume
One of the nicknames for Virginia is Mother of Presidents, a well-deserved title. Four of the first five US presidents came from Virginia, and they have had a total of eight presidents, more than any other state. Thomas Jefferson was the third US president and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Due to his pivotal role as a founding father, we felt that a Thomas Jefferson costume would represent Virginia well.
47. Washington - Coffee Costume
Starbucks is, by far, the largest coffee chain in America. With more than 16,000 locations in the United States, the next-closest competitor is Dunkin, with over 9,000. The chain originated in Seattle, Washington, and often is what other Americans think of when they think about Washington State. Starbucks is so influential that most coffee costumes are just Starbucks costumes!
48. West Virginia - Mothman Costume
Mothman, one of our favorite cryptids, hails from Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The creature was first reportedly spotted in 1966 and 1967 and has since achieved pop culture status. Mothman even has a dedicated annual festival and a statue in Point Pleasant! From one spooky lover to another, we appreciate you, West Virginia.
49. Wisconsin - Cheese Costume
It was a tough choice between cheese and beer, but cheese won. Wisconsin is known as America's Dairyland for a reason, after all! The state produces the most cheese out of every other state and has done so since 1910. People wear cheese heads, attend cheese festivals, and can even take the only master cheesemaker program in America. Wear a cheese costume for Halloween, and make Wisconsin proud!
50. Wyoming - Triceratops Costume
Wyoming has a wealth of dinosaur bones, which first came to the attention of scientists in 1877. Since then, several dinosaur and national history museums have called Wyoming home. Wyoming's state dinosaur is the triceratops, so we chose a triceratops costume. The kids are going to love this one!
Well, that was certainly a wild ride! We hope you loved finding your own state costume. Was it what you were expecting, or were we way off? Have you ever worn a costume representing your state or something more local? We'd love to hear from you in the comments. We hope you have the best Halloween!
