When it comes to celebrity Halloween costumes, there’s no better star to dress up as than legendary, generation-defining music icon Britney Spears. Not only has she supplied plenty of Halloween costume inspiration over the years, but she’s still giving us ways to channel her pop-star essence even today.
While you could stay current by channeling one of Spears’s more recent looks, like her Versace custom wedding gown, we have to admit that it’ll be way more fun to get a little vintage with it and revisit something classic Spears. After all, it’s never too late to get in on the “Baby One More Time” schoolgirl trend – let’s be honest, it’s pretty timeless – or re-create Spears’s look from her “Circus” tour or other memorable VMA performances (snake not required). Pick one for yourself, or gather up your friends to join in the fun. A great group costume is to have each participant revisit a different Spears’ ensemble from her iconic discography, which spans decades.
Scroll through now for ways to channel and celebrate the music icon – who’s now two years free from her controversial conservatorship – then get to work, on those Britney Spears Halloween costumes, b**ch!
Related: 38 Ways You Can Run the World as Beyoncé This Halloween
WireImage / Jeffrey Mayer
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: The 2001 American Music Awards
Spears and Timberlake may not have had the most amicable breakup, but they definitely did make pop culture history with their matching denim outfits at the 2001 American Music Awards. While this makes for a great couple’s costume, Spears’s look is more than recognizable enough to pull off all on its own.
What to wear: A long denim skirt, a sparkly belt, and a sleeveless denim top. Add a denim handbag, a chunky sparkly necklace, and a denim-clad partner for the full effect.
Getty / Kevin Mazur
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Oops . . . I Did It Again" at the VMAs
It’s hard to forget where you were if you tuned in on that fateful night in September 2000. Spears took the stage at the MTV VMAs in nothing more than a nude sequined bodysuit and performed “Oops . . . I Did It Again,” and the rest is history.
What to wear: A flesh-colored bra and pants, strategically covered in crystals, with silver heels. Make sure your hair is perfectly tousled, and don’t hesitate to wear a headset microphone.
Fox
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: Dancing to Vanilla Ice on "X Factor"
There was so much to love about Spears’s “X Factor” judging gig, from her studious glasses to her golf claps to her goofy facial expressions. One of the best moments from her run on the talent show, though, was the rousing reaction she had to a young man who channeled Vanilla Ice.
What to wear: A black dress with subtle cutouts and a blonde, bobbed wig.
Getty / Kevin Kane
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the VMAs
In September 2001, Spears took the stage at the MTV VMAs with a boa constrictor and a dream: to be the hottest, most desirable pop star to ever leave the rainforest. Were it not for this moment, would we even have Katy Perry’s “Roar” video?
What to wear: A green chiffon bra, teeny-tiny jewel-encrusted denim shorts, and flat, knee-high boots. Whatever you do, don’t forget the snake (we recommend a stuffed one, but it’s ultimately your decision).
Getty / Kevin Mazur
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: Circus Ringmaster
If Spears told us once, she’s told us a thousand times: “There’s only two types of people in the world; the ones that entertain, and the ones that observe.” Her “Circus” tour look will definitely plant you firmly in the first category.
What to wear: A black leotard with knee-high boots and a red ringmaster’s jacket. You will obviously need a top hat and riding crop á la Britney’s “Circus” tour props. All eyes are on you in the center of the ring – after all, you’re a “put-on-a-show” kind of girl.
Getty / Kevin Kane
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: Going to the Chapel With Madonna
Picture it: It’s August 2003, you’re sitting in your living room watching the MTV VMAs, and out comes Spears, chewing gum while belting out “Like a Virgin,” and then pow! Before you know it, she’s making out with Madonna.
What to wear: A semi-wedding dress – make sure the skirt and veil are detachable, so you can reveal the sexy white bustier and short-shorts that you’re wearing underneath. Layer lots of pearls and chains around your neck. Add a “boytoy” belt and white lace gloves. Carry a bouquet of flowers. No matter what you do or who you kiss, make sure you keep the gum in your mouth.
Getty / John Shearer
Britney Spears Halloween Costumes: "Make Me . . ." at the VMAs
In 2016, Spears returned to the MTV VMAs stage for the first time in nearly a decade to perform her hit song “Make Me. . . ” with rapper G-Eazy. She worked the crowd in a bright yellow look that was one part Barbarella and one part WWE.
What to wear: A yellow leotard with open sides and matching knee-high boots. You can call it a comeback.
