Halloween is when you can show off your creativity by dressing up as just about anyone: fictional characters, historical figures, celebrities, personalities — or even musicians. But if you don’t have a costume in mind, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting and eventful nights of the year.

If you’re looking to spice things up and make this Halloween your most unforgettable yet, maybe it’s time to step up your game with a standout costume. Of course, dressing up is even more fun when you tag your friends along. But to make the night extra special, why not ditch the usual costumes — dressing up as a generic clown, a superhero, or a popular character from a recent trending show or film?

This Halloween, take inspiration from your favorite OPM artists and bands instead. That’s why Billboard Philippines has rounded up a list of costume ideas — from matchy dapper red suits as citypop kings ALYSON to Slipknot-inspired outfits by Pinoy death metal band Tubero.

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IV of Spades

iv of spades

IV OF SPADES: Courtesy of IV of Spades

When IV of Spades first made waves in the OPM scene in 2017, listeners were treated to their groovy 1970s-inspired sound and style that made you feel like you were born in the wrong generation. Since reuniting in 2025, gone is the band’s funky retro fashion, replaced by each member’s unique style. With their Cubao Expo-core looks, a four-piece barkada (friend group) might want to level up their “aura” for the Halloween party. For full effect, why not also bring a bike for the Badjao cosplayer?

FELIP

felip sb19 ken

FELIP: Courtesy of @felipsuperior

SB19 aren’t named the Kings of P-pop for nothing. They’re also making waves in the fashion scene, and it’s no surprise that one of its members, FELIP, embodies a bold style that blends streetwear, high fashion, and edgy rock influences. He always looks menacingly good in dark, monochromatic fits — particularly leather jackets, oversized silhouettes, metal accessories, and statement boots, even reflected in his very own streetwear label, Superior Son. If you’re all about black and flying solo at a Halloween party, channel your inner dark side with a FELIP-inspired look.

Tubero

tubero band

TUBERO: Courtesy of Tubero

More than candies and treats, Halloween is the perfect night for scares. In the Philippines, it isn’t celebrated like in Western culture, but mythical creatures like the aswang, tikbalang, and manananggal keep the spirit alive. One band embracing this spooky vibe is Tubero, the grindcore and “Kupal Metal” group known for their Slipknot-inspired outfits and screaming their lungs out, making every day feel like Halloween. Hit the party with your friends, all in black and wearing masks that bring the scares.

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Maloi Ricalde

bini maloi

MALOI: Courtesy of @bini_maloi

BINI are known for being in sync when it comes to their stage outfits, yet each member, like Maloi, has embraced a fashion sense uniquely her own. “Maloi-core” has emerged as the Cavite-born P-pop idol has become a trendsetter, particularly recognized for her signature red Bayonetta glasses. Maloi frequently pairs red accents with coquette ensembles, such as ribbons, frills, or baby-doll silhouettes, or with plaid or mini skirts, while also incorporating Japanese fashion influences and ukay-ukay (thrifted) pieces into her looks. For Halloween, this fits both as a fashion statement and as a fun, creative look.

Gian Bernardino

GIAN BERNARDINO: Courtesy of Gian Bernardino

Gian Bernardino of Cup of Joe brings boldness and gender fluidity to the forefront with his expressive fashion sense — seamlessly blending masculine and feminine elements — like corsets with dress shirts, bright and vivid colors, and bold makeup choices. Apart from his lovely vocals, the Baguio-born singer channels his hometown’s cool weather and creative energy through layered pieces. If you show up to a party cosplaying as CoJ’s co-lead vocalist and with your hair dyed red, it’s perfectly alright if you end up seeing a few other Gian Bernardino cosplayers. Just expect people to start asking, “Si Gian Bernardino ba ’yan (Is that Gian Bernardino)?” before someone bursts into singing “Minumulto na ‘ko ng damdamin ko (I’m being haunted by my feelings).”

ALYSON

alyson

ALYSON: Photographed by Mayks Go

Modern-day city pop kings ALYSON aren’t just about the smooth blend of pop, funk, jazz, and disco — they’ve got the style to match. Their dapper red suits perfectly embody their band identity, complementing their music that transports listeners to a retro-futuristic wonderland. If you and your friends don’t want to spend that much on costumes for Halloween, matching red suits are the way to go. A simple yet standout choice that amplifies your niche OPM taste while keeping things effortlessly cool. Just make sure the party’s air-conditioned and not too packed with people, because wearing those suits all night will have you sweating faster than you can say, “summer nights.”

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Tanya Markova

tanya markova

TANYA MARKOVA: Courtesy of Tanya Markova

With a blend of theatrical horror and rock showmanship, Tanya Markova have made a name for themselves — from their indie roots to the mainstream — through their makeup, costumes, and distinctive onstage personas. Their signature white face paint, eccentric wigs, and quirky outfits turn every performance into a spectacle. If you’re into the gothic and surreal with a touch of absurdity, the band’s glam-rock fashion perfectly captures both the horror and humor of the Halloween spirit.

Ena Mori

ena mori

ENA MORI: Courtesy of Offshore Music

Just like her music, Ena Mori’s style is bold, whimsical, and unapologetically expressive. Leaning toward pop maximalism and dramatic visuals with her costume-like pieces, Ena’s performances on stage are both a theatrical and musical treat — complete with sophisticated yet quirky accessories like eye patches, bunny ears, and other playful props. For theater kids looking to spice up Halloween night with a nod to Harajuku fashion, bring out the camp, creativity, and bold statements. They may very well be not just costumes, but conversation starters too.

Waiian

waiian

WAIIAN: Photographed by Excel Panlaque

Waiian is all about streetwear with a twist. Raised by a fashion designer mom and influenced by skate culture and the underground scene, he often pairs loose fits with muted colors. He also loves rocking graphic tees, especially band shirts. The “SOFTIE” rapper is also a true softie at heart, often embracing the surreal with the fit he wore during the Billboard Philippines Studios Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025 episode — featuring galaxies, androids, cats, and things you really can’t describe clearly.

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Maki

maki

MAKI: Photographed by Shaira Luna

If you’re all “nababaliw na naman ako” (I’m going crazy again) from stressing over what costume or outfit to wear, take a look in your wardrobe and see if you still have clothes or pieces from your childhood, assuming they still fit, of course. Maki‘s style is all about capturing that youthful, nostalgic feeling, much like how it mirrors his music. From thrifted pieces to playful accessories, go for the ones that truly pop. And to match the tracks on his debut album KOLORCOASTER, why not wear colors inspired by your favorite song from the record?

One Click Straight

one click straight

ONE CLICK STRAIGHT: Courtesy of @oneclickstraight

Being a fan of ’80s music isn’t just about celebrating the sound; it’s also about embracing the fashion that came with it. One Click Straight perfectly blends their retro ’80s-inspired getups and visuals with modern pop-rock energy. Matching their synth-pop and indie rock motif, OCS goes heavy on the eyeliner, lives in denim, and loves mixing and matching different jackets for the perfect vibe. Think The Cure with a touch of heartbreak — the kind that makes you pick up the telepono (telephone) and relapse, and maybe even invite your ex to a party on Halloween night.

Ben&Ben

ben&ben

BEN&BEN: Courtesy of @benandbenmusic

Folk-inspired aesthetics are a staple for Ben&Ben. With relaxed fits, breathable fabrics, as well as earthy, muted tones, their style perfectly matches their acoustic and folk-laden sound. Think of the feeling of being secluded in nature with simple shirts or loose tops paired with distinct accessories, sometimes mixing in traditional Filipino elements. As a bonus, if you’re with a friend or significant other, it would be fun to dress up as Paolo and Miguel Benjamin. But if you’re bringing the whole barkada, why not go all in as the entire indie folk-pop group?

Janine Berdin

janine berdin

JANINE BERDIN: Photographed by Kieran Punay

Janine Berdin is never afraid to be bold and expressive, not just in her music with the release of her debut album LAB SONGS NG MGA TANGA, but also in her current fashion era. Experimenting with different hair colors, including a recent blonde wig, she fully embraces her rocker-girl aesthetic. Think dresses paired with jeans and Doc Martens boots. And to complete the look, add a guitar in hand. Who knows? If you actually know how to play, you might just unlock a side quest of performing in front of an audience for a truly memorable Halloween experience.