The Real Housewives stars love a good costume party, and when it comes to Halloween, the housewives pull out all the stops in order to impress not just viewers, but each other. For over a decade, the Real Housewives franchise has given fans a look into their stars’ lavish lifestyles, luxurious items, and, of course, the drama that comes along with high status. While there have been many themes featured over the years, such as Crystal Kung Minkoff’s roaring 1920s party and Leah McSweeney’s Burning Man idea, viewers can always look forward to a Halloween party on each Real Housewives season if the stars happen to film in October.
While the housewives use Halloween to show off their fun and creative spirits, most parties on the Real Housewives feature more than just stand-out costumes. Between previous tensions and the amount of alcohol available, it’s not unusual for the housewives to go from enjoying the spooky celebration to ending the night in an argument. When the conflict is briefly put aside, however, fans get time to take a good look at everyone’s Halloween costumes and see which won the evening, and which should’ve stayed on the rack. While there are plenty of Halloween costumes that have stuck out throughout the Real Housewives franchise and live rent-free in fans’ subconsciousness, here are some of the best, and some of the worst, that have been featured over the years.
Best: Ramona Singer as Britney Spears (RHONY Season 10)
When Dorinda invited her co-stars to attend her Halloween party as famous figures on The Real Housewives of New York City season 10, Ramona Singer nailed her simple, yet effective, Britney Spears costume. Ramona had several iconic Britney looks to choose from, and she ultimately decided to pay homage to the red one-piece ensemble from Britney’s “Oops! I Did It Again” music video. Not only did Ramona’s bodysuit look just like Britney’s, but her long blonde hair and matching boots perfectly completed the costume. Ramona’s impeccable Halloween costume later came in handy when she channeled her inner Britney on Lip Sync Battle.
Worst: Lydia McLaughlin as Charlie Chaplin (RHOC Season 12)
Although one of the more forgettable housewives, Lydia McLaughlin, didn’t dress up as Charlie Chaplin for Halloween, her failed execution was one of the most memorable moments of The Real Housewives of Orange County season 12. Shannon Beador invited Lydia and her co-stars to partake in drag queen bingo, and while the other women were excited to dress up as men, Lydia, who frequently described herself as a strong Christian, wasn’t too keen. Nonetheless, Lydia put her best foot forward and attended the evening as Charlie Chaplin, while Shannon dressed up as Bret Michaels, Tamra Judge rocked a mullet, and Kelly Dodd sported chest hair. Unfortunately, Lydia looked more like a botched Abraham Lincoln, and since she was clearly uncomfortable with the entire experience, the costume fell flat.
Best: Cynthia Bailey as 50 Cent (RHOA Season 10)
While fan favorite NeNe Leakes and her late husband Gregg stood out as an exterminator and cockroach, Cynthia Bailey stole the show when she dressed up as rapper 50 Cent, or rather “50 Cynt.” The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 10 ended with a Halloween party hosted by Eva Marcille, and although there was a distinct lack of drama, everyone brought their costume A-game. Cynthia nailed 50 Cent’s look, swagger, and personality. Kandi Burress, her husband Todd Tucker, and RHOA fans couldn’t get over Cynthia’s impersonation and praised her commitment and creativity.
Worst: Dorinda Medley as Lady Gaga (RHONY Season 10)
There’s no doubt that Dorinda’s Lady Gaga costume would’ve been a hit, especially as the party’s host, if she read the fine print when she purchased the costume. Although Dorinda thought she ordered a replica of the iconic dress Lady Gaga wore in 2009, she actually bought a kit that came with one-hundred clear bubbles. Luckily, Dorinda’s costume designer came to the rescue at the last minute and constructed the bubble outfit before her Halloween party at Blue Stone Manor. Unluckily, however, Dorinda’s Lady Gaga impersonation didn’t stack up against Ramona’s costume, Carole Radziwill’s Amelia Earhart, or Tinsley Mortimer’s Madonna.
Best: Lisa Rinna as Erika Jayne (RHOBH Season 9)
Lisa Rinna may fight with everyone on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but there’s no denying that when it comes to costume parties, Lisa can dress to impress. When Kyle Richards hosted a Halloween-themed birthday party for her daughter Farrah on RHOBH season 9, half of the housewives came as cats. While Teddi Mellencamp’s Harley Quinn outfit was slightly more impressive, Lisa sent her co-stars, and RHOBH viewers, into hysterics when she arrived as fellow Fox Force Five member Erika Jayne. Erika couldn’t get over Lisa’s impression of her, and while Lisa lacked a few of Erika’s actual mannerisms, she nailed her friend’s physical appearance. When the two stood next to each other, the resemblance was close to uncanny.
Worst: Melissa & Joe Gorga as a Mermaid & Fisherman (RHONJ Season 11)
While Lisa’s Erika Jayne costume was immediately recognizable, Melissa and Joe Gorga had fans scratching their heads when they attended a Halloween bash on The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 11. While Teresa Giudice’s cotton candy ensemble was praised and Margaret Josephs nailed Morticia Adams, Melissa and Joe’s messy constructions missed the mark. None of the costumes were flattering on the usually well-dressed couple, and while Teresa’s brother, with whom she has a complicated relationship, was meant to be a fisherman that caught his mermaid, he looked more like a prince that lost a fight. There have been many stand-out Halloween costumes throughout the Real Housewives franchise, and although the Gorgas failed to impress in 2020, it will be interesting to see everyone’s Halloween costumes this time around.
