The perfect halloween costume requires two things: ample amount of planning and loads of creativity. If you’ve taken the time to navigate to the article several months before October is even a thought in most people’s minds, then chances are you’re dedicated to having the most iconic look at your annual holiday party. And we can’t blame you.
While many people may stick to classic costume ideas, like a black cat, some variation of a witch or ghost or ghoul, the most original and inventive ideas come from pop culture references. That’s why we’re supplying you with a plethora of the best pop culture Halloween costumes from this year. Some are inspired by popular television shows, like Ted Lasso and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and others are from stand out movies that were released in this year (yes, we included Barbie and the live action remake of The Little Mermaid!) and memorable celebrity moments. But one thing is for sure, whether you’re looking for the best female Halloween costumes, cool ideas for guys or easy couples ideas, you’ll find a costume here that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Taylor Swift
From celebrities to your friends at work, all anyone talked about this summer was the Eras Tour. Of course, Taylor rocked a bunch of incredible outfits during the concerts, but if you want people to really know that you're dressing up as Taylor Swift for Halloween.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
The couple no one saw coming but somehow we still love. For the ultimate couples' costume idea, look to these two, who fans lovingly refer to as Traylor. You can go fo their game-day looks or something al ittle more dressy from their date nights. For more ideas, check out more Traylor-inspired costumes
Waterproof Trench Coat
Knit Track Pants
Beyoncé
During a part of her tour, Beyoncé requested her fans dress in all silver to mirror "each other's joy." Honor her request by copying one of her most stunning looks: this elegant silver dress with long black gloves.
One Shoulder Velvet Dress
Statement Earrings
Oppenheimer and Einstein
Alone, the Oppenheimer look isn't very distinctive, but when you grab your bestie or your partner and have them dress as Einstein, everyone will know exactly who you are (and also be so impressed by how clever your look is).
Tanya from White Lotus
We don't have to say goodbye to Jennifer Coolidge's character just because she died. You and your four hands can easily DIY any of her looks from the show as long as you go bold.
Flowy Beach Dress
Bridget and her “Ludicrously Capacious” bag from Succession
Cousin Greg's date Bridget made quite a scene when she showed up with her monstrous tartan Burberry tote. You can obviously wrap yourself head-to-toe in similar fabric to become the bag itself, but an easier option would be going full Bridget.
Tartan Plaid Fabric
Sari from Cocaine Bear
You'll probably find a lot of people will dress as the actual bear from the movie, but we suggest an easier, cooler option of Sari, the mom who saves the day in the cutest pink jumpsuit ever.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Disney's run of new live-action versions of classic animated films brought us a dreamy reimagining of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. You too can channel the mermaid princess this Halloween with just a few items you may already have hanging in your closet.
Everyone knows that Ariel eventually gains her legs, and with this outfit you can dress as the princess when she is on land or in the sea.
Faux Locs Wig
Seashell Bikini Top
Little Mermaid Ariel Cosplay Dress
Barbie from Barbie
As soon as images from this film were leaked all over the internet, fans have been obsessed with the outfits, which means you'll definitely see more than a few Barbies this Halloween.
The best part is that Barbie can be anything. There's president Barbie, surf Barbie, 80's roller skate Barbie and of course, there's also Ken. So take your pick or recreate Margo Robbie's look from above.
Bathing Suit
Biker Shorts
Clear Plastic Sun Visor
Loki
One of the easiest versions of Loki to dress up as is the Variant. The key here is just to make sure it's loud and clear that you're a variant, the rest of the gear you can buy on the cheap or just pull from your closet. Get inspired by more ideas from Loki here.
Adonis Creed from Creed III
The star of the Creed franchise is known for his elite boxing skills and determination. In it's latest installment, Creed III, the boxer dons all-white and all-red outfits instead of his traditional American flag colors.
You can recreate this look with just a little finesse. We recommend getting a robe though because October nights tend to by chilly.
Title Boxing Boxing Shoes in white
Boxing Gloves
Satin Boxing Trunks
Jigsaw from Saw X
Fans of the horror franchise are anticipating the release of the newest Saw film, Saw X, which is set to hit theaters on October 27 of this year, perfect timing for you to dress as the Jigsaw Killer .
The mask is half of the look, but you'll need the suit and tie to really pull it together.
Mask
Red Bow Tie
Wednesday Addams from Wednesday
Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix show Wednesday, which is a rift off of The Addams Family television show, was arguably the biggest show of 2022. Except it came out in November, so many people didn't get the chance to dress up as her last year, meaning 2023 is the year of the Wednesdays.
Yes, recreating her classic pigtails and sporting a permanent frown will get you half way there, but to really commit to the look, you'll need Wednesday's trusty sidekick, Thing.
Braided Ponytail Wig
Wednesday Costume Dress
Platform Mary Jane Shoes
Wednesday Addams Thing Hand
Pink Lady from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Lovers of the 1978 film Grease are no strangers to the group. With their effortless cool demeanor, the Pink Ladies have always been a go-to pick for a quick, yet awesome, Halloween costume. And with the April release of the Paramount+ series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, fans simply can't get enough.
If you're hoping to pull off a Pink Lady look, we have everything you need below. The best part is you can also team up with a few friends to create an epic group costume.
STfantasy Finger Wave Wig
High Waisted Leggings
Pink Ladies Jacket
Janine from Abbott Elementary
Second to Janine's can-do attitude is her style. Add that to the fact that Abbott Elementary is one of the biggest shows on television right now, and you've got yourself a grade A costume. Oh, and let's not forget that the show's creator, Quinta Brunson, also won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
To channel your inner Janine, opt for flowy dresses, lots of patterns and, of course, your ID badge.
Turtleneck
Maxi Skirt
Princess Disa from Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Amazon show is bringing LOTR fans epic drama, and a whole storyline of what happened before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. While Princess Disa is a totally new character, she's proven to be a favorite. Not only that, she is the first female and first Black dwarf to ever be seen in an adaptation.
They key to recreate Disa's look is going for a flowy dress with a lot of gold accessories, including some gold glitter to wear in your hair.
Statement Necklace
Gold Bangle
Evelyn from Everything Everywhere All at Once
The wildly entertaining movie is one of the best in recent years. That's larger due to the fantastic casting of legend Michelle Yeoh, who plays Evelyn Wang. The character is funny, smart and totally badass. Throughout the film she has so many great looks, so it's hard to pick just one.
You can go glamorous, sophisticated ... or a little gorey! In 2023,Michelle became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar in the Best Actress category, meaning now is as good a time as any to honor her work.
Women's Button Down Floral Shirt
Stage Blood
Googly Eyes
Mario and Luigi from The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Super Mario fans were thrilled to see their favorite duo hit the big screen with the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie earlier this year. So, we are sure that this costume will be on the rise this Halloween, even for adults!
To complete the their look you'll need overalls, white gloves and brown shoes. To go the extra mile, secure their hats in red and green, respectively, and add adhesive facial hair.
Denim Bib Overalls
Nepo Baby
With this easy-to-DIY costume, all you need is a white t-shirt, iron on letters and an unbothered attitude.
White Crop Top
Maddy from Euphoria
Euphoria is full flung teen drama! With so many trendy and iconic looks from the show – there are endless options for Halloween. One that we all remember is Maddy’s New Year’s Eve dress moment in season 2.
In addition to wearing her cutout black dress, you can complete the look by creating a dramatic eye with black eyeliner, plus a dark lip.
Maddy Custom Name Necklace
Rihanna from Super Bowl LVII
Rihanna's return performance was an iconic moment for multiple reasons. Not only was she on one of the world's largest stages, but she also announced that she was pregnant with her second child, much to fans' shock and delight.
Recreate her all-red look in another easy, last-minute costume. Just don't forget your mic!
Zip-Front Coverall
Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater
Mic Costume Prop
Ted Lasso from Ted Lasso
This is your last year to dress as Ted Lasso as the series finale has come and gone...
You can sport his blue soccer jacket, along with wearing a white visor and stick-on mustache to really pull off this look!
Mabel Mora from Only Murders in the Building
Go as Mabel Mora from Only Murders in the Building, a comedic-mystery show where three neighbors band together to investigate a recent murder that occurred in their Upper West Side apartment building.
To dress up as Mabel, you can wear a faux fur coat, red headphones and other shades of yellow to complete her outfit.
Faux Fur Coat
Beanie
John Dutton from Yellowstone
If you have been following each season of Yellowstone, this year might be the one to go as John Dutton, especially since we know season 5 will be the last for the western drama.
If you already have rancher gear, you are pretty much all set to pull off this costume! The main accessory to pull off John Dutton's look, of course, is the cowboy hat.
Cowboy Hat
Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt
Michael Jordan
He's arguably one of the most talented people to ever pick up a basketball, and with the recent release of the movie Air, everyone will want to be like Mike this Halloween.
For the ultimate Michael costume, you can dress up in his Chicago Bulls uniform. You can sport a pair of retro Air Jordan 1's for extra points.
Jersey #23
Mesh Basketball Shorts
Nike Air Jordan's
Among Us
If you are a fan and have been playing the popular social-deduction game Among Us, there is a costume for you! Dress up as a group and go as "Crewmates" and "Imposters" as you try to complete and sabotage tasks on Halloween night.
On October 31, dress up in one of the several Among Us costumes and find the "Imposters" among your group.
Antbutler Green Among Us Costume
Antbutler Red Among Us Costume
Antbutler Blue Among Us Costume
Antbutler Pink Among Us Costume
The Mandalorian from The Mandalorian
After being left with an epic season 3 finale of The Mandalorian, fans are raving with excitement over the season 4 release date of the series. If you are ready for season 4, dress up this Halloween as Din Djarin for an “out of this world” costume.
To create the bounty hunter’s look, you’ll need to be dressed up head-to-toe. Make sure to have the body suit, helmet, as well as other accessories, like Baby Yoda and the blaster.
Mandalorian Costume
Amy and Danny from Beef
Netflix's series featuring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun is both hilarious and so relatable, especially if you've had a case of road rage. As soon as it came out, fans were instantly hooked as Amy and Danny keep trying to get revenge on one another.
To dress in their likeness, you can probably pull from several items that already exist in your wardrobe.
Bob Wig
Clear Lens Eyeglasses
Fake Blood
Men's Basic Fleece Hoodie
Reggie Jackson
Style yourself after the G.O.A.T., baseball star and five-time World Series champion, Reggie Jackson, with an outfit fit for America's favorite past time. Though Jackson has always been an icon in his own right, the recent release of his documentary REGGIE, will make this costume a showstopper this Halloween.
Break out your bat, cleats and a Reggie Jackson 44 jersey to complete your look. Victory is sweet!
Baseball Bat
Reggie Jackson Jersey
Baseball Pants
Baseball Cleat
Luffy from One Piece
A pirate's life for me! Spend this Halloween as Luffy from the most celebrated anime in the world. The One Piece character will thrill anime-lovers across continents.
Pair a red vest with your favorite worn denim shorts for a laid-back look. Rock a pair of Birkenstock sandals that'll last a lifetime. You'll be dapper pirate in Luffy's dashing yellow straw hat.
Gioberti Mens Formal Suit Vest, Red, Large
Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Spoiler alert: Gamora does make an appearance in the newest installation of Guardians of the Galaxy, though she might not behave quite as you remember. This spunky version of the deadliest woman in the entire galaxy definitely deserves to be the center of attention come Halloween night.
Save the day as Gamora, sporting her unmistakable red tresses and utility getup!
Green Face and Body Paint Stick
Women's Leg Holster with Connected Belt
Spider-Man from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The animated superhero film brought Miles Morales, Brooklyn's one and only Spider-Man, back to our screens. This time however, he's sent off into five different universes which make him cross paths with tons of other heroes.
You can obviously dress as any iteration of Spider-Man that you would like, including just opting for a comfy themed-hoodie.
Spider-Man Bodysuit
Spider-Man Bodysuit
Spider-Man Hoodie
Shuri from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Fans everywhere were devestated by the loss of Chadwick Boseman, who, of course, played T'Challa. We were able to find some solace in the sequel, however, when T'Challa's sister Princess Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, became the new Black Panther, and grieves with the audience.
In a bittersweet costume move, honor Chadwick's legacy and Letitia's fierness by dressing up as Shuri.
Reigning Panther Costume
Princess Shuri Costume
Panther Superhero Temporary Tattoos
Princess Shuri Costume
Indiana Jones from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
It's a classic costume for both men and women, but it's all the more relevant this year thanks to the release of the new film, especially considering we haven't seen Indie in years (since 2008!).
You can buy the full getup online, or just pick up the accessories you need to wear with what you already have in your closet!
Indiana Jones Costume
Faux Leather Brown Whip
Ethan Hunt from Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
Last year, everyone was dressing as Tom Cruise's Maverick character. This year, it'll be all about Ethan Hunt as he stars in the penultimate film of the decades-long saga.
The best part about this costume is, you only need a really nice suit to play the part. You can carry around a toy motorcycle too if you're so inclined.
2 Piece Suit
Backpack
M3GAN
It's not all about fun costumes this year. For folks who want to go scary, look no further than M3gan, the terrifying doll who we all thought was our friend at first.
M3gan has a pretty innconent look, so you're going to want to really play up the fear factor with some wild moves and eye movements if possible.
