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Halloween is just around the corner, so chances are you’re Googling up a frenzy: What should I be for All Hallow’s Eve? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered: From viral memes to unexpected couples to billionaires in outer space, our costume idea list has something for everyone. Read on for 21 pop-culture-themed Halloween costume ideas.
AOC at the Met Gala
New York representative AOC caused quite a stir (and a myriad of memes) with her Met Gala look this year. Easily recreate the controversial costume with an off-the-shoulder white dress and red paint — and write whatever your heart desires.
Bennifer 2.0
While 2021 has been the year of unexpected relationships, we don’t think anyone saw Bennifer Take-Two coming. So why honor honor the iconic former and present couple this Halloween? One half just needs to dress as JLO (lots of options) while the other wears a Boston t-shirt and drops their Dunkin’ Donuts (yes, this is technically a throwback to 2020 but it was after Halloween, okay?).
Bernie Sanders at President Biden’s inauguration
Bernie melted our hearts, as usual, with his cozy attire at President Biden’s inauguration in January, making the perfect pop culture callback for Halloween. This costume wins for comfort alone, and one comes pre-made for purchase, too.
Beyoncé at the Grammys
Beyoncé became the most awarded woman in Grammys history that night — and then a viral reaction meme. Possibly equally impressive — and surely worthy of a Halloween shout out. All this requires is a long sleeve, bodycon black mini dress, black teardrop earrings, several (fake) Grammys and very volumised hair.
Billie Eilish for British Vogue
Billie’s iconic British Vogue photoshoot deserves to be recreated for centuries, so let’s start now. Grab a blonde wig with bangs, beige lingerie and a trench coat and you’re set. Maybe some acrylic nails if you’re really feeling dedicated.
Britney Spears
With all the commotion around Britney Spears’ conservatorship and the subsequent international movement to #FreeBritney, Britney deserves to have her most iconic — and happiest — moments memorialized for once. Emulate the “Lucky” video with baby pink, fluffy robe, or her “I’m A Slave 4 U” VMA’s performance with a green bikini top, denim shorts and a (hopefully fake) snake.
Cat on a Zoom call
This one’s easy. Find any random cat costume — and put yourself in a frame. Boom: You’re one of the greatest memes of 2021.
Christopher Meloni’s iconic “Interview“ photoshoot
Christopher Meloni blessed us with a “Zaddy” themed photoshoot for Interview magazine, which was immediately memes into oblivion. Now, it’s your turn: Channel Detective Stabler, or bubblegum, or both. All it takes is a lime green, cropped tank top, pink pants and aviator sunglasses. Alternatively, you can channel the more sporty look with a cropped graphic tee, grey sweat pants and high white socks.
Ever Given, the ship that blocked the Suez Canal
The Ever Given, AKA the ship that blocked the Suez Canal, is officially notorious — mostly because of all the memes it prompted. Dress as a boat (you might need to make it yourself unless you’d like to try this one for children) and get in everyone’s way, and you have a winning Halloween costume.
Jeff Bezos returning from space in a cowboy hat, or, ‘Space Cowboy’
Jeff Bezos barely won the billionaire space, and upon landing, inexplicably put on a cowboy hat. He then proceeded to thank his notoriously mistreated employees for paying for his excursion. Find yourself a blue tracksuit and a cowboy hat and you’re ready for take-off (or landing).
Kim Kardashian-West at the Met Gala (or, a shadow)
Kim’s interesting aesthetic at the Met Gala is the ultimate Halloween vibe — in the most classical sense of what Halloween is: A celebration of the dead. It’s very grim-reaper-esque, so it’s really right on the nose. Plus, a costume for it already exists!
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker in Las Vegas
Another unexpected 2021 couple that would be so much fun to dress as. Take a trip to Hot Topic, they should have everything you need. For Travis, wear red checkered plaid pants, a (p)leather jacket and a black beanie. For Kourtney, sport (p)leather pants and a low-cut black crop top.
Lil Nas X in the ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ video
All of Lil Nas’ looks are iconic, but some look wildly complicated. So we settled on the denim look from the Montero video. All you need is a denim pantsuit, a matching Kitana fan, and an eccentric, blue Marie Antoinette style wig.
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly at the VMA’s
Sure, they’re a lot, but that’s what makes them the ultimate couple to dress as for Halloween. Find a sparkly sheer dress for Megan and a shiny red suit for MGK — and maybe a urinal? — and you’re set.
Megan Fox & Kourtney Kardashian at the VMA’s or in Skims
Everyone’s new favourite BFFs, you and your bestie could go as the infamous VMA’s boy’s bathroom photoshoot….or if you’re feeling feisty, emulate the SKIMS one instead. For VMAs, Megan needs her sheer dress and Kourtney a black, bodycon mini dress that laces up in front, or you can go all-out and try the leather look. For the SKIMS aesthetic, grab black bikinis, long brunette wigs and feed each other fake fruit.
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ album cover
We think it’s safe to say this album changed everyone’s life this year, so it deserves its fair share of Halloween recognition. Cover your faces in gemstones and stickers and voila — you’re the ‘Sour’ album cover.
Or, Olivia Rodrigo in the ‘Good 4 U’ music video
Alternatively, all you need is a blue cheerleading costume and long black gloves to transform into Olivia’s character from the iconic video.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah in that interview
All Prince Harry needs is a grey suit, Meghan a long black wrap dress and fake baby bump (or pillow), and Oprah a purple sweater with matching slacks!
Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese v
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky at the Met Gala
We take back what we said about Bernie being the comfiest — this definitely wins for Halloween comfort. All you really need is a whimsical, colourful quilt for one half of the couple and a long, black puffy dress for the other.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles is a champion every year, but especially this year when she put her well-being first at the Tokyo Olympics. She’s our hero in so many ways, so why not dress like her on the best night of the year?! All you need is a red, white and blue leotard!
Getty Images
Tom Daley knitting at the Tokyo Olympics
Lastly, may we present our favourite idea of all: Tom Daley knitting at the Tokyo Olympics. Simply put on a royal blue workout set (or Great Britain themed tank top) and carry knitting supplies around wherever you go. When seated, knit!
Happy Halloween!
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