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.
Queen Charlotte from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Fans of Bridgerton got more of their favorite queen with Neflix’s May release of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The prequel series shows off the grandeur of the queen’s iconic hair and Georgian-era dress while telling the story of her journey to the throne as well as her marriage to King George.
The hair is the star in any Queen Charlotte look, so, you’ll want to start off with finding a luxiourous wig, and building your dress and accents around that.
Petticoat
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
Mermaid Tail Costume Sequin Maxi Skirt
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
Leg Warmers Set
Clear Plastic Sun Visor
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
American Flag Boxing Costume with Robe and Shorts
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
Gloves
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.
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
1950’s Womens Costume Accessories
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
ID Badge Holder
Hoop Earrings
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
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
