Halloween brings joy to people for many reasons. For the pop culture fanatics, Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress as their favorite television and movie characters or make fun of everyone’s latest social media craze. Below are ten costumes that are just perfect for any pop culture lover to try this spooky season:
- “Baby Shark”
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This children’s song has taken the world by storm and has adults and children alike doo doo dooing wherever they go. Since you can’t get this song out of your head, why not take it to the streets! This outfit is a simple one. A generic shark costume or a homemade shark fin will do! Just make sure your selections are bright and vibrant!
- Janet from “The Good Place”
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With “The Good Place” entering into its final season this fall, now is the perfect time to pay homage to this beloved, quirky comedy. The best character for costume purposes is Janet, the all-knowing artificial intelligence that aides the residents of “The Good Place”. Since she has to help maintain order in a crazy world, Janet is surprisingly very put together, but she can be easy to emulate. Locate a colorful pleated skirt and pair it with a printed portfolio shirt with a blazer.
- Scoops Ahoy employee from “Stranger Things”
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When is “Stranger Things” not a good Halloween costume? Never! With the hit show releasing a brand new season this summer, this Halloween is the perfect time to try out the new ‘80s costumes from season 3. The best costume that will guarantee you being recognized is the Scoops Ahoy uniforms that Steve and Robin wear while battling Russians. For the costume, use a long pair of royal blue shorts and pair it with a blue and white striped or plain royal blue shirt. Find a red bandana to tie around your neck and a white sailor-like hat for your head. Add a pair of white knee-high stockings and a classic pair of Converse to complete your look.
- “Game of Thrones” Character
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Alas, “GOT’s” watch has ended, which means this is the final year for the show’s Halloween-relevancy. Much like the show, costuming yourself as one of these characters is not for the faint of heart. Considering much of this season was in the north, long, heavy cloaks are the way to go. For Sansa, the essential part is the hair. Find a red wig and add a long dress with bell sleeves.
Similarly, Daenerys is known for her hair and her dragons. Grab a white wig to pair with a long dress and try and find three stuffed dragons to drape on your shoulders and arms. For our warrior women like Brienne and Arya, try to find items that are armor-like, like leather. Find a long dress and skirt and pair it with leggings and boots. Add a belt to give the illusion that you’re carrying some Valyrian steel.
- “Old Town Road”
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He’s got the horses in the back and a number one song. Lil Nas X has taken the world by storm with this rap meets country mashup featuring country icon Billy Ray Cyrus. “Old Town Road” acts as a quick, DIY costume. Jeans, a plaid shirt, and cowboy boots and hat will do for this ode to pop culture. Feel free to add an inflatable horse or one on a stick or anything else that you feel exudes the spirit of “Old Town Road.”
- A Masked Singer from “The Masked Singer”
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America’s latest reality television obsession, “The Masked Singer,” has become the nation’s favorite guessing game. For those not familiar, some of the biggest celebrities don outrageous costumes to perform popular songs before a panel of judges, who take a crack at who these masked performers could be. The key to mastering this homage is to be as ridiculous as you can be. The bigger, the better! Big, furry costumes and shiny, sparkly costumes are ideal. Just make sure your face is masked and maybe even prep a song and dance!
- Taylor Swift
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T-Swizzle has made a comeback! This new era of Swift has provided popular culture with even more costume ideas. “Lover” era Swift is all about bright, pastel colors, and the “You Need to Calm Down” video encapsulates just that. For this version of Swift, search for a high-waisted bandeau bikini and an oversized, bright pink coat. Curl your hair and twist it up into a high pony. If you have a close friend whose the fries to your hamburger, dress as Taylor and Katy Perry in this iconic music video from the summer!
- VSCO Girl
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This particular costume takes a certain aesthetic. VSCO, a photo-based social media platform, has piqued the interest of the younger generation, which means it has also become the butt of one of the internet’s many jokes. To achieve this costume, pay attention to detail. For the outfit, try an oversized t-shirt or a crop top and pair it with light wash mom jeans and Birkenstocks. Your accessories should include a hydro flask water bottle, hair scrunchies, a polaroid camera, and FJÄLLRÄVEN backpack.
- Lizzo
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Who wouldn’t want to be Lizzo these days? The queen of self-love and body positivity is rocking the charts and making everyone fall in love with her! Lizzo has many iconic music videos from her wedding dress in “Truth Hurts” and her workout gear in “Juice.” These are great, eye-catching costume ideas, but if you’re looking for something more generic, try searching for bright unitards or bodysuits with lace. Add colorful, extravagant accessories like a fur coat or large shades. The essential item to have during your night out as Lizzo, though, is positivity!
- “Once Upon A Time in…Hollywood”
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2019 marks the 50th anniversary of a life-changing year in American history, 1969. Thanks to films like Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time….in Hollywood,” pop culture fanatics are ready to emulate the crazy characters this Halloween. A popular and controversial costume idea is Sharon Tate, who, in real life, was murdered by followers of Charles Manson. Tate was the ultimate ‘60s icon, and her look in the movie can be easily transitioned into a simple, more generic ode to this era. The keys are to straighten your hair and dig up some tall go-go boots to pair with a psychedelic dress or skirt. If you’re a bit more on the wild side, take inspiration from the character Pussycat and grab jean shorts with a colorful, crochet bandeau.