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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

As we approach the end of September, we begin to enter many people’s favorite time of year: fall. With the arrival of fall comes the season of candy-filled aisles in grocery stores and little kids going door to door eagerly asking “trick or treat?” Last year, we didn’t get a Halloween with the pandemic in its full swing. However, this year, with a killer costume and abiding by the rules the CDC has put in place for our safety, we can have ourselves a safe and fun Halloween. So, to make the most of it, here are some ideas for unique costumes — solo, duo and group — to help you rock your Halloween.

Avril Lavigne and a skater Boy (duo)

An early 2000s fashion icon and her hit song “Other Half,” this costume will not make things complicated this Halloween and make you the rock star of the season. For the Avril look, rock some hot pink highlights in your straightened hair that perfectly match your tie and skirt combo, wear a white tank top, fishnet stockings and black boots. Complete the look with a dark smoky eye and a nude lip, and you’ll be ready to find your happy ending. To create the skater boy look, wear some oversized jeans, a t-shirt with a long-sleeved shirt underneath, vans and a beanie, and hold a skateboard to pull the whole fit together.

“h2o: just add water” (trio)

If you’ve got two best friends who are looking to do a group costume, this is the one that will help you stand out. A dewy make-up look complemented by beach waves and seashell jewelry will create the basis for the mermaid look. For the clothes, gold bikinis and matching tails will be sure to make a splash at your Halloween festivities this year.

Viola Davis from “she’s the man” (solo)

“She’s the Man” is a classic early-2000s teen movie classic complete with some of the most iconic lines from our childhoods. A Viola Davis costume is a simple, classic and iconic concept that will make sure you don’t have to wear heels — they make it harder to run away. For the outfit, all you need are matching red shorts, socks and shirt, and you’ll need a long-sleeved white tee and black sneakers to recreate Viola’s iconic soccer uniform. Create bushy eyebrows and sideburns using an eyebrow pencil and eyeshadow, and buy a wig with a Justin Bieber-style swoop to make you ready to kick it all night.

“Gossip girl” (solo, duo or group)

With the revival in full swing, it seems only fitting to bring back the iconic looks from the show that started it all. With a plethora of main characters to choose from, the possibilities are endless for a solo, duo or group combination look that will make all of the Upper-East siders’ heads turn. Blue blazers, button-downs and ties all askew will be the core for any character look you choose. Plaid pencil or skater skirts for the girls and khaki pants for the boys, but remember, the accessories are key for these looks. For Blair Waldorf, pearls and an iconic headband are the way to go. For Serena Vanderwoodsen, pair a set of gloves with a bomber jacket over your disheveled school uniform. For Jenny Humphrey, the bigger the hair, the closer to God, and with a messy smoky eye and large handbag, you’ll be ready to go.

“outer banks” (duo, trio or group)

Perhaps one of the biggest shows to come out of the pandemic was the smash-hit show “Outer Banks.” What better way to honor the soon to be cult-classic than by dressing up like the characters for Halloween? For a cute duo costume idea, rock some jean shorts and a tube top to embody Sarah Cameron and a Hawaiian button-up t-shirt with a bandana to channel your inner John B. For a trio, wear your hair in some long beach waves, a shell necklace, and a bikini top paired with either sweatpants or jean shorts for Kie. Wear a t-shirt and backward hat for Pope, and wear boots, cargo shorts and a logo t-shirt with a toothpick for JJ. If you have a big group, combine the trio and duo to create the ultimate Pogue look.

Estella from “Cruella” (solo)

A modern-day telling of the origin story of one of Disney’s most notorious villains, “Cruella” was full of dramatic and iconic fashion looks that would make you the envy of all of your friends this Halloween. First, a split-dye black and white wig paired with a dramatic eye and bold red lip will create a solid foundation for your Cruella look. For the outfit, pair a black leather jacket with black gloves, black boots and a black skirt or leather pants to crush the new face of a fashion statement. For a little extra something, add a stuffed dalmatian to bring the whole look together.

natasha romanoff and yelena Belova from “Black Widow” (solo or duo)

Finally getting the solo movie she deserved, what better way to show our support to our first female Avenger than dressing up like her or her sister for Halloween. For Natasha, wear a black jumpsuit outfitted with gun-holsters and fingerless gloves, and wear your hair in a long braid. For Yelena, a long-sleeved white jumpsuit paired with a black utility vest, black utility gloves and an intricate up-do braid will make you look ready to take Halloween by storm.

Kim Kardashian’s 2021 met gala look (solo)

One of the most unique looks from this year’s Met Gala, Kim Kardashian — known for her fashion and make-up looks — definitely stood out from the rest with her all-black get-up. To replicate this look, all you’ll need is a black morph suit, black shoes and a black dress, and you will have one of the most original, dynamic looks for this year’s Halloween.

Lil Nas x “Industry Baby” (SOlo or Duo)

What better way to have a hip, trendy costume than to dress up as one of the most popular songs of the year right now? “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X featuring Jack Harlow is a simple and unique costume idea that you could do by yourself or with your best friend. For a solo look and taking the name of the song as a pun, make half of your costume an industry look by wearing a business suit, equipped with a tie and potential blazer, and adorn it with baby accessories like a bonnet, pacifier, rattle and bib for a fun play on words of the song. If you’re doing it with a friend, dress up like the two featured artists in the music video by wearing matching hot pink jumpsuits or scrubs with placards displaying their name as an accessory.

Olivia Rodrigo in “Good 4 u” Music Video (Solo)

Olivia Rodrigo is killing the game this year with her debut album sparking several Hot Billboard 100 songs — taking the radio, internet and TikTok by storm. To channel a new queen of pop in the making, what about dressing up as her from the music video for her #1 hit song, “Good 4 U?” Start the look off with a white and blue cheerleading uniform with black trim adorned with long black gloves, white knee-high socks and sneakers. Accessorize the look with sparkly earrings and butterfly clips in your hair, and you’ll be ready to make your ex regret the day they did you wrong in no time.

Alexandra Brooks

Virginia Tech '22

Alexandra is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Political Science. A 5'2-ish Canadian-American who will stop whatever she is doing to go pet a dog, Alexandra chooses to live everyday by the motto, "Just be yourself." When not stressing out over her major or writing for Her Campus, Alexandra can be found working out, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with her friends and family.