It's time to start planning your Halloween costume! After all, it takes a lot of time and creativity to come up with the perfect ensemble for the spookiest night of the year—especially if you're wanting to step into the shoes of your favorite TV and movie characters or celebs.
While we still get a scream out of classic costumes like witches and vampires, there are just so many pop culture moments worth recreating for the big day. So, to make sure the spotlight is on you come October 31, we've curated 20 pop culture Halloween costumes that encapsulate all the latest trends in 2024 as well as some timeless classics. From your favorite '80s flicks like Back to the Future to newer blockbusters like Inside Out 2 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, you're sure to find both Halloween costumes for women and costumes for men to give you plenty of ensemble inspo.
If you're more of a television fanatic, you'll be psyched to know that we've also included ideas from several hit shows. We're talking Bridgerton costumes, Yellowstone costumes, Stranger Things costumes, and costumes inspired by the 2000s! And we can't forget about funny finds like a Stanley Tumbler costume (yes, that exists 😂). Check out the shoppable items we've found or pull things from your closet. Whether you're headed to a Halloween party or spending the night trick-or-treating, get ready to be the star of your street!
Inside Out 2 Costume
Thanks to Inside Out 2, it's time to revisit your emotions—both on screen and in the form of costumes. While you can channel your inner Joy with bright yellow attire and a cheerful smile or embrace Sadness with her signature blue turtleneck and a mopey expression, a new character is really making headlines this Halloween. Introducing: Anxiety! Google statistics show that searches for "orange and white striped" reached a 15-year high with Anxiety being a top trending search. Just add brown pants and boots! But no matter your pick (we've included some full character costumes for you to shop), these ideas are fun, colorful, and perfect for groups or solo!
Orange and White Knit Striped Sweater
Brown Corduroy Pants
Brown Combat Boots
Orange Anxiety Wig Headband
Orange Gloves
Kids Anxiety Costume
Kids Disgust Costume
Kids Envy Costume
Deadpool and Wolverine Costume
With the huge release of Deadpool & Wolverine, all eyes are focused on one of the most important aspects of any superhero film: the cool costumes! Spirit Halloween stats show that Marvel fans across the world will be donning Wade and Logan’s iconic suits—red for Deadpool and yellow for Wolverine. Now that the two have been seen together in action, you'll want to grab your best bud and take on the dynamic duo together. You can also pack a punch with a solo superhero costume. And don't forget other characters from the MCU film like Lady Deadpool. According to Google, she "became a breakout search" when the movie came out.
Deadpool Costume
Wolverine Costume
Stanley Tumbler Costume
So, you want an outfit that sticks to the trends but still quenches your thirst for fun? This is the one for you! Yes, we're saying you can be an actual Stanley Tumbler for Halloween. It's quite the choice for anyone who's always got their favorite drink in hand. To dress as the viral hydration obsession, go the quirky costume route with a Stanley tumbler-inspired costume complete with a giant straw or DIY your own using some Stanley merch. Either way, it's hydration and humor all in one!
Stanley The Cities Essential Tee
Stanley The Gradient Hoodie
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState
Sabrina Carpenter Costume
Sure, you can steal the show with Taylor Swift costumes (see below for ideas), but there's also a new (Polly Pocket) popstar taking center stage this spooky season! We're talking about Sabrina Carpenter! Her success is skyrocketing thanks to the release of her recent album Short n' Sweet—and since she's currently on tour for the record, there's plenty of style inspo to take away. Her pretty and playful stage looks put her in the top 10 trending costumes this year, according to Google. We're begging: please, please, please copy her look with an iconic corset and ruffles galore complete with platform boots.
Yellow Corset Top
Rhinestone Fake Microphone Prop
Lip Temporary Tattoos
Blonde Wig with Bangs
Minions Costume
No matter how much time has passed since the release of the original Despicable Me, minion costumes will always be a hit for all ages! And since Despicable Me 4 released earlier this year, the quirky sidekicks are back and bigger than ever. Spirit Halloween ranks them as a top family costume this year. Everyone in your group can take from the beloved animation with an outfit comprised of a bright yellow shirt, denim overalls, and goggles. Take it the next level by adding Gru to the mix.
Yellow Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Denim Overalls
Minion Accessories
Kevin Minion Costume
Kevin Minion Dress Costume
Adult Gru Costume Kit
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton Costume
Fans of Bridgerton recently traveled back to England for the third season of the series, which follows the whirlwind romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Along with their love story, we were also treated to an abundance of opulent gowns and gorgeous hairstyles that the show has become known for. And now, we just have to wear them for ourselves!
To take on the romantic regencycore of Pen, style a stunning blue or green empire waist gown with tulle gloves, shining jewelry, and, of course, a feather pen! Meanwhile, Colin (aka the pretty-boy turned masculine beau), can be channeled with a puff sleeve shirt, button vest, pants, and boots. Just don't forget his distinctive long brown jacket and sideburns!
Regency Ball Gown
Crystal Jewelry Set
Double Breasted Vest
Victorian Trench Coat
Brown Sideburns
Taylor Swift Costume
Enter your popstar era this October when you step into the bedazzled boots of music icon Taylor Swift. While there are so many Taylor Swift costumes to choose from, we love all the gothic glamour that comes with her new The Tortured Poets Department tour look. To replicate it, start with a dramatic Victoriana dress, then add black gloves and matching monochromatic jewelry. As for the shoes, we've found lace-up boots so similar to the ones Taylor wears on stage. Basically, you look like Taylor Swift, in this light, we're loving it!
White Corset Midi Dress
Black Satin Gloves
Lace-Up White Boots
Beetlejuice Costume
The juice is loose... again! The highly anticipated sequel to Beetlejuice is set to release in September, so the ghost with the most is sure to be a popular pick to haunt the streets this Halloween! The most important item? His iconic striped suit, of course. For his messy green hair, you can use temporary dye or just purchase a wig. Full face makeup will help you truly embody the mischievous demon.
Oppenheimer Costume
Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer has been the pinnacle of current media conversation since it came out. Carry that trend to Halloween by grabbing a few classic dress pieces that will have you looking just like the "father of the atomic bomb." Menswear items like a blazer and pants are made even more dapper with accessories like a fedora, fake pipe, and belt buckle. We've even found a pin that looks just like his security badge!
Herringbone Suit Jacket
Blue Dress Shirt
Turquoise Belt Buckle
Fedora
K-6 Oppenheimer Security Badge
Barbie Costume
Barbiecore is still taking the world by storm thanks to the record-breaking new Barbie movie and all of those fabulous outfits seen in the film—and it's sure to stick around through the next few seasons, too. So, get all dolled up (pun intended!) for the holiday by replicating a look or two. This vintage-inspired ensemble is sure to be a fan favorite, but all you really have to do is grab a variety of pieces that make you look pretty in pink.
Pink Gingham Dress
Pink Pumps
Flower Necklace
Flower Earrings
Ariel Costume
If after watching Disney's dreamy reimagining of The Little Mermaid, you found yourself wanting to be apart of that world, now's your chance! Transform into the beloved mermaid princess with a few costume items like a shell top and mermaid tail skirt. You can even add a few of Ariel's accessories like starfish clips and a dinglehopper in the form of a bracelet. And don't forget to bring along her best friend, Flounder!
Mermaid Seashell Bikini Top
Shell Shoulder Bag
Starfish Hair Clip
Fork Bracelet
Flounder Plush
Maverick Costume
Ready to take your Halloween to new heights? Suit up as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell from Top Gun and you can do just that! Since the sequel was the blockbuster event of 2022, you can bet that it'll be a popular choice this year as well. Along with the famous flight jacket, find a few wardrobe basics like jeans, a white tee, and boots. Needed accessories include aviators and a cap. Now, adventure awaits!
Maverick Bomber Jacket
Wrangler Regular Fit Jeans
Military Tactical Work Boots
Top Gun Official Embroidered Logo Cap
Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler Costume
With the final season of Yellowstone premiering in November, the hit show will be on everyone's minds on October 31—which means there's no better time to make like the Duttons and pull out all that ranch gear for a Beth Dutton Halloween costume! Make it a couples costume by taking on Beth and her beau Rip Wheeler. Their unconventional wedding look will definitely turn heads! While Beth's costume is complete with a gold dress and leopard print coat, Rip only needs a few Western accessories.
Gold Satin Cowl Neck Dress
Denim Cowboy Jacket
Wrangler Long Sleeve Workshirt
Yellowstone Belt Buckle
Wednesday Addams Costume
For those of you who want to walk on the dark side this October... Enter: Wednesday Addams! We all know and love her creepy and kooky family, but thanks to Wednesday on Netflix, it's the mysterious and macabre Nevermore student's time to shine. Her signature braids are easy enough to pull off, so you just need all-black everything, including a dress, socks, and shoes. You'll really nail the "little death trap" character if you bring along her trusty sidekick, Thing.
Chunky Platform Mary Janes
Thing Hand Prop
Eddie Munson Costume
Stranger Things lends itself to so many amazing costumes, but we're especially here for those who want to play the part of Hawkins High's resident metalhead and fearless Hellfire Club leader. Not only did he win the respect of fellow club members Mike and Dustin, but he also won the hearts of viewers everywhere. With a few '80s-inspired punk clothing items and his raglan shirt, you'll be ready to rock.
The Hellfire Club Raglan Shirt
Faux Leather Jacket
Sleeveless Denim Vest
Ripped Skinny Jeans
Mario and Luigi Costume
It's a me, Mario... and Luigi! Looking for fun best friend Halloween costumes? Look no further than these timeless characters. Just grab basic overalls and long sleeve shirts in both red and green. You can also find nifty accessory packs that include their iconic hats, gloves, buttons, and mustaches! Yep, you'll definitely be ready for a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Denim Bib Overalls
Red Long Sleeve Shirt
Mario and Luigi Accessories
Ted Lasso Costume
If you're still not over the heartfelt ending of Ted Lasso, show everyone you still believe by dressing up as Ted himself! The AFC Richmond coach has a casual style that should be simple to replicate. Think: Tracksuits, a visor, a whistle, classic aviator sunglasses, and of course, his distinguishing mustache. Bonus points if you carry Army men to hand out throughout the night!
Ted Lesso Track Suit Jacket
Brown Mustache
Whistle
Classic Polarized Sunglasses
Toy Army Soldiers
Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko Costume
Grease is always the word—especially for Ree Drummond who considers the flick one of her favorite movies of all time! There's so many different Grease Halloween costumes (including Pink Ladies or T-Birds group costumes), but we especially love the idea of donning cool all-black outfits and going as high school sweethearts Danny and Sandy.
Off-The-Shoulder Bodysuit
Faux Leather High Waisted Leggings
Black T-Shirt
Black Dress Shoes
Dolly Parton Costume
Who wouldn't want to take on the dazzling persona of the queen of country for a night? Whether it's sparkly, leather, denim, satin, pastel or neon, she'll wear it! Seriously y'all, with so many iconic Dolly Parton looks over the years, you have plenty to choose from when picking your outfit. Stick to her basics by donning some western flair in the form of fringe, sequins, and the cutest cowboy hat and cowboy boots. We promise you won't have to work "9 to 5" to put this one together.
White Fringe Top
Pink Flare Jeans
Rhinestone Western Knee-High Boots
Diamond Fringe Cowgirl Hat
Marty McFly Costume
Hello, McFly! Easily take yourself Back to the Future with this '80s costume idea. If you've got jeans and a plaid shirt in your closet, you're already halfway there! To make yourself instantly recognizable, you'll also want to grab a denim jacket and red puffer vest then finish off the look with aviators and some classic kicks.
Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt
Red Puffer Vest
Wrangler Classic Jean
Aviator Sunglasses
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
