Now that Halloween Costumes is officially here, it’s time to choose the costume you’ll be dressing up as for October 31 and Halloweekend. Even though you can dress up as a tried-and-true cat or witch with only a hat and some ears, this past year has produced a number of noteworthy pop culture events that are just too good to miss. A baby hippopotamus touched our hearts, Tyla’s Met Gala sand outfit stunned us, Brat green swept over our Instagram feeds, and the 2024 Paris Olympics captivated the world with viral athlete memes.
The music, TV, and movie releases of this year also offered a tonne of costume inspiration. There hasn’t been a lack of entertainment (or style), with everything from Chappell Roan’s festival performances to chart-topping music releases by artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé to the highly anticipated Wicked film version.
Keeping that in mind, continue reading for ideas for this year’s DIY Halloween Costumes, which will undoubtedly earn you the title of best-dressed at the events you attend. Aside from the odd corny prop, we’ve chosen items that you can wear outside of eerie holiday celebrations or that you might already have in your closet. There are plenty of pop culture Halloween costume ideas ahead of you, whether you want to get all dolled up and recreate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with your friends or go more lowkey but still recognized as The Bear’s chef.
Love Island USA Costume: The PPG Trio
Choose which friend is which reality star (and Powerpuff), then choose trendy pink, green, and blue outfits to wear together. Oh, and don’t forget to hook on a wireless microphone and to strap on a mic belt, like you’re really being filmed for television. Season 6 of Love Island USA was one of the most talked-about reality series of 2024, and fast-friends JaNa Craig, Serena Page, and Leah Kateb were a highlight. PPG (AKA Power Puff Gang) brought us heartwarming and amusing moments, often while wearing complementary outfits. (The trio even wore matching pink, green, and blue bikinis at one point).
Wicked Witch Costume: Glinda & Elphaba Duo
With Wicked collaborations already dropping, it’s safe to say that Wicked will be one of the top trends of 2024 and have a significant fashion presence this fall. This Halloween, dress up as Glinda (Ariana Grande) or Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), either alone or together.
Put together a dramatic black ensemble with a sheer cloak, tulle skirt, and satin corset to mimic Elphaba. For the complete look, remember to swipe some green onto your arms and face. Look lovely in pink in a puff-sleeved or ruffled dress for Glinda. Add a tiara, wand, and bold, equally quirky heels as accessories.
Met Gala Costume: Tyla’s Sand Dress
“Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion” was the theme of the 2024 Met Gala exhibition, while “The Garden of Time” was the dress code for the event. While the appearances of many of the celebrity visitors fell flat, some, like Tyla’s attire, almost took the internet by storm. The singer of “Water” made her red carpet debut at the Met Gala donning a Balmain outfit that was literally designed to fit her body like sand. Tyla had to be carried up the stairs because the gown was so delicate, and it eventually had to be reduced into a minidress because it was so fitting. With a textured nude dress, hourglass-shaped jewelry (inspired by the “purse”), and a ton of body glitter, you can recreate the viral look on your own.
Olympian Costume: Team USA Stars
During the Summer Olympics in 2024, some of the most positive and uplifting events of the year occurred Halloween Costumes. Even though Team USA won 126 medals in all sports, some events and players had a greater influence than any medal could have. We’re pleased to channel America’s real-life superheroes for Halloween Costumes, from gymnastics superstars like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Stephen Nedoroscik (AKA pommel horse guy, AKA Clark Kent) to the “fastest woman in the world,” Sha’Carri Richardson, and TikTok-viral rugby player Ilona Maher.
Keep an eye out for rugby jerseys, bedazzled leotards, red, white, and blue sportswear, and official Team USA Ralph Lauren merchandise. Bonus suggestion: Dress up as the gymnastics “Golden Girls” crew to turn it into a group outfit.
Challengers Costume: Tashi Duncan
Well, what a crazy experience it was to watch the Challengers movie and to see the on-theme press tour looks that preceded it. In the movie, Zendaya’s tennis star Tashi Duncan wore classic sportswear like tennis dresses Halloween Costumes, court sneakers, and the Loewe graphic T-shirt. If you want to make this into a group costume, you can dress up as Art and Patrick from the film’s love triangle, complete with striped button-downs and backwards hats, or you can wear a T-shirt that was inspired by the intense New Rochelle tennis match.
Moo Deng Costume
Although it wasn’t on our 2024 Bingo card, we’re happy that a viral baby hippo appeared. Moo Deng, also known as the “bouncing pig,” is a pygmy hippo at a zoo in Thailand. Videos of her sassiness and appearance—which resembles wet-glazed doughnuts mixed with glass—went viral in September.
Accept flushed cheeks, shiny lips, and sleek hair if you want to look like the cute Rhode-worthy ambassador. Next, put on any gray or silver metallic outfit you choose (that you can wear again later). Add some light pink shoes, purses, or jewelry as accessories, and don some hippopotamus ears for good measure.
Emily In Paris Costume: Season 4 Masquerade
One of our favorite Netflix series, Emily in Paris, has a crazy and beautiful fourth season with lots of twists and turns and costumes we adore (and sometimes detest). However, the striped catsuit combination she wore to the masquerade ball for one of her opulent clients was one of her best appearances. Wear a black-and-white jumpsuit, tie-on skirt, lacey mask, dramatic wide-brim hat, and your best dark red lipstick to channel Emily’s enigmatic (but definitely not modest) style.
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour Group Costume
One of the most significant cultural events of 2024 was—and still is—Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, during which the singer performs songs from her numerous original and re-recorded albums. Fans have been inspired to dress up like the singer’s various “eras,” from Lover and Red to Reputation and Folklore (or 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department). Relive the concert by dressing up like you did, and remember the magic that was the Eras Tour. If you weren’t able to get tickets, don’t forget that Halloween Costumes is your chance to finally dress up with your closest friends in looks that represent your favorite Taylor Swift album or mimic the singer’s on-stage attire.
Brat Green Costume: A Charli XCX-Approved Outfit
Our last Brat Summer was rather iconic, characterized by dance pop, carefree partying, and, of course, Brat green. The hue that went viral has come to be associated with Charli XCX and her album Brat. On October 11, a star-studded remix of the album will be released. For a full-on neon-chartreuse fall style, channel the feelings of Summer 2024 with eccentric accessories like jewelry, purses, and tights.
The Bear Costume: Season 3 Chefs
The release of a third season of everyone’s favorite anxiety-inducing “comedy” series this year caused another stir. We are discussing the critically acclaimed dramedy The Bear. Wear a white top with a dark blue apron to channel any of the endearingly flawed characters (fashion points if it’s from Thom Browne). Put on a vibrant headscarf like Sydney or draw on fake tattoos with an eyeliner pencil like Carmi. Put on some worn-out dish towels and chef-approved, in-style clogs to finish off your ensemble, then head out the door exclaiming, “Yes, chef!” to everyone you meet.
Poor Things Costume: Bella Baxter
Oh, Bella Baxter, how you caused everyone who saw the Frankenstein-inspired Poor Things movie fall in love with you, regardless of whether they felt the same way about the divisive film as a whole. Emma Stone’s persona exudes a sense of innocent wonder, which is reflected in her 19th-century attire. This Halloween Costumes, channel Bella by dressing up in organza maxi skirts, ruffle dresses, or puff-sleeve tops; lace up booties; and carry an apple or book around to mimic any of her magical looks (IYKYK).
Bridgerton Costume: The Season 3 Featherington Reign
Penelope Featherington, often known as Lady Whistledown, gained notoriety in Season 3 of Bridgerton when she reluctantly looked for a husband. Penelope was a wallflower at first, wearing cutesy florals, but her confidence and sense of style developed into deeper, jewel-toned looks. frock up as Lady Whistledown (or her hilarious sisters) for Halloween Costumes by donning a brightly colored frock with lots of feathers, such as a quill pen for writing the town’s gossip column or a hairpiece.
On the other hand, if you identify more with the Bridgerton sisters, go for delicate lace and pastel shades of pink, purple, and blue. Better yet, organize a group costume and take on the roles of Penelope and Eloise, this season’s arch rivals.
