Spooky season is once again upon us! It’s the month of scary-faced pumpkins, jangling skeletons, and paper bats — the best time of the year. What are your Halloween plans; heading out to spooky-themed parties, pumpkin carving, whipping up creepy baked goods, or staying in for a horror movie marathon? Whatever the agenda, we all know the best part is dressing up, whether to impress your pals or just for the sake of the season. Forget the overdone vampires, pirates, and ghosts, here are our ideas for 2024 pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes that are sure to be a hit at the party!
Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Costumes
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1. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era
We know what you’re thinking, isn’t dressing up as a cowgirl considered a classic Halloween costume? The answer is no because, before 2024, Beyoncé had not yet released her number one country album, Cowboy Carter, which became a major pop culture moment and made the genre cool again. So this Halloween, grab your cowboy boots, hat, and trusty denim (bonus points if they’re Levi’s) and serve high fashion in a simple white tee just like Queen B.
2. Charli xcx’s Brat Summer
Brat Summer and its accompanying neon green shade took the world by storm this year thanks to everyone’s favourite London party girl, Charli xcx. The best part about this Halloween costume idea is that it’s made for the club, so if you plan to head out on the 31st, this one’s a winner! Feel free to ditch the Brat green shade and don Charli xcx-approved skin-tight t-shirts (especially if they say “Brat”) and teeny tiny bottoms. Finish it off with oversized black sunglasses for the ultimate Brat look.
3. Inside Out Characters
Inside Out 2 is shaping up to be one of 2024’s best and most highly-rated movies so don’t be embarrassed if you’re a fan. Bring a burst of chaotic energy to Halloween by dressing up as the movie’s main antagonist, Anxiety. All you need is a striped turtleneck, corduroy pants, and boots, all in shades of bright orange. Don’t forget to tease your hair into a messy topknot. For added fun, have your friends join in as the other emotions — there’s plenty to choose from, including Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui!
4. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Era
Image source: Instagram
Image source: Instagram
This one’s a tough call as Sabrina Carpenter has delivered countless fashion moments this year so it’s hard to choose just one to recreate. We narrowed it down to these two looks: first, her black velvet off-the-shoulder evening gown from Richard Quinn that she wore in her Taste music video. Also starring Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega, the visual is packed with nods to classic horror films and features plenty of bloody fashion moments to choose from.
Next is Carpenter’s dazzling pink Victoria’s Secret ensemble from the opening night of her Short n’ Sweet Tour, complete with a glittery towel for the big reveal. Typical of her coquettish style, the look had similarly embellished pink garters and sheer custom tights from Phantasy. You can also paste a temporary red lipstick tattoo on your body and everyone is sure to catch the Sabrina Carpenter reference.
5. Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux may be currently underperforming both at the box office and in the court of public opinion but the hype surrounding the movie just won’t let up. Capitalise on its notoriety by dressing up as Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and Lady Gaga’s Lee Quinzel with your partner or bestie. It won’t be too hard to recreate the looks: wear a red two-piece suit for the Joker, and a black-and-white harlequin-patterned top or dress for Lee. Add some smudged clown makeup, and you’re all set!
6. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
Here’s another idea for pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes to rock with your bestie! Decide who’s the good witch and who’s the bad witch (no fighting, please), and then shop for all-pink and all-black outfits together. Though the movie Wicked isn’t out yet, its cultural impact is already huge thanks to dedicated stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. For an extra touch, learn a few lines from the musical’s songs — what better way to celebrate Halloween than singing your heart out with your BFF?
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