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For some, Halloween costumes are a huge deal, as in buying them before fall has even begun and having multiple outfit changes during Halloweekend. For others, the spooky holiday looks like the same old witch, devil, angel, black cat, or whatever basic, low-effort idea they can scrape together in two hours. But regardless of which camp you fall into, you’ve got to stand out among the crowd this year, and one way to do that is by wearing a pop culture Halloween costume.
Deciding on a Halloween outfit that references a trendy or viral pop culture moment is no easy task. What really happened in the past year that blew up the internet, your social media feeds, and your group chats? It’s practically impossible to remember all of the buzziest moments by yourself, which is why I consulted the StyleCaster team to jog all of our memories for the sake of helping our dear readers rock the most relevant Halloween costumes this October.
While a bunch of different elements make up pop culture, we based our costume ideas on three main categories: film and television, music, and social media. Are you more of a film buff who could convince two other friends to dress up as Tashi, Art, and Patrick from Challengers? Or perhaps you’re a die-hard Swiftie who will without a doubt force their partner to be the Travis Kelce to your Taylor Swift—from the UK Eras Tour, of course. Or, maybe you’re a chronically online girlie who would love nothing more than to embody TikToker-model-home chef-mom-wife-toothpaste maker Nara Smith—obviously, with a rolling pin or baby doll in hand as props.
The StyleCaster team put our heads together to come up with the best pop culture Halloween costumes of 2024 so that you’re not just another basic Barbie or vampire in the crowd.
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Challengers
Image Credit: MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection. You know your friend’s a real one if they agree to join you in dressing up as Tashi, Art, and Patrick from Challengers. This tennis movie got everyone talking and wanting to recreate Zendaya’s press tour outfits or try the tenniscore fashion trend for themselves. While you could just wear tennis player ‘fits, the more creative option would be to remake the looks from the iconic shot above. The great thing about this Halloween costume idea is that you could still wear the pieces from this outfit in your everyday life. And if you can’t find friends to join you, a solo Tashi moment will absolutely slay.
KMBANGI Zip Up Crop Hoodies for WomenOn Sale 54% off
Gildan Adult Ultra Cotton T-ShirtOn Sale 15% off
Hardaddy Men’s Vertical Striped Dress Shirt -
Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan
Image Credit: Photo by Dave Benett/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video took the internet by storm. Everyone was talking about her outfits, her makeup (especially her Prada color-changing lipstick), and of course, the fact that Barry Keoghan starred alongside her. You won’t run out of costume ideas from this music video, since the singer changes multiple times. Will you pick her blue hooded dress, her fluffy pink coat, or the all-black leather jacket look? My personal favorite is the sexy red dress she dons as Barry’s getting beat up. You could have your partner or guy friend dress up as Barry with the help of a white tank
, black trousers
, a fake black eye, and maybe even some gray duct tape
(don’t forget to add the lipstick mark!).
GLNEGE Women’s Summer Corset Mini Dress
Goyoma 3 Packs Men’s 100% Cotton Tank Top
Yucenfu Men’s Cozy Hidden Expandable Waist Dress PantsOn Sale 7% off
The Original Duck Brand Duct TapeOn Sale 25% off -
Rob Rausch from Love Island
Image Credit: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images). Walking into a party or bar looking like Rob from Love Island USA season 6 is the perfect conversation starter. All you have to do is slip into some overalls and, if you really want to get into character, apply a few snake temporary tattoos
on one of your arms. Guess what? We found the exact overalls
he wears in the show, and they’re available to order on Amazon. Add in constant eye rolls and you really might get mistaken for the snake boy.Liberty Men’s Stonewashed Denim Bib Overalls
Jiang Large Snake Temporary Tattoos -
Nara Smith
Image Credit: @naraazizasmith. Nara Smith is known for her signature style in her viral TikTok cooking videos. It ranges from basic garments like a plain white halterneck dress and a solid black turtleneck dress to frocks with frills, ruffles, bows, rosettes, sequins, polka dots, lace, and more. The Instagram account, @narasmithscloset, shares all of her outfit details. You’ll find House of CB, Helsa Studio, Majorelle, Retrofete, and more, but to get Nara’s aesthetic on a budget, look no further than Reformation. Don’t forget to do your hair and makeup just like Nara, too!
Reformation Kaylia Dress
Reformation Bryson Dress
Reformation Shai Dress -
The Bear
Image Credit: FX on Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection I know The Bear technically released its first season in 2022, but fans got to watch the third season in 2024, so it still counts. Especially with people already choosing to be Carmy the past couple Halloweens, you can bet there will be more this year. This costume is the ultimate lazy girl or lazy boy idea because you likely already own one or both of the items needed to personify the moody, angsty, stressed, tired, and volatile chef. Take it a step further and order some temporary tattoos to put on your arms. Alternatively, you could just order an “Original Berf” shirt for your costume.
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Syntus 2 Pack Adjustable Bib Apron -
Chappell Roan
Image Credit: Steve Jennings/FilmMagic. Chappell Roan rose to stardom in 2024, with bops like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Red Wine Supernova.” Her musical talent is undeniable, but you can’t ignore her entire aesthetic. When you see long, wavy, fiery hair and over-the-top makeup looks that always resemble a work of art, you know it’s Chappell. A fun TikTok idea to pair with the Halloween costume would be getting everyone in the party or bar to do the “HOT TO GO!” dance. Vibrant, sequined, sparkly, dramatic costumes are the other big part of her signature look. Below, find a splurge-worthy option from Etsy and a more affordable garment
from Amazon. And we couldn’t forget a tube of bright red lipstick
!
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FYMNSI Sequin Bodysuit
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick -
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management. Dressing up as Taylor Swift for Halloween never goes out of style (*wink, wink*). But this time around, get your partner to tag along as Travis Kelce. Although a lot of couples will probably take the easy route with Chiefs merch, we have a feeling people will also be trying the duo’s outfits from when they appeared on stage together during the UK leg of The Eras Tour. Tell your boyfriend to dig up a suit or tux from the back of his closet, and don’t forget Taylor’s clock choker (we found a similar one on Etsy!). To ensure you look just like the singer, recreate her glam with the help of our Taylor Swift makeup roundup.
Vimoisa Women Shiny Sequin Vest Tank Top
Lovers and Friends Roxie Hot Short
Taylor Swift Watch Choker
BABEYOND Long Opera Party 20s Satin Gloves -
Raygun
Image Credit: Rene Nijhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images. Rachael Gunn, more commonly known by her break dancing competition name, “Raygun,” broke the internet with her performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unsurprising to us, Amazon already has Raygun Halloween costumes
up on the site. If you’re looking for a comfy outfit that you can quite literally dance in all night long, this one’s for you. Be prepared to get thrown into the middle of a dance circle because everyone’s going to want to see your moves.
Raygun Costume Australian Break Dancer Outfit -
Charli XCX
Image Credit: Joseph Okpako/WireImage. Nobody should have to guess (pun, intended) your Halloween costume when you’re decked out in a lime green “brat” shirt and a sleek pair of Y2K sunnies. If you have long black hair or are DJ-ing over Halloweekend, even better! You’ll be bumpin’ that beat (to club classics, duh) all night long.
It’sAnAestheticCo Brat ShirtOn Sale 25% off
Mosanana Y2k Wrap Around Polarized Sunglasses -
Hailey Bieber
Image Credit: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images. There are so many Halloween costumes you could make out of Hailey Bieber (the red dress look, pregnant Hailey, or a Hailey and Justin couple’s costume), but the easiest and probably most affordable one is definitely her viral “Nepo Baby” white tee
moment. While she was technically spotted in this shirt in 2023, the buzz around nepo babies never seems to end.
Nepo Baby Tee -
Man in Finance
Image Credit: Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images. Now this one’s tricky. The viral “Man in Finance” TikTok-turned-David Guetta song was major. But to avoid looking like you came to a Halloween party straight from work, throw on a Patagonia, Columbia
, or The North Face vest like the one below. If you’re really serious about the costume, maybe even apply some colored contacts if you don’t naturally have blue eyes and want to get a laugh out of it. Fake money (from your imaginary (or real!) trust fund) and an expensive-looking watch could be the icing on the cake.
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Maylorcos 420Pcs Props Fake MoneyOn Sale 6% off -
Wicked
One of the most anticipated movies of 2024 is Wicked, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. This is the perfect opportunity to dress up with your bestie. One can float around in a poofy pink dress
and tiara
, while the other can do an all-black ensemble with a black witch hat
. You might even already own the pieces you need to personify one of these iconic characters.
XBTCLXEBCO Women’s Puff Sleeve Tulle Princess Dress
Karnival Costumes Storytime Evil Wicked Witch Women’s Costume
Didder Silver Crystal Tiara CrownOn Sale 44% off -
Troye Sivan
Image Credit: Will Heath/NBC. When is Troye Sivan not wearing a too-small tank with too-baggy pants? He’s made this combo his signature aesthetic, and even SNL recognizes it. Remember when Timothee Chalamet dressed up as Troye and did the dance moves from the singer’s “Got Me Started” music video? Cut out a tiny diamond shape and outline it with a black Sharpie to recreate Troye’s tank top
. And be sure to order it in a size (or two!) too small to achieve his usual tight fit. As for the striped blue pants
, size up for the baggier look the pop star is known to wear on repeat. Bonus points if you have red underwear
peeking out from your pants as you do his little dance.
Amazon Essentials Men’s Tech Stretch Tank
Lands’ End Men’s Essential Pajama PantsOn Sale 20% off
Youlehe Men’s Underwear Soft Rayon Boxer BriefsOn Sale 26% off -
Team USA Women’s Gymnastics Team
Image Credit: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images. It’s safe to say the Team USA women’s gymnastics team stole everyone’s hearts during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera made up the dream team and brought home multiple medals. Strut your stuff in one of the leotards below and don’t forget to wear a medal around your neck to show everyone who’s the real winner of Halloween 2024. If you’re wondering which makeup products an Olympian gymnast trusts, cartwheel over to our interview with Suni Lee. It includes an extensive breakdown of all the makeup products she uses. If you’re a guy, go for bronze with a Stephen Nedoroscik Halloween costume. Find a men’s gymnastics competition ‘fit, rub flour or chalk on your hands, throw on a pair of black glasses, and twirl a Rubik’s cube around. Everyone loves Stephen!
GK Elite United Glory Tank Leotard
GK Elite USA United Tank Leotard
Abaokai 1st Award MedalOn Sale % off -
Mob Wife
Image Credit: Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images. Although it feels like the TikTok-viral “mob wife” trend took flight eons ago, it’s actually from the very beginning of 2024. This timing makes total sense because the aesthetic typically involves an all-black outfit, leopard print (or any feline print), gaudy gold jewelry, oversized sunglasses
, and of course, a giant fur coat
(faux fur, ideally!)—all things you’d wear in fall or winter. Finish your look with a bold red lip and you’re ready to run the streets alongside your mob boss hubby.
Roaman’s Women’s Plus Size Full Length Faux-Fur Coat
BORIFLORS Women’s Sexy Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress
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