50 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes for 2023: From Barbie to Ahsoka
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Costume designing in Hollywood has only gotten bigger and better in recent years, with buzzy shows such as “Wednesday” and “Ahsoka” to blockbuster films such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” casting a spotlight on their characters’ clothes in a way that adds a whole new level of excitement to every shot. And the plethora of costume-focused content that’s come out this year is a gift to people who like looking to their favorite on-screen characters for Halloween ideas.
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Whether you go as as Barbie and Ken in neon-hued spandex as they rollerskate through the Real World (a perfect couples costume) or travel back to the Regency Era as Queen Charlotte in “Bridgerton,” there is no lack of fun and unique costume ideas for you to choose from this October.
Here are the best Halloween costumes from your favorite T.V. shows and movies to rock this year — enough for a week’s worth of festivities.
Barbie and Ken
Greta Gerwig’s box office-smashing “Barbie” has dozens of iterations of the plastic doll to choose from this Halloween — from Dreamhouse Barbie to Cowgirl Barbie to Rollerskating Barbie. Check out the best “Barbie” costumes here.
Rasta Imposta Ken Costume
Barbie Exercise Costume
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Ms. Rachel
Barbie and Ken are great, no question. But if you want to feel like an absolute icon dress up as Ms. Rachel and husband. While the husband add-on is not required, all you need to become the literal pied piper of toddlers and babies across the U.S. is a pink headband, a pink shirt and a pair of overalls. This queen of the “Songs for Littles” Youtube channel is the most important person in every parent’s life and she deserves a spot in the 2023 halls of Halloween costume fame.
Pink Headband
Ms. Rachel Pink Headband
Pink Shirt
Pink Shirt
Overalls
Overalls
Ariel
Halle Bailey reimagined the iconic Disney princess in the newest live adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” Check out all the “thingamabobs” you need for the perfect Ariel costume below.
Sequin Mermaid Tail
Spooktacular Creations Adult Metallic Hologram Shiny Mermaid Skirt Costume Role Play (Large, Hologram Scale Kelly)
Seashell Bikini Top
Leg Avenue Women’s Mermaid Seashell Bikini Top, Purple, Medium
Wednesday Addams
Jenna Ortega’s breakout role as the titular Wednesday Addams makes the brooding and maudlin problem child a perfect Halloween costume this year.
Wednesday Addams Costume
Wednesday costume girls dress for Kids Addams Costumes Halloween Cosplay Party Dress With belt 4-12Y（130）
Wednesday Addams Dress
ZIW Women Wednesday Addams Dress Costume
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval
The ultimate Bravo villain, the man who made #Scandoval a national sensation, truly Tom Sandoval deserves his place in the Halloween rogues gallery. And there are so many different Toms you can channel like structured hat Tom, “Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras” lead singer Tom or a “worm with a mustache” reunion Tom (to quote James Kennedy). All you need is a white manicure, lightning necklace and massive chip on your shoulder. Extra points if you pony-up and get the Tom Tom merch.
Lighting Necklace
Lightning Bolt Necklace
White Nail Polish
White Nail Polish
Mustache
Mustache
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Heather Gay
We’ve only known Heather Gay for only a few seasons of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” but already she’s become a Bravo all star. And while there are several “versions” of Heather you could dress as from seasons past (the eyepatch is a particular gem) we’re quite taken by the “Cat Mom” version, in which Gay drank one too many espresso martinis in Palm Springs. All you really need is the hat, a martini glass and maybe a plastic bag (just in case). Pair it with a leather jacket (the more ridiculous the better) and you’re good to go.
Cat Mom Hat
Cocaine Bear
The wildly popular February action film “Cocaine Bear” centered around a wild bear who stumbles upon an unusually large amount of the aforementioned drug offers up a plethora of costume ideas. You can go inflatable, cartoony onesie or Midsommar-channeling realistic. All you need is one adult bear costume and a <a href="https://
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Bear Costume
Bear Costume
Taylor Swift
Choose from ten show-stopping outfits for each of Taylor Swift’s acts during the “Eras” tour.
Sparkle Fringe Dress
ticcoy Women’s Sparkly Sequin Tassels Fringe Mini Dress
Rhinestone Boots
LISHAN Gold Rhinestone Heel for Women Knee High Cowgirl Boots
A Lot Going on at the Moment Tee
Mens A Lot Going On at The Moment New ERAS T-Shirt Small White
Black Fedora
Simplicity Black Fedora Hat for Men Unisex Black Fedora
Travis Kelce
The perfect half to your Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce couples costume. Keep it simple with a Kansas City Chiefs Kelce jersey. Or go the whole 9 yards and get the football pads and pants. One thing is certain tho, a good Kelce costume MUST contain homemade friendship bracelets and a dynamite mustache (grown or bought are both fine).
Carmy in ‘The Bear’
If you weren’t one of the hundreds of “Bear” fans to dress up as Carmy last year, then you still have another chance to throw on that dark blue apron. You can even style your hair using the exact products Jeremy Allen White uses to achieve those lust-worthy curls.
Dark Blue Apron
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White T-Shirt
M3GYN
She’s beauty and she’s grace, she’s M3GYN. The killer robot hell-bent on keeping your kids safe (and literally no one else) will most likely be the second most popular doll at the spooky celebrations this year, thanks to Barbie, but she is still a legend in her own right. The titular star of the Blumhouse horror movie has yet to see a Halloween, and we hope this year is a banner year for fierce little robots middle parts and sassy TikTok dances. Just imagine her joining in for the choreography at the Barbie dance! Pick up the full M3GYN costume on Amazon (which comes with bow, dress, rights and sleeves) and splurge on the wig if you’re feeling committed.
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Oppenheimer
If you don’t go as Barbie or Ken this year, then the only other natural course is Oppy…
Oppenheimer Costume
Adult Clyde Costume, Bonnie and Clyde Suit Halloween Costume for Men, 1920s Gangster Outfit, Vintage Mobster Large
Fake Pipe
Skeleteen Fake Pipe Costume Accessory – Wood Look Tobacco Prop Pipe for Dress Up and Pretend Play
Phil Knight in ‘Air’
All you need is an ill-fitting wig, polarized sunglasses and a tacky tracksuit to dress up as Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Phil Knight, the visionary Nike founder, in “Air.”
Wraparound Sports Sunglasses
FLAWLESS EYEWEAR Oversized Mirrored Sunglasses
Tracksuit
Litteking Men’s Tracksuits 2 Piece Outfit Casual Long Sleeve Sweat Suit Set Full Zipper Sports Jogging Suits Blue S
Ahsoka Tano
Channel the Padawan leader in this in-depth Ahsoka costume, which includes a dark grey cape and her distinct headdress, resembling the triangular one made out of akul teeth that she wears in the series. For a more colorful option, you can opt for this cosplay costume.
Ahsoka Costume
Jigsaw
“Saw X,” a prequel set between the first and second movies, brings back Billy the Puppet, a chilling character known for delivering the deadly game rules.
Billy the Puppet Mask
Wellin International Saw Billy The Puppet Mask
Red Bow Tie
Burlet Bow Tie – Red Bow Tie
Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones is always a good Halloween costume but the swashbuckling archaeologist will likely have renewed interest this year following his adventures in the “Dial of Destiny.”
Indiana Jones Costume
Indiana Jones Costume
Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ iconic Love on Tour jaunt is officially over but you can still show your devotion to the stylish pop star by dressing up in his vibrant stage outfits this Halloween.
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Purple Boa
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John Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’
Channel your Western edge with an ode to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton in “Yellowstone.”
Cowboy Hat
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Western Belt
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Denim Jacket
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Mabel in ‘Only Murders in the Building’
No one perfects a fall look better than Selena Gomez’s Mabel in “Only Murders in the Building.” Cozy up in a faux fur jacket, sweater and plaid plants to complete the look. Check out more of Mabel’s best coats and sweaters from the Hulu show here.
Orange Faux Fur Coat
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Yellow Beanie
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Plaid Pants
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Red Headphones
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Mario and Luigi
Embrace a magical new world this Halloween, just like Mario and Luigi did in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” after being transported through a mysterious pipe. If you choose to go as one of the pair in a couples costume, you’ll just want to make sure you keep each other in close eyesight…
Mario and Luigi Costume
NESIMY Super Bros Mary & Luigi Hat Costume
Eddie from ‘Stranger Things’
The ‘Stranger Things’ newcomer who ran off with the whole series is, thankfully, a relatively easy costume to execute. If you have a jean jacket you can just grab the classic Hellfire Club baseball t-shirt and wig and you’re good to go. But if you’re not in the mood to build your own you can get the entire set right here but warning, the jean jacket is made from foam.
Hellfire Club Shirt
‘House of the Dragon’ Valyrian Wedding
One of the best scenes in Amazon Prime’s “House of the Dragon” sees Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen have a Valyrian wedding ceremony while they wait for their enemies’ to exact punishment on them for their misdeeds. In Dragonstone, not even the king can annul a Valyrian wedding — so who’s going to be the Rhaenyra to to your Daemon this year? Check out everything you need for a romantic (and very intense) “House of the Dragon”-inspired costume below (fake blood included):
Robe
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Black Goblet
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Blonde Wig
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Fake Blood
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King Viserys’ Final Form ‘House of The Dragon’
Who knew that in order to become a better ruler King Visery would just have to let his body rot into near oblivion? Years of sitting atop the Iron Throne did not do him any favors, however it did make for one hell of a reveal when the King pushed away the milk of the poppy and told his family exactly what was expected of them. Things you need to complete this look: a crown, the catspaw dagger, royal robes, a gold mask and a wig.
Cats Paw
Catspaw Dagger
Gold Mask (some crafting required)
Gold Mask
Robes
House of the Dragon Robes
Velma
Celebrate gay icon and integral member of the Mystery Incorporated team, Velma. All you need is a fantastic orange sweater, a pair of striking specs and a biting intellect. And if you don’t want to put the outfit together piece-by-piece, never fear, Velma costumes have always been available as her fame has been around for decades.
Velma Costume
Elvis
If you haven’t seen Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” pic starring Austin Butler, get yourself over to HBO Max immediately. And then let’s start planning some truly epic Elvis-inspired costumes. If you’re gonna dress up as the King, rule of thumb, go hard Vegas Elvis. And luckily the internet has a plethora of Vegas Elvis lewks to choose from. Be it very high end (with the jeweled eagle back), Baby Elvis, Doggie Elvis or slightly cheaper version of the high-end Elvis (with a cape) there is a white jumpsuit costume waiting for you.
Vegas Elvis Costume
What We Do In The Shadows
This series was made for insidiery Halloween costumes. Go for the traditional vampire look (as you see above) or go even deeper. Dress up in Nandor’s 80s exercise outfit from the Barenaked Ladies episode, or bring back Jackie Daytona, Human Bartender. Either way this cast has massive group costume and couples costume possibilities so don’t sleep on Nadia, Nandor the relentless, Laszlo, Colin Robinson or Guillermo de la Cruz possibilities.
Fangs
Vampire Fangs
Nadia’s Dress
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Dress
Nadia’s Wig
Nadia Wig
Ms. Marvel
So, so many options to bring this amazing superhero to life for Halloween. Buy the official leather jacket from the character’s more singular look, but if you want the official look there’s a couple good bundle options that include the blue mask and pants. Or opt for the more suped-up Captain Marvel homage, just don’t forget a tiara. Check out a comprehensive list of Marvel costumes here.
Ms. Marvel Costume
Pam and Tommy
“Baywatch” stars Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee were immortalized in the series “Pam and Tommy” last year. Honor the controversial Hollywood couple with a glamorous costume that could be pulled straight from a ’90s tabloid. Check out more couples costumes here.
Faux Leather Jacket
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Black Jet Sunglasses
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Temporary Tattoos
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Blonde Wig
California Costumes Blonde Bombshell Wig – ST Standard
Black Bustier
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Kate Sharma in ‘Bridgerton’
If your Season 2 “Bridgerton” binge made you nostalgic for Regency Era fashion and desperate for your own Anthony Bridgerton romance, you aren’t alone. While you can’t travel back in time to 19th century England, you can dress up in your own dramatic ball gown to channel the lovable and powerful heroine, Kate Sharma.
Bridgerton Kate Regency Dress
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Purple Rhinestone Earrings
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Anna Delvey in ‘Inventing Anna’
There’s no one more fun to hate watch than Anna Delvey, whose scamming adventures through New York City came to the fore when Julia Ozark gave an Emmy-worthy performance as the faux German heiress.
Red Off-the-Shoulder Dress
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Oversized Sunglasses
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Head Scarf
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Celine Glasses
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Elizabeth Holmes in ‘The Dropout’
There are more than a few scammers to emulate this Halloween thanks to a slew of docuseries tracking the rise and fall of these ambitious fraudsters who were able to scam millions of dollars from credulous investors. Our favorite might be Amanda Seyfried’s unnerving transformation into Elizabeth Holmes — complete with a Steve Jobs-esque turtleneck sweater, red lipstick and that gravelly, low voice.
Black Turtleneck Sweater
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Glass Vial
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Blonde Wig With Dark Roots
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Evelyn in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
The hot dog universe is one of the most memorable parallel universes that Michelle Yeoh’s Evelyn finds herself in in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Sausage Fingers
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White Blouse
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Laundromat Cosplay Costume
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Goggly Eyes
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Moon Knight
Oscar Isaac gifted us all with an award-worthy performance in “Moon Knight,” portraying the mild-mannered gift shop employee Steven Grant who discovers he shares a body with the mercenary Marc Spector. Thrust yourself into your own mystery among the Egyptian gods this Halloween by cosplaying as the Marvel hero, which Isaac has already confirmed is returning to another MCU project very soon…
Moon Knight Cosplay Costume
Galadriel in ‘The Rings of Power’
There’s no one better to portray in the Tolkein Universe than Galadriel, one of the greatest Elves in Middle-earth. There’s no better time to dress up as the fierce warrior now that some of the last mysteries surrounding she and her lost husband Celeborn have been explained in the “Rings of Power.”
Medieval Warrior Costume
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Maddy in ‘Euphoria’
Maddy’s outfits are a clear reflection of her abrasive and callous demeanor; only she could get away with wearing a two-piece rave set in the school hallways or a slinky tube top while babysitting. This Halloween, you too can dress up for Euphoria High with this skin-tight cut-out dress and shameless name-plate necklace from the second season’s first episode.
Cut-Out Dress
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Maddy Nameplate Necklace
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Nathan Fielder in ‘The Rehearsal’
Everyone’s favorite nerdy thirst trap, Nathan Fielder, will surely be a popular Halloween costume thanks to his new series “The Rehearsal.” Become a master manipulator with your own laptop harness and unassuming grey crewneck sweatshirt for an instantly recognizable costume.
Laptop Harness
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Grey Crewneck Sweatshirt
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‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Embark on your most ambitious mission yet as Tom Cruise’s “Maverick” from the top-grossing film of 2022.
Bomber Jacket
‘
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Dark Green Coveralls
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Aviator Sunglasses
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She-Hulk
The only acceptable version of the She-Hulk to dress up as this year is Jen Walters when she hulks out at the gala in the final episode of the Marvel series, destructing the fourth wall in one of the most deranged and meta endings in in the franchise. Just throw on this sequin dress, green face paint and wig and you’re all set.
Sequin Dress
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Green Face Paint
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Dark Green Wig
Topcosplay Green Wigs for Women Long Wavy Middle Part Full Wigs Halloween Cosplay Synthetic Wig
Traditional She-Hulk Costume
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Zombie Doctor Strange
Anyone can cosplay as a Marvel superhero Dr. Strange, but only those truly dedicated to the work of director Sam Raimi and the spirit of Halloween will know that the only version acceptable this year is zombie Strange.
Multiverse of Madness Cosplay Costume
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Zombie Makeup Kit
Undead Makeup Kit
Abby from ‘Turning Red’
Channel your preteen aggression as the lovable and always supportive Abby in “Turning Red.” Liking the color purple is the only requirement.
Abby Turning Red Costume
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Vecna in ‘Stranger Things’
“Stranger Things” gets a new antagonist with Vecna in the Netflix series’ most recent season. This mask is all you’ll need to transform yourself into the biggest villain stalking Hawkins.
Vecna Mask
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Soccer Team in ‘Yellowjackets’
Blue and Yellow Varsity Jacket
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Yellowjackets Iron-On Patch
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Rockford Peaches in ‘A League of Their Own’
The classic “A League of Their Own” got a critically acclaimed reboot on Amazon Prime last year, starring D’Arcy Carden. Rock the all-women baseball team called the Rockford Peaches with this pink polo dress, baseball hat and iron-on logo patch.
Pink Polo Dress
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Rockford Peaches Hat
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Rockford Peaches Iron-On Patch
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Serena Williams
After Serena Williams’ inspiring story was told in the Oscar-winning “King Richard,” the record-breaking tennis champion made headlines once again after playing her final game at the U.S. Open in 2022. Celebrate the GOAT with an homage to one of her best on-court looks, courtesy of Nike.
Denim Pleated Skirt
Tennis Racket
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Nike Headband
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Queen Elizabeth
Honor the late Queen Elizabeth II by dressing like English royalty this Halloween. Necessities: a monochrome suit set, pearl necklace and a flamboyant tam’oshanter.
Pearl Necklace
Wig
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Crown
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Pink Tweed Blazer
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Costume Hat
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Princess Diana
Kristen Stewart’s role as Princess Diana earned the actor her first Oscar nomination, making it the perfect time to channel the royal lady’s iconic fashion style. Plus, her go-to athleisure outfit is easier than ever to put together, all you need is a pair of biker shorts and a sweatshirt for a recognizable costume — that also works as stylish loungewear all year long.
Harvard Crewneck
Diana’s Harvard crewneck is one of her most memorable fits, which she was pictured in while on a jog in London. This light grey sweatshirt, with crimson lettering, is an almost-exact replica of the one she wore in the ’90s. If you don’t feel like repping the Ivy League, you can always for a less descript sweatshirt from her other athleisure looks, such as this dark blue c
Black Biker Shorts
If you havent’ already dropped on the biker short trend, then now’s the time to do it. Princess Diana has countless paparazzi photos of her dressed in oversized sweatshirts, always paired with classic skin-tight biker shorts like these.
Black Biker Shorts
Nike Sneakers
Of course, all athleisure fits need a good pair of sneakers to top off the look. Diana often opted for Nikes much like these Tailwind 79s, currently on sale.
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Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
The best part of a Larry David costume is its convenience: you’re likely to have most of the components already in your closet, such as a long-sleeved sweater and sneakers. But add on these signature Larry accessories for a memorable look.
Balding Wig
Much to Larry’s dismay, a costume to his likeness won’t be complete without a little balding action. This wig features white, synthetic hair and a bald cap to achieve the comedian’s distinct hairstyle.
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Round Wired Glasses
Larry is also never seen without his glasses. Cop these round, wired frames from Amazon for an affordable dupe.
Round Wired Glasses
Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’
DC’s Harley Quinn is a Halloween staple, and Margot Robbie’s version of the antihero has only given fans more fun ways to adapt her look into a costume. From flashy temporary tattoos to her signature Neoprene bat, it only takes a few good props to transform yourself into the beloved villain.
Harley Quinn Cosplay Costume
This custom-made cosplay costume is all you need to transform into the powerful Suicide Squad member. The head-to-toe set includes a red and leath faux leather jacket with the words “Live Fast Die Clown”embellished on the back, in addition to skintight pants, gloves and headgear.
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Harley Quinn Red Dress
This show-stopping red dress highlights Harley Quinn’s chic chaos in all its glory, featuring an asymmetrical hem and halter-style top that make for a flattering fit.
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Training Javelin
Harley Quinn switched out her bat for a javelin in the latest “Suicide Squad,” using her throwing skills to defeat Starro the Conquerer. If you don’t have much javelin throwing experience, you might want to make your own fake weapon out of safer materials.
Vinex AERO Training Javelin
Harley Quinn Pink and Blue Wig
Harley Quinn’s murderous ways are so captivating because of her sophisticated looks and innocent smile that hide her cunning ways. This blonde wig comes with symmetrical braids and face-framing bangs to replicate Margot Robbie’s look in James Gunn’s “Suicide Squad.”
Harley Quinn Wig
Full Body Temporary Tattoos
Of course, no Harley Quinn outfit is complete without her trademark tattoos. This pack features her red and black diamonds, as an ode to her origins as a harlequin clown, and her more sinister inks that say “Lucky You” and “I’m Watching.”
Full Body Temporary Tattoo Bundle
Wanda Maximoff
The best part of dressing up as Wanda is the options! What version of Wanda and Vision you decide to emulate from the Marvel series entirely depends on which TV era appealed to you. Thankfully, the internet is already loaded with options from the most obvious…
Scarlet Witch Halloween Costume
The big Scarlet Witch reveal. By the end of the series Wanda has fully transformed into her first ever Marvel comic costume. We’ve seen hints at it before but the “WandaVision” look brings together the cape, gloves, boots and (most importantly) crown. If you want to take your cosplay to the next level, go with this full set, which includes a tight-fitting top, an ankle-length cloak, a headpiece, leggings and elbow-length gloves.
Wandavision Cosplay Costume
Wanda Wig
Retro 1950s Vintage Dress
As we’re sure you’re aware Wanda appears in various TV decades, try the retro “WandaVision” look for a different spin on this undoubtably very popular spooky season trend. This 1950s-style vintage picnic dress is similar to what Olsen’s Maximoff wears before she becomes the Scarlet Witch.
Retro 1950s Vintage Dress
Wanda’s “Halloween” Costume
Our personal favorite comes from the “very special” Halloween episode of “WandaVision” the “All-New Halloween Spooktacular!” This adorable nod to her earlier comic book roots recreates the classic Scarlet Witch costume in high Halloween form with pink tights and red boots.
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Vision’s “Halloween” Costume
And what is Halloween Wanda without her Halloween Vision? Make your costuming partner dress up in this “wrestler’s outfit” to complete the look from above. The set comes with a full bodysuit, gloves, shorts, cape and cowl with a diamond-shaped appliqué.
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Sarah Sanderson
Opt for the most bewitching of the sisters with this Sarah Sanderson costume, which includes a fully-printed bodice and with meshy sleeves, a two-tone skirt and satin-gold petticoat.
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Mary Sanderson
Go as the enchanting middle Sanderson sister with this purple and orange costume, which includes a satin dress with puff sleeves, a lace-up bodice and red satin petticoat.
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