Just Some Pop Culture-Inspired Costume Ideas for Halloween 2021
Halloween is this month, folks, and though that it may have seemed like you had a *while* to prepare, you might be feeling the time crunch now to actually figure out what to wear. Lucky for you, we rounded up 22 get-ups inspired by the pop culture moments of 2021. Because if you're really stuck on a costume idea, one that's inspired by recent cultural moments is definitely going to be recognizable, and there's a ton of movies, TV shows, and even celebrity relationships to choose from. I mean, a LOT happened this year already: Ben Affleck and J. Lo are once again A Thing, Bridgerton and Squid Game became full-blown Netflix phenomenons, and lest we not forget about Harry Styles in a feather boa and leather 'fit at the Grammys. See what I mean?
Obviously, there's more to come in 2021, but if you want some ideas to help you brainstorm, keep scrolling for some fun pop culture costume ideas for Halloween 2021, and how to shop each one.
Squid Game
The K-drama has absolutely exploded on Netflix recently, and the green numbered tracksuits everyone wears in the show are distinct enough to be recognizable on Halloween.
Mabel from Only Murders in the Building
Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora in this mystery series has some serious sense of style. Channel the character with a yellow coat, sweater, beanie, plaid pants, and wireless headphones made for ignoring people.
Anna and Maya from PEN15
This show really nails the whole middle school experience and will bring back tons of memories. Dress like it's 2000 with this throwback costume... although you might have to discuss with your BFF about who wants to wear the bowl cut. A new animated episode was released this year, and season 3 will hopefully be released soon.
Gossip Girl
The reboot was released this year with a new cast and updated fashion. Live out your GG dreams by going as one of the characters for Halloween, like Jordan Alexander here who is playing Julien Calloway, or even one of the OG roles like Serena and Blair. You know you love them. XOXO.
Coming 2 America
Go as King Akeem and Lisa McDowell in their extravagant royal outfits in this funny sequel. Add a crown, throw on a vivid dress, and pile on the jewelry like the queen you are this Halloween.
Bennifer
Nothing was more shocking/exciting/quizzical than the reports that after Jennifer Lopez's split with A Rod, she reunited with her ex Ben Affleck after more than a decade. Recreate the pair's iconic 2003 Oscars look with a one-shoulder dress, chignon, and tux to channel Bennifer. (And maybe grab some Dunkin' on your way to your Halloween party.)
Bridgerton
The chemistry between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke stole the show, and you can easily turn their characters into a couple's costume by snagging a light blue nap dress, sparkly clips, gloves, and a brocade jacket.
Ziwe
Ziwe Fumudoh's overall aesthetic on Showtime is absolutely iconic. If you've been keeping up with the comedian and want to pay homage to the show, you can channel the vibe with the below. (It just got picked up for Season 2, FYI!)
Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar
This seaside comedy was just so purely wacky that you couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy after watching it. Barb and Star's fashion pretty much made the movie, too. Throw on your best culottes, tropical shirt, and visor to turn into the chatty tourists.
Godzilla vs. Kong
Was the movie terrible? Absolutely. Was there not enough monster fighting in it? Also yes. But will people recognize your costume? 100 percent.
Wandavision
This Disney + show introduced Wanda Maximoff's original costume in the Halloween episode, and it was too cute. Be your own Wanda during spooky season with a red cape, horned headpiece, and a leotard.
Harry Styles at the Grammys
He not only wore a feather boa on the red carpet, but he also wore one while performing "Watermelon Sugar" at the award ceremony. If you don't want to overheat in an all-leather outfit, any black blazer and pants will do because the star is the green wrap around your neck.
THE Oprah Interview with Meghan and Harry
Everyone and their mother tuned in to listen to this bombshell interview in March, so if you're in a group, one can wear a J. Crew suit, another person can don the floral dress, and the other can be freakin' Oprah Winfrey in all pink. (Wicker chairs really help nail it, but I understand if you can't lug them around with you all night. That's a lot.)
Taylor Swift's Folklore/Evermore Albums
T Swift blessed everyone with all the albums this year (okay, so technically Folklore was released in 2020, but it's fine). She really leaned into a dreamy, outdoorsy aesthetic for the imagery of "Folklore" and "Evermore," so you and a friend can dress like each one this Halloween to prove you're the biggest fans.
Olivia Rodrigo in the "good 4 u" Music Video
Olivia's debut album "Sour," really gave millennials that high-school nostalgia with her angsty lyrics, and her single "good 4 u" had the most notable look in her music video: a light-blue cheer uniform with black latex gloves and hair clips.
The Masked Singer
This chaotic show gave us Kermit singing in a snail costume? And if you're into that, you, too, can be a singing snail for Halloween. (Or any one of the weird characters also on the show. The world's your oyster!)
Physical
When the pitch is Rose Bryne as an '80s aerobics instructor, I'm immediately sold. This Apple TV show debuted in June, and naturally there are lots of leotards, sweatbands, leg warmers, and perms involved making it a perfect costume.
Girls5eva
Get your own girl group together this Halloween to turn into Girls5eva. You just need mics, hot pink outfits, and stellar singing voices. (Alright, that last one isn't required, but it'd be pretty cool to show off.)
Nicole Kidman in The Undoing
Nicole wore a plethora of fabulous coats when playing Grace Fraser in this HBO hit, and now you can wear a luxe burgundy one too! This is a v practical costume if it's cold out on Halloween night, by the way.
Keeping Up With the Kardashians
The show is finally over after a whopping 20 seasons, so if you're upset about it ending, turn into the Kardashian-Jenner sisters this October by wearing various neutral shades and using a lip kit.
Ted Lasso
I highly encourage you to watch this heart-warming, endearing show if you haven't already. And if you have, there's no doubt that you're already 100 percent in on being Ted Lasso for Halloween. With some friends you can add in Nate, Coach Beard, and Keeley, too.
Chris Meloni
When I saw this pic of Chris Meloni floating around on Twitter, I audibly gasped. He posted it on his Instagram (it's a behind-the-scenes pic of an Interview shoot), and inspired people everywhere to dress like a hot watermelon. If you're into more niche pop culture costumes and you also happen to love Law & Order: SVU, this one's for you.
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