Double, double, toil and trouble — Halloween is right around the corner. Yes, a trusted pair of black cat ears or an angel halo is always a good, low-effort option, but there’s plenty of inspiration this year for great pop-culture and celebrity Halloween costumes.
In a recent Pinterest report, top searches ahead of the spooky season included Charli XCX makeup, “Love Island” and “Wicked” costumes. And while shopping for a costume for the spooky holiday can be a wasteful experience, these looks can be whipped up with a trip to your closet or a second-hand store. Plus, you’ll impress everyone with your cultural knowledge.
Behold, the best 2024 pop culture and celebrity Halloween costume ideas.
Charli XCX
Brat summer has turned into brat autumn and we’re not complaining. With the massive success of it-girl Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, it’s the perfect time to unleash your inner Essex girl. As she described it on TikTok, being “brat” is: “You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes.”
What you’ll need: The key brat accessory is a pair of black race car-driver sunglasses — perfect for blocking out the sun or the club lights and nursing a hangover. Then you need thick, smudgy winged eyeliner and free-flowing centre-parted curls, both as imperfect as possible — it’s brat! Clothing-wise, there are a couple of ways to recreate Charli’s look. A black crop top, tight black pants and black boots are simple and totally re-wearable. Another option: throw on an asymmetrical dress and a ton of belts to channel one of Charli’s Sweat tour looks. And there’s always brat green…
Liam and Noel Gallagher
Oasis is back — sort of — with much excitement over their reunion shows announced for 2025, including two nights in Toronto. So take a trip back to the ’90s to commemorate everyone’s favourite rapscallion British brothers. Outerwear is essential to achieving their peak-Britpop style, making this costume a fall wardrobe no-brainer.
What you’ll need: For Liam, a navy or black mac jacket or a khaki parka is a sound outfit base — plus it’ll keep you dry if your night gets rained on. A pair of round retro sunglasses is his accessory signature. Noel’s style is slightly more polished — a structured denim jacket or canvas coat is essential, paired with a crisp shirt buttoned-up all the way a la Paul Weller. Bonus points if you’re sporting a shaggy haircut and can whip out a guitar to play “Wonderwall” at a moment’s notice.
Zendaya as Tashi in “Challengers”
Where were you when the “Challengers” trailer came out? The 2024 Luca Guadagnino film brought us sports drama and steamy romance that exploded in the cultural zeitgeist. In particular, the I Told Ya shirt became emblematic as it was sported by Tashi (Zendaya) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) multiple times on and off screen, symbolizing the power dynamics between the characters.
What you’ll need: The key item in this costume is the I Told Ya tee, which was designed by the film’s costumer and Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson and inspired by JFK Jr. While the Loewe version will set you back $440, it’s easy to DIY. Simply buy a grey T-shirt and iron-on transfer paper. Using the Futura Bold font, inverse the words so they’ll print out correctly, then print, iron and voilà! (Sharpie works too, in a pinch.) Add a pair of track shorts or pants and comfy sneakers and tote around a tennis racket to complete the look. It will be instantly recognizable.
Raygun, Olympic breakdancer
When Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, took the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the collective cringe was something to behold. Busting out head-scratching animal-inspired moves on the dance floor, the 37-year-old university lecturer earned no points across her three battles against breakdancers worldwide. But for better or worse, no one who watched will ever forget it.
What you’ll need: Raygun;’s colour-coordinated green and gold uniform and matching baseball cap became an indelible image, so try to source similar co-ordinating athletic wear, ideally slightly boxy. Add a comfy pair of dad sneakers and practice your kangaroo hop.
Demi Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkles from “The Substance”
Coralie Fargeat’s satirical body horror film follows Demi Moore’s character Elisabeth Sparkles as she works through complicated feelings about aging. The movie is filled with unexpected twists, turns and miracle substances, but the fading Hollywood star never sacrifices her sense of style! Throughout the film, she consistently sports a yellow wool coat and big sunglasses to mask her identity — one of the only chic things about this gory film.
What you’ll need: Of course, a maxi-length egg-yolk-coloured wool coat is the star of this ensemble. Bonus points if it has a belt that can easily conceal what’s underneath. Pair it with sleek leather gloves and black sunglasses, the bigger the better. To finish, carry a small brown box and add a sticker with The Substance logo.
Beyoncé circa Cowboy Carter
The Houston-born superstar brought together new and old country fans when she released her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter in March. While paying homage to Black country music roots, Bey honed in on an esthetic she has maintained for months — most recently in her Levi’s campaign. It’s all cowboy hats, Western-style shirts and cowboy boots, chaps optional.
What you’ll need: Start with a Western-style white button-up shirt and white boot cut jeans. To recreate her album cover look, you could grab some red and cobalt blue fabric paint to trace the details of her look. Add a Western-style belt and felt cowboy hat. Accessorize with a homemade Cowboy Carter sash — a trip to the craft store is in your future. The final touch is a pair of cowboy boots — yee-haw!
Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked
As “Wicked” gears up to be one of the biggest movies of 2024, it’s time to ask: are you a good or a bad witch? With the charming prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” releasing in November, Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda are about to be everywhere. Their green and pink ensembles make for ideal costumes, solo or duo.
What you’ll need: For Elphaba, find a black long-sleeved dress and a circular pair of reading glasses. You’ll need green face paint, a witch hat and a broom to capture her quintessential look. For Glinda’s bubbly character, source a frilly, sparkly pink dress, perhaps a prom dress circa 2010. To top it off, add a tiara and wand.
Rob from “Love Island”
ICYMI: “Love Island USA” season six took over every reality TV fan’s summer. The show propelled almost every castmate into superstardom, including Robert Rausch, a snake wrangler from Alabama with green eyes and sun-kissed skin. Viewers took notice of his semi-toxic dynamic with contestant Leah Kateb, as well as his overalls, often worn shirtless with cowboy boots and a bucket hat.
What you’ll need: The central item in this costume is oversized denim or navy cotton overalls. While Rob often wears his overalls with nothing underneath, a nude bandeau or tank works. The ensemble isn’t complete without accessories — grab a bucket hat and black boots to round out the look, and don’t forget a rubber snake to wear over on your shoulders (IYKYK).
Lydia from Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
Thirty-six years later, the sequel to horror-comedy film “Beetlejuice” is back in the mainstream. “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” would be nothing without its namesake character but his best friend Lydia Deetz, played in both films by Winona Ryder, is equally iconic. Lydia’s goth princess style — structured jackets, voluminous dresses, lace, plaid and chokers galore — is a key indicator of her brooding personality. Lydia made being a misfit cool, and that still rings true today. The sequel introduces Lydia’s teen daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, ideal for a mother-daughter or BFFs costume moment.
What you’ll need: Start with a black or plaid long-sleeved maxi dress. From there, you can embellish the look in various ways — layering a tiered skirt for extra volume or adding a blazer to lean into the schoolgirl esthetic. Lydia loves a good accessory, so source belts, brooches and necklaces. Most importantly, heavy black eyeliner and a spiky updo with face-framing pieces will finalize your look.
Longlegs
One of the year’s scariest movies, “Longlegs” viewers watched in horror as Maika Monroe’s Lee uncovered the spooky findings of her past when met with a white-faced Nicolas Cage, clad in dingy white garb with a greasy mane. While the movie’s meaning may be complex, it’s a surprisingly simple costume.
What you’ll need: A white, slightly oversized jacket, button-up, pants and sneakers. Start at your local thrift shop to score these pieces — the grimier, the better. The one pop of colour is his green silky neck scarf. To capture the essence of Longlegs, buy a tube of white face paint and messily wet and scrunch your hair in an aggressive side part to complete the look.
