16 Halloween Costumes That'll Prove Your Pop Culture Knowledge Is On Point
If you're a pop culture junkie, get ready to shine this All Hallow's Eve: According to a recent survey, pop culture trends are the hottest picks in Halloween costumes so far this year, with the most in-demand disguises reflecting what's hot in movies, TV, music, celeb news, and more. No boring old sexy nurse for you -- the only question is, which topical, trendy ensemble will you be showing off on the 31st?
Whether you're a big fan of Game of Thrones or Orange Is the New Black, you listen to David Bowie (forever!), or you remember every viral social media video of the year, your DVR, playlists, and social feeds are ripe for the picking when it comes to coming up with creative Halloween costume ideas. Whatever is the latest or greatest in popular culture can turn into your identity for the night.
Think about it. The possibilities are endless.
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We know, we know -- so many options to choose from. But our list of fun pop culture picks should help you narrow it down, so you can have to hippest costume at the Halloween party.
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Barb from 'Stranger Things'
Justice for Barb! Sadly, the character of Barb from Stranger Things came to a grisly end (sorry for the spoiler), but her spirit can live on this Halloween in your costume: ruffled-collar plaid shirt, glasses, and a facial expression that says, "I know where this situation is headed, but I'm a good friend so I guess I'm going along for the ride (even if it spells my certain doom)."
Anybody from "Orange Is the New Black"
Pick the Litchfield inmate with the hair color/body type closest to yours and all you need is an orange- or beige-colored jumpsuit to complete your look! And, hey, a wig can work, too. (You might also need some fake tattoos or exceedingly on-point eyeliner, depending on which character you choose.)
Sia
And the award for most instantly recognizable Halloween costume goes to: Sia! Because while the big bow is a fun added touch, all you really need for people to know who you are is that two-toned wig.
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Mother of Dragons (Daenerys from 'Game of Thrones')
There are two ways to approach your Daenerys Targaryen costume: Either go way fancy with a platinum wig and regal/warrior chic ensemble, or just carry around a toy dragon in a baby carrier and see if people figure it out (we like the latter option!).
'Lemon'-Ade
So you wanna pay tribute to Beyonce's groundbreaking musical triumph but don't feel like tracking down a reasonable facsimile of that ruffled yellow dress (or carrying a baseball bat around all night)? Just go with a straight-up lemon costume and everybody will instantly think of the lemon emoji that took over social media when all anybody could talk about was the identity of Becky with the Good Hair. (You can find this one on Amazon for $49.99.)
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Teyana Taylor in Kanye West's 'Fade'
Okay, so this one requires a LOT of confidence (yet very little by way of material) to pull off. And you'll definitely be the talk of the party! Of course, isn't anything having to do with Kanye the talk of the moment?
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Harley Quinn
Stand out from all the other Harley Quinns (you know, the supervillain played by Margot Robbie in Suicide Squad) this Halloween by paying attention to the small details, like the gash on her forehead and the popping wad of bubble gum.
Chewbacca Mom
Once upon a time, if you wore a Chewbacca mask on Halloween it was because you were dressing up like Chewbacca. This year, it most likely means you're dressing up like Chewbacca mom. Snag a mask before they inevitabally sell out ($29.98, amazon.com).
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Damn, Daniel
Go viral for a day as teen YouTube sensation Daniel -- but whatever you do, don't forget the white Vans!
Leonardo DiCaprio with an Oscar
Get yourself a plastic Academy Award from the party store, slap on a bow tie, and draw on some stubble: Voilà! You're finally bringing home a damn Oscar, FINALLY. (Don't forget to vape!)
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David Bowie
There are, of course, many looks to choose from if you're looking to memorialize David Bowie this Halloween, but his look from Labyrinth has the added bonus of being sorta spooky. Can't find a puffy shirt? A spiky wig and equally spiky eyebrows will get the point across.