Celebrity
40 Genius 2019 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes
Netflix
It's never too early to plan for Halloweekend. With multiple days of costumes and precious little time to prepare, you're honestly running a little behind when you consider shipping, the time it takes to try something on and realize it's horrible, shipping that outfit back and ordering something new (then waiting for that to ship). Multiply that by three, and you should've had your Halloween costumes ordered by June. If you're (rightfully) panicking, we've got you covered with these pop culture-centric Halloween costume ideas guaranteed to be an even bigger party hit than "Old Town Road."
Lil Nas X
If anyone dominated pop culture in 2019, it's Lil Nas X. Billie Eilish may have dethroned "Old Town Road" from the Billboard Hot 100's top spot, but this country-rap hybrid stayed at number one for over a third of the year. Lil Nas X's style is almost as singular as his debut track, and it's not too difficult to find "Old Town Road"-worthy accessories at your local consignment store (or, like, Forever 21, if you're basic). The artist's go-to look seems to be some type of brightly colored or holographic suit, sans shirt, with fringe accents and a cowboy hat, which perfectly straddles the line between outlandish and re-wearable.
The Old Age Filter
FaceApp was first released in January 2017, but it went viral again in July 2019 despite the fact that it was obviously a Russian data mining scam. Old age makeup isn't that difficult, and aging yourself IRL is a much safer way to satisfy your curiosity than giving your photos and ID information away for internet clout. Better yet, you can take the basic idea of old-age makeup and apply it to an Avengers: Endgame reference by dressing up as an elderly Captain America. NPR estimates that over 100 million people went to see Endgame during its opening weekend alone, so anyone who doesn't know about that particular twist ending probably deserves to have it spoiled.
Anyone From Euphoria
HBO
Zendaya can do no wrong. Her hotly-anticipated, Drake-produced HBO series finally premiered in June 2019 and quickly became the series of the summer, bringing innovative eye makeup and equally intriguing costumes into our homes (with a big helping of Emotional Turmoil and Being Attracted To Jacob Elordi Again on the side). If dressing up for Halloween isn't really your thing but you're still looking to stunt on all of your peers, take some style cues from the series' costume designer Heidi Bivens the next time you're scrolling through Dolls Kill, try your hand at Euphoria-inspired makeup, or just straight-up copy the modernized takes on classic movies our favorite characters wore during Euphoria's costume party episode. We'll be taking our Halloween inspo from Maddy's questionable Taxi Driver 'fit, but mad props to anyone who mimics Lexi's Bob Ross power move.
Jana
YouTube
Jake Paul and Tana Mongeau, affectionately known as Jana by their "shippers," got married and dropped off of the face of the earth, but ever the optimists, we trust that these struggling demonetized influencers weren't just together for the views. Well, they were at least partially together for the views, but it seemed like every "fake relationship becomes real" rom-com trope was coming true before Jake was spotted out with his ex-girlfriend Erika Costell while Tana dealt with family emergencies in Vegas. Even if their relationship was a giant internet prank, these crazy kids rocked some equally crazy outfits during their short courtship. Go big with a Jana as Harley Quinn and the Joker costume, or try a more subtle look by making your boyfriend buy Team 10 merch and grabbing Tana's wedding day "F*ck!" loungewear from Yung Reaper. Either way, Tana Mongeau and Jake Paul is the only couples costume we will be accepting in 2019.
Fyre Festival Attendees
Netflix
The perfect group costume does not exi— Competing Netflix and Hulu Fyre Festival documentaries brought the 2017 PR disaster "music festival" back into the eye of the zeitgeist, and with it came the perfect excuse to rip up some festival wear, smear some dirt on your face, and call it a costume. Your bro-iest friend will probably want to go as Andy King, the poor event producer who was willing to suck a d*ck take one for the team and got memed to high heavens because of it.
The New-New Taylor
Universal Music Group
The old Taylor Swift is dead, but the new Taylor exploded into a mess of pastel and butterflies. What we have here is the new-new Taylor, harbinger of the Lover era and friend to all that glitters. Stella McCartney partnered with Taylor for a Lover-inspired merch collection, announced via Instagram in August, but any dreamy rainbow costume inspired by Taylor's Instagram theme or her latest music videos will be a clear allusion to Taylor's latest incarnation. Alternatively, for the Taylor Swift haters out there, going as Reputation-era Taylor and the bloodied corpses of her former selves is a spooktastic way to get out some of your misplaced aggression without bringing it to the internet. No one needs your negativity, Karen.
A VSCO Girl
We're fairly certain that Buzzfeed created the "VSCO Girl" title as a joke and people took it too seriously, but this new teen subculture is here to stay. Exemplified by YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, you won't find a VSCO girl without her Fjallraven Kanken, Hydro Flask, and Pura Vida bracelets. A quick search of "VSCO Girl" on TikTok should help you solidify the aesthetic pretty quickly, but if you just wear baggy, high-waisted jean shorts, scrunchies, and Birks while trying to emulate things the internet likes to belittle teenage girls about (Starbucks obsession, being environmentally-conscious, etc), you'll have a cost-effective costume that requires basically no effort or shopping. Make it a group costume by having your squad come as other random social media subcultures like "baddies," "e-girls," and "soft girls." Or, maybe, we could just stop labeling women for no reason. Just a thought!
Cats
Universal Pictures
Finally, a decent reason to dress like a sexy cat for Halloween! We're just kidding, we didn't actually need an excuse to stunt in the most beloved basic Halloween costume of all time, but with the disastrous trailer for Cats scarring us all for life in July, this is the perfect opportunity to marry your love of funny costumes with your passion for dressing like a Pretty Woman extra. Vox pointed out that Andrew Lloyd Webber's "cats" were always weirdly sexualized, but something about it is deeply creepy in big-screen CGI. And isn't "creepy" what Halloween is all about?
Motivation
RCA Records
Sorry, Camila Cabello: Normani has positioned herself as the Beyoncé of Fifth Harmony with August's "Motivation" music video. Spray painted streetwear is poised to become the hottest new trend of 2019, so copping Normani's "1996" co-ord is a good idea even without Halloween as an incentive. You and your friends can come together as Normani and all of the legendary '90s music video moments referenced in "Motivation." Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, and Ciara can squad up on October 31st for the best group costume of all time, just don't forget a basketball! Also, we really shouldn't have to say this, but please don't dress up as a black artist for Halloween unless you're actually black. Cultural appropriation is so 2013.
Meryl Streep Screaming
HBO
No, we're not talking about Meryl Streep's 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards meme. There's a hot new Meryl Streep Screaming meme on the scene, and it's more than just a summer fad. Big Little Lies came back for a second season under immense pressure to continue after running out of source material, so they added the inimitable Meryl to the cast to ensure a guaranteed W. Celebrate the best of television *and* the best of Twitter meme culture by donning a dirty blonde bob wig, a striped button-down, glasses, and a grey blazer, and don't talk to anyone who doesn't get the reference. They don't deserve you.
The Women of Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood
Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group
Ah, yes, the two women who actually appeared in Quentin Tarantino's "ninth" film Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood. Okay, technically there were more female characters than just Pussycat and Sharon Tate, but for a film inspired by the murder of a woman by a bunch of other women, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood was a total sausage fest. Putting that aside, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood was the biggest non-Marvel movie of the summer and the Manson Family's 1969 'fits were to die for, while Sharon Tate's Twiggy-esque looks were totally far out, dude.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has accomplished more by seventeen than most of us will in a lifetime — who wouldn't want to be her for a day? The teen queen is a streetwear style icon, and her oversized monochrome sensibilities will keep you warm on a chilly October evening. “I Dressed Like Billie Eilish For A Week” videos became a YouTube trend for a hot minute earlier this year, with celebs like Tana Mongeau getting in on the fun, further proof that the "Bad Guy" singer's signature style is screaming to be emulated.
Game of Thrones’ Rogue Coffee Cup
HBO
People have been dressing like Daenerys Targaryen for Halloween since 2011, but this is the last year to break out your favorite (read: most expensive) Game of Thrones Halloween costume while the series is still culturally relevant. For a more timely homage to the HBO classic's final season, shake things up a bit by dressing up as the rogue Starbucks coffee cup that somehow ended on the final cut of episode four. Game of Thrones had $90 million to make six episodes, and they somehow didn't notice a whole-*ss coffee cup sitting in front of their blondest star. The North never forgets, and we don't intend to either.
Lady Gaga at the MET Gala
Andres Otero/WENN.com
There will be tons of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper couples costumes riding A Star Is Born's award season wave (and Bradley's split with longtime girlfriend Irina Shayk), but that's just leftover clout from 2018. A better move is to recruit three of your friends and dress as the four stages of Lady Gaga's 2019 MET Gala look. Gaga took this year's theme, Camp: Notes on Fashion, and decided to strut down the pink carpet in four entirely different-yet-connected outfits. This is especially great if your friend group varies in conservatism because Gaga ranged from full-body coverage to a Burlesque-ready ensemble during her walk of fame. Truly, something for everyone.
Fleabag
Amazon Prime
If you, somehow, still haven't heard of Fleabag, you will. An Emmy Awards darling, the short-lived series ended in 2019, but not before introducing the world to the most universally flattering jumpsuit ever designed. This jumpsuit has become synonymous with the series and will buy you some major cred with the arts & entertainment crowd for the low, low price of $50 + shipping from SilkFred. A Fleabag costume is timely, demure, and lowkey lowcut for girls that want to keep their costume classy (like, for a work event) or just want an excuse to make their boyfriend dress like Fleabag's hot priest.
Area 51
Shutterstock
The Storm Area 51 Facebook event became so massive that Nevada commissioners pre-signed an emergency declaration a full month before anyone was supposed to show up at the supposed extraterrestrial government site, USA Today reported, after over two million people declared their intent to "naruto run" into Area 51 and "see them aliens." There's even an Alienstock Festival being organized in rural Nevada during that weekend in anticipation of the crowds. When a sh*tpost takes on a life of its own to this extent, it'll be a while before we collectively forget about it and go back to reposting memes from The Office. An alien costume is a safe bet with this one, but you could also dress like Naruto or just carry a sign about storming the facility. It all works.
Ariana Grande
Republic Records
Ariana Grande has become so ubiquitous in 2019, there are almost too many Ari-centric costume options. There's her most recent hit, "Boyfriend," complete with throwback icy eyeshadow and heart laser boobs, her vaguely appropriative "7 Rings" look (maybe don't go with this one...), her '00s rom-com tributes in "Thank U, Next," her general personhood. At this point, someone just needs to throw an Ariana Grande-themed costume party during Halloweekend so we can get the inevitable over with and move on to other pop culture costume ideas.
The Fish Tube
Breaking the fourth wall for a moment: I will personally pay someone to dress as The Fish Tube and a Salmon for Halloween. Please, make my year. The viral video of a salmon being yeeted into a passageway to efficiently travel over dams made such a splash that The New Yorker wrote an entire featurette dedicated to its "nihilistic euphoria," while Wired called the salmon cannon "existential escapism." Big words for an equally large fish. People partial to joke costumes could just show up in a big cylinder holding a fish plush toy and we would get the point, or this can be made into a couples costume with one of you coming as the tube and the other dressing as a salmon.
Kacey Musgraves
United Music Group Nashville
Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year at this year's Grammy Awards, but her real breakout moment was when she didn't say f*ckin' yee at Coachella. The festival circuit superstar has developed a personal style similar to Lil Nas X's country boy-meets-space stripper vibes, but with a grown-up dash of acid '70s-inspired psychedelia. Her signature long brown locks, colorful performance attire, and dreamy disco accents combined with the perfect amount of YEE haw makes Kacey an under-appreciated style maven whose ethereal disco country style is a Big Mood any time of the year.
Scoops Ahoy Workers
Netflix
Guaranteed, this will be the hottest costume of Halloweekend 2019. Stranger Things' spooky third season wasn't set during the autumn this year, but the universal popularity of Joe Keery's Steve Harrington and his coworker/compatriot Robin, played by up-and-comer Maya Hawke, paired with the sheer ridiculousness of these sailor outfits are a definite Halloween hit. Lazy people will paint the town in basic '80s throwback outfits with a box of Eggos and call themselves Eleven, but dedicated fans will shell out a ton of money crowdsource the perfect uniform for a Russian-fighting mall worker.
Charlie's Angels
Republic
They're back and we can't stop screaming. Though the reboot doesn't premiere until November 15 of this year, you could do a Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey version of this costume since they teased the movie with their BOP of a collab "Don't Call Me Angel." It's the perfect group pop culture Halloween costume for you and your gal pals.
Derry Girls
Netflix
Another great option for you and your gal pals, Derry Girls was a quick hit on Netflix that people can't stop talking about! This is a great costume to DIY, but it might hit a little too close to home if you're still going to a school where you've got to wear a uniform. But if you're uniform-wearing days are behind you and you've still got the plaid skirt tucked away in your closet, go for it.
Captain Marvel
Marvel Studios
It feels like Captain Marvel came out ages ago, but it was this year! Get your Brie Larson on and suit-up! There are tons of Captain Marvel costumes to buy online that'll fit whatever vibe you're going for this Halloween, but personally, we like the standard suit best.
Scarlet witch
Marvel Studios
We saw the Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Endgame played by Elizabeth Olsen and if you're not feeling like Captain Marvel is your speed, this MCU character might be. There are a ton of cute, webstore, options for those who want to play Wanda Maximoff's heroic ego, and with her role in 2021's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, she'll stay relevant for a while.
Live-Action Disney Remakes
Walt Disney Pictures
With a crapton of Disney remakes that hit theaters in 2019, you've got a lot of options. Plus, if you and your friends want to coordinate costumes, you could do a few. This year alone we had Dumbo (we forgot, too), Aladdin, and The Lion King. Before Halloween, we'll have Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and before 2020, Lady and the Tramp. We're kind of tired of the live-action remakes but we do love Disney.
6ix9ine The Rat
Shutterstock/Shutterstock
6ix9ine is an alleged pedophile, so we think making fun of him for being a snitch is totally okay. Last year, Tekashi69 costumes were everywhere on Halloween and this year just might be the same. But instead of doing your classic 69-tat look, try dressing up as a rat first, then put on his most memorable tattoos and figure out a way to incorporate his freaky-looking hair. Ta-da! 6ix9ine ratting out people who he was in a gang with started a meme, and his trial is one of the most viral moments of the year!
Ashley O
Netflix
From the Black Mirror episode with Miley Cyrus, going as Ashley O. will be super recognizable to anyone who is familiar with the show or with the former Hannah Montana actress. It was one of the most-talked about Netflix episodes of the year, and we've got to admit that it's a pretty cute look.
Janet from The Good Place
NBC
Anyone else from The Good Place might be a little hard to recognize (unless you do extestential-crisis-Chidi but that's a 2018 pop culture ref), but Janet's look is iconic. We're so sad that the next season will be its last, so dress up at Janet for Halloween ASAP while it's still relevant.
American Horror Story: 1984
FX
The cast from this season of American Horror Story is serving lewks in their '80s-inspired casting. You and your group can dress like this 2019 pop culture Halloween costume all together or you can just do one separates. The new season just started and even though there's no Evan Peters appearing, it's pretty good.
Riverdale
The CW
It'll still be relevant for years to come, but if you're feeling stumped about your 2019 Halloween costume, going as someone from the Riverdale crew is a tried-and-true crowd pleaser. Each of them have a very distinctive look (Archie Andrews with the red hair, Jughead Jones with the beanie, Veronica Lodge's dark hair, mini-skirt and pearl necklace, and Betty Cooper with a pony tail and preppy ensemble), it's always easy to see who you're dressing up as, even for people who ahven't seen the show.
Nancy Drew
The CW
The CW's newest teen drama, Nancy Drew premieres just in time for Halloween. You can either sport the waitressing outfit she wears during the trailer or go with a more classic Nancy Drew look. All we know is this will be relevant AF in October and people will praise you for thinking ahead!
Katy Keene
The CW
Another CW show premiering this fall, Katy Keene is the Riverdale spin-off starring Lucy Hale, so you know it'll be a hit! Katy's ensemble is *already* iconic and the show hasn't even premiered yet! If you're doing a BFF costume, one of you can dress as Josie McCoy from Riverdale. She's the new star of this spin-off, too!
Elton John
Rocket Pictures
Rocketman was one of the biggest movies of 2019 and it brought not only Elton John's amazing talent back to the forefront of the media, but also his insanely stylish dress sense. Taron Egerton rocked some incredible costumes in the movie, all of which were modeled after outfits Elton himself has worn over his long music career. Unless you're secretly an amazing seamstress, you might want to buy this costume online. Although there are lots of fab options, one of the most memorable Elton outfits is the bedazzled baseball uniform. Buy it at this link.
Joe from You
Lifetime
Season two of the hit Lifetime show You is due to return to Netflix this fall, so there's no better way to get yourself pumped than by dressing up as one of its memorable characters. Sure, you could go as the lovely Guinevere Beck, however, she doesn't really have anything that distinctive about her look that you could go for — she is a basic b*tch, after all. The show's villain, Joe is a perfect option. Get yourself a baseball hat, hoodie, and menacing look on your face and you're all set.
Molly & Amy from Booksmart
Annapurna Pictures
Booksmart was another 2019 movie that wowed viewers. It's so good that it even has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A great idea for a couple's costume is to go as Molly and Amy from the film, who were played by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. Get you and your BFF some matching blue boiler suits (if you get this one from ASOS you'll be able to wear it again!) and dress up as 2019's favorite besties. If you don't feel like buying a whole new outfit, put on your puffiest coat and throw a beret in there and you'll be warm AND festive.
Hannah B from The Bachelorette
ABC
Every year we're hooked on The Bachelorette, so is it a bit extreme to say that Hannah Brown might have been our favorite Bachelorette ever? She was just the best. Even though she didn't leave the show with the man of her dreams, she definitely landed the career — you love to see it. The southern belle is currently a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, so right now she's more relevant than ever. Nail the costume by getting your hands on a "Ms. Alabama" sash or find a sparkly dress suitable for a DWTS contestant and slap on an Alabama Hannah name tag. Simples.
The Tethered from Us
Monkeypaw Productions
Jordan Peele's Us came out in March 2019 and we're still having nightmares about it — that's why it would make the PERFECT Halloween costume. The "tethered" are the scary killers in the movie and they have a very distinctive look that could easily be replicated for a costume. Buy a red boiler suit like this one from ASOS, slick your hair back and accessorize with a pair of scissors. Just don't run with them — okay? This is a great idea if you're celebrating with a group and can channel the entire Wilson family's tethered alter egos.
The Night King from Game of Thrones
HBO
The Night King was the center of Game of Thrones for eight whole seasons, so we know there's going to be a ton of Halloween costumes dedicated to the icy villain. This one is definitely a little trickier to nail unless you happen to be an extremely talented FX artist, and in that case — great for you! If not, you might want to pool your coins together and buy some bits online. The main thing you'll need for the costume is a mask, like this one, and that will for sure tell people who you are. If you want to go all out, pick up a Knight King outfit like this.
A Can Of White Claw
White Claw
Years from now, when we look back fondly on the summer of 2019, we'll remember the White Claw obsession and say to ourselves, "wasn't that weird AF?" People were so obsessed with the fruity seltzer drink that there was a nationwide shortage for some time. Well, you'll never run out of White Claw again if you make yourself a nifty White Claw costume. Get an oversized white T and get crafty by drawing the White Claw logo on it. Yea, it probably won't look great, but it'll be a hilarious attempt. Round up the squad and take a flavor each — we dibs the mango one!
Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich
Shutterstock
Another food/beverage item that thrilled and baffled America during the summer of 2019 was Popeyes' chicken sandwich. Over the summer, Popeyes announced it would be adding a new item to its menu that had previously just consisted of fried chicken, shrimp, and sides. The Popeyes chicken sandwich was born and the people of America NEEDED IT god dammit. It sold out and has since become a distant memory. Bring it back to life via costume by covering yourself in old Popeyes paper (greasy) or get inventive with some breadcrumbs and face paint. Maybe people will then love you as much as they loved the chicken sandwich.
