From emulating today’s hottest pop stars to dressing up as a literal emotion, here are Halloween costumes inspired by the year’s trending music, film, and shows
For some, Halloween costumes are all about the scares. It is, after all, the season of horrifying masks and blood-dripping outfits.
But Halloween doesn’t have to be just dressing up as your worst nightmare.
This year’s best pop culture moments have shaped perceptions and influenced new fashion styles—and these can be the perfect alternative for those with less terrifying Halloween parties in mind.
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Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour
Starting off the list are costumes inspired by the biggest tour of the year—none other than American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s infamous The Eras Tour. The tour itself has over 16 outfit changes ranging from the sparkly lilac ball gowns of the “Speak Now” set to the fuzzy jackets of the “Midnights” set.
The standout costume of the tour, however, is the pink and blue “Lover” bodysuit that is highlighted in the tour film and poster. To recreate this piece, fans can buy a plain bodysuit and boots online before crystallizing it with crafting gems.
But more than just the Eras Tour outfits, fans can also dress up from any of Swift’s 11 albums or eras, with some poking fun by dressing up as Swift’s current boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs football tight end, Travis Kelce.
Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega in the “Taste” Music Video
Swift isn’t the only one looked up for her impeccable style though.
Actress-turned-singer Sabrina Carpenter, who broke records this year with her summer smash hit “Espresso,” revived the cult of ’90s horror film fans in the music video of her latest single, “Taste.”
Just days after the music video dropped, there was a slew of cosplayers on TikTok that recreated the stylish looks from the music video.
The fit popularly recreated by fans and cosplayers are the black, funeral dresses shown at the end of the music video, which references the outfits worn by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in “Death Becomes Her” (1992).
Another notable get-up from the music video is Ortega’s nurse outfit consisting of a vintage, all-white dress and a white eyepatch with a red cross, inspired by the action film “Kill Bill: Volume 1.”
And last but not least is the swimming pool scene where Ortega sawed Carpenter’s body in half. In this bloody but unforgettable moment, Carpenter is seen wearing a white and pastel blue checkered two-piece outfit, while Ortega is wearing a sleeveless, ruffled bodycon black dress.
Chappell Roan’s drag-inspired looks
After the success of her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Chappell Roan has cemented herself not just as a performer to look out for but also as an icon for her makeup and fashion inspired by glamorous drag queens.
Through her signature heavy makeup look with shimmery blue eyelids, dark eyeliner, and red doll-like cheeks, one can easily recreate Roan’s looks with just a makeup brush and a bit of “Femininomenon” spirit.
For other options, you can also recreate Roan’s other striking looks such as the “Good Luck, Babe!” cover photo or the jaw-dropping Statue of Liberty costume she donned at the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York.
Brat-inspired black and green party wear
Another international singer who made waves is Charli XCX who returned with her electro-dance pop album, “Brat.”
The album, which celebrated the nightlife through stimulating beats, paved the way for the term “brat summer.” Wild ones wanting to emulate the rave lifestyle can opt to follow the album’s primary aesthetic, which consists of sleek party outfits such as black leather jackets and mini skirts, finished off with neon green highlights or accessories.
And don’t forget green eyeshadow and black shades for a more bratty look.
Bini Maloi’s shoujo girl fits
But international singers aren’t the only ones birthing iconic Halloween costumes. Local artists too have been the catalyst for today’s latest fashion trends, and one example is none other than Maloi Yves Ricalde, simply known as Maloi from the Filipino pop girl group Bini.
Apart from birthing the summer hits, “Pantropiko,” “Karera,” and “Salamin, Salamin,” Bini Maloi has caught the eye of fashionistas with her preppy, coquette outfits reminiscent of the shoujo girl fashion.
One of her most memorable fits includes her “red riding outfit,” which consists of a white crop top and bubble skirt, bright red tights and pointed heels, and a vibrant red hood with a ribbon in the center. This look is topped off by her silver, rectangular glasses.
Carlos Yulo in the Paris Olympics
Speaking of local celebrities, Filipino athletes this year have also made rounds worthy for a Halloween fit.
Take celebrity gymnast Carlos Yulo, who apart from being the first Filipino to win two gold medals in the Olympics, has trended online for his stretched-out hands stance.
This, alongside athletic wear, can make for a pretty good costume that brings honor to the country.
The young athlete was also the hot topic recently for wearing a blue crop top.
“Challengers’” tenniscore costumes
But the Olympics craze isn’t the only athletic-inspired Halloween costume that’s hot right now.
For those who are thinking of a last-minute costume, trick-or-treaters can simply throw on sporty jackets, sweats, or a gleaming white tennis skirt to exude any of the talented tennis players centered in the film, “Challengers.”
With just a tennis racket, a green tennis ball, and some good ‘ol tennis sneakers, this easy “Challengers”-inspired costume can turn you into an immediate Tashi Duncan, Art Donaldson, or Patrick Zweig.
“Bridgerton’s” modern regency dresses a la Featheringtons
After the release of “Bridgerton” season 3 focusing on the slow-burn friends-to-lovers arc of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, historical regency dresses with a modern flair are trending yet again.
And while the pastel blue color palette of the Bridgertons will never go out of style, this season puts the citrus-colored and over-the-top looks worn by the Featherington ladies into the limelight. With dresses ranging from bright orange and emerald green to sunshine yellow, ladies donning this costume can find their own Colin in no time. Oh, and don’t forget the romantic auburn curls!
Witchy Wiccan from Marvel’s “Agatha All Along”
It wouldn’t be Halloween without at least one trick-or-treater in a superhero costume. And which superhero made this year’s greatest reveal? None other than Wiccan or Billy Maximoff in the Disneyplus’ television show, “Agatha All Along.”
Marvel fans can easily recreate Wiccan’s emo look through some pierced earrings, eyeliner, and an eyebrow slit. And with just a little dark magic from black nails, silver rings and a gray sweater underneath a navy blue jacket, you’ll be a witch too in no time.
Just make sure to top it off with Wiccan’s silver headpiece, which seemingly hints at the headpiece worn by his mother, Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch—one of the former Avengers.
Emotion-inspired costumes from “Inside Out 2”
Of course, live-action films and shows aren’t the only ones inspiring colorful and unique Halloween costumes this year. For animated film fanatics, go all out by being one of the brightly-designed emotions in the new Disney film, “Inside Out 2.”
Straying away from the main characters and basic emotions such as Joy and Sadness, change it up a bit and dress as the goth-inspired Ennui or the bubbly Envy—whatever emotion you’re feeling in the days leading up to Halloween.
