It may not feel like it in this summer heat, but October 31st is right around the corner so now is the time to start prepping. Fall leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything will be here before you know it—so why not get a jump on costume planning?
This Halloween, forget about the generic witch and zombie getups. Instead, let's pay homage to the icons of the entertainment industry that have become part of our collective consciousness. From classic films and beloved shows that everyone will recognize to newer releases and references that only the most devoted fans will get, these costumes will have everyone talking. Perfect for Halloween parties, trick or treating with the family, and every other spooky season activity in between.
Pop culture has been a source of Halloween costume inspiration for decades, there's a reason classics like The Wizard of Oz never get old. Whether you're throwing it back to the '50s (looking at you Grease) or going for something more current like one of TV's favorite cowboys or the daughter of one of the spookiest families imaginable (is anyone creepier than the Addams Family?), don your favorite pop culture getup and make this Halloween the most memorable one yet.
Wednesday Addams
Netflix
Thanks to Jenna Ortega's portrayal of this spooky character in the Netflix series The Addams Family, Wednesday is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence of popularity. Channel your inner gothic princess with a simple combo of braids and a collared black dress.
Barbie
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
Whether you're rocking the workout look or glamming it up, Barbie costumes are always a hit (especially with the new Margot Robbie movie out). Pick up a cute pink ensemble, and don't forget to add those blonde locks.
The Wizard of Oz
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Dorthy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion—there's no shortage of characters to choose from in this 1939 film. Gather up your friends for a group costume, or go at it alone with a blue gingham dress, ruby slippers, and pigtails.
Elvis
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Who doesn't want to be Elvis? Even before Austin Butler's Oscar-nominated performance in the biopic Elvis, the King of and Roll was always a Halloween favorite. Put on some blue suede shoes, head to toe leather, and don't forget to practice your hip-swiveling moves.
Grease
Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images
Sandy, Danny, the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds—there's something for everyone in this classic musical. Whether you go for the all-leather look or pull out a poodle skirt, you'll have everyone singing "You're the One That I Want."
Forrest Gump
Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images
Grab your box of chocolates, a plaid shirt, and a baseball cap, and you'll be ready to tell your life story as one of Tom Hanks' most infamous characters. Bonus points if you've got someone to come along as Jenny.
Indiana Jones
Paramount/Getty Images
With his newly released film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford's iconic character is timelier than ever. Don a worn fedora, put on a tan-colored button-up, and grab your handy bullwhip for an ensemble that will have everyone calling for "Indy!"
Harry Potter
Warner Bros
The boy who lived is always a hit. Put on a black robe, grab a wand, and get ready to cast your spells. You could easily make this a trio costume with Hermione and Ron.
Mario and Luigi
Universal Pictures
Everyone's favorite Italian plumbers can go from the Mushroom Kingdom to your Halloween party in no time with the help of some overalls and mustaches. With a few props, you can even turn your car into a Mario Kart.
Anyone From Bridgerton
Netflix
Love the Regency era? Then dress up as your favorite character from the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. It's the perfect excuse to buy that ball gown you've been eyeing.
Ted Lasso
AppleTV+
The star of Apple TV's breakout hit Ted Lasso is an instant classic. All you need is a blue polo, khakis, and a mustache to bring this character to life. Add in a lanyard whistle for the full effect.
Dolly Parton
Mike Marsland/WireImage
Playing dress up as everyone's favorite country singer is always a blast. As long as you've got some big, blonde locks (a wig will do so long as it has volume) and as many rhinestones as you can handle, you'll be ready to make your own "9 to 5."
The Mystery Inc. Gang
Warner Bros
Channel the beloved mystery solvers from Scooby Doo by assembling a group costume with Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred. With just a few clever touches, you'll be ready to save the day.
Clueless
Paramount
Channel your inner '90s fashionista with a yellow plaid skirt suit à la Alicia Silverstone's Cher Horowitz. Add a phone and drop a few "ugh, as ifs" and you'll have the perfect '90s throwback costume.
A Dutton
Paramount Network
If you're a part of the Yellowstone hype, take your Halloween costume to the ranch with a Dutton-inspired ensemble. Cowboy boots and hats are a must for this look unless you're playing Beth. Then you'll want to grab a big fur coat and a rugged cowboy to be your Rip.
Princess Leia
Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Who hasn't wanted to be a certain princess in an intergalactic adventure? Gather some white fabric, create some hair buns, and you're ready for your own rebel mission.
The Avengers
Marvel
From Iron Man to Captain Marvel, there are plenty of heroes to choose from in Marvel's Avengers universe. You probably won't be able to pull a costume out of your closet, but a few store-bought touches will have you ready for the fight against Thanos.
