A lot happened this year that doesn’t involve men continuing to suck and our government putting little kids in cages. We also received a jumble of entertaining movies, memes, and music that helped us briefly forget about all of the bad stuff happening around us.
From Justin Bieber's sleazecore outfits to the first film in 25 years with an all-Asian cast, pop culture has acted as a much-needed escape over the months, and we’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. So, it’s only right that we would pull Halloween inspiration from some of our favorite viral moments.
See what we came up with (and how you can easily recreate them) ahead. Why be a boring black cat again when you can be Lindsay Lohan dancing in Mykonos?
Squinting/out of breath meme
To really lean into this one, try running up and down sets of stairs throughout the night, so you're forced to stop and catch your breath every now and then.
H&M, Double-Breasted Jacket, $49.99, available at H&M; American Eagle, High-Waisted Crop Flare Jean, $59.95, available at American Eagle; WearMe Pro, Round Color Tinted Lens Gold Frame Aviator Sunglasses, $6.99, available at Amazon.
Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born
You have a bunch of options if you're looking to channel Gaga in A Star Is Born this holiday. There's Ally pre-pop star fame, and Ally after. With pre-Ally, though, you don't have to wear any makeup, which saves you some time.
Madewell, Texture & Thread Tie-Front Tank Top, $29.99, available at Madewell; Scala, Classic Men's Crushable Felt Outback Hat, $38, available at Amazon; Reformation, Marlon Pant, $158, available at Reformation.
Beyoncé and Jay Z in the "Apeshit" video
Perfect for a couple's costume, grab the Jay to your Bey and channel the fiercest musical pair. You can even create a fake Mona Lisa to hang in the background of your pictures if you're feeling particularly creative.
Topman, Skinny Fit Suit Jacket, $103.97, available at Nordstrom Rack; Z Crave, Tasseled Satin Blazer + Pants, $397, available at Z Crave.
Justin Bieber in Love
The summer of young love has lasted for at least one celebrity couple: Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin. Channel the Bieb's laid-back, in love, and now-married style with a tropical shirt and bandana. Use the eyeliner to give yourself a DIY 'stache.
J.Crew, Camp-Collar Printed Slub Cotton Shirt, $60, available at Mr. Porter; Rimmel, Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner, $3.97, available at Walmart; Bandanas, White Paisley Head/Neck Scarf, $3.99, available at Amazon.
Letitia Wright in Black Panther
You could dress as the Dora Milaje to pay homage to the best action film of the year, but then you'd be like everyone else. Plus, Letitia Wright's character Shuri is the silent hero and best part of the movie. You can quote us on that.
Party City, Womens Shuri Costume, $49.99, available at Party City.
Lindsay Lohan dancing in Mykonos
One very important part of this costume: Any time someone asks you what you are, you must do Lohan's dance. Them's the rules.
L'Oreal Paris, Colorista Semi-Permanent For Brunette Hair in Tangerine, $7.56, available at Walmart; House of Harlow 1960, X Revolve Gladys Jumpsuit, $228, available at Revolve.
Janelle Monáe in the "Make Me Feel" video
Janelle Monáe's Dirty Computer era gave us a lot of great looks, including basically every outfit from the video for "Make Me Feel." Our favorite are these see-through rose pants, but the vagina ones from the "Pynk" video are a close second (though a little harder to recreate).
Adam Selman, Rodeo Embroidered Sheer Jeans, $238, available at Moda Operandi; Mari A., Sianna Boot, $69.99, available at DSW; Private Island, Wool Beret in Red, $11.98, available at Amazon.
Lana Candor in To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Again, very hard to choose a favorite out of style icon Lara Jean Covey's fictional closet, but we ultimately had to go with this one because, unlike Gen, we're actually big fans of the combat boot look. You can even recruit your little sister to dress up as Kitty, feminist necklace and all.
Marc Fisher, Lanie Combat Boot, $119.99, available at DSW; Forever 21, Chevron Knit Knee-High Socks, $6.90, available at Forever 21; RK Ruby Karat, Women's High Waisted Vintage Pin Up Shorts, $14.94, available at Amazon; L.L. Bean, Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, $29.99, available at L.L. Bean.
Antoni from Queer Eye
To recreate Antoni, all you really need is a T-shirt (we're big fans of his A Little Life one), some jeans, and a pair of sneakers. Don't forget the avocados and peas though (pick them up at your local grocery store)—because you know he wouldn't.
RedBubble, Unisex T-Shirt, $19.90, available at RedBubble.
Another couple costume idea! Make sure to stay extra close throughout the night. PDA is encouraged.
Headchange, Large Round Lens Moto Goggles, $25, available at Jet; Party City, Light-Up Gold Wings, $29.99, available at Party City; Costume Pub, Lightbulb Hat, $9.70, available at Costume Pub.
Assassination Nation
Channel our favorite East Salem High teenagers, grab your favorite friends, and dress as the Assassination Nation ladies this year—rage and all.
MSGM, Belted Trench Coat, $1,210, available at Farfetch; Party City, Double Ninja Swords, $16.99, available at Party City; Party City, Fake Blood, $1.99, available at Party City.
A Scammer
The summer of the scammer started out with Anna Delvey, so it's only right that we bring her legacy with us into fall. The best part about this costume is you barely have to get dressed. Sell the look by taking selfies throughout the night and appearing really, really busy and important. If you need other ideas on how to dress up as your other favorite scammers, we've got you covered.
Linium Home Textiles, Unisex Herringbone Weave Bathrobe, $59.99, available at Kohl's; Forever 21, Chunky Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $7.90, available at Forever 21.
Tessa Thompson in Sorry To Bother You
Tessa Thompson's Detroit is a sartorial vision on the screen. She has an affinity for bright hair and feminist accessories and her outfits, like the movie itself, are truly a trip. If you want to hear the story behind her iconic earrings, read our interview with the film's costume designer here.
Good Dye Young, Poser Paste Ex-Girl Hair Makeup, $18, available at Good Dye Young; Sorry To Bother You, Detroit's Earrings, $28, available at Sorry To Bother You; Otherwild, The Future Is Female Ejaculation T-Shirt, $36, available at Otherwild.
Constance Wu in Crazy Rich Asians
The result of our favorite makeover scene of the year is Constance Wu's character Rachel's blue tulle dress. You too can pretend like you're attending the most over-the-top, most in-demand wedding in all of Singapore by recreating the dreamy look.
Wedding Factory Direct, Crystal & Rhinestone Tiara Clip, $52, available at Wedding Factory Direct; SheSimplyShops, Elegant Floor-Length Party Prom Dress, $136, available at SheSimplyShops.
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Cardi B post-NYFW fight
A night that will go down in NYFW history: When Cardi B attempted to fight Nicki Minaj at a Harper's Bazaar party and ignited a public feud between the rappers. To recreate this moment, maybe find your favorite frenemy to play Minaj and make sure to perfect the makeup. Wear one shoe on your foot and hold the other in your hand for the full effect.
Tory Burch, Stella Dress, $349, available at Tory Burch; Forever 21, Ornate Statement Necklace, $12.90, available at Forever 21; BP., Lula Block Heel Slingback Sandal, $59.95, available at Nordstrom.
