21 Pop Culture Costume Ideas Halloween 2023

A lot has happened in 2023. Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet hard-launched their relationship with PDA seen around the world. The Succession series ending had everyone online becoming body language experts. Barbie outfits became the fashion standard. Team Jeremiah Fisher got a boost on The Summer I Turned Pretty. And Beyoncé's Renaissance tour and Taylor Swift's Eras tour became the biggest thing since sliced bread. Now, as the season of Halloween parties approaches, it's finally time to put all these pop culture moments to good use. We're talking Halloween pop culture costume ideas, bb!

Transforming a pop culture moment into a costume can be tricky. How does one dress like Meta's Threads, Bluesky, or any other Twitter replacement app, exactly? Sometimes inspiration hits, but sometimes it doesn't. And if you're drawing a blank, I've got just the thing to get you started: a list of 21 Halloween pop culture costume ideas. Whether you're looking for a Barbie Halloween costume, a Taylor Swift Halloween costume, or something more Olivia Rodrigo-inspired, there's a pop culture look for you. I've even included some shopping inspo so you can get your costume together ASAP. You'll be trick-or-treat ready before you can say "Barbenheimer."

Kylie Jenner's Schiaparelli Dress Costume

Marc Piasecki/WireImage

Remember that time Kylie Jenner wore a giant lion head replica to Paris Fashion Week? Well, the real Schiaparelli dress is a little expensive (and rare) for a Halloween costume, but, believe it or not, you can recreate Kylie's lion dress with just a slinky dress and a novelty backpack.

Skims FITS EVERYBODY TUBE DRESS

CoCopeaunt Lion head backpack

1156 East Lock Down Links Small Statement Earrings

Nepo Baby Costume

Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Warning: don't attempt a nepo baby costume unless you're willing to potentially get into a debate about the Hollywood phenomenon with a stranger. Have your talking points at the ready.

Nepo Baby Nepo Baby T-Shirt

NUS Nepo Baby Tee - White

Taf Toys Star Rainstick Rattle

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Mojo Dojo Casa House Ken Costume

Sure, he's an incel misogynist who stole Barbie's house, but no one can deny that Mojo Dojo Casa House Ken has some serious style. Bonus idea: get your friends to dress up as other Barbie movie Kens and make it a group costume. Bonus points if you perform "I'm Just Ken."

GORGLITTER Fringe Open Front Vest Jacket

The Fashion Den Co Ken Horse Mojo Dojo Necklace

Southpole Active Fleece Jogger Pants

Barbie x Alamo Drafthouse ⚡KEN⚡ Logo Fanny Pack

Ruleewe Ruleewe Ken Costume Headband

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Fini Desiderata White

Nroda ExtraT

JISEN Leather Punk Half Finger Hollow Out Gloves

Old DIrd Long Sleeve Fluffy Faux Fur Coat

Portia from The White Lotus Costume

Stefano Delia/HBO

Season 2 of The White Lotus gave us many iconic fashion moments (I'm still recovering from that Peppa Pig drag, TBH), but none divided fans quite like Portia's messy outfits. Her looks would give middle school dance vibes one second, hippie-light the next. Whether you liked it or not, you can't say that her fashion sense wasn't memorable, which makes it a perfect costume this season.

Todd from Jury Duty Costume

This might have all been an elaborate Truman Show-like prank, but Todd's idea for "chair pants" was honestly genius, and someone should make them a reality STAT.

WEEN CHARM Slim Fit Corduroy Sport Jacket

Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Long-Sleeve Oxford Shirt

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Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Wrinkle-Resistant Chino Pant

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HOMEMAXS PVC Inflatable Crutch Toy

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The Succession Widows and Mistresses Group Costume

Macall Polay/HBO

Logan Roy's two widows sitting together with his two mistresses at his funeral was absolutely iconic. I can only hope my exes all sit together at my funeral someday...

Hoefer's Bridal Black Handmade Pill Box Bridal Fascinator

Now 50% Off

CRAZY GRID Double Breasted Blazer

BOUTIQUELOVIN 3 Strands Gold Layered Necklace

Express Double Breasted Padded Shoulder Mini Blazer Dress

ASOS Design Wool Beret

LAXPICOL Vintage Women's Green Flower Brooch

Barbenheimer Costume

The biggest crossover event in history happened this summer when Barbie and Oppenheimer opened on the same weekend, giving us memes galore that translated into packed theaters and a huge box office weekend and will definitely result in some Halloween lewks this year.

Lanzom Vintage Wide Brim Warm Wool Fedora Hat

MOGU Mens Fashion One Button Slim Fit Pink Blazer

Kangaroo Fake Cigar Pipe

SPGBK Watches Hillendale Silicone Strap Watch in Pink

Depression Barbie Costume

Not into the sunny pink vibes of stereotypical Barbie, but still want to get in on the Barbie trend? Try Depression Barbie, aka the most relatable Barbie to ever exist. Her mascara is smudged, her sweats on, her hair messy, and her heart belongs to Pride & Prejudice.

AUTOMET Women’s Casual Baggy Fleece Sweatpants

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Ela Studio Co Retro Fitzwilliam Darcy T-Shirt

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Starburst All Pink Fruit Chews Sharing Size

Weird Barbie Costume

If you're someone who enjoys some arts and crafts, a Weird Barbie costume could be a fun way to fuse all your artistic talent with a pop culture reference. Stay weird, folks!

ZESICA Square Neck Short Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes

BADCOLOR Twistable Face Paint Sticks

SHEMEE Colorful Snakeskin Knee High Boot

Hailey Bieber & Justin Bieber Couples Costume

Robert Kamau/GC Images

Recruit your significant other to dress up as one of the most talked about couples of 2023: Hailey and Justin. This pop culture costume is easy to recreate because you don't really have to recreate a specific look, though we did here. Just have one person wear the fanciest thing in their closet and the other wear sweats and Crocs!

ASOS Structured bandeau mini dress in red

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Public Desire Grace Heel Sandals

Amazon Essentials Lightweight French Terry Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

Zengjo Terry Lounge Short Pants

Crocs Classic Clog

Scandoval Costume

Even non-Bravo girlies tuned into Vanderpump Rules this year to watch the fallout of one of reality television's most jaw-dropping cheating scandals. Overnight, Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Raquel Leviss became household names after it was revealed that Tom had been cheating on his longtime partner Ariana with their Pump Rules co-star Raquel for months. I'll never look at lightning necklaces the same way again...

Bravo I SURvived Scandoval Crewneck

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AsAlways Geometric Lightning Bolt Pendant Necklace

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Like A Virgin

Mr. Moustachio Top 10 Manliest Mustaches of All Time

The Renaissance Tour Costume

Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

Still not over Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour, or bummed you'll never get to wear your Renaissance concert outfit again? Fear not, you'll be able to show off your silver fit on Halloween.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix in Platinum

FEORJGP Sparkly Sequin Jacket

YCMI Classic Western Cowboy Hat

PP OPOUNT Disco Ball Tiles

Olivia Rodrigo in "Vampire" Costume

There are many possible Olivia Rodrigo Halloween costumes, but none is as 2023 as her bloody, yet classy, look in the video for "Vampire," the first single off her new album Guts. Sure, some uneducated people will think you're just another vampire victim, but the real fans will know.

OYOANGLE Mesh Sheer Sarong Wrap

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Free People Boulevard Tube in White

MEICOLY Fake Blood Gel with Black Stipple Sponge

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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored

Bleu Clair Water Drop Pearl Long Dangle Earrings

Daisy Jones Costume

Fictional singers more your thing? Go back to the '70s with this Daisy Jones and the Six-inspired costume.

BABEYOND Sequin Beaded Fringed Shawl

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Parade Perfect Lace Triangle Bralette

ASOS Design Wide Fit Camden Flat Western Boots

SySea Open Front Faux Fur Vintage Jacket

Eleven by Venus Williams Muse Tinted Lenses by Look Optic

Rihanna at the Super Bowl Costume

Rihanna's red Super Bowl look is immediately recognizable and definitely worthy of a Halloween homage. (Baby bump not included.)

HERLOLLYCHIPS Mock Neck Tops for Women

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Red Kap Men's Tall Size Zip-Front Cotton Coverall

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP

Roman Roy from Succession Costume

Sarah Shatz/HBO

I never knew I needed to see Roman Roy, a grown man attempting to take over a multi-million dollar media enterprise, in children's clothes, but when he came out in that Walmart Boys' t-shirt, I knew it would be a moment.

Wonder Nation Boy's Short Sleeved Pieced T-Shirt

Rockatee Roman Roy’s Walmart T-Shirt

ST. JOHN`S BAY Mens Micro Fiber Volley Short

Pro Acme Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Suits Costume

Suits becoming Netflix's most popular show years after the law procedural ended is a twist nobody saw coming. Thankfully, it gives you an excuse to put together a relevant Halloween costume out of your best offie looks. Plus, this costume also doubles as a pre-royal wedding Meghan Markle.

Calvin Klein Women's Pencil Skirt

Now 68% Off

Universal Standard Better-Than-Silk Shell Top

Naturalizer Anna Pointed-Toe Stiletto

Ten Wilde Jewelry Ella Earrings

The Eras Tour Costume

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour features many outfit changes, but none is as accessible or recognizable as her "A Lot Going On At The Moment" t-shirt, which harkens back to her 1989 days. Just don't forget the friendship bracelets!

Sea Star Shirts A Lot Going On At The Moment T-shirt

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ASOS Design Wool Pork Pie Hat

SweatyRocks Women's Sequins High Waist Shorts

KBMakesIt Friendship Bracelets for The Eras Tour

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Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty Costume

Belly's style is normally pretty laid back and beachy, which is why it was so much fun to see her embrace a retro style in season 2 when she threw a blow-out party at the beach house. Here's how you can recreate the look on Oct. 31st.

Beyond Yoga Flower Tile Endurance Light High Waisted Biker Short

Laqeyko Women OrangeLong Sleeve Crop Top

C SEVEN C7skate Roller Skate The Summer I Turned Pretty Summer Sunset

about-face Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Blue Monday

Stereotypical Barbie Costume

Warner Bros.

Of course, you should expect to see many Barbies out on Halloween night, but that shouldn't stop you from putting your own spin on the iconic doll!

ODOLDI Pink Gingham Dress

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Taly Designs White Flowers Necklace and Earrings

LFOUVRE Big Bow Barrette

RIP Twitter Costume

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

2023 will forever be the year that social media was thrown into absolute chaos after Elon Musk bought Twitter, and subsequently renamed it X. Turn this sad development into a costume by dressing up as a dead bird, just place tape in an X over the eyes of this inflatable costume and you've got yourself a very topical conversations tarter.

JASHKE Adult Inflatable Parrot Costume

Nagorniak RIP twitter T-Shirt

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.  

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