Are you planning to dress up this Halloween? If so, you’ll need the perfect costume. Many choose Halloween outfits that are creative, funny, and relatable. If you’re having trouble coming up with an ensemble that ticks all these boxes, we’re here for you.
This list includes the 10 best Halloween costume ideas that are inspired by pop culture. We picked references from memorable celebrity moments and recent movie theater hits like Barbie, The Little Mermaid, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. We also looked at popular television shows like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Ted Lasso.
With our suggestions, you can start preparing your costume ahead of time and be on your way to dazzling friends and family. Check them out!
10 Best Halloween Costumes for 2023
Here are our favorite Halloween costume ideas taken from 2023’s most iconic pop culture moments:
1. Barbie and Ken
The new Barbie movie has created a pink wave of Barbiecore fashion that has taken over the closets of fashionistas worldwide. This bright summery trend is perfect for Halloween as well since it encourages you to get dolled up in vintage-inspired pretty-in-pink outfits à la Margot Robbie’s alter ego.
You can replicate the fan-favorite look with the character’s signature pink-and-white gingham dress or opt for a hot pink cowgirl ensemble. You can also recreate Surf Barbie, 80s’ roller skate Barbie, and President Barbie.
Men can style themselves as Ken and dazzle the crowd with their trendy costumes.
2. Queen Charlotte
Bridgerton fans were recently treated to an extra dose of royal drama with Netflix’s May 2023 release of the prequel series—Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The show follows Queen Charlotte’s rise and epic love story while displaying an abundance of gorgeous Georgian-era gowns and hairstyles.
This Halloween, dress up as the queen and exude elegance all night by imitating her iconic look. All you need to take on the royal role is an opulent wig, a regal ball gown, a crown, gloves, and jewelry.
3. Ariel
Disney’s dreamy reimagination of The Little Mermaid, with Halle Bailey in the lead role, has given us one of many Halloween costume ideas for women! Ariel’s sensational look in the live-action remake of the classic animated film makes for a perfect Halloween costume.
Don a bikini or shell top in purple or blue. Pair it with a tight and shimmery mermaid tail skirt in aqua colors (think green and blue) to channel the beloved mermaid princess. You can also add other mermaidcore elements, such as a dinglehopper-inspired bracelet and starfish clips to complete the look.
4. Mario and Luigi
Fans of Super Mario were thrilled to watch their favorite Nintendo duo—Mario and Luigi—on the big screen with the recent release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film has also given us ideas for Halloween costumes adults can wear!
Get the timeless look by wearing basic blue overalls, buttons, white gloves, brown shoes, and adhesive facial hair. This fun costume idea is also perfect for couples and friends who want to complement each other’s looks since they can wear long-sleeved shirts and hats in red and green.
5. Ted Lasso
If you’ve been ardently following every season of Ted Lasso, 2023 is your last year to dress like the eponymous character since its finale has come and gone. You’ll need a blue soccer jacket, tracksuit, white visor, and a stick-on mustache to pull off the AFC Richmond coach’s casual look.
You can also go the extra mile by securing classic aviator sunglasses and a whistle.
6. Rihanna
Rihanna is known for her stellar fashion sense, so you can take a cue or two from her style diaries for your Halloween soiree this year. The superstar’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show earlier in 2023 made headlines for many reasons: her comeback to the stage after seven years, her pregnancy reveal, and her red-hot ensemble.
Look chic and ready for 2023’s costume parties by sporting a red bomber jacket, red cargo pants, red shoes, and a red bomber jacket.
7. Wednesday and Enid
Wednesday Addams’ look from Netflix’s hit series Wednesday is the perfect way to add spooky vibes to your annual ghostly gathering. Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of the macabre and mysterious titular character will inspire you to embrace the dark side and revel in it.
Pull off her look by sporting her signature braids and an all-black outfit, including a dark-colored dress, shoes, and socks. Nailing the “little death trap” character will be easier if you bring along the Thing, her trusty sidekick.
If you need a second costume for a friend, one of you can dress up as Wednesday’s best friend, Enid Sinclair. Adopting Enid’s contrasting colorful look involves wearing a blue blazer and breaking out sparkly makeup and nail polish.
8. Spider-Man
If you love superheroes and want to dress up as one for this year’s Halloween bash, Spider-Man from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a trendy idea. The latest animated superhero movie brought back Brooklyn’s one and only Spider-Man, Miles Morales, to our screens. However, this time, he explores five universes where he stumbles upon other superheroes.
It means you can don the garb of any Spider-Man iteration you prefer, including simply wearing a cozy and casual Spider-Man-themed hoodie.
9. Indiana Jones
If you’re a die-hard Indiana Jones fan, his latest movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is all the more reason to dress up as the character for Halloween. This classic costume idea is suitable for men and women and is available online. You can also wear what you already have in your closet and only buy accessories you don’t own yet.
For the ultimate Indiana Jones vibes, put together a brown fedora, a brown leather bomber jacket, a safari-style shirt, a brown belt with a brass buckle, brown leather boots, and khaki pants. Don’t forget the leather satchel and bullwhip!
10. J. Robert Oppenheimer
A list of Halloween costumes that mentions Barbie cannot be complete without referencing Oppenheimer, the movie that was released on the same day. This Christopher Nolan film is the biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb.”
To transform into the World War II physicist as played by Cillian Murphy, you’ll need the character’s signature brown fedora and a vintage professorial suit or trench coat.
Kick Off Your Halloween Party in Style
Dressing up for Halloween is a fun and creative task as long as you know what your costume will be. Put the usual fairy, pirate, cheerleader, and witch costumes aside. Consider these hip, pop culture costumes that will get a nod from everyone who sees you.
If you’re hosting a Halloween party this year, don’t forget to send spine-tingling party invitations. PosterMyWall’s fully customizable and easy-to-use spooktacular Halloween party invitation templates will help you bewitch your groovy ghouls and goblins under one roof and throw a memorable monster mash!
Get the word out about your 2023 Halloween party and make it a roaring success.
If you’re new to promoting your party, check out our ultimate Halloween marketing guide for 2023!
Senior editor at PosterMyWall.
