The best Halloween costume ideas are often those that give a humorous nod to the year so far. Sure, we love easy DIY costumes, couples costumes, but every now and then you might get the craving to do something a little more timely. If you’re getting that vibe for Halloween 2021, you’ve come to the right place.
From popular TV shows and movies (including Netflix’s Squid Game and Bridgerton) to viral red carpet outfits (who could forget Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala look?) and the internet’s best memes (Bernie Sanders’ mittens, need we say more?), there’s no shortage of Halloween costume inspo to sink your teeth into.
Here, we round up the best Halloween costume ideas inspired by 2021’s most memorable moments.
Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala
Ah yes, the outfit that spawned a thousand memes. Kim Kardashian’s 2021 Met Gala look brought the internet a whole load of joy with Twitter making endless Harry Potter Dementor and Grim Reaper (‘Kim-Reaper’, if you will) comparisons.
What you’ll need:Â This one is kinda obvious but you’ll basically need head-to-toe black items. If you’ve got black boots, gloves and tights, you’re onto a winner. Team with an LBD and, if you can, a black hood of some description. Extra points if you’re able to replicate the matching train (wide-leg trousers wrapped around your waist?)
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ album cover
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ album cover is an easy yet effective costume to channel for Halloween 2021. Not only is it hella distinctive, but also super quick to do – perfect for those of us who usually leave our costumes to the last minute (erm, guilty).
What you’ll need:Â A tonne of stickers, obvs. Opt for different sizes and colours for an extra pop factor. If you wanna go all-out, curl your hair and rep a Gen-Z-worthy ‘fit, like Olivia’s fluffy crop top and plaid combo.
The Gossip Girl reboot
The Gossip Girl reboot was, without a doubt, one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of 2021, making it a fab Halloween costume idea. Similar to the OG series, the reboot’s style serves its fair share of preppy goodness, interspersed with edgy details and accessories.
What you’ll need:Â You really can’t go wrong with a fashion-forward spin on a school uniform. If you have an oversized boyfriend shirt and bike shorts or tennis skirt, you’re already halfway there. Finish with a loose tie, cowboy boots (or similar) and a vibrant, top handle bag, et voila!
Harry Styles at the Grammys
As far as I’m concerned, Harry Styles was the only celebrity at the 2021 Grammys. Why? Because he wore not one, but three deliciously extra outfits, all adorned with fun feather boas.
What you’ll need: Unsurprisingly, a feather boa is the most important element of this costume. Then, you can style it whichever way you want. Go for a plaid Cher Horowitz-esque blazer like this one and flares for a retro finish, or, opt for a black leather jacket over a crop top or bra to channel Harry’s on-stage feathery ‘fit.
Squid Game player
Netflix’s Squid Game was only recently released but it’s already surpassed Bridgerton as the streaming platform’s biggest ever series launch. The K-drama has also been touted as one of 2021’s biggest Halloween costume trends, thanks to the series’ immense popularity and distinct aesthetic.
What you’ll need: To dress like a player, opt for a green tracksuit set (ideally with white contrast detailing), layered over a plain white t-shirt and finish with a pair of, you guessed it, white trainers.
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly (AKA, MKG) are one of 2021’s hottest couples, consistently making headlines whenever they step out on the red carpet together. Perhaps most memorable of said ‘fits is their recent VMAs appearance.
What you’ll need: A mate, who can be the second half of the couple. Then, decide who’s gonna be who. For Megan, you really can’t go wrong with a sheer slip (or neutral-toned, to give the impression of a naked dress) and a long black wig. MGK’s look is really summed up with a vibrant (and preferably sequin-embellished) suit, chunky silver accessories like rings and earrings, and black nail polish. Very public PDA, optional.
The Duke’s spoon
Speaking of Bridgerton, who could forget the pop culture hype around the Duke and *that* spoon? It wasn’t long before fans took to social to share various (increasingly thirsty) comments about the spoon. In fact, the spoon became so viral, it even gained its very own Instagram account.
What you’ll need:Â Ok, this one is a liiiiiittle trickier (unless you happen to have a human-sized spoon costume lying around – if so, no judgement here). Your best bet? Dress in head-to-toe silver (if you don’t have silver-y items, get creative with some aluminium foul) and print out an enlarged picture of the Duke’s face, looking like this. Then, attach the picture to the back of your costume (with the help of some cardboard and craft glue) so he’s looking over your shoulder… ‘cos you’re the spoon.
Bennifer
Ah, Bennifer – the celeb romance that keeps on giving. 17 years after calling off their engagement, one of the most iconic noughties duos reunited in 2021. It all started with rumours circulating about the rekindled romance but more recently, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck made their first red carpet appearance as a couple since getting back together.
What you’ll need: There are two ways to play the Bennifer costume. Either you go for the couple’s fab ’00s style (featuring velour tracksuit sets, minimalist slip dresses and low-rise jeans) or their 2021 aesthetic, consisting of luxe printed maxi dresses along with dad-worthy sweaters and jeans.
Bernie Sanders’ mittens meme
Last but certainly not least is Bernie Sanders’ and that viral mittens moment from Joe Biden’s inauguration in Washington DC. First of all, HOW was this only in January? It feels like a lifetime ago. Anywhooo, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and super easy to pull together from your existing wardrobe.
What you’ll need:Â Mittens, duh. A disposable face mask, glasses, a warm coat, trousers and a chair – either BYO camp chair or simply get in early doors and stake your claim for the best seat at the party.
Via Cosmopolitan US