Halloween is a time for creativity, and some costumes have stood the test of time. From sexy nurse uniforms to pointy-hat witch ensembles, these classic looks have evolved over the years. However, there’s also something exciting about crafting a costume inspired by the latest pop culture moments. As we approach the spooky season, 2025 has already delivered a wealth of viral media, celebrity moments, and iconic memes that can serve as inspiration for your next Halloween ‘fit.
This year has been filled with notable events in the entertainment world. Music releases from artists like Chappell Roan and Lorde, along with box office hits such as “Sinners” and “Superman,” have kept us entertained. Meanwhile, celebrity moments have had their share of cringe-worthy moments, like Katy Perry’s controversial behavior on the Blue Origin mission and Sydney Sweeney’s questionable American Eagle collaboration. But not everything has been negative—Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce and Beyoncé’s Grammy win for Album of the Year were major highlights.
With so much going on in pop culture, we’ve compiled a list of Halloween costume ideas inspired by the most notable additions of 2025. While narrowing down the list was challenging, choosing just one costume will be even harder this year.
Channel Elphaba or Glinda for a Wickedly Cool Halloween Costume
The press tour and premiere of “Wicked” dominated pop culture throughout 2024, and the upcoming release of “Wicked: For Good” in November 2025 makes Elphaba and Glinda ideal choices for Halloween. You can DIY the iconic characters with an Elphaba costume that includes a black dress, a witch’s hat, and green makeup or tights. For a Glinda look, a pink, frilly dress, a crown, and a wand are all you need. Pre-made options are also available, such as Spirit Halloween’s “Wicked: For Good” Deluxe Elphaba Costume or Blue Glinda Dress Costume.
Bring the Vampire Vibe with a Sinners-Inspired Look
The film “Sinners” offered a major movie moment this year, with Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed film debuting in April. Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of the smooth criminals Smoke and Stack provides great costume inspiration with their color-coded 1930s outfits. If you’re looking for a horror twist, the bloodied dress from Hailee Steinfeld’s character Mary or the suspender look from Jack O’Connell’s vampire villain Remmick make for perfect vampire costumes. These looks are sure to turn heads, especially when worn as a group.
Get Creepy and Go as Gladys from Weapons
The movie “Weapons” introduced us to the iconic character of Aunt Gladys, whose mysterious and witchy appearance is hard to ignore. With her vivid red bob, exaggerated blue eyeshadow, cakey face makeup, and messy red lipstick, Gladys is a must-try for Halloween. Her red pantsuit is a standout piece, but there are many other elements to draw inspiration from, including oversized sunglasses, a stick tied with hair and string, and a can of chicken noodle soup.
Expect Plenty of K-Pop Demon Hunter ‘Fits This Halloween
With the popularity of Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” we’re expecting a lot of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey cosplays this Halloween. The bright colors and distinct designs of the trio offer great inspiration. Official costume pieces are available through Spirit Halloween, but you can also recreate the look at home using sewing or lookalike pieces. Their eye-catching colored hairstyles are essential, so consider investing in a wig or temporary hair color.
Try On Some Office Wear to Cosplay as Your Severance-Based Innie
Beyond the big screen, the second season of “Severance” provided another pop culture highlight this year. Characters like Adam Scott’s Mark S. and Britt Lower’s Helly R. offer simple yet iconic costume inspiration with their officewear staples, including turtlenecks, ties, and Lumon badges. If you don’t want to cosplay as specific characters, you can create your own business-attired alter ego.
Channel Taylor Swift’s Newest Album with a Flashy Showgirl Outfit
Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” released in early October, offers plenty of inspiration for a flashy Halloween costume. Fans can recreate her skin-baring ensembles or opt for a teal-and-orange color scheme. Key pieces include a bedazzled dress or bodysuit, matching heels or boots, a flamboyant headpiece, and accessories like a feathered boa and chunky jewelry. Brands like Easy Tiger and EastnWest offer pieces that fit the showgirl vibe.
Pay Homage to Kendrick Lamar’s Iconic Super Bowl Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show was a symbol-laden spectacle featuring stars like Samuel L. Jackson and SZA. His stage ‘fit, which included a custom varsity jacket and bootcut jeans, has already inspired fans. This Halloween is a great opportunity to honor this moment. While replicas of the Martine Rose-designed jacket are available, you can also recreate the look using vintage items from your closet or local consignment shops. Don’t forget a backwards cap and gold chain to complete the look.
Play Into the Labubu Hype with a Mischievous Creature Costume
Labubu, the mischievous blind box collectibles, have taken over TikTok in 2025. Their simple yet iconic design makes them perfect for Halloween. Dolls Kill sells Labubu costumes, but you can also create a DIY version using ears and furry clothing items like a faux fur coat or sherpa jacket. To commit fully to the look, use makeup to recreate the sharp-tooth Labubu smile.
Bring the Doll Box Trend to Real Life with a Little DIY
Earlier this year, artists began creating illustrations of themselves as packaged dolls in response to an AI trend. This social media fad, seen on platforms like Instagram, offers a great costume idea for those who enjoy crafting. Lifesize toy boxes are not new, but adding a personalized touch by making yourself the toy speaks to the creativity of the anti-AI trend.
Make a Last-Minute Couple’s Costume Out of the Coldplay Concert Affair
In July, a couple went viral after being caught embracing on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert. Their panicked reaction revealed that their PDA wasn’t intended for public view. This moment makes for a great last-minute couple’s Halloween costume. A black tank top and blue polo are all you need to recreate their look, along with wedding rings. Bonus points if you create a faux-kiss cam frame out of cardboard.
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