Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to sip on some pumpkin spice latte while perusing the internet for costume ideas. Whether you’re staying home to dole out candy to trick-or-treaters or spending the night at a local bash, you need to bring your costume game because anyone can go as a cat or a standard witch. However, if you show up in a truly thought-out ‘fit, you’re bound to get plenty of approving looks from fellow revelers. We had so many iconic pop culture moments this year that can serve as inspo, so ditch the dated looks and go with something current while it’s still fresh on everyone’s minds.
While you can go to a Halloween store for an already-made costume, we have some DIY options that are super easy to make. From celeb red-carpet looks to game-day ensembles, all you need is a few clothing items, as well as some accessories. And no, Halloween is complete without makeup, so we have beauty looks you’ll have so much fun recreating. So check out our list of the best pop culture moments of 2026 and get your spooky on ASAP.
Alysa Liu’s Olympic gold medal look is an easy option
Alysa Liu wowed at the 2026 Winter Olympics with her gold medal performance. She also dazzled onlookers in a sparkly one-shoulder skating dress with a sheer tulle skirt. Recreate her look with a similar gold dress, a pair of sheer stockings, and white booties. Liu has rocked some eye-catching hair looks, and she’s known for her halo locks, which you can copy with temporary dye. Bonus points if you can do a double Axel with a cheeky smile like her.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Met Gala ‘fits are total couple goals
Every year, we can’t wait to see who wears what on the red carpet, and plenty of celebs nailed the 2026 Met Gala theme and looked like walking art. Rihanna was definitely among the best-dressed with her bejeweled gown that featured draping around her shoulders and thighs. The jaw-dropping look didn’t just end there, either. Rihanna’s glam included coils of wires on her head and gems glued to her face, all of which you can copy with a gold dress, enough rhinestones, and some cosmetic glue. If you’re celebrating Halloween this year as a couple, have your partner wear a pink coat à la A$AP Rocky, and you’ll be sure to win the best costume award.
Go futuristic with Teyana Taylor’s Coachella ‘fit
Teyana Taylor’s Coachella silver mesh dress with a matching bodysuit was much talked about this year, and for good reason. She looked like an otherworldly being with the netted creation complete with metallic drops hanging throughout. Adding to the “One Battle After Another” star’s futuristic look was a pair of structural sunglasses, chin cuffs, and chunky chrome earrings. While it may be hard to recreate Taylor’s look to a T, we think any long silver netted dress and optical illusion shades combined with a cropped red wig will do.
Copy Zara Larsson’s pretty-in-pink look at the iHeartRadio Music Festival
If Zara Larsson teaches us anything, it’s that body glitter is back, and you can rock the trend like a Y2K queen this Halloween. The “Midnight Sun” singer dazzled at the iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 18, decked out in a pink crop top, short shorts, and loads of glitter everywhere — all very attainable items for your Halloween fit. Her pink shadow and blush were blended to perfection so that you couldn’t see where one began and ended. Adding to her bubblegum look were rosy lips with just enough gloss to make them shine from the stage.
Celebrate Halloween with a Swiftie girl squad costume
The New York Knicks had their biggest win in years during the NBA Finals, and it seems Taylor Swift brought them some luck during Game 4. The “Fearless” singer, along with Alana Haim, Este Haim, and Mariska Hargitay, cheered the team on wearing matching blue tees with clever Knicks puns. Swift and Hargitay’s shirts read “Stevie Knicks,” while Alana’s said, “Knickleback,” and Este’s had “Knickole Kidman” on it. If you’re looking for a lazy girl ‘fit, this one is clever and perfect for spending Halloween with your besties.
Bring out your inner cowgirl by being Jessie from Toy Story
“Toy Story 5” brought us all the feels, especially with Jessie as the main character. If you’re going to a family-friendly Halloween event or simply love the franchise, you can giddy-up by dressing as the cowgirl. All you need is a Western shirt, a pair of cow-print pants, a big red cowboy hat, and a pair of boots. If you can get hold of a red wig, part it down the middle and create a chunky braid going down your back. Add some adorable freckles, and your dopamine-inducing costume is complete.
Be a rebel with a cause this Halloween
Feeling a bit like a daredevil this October? You and your partner can don black masks and an all-black outfit and hold a banner that reads, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” In July, that’s exactly what couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus did after they scaled the Empire State Building and appeared to stage a proposal. They soon climbed back down, but were arrested afterward. We love the message they sent out to the world, but we think you should display it while safely on the ground.
