LIST: 2026 pop culture costumes you can do this Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re still figuring out what to wear, why not take inspiration from the pop culture moments that had everyone talking this year?

From Forgotten Island to Alex Eala’s court style to BINI’s Coachella era and Sen. Chiz Escudero’s viral yellow squishy, 2026 has delivered no shortage of costume inspiration. Whether you want to go funny, fashionable, spooky, or just a little bit unhinged, here are some pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes to consider.

Lyca Gairanod’s Puede Nang Mangarap era

Lyca Gairanod’s 2015 song Puede Nang Mangarap unexpectedly made a comeback more than a decade after clips of her early performances went viral.

For the costume, there are two options: channel young Gairanod’s look with a red Sunday dress, or recreate her more casual style with a white lace dress, sneakers, and a pink jacket tied around the waist. Feeling extra? Bring a printed backdrop of the set and take the meme wherever you go.

Raissa or Jo from Forgotten Island

A little rebellion for style seekers

Emporio Armani sportswear is here

JC Buendia: In God’s perfect time

Where to get Dennis Trillo’s ‘Not Today Satan’ tote bag

A new avenue for Filipino shoemakers

China’s fashionable man of the moment: Jing Boran and the clothes that tell the story of ‘The Early Spring’

From fetish to forever pieces

Sole searching?

If you’re going to a party with your best friend, there’s no other duo in mind besides Raissa and Jo of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island.

For the academic achiever Raissa, recreate her look with her hair down, green and purple sports jacket, pink striped blouse, denim jeans, sneakers, and eyeglasses—shaved head optional.

For Jo, go for hand-painted (or use patches) overalls and a red sleeveless top, styled with Air Jordan sneakers and spiky hair. Don’t forget the charm bracelets!

Alex Eala’s tennis match looks

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala had another major year in 2026, making her tennis outfits an easy reference for a sporty Halloween costume. Pick one of her 2026 match looks for a costume that fans of the athlete will immediately recognize.

For her US Open look (left), go for the blue NikeCourt Slam tennis dress paired with white wristbands. 

For Eala’s Grand Slam look (right), wear a white NikeCourt Slam tennis dress, white visor, and tennis shoes. To make it more relatable to Pinoys, bring a small Philippine flag.

If you want something more extra, recreate her In Full Bloom Nike collection look as a human Sampaguita flower. Wear a white dress, craft paper blooms with this tutorial, and bring a tennis racket and ball to make the reference unmistakable!

BINI’s Coachella “Teal Siren” look

BINI’s teal siren outfits from its historic Coachella debut are another recognizable 2026 fashion moment. The ocean-inspired ensembles were designed by Filipino designer Raf Villas and styled by Ica Villanueva, featuring teal tones, braided threads, flowing tassels, and wave-like textures.

For the costume, go for a beaded teal or blue-green bikini top. Add a fringe belt or a wrap-around, and add gold statement accessories and boots. You can also recreate the full group looks with friends by having everyone choose their own take on the siren aesthetic.

Queen Penelope or Odysseus from The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey brought Homer’s epic poem to the big screen in 2026, with its star-studded cast and elaborate costumes making the film one of the year’s biggest cinematic events. The movie’s costume designer Ellen Mirojnick drew from ancient Greek clothing while giving the characters a more rugged, lived-in appearance.

For Odysseus, think leather armor, bronze details, a cloak, and Gladiator sandals. For Queen Penelope, opt for flowing neutral-colored fabrics, draping, bronze accessories, and an elegant goddess-inspired silhouette.

Nikki from Obsession

Nikki Freeman is the central character of the 2026 horror film Obsession, which follows her increasingly disturbing fixation on a man she becomes obsessed with. Her appearance in the film’s party scene also became one of the more recognizable costume references from the movie.

To pull it off, grab a red-and-black animal print top, black leather shorts, and knee-high boots. Complete the outfit with messy hair and her signature brooding, melancholic expression, and bring a One Wish Willow prop with you, which you can buy from Shopee. If you want to look more gory, add fake blood.

For a creepier twist, go for Nikki’s bedroom look and take it to the next level with this makeup tutorial. The film’s crew skipped CGI for the bedroom scene, using the “uncanny valley” makeup to subtly exaggerate Inde Navarrette’s eyes and mouth—inspired by a viral makeup trend that makes her look almost human.

JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy from Love Story

Ryan Murphy’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette brought the famous couple’s romance—and their iconic ’90s wardrobes—back into the pop culture conversation. Carolyn Bessette’s minimalist style and John F. Kennedy Jr.’s relaxed take on classic menswear make them a particularly good couples costume.

For Bessette’s daytime look, wear straight-leg or bootcut dark blue jeans, a tight black crewneck or turtleneck sweater, black leather loafers or mules, and narrow oval sunglasses. For a nighttime outfit, come in a black silk slip dress, sheer tights, minimalist heels, and a sleek tortoise-shell headband.

Meanwhile, JFK Jr. fans can dress up in short athletic shorts, a classic gray sweatshirt or polo, a backward baseball cap, and a rolled-up magazine or newspaper in hand. Keep the hair messy and textured. 

JFK Jr. wannabes can also come in relaxed pleated trousers, a tucked-in white oxford button-down, a dark wool blazer or draped sweater, and worn-in leather loafers.

Shane and Ilya fromHeated Rivalry

If you and your significant other—or bestie—are looking for a couple costume, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov fromHeated Rivalryare an easy pick for hockey fans and romance readers alike.

The simplest way to recreate the pair is with hockey jerseys. Add hockey sticks and name or number details to make it clear who you’re dressing up as.

Matcha whisk

Turn one of the year’s biggest food trends into a costume. Those who feel like getting creative can go as a matcha bamboo whisk. POV Husband made his using a drum and a green felt fabric.

Squishy toys

Squishy toys had a major moment in 2026, with the soft, slow-rising toys popping up everywhere and becoming a viral collectible. Their colorful designs and satisfying texture made them an easy pick for both kids and adults looking for something fun to squeeze, collect, or show off.

Wear a colorful outfit inspired by your favorite squishy or carry an oversized squishy toy as a prop. You can also make a DIY squishy costume using foam or cardboard for a more eye-catching look. Use this tutorial as aguide if you wanna be a big butter squishy!

Sen. Chiz Escudero’s yellow squishy

Speaking of squishies, Sen. Chiz Escudero’s yellow squishy became a recurring visual during the 2026 impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Escudero was seen squeezing the stress-relief toy while following the lengthy hearings, turning the otherwise ordinary object into a viral pop culture reference.

Recreate Escudero’s look with a crimson velvet cape, white polo, eyeglasses, and, most importantly, a bright yellow squishy toy.

A lifelong storyteller, Hannah writes about life one story at a time. When she’s off the clock, she’s probably playing video games, reading, or convincing herself she’ll stop after “just one more chapter.”