You might think having a Halloween birthday would make me the kind of person who is always super prepared with her costume each year—and you would be so very wrong. I often leave my look ‘til the last minute, but then have such high expectations that I’ll come up with something clever. Then I take a trip to the store and get seriously bummed out by all the “sexy” versions of costumes marketed directly at women.
Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be sexy, but it all just leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. Especially when there’s a multiple offerings on Pinterest for “sexy supreme court justice” or “sexy judge.” Ladies, I cannot.
And so I present a list of pop culture-inspired looks for Halloween 2019 that are much more fun, in my humble opinion.
A guest at Amabella’s disco-themed birthday party on Big Little Lies
Pick any character as inspiration and sparkle away.
Robin from Stranger Things
Channel your inner “’80s child in Indiana working at an ice cream shop in the mall” vibes.
Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek
For those of you that prefer a luxe (mildly insane) black and white look. Doing the voice is optional, but I’d highly recommend it.
Fleabag and Hot Priest
A perfect idea for couples. Buy the famous jumpsuit and have your partner throw on a clerical collar and you’re good to go.
Midsommar cult member
Ari Aster’s movie is utterly terrifying, but the hippie fashions and flower crowns are gorgeous.
Daenerys Targaryen, Ser Brienne of Tarth, Cersei Lannister, Sansa Stark, or Arya Stark
How about a victory lap for the badass women of Game of Thrones?
Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers
Wrap yourself and your best friend in a giant faux fur coat (as J. Lo does with Constance Wu in the movie) and walk around the party playing Fiona Apple’s “Criminal”.
Burger and Fries a la Katy Perry and Taylor Swift
The formerly feuding pop stars made nice in Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” video and the stans went wild online. Why not bring that energy to your Halloween party?
Siobahn “Shiv” Roy from Succession
Here’s what you need: a strawberry blond, long lob of a wig; a turtleneck or silk blouse; high-waisted pants; and the attitude that comes from being raised a billionaire.
Elizabeth Holmes
Speaking of turtlenecks, you can keep things simple with a black one and go as one of the year’s famous scammers. Watch the HBO doc The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley so you can nail the deep affect in her voice.
Photos courtesy of HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, A24, Instagram/Taylor Swift, and Annapurna Pictures.
