From Mean Girls to Moodeng: a comprehensive guide to Halloween costumes this autumn
It’s that time of year again! Halloween is quickly approaching, and the excitement is building as we begin to plan parties, scout out the best club nights, and most importantly look for the perfect costume. Hopefully this page will give you some inspiration, whether it’s a themed look for all your friends, a couple costume or a standout solo fit that you’re looking for. We have also tried to curate the list so that you can use things that you might already have in your wardrobes or are easy to find in charity shops or on Vinted.
There have been an abundance of great films and TV shows that have been released in 2024, so let me start off by casting your mind back to the release of Mean Girls, starring Renée Rapp, at the beginning of this year. Whilst it is a y2k classic, the reimagining of such a cult film is enough excuse to dress up as The Plastics. Alternatively, you could take inspo from Renée Rapp’s red-carpet appearances with her partner Towa Bird.
Other TV costumes could include Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri’s chef outfits from season 3 of The Bear. You could also rep the outfit of your favourite sporting moments in media: things that spring to mind include going as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, a member of your favourite F1 team or a competitor at the Paris Olympics.
(GQ)
Film releases over the past year are also a great source of inspiration and there is definitely something for everyone. Barbenheimer is still a classic, as well as Saltburn: embrace the indie sleaze of the famous birthday party looks and don your angel wings or antlers to mirror the outfits of Felix and Oliver. Challengers is another easy option: dust off your tennis skirts from 2022 and your most obnoxious pair of sunglasses and you have yourself a Tashi Duncan. Find yourself two friends and there’s a super low effort group costume. A monochromatic colour outfit can easily transform itself into one of the characters from the latest Inside Out film. I personally love the idea of recreating ‘ennui’, with a flick phone and a cigarette holder.
(Forbes)
Fans of Marvel and DC have further inspiration from up-and-coming film releases. You could recreate Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix’s roles in the new Joker: Folie a deux, or the superhero costumes from the new Deadpool and Wolverine film.
(GQ)
Perhaps some of my favourite ideas come from other pop culture moments that have gone viral this year. The creative visions of the costume designers for many recent world tours provide plenty more Halloween options. Icons that are definitely worth a mention include: Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, Jojo Siwa, Chappell Roan (not least her Statue of Liberty) or Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce. Or, of course, take us back to Brat summer and go as Charli XCX. Group costumes could include a second person as Billie Eilish in the Guess music video, or Troye Sivan from the recent Sweat tour. As Charli herself said, it’s as easy as a white tank top and a cigarette.
(Teen Vogue)
Alternatively, seek inspiration from the Oasis reunion: put your leather jacket to good use and go as one of the Gallagher brothers. I’m sure you all remember the viral photo of Hailey and Justin Beiber on a coffee run: for those girls feeling extra glamorous, take this opportunity to stun in a red mini dress and heels. The only challenge will be to find someone to copy her husband’s grey tracksuit and baseball cap combo.
(Teen Vogue)
Finally, it must be said that perhaps the most niche, and most standout option is going as Moodeng, the viral baby hippo, and even bringing along his fluffy friend Pesto the Penguin!
Hopefully I have provided all of the Edinburgh girls, gays and theys with a treasure trove of inspiration for the upcoming celebrations. The key is to embrace the fun, creative element of costume parties and have a dig through your wardrobes at home before racing round picking up last minute items. Have fun and have a happy Halloween!