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Last Minute Pop Culture Costumes 2018

40 Last Minute Costumes Inspired by 2018's Most Popular Movie and TV Characters

Oct 24 2018

I've long since realised and accepted that not everyone is as dedicated to planning out their Halloween costumes as I am. While I spend weeks trolling the internet for original ideas and sewing my spooky attire by hand while watching Scream for the hundredth time on the couch — #noregrets — other people are more content to throw something together the night before a Halloween party and roll. Because they have lives. And according to my mom, I don't. It's fine.

But you know what? Thanks to Hollywood, there's absolutely nothing wrong with minimum costume planning. From shows like Riverdale and The Walking Dead, to blockbusters like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Tomb Raider, there are actually tons of easy costume ideas floating around that are still relevant to 2018. So, if you're still on the hunt for a quick and easy last minute costume, keep scrolling to see how exactly you can morph into your favourite character come Oct. 31.

Image Source: Everett Collection

1. Owen From Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

  • What to wear: While I realise you might not have a utility gilet laying around, you can switch it out for a regular waistcoat in a dark colour if need be. (People will still get the idea, I promise). Layer it over a dark, long-sleeved shirt and pair with jeans and boots. Once you toss a whistle around your neck and steal a tiny raptor stuffed animal from your little cousin, you'll be all set!
Image Source: Everett Collection

2. Cheryl From Riverdale

  • What to wear: A tight, black, off-the-shoulder crop top and choker, with a short tartan skirt and bright red lipstick. The only thing that's tough about this costume is the necessity of getting a long red wig if your hair isn't Cheryl's colour already!
Image Source: The CW

3. Ally from A Star Is Born

  • What to wear: For pre-fame Ally, all you need to do is wear a plain t-shirt or vest top knotted at your waist, with high-waisted striped trousers and some kind of metallic accessory — a chain belt, a simple necklace, and a microphone, if you have one.
Image Source: Everett Collection

4. Astrid from Crazy Rich Asians

  • What to wear: No, we can't all afford Astrid's designer gowns. But you can sweep your hair into an elegant up-do, put on a pair of giant black sunglasses, and then wear a tea-length light-pink dress and light-coloured sandals. What's key here is making sure you have the high neck on the dress, which you can accomplish by draping a pale pink shawl around your neck if your dress doesn't go up that high itself.
Image Source: Everett Collection

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5. Michonne from The Walking Dead

  • What to wear: A dirty vest top or t-shirt to show off your extremely toned arms, a leather vest if you have one, a pair of olive-coloured skinny jeans, and a bandana to put just over your forehead to keep all the sweat you'll work up from slaying walkers out of your eyes. Grab a fake katana to complete the look (bonus points if you have two friends willing to dress up as walkers so you can lead them around on a lead all night).
Image Source: AMC

6. Jughead From Riverdale

  • What to wear: A dark t-shirt, an unbuttoned checked shirt in darker tones, jeans, black boots, and a grey hat (that looks like a crown, preferably — you can always cut the edges into a crown shape if you're feeling creative!). Don't forget a leather jacket.
Image Source: The CW

7. Tahani From The Good Place

  • What to wear: Make sure your long hair has the perfect amount of curl, and then wear a pearl necklace with a fancy floral dress in brocade or silk with pastel heels.
Image Source: NBC

8. Freddie Mercury From Bohemian Rhapsody

  • What to wear: Get Mercury's iconic look by tucking a white vest into a tight pair of light-wash denim jeans. Accessorise with a chunky black studded belt and armband, and don't forget his iconic moustache!
Image Source: 20th Century Studios

9. Anastasia From Fifty Shades Freed

  • What to wear: Anastasia has plenty of looks throughout the movie, from a yellow bikini to a flirty silver minidress. She also wears this white and black, work-appropriate ensemble to her office. What's a constant in all of her attire is her brown wavy hair with a fringe — if you have that, people will be way more likely to realise who you are.
Image Source: Everett Collection

10. Jackson from A Star Is Born

  • What to wear: If you already have a heavy beard, this costume should be a cinch. Start with a black cowboy hat pulled low over your eyes, and then grab a denim jacket, and either a grubby t-shirt or button-down. Pair that with dark jeans and a guitar, and you'll be good to go!
Image Source: Everett Collection

11. Claire From Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

  • What to wear: A green v-neck t-shirt under a green jacket, paired with brown trousers and knee-high brown boots. It doesn't matter if they're not the same exact texture as Claire's in the film — people will get the idea! If you can carry around a little dinosaur figurine and get a fringe, that might help, though.
Image Source: Everett Collection

12. Betty From Riverdale

  • What to wear: A tight jumper with a white collared shirt underneath and jeans. Pull your hair back into a perky little ponytail and plaster a smile on your face. Bonus: you could be "Snake Dance Betty" and rock black, lacy lingerie underneath a baby blue button-down shirt and light pink skirt.
Image Source: The CW

13. Steve Harrington From Stranger Things

  • What to wear: Rock some light, '80s-inspired jeans with a grey windbreaker and yellow gloves. Make sure you swoosh your hair up with plenty of hairspray the way Steve likes it, and throw a baseball bat (nails or no nails) in your backpack.
Image Source: Netflix

14. Eleven From Stranger Things

  • What to wear: There are a few versions of Eleven you could be (Government Prisoner Elle, Hamburger-Eating Elle, Eggo-stealing Elle, etc.), but let's stick with the newest. If you're not planning on shaving your head or cutting your hair anytime soon (pause and think about how much time it'll save you in the morning before deciding), slick whatever hair you already have back in an '80s punk style. Then, smear on the black eye makeup and rock a black t-shirt, black blazer (with the sleeves rolled up), and ripped black jeans with boots. As a bonus, dribble some fake blood out of your nose and carry around an empty box of Eggo waffles.
Image Source: Netflix

15. Veronica From Riverdale

  • What to wear: Think updated Blair Waldorf. A tailored but flirty dress (i.e., plenty short), plus a string of pearls and heels.
Image Source: The CW

16. Christian From Fifty Shades Freed

  • What to wear: Welp, this one is fairly easy. All you need are baggy ripped jeans and a red blindfold!
Image Source: Everett Collection

17. Eleanor From The Good Place

  • What to wear: A short blonde wig with a checked shirt and jeans, as well as a halo headband or devil horns.
Image Source: NBC

18. Dustin From Stranger Things

  • What to wear: Dustin's red, white, and blue baseball hat shouldn't be hard to mimic if you have a plain white hat and some red and blue paint (or Sharpies!). Once that's done, wear a graphic t-shirt, some brown cords, a zip-up sweatshirt, and a backpack.
Image Source: Netflix

19. Sophie From Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

  • What to wear: A wavy blonde wig with a colourful poncho or peasant top, and blue jeans.
Image Source: Everett Collection

20. Dolores From Westworld

  • What to wear: This one is easier than you think! A white lacy top (a silky white corset is optional, honestly) under a long, blue Western-style skirt. Belt it with a brown leather belt and pull your hair up halfway.
Image Source: HBO

21. Barry From Barry

  • What to wear: A grey t-shirt under a darker grey or forest green henley, with navy blue cargo pants and black leather gloves. We don't suggest bringing Barry's preferred weapon to any Halloween parties, though.
Image Source: HBO

22. Audrey From The Spy Who Dumped Me

  • What to wear: A short dark wig with a Hawaiian shirt, khaki trousers, and white sneakers. Carry around a trophy for effect!
Image Source: Everett Collection

23. Young Donna From Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

  • What to wear: Think floaty floral tops and sundresses, blue dungarees, and a butterfly necklace. Don't forget to make your hair look fresh from the beach!
Image Source: Everett Collection

24. Fred Rogers From Won't You Be My Neighbour?

  • What to wear: Aw, Mr. Rogers. Wear a light button-down shirt and a colourful cardigan, dark trousers, and sneakers, and have a sock puppet on one of your hands.
Image Source: Everett Collection

25. Archie From Riverdale

  • What to wear: A t-shirt, jeans, Converse, and a red wig. Don't forget your letterman jacket or cardigan and a guitar.
Image Source: The CW

26. Han Solo From Solo: A Star Wars Story

  • What to wear: You've got to get that iconic brown leather jacket. Once that's done, wear black trousers and a black v-neck. Finish it off with a chunky silver belt, and a gun holster on your hip.
Image Source: Disney

27. The Fab 5 From Queer Eye

  • What to wear for Bobby: Bobby is a fan of short-sleeved button downs that have the sleeves rolled a little bit and are in a fun print. You can wear it with dark skinny jeans, and add in a utility belt to make it clear you're ready to build someone a house from scratch.
  • What to wear for Karamo: Karamo pulls off white jeans like no other. Once you've got a great pair on hand, wear a denim shirt underneath a bomber jacket.
  • What to wear for Tan: Tan is the fashion guru of the bunch, so you need to be looking on point. Wear a printed button-down shirt french-tucked into a pair of tastefully ripped skinny jeans, and pair with Stan Smith Adidas sneakers or boots.
  • What to wear for Antoni: A graphic t-shirt of some kind with dark jeans, joggers, or even a pair of tan shorts. Antoni is also partial to cool sneakers. Maybe rock an apron to give your look an extra oomph.
  • What to wear for Jonathan: Pull your long hair into a half-up, half-down style, and then you have a few options; casual Jonathan usually goes for t-shirts and skinny jeans with flip-flops, while his more fashionable looks are definitely daring. Don't be afraid of a kilt paired with a tight black t-shirt, or even a pair of sock booties.
Image Source: Netflix

28. Camille from Sharp Objects

  • What to wear: Make sure you're wearing all dark colours, like black or grey, and that you have on long sleeves, long trousers, and boots. Feel free to carry around a few empty, mini liquor bottles and a journalist's notebook.
Image Source: HBO

29. Rick Grimes From The Walking Dead

  • What to wear: Rick loves that same old denim shirt, paired with a dark pair of trousers and brown boots. Sling a bag over your shoulder, slap on a utility belt, and you should be good to go. Make sure you get your clothes nice and dirty.
Image Source: AMC

30. Peik Lin From Crazy Rich Asians

  • What to wear: This one is easier than it looks, I promise! Once you figure out the blonde hair situation, pick out the brightest patterned top and trousers in your closet. Layer a white button down underneath, and finish it off with a chunky necklace.
Image Source: Everett Collection

31. Issa from Insecure

  • What to wear: Issa's wardrobe is all about cool patterns, bold phrases, and funky graphics, but in a way that makes her seem effortless and comfortable. Wear jeans and a belt with a printed blazer or bomber jacket, with a colourful top or graphic t-shirt underneath. You could always go the extra mile and rock a "We Got Y'all" shirt, too!
Image Source: Everett Collection

32. Maggie From The Walking Dead

  • What to wear: If you already have a brown ponytail going on, grab ripped jeans, and then a vest top layered under a checked shirt. Pair with a chunky belt buckle and a holster to achieve Maggie Greene's country-girl-who-will-kill-you-in-a-heartbeat style.
Image Source: AMC

33. Andrew Cunanan From The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

  • What to wear: Go allllll the way back to the '90s with a brightly patterned silk shirt, which you should wear with and cut-off shorts in a light denim material. The wire-rim glasses would be a nice touch, as well.
Image Source: FX

34. Negan From The Walking Dead

  • What to wear: Basically all you really need to make this costume work is slicked back hair, a black leather jacket, and that barbed-wire-wrapped bat. Since the last time we see Negan is when he's getting his throat slashed open, dabbing some fake blood on your neck and hand would be the perfect accessory.
Image Source: AMC

35. Lara Croft From Tomb Raider

  • What to wear: Pull your hair back in a ponytail, and then put on a vest top, khaki cargo pants, a brown belt, and dark boots. Wrap your hands, one bicep, and one thigh in light cloth, and then find some dirt to roll around in to achieve Lara's "I just defied death" look.
Image Source: Everett Collection

36. Jessica Jones From Marvel's Jessica Jones

  • What to wear: Jessica Jones is SUCH an easy look to throw together if you have a black leather jacket. The only other things you need are a tight black t-shirt and baggy, light jeans with rips in them. Oh, and her signature black ass-kicking boots.
Image Source: Netflix

37. Rebecca From This Is Us

  • What to wear: Rebecca wears tons of vintage-inspired outfits over the course of this show, but an easy one to do might be her Steeler's jersey ensemble. You'll just need jeans and a curling iron to give your hair that '70s bounce.
Image Source: NBC

38. Sabrina From Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

  • What to wear: This one might seem difficult, but it's really not all that complicated. Most important is the red coat, since that's a colour Sabrina wears a lot of in the show. Pick up a matching headband as well, and then wear a tight red jumper and a short tweed skirt with it. Go the extra mile and carry around a mini-broomstick or black cat stuffed animal.
Image Source: Netflix

39. 9 Ball From Ocean's 8

  • What to wear: Obviously there are tons of options to choose from with this movie, but Rihanna's is the most relaxed. You'll just need an oversized green coat, baggy jeans with rips in them, a t-shirt in camo print or an XL striped jumper, and a patterned scarf to put in your hair. She also wears brown Timberland boots in the movie, for what it's worth.
Image Source: Everett Collection

40. Fiona From Shameless

  • What to wear: To recreate Fiona's bender in the recent season, grab a pair of Converse sneakers, black cut-off shorts, and a grey t-shirt. Then tie a jumper around your waist, fasten a fake cast on your arm (unless your arm is actually broken, in which case you have my sympathy), and put a colourful lei around your neck. Then you'll just need a party hat and a sleeping mask that says "F*ck Off." (Which you can totally make yourself with a plain black sleeping mask and some white fabric paint.)
Image Source: Showtime

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