The most iconic Halloween costumes [1] from films, TV [2], and pop culture have also become increasingly stylish over the years, oftentimes even projecting onto the latest trends. Elle Woods's well-known looks in "Legally Blonde" would now easily pass for the Barbiecore aesthetic [3]; Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid from "Clueless" has trickled into our everyday wardrobes; and Blair and Serena's schoolgirl uniforms in "Gossip Girl [4]" are pretty much the epitome of dark academia [5].
But these outfits also persevere as the greatest because people from all over the world have re-created them Halloween [6] after Halloween [7]. Despite the newer series and phenomenons we've been recently presented with (think: "House of the Dragon [8]" and "Euphoria [9]"), it's still never been cooler to dress as Reese Witherspoon [10]'s Elle, Gwyneth Paltrow [11]'s Margot Tenenbaum, or Diane Keaton [12]'s Annie Hall.
The best part about all 42 of the costumes gathered here is that they are easy to re-create using clothing you probably already own [13]. Sure, you may need to pick up one or two added accessories, such as the properly colored tie for Hermione Granger or purple opera-length satin gloves for Jessica Rabbit, but for the most part, you won't need to break the bank.
Ahead, see an example of the simple basics you'd need to pull off Elle Woods — if you don't have a few of them on hand already — then scroll for inspiration to channel 41 other iconic characters [14] with just as much cultural significance on Halloween night.
— Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani, Aemilia Madden, and Lauren Harano
