We love a good excuse to shop for Halloween [1], especially when we're inspired by someone's style we really, really admire. And sure, that includes fictional TV characters [2] as far as we're concerned. After all, who wouldn't want to dress up like Chester from Generation [3] in red plaid cargos that can be repurposed later? Or use a Gossip Girl [4] costume as a reason to finally splurge on that designer bag [5]? (OK, that may be a bit of a stretch, calm down, wallet.)
We sourced some affordable sites and vintage shops [6] to help you recreate fashionable looks from TV moments that have become iconic in 2021. We know we're not the only ones still referencing them when we get dressed or indulge in a spree, so chances are, you'll definitely gain some recognition with your outfit at the Halloween [7] party (or, you know, on Instagram — since it's still important to stay safe [8] out there!) Scroll for 13 great ideas, from Fatin on The Wilds [9] to Emily in Paris [10], and the basics you'll need to bring them to fruition.
A Gossip Girl Student
What you'll need: A preppy check or pinstripe blazer, miniskirt, neck scarf, button-down, and designer bag. Find more inspiration here [12].
UNIF Aryn Blazer [13] ($86, originally $122)
Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt [14] ($50)
Storets Luella Ruffled Sheer Blouse [15] ($60)
Zara Striped Scarf [16] ($18)
Fendi Yellow Croissant Leather Shoulder Bag [17] ($2,010)
A Bridgerton Character
What you'll need: An empire style dress — or even something corseted, if you want to channel full-on regencycore — with a crown, elbow-length gloves, or spectacular statement jewellery. Find more inspiration here [18].
UNIF Sprite Dress [19] ($98)
Allegra K Elbow Length Evening Gloves [20] ($9)
INC International Concepts Silver-Tone Crystal Multi-Row Choker Necklace [21] ($30)
Emily in Paris
What you'll need: Obviously a hat — be it a beret or fedora — with a colourful coat, matching bag, and some glimpse of check print. You'll want to look matchy-matchy — even a little too matchy-matchy — to do your convincing. Find more inspiration here [22].
Lapin House Plaid-Check Wool Beret [23] ($47, originally $78)
Storets Ariella Linen Blazer [24] ($76) and Storets Ariella Linen Pintuck Shorts [25] ($35)
Zimmermann Silk Neck Scarf Aqua Peonies [26] ($195)
Alkeme Atelier Water Metal Handle Small Bucket Bag [27] ($95, originally $189)
A Squid Game Player
What you'll need: A sporty teal tracksuit, oversize graphic tee, and slip-on Vans or any white sneaker. You'll definitely be comfortable.
H&M Track Jacket [28] ($30) and H&M Wide-Leg Track Pants [29] ($25)
Vans Slip-Ons [30] ($50)
Mabel From Only Murders in the Building
What you'll need: A fluffy mustard coat, beanie, sweater, plaid trousers, retro sunglasses, and headphones. Find more inspiration here [31].
Belle Fare Short Faux-Fur Bomber Jacket [32] ($185)
Babaton Column Sweater Balloon-Sleeve Sweater [33] ($98)
Vans Core Basics Beanie [34] ($18)
Topshop Gingham Check Skinny Pants in Multi [35] ($67)
Madewell Chunky Large Hoop Earrings [36] ($24)
Ray-Ban Ja-Jo Sunglasses [37] ($164)
Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth Headphones [38] ($70)
Ruby Matthews From Sex Education
What you'll need: Plenty of colour! A lace-up bustier top and matching denim jacket should do the trick. Find more inspiration here [39].
Lioness Cropped Denim Jacket in Cobalt [40] ($25, originally $91)
ASOS Luxe Hourglass Denim Lace Up Corset [41] ($29)
Monki Straight Leg Trousers [42] ($35)
Olivia or Paula from The White Lotus
What you'll need: Try a Hawaiian print dress to make it easy, and coordinate it with a shell necklace, some designer slides, or a Gen Z friendly sneaker. Find more inspiration here [43].
Dolls Kill Aloha For Now Mesh Dress [44] ($11, originally $35)
Sarah Cameron From Outer Banks
What you'll need: A breezy printed button-down you can wear over a swimsuit top with denim cutoffs and very distressed sneakers. Find more inspiration here [45].
Hurley Palm Paradise Adjustable Surf Top [46] ($32, originally $45) and Moderate Surf Bottom [47] ($25, originally $35)
Volcom x Outer Banks Your Boyfriend's Shirt [48] ($27, originally $55)
BlankNYC The Barrow Vintage High-Rise Denim Shorts [49] ($90, originally $98)
Gola Nova High Safari Sneakers [50] ($120)
Chester From Generation
What you'll need: Your own take on his most iconic look — we'd recommend a rainbow crop top and punk plaid pants with skinny sunglasses and perhaps a PVC collar, for sure. Find more inspiration here [51].
Vintage ASOS Rainbow Sequin Crop Top [52] ($20)
Current Mood Hate to Love Plaid Baggy Trousers [53] ($28, originally $40)
AOOFFIV Vintage Slender Oval Sunglasses [54] ($8)
Fatin From The Wilds
What you'll need: Her memorable furry pink jacket, a bedazzled headband, skinny jeans, and those UGG leopard slides, because of course. Find more inspiration here [55].
Stand Studio Janet Cropped Faux Shearling Jacket [56] ($258, originally $430)
UGG Fluff Yeah Slide Slippers [57] ($45-$120)
Dressbarn Sequin Knot Headband [58] ($8, originally $11)
Rue From Euphoria
What you'll need: A lived-in red hoodie (hopefully you already have one in your closet), loose sweat shorts, high-top Converse, and Vans socks. Find more inspiration here [59].
Vintage Nike Hoodie [60] ($36)
Converse Green Chuck 70 High Sneakers [61] ($85)
Vans Half Crew Sock [62] ($9)
David From Schitt's Creek
What you'll need: An absolutely glamorous black sweater. Be it graphic prints or sequins, you've got this. Coordinate with sneakers and a kilt, plus a fistful of chunky rings. Find more inspiration here.
Angelika Jozefczyk Elegant Black Jumper With Silver Sequins [63] ($95)
Beth Harmon From The Queen's Gambit
What you'll need: Channel her Audrey Hepburn-esque '60s style [64] in a black-and-white sheath dress and a smart black loafer. A hairstyle with Beth's signature hair flip — and maybe holding onto a few chess pieces — will be your key outfit accourtements, of course. Find more inspiration here [65].
Vintage Dark Gray Dress [66] ($31)
Steve Madden Declany Chain Suede Loafers [67] ($50, originally $80)
Donatella Wool Blend Walker Coat [68] ($90)