Hallo-there, Halloween stans: it's time to start prepping your costumes for 31 Oct.! This year, if you want to pick out the buzziest, most creative, and unique fancy dress for the wickedly-fun festivities, we've rounded up what in our heart of hearts we know will get you on the podium for best costume of 2021. From ideas that will have you saying "that's SO 2021" (hello, Peloton instructors) to pop culture moments like Olivia Rodrigo at the White House and looks inspired by captivating characters like Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown and Queen Charlotte, prepare to be inspired by the celebs, TV shows, films, music videos, and viral moments that made 2021 memorable. Whether you're looking for couples costumes, group costumes, or individual ideas, you're sure to find something in here to fit your fancy. Keep reading for the best Halloween costume ideas of 2021.
The Best Halloween Costume Ideas For 2021
We're Calling It Now! Here Are 2021's Buzziest Halloween Costume Ideas
Image Sources: Everett Collection, Netflix and YouTube user The Weeknd
Penelope Featherington (Lady Whistledown) From Bridgerton
- What to wear: Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown) knows all, and despite being an unsuspecting observer of London's elite, she isn't afraid stand out with her fashion. To dress as London's top gossip writer, Penelope wears colourful floor-length frocks that match her sparkling jewellery. Her red curly hair is a staple as Penelope almost never blends in — the bolder, the better!
Image Source: Netflix
The Pogues From Outer Banks
- What to wear for Sarah Cameron: It's all about beachy casual looks for the entire group. For Sarah, pair a floral bikini top with an open Hawaiian shirt, and some denim shorts.
- What to wear for Kiara: To dress as Kiara, think cool graphic tees, cutoff denim shorts, crop tops, and even cosy jackets.
- What to wear for Pope Heyward: You'll need a backwards baseball cap with a T-shirt and an open short-sleeve button down over top to channel "the brains of the operation."
- What to wear for JJ: For surfer JJ, go shirtless (or wear a loose tank) with swim trunks and a shark tooth necklace.
- What to wear for John B: The key John B's look (besides his Hawaiian printed shirts)? A classic navy bandanna he wears around his neck.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci From House of Gucci
- What to wear for Patrizia: To channel this real-life power couple played by Adam Driver and Lady Gaga, you'll need '80s-glam ski outfits. For Patrizia, think black turtleneck, faux fur hat, and lots of chunky gold accessories and jewellery.
- What to wear for Maurizio: A chunky cable-knit turtleneck sweater paired with white ski pants should do the trick here. Oh, and some oversized '80s glasses.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Julien, Monet, and Luna From Gossip Girl
- What to wear for Julien: Preppy and edgy, Julien is quite the fashion icon. Wearing oversized clothing items like large jackets and dress shirts, plus lots of chunky sneakers, Julien's style is relatively easy to replicate.
- What to wear for Monet: Being the school villain, Monet's traditional and preppy style would make you think she's sweet. Bows, blazers, turtlenecks, and strappy shoes embody her sweet but salty style.
- What to wear for Luna: Feminine and glamorous, Luna loves a good sweater, skirt, and boots look. Top it off with a brown jacket and you'll feel like an upper east sider in no time.
Image Source: HBO
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Cruella de Vil From Cruella
- What to wear: Emma Stone makes a lot of outfit changes as Cruella, but one of her most unforgettable looks is the flame-red dress. The unique neckline, gloves, and mermaid tail are iconic. Copy her look by picking up a blood-red gown for yourself, complete with gloves and a black-and-white wig. A black eye mask will also add some drama.
Image Source: Disney
Cassie From Promising Young Woman
- What to wear: Cassie in the final scene of Promising Young Woman is the perfect costume for Halloween. Wear a nurse's outfit with a colourful wig, and don't forget to look like you're up to no good.
Image Source: Everett Collection
The Cast of Derry Girls
- What to wear: It's time to break out the school uniform — each of The Derry Girls main characters wears a white button down shirt, a green jumper, striped green tie, green blazer (a nice touch but not necessary), and green-and-blue tartan skirts for the girls and trousers for the token Brit, James Maguire. Where you can really channel each character is with the hairstyles. For Clare Devlin (Nicola Coughlin), you'll want a blunt fringe and either plaited pigtails or a ponytail. For Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) slip on a headband. The sky's the limit for Orla McCool (Louisa Harland) who wears her curly hair in everything from space buns and pigtails to a half-up style and two plaits. James (Dylan Llewellyn) has his signature curls, whilst you can have the most fun with Michelle Mallon (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell). Crimp your hair, grab a can of hairspray, backcomb the heck out of it — then throw it into the '90s hairstyle of your choice. Large hoop earrings required.
Image Sources: Everett Collection, Netflix and YouTube user The Weeknd
Little Mix at the BRIT Awards 2021
- What to wear: Little Mix's appearance at the 2021 BRIT Awards was memorable for a number of reasons. First off, they became the first girl group win the Best Group of the Year award, secondly, they looked like literal angels in matching floor-length white dresses. This is a great Halloween costume if you're pregnant or have a couple of pregnant friends, but you could also wear fake baby bumps or just go as you are — people will surely still recognise your trio.
- What to wear for Perrie Edwards: a white crop top with long sleeves and high-waisted skirt will do. Wear your hair down and parted in the middle with two baby braids framing your face.
- What to wear for Jade Thirwell: Jade kept things simple with a strapless white gown and a simple gold chain necklace. Wear your hair down with a middle parting and play up your eyes and lips with rose-and-burgundy tones.
- What to wear for Leigh-Anne Pinnock: To copy Leigh-Anne's look, you'll want to find a white dress with a sheer overlay and throw your hair up in a high ponytail.
Image Sources: Everett Collection, Netflix and YouTube user The Weeknd
Queen Charlotte From Bridgerton
- What to wear: Queen Charlotte is one of the Bridgerton characters that best embodies 18th-century extravagance with her gowns and jewellery. Above all, the Queen really goes above and beyond with her statement-making wigs. To embody Queen Charlotte, wear a low-neck gown and pair it with a wig that has a unique colour, shape, or design.
Image Source: Netflix
Charlotte, Carrie, and Miranda From "Just Like That . . . "
- What to wear for Charlotte: In the Sex in the City reboot, Charlotte's vibe is an update on her coquettish, retro-leaning style from the series in a fitted pencil skirt and an off-the-shoulder blouse. To copy this style, dress in head-to-toe black with a skirt, blouse, heels, and a bag.
- What to wear for Carrie: Not much appears to have changed about Carrie's style, and we love it! To copy it, wear a high-waist gingham skirt with a white top and a long off-white cardigan.
- What to wear for Miranda: Miranda's look feels business chic, with a soft button-down and slouchy trousers. Copy the look for Halloween and beyond.
Image Source: HBO Max
Vision and Wanda From WandaVision
- What to wear for Vision: While WandaVision flashes through multiple decades, Vision's iconic superhero look remains the same. To achieve Vision, paint your face red and silver. Then, pick your decade for the outfit! Vision from the '50s is always a good one.
- What to wear for Wanda: Wanda's style transforms drastically throughout the decades, but her '50s and '70s fashion moments are some of our personal favourites. The most important characteristic of Wanda's look is her red hair, and if you want to look extra superhero, go for her present-day look!
Image Source: Disney
Simon and Daphne From Bridgerton
- What to wear for Simon: Simon's style isn't like those of his superiors. It is bold, enchanting, and eventually colourful (did you notice the more he gets to know Daphne, the more colourful his outfits become?) To embody Simon, try out a black waistcoat, a paisley undershirt, and don't forget a green brooch!
- What to wear for Daphne: For Daphne, a pale blue dress, elbow-length gloves, and a simple necklace is enough to represent the Bridgerton family's eldest daughter.
Image Source: Netflix
Bridgerton Family From Bridgerton
- What to wear for Hyacinth: As the eighth and youngest Bridgerton child, Hyacinth mainly wears pink dresses with lots of frills and fancy bows.
- What to wear for Colin: You can find Colin wearing a lot of blue throughout the season. A blue jacket, vest, and pants very much suit his look.
- What to wear for Lady Violet: Almost always dressed in white, you can find Lady Violet with her hair back, in a white gown, with white gloves on.
- What to wear for Eloise: You can find Eloise dressed in gowns with high necklines. She appears to keep her skin very covered — so try not to show too much!
- What to wear for Anthony: One of Anthony's most iconic looks is in the first episode when he accompanies Daphne to the ball. He wears a white vest and undershirt with a cropped jacket that is so stylish, it's a must-try costume choice.
- What to wear for Daphne: Daphne is a big fan of the colour blue (up until she marries Simon). A long blue dress, white gloves, and cloak will suffice for this costume.
- What to wear for Gregory: For being the youngest Bridgerton son, Gregory dresses wisely beyond his years. To pull off Gregory, a blue vest, white undershirt, and grey trousers will do.
- What to wear for Benedict: As the second eldest Bridgerton son, Benedict dresses in head-to-toe black with a pop of white for his vest or undershirt.
Image Source: Netflix
- What to wear: If you're a Peloton fan, chances are you know who Leanne Hainsby is. The cycling instructor is uber-popular, and with many of us hopping aboard the Peloton train, she's a good person to embody for Halloween (her or any Peloton instructor, that is). To become Leanne, wear your favourite Peloton top and leggings ... don't forget the matching scrunchie.
- What to wear: Devi's relatable style is very achievable and can probably be found in your closet. Any white tee that can layer under a tank top or dress is very "Devi-esque", and she loves statement pieces like hoop earrings that will never go out of style. To achieve Devi's schoolgirl fashion, pick out a white t-shirt that can be layered under a ribbed vest, pair it with a bright belt and backpack, and add some hoop earrings to top it off.
Image Source: Netflix
- What to wear: As a small-town detective, Mare is dressed to blend in with the crowd and not be noticed. To re-create Mare's casual fashion, throw on some baggy jeans, a flannel, and an oversized brown coat. The "effortless" look will you have detective-ready in no time.
Image Source: HBO
- What to wear: Choose to go for an iconic Bennifer look like this one from back in the day that features a light pink Juicy tracksuit and white long-sleeved top with jeans, or try out something new like the couple re-creating their "Jenny From the Block" yacht PDA in 2021. No matter what version of Bennifer you choose, Ben is almost always dressed casually while J-Lo wears an outfit that stands out.
Image Source: Getty / Mel Bouzad
- What to wear: With his extreme plastic-surgery prosthetics and sparkling red lounge singer look, the Weeknd's "Save Your Tears" music video is made for re-creating on Halloween. Wear a black button-up shirt, red blazer (rhinestones optional, but recommended), and black leather gloves; carry a microphone; and use makeup or a mask to top off the look.
Image Source: YouTube user The Weeknd
- What to wear: For real though, what Dua Lipa outfit don't we love? Dress as the "Pretty Please" singer by wearing a rhinestone pink cutout dress. Complete the style with a Grammy-looking trophy in hand.
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur
- What to wear for Marie: Dressed in a tight-fitting pewter gown with cutouts and a thigh-high slit, Marie wears some sexy looks — are you ready to bring the heat?
- What to wear for Malcolm: Malcolm's wardrobe appears to be a post-night on the town style, wearing a white collared shirt, slacks, and a loosened tie.
Image Source: Netflix
- What to wear for Peter: Peter's personality lies in his confidence more than his style. To dress as Peter in To All the Boys: Always and Forever, a simple pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt will do.
- What to wear for Lara: Lara knows how to stand out when it comes to fashion, heck, even Peter notices how stylish she is. To achieve Lara's everyday style, think preppy meets the '90s — a collared button-up, a pair of khaki pants or a skirt, and platform shoes accompanied by a cute backpack. Oh, and make sure your pants have a back pocket for Peter to slip his hand into!
Image Source: Netflix
- What to wear for Zola: There are a lot of wild looks to choose from in Zola, but we think this lime green snakeskin tube top and pants would do quite nicely.
- What to wear for Stefani: Go same same but different with your BFF in a matching sequin tube top and pant set.
Image Source: Everett Collection
- What to wear: This video call was so bizarre, but certainly gave us a laugh in the midst of stay-at-home orders. If you missed it, essentially this lawyer could not get a cat filter off of his Zoom call for his court hearing, and it was so hilarious. Print off the cat filter and use it as a mask, or simply dress up as a cat. You can even get friends involved to represent the other court staff by dressing in suits.
Image Source: YouTube user 394th District Court of Texas - Live Stream
- What to wear for Lydia: When two best friends acquire superpowers, they apparently both get latex suits? To become Lydia, try to wear a shiny, head-to-toe blue latex suit (or something that looks similar!).
- What to wear for Emily: While Lydia and Emily practically wear the same thing, Emily's latex suit is black.
Image Source: Netflix
- What to wear: Lebron James plays himself in the new Space Jam sequel, and as a part of the Tune Squad, he has to dress the part! Channel Space Jam Lebron with a blue basketball kit topped with a Tune Squad label.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
- What to wear for Usnavi: As a New York bodega owner who saves his money in hopes of a better life in In the Heights, Usnavi keeps it casual. To channel this character, wear brown boots, jeans, and a grey t-shirt.
- What to wear for Vanessa: As Usnavi's love interest (as well as the whole Heights), Vanessa dreams of getting out of her parent's house. Channel Vanessa by wearing a blue-and-red crop top, jean shorts, and white sneakers.
Image Source: Everett Collection
- What to wear for Bubbles: Cute and bubbly, to become Bubbles is to wear a blue dress, black belt, knee-high socks, and trainers! Add some pigtails to top it all off.
- What to wear for Buttercup: More hot-headed and spicy, Buttercup wears her curly hair completely down with a green halter dress, black belt, knee-high socks, and trainers.
- What to wear for Blossom: Strong and determined, Blossom wears a pink halter dress, black belt, knee-high socks, and trainers. Add a bow to your hair to complete the look.
Image Source: Backgrid
- What to wear: To pull off this steamy look from Chloe x Halle's "Ungodly Hour" music video, find a bodysuit decorated in rhinestones. A high bun will also take it to the next level.
Image Source: YouTube user Chloe x Halle
- What to wear for Saweetie: To channel this "Best Friend" music video look (and there are a few great ones to choose from, we're also partial to the poolside looks), head to the thrift store (or your closet) and find a green tweed top and skirt to match. A fancy crop top underneath will give the outfit its sex appeal. Make sure to add in a chunky necklace and hoop earrings to complete the style.
- What to wear for Doja Cat: Dressed in Pink, Doja Cat wore matching tweed shorts and a top with a gold chain belt. Copy this look by getting yourself a matching pink cropped set!
Image Source: YouTube user Saweetie
- What to wear: The actor's Cannes Film Festival red carpet debut was one we can't stop thinking about, OK? Timothée opted for a silver suit covered in a subtle zebra pattern, and whew, what a style moment. To copy this outfit, pick yourself up a silver suit and accessories with black shades. Bonus points if you happen to find a silver suit in a zebra pattern!
Image Source: Getty
- What to wear: Channel your inner "hottie" by wearing a black leotard with fun logos like AC/DC printed on it. Wear fishnets and throw in some sexy moves to bring the look to life.
Image Source: Getty / Josh Brasted
- What to wear for Tom: Now that we know Tom Holland and Zendaya are dating, dressing as the Spider-Man co-stars would be a fun couple costume. To copy Tom's throwback red carpet look, wear a black collared polo shirt and jeans.
- What to wear for Zendaya: Stand out from the crowd in a yellow and black striped jumper and blue tulle skirt. Accessorise with a white belt and heels to really capture Zendaya's style from this Spider-Man: Homecoming premiere in 2017.
Image Source: Getty
- What to wear for Machine Gun Kelly: Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox know how to dress to impress. The pair showed up to the iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier this year in stylish fashion wearing flashy outfits that complemented each other in the shiniest of ways — plus take a look at those nails on MGK! To copy MGK, wear a silver suit jacket with silver shorts, white socks with pink stripes, and long nails.
- What to wear for Megan Fox: Megan's pink Malibu Barbie-styled jumpsuit is all you need, plus a hot pink lip to top it off!
Image Source: Getty / Emma McIntyre
- What to wear: This duo's 2021 romance was unexpected, but such a pleasant surprise. Transform into the famous couple by re-creating their steamy Italian yacht pictures or dress in something that represents them individually like Harry's outfits from the "Watermelon Sugar" music video or Olivia Wilde in this flashy cut-out Oscars dress.
Image Source: Getty / Jamie McCarthy
- What to wear: Former American presidential candidate Bernie Sanders attended the 2021 President Inauguration in Washington D.C. wearing quite the getup. And while he turned into a meme for other reasons, his mittens also seemed to take front and centre. Become Bernie Sanders by wearing a mask, a utilitarian brown jacket, and knit brown and white mittens. Bonus points if you carry a folding chair around with you to do the signature Bernie seated stance.
Image Source: Getty / Drew Angerer
- What to wear for the Carters: The Bidens visited Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at the Carter Centre, and what a surprise it was! Jimmy wore a suit with a blue undershirt while Rosalynn wore a white top and grey pants. Both of which can easily be replicated!
- What to wear for the Bidens: First lady Jill Biden wore an upbeat lemon-inspired dress with yellow heals while Joe wore an all-blue suit. Together, they looked like a gorgeous summer day! Find a white dress and decorate it with lemon stickers for Jill, and for Joe, a blue suit will suffice.
- What to wear for Pete: Pete Davidson and Timothée Chalmet starred in an SNL rap skit, and the "yeet" part was freakin' hilarious. To become Pete, wear an orange jumpsuit with gold chains and a blue wig with glasses.
- What to wear for Timothée: Tomothée's rap alter-ego contained arm tattoos, a white tank top, a gold chain, and a pink wig.
Image Source: YouTube user Saturday Night Live
- What to wear: Olivia Rodrigo debuted all sorts of cool looks in her "Brutal" music video, but this punk-rock one with a red beret, braids, a graphic tank top, and a plaid, black-laced skirt took the cake for us. Not to mention, her shimmery makeup tears are so cool! To re-create Olivia's '90s style, sift through your local store for a graphic tank top, beret, and plaid skirt. Make sure the theme is red, and add a choker and some glitter tears to complete it!
Image Source: YouTube user Olivia Rodrigo