Halloween is the time of year to pull out your best looks. It can be hard narrowing down a funny costume that people will understand, but pop culture is a great place to pull your inspiration from.
From celebrities to movies to events, there is a viral moment for you to dress as every year. Here are the best pop culture Halloween costumes to choose from in 2023:
1. Barbenheimer
Two of the biggest films of the year were released on July 21st: Barbie and “Oppenheimer.”
The juxtaposition of the two movies is what made the day so special to fans of both movies. Instead of choosing one look as a costume, grab a friend and do both. This costume is perfect for a blonde and brunette duo. One could dress as the classic Barbie look and the other in a suit as J. Robert Oppenheimer.
2. Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance
Rihanna performs during the halftime show at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz.
One of the most exciting performances of the year started at the Super Bowl in February. Rihanna fans were anticipating the return of her music, but were even more excited when she showed off her baby bump and revealed her pregnancy.
Her background dancers soon became a meme on social media, with people recreating the dance. This costume could be done individually or with a group of friends. The iconic all red look could be pulled off alone or grab some friends to dress as your background dancers.
3. Grimace shake
June 12th was Grimace’s 52nd birthday, one of McDonald’s mascots. The fast food chain introduced a limited edition shake, inspired by the purple character.
The internet quickly responded to the shake by exaggerating a reaction to the bad taste and side effects. The TikTok trend left people on the ground and covered in the shake. For this costume, you could choose to be Grimace or the aftermath of trying the shake.
4. The Little Mermaid
Disney’s live action version of the “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey, would be an opportunity to put a modern spin on a classic. This was another film this year that left people leaving the theaters in awe.
Although most of the costumes resemble the original animation, there were some changes made. Instead of a solid purple seashell top, the recreation used an ombre of purple and green. The added detail makes the costumes look more realistic. Whether you are Ariel with a tail or Ariel with legs, this costume is another great option.
5. Ice Spice and Taylor Swift
One of the most iconic duo’s this year came together for a remix of the hit song “Karma.” The collaboration of Taylor Swift and Ice Spice was an unexpected match for 2023.
This could be another duo costume. Anything sparkly with fun boots could make do for Taylor Swift. If you want to go all out, a recreation of one of her tour looks would be the best option. Ice Spice is best known for her hair, so a red, curly wig is a must have. This could be paired with jean shorts, a tank top or even a look from her music videos.
6. Justin and Hailey Rhode launch
Everyone on social media knows the relationship dynamic between the Biebers. Since the day they were seen together, they have remained in the news.
At the launch of Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, Rhode, the two were seen dressed as polar opposites. Hailey was wearing a beautiful red dress, with matching shoes and heels. Meanwhile, her husband, Justin Bieber was seen wearing sweats. Whether this is a couple costume or two friends people are bound to know where this look is from.
7. Roach at the Met Gala
The Met Gala is one of the most looked forward to events of pop culture. Held in New York City, the gala is rich and glamorous. Fashion designers spend months on their guest list; however, they were not expecting this one.
A cockroach took the carpet and photographers even snapped pictures of the bug. People on the internet created memes and even photoshopped the roach into designer pieces. This costume would be very niche, but once explained, everyone will love it.
8. Lana Del Rey at Waffle House
The American singer-songwriter, Lana Del Ray, was caught working at a Waffle House in Florence, Alabama over the summer. Fans were confused at first, but she later revealed that she has family connections to the town and the manager jokingly gave her a uniform.
All you would need for this costume is a Waffle House uniform. This costume would be most recognizable with a “Lana” nametag, like she was wearing in the pictures. Adding a waffle into the look would be going the extra mile, but worth it.
