Here’s 11 Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas For 2023
In the bewitching landscape of Halloween 2023, the pop culture cauldron bubbles with quirky and entertaining costume possibilities. Whether you're slipping into the shoes of TV's iconic personalities or embracing the internet's most cryptic viral phenomena, 2023 brews a bewitching concoction of costumes that not only send shivers down your spine, but also tickle your pop culture-loving bones. This Halloween, let's not just dress up… let's embark on a journey through the year's most entertaining moments.
Grimace Shake
McDonald’s introduced the Grimace Shake on June 12 to celebrate the creature’s birthday.
The purple berry-flavored drink brought in a lot of media attention as people on TikTok would post a video of them trying the drink followed by cryptic, weird, and oddly funny mishaps after consuming said drink. Often, these videos would abruptly cut to the subjects pretending to be dead, kidnapped, tied up, blind-folded, while screaming and/or crying. The culprit? The Grimace Shake.
All you need is an all purple DIY outfit to continue celebrating Grimace. Thankfully the shakes are not available anymore to torment the public, but you could make your own!
Barbenheimer
Barbenheimer hit theaters on July 21 and was filled with couples, families, and friends enjoying cinematic experiences like never before. Their juxtaposition offers a blend that can make for a memorable and thought-provoking costume.
Barbie, the quintessential symbol of fashion and femininity, stands in stark contrast to Oppenheimer, the physicist often associated with the development of the atomic bomb. This costume choice showcases a fusion of beauty and brains and the humor in the unexpected pairing can add a touch of whimsy to any Halloween gathering.
The possibilities are endless in executing this hilarious costume by mixing pink feminine clothing with a dark sophisticated blazer. Don’t forget to add Ken to the mix!
Rihanna’s Superbowl Dancers
Ever wonder what it would feel like to be a marshmallow? Dress up as one! Sort of…
Rihanna returned to the stage at the Super Bowl Halftime show earlier this year. Fans speculated on what songs the iconic Barbadian artist would perform at the event and tuned in to watch her deliver on Super Bowl night. During her performance, she announced she was pregnant!
On top of this shocking announcement, her backup dancers captured everyone’s attention. Dressed in all white custom Fenty puffers, crop tops, and baggy pants, it wasn’t long before people on then-Twitter and TikTok memed them.
Recreate both of these iconic looks from the world’s biggest stage.
Antler Queen
In the show Yellowjackets, the Antler Queen is a mysterious and enigmatic character who holds a central role in the gripping narrative.
She is a formidable figure, both feared and revered by the group of teen survivors stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Her character embodies a blend of ancient mysticism and primal instincts, often guiding the survivors through the challenges of their harsh surroundings.
With her intricate antler headdress and shamanistic aura, the Antler Queen adds a layer of mystique and intrigue to the already suspenseful storyline, making her one of the most intriguing characters in the series and a haunting Halloween costume.
Send shivers down Halloween goers spines with an antler headband, a mesh veil draped over, a face covering, and a white flowy cloak.
Jigsaw from Saw X
I want to play a game…
Jigsaw, also known as John Kramer, from the iconic Saw horror franchise, is a complex and chilling antagonist known for his distinctive puppet-like mask and penchant for creating elaborate, horrific, and morally challenging traps.
This costume choice offers a unique opportunity for horror fans to delve into the psychological and macabre world of the Saw series. Jigsaw's appearance is visually striking and can be executed in a multitude of ways.
All you need is the classic black and white tux or two-piece ensemble, a matching red bow tie and handkerchief, white gloves, a black wig (if needed), and the iconic mask or DIY makeup. If you’re looking to elevate your look, the tricycle will add an even more creepy factor.
Play into Jigsaw's eerie aura this Halloween and watch Saw X in theaters now.
Pedro Pascal and His Sandwich
On March 1, Pedro Pascal and Jon Favreau did a video for LADbible’s Snack Wars series on YouTube, comparing American and Chilean snacks. The Chilean-born actor takes pride in representing Chile and explains the snacks thoroughly, all while being humorous and lovable.
Pascal makes several facial expressions throughout the video that social media users have turned into memes. One of the most popular ones is Pascal eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a blank stare.
The meme involves a cut out of Pedro Pascal in the few seconds eating the sandwich while a melancholic song plays in the background. Usually the videos include text describing a chaotic or depressing scenario happening in someone’s life to further enhance the notion that while their world is falling apart, they are in a blank state like Pascal’s sandwich moment.
This makes for a funny, simple Halloween costume with a brown cardigan, gray tank top, and red pants with, of course, a PB&J.
Taylor Swift Eras Tour Outfits
Taylor Swift is a globally recognized and beloved artist with a dedicated fanbase, so people will instantly recognize and appreciate the homage.
Her Eras Tour outfits are known for their creativity and distinct themes, from the retro glamor of the 1989 era to the dreamy folklore aesthetics. This diversity in styles provides a wide range of options to suit different preferences and personalities. Recreating these outfits allows fans to connect with their favorite music and era while showcasing their fashion flair and is a fantastic way to pay tribute to the pop sensation while having a blast on Halloween.
Shop online or in thrift stores for sequins and beaded pieces to replicate her tour outfits. Or grab a white shirt and some fabric paint to DIY her “Who even is Taylor Swifft anyway? Ew” tee.
Blue Ivy at Renaissance Tour
Like mother, like daughter.
Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour is at full swing and the iconic moments on social media are breathtaking. Known for her dancing and enigmatic stage performance, Beyonce continues to remain an icon.
During some of her performances, her daughter Blue Ivy has come out to join her and her dancers on stage. She’s gone viral for her moves, holding her own during her performances as fans scream and chant for her.
Recreate any of the iconic looks from the tour thus far with either an all red jumpsuit ensemble, a camo sequin top with matching pants, or a silver chrome pants, glittery top, and vest look while busting out your dance moves embodying the spirit of Blue Ivy.
Carmy from The Bear
Yes, Chef!
The Bear, starring Jeremy Allen White, is a simple, last minute costume anyone can execute. The show follows Carmy, an intense and charming chef, as he tries to run a restaurant “The Bear” like he and his brother have always dreamed of. Filled with sweat, blood, and tears; bring the chaos from the show into the Halloween night.
Transform yourself to Chicago’s favorite chef with a white t-shirt, blue apron, and a fiery attitude in the kitchen.
M3GAN
This is the part where you run…
To recreate the sinister life-like droid doll M3GAN! She may be creepy, but you know she’s got your back… as long as you stay on her good side. M3GAN went viral for her dance moves while wielding a knife and became a horror icon almost overnight. Her outfit is actually quite adorable with a striped shirt, a khaki babydoll dress, white stockings, black flats, and a blue, red, and white bow. Much of this costume can be purchased separately or all together in Halloween costume stores.
Don’t forget to adopt M3GAN’s creepy droid mannerisms and dance the night away!
Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire
Bloodsucker, Famef*****…
Two years since the release of her debut album “SOUR,” Olivia Rodrigo returns to save us and servd us with “GUTS,” an album full of teenage fun and angst. The first song she released was “vampire” back in June and it exploded in popularity.
If you’re in your vampire era, dress up as Olivia Rodrigo in her hit music video “vampire.” With a short, white mermaid style dress and a striking red lip, you can fully immerse yourself in the music video. To extend the outfit, draw a vampire bite mark on your neck, use some fake blood, and grab a mic to rock out this Halloween.
