With the spookiest holiday of the year right around the corner, it’s now officially time to start figuring out how we’re spending October 31 and making final arrangements for our Halloween costumes. And if you’re a parent, you might be left without a costume until the last minute, since we usually spend all our time planning the costumes our kids are going to wear instead. For those of us who didn’t plan ahead, there are plenty of easy, last-minute Halloween costume ideas out there, including ones inspired by our favorite celebrity and pop culture moments.
Every year, pop culture always gives us a few iconic moments that lend themselves particularly well to Halloween costumes — and there are movies that we consider standbys that also offer up plenty of inspiration, including Legally Blonde and Mean Girls. Many of the elements of these costumes are things that can easily be found in our closets, or grabbed at the nearest Target.
Read on for some easy costume ideas inspired by our fave celebs. It doesn’t have to take a lot of money or effort, because the holidays are what we make them — and what’s Halloween without costumes?
Three-Hole Punch Jim
For fans of The Office, this is a super easy costume to re-create. All that’s needed is a button-front shirt, a tie, and some black construction paper — and boom, Jim Halpert’s low-effort Halloween costume can become anyone’s low-effort Halloween costume … and it’s sure to be a hit.
Elle Woods From 'Legally Blonde'
There are a lot of iconic looks from Legally Blonde that would make awesome costumes, but this one is definitely the easiest to pull off at the last minute. Grab a blue bathrobe and some plaid pajama pants, and to really take it to the next level, a stuffed chihuahua as a stand-in Bruiser would totally complete the look.
Lady Gaga's Meat Dress
This might not smell the best, but it’s certainly easy enough to achieve with a trip to the grocery store and a little creativity! After all, this look from the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards ended up being one of Lady Gaga’s most memorable — and for good reason. Why wouldn’t it translate into a Halloween costume? It certainly puts a new spin on the gory theme.
Carole Baskin
Tiger King was huge and made such a mark on pop culture in 2020 that it’s still relevant today, and it’s pretty effortless to re-create Carole Baskin’s cat aesthetic. Go for an all leopard-print look, and it’ll be easy for people to guess who the costume is supposed to be — especially with a flower crown, since it’s Carole’s favorite accessory.
Donna From 'Mamma Mia!'
Have a pair of overalls hanging in the closet? Then a Mamma Mia!-themed Halloween costume is totally possible. This film (and its sequel) has become so beloved that everyone will recognize someone dressed in overalls, a tool belt, and a white top as Donna — though nobody could ever be Meryl Streep.
Britney Spears' All-Denim Outfit
Britney Spears’ all-denim outfit from the 2001 American Music Awards is easy enough to re-create with every piece of denim in the house, a trip to the thrift store, or a combination of the two. For those looking for a couple’s costume, well, this one lends itself perfectly if there’s a willing JT stand-in.
Eleven From 'Stranger Things'
As we wait for the final season of Stranger Things, we can dress up like Eleven did in the first season of the series. Grab a pink dress, a blue jacket, and some tube socks, and the look is ready to go. Bonus points if we can add a blonde wig and maybe some Eggo waffles as a prop.
Cher From 'Clueless'
Anyone who has a plaid miniskirt in their closet — or can find one at a thrift store — can easily make this costume happen, especially with a matching blazer. Add some heels and a cute backpack purse, and practice saying “As if” before the big night, and this is another super easy one to put together!
The Bachelorette
This one is really easy — especially for those of us who already have a fancy dress at the ready in our closet. It doesn’t even have to be any specific Bachelorette star. Just put on an evening gown, do full hair and makeup, and grab a rose and a glass of champagne, ready for a ceremony.
Tom Cruise in 'Risky Business'
This is the ultimate last-minute Halloween costume, and it couldn’t possibly be easier (or comfier). Grab an oversized white, button-front shirt, white socks, and a pair of sunglasses — probably all things that are already available at home — and the costume is ready to go! It’s a classic.
'Men in Black'
It’s easy to look like an agent from Men in Black. Just wear a black suit and tie, grab a pair of sunglasses, and you’re officially in character. There probably won’t be any doubts about what the costume is — but just in case, it couldn’t hurt to have a few phrases from the movie ready.
Chip & Joanna Gaines
Looking for a couple’s costume idea? This one is easy, and everyone can wear jeans. The Joanna Gaines of the group should wear a chambray top, or something neutral, while sidekick Chip can wear a T-shirt and a backwards baseball cap (and should probably carry a toolbox, too) — and maybe a shiplap board for good measure.
Rachel Green From 'Friends'
Keep it simple and ’90s chic with this costume! Channel Jennifer Aniston from Friends by wearing a black apron and a chambray vest or shirt, and carrying a coffee pot around. If there’s time to grab a Central Perk patch to add to the apron, all the better. This one could definitely end up being a hit.
The Plastics From 'Mean Girls'
Time to unload all of the pink in the closet, because that’s what it’ll take to dress as the plastics from Mean Girls. This can be done as a solo or a group costume — even better if someone can wear an oversized pink polo that they “borrowed from Damian,” like Cady did in the movie. On Wednesdays, we wear pink … but also on Halloween.
Miss Flo
With the way all the Don’t Worry Darling drama overtook pop culture this fall, it seems only appropriate that dressing up like Miss Flo — Florence Pugh, of course — becomes a costume theme this year. Pair a matching purple crop set with a coordinating jacket and some sunglasses, and you’ve got yourself a super relevant costume.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana has been gone for a long time, but her impact lives on — and so does her sense of style. An easy costume to represent the late Princess of Wales is an oversized crewneck sweatshirt, bike shorts, and a crown. Include some slouchy ’90s socks and sneakers if you really want to take this over the top!
'Euphoria'
To easily create a Euphoria-themed costume, bust out the best 2000s fashions you have in your closet that you haven’t worn in years — or head to the clothing department of Target to pick up a few things, because they’re all in style yet again. Complete the look with heavy eye shadow (face jewels included), and practice giving all the attitude that Cassie can muster.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ new album, Harry’s House, has taken the world by storm this year, and it’s pretty easy to re-create the cover art. Pick out a peasant blouse and wide-leg jeans, and you’ve pretty much accomplished the task at hand. And if you’re looking for something a bit wilder, his tour outfits offer a lot of inspiration, too. (Don’t forget your feather boa.)
