2020 has been an absolutely wild year, with most of the country being on lockdown for months on end. We've seen movies released, songs have topped the charts ('sup, Taylor Swift), and we're headed toward the presidential election in November. We've seen a ton of hilarious and sad things, as well as hilariously sad things. We've started virtual learning and homeschooling (not by choice), all while we're working from home and attending constant Zoom meetings.
As much as this all kinda stunk for us, it makes for excellent Halloween costume inspiration. While it's still unclear what this Halloween will look like, we know it's still possible to celebrate the holiday. We thought of costumes that are likely to be popular this year. We started off with kids' outfits and then move on to entertainment ideas, followed by inspiration from this interesting year itself. Two words: Killer wasps. Whatever happened to them? Doesn't matter, they make for a fabulous costume. Check it all out here.
Baby Yoda
Baby Yoda might be the one good thing to actually come out of this year — well technically the end of 2019 in Star Wars' The Mandalorian. He's cute and an iconic symbol. This is meant as a kids' outfit, but adults, by all means!
Baby Yoda ($25, Disney)
Little Women
Little Women was likely one of the last movies families saw in theaters. Based on the book about four sisters, it chronicles what it meant to be a girl back then — and honestly even now. No doubt girls will want to dress up as a Jo, Beth, Meg, or Amy March.
Pioneer Costume ($30, Halloween Costumes.com)
Homages to Hamilton
OK we lied, Hamilton the Musical coming to Disney+ about a year ahead of schedule may be one of the things that saved us through this pandemic. Kids or adults can dress as Hamilton himself, or his entire crew.
Homages to Hamilton ($50, Halloween Costumes.com)
Hazmat Wear
This hazmat suit costume goes without saying. The sad part is, while it seems like a funny joke costume, it actually isn't that far-fetched from keeping safe in this reality as numbers still spike across the country.
Hazmat Wear ($30, Halloween Costumes.com)
'Stranger Things 2' Apparel
Stranger Things 2 seems to have come out on Netflix forever and a day ago, but it's still an amazing series that both adults and kids love. This '80s outfit that Eleven wore throughout most of the season is a great costume idea.
Stranger Things 2 Apparel ($30, Halloween Costumes.com)
Taylor Swift's Cardigan
OK, maybe we lied AGAIN. Taylor Swift's new, and surprise, album Folklore may have saved us all from sinking into a major pandemic depression. Dress up as her cardigan or dress up as one of the characters fans speculate many of the songs are about.
Taylor Swift's Cardigan ($45, Taylor Swift)
The Baby-Sitters Club
The Baby-Sitters Club is one of those reboots or even book-to-show pop culture phenomenons that cross generation boundaries. Kids of the '90s grew up reading the books and now Gen Z-ers have the pleasure of enjoying the sitters, too. Just put together some fun outfits from the closet. It's a great way to do a group costume, but play it safe, too.
Billie Eilish
Singer Billie Eilish is as popular as ever. She's talented and has an iconic look that we couldn't resist predicting will make for great costumes this year. It can be done with one simple thing: her hair. Get her classic hair by way of a wig here.
Brad Mondo, the Hair YouTuber
Brad Mondo is a famous YouTube personality known for his hair care videos. He famously taught us all how to cut our own hair during quarantine and that is why he deserves a spot on our outfit list. He loves wearing mesh tops and they're available here.
Joe From 'You'
Joe from You has to be one of the creepiest characters of all time, but it makes for a super recognizable and easy outfit to emulate — and perfect for Halloween. Just grab jeans, a light jacket, and this navy hat. We do NOT recommend stalking anyone whatsoever, though.
Cardi B in 'WAP'
Cardi B and Meg thee Stallion's song and video "WAP" got a lot of attention this summer. There were haters, but for the fans, it makes for sexy and fun Halloween inspiration, like her leopard print leotard from this scene. Get a more covered-up version of her outfit here.
Joe Biden & Kamala Harris
Presidential candidates make for classic Halloween inspiration. Joe Biden is expected to lead the Democratic Party as the potential presidential nominee and he just announced Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. Kids or adults can dress up as the duo. Both POTUS and veeps in training can sport this great suit, just a bigger size, of course.
AOC
Speaking of politicians in suits, AOC is another way for little ones, or big kids and adults, to dress up as the progressive politician who continues to make headlines. This year, she called out a fellow lawmaker for calling her the B-word. This suit would look great for this costume, too.
Killer Wasp
Now, we get into the real wildness of 2020. The essence of the year in a few costumes. First up we have the Killer Wasp which made a brief but impactful debut during quarantine, but seems to have been just another headline.
Killer Wasp ($60, Halloween Costumes.com)
Tiger King
Few things represent the craziness that was 2020 better than Tiger King. The documentary came out before things got super dark, but it made a lasting impression on us all for better or worse. The best part is that literally anyone from this show makes for a great costume. Joe Exotic is perhaps the most iconic, but Carole Baskin makes for perfect inspiration, too.
Tiger King ($45, eBay)
Homeschooling Parent
They say that art mimics reality and that could not be truer for this costume of a homeschooling mom. And not just a regular homeschooling mom, but one who has thrust into the role along with her million other roles thanks to the pandemic. This one is easy to put together. Just go through a day of virtual learning before celebrating. (Or ruffle up one's hair and put on a "mom" outfit.)
Zoom
Whether we realized it or not at the time, the pandemic has turned Zoom into one of the most-used tools of communication for us all. Why not pay homage by turning it into a DIY costume? Just print or draw the logo on a piece of cut-out cardboard and wear it as a necklace. Extra points for having another sign that says "on mute!"
#GirlDad
We lost a few amazing and iconic people this year, one of the most prolific being former NBA player Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi. Shortly after his death, the hashtag #GirlDad started trending as the former basketball star was just that, a dad to girls. It's perfectly acceptable to go as a #GirlDad for Halloween this year.
#GRILDAD T-Shirt ($24, GirldadBoutique/Etsy)
TikTok
TikiTok has been a constant — one way or another — this year. The video social media app became even more popular during the pandemic while everyone was forced to entertain themselves day-in and day-out and then came the banning controversy. Just print out the logo (like Zoom or even with another person as Zoom!) and wear it.
Reporter With No Pants
Last but not least, lest we forget another iconic symbol of the new work from home era: the employee with no pants. Or in this embarrassing and public case, the Good Morning America reporter who didn't realize his no-pants look was visible in the frame. Just get a blazer for the top and (modest) underwear for the bottoms.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
