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From the return of Top Gun and Hocus Pocus to TV shows focusing on classic characters and screen icons, it's been a good year for pop culture. So, if you're struggling for costume ideas this Halloween, look no further!
Newsweek asked Maria Loizou, fashion expert and senior copywriter at British clothing retailer Karen Millen, what spooky looks she recommends for Halloween 2022.
Best Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Costumes for Women
1. Wednesday Addams - Wednesday
She's creepy, she's kooky and she's going to be everywhere this Halloween. With her smokey eye make-up and Peter Pan collars, Wednesday Addams has always been fall fashion goals. Anticipation for her new show on Netflix, which premiers on November 23, has put the teen's signature look on everyone's wish list this Halloween—and it's an easy one to put together.
Loizou told Newsweek: "Recreate this look by pairing a printed black dress with a white pointed collar, paired with Wednesday's signature braids."
2. Wanda Maximoff - WandaVision
WandaVision was Disney+'s most streamed show in January 2021, with 434 million minutes watched in its first week alone. Over a year later, Marvel fans are still obsessed with Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and her synthezoid boyfriend—the term "Scarlet Witch costume" receives an average of 50,000 monthly Google searches worldwide, according to Loizou. Recreating Wanda's superhero wardrobe is fairly straightforward.
"All you need is a red cape and dress, along with a signature Scarlet Witch headpiece," said Loizou. "Incorporating a red leather top, corset or catsuit can really help in emulating the Wanda Maximoff look."
3. Julia Fox
If you want to stand out this Halloween, take a page from the master of surreal style—Julia Fox. The Uncut Gems star and former girlfriend of Kanye West is known for her out-there attire—even becoming a meme—and has multiple outrageous outfits for fashion fans to choose from.
To demand attention this Halloween, Loizou suggests "rocking Julia Fox-inspired double-denim and a dramatic smokey fox eye look," but we're also fans of her all-leather-no-eyebrows ensemble from Paris Fashion Week.
Best Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Costumes for Men
1. Maverick -Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick
The sequel to the 1986 hit broke box office records this summer, landing Tom Cruise the biggest opening weekend of his career. So, it's no surprise that fans will want to recreate the pilot's signature look.
"Top Gun: Maverick reignited interest in the classic 80s film, sparking 12,000 average monthly searches for 'Top Gun costume' worldwide," said Loizou. "Fake moustaches, bomber jackets and aviator glasses make the ideal, minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise."
2. Eddie Munson -Stranger Things
***Spoiler alert***
Eddie was season 4's breakout character, with his death devastating Stranger Things' fans.
"We can anticipate many costumes inspired by the residents of the town Hawkins this year," said Loizou. "More specifically, new fan-favorite Eddie Munson."
With searches for "Eddie Munson costume" up 40 percent in the past month, expect to see perms, denim jackets and Hellfire club t-shirts at every party this October. If you want to recreate the look yourself, rip a pair of black jeans, dig your denim jacket back out of the closet and grab a pair of curling tongs (or just buy a cheap wig off Amazon).
3. Daemon Targaryen - House of the Dragon
Despite his questionable morals and marriage to his niece, House of the Dragon's Daemon Targaryen is another fan favorite this year.
"Dressed in a long black robe, white-blonde wig and equipped with a plastic sword, we are sure to see many Daemon Targaryen lookalikes this Halloween season," said Loizou.
Murder and mayhem optional.
Best Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Couples' Costumes
1. Elvis and Priscilla
It's not just Elvis impersonators obsessing over the King of Rock & Roll this year. Baz Luhrmann's take on the music icon's life wowed audiences this summer, putting Elvis (played by Austin Butler) back in the spotlight.
With her long fluttery lashes and voluminous locks, his wife Priscilla (played by Olivia DeJonge) was perhaps even more glamorous than her famous ex-husband.
"Replicate Priscilla's iconic look with a 60s-inspired mini dress and bouffant hair, and style a leather jumpsuit and gelled back hair for the signature Elvis image," Loizou recommended.
Their marriage may have been short-lived, but their style lives on.
2. Barbie and Ken
Although not scheduled for release until next summer, people are already obsessed with Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie. "Barbie-core" is now a thing, as are neon yellow rollerblades and matching spandex for couples.
"As a result of those pictures of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of Greta Gerwig's upcoming Barbie film, combined with the recent 'Barbiecore' trend, we can expect to see many couples dressed as the iconic plastic duo this Halloween," said Loizou.
Whether opting for a classic Barbie and Ken look, or recreating those stills from the new movie, all you have to do is think pink.
3. Danny and Sandy -Grease
Olivia Newton-John passed away in August from breast cancer, but you can still honor the legendary actress and singer by recreating her look from Grease (1978). The final scene, where Danny and Sandy dance at the fair after reuniting, also makes the perfect low-effort couple's costume.
Loizou says all you need are: "Black leather leggings or trousers, red heels and matching red lipstick complete this look for Sandy, with Danny needing only a leather jacket and slicked back hair, with an optional D.I.Y Rydell Cardigan."
Best Pop Culture-Inspired Halloween Group Costumes
1. The Boys
It's not very family friendly, but if you and your pals want to stand out this Halloween, Loizou recommends emulating Netflix's superhero satire.
"Have your friends team up as The Seven with costumes including The Deep, Queen Maeve and, of course, Homelander," she said.
"Or, Annie AKA Starlight, is a great choice this Halloween for women, group costume or not. All you need is her signature white dress, gold accessories and white headband."
Just leave the octopus at home.
2. The Sanderson Sisters - Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2
After almost three decades, Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy) and Sarah Sanderson (Sarah Jessica Parker) are back to take their revenge on Salem in Hocus Pocus 2. Released on November 30, the sequel to the 1993 Halloween classic broke streaming records for Disney Plus, according to the company.
"Sanderson sisters are the perfect trio to dress as this Halloween," said Loizou.
Fortunately, corsets are back in fashion this year, so all you need is a long skirt, a cape, and a broom to rock that Sanderson style.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more