Nine Easy Last Minute Media and Movie-Themed Costumes for Halloweekend

By: Amna Faheem

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Since I was a child, I would think of elaborate costume ideas every year. Once, I trick-or-treated as a present box and could be spotted from a few blocks away — waddling in an oversized cardboard box covered in wrapping paper that I sloppily taped.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the costumes around me have become more elaborate. This time of year, it’s common to hear phrases like, “I have to order my costumes on Amazon soon.” But, as your typical college student with limited disposable income, I don’t have the financial ability to shop online and spend nearly $50 on a single costume like some of my schoolmates do.

I’ve learned to be more creative, using clothes and pieces that are already sitting in my closet to create unique costumes for the four-night extravaganza that is Halloweekend. Something I’ve found to be fun and easy is basing your get-up around trending media and film characters. Last year, for example, I dressed as various Disney princesses, wearing dresses that correlated with each princess, like yellow for Belle and blue for Cinderella.

Many popular movies have been released this year, and many have garnered large fan bases, like “Barbie” and “Bottoms.” Taking inspiration from popular media can be a quick way to take off the stress of not knowing what costume to wear. Here are nine popular media moments you can base costumes on this year:

“Barbie”

The top-grossing film of all of 2023 was Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” The movie opens many doors and can be a very easy and creative costume to make. Since there are many “Barbies” and “Kens,” there is very little restriction on what you could wear and claim as a Barbie costume. Even if you don’t own any pink pieces, there’s something for everyone!

“Bottoms”

Another 2023 movie that was popular with the masses was “Bottoms,” directed by Emma Seligman. This movie has so many characters with various fashion styles, so there’s a wide array of options to design a costume around. Since the characters in the movie are students, their wardrobes are very casual and can be found in most closets.

Photo by: Danny Bojik.

Photo by: W Magazine.

“Asteroid City”

Another possibly lesser-known movie released in 2023 was “Asteroid City,” directed by the famous Wes Anderson. In this movie, actors Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray take the lead. Their characters have basic ensembles and can be recreated with little-to-no effort. Johansson’s character, Midge Campbell, has a simple red pajama set, with vibrant red lipstick and smudged mascara surrounding her eyes.

Another relatively easy costume to recreate from this movie is Steve Carell’s character, the Motel Manager. He dons a clear visor and a simple green windbreaker.

“Peter Pan & Wendy”

Another movie that people can draw inspiration from is a recreation of the childhood classic, Peter Pan. The film, “Peter Pan & Wendy,” directed by David Lowery, is a bit more extravagant, but the costumes can easily be recreated. For a Peter Pan outfit, a green shirt and shorts, tights, or a green dress will do. The hat is suggested, but ultimately not required. Wendy’s character is a bit simpler and can be constructed with a white dress and green or blue overcoat.

“The Nun 2”

Halloween is supposed to possess a touch of fear! Many horror movie-inspired costumes can be found in the average closet. The second movie of “The Nun,” directed by Michael Chavas, showcases classic Nun costumes that make an annual appearance. It can easily be created with a black dress, some tights, and a black veil or headcloth. Bonus points if you find a cross necklace.

“Insidious: The Red Door”

Another horror movie released this year was the fifth Insidious movie, “Insidious: The Red Door,” directed by Patrick Wilson. The movie presents a few options to choose from for a costume, including one of the spirits shown in the film. The concept is quite simple to recreate if one has a white dress and lace or ribbon to wrap around the neck in a bowtie, as seen in the photo. The characters also include very exaggerated red lipstick, which ties in with the horror aspect and is very easy to recreate.

“GUTS”

You could also base your costume around an album or artist. Olivia Rodrigo, a singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her songs “Deja Vu,” and “Drivers License,” released an album this year called “GUTS.” Her album cover is quite simple, and can be recreated with a purple bra under a black dress with thin straps, adding a final touch of red matte lipstick. Bonus points if you can add the G-U-T-S rings!

“Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd”

Another artist who released an album this year is Lana Del Rey, who has garnered a big fan base in recent years. Her ninth album, “Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” has quite a simple cover. If you own a loose white dress and some ribbon to tie bow ties in your hair, then you’re all set! Bonus points if the dress has a floral pattern.

“RENAISSANCE”

Another famous musician sweeping the nation — and the world at that — with her Renaissance tour is the one and only Beyoncè. Beyoncè has been leaving fans speechless with her elaborate and fashion-forward outfits, like the glittered bodysuit she wore in Atlanta, and the flame-patterned bodysuit with matching thigh-high boots, glasses, and hat she wore in Inglewood.

Although her embellished outfits are a bit difficult to recreate, she has a few options that could be found in your closet. For her concert in Hamburg, Germany, performed in a plunging red dress, which can easily be recreated with a red minidress that has a deeper neckline, and some tights!

With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find something to match your aesthetic and what you’re looking for. Change things up and add your own personal touch to your outfits, too. Always be respectful and safe, and remember, have fun!

REFINE stands with the striking members of SAG-AFTRA. The union has advised union members against wearing costumes referencing struck work but allows for non-union members to do so.