Easy(ish) Halloween costumes inspired by TV, film
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, October 18, 2023
- "Ted Lasso"
Halloween is fast approaching, and with most parties happening on the weekend, there’s even less time to throw together something inspired for the big day. If you still haven’t made a decision on who or what you’ll be going as, or you just want a quick and fairly easy choice, take inspiration from these 2023 movies and shows (with viewing information) to get you going.
“Barbie” — Now this isn’t necessarily a new costume idea, as the IP has been around for over 60 years now. Still, the Greta Gerwig film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling rocketed the ambitious doll back into the limelight. What both the film and the doll make clear is that Barbie can literally be anything. Sure, you can match the costumes from the movie but if you’re crunched on time, make your Barbie whatever you are or want to be. If you have a specific uniform for work, like scrubs or coveralls, use that, or dress in your favorite power suit, dress or whatever makes you feel like your best self, slap a “Hello My Name Is…” name tag and write “Barbie” on it. Boom. Costume. Make it a couple’s costume with the “I am Kenough” sweatshirt found online or sport an equally fun outfit with a Ken name tag to match. Buy the movie from your preferred stream video-on-demand site or catch it still in theaters.
“Oppenheimer” — Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of the father of the atomic bomb was stunning in a brilliantly made film by Christopher Nolan. Again, you can try to match a costume from the movie. Or you can put on any suit you may own and then pair it with a button badge with a number and letter on it (Oppenheimer’s ID at Los Alamos was K-6 for those of you historic sticklers). That’s it. For a couples costume, you can have your partner dress up as Emily Blunt bringing the washing in, or your compadre can get creative and come as the Trinity Test itself — just an outfit of fiery proportions. Unfortunately, if you missed this one in the theater there isn’t a way to watch it online yet, but it should be available on VOD sometime in November.
“Barbenheimer” — Pair the above suggestions together for a great couple’s costume. Or get a pink suit and fedora with the white button badge, or if you have time and a great imagination, stitch two separate costumes together for the ultimate mashup.
“The Bear” — The increasingly stressful but incredible show had its second season this year and whoa boy was it something. To channel your own Carmy, grab a semi-clean white T-shirt, black jeans and a blue apron, keep your bedhead for the day and liberally sprinkle in the “F” bomb wherever you can in conversations (or pick one specific person to call “Cousin” and then yell at them about something, if you’re feeling specific). Bonus points for the pack of cigs and a bottle of Tums carried on your person at all times. Stream both seasons of the show on Hulu.
“M3GAN” — The campy horror flick was a great moment for movies earlier this year and though the film itself may have drifted from your immediate recollection, the costume is, like any great horror villain, instantly recognizable. Unless you are great at showing little to no emotions and are also a pro at makeup, you’ll need a mask for this one, plus a wig and a double-breasted trench coat with a big bow paired with some opaque stockings. The weirder the dancing the better. Good luck not melting under the mask though. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video or rent it from your preferred streaming site.
“Succession” — Celebrate one of the shows we lost this year by dressing up as the main cast. If you have a group, this is great, especially if you happen to have one older member who just wants to shout profanities and constantly make fun of everyone else a la Logan (Brian Cox). If you only have a trio, narrow it down to the Roy kids (sans Connor. Sorry, Connor). Dress in your best business professional attire and make sure to add a touch of pomposity to your demeanor and constantly mention your dad. Or just go as Kendall “The Eldest Boy” Roy by doing black on black paired with a black baseball cap and wayfarers. Just stay away from bodies of water. Stream all seasons of the show on Max.
“Ted Lasso” — While we wait to find out if the fourth season was the last, we’ll see of our favorite underdog soccer/football team, it is most likely the last we’ve seen of the show’s title character. While having an AFC Richmond pullover or hat would certainly help, in order to pull off our favorite mustachioed football coach you really only need a blue sweater over a collard shirt rolled up to your elbows, some khakis, a pair of tennis shoes (or trainers if you want to get in the British spirit of things) and don’t forget a great upper-lip caterpillar. Stream the series on Apple TV+.
“Cocaine Bear” — The incredibly silly but overall fun film about the series of events that follows a mama bear ingesting a ridiculous amount of cocaine may feel like a while back, but it was released this year. Have a bear costume hanging in your closet? Or maybe a ghillie suit or just a great faux fur coat? Douse it with some all-purpose flour and have fun. Accessorize the look with Ziploc bags full of flour or baking soda. Just don’t leave them unattended, someone may get the wrong idea. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour — Whether you’re a Swiftie or have just been forced to hear about the singer and her epic tour/recent concert film, you can’t deny that Swift has reached a kind of level of success, notoriety and obsession that few have seen. So pick one of the many outfits Swift wears during her shows and make a microphone out of a paper towel roll and some tin foil and bring the life to the party. Added points can be scored if you plan for several costume changes throughout the night. Or go as one of the tried and true Swifties who would sell anything for a chance to trade a friendship bracelet or two and bask in Tay-Tay’s glow for a few hours. Catch the movie in theaters now.