"As Halloween approaches, I face the same internal debate every year: What on earth should I be? I always aim for a costume that’s pop-culturely relevant, easily recognizable, affordable, and—since I’m just a girl—cute. Some might be content with throwing on a last-minute costume, but as someone who loves binge-watching horror movies, devouring creepy books, and decking out the house in Halloween decor the moment August ends, my costume is the pinnacle moment of my spooky season. Debuting with a flop of a fit? That’s the most terrifying fate of all. This year, I started my research early to ensure my Halloween costume lives up to my wildest dreams. No matter what kind of costume you want to rock, 2024 has given us plenty of pop culture moments to choose from. From pop stars and beloved TV characters to the year’s most memed moments, these are the 30 best Halloween costume ideas for 2024:
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1. The Tortured Poets Department-era Taylor Swift
Last year, Swifties went all out for Halloween, stacking their wrists with friendship bracelets and dusting themselves in glitter to celebrate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Now, with Taylor continually blessing us with fresh content, there’s a whole new album for Swifties to channel in 2024. This TTPD-era outfit is absolutely fabulous and easy to recreate with just a few Amazon finds. True fans will recognize it as the iconic ensemble she wore when she brought Travis Kelce on stage.
2. Kate from Twisters
Twisters was this year’s big summer blockbuster, and we all fell in love with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones as they galivanted across our screens chasing storms. I wouldn’t recommend heading toward a tornado anytime soon, but if you’re as obsessed with the film as I am, dressing as Daisy’s character, Kate, is a much safer and cuter way to tap into the Twisters vibes.
3. Sydney from The Bear
Not only did the latest season of The Bear have us all saying “yes, chef” in our heads every time we scramble eggs, but it also reignited our obsession with it-girl Ayo Edebiri. Sydney from The Bear has quickly become a beloved character, and with her signature bandana and blue apron, her look couldn’t be easier to replicate for Halloween.
4. Elphaba from Wicked
We may have to wait until November for the new Wicked movie to grace our screens, but it’s safe to say it’s going to be a pop culture phenomenon of Barbie proportions. Instead of opting for a basic, boring witch costume, get ahead of the trend and go as Elphaba this year. It’s a simple costume (although it requires committing to green face paint), and you’ll earn serious OG fan points when everyone starts obsessing in November.
5. Simone Biles
The 2024 Summer Olympics gave us so many incredible pop culture moments: pommel horse guy, the Olympic Village chocolate muffins, Snoop Dogg in his equestrian getup, just to name a few. However, no person or moment was discussed more than the GOAT, Simone Biles. If you’re anything like me, your gymnastics skills max out at a cartwheel, so dressing up as Simone for Halloween is the closest you can get to her level of greatness.
6. Rhaenyra Targaryen from House of the Dragon
House of The Dragon came back for perhaps the most anti-climatic season of television this year. Despite frustrating cliffhangers, the love for Rhaenyra Targaryen is still going strong. Practice your High Valyrian and head to the salon for a fresh bleach and tone (or just buy a wig from Amazon) to complete the Targaryen look.
7. Miley Cyrus at the Grammys
Miley Cyrus’ Grammy performance only reaffirmed that Miley has always been that girl. The ’80s hair, the outfit, the stage presence, and her ripped arms that immediately had everyone booking a Pilates class made this a moment that will go down in pop culture history.
8. Emily from Emily in Paris
Our favorite American in Paris is back on Netflix this year with a drama-filled love triangle and plenty of bold fashion statements. Grab your beret and put together an eclectic, Emily-inspired outfit for a fashion-forward and pop-culturally relevant costume.
9. Beyoncé in Cowboy Carter
2024 is the year of country music, and IMO, no one does it better than Beyoncé. Cowboy Carter is sure to dominate the top spots on everyone’s Spotify Wrapped this year, and her album cover is the perfect inspiration for a Halloween costume. While getting your hands on a horse might be tricky, you can still effortlessly channel her cowgirl-chic look.
10. Penelope Featherington from Bridgerton
Bridgerton dominated our social media feeds at the beginning of the summer as we all fell in love with Polin on and off screen. Dressing as Lady Whistledown herself is the ideal costume for us chronic yappers who love a good piece of gossip and a full-glam moment.
11. Tashi from Challengers
Maybe it’s just me, but after watching Challengers, I left the theater ready to start tennis lessons and somehow even more obsessed with Zendaya. Lean into the trending tennis-core movement without actually having to pick up a racket with this Halloween costume idea. As a bonus, these pieces are so versatile that you’ll want to wear them long past Halloween.
12. Charli XCX in Brat
Brat Summer defined 2024 and encouraged us all to set aside our clean-girl personas and celebrate partying, having fun, and not caring what others think. While being a brat is more of a mindset than a physical thing, dressing up as Charli XCX in all her brat glory is the perfect way to carry this energy into the fall.
13. Dallas Cowboys cheerleader
A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is one of those all-time classic Halloween costume ideas, but it’s more relevant than ever thanks to the reality show America’s Sweethearts, which chronicles the audition process that DCC hopefuls go through. That grueling process probably isn’t for us normies, but we can pretend we’re part of the team with a cute costume and some boots for one night.
14. Astrid from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Jenna Ortega won us over as the ultimate spooky girl with her 2022 Netflix show Wednesday, and she’s back with another moody role as Astrid in the new Beetlejuice movie, just in time for Halloween. This costume idea is a fun new take on a more basic Lydia Deetz or Beetlejuice costume.
15. Chappell Roan
One of the greatest gifts 2024 has given us is the resurgence of the pop girlies. Chappell Roan’s upbeat songs and campy performance looks have won over literally everyone on the internet, so why not recreate one this Halloween?
16. A Love Island Bombshell
If you’re a reality TV fan, chances are you spent most of your summer obsessing over the latest season of Love Island USA. If you wish you could head to the villa to experience the drama IRL, dressing up as a bombshell can bring you a little Love Island energy to take into fall.
17. Sabrina Carpenter
We can’t talk about pop girls without mentioning Sabrina Carpenter. Known for her adorable outfits, insanely catchy songs, and public romance with Saltburn star Barry Keoghan, she’s dominated the spotlight in 2024. You can rock Sabrina’s signature look with her classic curtain bangs, a blowout, and a cute mini dress.
18. Regina George from Mean Girls
While the movie musical version of Mean Girls may have received mixed reviews online, we can all agree that Reneé Rapp as Regina George was an absolute slay. With this costume, you’re technically paying homage to two icons, and you’ll have a spectacular soundtrack for your night.
19. Anxiety from Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 may technically be a kids’ movie, but the emotions running amok in Riley’s head resonate with all audiences in a big way. If the addition of Anxiety in the sequel made you feel seen, channel this emotion for a fun and quirky Halloween costume idea.
20. Emma from One Day
In February, we all had our hearts absolutely shattered after watching One Day on Netflix. There’s nothing like a tear-jerking romance to make you fall head over heels with a show. Going as Emma from One Day is an easy costume that isn’t too basic, and you may even be able to use some things already in your closet.
21. Harley Quinn from Joker: Folie à Deux
Lady Gaga can do no wrong in my eyes, and even though the movie may not be out yet, I know she will be fantastic as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux. Harley Quinn is always a trending costume when a new film featuring the character comes out, so this Halloween costume idea is a no-brainer for 2024.
22. Maxine from Palm Royale
Palm Royale was a fan favorite this year, thanks to Kristen Wiig’s late-’60s onscreen style. If you spent the whole show dreaming of rocking these looks yourself like I did, this is the perfect costume for you.
23. Carrie from Sex And The City
Thanks to Netflix adding Sex and the City to its catalog, we’ve experienced a SATC resurgence this year, bringing our favorite foursome back into the spotlight. Even more than 25 years later, the show’s title sequence is just as iconic as when it first aired. Whether you’re a Carrie hater or feel like you’re watching yourself on screen, we can all agree that her fabulous style makes for the perfect costume.
24. Jojo Siwa’s rebrand
Jojo Siwa made it her mission to shed her family-friendly Nickelodeon star persona this year, resulting in one of the best meme moments of 2024. Trade your bows and bright colors for some KISS-esque makeup and learn the Karma dance for the full Jojo experience.
25. Ilona Maher
Another star athlete who won all of our hearts during the Olympic Games (and on TikTok) is Ilona Maher. She helped snag the bronze medal in rugby for Team USA while rocking her signature red lip. Even if you’re not a rugby player yourself, you can easily channel her look with a few key pieces and a coat of matte lipstick.
26. Maxine Minx from MaXXXine
You may remember a couple of years ago when everyone rocked Mia Goth’s character from Pearl as their Halloween costume. This past summer, the actress returned to the big screen with a new installment in the X franchise, so we can only assume this look is going to be equally popular.
27. Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Finale
Receipts! Proof! Timelines! Screenshots! The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City finale was peak reality television and arguably the best Bravo TV moment since Scandoval. There’s nothing like four women in full glam on the beach uncovering their castmate as an Instagram troll. Apply your smoky eye, throw on a floor-length gown, and make sure you have all the receipts for this costume.
28. Princess Irulan from Dune: Part Two
Every time Florence Pugh graces our screens, she immediately provides the best Halloween costume ideas, and Dune: Part Two is no different. Her role as Princess Irulan is an edgy costume option for anyone looking to tap into their Sci-Fi side this year.
29. Mabel Mora from Only Murders in the Building
Everyone’s favorite crime-solving trio is back with another season of Only Murders in the Building this fall, but I’m still obsessed with this Mabel Mora look from season one. Even if your besties aren’t men over the age of 70, this is still an amazing costume choice with pieces you’ll likely wear again after Halloween.
30. Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse is such a recognizable costume, and channeling the singer’s energy is especially timely given that her biopic film was released in 2024. Combine her signature hairstyle, a pin-up dress, a statement necklace, and classic winged eyeliner to capture her unforgettable style.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.