Halloween is just around the corner—and if you’re procrastinating on your costume game, the time to brainstorm is now. Fortunately, the world of pop culture is bursting with inspiration, with outfit ideas born of music, television, and film made even more creative when you choose to craft them yourself.
Around $3.3 billion was spent on costumes last year in the United States. Making a DIY pop culture Halloween costume can combat the issue—instead of buying something from Amazon or a Halloween store, you’re using what you already have.
To help further combat that waste, the majority of this year’s favorite pop culture costumes rely primarily on hair and makeup, allowing you to focus on your beauty while building the ensemble from thrifted clothing or pieces that are already in your closet.
From iconic con artists to animated brainiacs, these pop culture Halloween costumes will get you into the seasonal spirit, sustainably.
15 DIY Pop Culture Halloween Costumes
1. Stranger Things
Photo: @strangerthingstvThe gang from Stranger Things gets more iconic every year. Channel the likes of Eddie Munson, Max, Robin, or Eleven with some well-chosen (and strategically styled) items—and the ’80s hair to match.
2. Top Gun: Maverick
Photo: @topgunmovieTop Gun returned in a major way this year, featuring a new guard of pilots and the same era-inspired style. Grab your go-to denim, a fitted white tee, and a bomber jacket, and hit the town.
If you want to take your outfit a little further, dig up (or thrift) some coveralls and go full pilot.
3. Abbott Elementary
Photo: @abbottelemabcCelebrate creator Quinta Brunson’s Emmys win with an outfit inspired by her hilarious show. A handmade lanyard finished with a photo I.D. instantly transforms you into a teacher at Abbott.
4. Euphoria High
Photo: @euphoriaAh, Euphoria. The show that spawned 1,000 beauty looks is easy to honor: Bust out your gems, a shimmering eyeshadow palette, and colored liner and create the boldest makeup look that you can dream up. Own it with confidence—you’ll need it to strut the halls of Euphoria High.
(For extra inspo, look to the work of Donni Davy, the mind behind the makeup.)
5. Wednesday
Photo: @wednesdaynetflixNetflix’s highly anticipated take on The Addams Family centers on Wednesday, as played by Jenna Ortega. Try your hand at Wednesday 2.0 with a duo of plaits and a slightly more stylish interpretation of the character’s original gothic-prep-school chic.
6. Rings of Power
Photo: @lotronprimeThe costumes in Rings of Power are a feast for the eyes. From draped gowns to star-studded chainmail, ethereal glamour abounds.
To recreate the appeal of the elves, opt for an artfully draped and belted piece of silk, or a favored long-sleeved dress finished with ample jewelry (necklaces worn as headpieces are a must here).
7. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Screenshot by Brightly/A24This costume is as simple as an oversized googly eye affixed to the forehead. IYKYK.
8. Catwoman
Screenshot by Brightly/Warner Bros.Have a black beanie, or even a 2016-era knit hat and some black dye? Cut a hole for your eyes and don a black vintage or vegan leather jacket—or a tight black cotton crewneck—and meow, you’re channeling Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman.
9. Do Revenge
Photo: @netflixDo Revenge features fashion and beauty that exist at the juncture of the 1990s and Gen Z. Think preppy and polished hair and clothing, bright colors and patterns, faux feathers and fur, headbands, and hair clips.
Need more visuals? A rewatch will have your aesthetic wheels turning—every character comes with a wealth of memorable looks.
10. Anna Delvey
Screenshot by Brightly/NetflixSome oversized black-framed spectacles and a bored, slightly aggravated expression are all you need to embody con artist Anna Delvey.
11. Harry’s House
Screenshot by Brightly/Harry StylesHarry Styles’ Harry’s House tour has drawn crowds dressed in glitzy Disco-era glamour that echoes the pop star’s own approach. Boas? Yes. Layered scarves? Of course. Anything refractive, oversized sunnies, flared jeans. You get it.
12. Don’t Worry Darling
Screenshot by Brightly/Warner Bros.Another beauty-centric option. Don’t Worry Darling‘s above-neck vibes are based on the likes of Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, and Brigitte Bardot—channel the era accurately through hair and makeup, and practically any outfit will do.
13. Bridgerton
Photo: @bridgertononnetflixThe Regency Era may seem hard to DIY, but these costumes are all about optics.
Just pair the dress of your choice with a piled-high updo festooned with ribbon—and secure a favored pair of earrings—and you’ve welcomed Bridgerton into the 21st century.
14. Barbiecore
Screenshot by Brightly/Warner Bros.Between Valentino’s recent collection (be honest, it’s all over your social feed) and the forthcoming Barbie movie, pink is in. Let your inner Barbie shine with an ode to the color—or just go more-is-more on your accessory game.
15. Velma!
Screenshot by Brightly/Warner Bros. AnimationVelma’s official coming-out party deserves a Halloween homage. Though the colors of her go-to outfit are static, any miniskirt, turtleneck, and boxy glasses will likely get the point across.