The Best Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For 2026
From Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show to Gabbriette’s wedding looks.
Halloween is creeping up, and if your costume inspiration is looking a little scarier than your actual plans, fear not. With pop culture serving up an endless supply of meme-worthy moments, internet obsessions and main-character energy this year, there’s no shortage of looks to pull from. Whether you’re channelling Nikki from Obsession, recreating Bad Bunny’s viral Super Bowl halftime show bushes or committing to the bit with a Pitbull bald cap, the best costumes are the ones that get people talking (and have a bit of fun).
For the fashion girlies, think Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love album cover dress, Naomi Osaka’s on-court looks or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s effortlessly ’90s wardrobe (as seen in Love Story). Meanwhile, Heated Rivalry fans, Wuthering Heights obsessives and anyone still thinking about The Drama have their own fictional worlds to raid. From football’s finest to celebrity wedding lore, consider this your ultimate guide to the pop culture costumes worth adding to your list this Halloween.
Nikki from Obsession
One of our favorite scream queens of the year, Nikki from Obsession makes for the perfect mix of scary and hot for your costume this year. Plus, you can actually buy the character’s exact top from Princess Polly.
The bushes from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
If you want to get a little weird and super niche, the bushes at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show should top your list. The dancers in the shrubs went viral after the performance and will absolutely get you a laugh or two on the night.
Erling Haaland
This year’s football superstar was Erling Haaland, winning over both fans of the sport and total newbies during the FIFA World Cup. All you need is a slick-back blonde ponytail and a Norway football shirt to pull this one off.
Athena from The Odyssey
Zendaya’s Athena in The Odyssey is a low-maintenance yet high-impact option. Grab yourself some white cloth to wrap yourself and your hair in, and you’re sure to be recognized by anyone who’s watched the film.
Olivia Rodrigo’s album cover You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love
Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, gives fans a fresh costume idea for this Halloween. You can recreate the album cover with a pink dress and even carry a vinyl sleeve to make the reference instantly obvious.
Taylor Swift Knicks Game t-shirt
If you’re a Taylor Swift fan or simply looking for something pretty niche, look no further. Channel the energy of the Knicks’ FROW with A-listers wearing the playful, pun-printed tees.
Pitbull Bald Cap
Pitbull’s concerts have recently become huge bald cap conventions, with fans all donning the artist’s signature look with a white shirt, tie and black sunglasses. This one’s ideal for a last-minute outfit.
Dolly Parton
Paying tribute to one of music’s most enduring icons, Dolly Parton, will be huge this year. Get yourself a bouncy blonde wig, and scroll through her endless looks from across the years for some glitzy inspo.
Charlie and Emma from The Drama
This is the perfect couples costume to reference this year. Slightly creepy, very simple and you’ve got options. We’d suggest the slightly bruised and bloody looks from post-wedding, but you can also opt for the earlier scenes when things still seem more normal, if you’re looking to keep things chill.
Gabbriette’s Wedding Looks
Gabbriette’s wedding with Matty Healy had so many amazing gothic looks to pull from, perfect for a spooky yet pop-culture-related costume. While you may not be able to cop something from Matières Fécales, there’s a good chance you can recreate this in a more affordable way.
Carolyn Bassette Kennedy in Love Story
We’ve all been obsessed with Ryan Murphy’s show Love Story this year, especially the fashion moments. Whether you’re looking for a couples costume or simply want to whip out your chicest ’90s staples, this one’s for you.
Cathy and Isabella from Wuthering Heights
While the film was definitely met with mixed reviews, one thing people could agree on was that the costumes were impeccable. From Cathy’s flushed cheeks and showstopping gowns to a chained-up Isabella, this one’s a serious contender to be everywhere this year.
Naomi Osaka’s court outfits
Naomi Osaka has become known for her high-fashion fits both on and off the court. This is a great costume to do if you’re into both your designer and sports references.
