Time flies and the next thing you know, Halloween is only a day away.
If you have majorly procrastinated on your costume, never fear. Pop culture has your back as it contains a treasure trove of ideas, many of which you can pull off with items from your own closet. From movies to sports to zoo animals, here are seven simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing while the deadline looms oh so close.
Anxiety from ‘Inside Out 2’
Audiences were transported back into the mind of Riley Andersen in this 2024 Pixar film. Because she’s now 13 years old, new, more complex emotions were introduced. One of these was Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke.
Don’t be apprehensive about this costume. Simply pair an orange striped shirt with brown pants and boots. Bows, ribbons, or even pipe cleaners can be used for the crazy hairdo.
Ms Rachel
Chances are, you have heard this name if you have any tiny humans in your life under the age of 5. The popular YouTube series “Songs for Littles” has been giving tired parents a much-needed break since 2019. As an added bonus, these young fans pick up some language skills while streaming.
To dress up as this toddler icon, all you need is a pair of overalls, a pink T-shirt, and a pink headband. Bonus points if you learn some of her jams, such as “I’m So Happy.”
THAT French pole vaulter
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris displayed amazing feats of athleticism and sportsmanship. The games both renewed foreign relations and fostered a deep sense of patriotism. It also gave spectators so many funny moments and memes. There was Snoop Dogg, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, and the unknown hero nicknamed “Bob the Cap Catcher.”
If you don’t want to don a speedo, consider another form of spandex.
French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati might not have taken home a medal, but he made quite the impression. In the qualifying event, it appeared as if his giant bulge knocked down the crossbar.
To pay homage to this viral Olympic moment, all you need is a blue spandex one-piece and a pair of socks for stuffing. Voilà, you’re ready for all the costume parties.
Carmy from ‘The Bear’
Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant can appreciate the high attention to detail this FX series displays. It tells the story of Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto’s homecoming to Chicago and his quest to create a high-end restaurant out of his dead brother’s former eatery. Jeremy Allen White sizzles in this leading role.
All you need to pull off this culinary costume is a white T-shirt, a blue apron, and a whole lot of anxiety. If you have extra time, apply multiple temporary tattoos. Don’t be surprised if people verbally affirm your every request with “yes, chef.”
Noah from ‘Nobody Wants This’
This romantic comedy series on Netflix proves that even spiritual leaders can be sexy. The plot centers on the budding romance between an agnostic sex podcaster named Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, and a liberal rabbi named Noah, played by Adam Brody. Can their undeniable chemistry overcome their different world views? That’s a season two question.
For Halloween purposes, dress up as the hot rabbi by re-creating his look from the scene where he unexpectedly met Joanne’s parents. You will need a gray hoodie, gym shorts, and a checkered sport coat. Make sure to accessorize with sunflowers in a Prego jar.
One of the star rookies from the WNBA
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Indian Fever’s Caitlin Clark may be two of the most familiar names in basketball this year, but WNBA’s record-breaking 2024 season offers no shortage of standout rookies to choose from. (Here’s a list of seven from ESPN to get you started.) All you need is you favorite player’s jersey and assortment of fan gear to get you started.
Moo Deng
This adorable pygmy hippopotamus took the internet by storm in 2024 with her feisty antics. She gives her keeper a hard time with gummy bites and loves a good hose bath. While the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand is home, her fan base is worldwide.
The simplest way to dress up as this beloved zoo animal would be to rock a comfy hippo onesie. Expedited shipping is your friend in a time crunch. If that’s off the table, wear a gray jogger set or dress with a name tag to help out those not in the know. Accessorize with a hose.