Inspirations from the best of 2021 popular culture

If you haven’t already locked in your Halloween costume and are desperate for ideas, don’t resort to dressing up like a generic ghost or the undead version of yourself come this October 31. You’re better than that. Here are some last-minute costume ideas based on a few prominent celebrity or pop culture moments of 2021. 

1/7 Cruella

One of the highest anticipated blockbuster releases in 2021, Disney’s reimagined Cruella de Vil takes a younger, punk rock turn from the Glen Close or 1960s animated version we were used to. Whether or not you appreciated the new origin story, you have to admit that Emma Stone and her many, many couture looks in Cruella simply beckon to be recreated. Start with a half-white, half-black short curly wig and some clownish pale makeup (pale skin, bright red lips and dark eyes and eyebrows). Then just pick a Vivienne Westwood frock from the closet!

2/7 Squid Game

We don’t really have a choice… or do we? Squid Game is without a doubt going to be this Halloween’s most popular costume and can we blame it? At the very least, if you go down this path, you will have a few options to choose from. You could be a drowning-in-debt player; a pink jumpsuit, mask-wearing, weapon-welding guard; the mysterious Front Man; the creepy “red light, green light” doll; or the unsettling masked VIPs. With an ensemble cast, this Halloween costume theme is perfect for families or groups. 

3/7 Girl From Nowhere

Before Squid Game, earlier this year, we were all quite obsessed with a similarly sadistic Thai Netflix series, Girl From Nowhere. The release of season 2 in 2021 rekindled fans’ infatuation with the enigmatic title character, Nanno, played by our darling Chicha “Kitty” Amatayakul. To become Nanno, all you really need is a dime-a-dozen straight, black, bob wig with bangs and to somehow fit into your old school uniform. Good luck and don’t forget to practice that cheeky grin that evitably turns into one obnoxiously sinister, mic-blowing laugh. 

4/7 James Bond or Bond Girl

It’s the end of a James Bond era with No Time To Die, which was finally released earlier this month. If you’re a fan of Daniel Craig’s version of 007, there’s a lot to study up for this costume. First of all, are you going to be tuxedo James Bond, fishing in Jamaica Bond, garage Bond, romantic Matera Bond, helicopter Bond? It’s imperative to decide. For women, Bond girl Ana de Armas is probably the obvious choice, though some may prefer to portray Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch or Naomie Harris’ supporting characters. Who am I to say?

5/7 Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s 2021’s most wholesome celebrity couple: Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. Recently profiled in British GQ, the couple are absolutely giddy about each other and, at (all) times, unhinged. To become Megan, all you need is a long black wing and nothing else. For MGK, find a glittering red or white suit and try to look three meters tall. 

6/7 Kim Kardashian at the 2021 Met Gala

One of the most haunting looks of 2021 pop culture was Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala outfit. While we’ll wonder forever how this dementor-esque look fit the gala’s American theme, it’s perfect for Halloween. To achieve this look, find your black Balenciaga sock heels, the best blackout curtains you can find, and thick black tights that you can fit your entire body into, including your head. Let your black ponytail breathe and don’t forget to do your makeup under the whole thing, as Kim did. 

7/7 Lalisa

Do you already have that Thai headdress and Lalisa’s dance moves nailed down to a T? Then why are you making things difficult for yourself this Halloween? That one solo music video of hers offers at least 10 highly recognizable looks, including the golden Asava dress, the black pantsuit and those Ponystone denim shorts. Then all you would need is the famous Lalisa hairstyle and attitude. Drag along three more friends to become the BlackPink ensemble, but don’t let them steal the spotlight away from you.