Wednesday Addams
All you need to channel Wednesday Addams: a black dress (preferably with a sharp collar that you can also DIY), dark hair (or a black wig) worn in two braids, dark nail polish, and a big ole scowl.
2Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen
Disney's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is one of the most iconic movies of the early aughts. DIY a Coca-Cola necklace with some bottle caps and pull out your old fishnets.
3The Princess Diaries
You probably saw everyone on Halloween last year channeling Hailey Bieber à la The Princess Diaries, but that's because it's literally the easiest, quickest costume ever. Grab some '90s sunnies, headphones, a tiara, and a lil white dress—most of which you probably already have in your closet.
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4Captain Underpants
This costume might only consist of a pair of boxer briefs and a cape, but anyone who was a fan of Captain Underpants would get it right away. Don't have a red cape? Use a red blanket or towel instead.
5Elvira Hancock from Scarface
Idk what's more iconic, Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface or Olivia Rodrigo channeling Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. Any blue dress will work, but you'll def need a short blonde wig with bangs to pull it all together.
6Barbie
2016 Beyoncè was ahead of the game. What makes a Barbie costume so great is that there are literally so many options to choose from. Running late? Head-to-toe pink (that's most likely already in your closet) will do the trick.
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7RuPaul
Winnie Harlow as RuPaul is *chef's kiss*. You'll absolutely need a platinum blonde wig, but the real secret to getting this costume right is to perfect RuPaul's fabulous drag makeup.
8Black Swan
Looking for a costume for you and your BFF? Natalie Portman's Black Swan gives you a two-for-one-deal. Really, the only thing you need to buy is a black or white tutu, then use a simple black or white bodysuit to tie together the rest of the costume.
9Alexis Rose from Schitt's Creek
Dressing up as Alexis Rose is easy—statement gold jewelry, floppy hats, and a boho-esque dress'll do it. Oh, and don't forget to always be texting and hollering for "David!!"
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10Napoleon Dynamite
Funny Halloween costumes are the best Halloween costumes, IMO. Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro Sánchez are the most iconic duo there is. This BFF costume is super easy to recreate. For Pedro, draw on some mustache whiskers and wear a button-up shirt with a bolo tie. For Napoleon, the classic glasses, curly wig, and "Vote for Pedro" shirt will do the trick.
11Carrie Bradshaw 2.0
You could always don a tulle skirt to channel Carrie's OG Sex and The City look, but the most lol-worthy moment from the sequel series can come together in a snap: blue cardigan, long gingham dress, rubber gloves, and handkerchief around the face. You probably already have the big sunglasses, tbh.
12Anna Wintour
Anything tweed will work for an Anna Wintour costume. But the most important part: big sunglasses and a blunt bob wig.
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13Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes
You can always go in the all-black, red lipstick look that Holmes was known for. But if you wanna pull off a more subtle reference, pick one of the early college outfits Amanda's rocking in The Dropout (hello, '90s rust-colored sweater and striped Oxford!) and then practice randomly lowering your voice while you pitch your big "idea."
14Sandy from Grease
An all-black 'fit with red shoes and lipstick makes this such an easy costume (and a lovely tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John). But curl your hair and don't forget about the leather jacket, of course.
15A Goth
Wear all black everything (even lipstick) to pull off this costume. Statement jewelry, fishnet tights, and heavy eyeliner are key.
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16Little Women
Cottagecore has been a trend for a few years now, so all you'll need for this is that nap or prairie dress you already have in your closet. Add a straw hat and lace-up shoes, and you'll look like you could pen a novel. This also works as a fun group costume too!
17Little Red Riding Hood
Conversely, wear all red pleather and don a cape to seem like you came straight out of this classic tale. A picnic basket for grandma helps seal the deal.
18Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire
Kendall Jenner wore this leather corset to become Pamela Anderson in the flick Barb Wire, and you can also recreate the cinematic costume with a bustier, fishnet tights, and gloves. (And a barbed wire temporary tattoo.)
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19Beyonce in the "Single Ladies" Music Video
Yes, this music video is a throwback, but it's so recognizable! Grab a black leotard, ankle strap heels, and bust out your solid dance moves, obvi.
20Edna Mode in Incredibles 2
Edna has so many iconic lines in The Incredibles movies, and her look is super simple to copy. The short black wig and big round glasses really sell it.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.
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