Halloween is only a few days away, which means it’s time to settle on a costume—and, of course, the glam to go with it. Whether you want to channel a movie character, recreate an unforgettable look, or turn a pop culture obsession into something of your own, 2026 has given us plenty to work with. From hit films to music’s biggest names, here are the pop culture moments to raid for your Halloween costume.
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Freaky Nikki
Obsession’s Freaky Nikki has already become one of the year’s most recognizable looks to recreate, especially for anyone who wants their Halloween costume to come with a little gore. Take inspiration from her first date with the taupe off-shoulder look, or go all in on her unforgettable party ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary: a red zebra-print halter, micro leather shorts, and, of course, a little fake blood. Add some red face paint around the hairline for an extra gruesome touch, and you’ve got a costume that feels equal parts glam and freaky.
@peacock Tough crowd… #Obsession is streaming on Peacock. #IndeNavarrette #MichaelJohnston #MeganLawless #CooperTomlinson ♬ Peacock_Obsession_DealWithIt – Peacock
The Odyssey
If you’d rather spend Halloween looking like a goddess than a ghoul, The Odyssey offers plenty of inspiration. Choose your muse: Circe, Calypso, Athena, or even Penelope. Channel Penelope with a flowing blue dress and regal details, or take a more minimalist approach with a cream ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary and pared-back makeup for an Athena-inspired look. And if anyone asks for advice, just remember: you’re a Greek goddess now. Wisdom is part of the costume.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love has more than a soundtrack to offer—it comes with an entire look. Since the album’s release, the singer has leaned into sweet, retro-inspired babydoll dresses that make for an easy Halloween costume without requiring a head-to-toe replica. Try a red dress with a white collar to echo the album art, or go for a pink, floral number inspired by her concert looks. Finish with soft glam, and suddenly your sweetest dress has a pop-star twist.
Forgotten Island
Dreamworks’ Forgotten Island has gained so much traction since its announcement of cast, especially with the Philippines leading its success. Naturally, it only makes sense for fans to dress as Jo, Raisa, perhaps even its creatures—Bungi, Manananggal (if they can), and maybe the Duwendes. With Forgotten Island, it’s all about creativity—and that’s the fun of Halloween costumes.
X-Men
Sadie Sink’s reveal at the latest Spider-Man film has certainly opened up the X-Men universe, and with that, several possibilities for Halloween. Dress as Jean Grey—a Sadie Sink take or straight from the comics, Storm, Rogue, or whoever. Either way, it’s an exciting way to drum up the hype for X-Men.
Raid your closet, add a little makeup, and let pop culture do the rest—because the best Halloween costumes are the ones that feel just as fun to wear as they are to recognize.
Featured Image and Photos: OLIVIA RODRIGO (via Instagram), IMDB (via Website), UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Frequently Asked Questions
Recreate Freaky Nikki’s first-date look with a taupe off-shoulder outfit, or go bolder with her party ensemble: a red zebra-print halter, micro leather shorts, fake blood, and red face paint around the hairline.
Draw from her “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” era with a retro-inspired babydoll dress — a red dress with a white collar for the album art, or a pink floral dress inspired by her concert looks, finished with soft glam.
You can dress as Jo, Raissa, or the film’s creatures, including Bungi, the Manananggal, or the Duwendes, from DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island.
Jean Grey, Storm, and Rogue are suggested X-Men costume ideas, with added relevance following Sadie Sink’s reveal in the latest Spider-Man film, which reopened interest in the X-Men universe.
Suggested looks include Penelope in a flowing blue dress with regal details, and Athena in a minimalist cream ensemble with pared-back makeup, among other Odyssey-inspired goddess options like Circe and Calypso.
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