We find ourselves once again in the thick of spooky season, a time of year when the crisp autumn air brings with it the unmistakable anticipation of October 31. Soon enough, a relentless slew of celebrity Halloween costumes will flood our feeds, offering endless inspiration for next year and challenging us to commit to going all out. Although fluctuating autumn temperatures have left many of us grappling with a bit of seasonal confusion, a simple stroll through neighborhoods like Brooklyn, where historic brownstones are currently draped in elaborate spider webs, glowing pumpkins, and spooky touches galore, serves to ground us firmly in reality.
The undeniable reality is that we have seemingly sped through the month of October at breakneck speed. With Halloween now only a few weeks away, the collective societal panic has set in, signaling that it is finally time to get our acts together and pull our costumes together before time runs out.
Naturally, as the clock ticks down, many are turning their attention toward film and television for inspiration, asking a fundamental question: What are some of the most iconic on-screen looks that have stood, and will continue to stand, the test of time? While there are plenty of obvious, crowd-pleasing choices to pull from fan-favorite ’90s films that never fail to draw recognition, there is also plenty of room for those seeking something a bit more niche—such as Shoshanna Shapiro making an unforgettable entrance in one specific scene during an episode of the HBO series Girls, for example.
Looking to the screen for cultural touchstones offers an endless playground for fashion enthusiasts and casual partygoers alike. Below is a closer look at the film and television-inspired Halloween costume ideas worth considering this spooky season, drawing on a rich cinematic history of memorable wardrobe choices.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
For those planning to coordinate with a trusted confidante, channeling Romy White and Michele Weinberger remains the cutest, most perfect, and undeniably most ’90s way of executing matching costumes with your best friend. The dynamic duo, immortalized by Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow in the 1997 cult classic, defined an era of unapologetic friendship and unforgettable style.
Recreating their signature look is all about leaning into high-shine metallics, voluminous hair, and miniature-scale dresses that capture the essence of late-90s optimism. Whether opting for Romy’s metallic pink shift dress or Michele’s shimmering blue counterpart, alongside chunky platform heels and oversized cell phone props, this pairing guarantees immediate recognition and effortless style at any Halloween gathering. It serves as an ultimate homage to two lovable dreamers who march to the beat of their own drum, proving that true style requires nothing more than confidence and a partner in crime.
Drew Barrymore in Scream
Stepping into the psychological thrills of the late twentieth century, Drew Barrymore’s iconic opening sequence in Wes Craven’s 1997 masterpiece Scream offers a costume that is as simple to assemble as it is deeply unsettling. Playing the ill-fated Casey Becker, Barrymore established a cinematic archetype while wearing an outfit that has quietly endured in pop culture memory.
To pull off this memorable look, all one truly needs is a classic beige V-neck sweater, a pair of relaxed lilac pants, and a blonde bob wig complete with sharp bangs. The ensemble is remarkably straightforward for a last-minute costume, yet it carries immense cinematic weight. For those looking to fully commit to the bit, extra points can be earned by carrying around a prop retro landline phone, a kitchen knife, or both, immediately bringing to mind the suspenseful tension of answering a call about scary movies.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed coming-of-age film Lady Bird captured the turbulent, humorous, and deeply tender realities of teenage rebellion in Sacramento. Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of the fiercely independent Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson delivered numerous memorable moments, but perhaps none quite as visually distinct as her encounters with the high school nursing staff and her peers while sporting a very specific medical accessory.
When assembling a Lady Bird costume, one must not forget the bright pink cast. It is an absolutely essential component of the look. Paired with a casual plaid shirt or a simple sweater, dyed hair, and a rebellious teenage attitude, the cast serves as the immediate visual anchor that tells the entire room exactly who you are portraying. It is an understated, deeply relatable costume choice for film buffs who appreciate character-driven indie cinema.
Rosemary’s Baby
For those who lean toward psychological horror with a heavy dose of mid-century sartorial elegance, channeling Mia Farrow in Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic Rosemary’s Baby offers the perfect atmospheric vibe. The film not only remains one of the greatest horror films of all time, but it also serves as a masterclass in 1960s maternity fashion and minimalist chic.
Opting for this look provides the ultimate, guilt-free excuse to invest in a luxurious nightgown or a flowing vintage robe. Combined with a pixie haircut—whether natural or achieved via a wig—and a pale, wide-eyed expression, the costume captures the eerie, claustrophobic dread of the legendary thriller while maintaining an effortless, high-fashion aesthetic that stands distinct among the typical ghouls and goblins of Halloween night.
Penny Lane in Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film Almost Famous acts as a loving cinematic homage to the bohemian counterculture of the 1970s, filtered through a distinct ’90s lens. At the center of this aesthetic is the unforgettable Penny Lane, played by Kate Hudson, whose wardrobe has inspired generations of boho-chic revivals.
Bringing Penny Lane to life for Halloween means embracing the absolute peak of 1970s rock-and-roll glamour. Think heavily flared trousers, dramatic fur-trimmed coats, intricate crochet tops, oversized sunglasses, and a carefree, festival-ready attitude. It is a costume that practically begs for sensory richness, allowing wearers to play with rich textures, faux fur, suede, and vintage accessories that celebrate the golden age of music journalism and groupie culture.
Log Lady in Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s surreal television phenomenon Twin Peaks remains a masterclass in atmospheric mystery, layering, pattern clashing, and ’90s cold-weather dressing. Among the quirky residents of the logging town, Margaret Lanterman—universally known as the Log Lady—stands out as one of the most memorable and enigmatic figures in television history.
Portraying the Log Lady requires a thoughtful approach to cozy outerwear and eccentric textures, incorporating patterned knit sweaters, sensible skirts, and thick glasses. Naturally, the outfit is entirely incomplete without its most crucial co-star: a carefully selected log cradled under one’s arm. It is a brilliant, conversation-starting costume for television aficionados who appreciate the eccentric, surreal corners of cult-classic programming.
Shoshanna Shapiro in Girls
Rounding out the tour of memorable screen icons is a moment of pure comedic brilliance from HBO’s Girls. Shoshanna Shapiro, played by Zosia Mamet, was known for her rapid-fire dialogue and evolving sense of self, but nothing quite compares to the sartorial choices she made when attending high-society gatherings out of her depth.
Shoshanna showing up to a dinner party completely overdressed and resembling a 1950s housewife will always remain iconic. Recreating this look involves leaning heavily into vintage-inspired ballgown silhouettes, elaborate updos, and an air of bewildered optimism. It is a wonderfully niche choice that rewards those who spent the 2010s tracking every misstep and triumph of the show’s polarizing New York quartet, proving that sometimes the best Halloween costumes come from the most unexpectedly formal television moments.
