We are officially in the thick of spooky season, and before long, a relentless wave of celebrity Halloween costumes will flood our feeds, offering immediate inspiration for next year and challenging us to go all out. Although fluctuating autumn temperatures have left many of us with a bit of seasonal confusion, a simple stroll through any historic neighborhood—like Brooklyn, where brownstones are already draped in intricate spider webs, pumpkins, and spooky touches galore—serves to ground us firmly in reality. The inescapable reality is that October has seemingly flown by at double speed. Halloween is now only a few weeks away, meaning it is officially time to get our acts together and finalize our costume choices.
Naturally, as we scramble for creative direction, our minds turn directly toward film and television. We are left asking a fundamental question of pop culture style: what are some iconic on-screen looks that have stood the test of time and will continue to resonate for years to come? Naturally, there are the obvious, crowd-pleasing choices drawn from beloved 1990s films that never fail to draw recognition at a party. But there is also plenty of room for choices that skew a bit more niche—such as Shoshanna Shapiro appearing in one specific, unforgettable scene in an episode of the HBO series Girls, for example.
Whether you are looking to pay homage to classic cinema, channel an era-defining aesthetic, or simply find an excuse to wear something uniquely comfortable to your next seasonal gathering, the rich tapestry of cinematic and television history offers endless possibilities. Below is a closer look at the film and TV-inspired Halloween costumes worth considering this spooky season, drawing on some of the most memorable character styling in modern media history.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
For those planning to hit the Halloween circuit with a companion, few cinematic pairings offer the same immediate cultural resonance as Romy White and Michele Weinberger. Emulating these quintessential characters provides arguably the cutest, most perfect, and undeniably most ’90s way of executing matching costumes with your best friend.
The appeal of the look lies entirely in its vibrant, unapologetic commitment to late-century fashion excess. Whether you opt for their iconic metallic, color-blocked shift dresses or their equally memorable career-woman business suits complete with oversized blazers and chunky heels, the ensemble immediately communicates a shared sense of humor and nostalgia. It is a brilliant nod to a cult-classic comedy that celebrates enduring friendship, self-reinvention, and the sheer joy of showing up to a major event wearing matching outfits.
Drew Barrymore in Scream
Few opening sequences in horror history have left as permanent a mark on popular culture as the terrifying introduction of Drew Barrymore’s Casey Becker in Wes Craven’s 1992 masterpiece Scream. Beyond the sheer suspense of the scene, Barrymore’s casual suburban attire became an instant classic of casual horror styling.
Recreating this iconic look is deceptively simple, requiring very few specialized pieces. All you truly need is a classic beige V-neck sweater, a pair of relaxed lilac pants, and a blonde bob wig featuring blunt bangs. For those looking to truly commit to the bit, extra points can be earned by carrying around appropriate props, such as a vintage retro corded telephone or a lightweight prop kitchen knife. It is an effortless yet deeply recognizable nod to the golden era of modern slasher films.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed coming-of-age film Lady Bird captured the complicated nuances of teenage angst, high school theater, and mother-daughter relationships in early-2000s Sacramento. At the visual center of the film is Saoirse Ronan’s title character, whose idiosyncratic personal style perfectly mirrors her turbulent transition into young adulthood.
When putting together a costume inspired by the film, there is one visual element that remains completely non-negotiable: the bright pink cast worn on her arm. Paired with her signature dyed red hair, flannel shirts, or casual everyday high school layers, the pink cast serves as an unmistakable, humorous, and deeply endearing identifier for anyone who knows and loves the film.
Rosemary’s Baby
For those who prefer their Halloween inspiration to lean into psychological horror and mid-century aesthetic elegance, Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic Rosemary’s Baby offers a masterclass in atmospheric costuming. Mia Farrow’s portrayal of Rosemary Woodhouse remains one of the most enduring performances in the genre, anchored by a wardrobe that shifts from breezy innocence to haunting isolation.
Emulating Rosemary provides the ultimate, highly fashionable excuse to invest in a luxurious nightgown or a flowing vintage robe. It allows the wearer to lean into a sophisticated, understated gothic aesthetic while simultaneously paying direct homage to one of the greatest and most influential horror films of all time. It is a costume that relies on mood, texture, and cinematic history rather than elaborate theatrical makeup or bulky props.
Penny Lane in Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous captured the intoxicating energy of the 1970s rock-and-roll touring scene, largely through the magnetic presence of Kate Hudson’s character, Penny Lane. Though the film was released in 2000, it serves as a loving, highly detailed homage to the sartorial freedom of the early ’70s.
A Penny Lane-inspired Halloween costume is a dream for vintage enthusiasts. It is characterized by quintessential bohemian elements: dramatic flared pants, opulent fur-trimmed shearling coats, delicate crochet tops, tinted sunglasses, and effortless feathered hair. It is a look that radiates warmth, rock-and-roll mystique, and timeless cool, making it a perennial favorite for costume parties where personal style takes center stage.
Log Lady in Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s landmark television series Twin Peaks remains a towering achievement in surrealist television, renowned for its uncanny atmosphere, eccentric small-town characters, and distinct Pacific Northwest aesthetic. Among its most beloved denizens is Margaret Lanterman, universally known as the Log Lady, who carries a piece of ponderosa pine wood everywhere she goes like a cherished confidante.
The world of Twin Peaks is a masterclass in heavy layering, bold pattern clashing, and iconic ’90s cold-weather dressing, and the Log Lady is certainly no exception. Recreating her look involves rummaging through thrift stores for patterned flannel shirts, knit cardigans, sensible skirts, and glasses—anchored, of course, by the essential prop of a meticulously selected log. It is a niche, clever, and endlessly endearing tribute to one of television’s most delightfully strange icons.
Shoshanna Shapiro in Girls
While many television-inspired costumes lean toward the historic or the fantastical, contemporary comedies can offer moments of sudden, brilliant sartorial absurdity. Case in point: Shoshanna Shapiro, played by Zosia Mamet, making an unexpected appearance in an episode of Lena Dunham’s HBO series Girls.
Shoshanna showing up to a formal dinner party completely overdressed, styled meticulously like a traditional 1950s housewife in a full vintage cocktail dress and elaborate hair, stands as a genuinely iconic television moment. Recreating this specific look allows for a playful exploration of vintage glamour while offering a knowing wink to fans of modern prestige television who appreciate a character who always manages to miss the dress code memo in the most spectacular fashion possible.
