We are officially in the thick of spooky season. Soon enough, a relentless cycle of high-profile celebrity Halloween costumes will flood our feeds, offering endless inspiration for next year and challenging us to commit to going all out. Although the fluctuating autumn temperatures have left many of us with a lingering sense of seasonal confusion, a quiet stroll through a Brooklyn neighborhood tells a different story. The brownstones decorated intricately with sprawling spider webs, artfully carved pumpkins, and spooky touches galore serve to ground us firmly in reality. The inescapable reality is that the month of October has seemingly sped by in a blur; Halloween is now only a few weeks away, and it is officially time to get our acts together and pull our costumes together.
Naturally, as the pressure mounts, many of us are turning directly toward the rich archives of film and television for inspiration, prompting the perennial question: what are some iconic on-screen looks that have stood the test of time and will continue to resonate? While there are plenty of obvious choices culled from fan-favorite 1990s cinema, there is also ample room for a few niche references—such as Shoshanna Shapiro making a memorable entrance in one specific scene from an episode of the HBO series Girls. Looking to both silver screen classics and television milestones, here are the film- and TV-inspired Halloween costumes well worth considering this spooky season.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
For those seeking the absolute cutest, most perfect, and definitively 1990s way to execute a matching costume with a best friend, few cinematic pairings rival Romy and Michele. The film’s signature pink and blue metallic minidresses capture a hyper-specific brand of late-century optimism and fashion-forward delusion. Recreating this iconic duo requires leaning heavily into the metallic sheen, towering platform heels, voluminous blowouts, and a heavy dose of deadpan confidence as you and your counterpart navigate any Halloween gathering with the energy of two women returning to Tucson to prove how successful you have become.
Drew Barrymore in Scream
Wes Craven’s 1995 masterclass in meta-horror redefined the slasher genre, starting with its unforgettable opening sequence featuring Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker. The character’s tragic fate is etched into horror history, but her casual-yet-classic outfit has proven equally enduring. Pulling off this look requires minimal effort while yielding maximum recognition: all you truly need is a beige V-neck sweater, a pair of lilac pants, and a blonde bob wig featuring blunt bangs. Extra points are easily earned if you commit to the bit by carrying around a prop retro landline phone or a lightweight kitchen knife to complete the harrowing cinematic tableau.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age masterpiece offers a deeply relatable portrait of teenage yearning, set against the backdrop of Sacramento in the early 2000s. While the film’s wardrobe is grounded in everyday adolescent realism, its most visually striking and humorous accessory is the bright pink cast worn by its titular protagonist. Incorporating this vibrant orthopedic accessory into your Halloween look is not just a clever nod to a modern cinematic gem—it is essential. Paired with a simple plaid Catholic schoolgirl skirt or a cozy knit sweater, the cast immediately signals the film’s distinctive brand of earnest, messy youth.
Rosemary’s Baby
Stepping into the psychological depths of Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic provides the perfect excuse to invest in a luxurious nightgown or a flowing vintage robe. As Rosemary Woodhouse, Mia Farrow delivers a masterclass in mid-century psychological horror, her wardrobe shifting from bright innocence to harrowing vulnerability against the backdrop of the ominous Bramford building. Donning a delicate, lace-trimmed nightgown alongside a pixie-cut wig and a pale, haunted expression allows you to pay direct homage to one of the greatest and most visually stylish horror films of all time while prioritizing absolute comfort for a long night of festivities.
Penny Lane in Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film serves as a loving, technicolor homage to the 1970s rock-and-roll counterculture, anchored entirely by Kate Hudson’s unforgettable portrayal of Band-Aid Penny Lane. It is a wardrobe lover’s dream that pulls together the absolute best elements of bohemian decadence. Flared denim pants, oversized fur-trimmed shearling coats, intricate crochet tops, tinted sunglasses, and feathered hair accessories combine to create an outfit that feels both timelessly chic and effortlessly cool. It remains a go-to choice for anyone looking to channel an era of effortless rock royalty during the crisp autumn air.
Log Lady in Twin Peaks
David Lynch’s surreal television phenomenon Twin Peaks remains a masterclass in mood, layering, pattern clashing, and distinctive regional cold-weather dressing. Among the show’s eccentric residents, the beloved Log Lady—Margaret Lanterman—stands out as an icon of deadpan mystery. Channeling her involves embracing sensible, slightly dated Pacific Northwest layering: a plaid or patterned button-down shirt, a sturdy cardigan, practical skirts, glasses, and, most importantly, a carefully selected piece of lumber cradled in your arms. It is a niche, deeply revered television reference that is bound to be appreciated by fellow cinephiles.
Shoshanna Shapiro in Girls
For those willing to venture past traditional horror and cinematic heavy-hitters into the realm of prestige television comedy, Shoshanna Shapiro provides a masterclass in sartorial over-commitment. Her appearance at a dinner party in the HBO series Girls, where she shows up completely overdressed and resembling a meticulously polished 1950s housewife in a full vintage-style dress with her hair pinned into elaborate retro rolls, remains an iconic television moment. Recreating this look offers a brilliant opportunity to lean into voluminous skirts, pristine pearls, and wide-eyed optimism, proving that sometimes the best Halloween costume is simply the one that makes you look entirely out of place in the best way possible.
