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Still don’t know what you’re dressing as for Halloween? Thankfully, 2026 has done most of the brainstorming for you. Between viral music moments, buzzy TV shows and movie characters that have taken on lives of their own online, there’s plenty of inspiration for a costume people will actually recognize. Better yet, some of the funniest options require surprisingly little effort.
Take Pitbull. Add a bald cap, aviator sunglasses and a suit, and suddenly you’re Mr. Worldwide. Charli xcx is similarly achievable: a white tank, dark sunglasses and intentionally messy hair can turn your closet into a Brat-inspired costume in minutes.
For those willing to get a little weirder, there’s always the Bad Bunny shrub. The greenery from the Puerto Rican superstar’s Super Bowl performance became memorable enough to inspire a Halloween look of its own, and it also happens to make a pretty great group costume.
This year’s TV and movie obsessions offer plenty of options, too. Heated Rivalry fans can suit up as hockey star Shane Hollander, while horror fans can pull inspiration from Nikki, Inde Navarrette’s character in Obsession. Both are especially good choices for anyone who wants something more specific than your standard celebrity costume. Of course, Halloween is less about getting every detail exactly right and more about picking the details everyone remembers. Sometimes that means recreating an entire outfit. Other times, apparently, all you need is a bald cap.
Best Celebrity Halloween Costume Ideas
From musicians and viral moments to the characters everyone couldn’t stop talking about, shop Billboard’s picks for some of the best pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes to recreate in 2026.
BEST ALBUM COVER COSTUME
Olivia Rodrigo
Allegra K Contrast Peter Pan Collar A-line Dress
Rodrigo’s third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, gives fans a fresh 2026 costume idea. Recreate the cover look and carry a mock vinyl sleeve to make the reference instantly recognizable.
BEST ONE-AND-DONE COSTUME
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance Shrub
Adult Super Bowl Grass Costume
Who knew shrubbery would become one of the year’s most recognizable music moments? Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl greenery is now a Halloween costume of its own, and you don’t even have to DIY it: The leafy look is available for preorder now, making it an especially funny pick for a group willing to fully commit to the bit.
EASY TO RECREATE
Taylor Swift at the Knicks Game
Etsy Stevie Knicks Taylor Basketball Shirt
If your ideal Halloween costume requires more internet knowledge than actual effort, you’ve found it. Recreate Swift and her crew’s matching Stevie Nicks tees and let the reference do the rest.
BEST LAST MINUTE COSTUME
Pitbull Bald Cap & Accessories
Morticia 6 PCS Bald Cap Halloween Costume Set
Pitbull fans have been turning up to his concerts in bald caps, making the Mr. Worldwide look a viral costume before Halloween even started. This kit has the bald cap, aviators, tie and facial hair covered.
MOST VIRAL COSTUME
Freaky Nikki from ‘Obsession’
Generic Red Zebra Mesh Halter Top
There’s no backward walking required to dress like Nikki from Obsession. Her red-and-black zebra halter, black bottoms and gold jewelry do most of the work, though a Wishing Willow and a little fake blood certainly won’t hurt.
BEST CELEBRITY COSTUME
Dolly Parton
Country Singer Women’s Costume
When it comes to dressing like Dolly Parton, more is more. Think sky-high blonde hair, rhinestones, dramatic lashes and enough fringe to make sure nobody has to ask who you are.
CUTE & SIMPLE
Sabrina Carpenter ‘Short n’ Sweet’ Album Era
OYOANGLE Mesh Lace Sheer Babydoll Lingerie Set
Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet costumes are surprisingly easy to riff on at home. Start with this ruffled pink babydoll, add rhinestone stockings and platforms, then go big on the blonde curls.
SEXY & CHIC
Charlie xcx
Liksmu Rimless Y2K Sunglasses
The Brat uniform doesn’t require much: tiny top, messy hair and wraparound sunglasses that look ready for a 3 a.m. club exit. These Y2K shades nail the latter for an easy Charli xcx costume.
BEST GROUP HALLOWEEN COSTUME
Huntr/x in ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’
Adult Rumi Costume
Being a pop star apparently isn’t enough when there are demons to hunt. Recreate Rumi, Mira and Zoey’s HUNTR/X looks with officially licensed costumes or DIY your own take on the trio’s colorful stagewear.
BEST COUPLES COSTUME
Ilya and Shane in ‘Heated Rivalry’
Shane Hollander Hockey Jersey
Your couples costume just got competitive. Channel Ilya and Shane with rival hockey jerseys, or dig into Heated Rivalry for an off-ice look only the most devoted fans will clock.
