Halloween is the only night of the year when it is socially acceptable to take on an entirely different identity, often more exaggerated, than your own. While some stick to the stereotypical costumes of “sexy” animals or occupations every year, others go outside of the box and make references to the prevailing music, television and movies that distinguished the current year from those prior. Here are five recognizable, pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes that are sure to bring life to every party.
####1. Tonya Harding####
“I, Tonya,” a biopic of Tonya Harding, gained the attention of audiences and the Academy Awards earlier this year. The film told the story of Harding (played by actress Margot Robbie), a famous figure skater who broke records and became a household name before her ex-husband went behind her back to injure her competitor, Nancy Kerrigan, in 1994 – an action that would ban Harding from the U.S. Figure Skating Association for life. Costume depictions of Harding are sure to include a sequined leotard, skater skirt, white boots or sneakers and heavy-handed, ‘80s-style blush. Cruder outfits might also brandish a baton-like weapon.
####2. ”The Handmaid’s Tale”####
Based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” takes place in a dystopian future where mass infertility triggers the control of a biblical extremist government that strips women of their right to work, read or own property. The few remaining fertile women in society are forcibly removed from their families and assigned as handmaids to the ruling elite. The handmaids are ceremoniously raped by their master until they conceive a child for him and his wife. Dressing up as a handmaid this Halloween, in a long scarlet-colored dress with a matching hooded cloak and a white bonnet, can be a powerful statement in response to the current U.S. political environment and recent confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
####3. Kanye West and Lil Pump####
In the viral music video for Kanye West and Lil Pump’s “I Love It,” the pair can be seen wearing outlandish, oversized clothing stretched over box-like forms that make them appear like LEGO figures. The comedic nature of the look paired with the raunchy lyrics of the song caused the “I Love It” Challenge, where people recreate the outfits with cardboard boxes and dance along to the tune. There is bound to be a least one guest at every Halloween party recreating this look and struggling to fit through doorways.
####4. “The Incredibles”####
The superhero family of Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible, Violet, Dash and Jack Jack returned to the big screen with the long-awaited sequel, “Incredibles 2,” in June and brought a sense of nostalgia to teenage and young adult audience members. “The Incredibles” will definitely be a staple costume among groups this Halloween, accomplished with a red bodysuit and some creativity or by simply purchasing the completed look.
####5. “Queer Eye”####
“Queer Eye,” Netflix’s reboot of the Bravo series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” is a reality show where a team of experts, known as the Fab Five, makeover men (and sometimes women) who neglect self-care. The first two seasons of the show aired this year, just months apart, after receiving overwhelming approval from audiences. Each member of the Fab Five, including food and wine expert Antoni Porowski, interior design expert Bobby Berk, grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness, culture expert Karamo Brown and fashion expert Tan France, has a unique, distinguishable style and personality that is easy to DIY for a group of five.
_Edited by Siena DeBolt | sdebolt@themaneater.com_
