Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity shine by dressing up as some of the most iconic characters and figures from the past year. In 2020, pop culture was shaped by a mix of viral trends, hit TV shows, and unforgettable moments in entertainment, offering a treasure trove of Halloween costume inspiration. From binge-worthy streaming series to viral internet memes, the following ideas will help you stand out at any Halloween party or virtual celebration.
Here are some Halloween costume ideas inspired by 2020 pop culture trends that are sure to be a hit.
- Tiger King (Joe Exotic)
One of the most unforgettable figures to emerge in 2020 was Joe Exotic, the eccentric, mullet-sporting star of Tiger King, a Netflix docuseries that took the world by storm. His bold personality and wild appearance make for a unique and fun Halloween costume.
How to Create the Look:
Mullet Wig: Joe Exotic’s signature mullet is essential. Find a blond wig with the classic mullet style.
Animal Print Shirt: A flashy animal print shirt, preferably in tiger or leopard print, will give you that flamboyant “Tiger King” vibe.
Fake Mustache and Goatee: Don’t forget Joe’s thin mustache and goatee, which you can easily replicate with fake facial hair or makeup.
Accessories: Add some aviator sunglasses, a fake ear piercing, and a stuffed tiger to complete the look.
Pair this costume with a friend dressed as Carole Baskin for an entertaining duo costume, complete with a flower crown and a flowy tiger-print outfit.
- The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda (Grogu)
Thanks to the continued success of The Mandalorian on Disney+, Mando and Baby Yoda (Grogu) remained pop culture sensations throughout 2020. Cosplaying as this dynamic duo is a perfect choice for Star Wars fans and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
How to Create the Look:
The Mandalorian: For the bounty hunter look, find a Mandalorian helmet or mask. Pair it with a silver or gray chest armor vest, dark pants, and a cape. If you want to go all out, look for or craft the full Beskar armor.
Baby Yoda (Grogu): You can either dress up as Baby Yoda with a green robe, Yoda ears, and face paint, or carry a Baby Yoda plush toy as your sidekick.
Optional Jetpack: Add a makeshift jetpack made from cardboard or foam for extra flair.
If you’re going solo, you can opt to just dress as Baby Yoda with a green hat, oversized tan robe, and green face makeup.
- Quarantine Work-From-Home Look
In 2020, one of the most relatable trends was the work-from-home lifestyle. This “costume” is easy to pull off and can be both humorous and relevant, perfect for anyone who experienced working from home during the pandemic.
How to Create the Look:
Business on Top: Wear a professional-looking shirt, blazer, or blouse to recreate the classic Zoom call look.
Casual on the Bottom: Pair your professional attire with pajama pants, sweatpants, or even shorts to show the typical work-from-home fashion.
Zoom Accessories: Carry a coffee mug or sit in front of a “Zoom background” backdrop. You can even include a fake headset or laptop prop.
For a fun couple’s costume, one person can be the work-from-home professional while the other is the “interrupting family member” or pet that crashes the Zoom call!
- WandaVision (Wanda and Vision)
Marvel’s hit show WandaVision took off in 2020, offering a fresh and quirky spin on classic sitcoms and superhero tales. The costumes for Wanda and Vision from different decades are iconic and easy to recreate.
How to Create the Look:
1950s Wanda and Vision: For their 1950s look, dress in black-and-white retro attire. Wanda’s look can be a vintage housewife dress, while Vision can wear a suit and tie. If you’re going for accuracy, stick with grayscale tones.
Halloween Episode (Scarlet Witch and Vision): In the Halloween episode, Wanda dresses as a version of her classic Scarlet Witch comic book character, complete with a red cape, leotard, and headpiece. Vision wears a green bodysuit with a yellow cape to mimic his comic book look.
Modern Versions: For a modern take, you can also dress up as their superhero versions from the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Wanda’s red coat and Vision’s slick futuristic suit.
WandaVision offers plenty of costume opportunities for couples or friends to dress in matching decade-inspired outfits.
- Among Us Crewmates or Impostors
In 2020, the multiplayer game Among Us became a viral sensation, and dressing up as a colorful crewmate (or impostor) makes for a fun and interactive Halloween costume. It’s also perfect for groups!
How to Create the Look:
Colored Jumpsuit: Choose a monochromatic jumpsuit or hoodie in the color of your crewmate (red, blue, yellow, green, etc.).
Visor or Helmet: Craft a space helmet or use a face shield to create the crewmate’s signature visor.
Impostor Variation: For an impostor twist, carry a fake knife or craft a “stabbed” prop for dramatic effect.
This costume is simple, affordable, and offers tons of customization with different colors, hats, and accessories from the game.
- Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s bold fashion choices, neon hair, and oversized streetwear made her one of the biggest style icons of 2020. Her unique look is easy to replicate and instantly recognizable.
How to Create the Look:
Neon Green Roots: Use a neon green wig or temporary spray dye to recreate Billie’s signature black hair with neon green roots.
Oversized Clothes: Dress in baggy, oversized clothing like a loose hoodie and sweatpants. Opt for graphic prints, monochromatic neon colors, or her signature streetwear aesthetic.
Accessories: Add chunky chains, rings, and sneakers to complete the look.
Billie Eilish’s outfit is comfortable, trendy, and perfect for anyone who wants to emulate one of the most iconic stars of 2020.
- Harley Quinn (Birds of Prey)
Harley Quinn made a major splash in 2020 with Birds of Prey, offering a fresh, colorful take on the DC antihero’s look. Her vibrant, punk-inspired costume is a standout choice for Halloween.
How to Create the Look:
Shiny Jacket: Harley’s jacket in Birds of Prey features bright caution tape-like sleeves. This can be DIYed with strips of yellow or neon tape attached to a sleeveless jacket.
Shorts and Top: Pair the jacket with glittery, colorful shorts, a pink crop top, and suspenders.
Pigtails and Makeup: Use a blonde wig with pink and blue dip-dyed pigtails. Complete the look with Harley’s signature Cosplay Contacts and tattoos, like the “ROTTEN” tattoo on her cheek.
Accessories: Add her oversized mallet or a baseball bat to channel Harley’s chaotic energy.
This bold and edgy costume is great for those looking to make a splash at any Halloween event.