The 11 Best Pop-Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2019
Halloween means something different for every guy. For some, it's an excuse to drink a lot, but in costume. For others, it means getting stuck in a couples costume (or worse: a last-minute frantic search for a look). But for one particular kind of man, Halloween is a flex. You see, the culturally inclined see the holiday as a challenge to rise above the fray. Good for you and your recycled vampire costume, but that's not what this man does. He dives into the annals of popular culture and pulls out something so uniquely that year that it might go over people's heads. That's not the point of the costume. The point of the costume is to be the culturally superior person in the room.
2019 has offered no shortage of costume ideas, whether you're dabbling in television, film, or music. Hell, even fashion itself has allotted an opportunity to be parodied (see: this year's Met Gala). But no matter what style you're trying to flex this year, know that an elaborate costume only takes a little bit of planning, and if you do it right, you can probably wear your costume again at some point.
Cliff Booth, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Here's the thing: In all of his film career, Brad Pitt has never looked cooler than he did in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This is also one costume that is absolutely able to be repurposed after the fact, so if you're down with spending a little bit of money for the holiday, you're also investing in your wardrobe.
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A Tethered, Us
There is not going to be a more comfortable outfit this year, and for anyone that's even tangentially a fan of Jordan Peele or the horror genre, you're going to be immediately recognizable. The coveralls are doing a majority of the work, but honestly, all that's left is for you to make your biggest eyes ever and freak everyone out by talking really slowly at the party.
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Michael, The Good Place
Is this an investment? Sure. Michael's not out here in the afterlife looking like a half-baked demon. He's sharply dressed. This is, however, one of those outfits that will pay off multiple times after you use it for a costume. Essentially, if you want the be the world's nicest demon from one of television's greatest current comedies, then you're getting one hell of a souvenir for after the holiday.
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Tom Hanks on Vacation
Tom Hanks on vacation is honestly aspirational. This isn't so much of a Halloween costume as much as it's a wish that your wardrobe is making. There are no f*cks to be given here—just the desire to tie your shirt out of your way, exposing just a peek of midrift while you're on the way back from the beach. A deep cut if there ever were one, Tom Hanks on vacation is inspired.
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David Rose, Schitt’s Creek
Ew, David. Schitt's Creek had one of its biggest years to date, and if you're not caught up on the series (that recently dropped a fifth season on Netflix), then what are you waiting for? Fortunately, David Rose is known for his style, so this is a fully re-wearable outfit. It's also one of the most seasonally conscious of the bunch. Edgy style. Edgy show. No coat necessary.
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Lil Nas X
He's got the horses in the back and the best 2019 of just about anyone on this list. Lil Nas X has been thriving since he headed into 2019 with a percolating viral hit, so why not take it to 100 and make him a full Halloween costume? With that yeehaw energy and leather fringe, a jacket (with or without anything underneath) and a cowboy hat will get you most of the way there.
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Elton John, Rocketman
It takes a brave man to pull off Elton John/Taron Edgerton's shirtless metallic bomber look, but someone has to do it. Start with the jacket, add in some bedazzled sunglasses, and you're practically Elton from this year's most absurd movie musical.
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Hopper, Stranger Things
Hopper has somehow become a fashion icon, and let's be honest—there are much worse guys to be emulating than David Harbour. Like we've noted with a lot of the guys on this list, this outfit is 100 percent re-wearable after the holiday is over... even if the shirt has to hold over until next spring or summer.
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Harry Styles at the Met Gala
Everyone loves Harry Styles, and high-fashion Harry is one of the best Harrys there is. His Met Gala look for the Camp theme this year could have gone an extra mile, but it ended up being a bit more nuanced. Sad for the theme, but great for the accessibility of your Halloween costume!
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Paul Hollywood, The Great British Bake Off
Fact one: Paul Hollywood is the worst part of GBBO. Fact two: Paul Hollywood is also the easiest to mock on the show. Honestly, with a bit of white hair spray and the bro-iest costume in the bunch, Paul Hollywood is just one outdated hairstyle above being the most basic bro at the club.
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Focus Group Guy, I Think You Should Leave
What if you made a car where the steering wheel doesn't fly off?
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