Halloween 2024 is finally upon us, and with the Deepavali holiday extending the celebrations into a long Halloweekend, it’s time to lock in your costume for the spooky season. Sure, you could take the easy route with a classic witch hat or nurse’s stethoscope, but why not make a statement with a look inspired by this year’s most unforgettable pop culture moments? From the standout highlights of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to Zendaya’s jaw-dropping vintage Mugler suit at the Dune: Part Two London premiere, this year has served up endless style inspiration.
Blockbuster films like Challengers and Saltburn, the chilling Korean horror Exhuma, and the chart-topping hits of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour have all set the stage for some show-stopping costume ideas. And let’s not forget the viral sensations that captured our imaginations—from the beloved pygmy hippo Moo Deng to the Hawk Tuah Girl, and even the catchy tune about finding a man in finance.
Whether you’re going solo or dressing up with friends, these pop culture moments offer plenty of ways to secure your spot as the best-dressed at any Halloween party. Read on for all the inspiration you need to channel 2024’s most iconic looks this Halloween!
Channel 2024’s most iconic pop culture moments for a show-stopping Halloween costume
The Muffin Man at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
@henrikchristians1 I don’t think you guys realize how good this stuff is #fyp #zipline #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #muffins @Mr.Nicho ♬ original sound – I think you should leave shop
Sure, Team Mongolia might’ve slayed the uniform game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Australia’s break dancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn certainly stole the headlines with her, um, memorable performance. But when it comes to truly winning the internet, Norway’s Henrik Christiansen—lovingly dubbed the Muffin Man—takes the cake (or muffin, in this case). Trust us, if you show up dressed as him for Halloween, you’re not just competing for best dressed, you’re going straight for the gold medal in stealing hearts!
Saltburn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed Birthday Party
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Although Saltburn hit theaters in late 2023, the buzz around this divisive thriller carried well into 2024 and whether you were obsessed with it or completely confused by the Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan-led thriller, there’s one thing we can all agree on—it gave us some serious indie sleaze costume inspo. This Halloween, why not channel Felix or Oliver from the film’s chaotic A Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed party? It’s easy! Just throw on a white tank with gold angel wings or a white blazer with floral embroidery, and don’t forget the antlers.
Chappell Roan at the 2024 VMAs
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Chappell Roan didn’t just perform at the 2024 VMAs, she practically declared war—in the best way possible! Channeling full Joan of Arc vibes, she stormed the stage with flaming arrows, swords, and a burning castle backdrop that screamed ‘epic.’ And just like she snagged the fan-voted Best New Artist award, dressing up in her medieval warrior look might just earn you the crown for best Halloween costume. Who says you can’t fight battles and win hearts all in one night?
Viral TikTok Sensation Moo Deng
@khamoo.andthegang ฮิปโปโหดมากๆ #moodeng #hippo #ขาหมูแอนด์เดอะแก๊ง #หมูเด้งจะเด้งกี่โมง ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง
A sassy Thai pygmy hippo wasn’t exactly on our 2024 bingo card, but Moo Deng stole the spotlight anyway. This viral sensation became an internet darling with her wet-glazed donut skin and attitude to match. Want to capture her adorable, Korean skincare-level glow for Halloween? Start with a primer for a moisturised poreless complexion, a sculpted grey halo eye, blushed cheeks, and glossy pink lips. Add a metallic silver dress of your choice, light pink accessories, and don’t forget the pièce de résistance—hippo ears. You’ll be the cutest creature at the party, guaranteed to leave everyone hippo-thetically obsessed!
Challengers and Tenniscore
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Another blockbuster that took the internet by storm in 2024 was Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers. If the outfits in this tennis love triangle film caught your eye, you can thank Jonathan Anderson—the creative genius behind Loewe, who’s now moving on to Dior after 12 years. With Anderson as the film’s costume designer, it’s no surprise there’s plenty of Halloween costume inspo to steal, especially if you’re on a budget. To nail the Challengers look, slip into a classic white tennis dress, add a braided ponytail, and grab a tennis racket. Want to make it a couple’s costume? Get your boyfriend or husband to dress in a white polo, white shorts, and a matching racket, and voilà—you’ve got the perfect doubles team, ready to serve up some serious Halloween style.
Timothée Chalamet as Troye Sivan
For all the girlies planning to hit the club this Halloween with their squad, here’s a costume that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Remember when Dune: Part Two star Timothée Chalamet hilariously parodied Troye Sivan on SNL? The skit was a total nod to Sivan’s very online, very queer fanbase, and it perfectly captured how Troye has built his internet empire. To channel this look, just slip into a fitted white tank top from Future Treasure, throw on some navy blue sweatpants, and don’t forget the all-important red underwear peeking out.
A Man in Finance
@girl_on_couchCan someone make this into an actual song plz just for funzies♬ original sound – Girl On Couch
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok back in May, or heard your friends obsessing over it, you’ve probably come across the viral ‘man in finance’ video. And let’s face it, the ladies know exactly what they’re looking for. So why not deliver by actually dressing as a man in finance this Halloween? Bonus points if you are one. These guys have mastered the ultimate business casual flex: keeping their chests warm and their arms breezy with the legendary Patagonia vest. Just don’t forget your ID, some cash, and head to the busiest club—trust us, the ladies can spot a finance bro from a mile away.
A Very Demure and Mindful Halloween Costume
@joolieannie #fyp #demure ♬ original sound – Jools Lebron
We get it—demure might just be the most overused word on the internet, but you can’t deny it became one of 2024’s standout pop culture moments. So, why not skip the skimpy cop or nurse outfits this Halloween and embrace the very demure, very mindful trend instead? The best part? You probably already own everything you need, so your wallet stays happy. To nail this look, go for timeless, modest pieces that ooze elegance and comfort. Think earthy tones like deep burgundy and warm caramel, paired with soft pastels and neutrals. It’s like preppy collegiate fashion meets The Row’s quiet luxury—perfect for looking effortlessly chic while staying on trend.
Exhuma and Why Some Secrets Should Stay Buried
Another blockbuster that deserves a shout-out is Exhuma, featuring an all-star cast with Kim Go-eun, Choi Min-sik, and Lee Do-hyun. Just a week after its release, Exhuma became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2024, toppling Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka. If you’re looking for a Halloween costume inspired by this thrilling film, it’s a piece of cake. Just replicate the Chinese characters on your face or arm and sprinkle a little dirt on your outfit—you know, since they dug up a grave that unleashes a whirlwind of supernatural chaos.
A Rad and Brat Summer Halloween Costume
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You can’t dive into pop culture without giving a shoutout to brat, it’s basically a must. Out of nowhere, summer 2024 was defined by dance-pop beats, carefree partying, and, of course, that signature neon green—courtesy of British sensation Charli XCX and her sixth album, Brat. This album didn’t just bring the colour; it came with a whole vibe of ‘brat’titude to boot. Now that summer is officially over, let’s pay homage to one hell of a Brat Summer with a killer Halloween costume. To capture those vibes this Halloween, load up on quirky accessories like neon jewellery, funky handbags, and, of course, some stylish sunnies for an all-out neon green ensemble that practically yells, “Let’s get this party started!”
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @saltburnfilm)
