There are two types of people: those who go all out for Halloween and those who wait until the last minute to figure out what to wear. If you want to dip your toes into the second category this year, you can find some of the most memorable looks by digging deeper into film, art, and culture. Here are four unexpectedly distinctive costume ideas that will help get creative this year or at least end up in a fun rabbit hole.
1. A very fancy goose – Vanderbilt Costume Ball Attendee (1883)
If you think high-society people take their parties ridiculously seriously nowadays, let me tell you that’s always been the case. For a perfect example, look no further than the opulent Gilded Age. In 1883, Alva Vanderbilt, the matriarch of the eponymous family, threw a lavish, carefully choreographed costume ball to gain acceptance from old-money aristocracy, specifically Mrs. Astor, who came up with the infamous “List of 400.” The oddest costume was arguably the one sported by a woman of mystery (to us, obviously): an anthropomorphic goose, Victorian-era style. If you go for this one, you surely won’t have to worry about having the same costume as everyone else.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa might be the most recognizable painting in art history, and it’s also delightful Halloween costume material. You can replicate her outfit with a gilded frame, a dark Renaissance-style dress, a layered shawl, and a makeup look that mimics Leonardo’s blending technique, which gave her the mysterious expression that has captivated visitors at the Louver for centuries, and don’t forget to cover up your brows.
@makena1706 Won the costume contest with this one 🤪🖼️ #monalisa #halloween #costumecontestwinner #halloweenlook ♬ Ramalama (Bang Bang) – Róisín Murphy
3. Your favorite (or least favorite) character from the Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey was undoubtedly the film of the summer. You saw it; your mom saw it; everyone with an opinion on new releases saw it. This film, its predecessor, and, of course, the ancient Greek epic poem they are based on are a treasure trove for Halloween costumes because they feature so many characters; it’s an easy-to-pick-up reference (this year), and if the people making a Hollywood blockbuster don’t care about making historically accurate costumes, neither should you.
4. Dark Eighties Fashion — Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
If you are a fan of niche movies and spooky but not scary horror films, you might want to look into the looks from Zelda Williams’ gothic rom-com Lisa Frankenstein. The main character is lonely and sensitive. As an eighties high schooler who loves hanging out in cemeteries, Lisa Swallows pairs Madonna-esque hairstyles with the darker sensibilities of characters like Wednesday Addams and Lydia Deetz. If you love the film and its genre, wear this, and you’ll know that you have great friendship potential with whoever recognizes this costume.
5. Protein and Fiber
We saved the laziest and most paradoxical costume for last. No internet recipe developer, trendy food brand, or gym enthusiast has escaped this year’s motto: “I am prioritizing protein and fiber.” While they are busy counting macros, you can be deliciously lazy yet inventive this Halloween with a good old T-shirt costume. Grab a plain T-shirt and a marker, ideally a textile one, and write “rich in protein and fiber.” Weirdly enough, we’ll all get the reference.
@pilatesbodyraven #peahead ♬ original sound – Raven Ross
