The most iconic Halloween costumes [1] from films, TV [2], and pop culture [3] have also become increasingly stylish over the years, oftentimes even projecting onto the latest trends. Elle Woods's well-known looks in "Legally Blonde" would now easily pass for the Barbiecore aesthetic [4]; Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid [5] from "Clueless" has trickled into our everyday wardrobes; and Blair and Serena's schoolgirl uniforms in "Gossip Girl [6]" are pretty much the epitome of dark academia [7].
But these outfits also persevere as the greatest because people from all over the world have re-created them Halloween [8] after Halloween [9]. Despite the newer series and phenomenons we've been recently presented with (think: "House of the Dragon [10]" and "Euphoria [11]"), it's still never been cooler to dress as Reese Witherspoon [12]'s Elle, Gwyneth Paltrow [13]'s Margot Tenenbaum, or Diane Keaton [14]'s Annie Hall.
The best part about all 42 of the costumes gathered here is that they are easy to re-create using clothing you probably already own [15]. Sure, you may need to pick up one or two added accessories, such as the properly colored tie for Hermione Granger or purple opera-length satin gloves for Jessica Rabbit, but for the most part, you won't need to break the bank.
Ahead, see an example of the simple basics [16] you'd need to pull off Elle Woods — if you don't have a few of them on hand already — then scroll for inspiration to channel 41 other iconic characters [17] with just as much cultural significance on Halloween night.
— Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani, Aemilia Madden, and Lauren Harano
