13 Popular TV Characters to Be For Halloween, and the Chic, Affordable Outfits to Match
We love a good excuse to shop for Halloween, especially when we're inspired by someone's style we really, really admire. And sure, that includes popular fictional TV characters as far as we're concerned. After all, who wouldn't want to dress up like Chester from Generation in red plaid cargos that can be repurposed later? Or use a Gossip Girl costume as a reason to finally splurge on that designer bag? (OK, that may be a bit of a stretch. Calm down, wallet.)
We sourced some affordable sites and vintage shops to help you re-create fashionable looks from TV moments that have become iconic in 2021. We know we're not the only ones still referencing them when we get dressed or indulge in a spree, so chances are, you'll definitely gain some recognition with your outfit at the Halloween party (or, you know, on Instagram — since it's still important to stay safe out there!) Keep reading for 13 great ideas, from Fatin on The Wilds to Emily in Paris, and the basics you'll need to bring them to fruition.
A Gossip Girl Halloween Costume
What you'll need: A preppy check or pinstripe blazer, a miniskirt, a neck scarf, a button-down, and a designer bag. Find more inspiration here.
UNIF Aryn Blazer ($86, originally $122)
A Bridgerton Halloween Costume
What you'll need: An empire-style dress — or even something corseted, if you want to channel full-on Regencycore — with a crown, elbow-length gloves, and spectacular statement jewelry. Find more inspiration here.
Emily in Paris Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Obviously a hat — be it a beret or a fedora — with a colorful coat, a matching bag, and some glimpse of check print. You'll want to look matchy-matchy — even a little too matchy-matchy — to do your convincing. Find more inspiration here.
Lapin House Plaid-Check Wool Beret ($47, originally $78)
A Squid Game Halloween Costume
What you'll need: A sporty teal tracksuit, an oversize graphic tee, and slip-on Vans or any white sneakers. You'll definitely be comfortable.
Cariuma Ibi Slip-On White Sneaker
Mabel From Only Murders in the Building Halloween Costume
What you'll need: A fluffy mustard coat, a beanie, a sweater, plaid trousers, retro sunglasses, and headphones. Find more inspiration here.
Ruby Matthews From Sex Education Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Plenty of color! A lace-up bustier top and a matching denim jacket should do the trick. Find more inspiration here.
Lioness Cropped Denim Jacket in Cobalt ($25, originally $91)
Olivia or Paula From The White Lotus Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Try a Hawaiian-print dress to make it easy, and coordinate it with a shell necklace and some designer slides or Gen Z-friendly sneakers. Find more inspiration here.
Dolls Kill Aloha For Now Mesh Dress ($11, originally $35)
Sarah Cameron From Outer Banks Halloween Costume
What you'll need: A breezy printed button-down you can wear over a swimsuit top with denim cutoffs and very distressed sneakers. Find more inspiration here.
Hurley Palm Paradise Adjustable Surf Top ($32, originally $45) and Hurley Palm Paradise Moderate Surf Bottom ($25, originally $35)
Chester From Generation Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Your own take on his most iconic look — we'd recommend a rainbow crop top and punk plaid pants with skinny sunglasses and perhaps a PVC collar, for sure. Find more inspiration here.
Current Mood Hate To Love Plaid Trousers ($28, originally $40)
Fatin From The Wilds Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Her memorable furry pink jacket, a bedazzled headband, skinny jeans, and those UGG leopard slides, because of course. Find more inspiration here.
Dressbarn Sequin Knot Headband ($8, originally $11)
Rue From Euphoria Halloween Costume
What you'll need: A lived-in red hoodie (hopefully you already have one in your closet), loose sweat shorts, high-top Converses, and Vans socks. Find more inspiration here.
David From Schitt's Creek Halloween Costume
What you'll need: An absolutely glamorous black sweater. Be it graphic prints or sequins, you've got this. Coordinate with sneakers and a kilt, plus a fistful of chunky rings. Find more inspiration here.
Beth Harmon From The Queen's Gambit Halloween Costume
What you'll need: Channel her Audrey Hepburn-esque '60s style in a black and white sheath dress and smart black loafers. A few chess pieces and a hairstyle with Beth's signature hair flip will be your key outfit accoutrements, of course. Find more inspiration here.
Steve Madden Declany Chain Suede Loafers ($50, originally $80)