13 Popular TV Characters to Be For Halloween, and the Chic, Affordable Outfits to Match

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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
farfetch.com

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.

A Bridgerton Halloween Costume
Netflix

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
Netflix

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.

A Squid Game Halloween Costume
Netflix

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.

Mabel From Only Murders in the Building Halloween Costume
Hulu

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
Everett Collection

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.

Olivia or Paula From The White Lotus Halloween Costume
Mario Perez | HBO

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.

Sarah Cameron From Outer Banks Halloween Costume
Netflix

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.

Chester From Generation Halloween Costume
HBO Max

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.

Fatin From The Wilds Halloween Costume
Amazon

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.

Rue From Euphoria Halloween Costume
HBO

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
Everett Collection

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
Netflix

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.