Halloween is fast approaching, and while fake blood, a pair of fangs and a questionable wig will always have their place, this year we’re taking our costume inspiration straight from the headlines. After all, between Hollywood’s latest cinematic obsessions, celebrity couples and some gloriously unhinged television characters, 2026 has provided more than enough material.

From gothic romances and seriously dysfunctional relationships to the faces dominating our social feeds, these are the pop culture costumes guaranteed to get people talking this Halloween. Some require a little planning, others considerably less dignity. Either way, consider your costume dilemma solved.

Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have made doomed romance look extraordinarily glamorous in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights. Think extravagant period gowns, romantic corsetry, dark tailoring and a suitably brooding expression. The perfect couples costume for those who appreciate a little gothic drama, and a thoroughly dysfunctional love story.

Katie Zacharia’s five minutes in the White House

Five days in one of Washington’s most high-profile jobs, and Katie Zacharia has already secured her place in 2026’s pop culture headlines. Recreate the press secretary look with a tailored blazer, blonde blowout and an American flag for good measure. A lectern and a very brief press conference complete the costume.

The Norris family from Landman

Few television families deliver quite as much drama as the Norrises from Landman. Think Tommy’s cowboy hats and permanently unimpressed expression, Angela’s big blonde hair and leopard print, Ainsley’s all-American glamour and Cooper’s oilfield attire. An excellent group costume, provided you’re prepared for a little family dysfunction.

Cathy Ames from East of Eden

Florence Pugh’s chilling portrayal of Cathy Ames in Netflix’s East of Eden has given us one of Halloween’s most stylish villains. Think dramatic black attire, a veiled hat, tiny round sunglasses and a bold red lip. Beautiful, mysterious and just the right amount of sinister. A costume with plenty of character and even more attitude.

Courtside with Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have turned courtside appearances into a spectacle of their own, and we’re thoroughly entertained. Recreate their New York Knicks moment with matching basketball merchandise, Kylie’s signature glamour and a designer handbag. Courtside seats are optional, although a convincing celebrity attitude is essential.

Maeve Harrigan from MobLand

Helen Mirren’s formidable Maeve Harrigan has given us a masterclass in looking fabulous while being utterly terrifying. Think leopard print, perfectly coiffed hair, a martini permanently in hand and an attitude that takes absolutely no prisoners. A convincing British accent, razor-sharp tongue and withering stare are essential to pulling this one off.

Justin Bieber’s New Zealand golfing era

Justin Bieber’s recent golfing adventures around some of New Zealand’s finest courses have given us a rather unexpected Halloween costume contender. Think oversized windbreakers, a slouchy beanie, wraparound sunglasses and a golf club in hand. Extra points for looking entirely unbothered by the fact that you’re one of the world’s biggest pop stars.

Allie and Dean from Off Campus

One of Off Campus’s most memorable scenes has given us an excellent Halloween pairing. Recreate Allie and Dean’s costume-party moment with Allie’s iconic green Jennifer Lopez-inspired dress and Dean’s Top Gun ensemble. A little early-2000s nostalgia, undeniable chemistry and a very recognisable pop culture reference.

Erling Haaland’s eccentric fashion era

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland is making headlines for more than his football skills, thanks to his love of designer handbags and increasingly outrageous outfits. From statement accessories to bold designer ensembles, his off-pitch wardrobe is anything but understated. For Halloween, think an extravagant outfit, an oversized luxury handbag and his signature slicked-back blonde hair. The more unexpected the combination, the better.

Athena and Odysseus from The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has made ancient Greek mythology rather fashionable, thanks in part to Zendaya and Matt Damon. Channel Athena and Odysseus with flowing Grecian drapery, windswept hair and suitably dramatic expressions. Extra points for looking as though you’ve spent ten years trying to get home.

Nikki from Obsession, “girlfriend from hell”

For anyone who prefers their Halloween costumes genuinely disturbing, Obsession’s Nikki is an excellent contender. Played by Inde Navarrette, her romantic fixation takes a terrifying turn, making her unsettling smile, dark hair and bloodied face instantly memorable. The perfect look for anyone wanting to make an entrance that nobody will forget.