As the spooky season reaches its peak, the scramble for the perfect costume takes on a new level of digital urgency. 2025 has been a year of maximalist aesthetics and unexpected viral pivots, providing a treasure trove of inspiration for those who may have let October slip by without a plan. This year, the “costume” is less about elaborate prosthetics and more about the “vibe”—a specific, recognizable nod to the memes, movies, and music that defined the last twelve months. From the technicolor fantasy of Oz to the cozy relatability of TikTok’s latest subcultures, the best looks of the year are those that can be assembled with a quick trip to a thrift store or a deep dive into your own closet. Forget the generic ghosts of the past; 2025 demands a look that says you’ve been paying attention to the zeitgeist.
The “Wicked” Duo: Pink vs. Green
With the highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good in late 2024 and its continued dominance into 2025, the Elphaba and Glinda duo remains the year’s most coveted “bestie” costume. The beauty of this pairing lies in its versatility. You can go full-throttle with green face paint and a structured black trench dress for Elphaba, or a floor-length pink tulle gown and a shimmering tiara for Glinda. However, for a truly last-minute “low-effort” version, many are opting for the “press tour” look: simple pink and green sweatsuits or silk pajamas.
To elevate the look without a professional makeup artist, focus on the accessories. A pointed witch’s hat and round glasses instantly signal Elphaba, while a bubble wand and oversized “Ga-linda” earrings do the work for her counterpart. If you’re flying solo, the “Defying Gravity” aesthetic—think wind-blown hair and a dramatic cape—is the ultimate power move. This costume isn’t just a nod to a musical; it’s a celebration of the Ari and Cynthia era that has defined the red carpets of the year.
The Sabrina Carpenter “Short n’ Sweet” Aesthetic
If 2025 had a soundtrack, it would be the sugary-sweet, retro-inspired pop of Sabrina Carpenter. Her “Short n’ Sweet” tour has provided a blueprint for the most popular solo costume of the season. To nail the look, you need a corset mini dress—preferably with a cut-out heart detail—paired with white lace ruffle socks and towering platform heels. The hair is non-negotiable: a voluminous blonde blowout with her signature “bottleneck” bangs.
The makeup is where the “Sabrina” look truly comes together. Think heavy brown lip liner, high-shine gloss, and an almost-excessive amount of glitter on the lids. For those looking for a “couples” twist, have a partner dress as the “Manchild” from her music videos, or a giant “Diet Pepsi” can. It’s a costume that feels fresh, feminine, and undeniably 2025, perfect for anyone who spent the summer humming along to “Espresso.”
The Labubu Craze: Ugly-Cute Realness
Perhaps the most unexpected viral phenomenon of 2025 has been the rise of Labubu, the grinning, mischievous monster from Pop Mart that has taken the world by storm. Transforming into this “ugly-cute” creature is the ultimate way to show you are terminally online. The base of the costume is simple: a fuzzy, oversized jumpsuit in a pastel or earth tone. The “anchors” are the pointed ears and the wide, serrated-tooth grin, which can be achieved with a headband and some clever face paint.
For a more niche, high-fashion take on the trend, reference the “Labubu on Karl Marx’s Grave” meme that trended earlier this year. Simply carry a small Labubu plush while wearing a Victorian-style suit or a ghostly Marx beard. It’s the kind of costume that might require an explanation to your parents, but will win you every “Best Dressed” vote from your Gen Z and Millennial peers. It’s tactile, funny, and just a little bit sinister—the perfect Halloween trifecta.
Corporate Thrills: The “Severance” Innie
For those who prefer their Halloween with a side of psychological dread, the return of Apple TV+’s Severance for its second season has made the “Lumon Innie” the easiest last-minute costume of the decade. All that is required is standard business casual attire: a crisp white shirt, a slim tie, and dark trousers or a pencil skirt. The pièce de résistance is the Lumon ID badge, which can be easily printed at home and clipped to a lanyard.
To really sell the performance, it’s all about the “dead behind the eyes” stare. Carry a coffee mug or a plain blue folder and act slightly confused by the concept of “outside” sunlight. If you have a group, you can recreate the entire Macrodata Refinement team. It’s a minimalist look that packs a punch, especially in a crowded party where the eerie uniformity of the Lumon office stands out against the sea of superheroes and monsters.
Viral Relatability: The “Trader Joe’s Girl”
Sometimes the best costume is the one that reflects our daily lives back at us with a wink. The “Trader Joe’s Girl”—a TikTok archetype that exploded in 2025—is the ultimate comfort-first costume. The “uniform” includes a puffer vest, a canvas tote bag overflowing with eucalyptus and a baguette, and a pair of UGG boots or sambas. The key is to carry a specific “viral” product, like a box of frozen Kimbap or a bottle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
This costume is less about the clothes and more about the “vibe” of being a woman who is just trying her best to meal prep in a chaotic world. It’s an “if you know, you know” look that is guaranteed to spark conversations about the best seasonal snacks. Plus, it’s arguably the only costume on this list that you can wear to the grocery store on November 1st without anyone batting an eye.
