Spare the recycled Harely Quinn costume with more timely ideas below…

Based on the premature pumpkins plonked out the front of every shopping centre since September, it’s clear that spooky season is upon us. Like the ghosts of Halloween’s past, you’re sure to spot the same staple Halloween costumes of every party at your next spook-themed event, sexy kittens and mice included. 

And while there’s nothing particularly wrong with reusing popular Halloween costume ideas (if one more Harley Quinn trick or treater knocks on my door I’ll be writing to Margot Robbie herself) there’s loads more relevant inspiration to be found within the biggest pop culture moments of 2022. So, as the final day of October approaches, we’re counting down the most timely (and somewhat spooky) costumes to sport for Halloween ‘22.      

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8dvsjWV29o

Stranger Things’ Eddie Munson.

In case you somehow missed Running Up That Hill’s massively overdrawn radioplay, Stranger Things returned for its fourth season earlier this year. The sci-fi series upped the spook factor in its most recent outing, offering a range of Halloween costume ideas from the monster in need of moisturiser named Vecna to the dude who smoked too many spliffs (Argyle). Perhaps most achievable in the costume department is fellow Stranger Things newcomer Eddie Munson, complete with a Hellfire t-shirt, denim vest and a messy long-haired wig.   

Queen Elizabeth.

Some might say it’s too soon given her recent passing, but whoever started a party by being polite? Arriving at your Halloween shindig as the late Queen Elizabeth is sure to raise eyebrows, not least because all it requires is a dollar-store tiara, blood diamonds and that weird half-wave greeting the royals seem so fond of. If any partygoers object, give a brief history lesson on colonialism (or mention Prince Andrew) and continue chugging your beer. 

Karen.

While the popularity of Karens blew up in 2019, instances of Karens being Karens have not faultured, and neither has the signature Karen look. A short, pixie haircut wig, some Y2K sunglasses, a takeaway coffee cup and a lanyard denoting that you ‘have somewhere more important to be’ are telltale Karen identifiers, and can be easily purchased. Add in a Motorola flip-phone and you’ll be ready to talk with the manager in no time.  

Top Gun’s Maverick.

It was the reboot no one particularly asked for, but Top Gun returned this year to massive box office success. This Halloween costume is probably available year-round, and comes with the perk of having a cool pair of aviator sunglasses for non-costume use. The Halloween costume is not to be mistaken for Tom Cruise who, while terrifying (see, scientology), doesn’t seem like he’d be too fun at parties. 

ScoMo the holidaymaker.

This year, Australians gave former PM Scott Morrison the boot, but that doesn’t mean he’s safe from the Halloween costume treatment. Basing the look on Morrison’s infamous trip to Hawaii, you can salute ScoMo with a simple Hawaiian shirt, hibiscus lei and flower crown. If you want to truly commit to the bit, you should arrive at the Halloween party with a shit-eating grin, or ditch the event altogether and book an island holiday instead. 

Kanye West & Julia Fox.

I’m of the mind that Kanye West doesn’t need anymore attention (his antics kept this writer employed for weeks on end), but his whirlwind romance with actress Julia Fox had a nostalgic, Brad-and-Jennifer feel to it when news of their romance broke in early 2022. The pair’s double-denim look can be easily replicated, and so too could Fox’s extreme eye makeup. Arrive with a nauseating Valley Girl accent and a reminder that you starred in Uncut Gems and the Halloween costume is complete.  

Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly.

Speaking of veering-on-bizzare Hollywood couples, no one quite captured the public imagination in 2022 quite like Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. Aside from discussing their gory sexcapades and appearing to not actually dig each other that much, the pair provided a range of memorable looks. Arrive at the party with extreme levels of PDA and you’ll be sucking face in no time.  

Jeffrey Dahmer. 

This could fall in the Queen Elizabeth basket of veering on controversial, but the real problem in serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s return to the spotlight is just how greasy his hair is. Seriously, it looks like the man dipped his head into a KFC bucket, which is a hot (if unhygienic) tip should you wish to dress up as him. Oversized glasses and an orange jumpsuit could complete the Halloween costume. 

Lettuce. 

2022 was the year that lettuce became a luxury item (a title usually reserved for $20 smashed avo), as the pandemic sent the vegetable’s price point soaring. Arrive at your next Halloween party as an iceberg clump (accompanied by a $12 price tag) for a reminder of just how far we’ve come since the pandemic. Better yet, lettuce is hydrating enough to counteract whatever monstrosity the party host has passed off as ‘punch’.   

Anyone from Euphoria. 

Euphoria’s dizzying sophomore season arrived this year, and somehow upped its game in the already-memorable wardrobe department. Scantily-clad outfits (which somehow pass as uniforms on the show) and bucketloads of sparkly makeup will make you instantly recognisable, or you could opt for the shaggy, long-panted look of main character Rue.    

Pregnant Rihanna.

This year, the power couple gods blessed us with the arrival of another nepotism baby courtesy of Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. Rihanna’s aesthetic is memorable at the best of times, but the addition of a bare baby bump (which she had no qualms showing off at every conceivable event) makes it all the more spoof-able. Next year, you’ll probably be able to dress as the baby itself, given that it received the title of coolest parents on earth upon it’s birth.   

Margot and Ryan’s Barbie & Ken.

No movie has amassed quite the level of fanfare as Barbie, an upcoming adaptation of the blonde doll’s origin story starring Margot Robbie in the title role. Paparazzi shots of Robbie in costume alongside co-star Ryan Gosling (who is playing Ken) set the internet alight earlier this year, and also spawned an easily replicated couple’s Halloween costume. Halloween accessories abound in this 70s-inspired athletic look. 

Nope’s Ricky ‘Jupe’ Park.

Jordan Peele treated horror fans to his third film offering this year, sharing the UFO antics of August’s Nope. The movie was one of the year’s most anticipated, and is fittingly scary enough to bring into the spooky season. The varsity outfits of lead characters Emerald and OJ could be used as Halloween costumes, but the most eye-catching look comes courtesy of ‘Jupe’, the theme park owner who dons a memorable red suit and white cowboy hat.    

TikTok’s Corn Kid.

Much like last year, 2022 has seen the meteoric rise of popular TikTok sounds, the most ubiquitous of which comes courtesy of the Corn Kid. Birthing a whole damn career from his pure love of the vegetable, the Corn Kid has inspired millions to clean up their diets, while also creating a meme-worthy Halloween costume. You could pair this corn costume with that aforementioned lettuce one and together form a whole damn salad. 

@didntaskg it’s corn original video #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #trending #followme #tiktok #viral #viralvideo #viraltiktok ♬ original sound – James M

Will Smith’s post-slap Oscar statue.

It was the slap heard ’round the world, but when Will Smith took a swipe at Chris Rock during this year’s Oscars, he did more than jeopardise his career. He also birthed an easy Halloween costume, in which wearers can feel free to slap anyone who dares make fun of their costume. Simply douse yourself in gold spray paint, brandish a sword, and add some red makeup to your left cheek in the shape of a handprint. Voila.