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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

Spooky season has been around for some time now, and while you were busy apple picking, watching scary movies, and carving pumpkins with friends, you may have forgotten about preparing for the main event: Halloween. I know plenty of people who are still brainstorming on what their costume should be, as well as a handful of people who hate Halloween but still want to dress up to go to a Halloween party or hang out with friends. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the more “basic” costumes, like devils or firefighters (no offense if this is you!) I love to get creative with my costumes; even if it is less recognizable by the grand majority, your target audience and friends will love it! Here is a list of 10 unique Halloween costumes that you can make yourself, and fast! 

Olivia Rodrigo

Miss Olivia was all the rage in 2021, which makes for a trendy and cute Halloween look! There are 2 routes you can take with this one. The first and more simple option is to simply buy a pack of colorful stickers at your local Walgreens or Target and stick them on your face. Wear a tank top and jeans, pose with your tongue out, and you’re her from the “Sour” album! Secondly, you can dress as Olivia from her hit music video, “good 4 u”. If you were once a cheerleader, then this costume was made for you, because you can reuse your old uniform and simply add long black gloves and barrettes to your hair to complete this costume. If not, wear a white cropped tank top, a checkered mini skirt, and the same black gloves to act as her in the room-burning scenes of the video. 

Bo Burnham & Socko

I don’t know about you, but for a solid two months I heard non-stop praise for “Inside”, the Netflix original film written and starring comedian Bo Burnham. This costume is one of the easiest on this list; simply wear a muted-color striped shirt and jeans, and use a plain white sock on your hand as your “Socko” puppet. From here, you can make the costume more recognizable by singing Bo’s lyrics or reciting his quotes. If I were wearing this costume, I’d ask everyone, “How we feeling out there tonight?” and respond quickly with “Haha, yeah, I am not feeling good!”

Phoebe Bridgers

Calling all pharbs, calling all pharbs! I am so glad that Phoebe Bridgers has been consistently gaining popularity this year, especially from her album “Punisher’. Phoebe is often known for her skeleton outfit that she wears on the cover of “Punisher”, and this makes it super simple to be Phoebe for Halloween. Wear all black, and tape skeleton bones that you can easily print out from online onto yourself. If you aren’t already blonde, I’d recommend getting a platinum blonde (almost white) wig to match Phoebe’s hair, and wear dark lipstick. Now, act mysterious and sing some Phoebe Bridgers lyrics, so you aren’t mistaken for a normal skeleton!

Phoebe Bridgers at the 2021 Grammy Awards Red Carpet
Photo by Francis Specker / CBS
Joe from “you”

With season 3 of the hit Netflix original show, “You” currently at its peak popularity, now is the perfect time to dress as Joe, the main character. Put this look together by wearing a black or gray baseball cap and denim jacket, and carry around a book. Act creepy, spy on your friends, and sneak up on people saying “Hello, you” to add the finishing touches. 

Bernie Sanders Mitten meme

Even though this costume is inspired by an earlier-in-the-year meme, I love how we can all instantly picture Berny Sanders in his mittens sitting annoyed in his folding chair. For this look, wear black clothing, thick mittens, glasses, and a mask. This is the perfect look for someone who doesn’t wish to be dancing and socializing all Halloween night… Now you have an excuse to sit down away from the crowd! Also, the mask makes this costume Covid safe, which is a plus. 

Little lad (berries and cream tiktok)

I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit sad that the “berries and cream” viral TikTok sound is dying down. However, this costume will still be recognizable to anyone who has TikTok (or is around anyone who has TikTok, for that matter). For this look, it is helpful to get a short “bob” wig (or pin your hair to look like a bob). Think, Lord Farquad style. Then, wear a white frilly or poofy shirt, loose pants either cut or rolled at the ankles, and loafer-looking shoes. You can also carry around berries and cream while you sing the song. Extra points if you do the little lad dance! 

Flo from “progressive” commercials

Although this one is not as current, Flo from the Progressive commercials is, in my opinion, such a great costume! Wear a white shirt, white pants, and white apron with a printed “Progressive” logo taped onto it. Then, wear your hair down with a headband in it, and put on some red lipstick. I have also seen this costume paired with a significant other/friend as Jake from State Farm, having them wear a red polo tee and khaki pants. 

Britney spears in “(hit me) baby one more time”

With all of the #FreeBritney news this year, dressing as Britney Spears is perfect for 2021 Halloween. Many of her looks are fairly simple, but my personal favorite is what she wears in her “(Hit Me) Baby One More Time” music video. Tie a white button down into a crop top and pair that with a gray cardigan, school-girl skirt, and black socks. Wear your hair in two braids, and you are all set!

The Bachelorette

With the seventeenth season of “The Bachelorette” airing in 2021, this would be a great costume to sport around fellow watchers. Completing this look is easy; wear a black cocktail dress and heels and carry around a red rose. 

“The Plastics” from “mean girls”

This group costume idea never gets old! Get your group of 3 or 4 (if you are including Cady) friends together and wear all pink to act as “The Plastics”. You can add personal touches to each character, too. For example, whoever dresses as Regina can wear a white tank top with 2 holes cut in the front, and Karen can wear mouse ears (duh!) Also, you all can recite Mean Girls quotes all night, and who doesn’t love that?! 

Jordan is a senior Psychology major and Women & Gender Studies minor at TCNJ, with an interest in becoming a clinical psychologist in the future. In her free time, she loves making lengthy spotify playlists, drawing, trying out new recipes, and rewatching the same 5 tv shows over and over.