Brainstorming Halloween costumes every year feels like yet another chore in the busy college student’s schedule. Every year, we throw out grand ideas that we’re sure will thrill while searching for the hottest parties during Halloweekend. We plan to coordinate with our best friends, roomies, and S.O.’s, convinced this Halloween, we’ll ACTUALLY follow through.
Alas, these plans are usually dashed when we realize it’s October 30th, and OMG, we only have a black t-shirt and leggings at our disposal. The lack of money in our bank accounts tells us that despite our big dreams, we’ll probably have to be a cat. Again.
This Halloween, simplicity can be our friend rather than our enemy. And what better place to search for a Halloween costume than Instagram? If you’re going to mindlessly scroll, mindlessly scroll with purpose. Here are our favorite Halloween costumes this season, as inspired by everyone’s favorite social media platform.
1. Succulent
These plants have been on trend for awhile—what college apartment is complete without a succulent or two (or five, if we’re being honest)? Catch some laughs this year in a costume that will require a little work, but you can still rock your comfy sweatpants & sweatshirt to hit the town.
2. Captain Marvel
Everyone collectively lost their shit when the Captain Marvel trailer dropped on September 18th—it’s already the second most-liked MCU trailer of all time. If you’re looking to make your Halloween look reflect your inner girl power, look no further than the many costume inspos for Captain Marvel on Instagram.
Related: 5 DIY Hijab-Centered Halloween Costumes to Try This Year
3. Tonya Harding
If you want a simple look that’ll demonstrate your pop culture knowledge while also feeling glamorous, look no further than the subject of I,Tonya—controversial former figure Tonya Harding. All you’ll need is a cute mini dress, a funky bedazzler, and maybe some scissors.
4. Deadpool‘s Domino
Deadpool is everyone’s crudely blunt superhero (and Ryan Reynolds isn’t too terrible to look at either). The 2018 sequel has only inspired more fanfare surrounding the successful film series—and if you want to honor the film without being the 50th Deadpool you’ll see at the bars this Halloweekend, go original and recreate the iconic Domino.
5. Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time”
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: Britney never goes out of style. If you’re seriously struggling to be creative this Halloween, your black work skirt, white button down, and favorite cardigan are calling your name. You can’t help but feel confident in this simple getup. Plus, your pregame will undoubtedly be full of Britney’s best hits—Alexa, play Toxic NOW.
6. Lara Jean Covey from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
Peter Kavinsky may have gotten all the love this summer (seriously well-deserved), but our movie sweetheart Lara Jean Covey deserves some love too. If you swooned this summer over TATBILB, the rom-com fan in you should recreate the Lara Jean look this Halloween. Who knows—your Kavinsky could be right around the corner.
If you find yourself randomly clicking on cat videos or stalking your favorite celebrity’s Instagram again, make some use of your social media this Halloween season. You might find a new favorite costume or two—and then you’ll seriously wow at any party you find yourself this Halloweekend!