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Last-Minute Costume Ideas for Halloween Inspired by 2025 Pop Culture 

Labubu, performative male, Kpop Demon Hunters and more easy last-minute ideas for this Halloweekend.

Yes, yes, we know. It’s a tad late to prep for Halloween. However, if we go by experience, limited time has never stopped anyone from pulling off stylish costumes. It may be a bit late to come up with grand ideas, but thankfully, 2025 has teemed with pop culture activity— enough to draw costume inspiration from. 

You might be looking for ideas for that one event you knew you were attending for weeks—we get it, procrastination hits different this time of the year. Perhaps you’re improvising for that unexpected party you didn’t know you were invited to. Or maybe, you’re just not that into Halloween.

Either way, we have the best last-minute ideas for you to slay the dressing-up game. Scroll down to see the coolest pop culture-inspired costumes to wear this year, from denim looks fit for Katseye’s viral Gap commercial to outfits channeling your favorite TV shows of 2025.

Daniela from Mentiras, The Series. (Or frankly, anyone from Mentiras, The Series)  

halloween
Photo courtesy of Prime Video

Mentiras, The Series, the Mexican musical turned Prime Video’s hit show, took over Latin America in June. Tapping into ‘80s aesthetics, the show follows Daniela (Belinda), Lupita (Mariana Treviño), Dulce (Diana Bovio) and Yuri (Regina Blandón) in a music-filled plot that unravels their entanglement with the same man. Named after legendary Mexican singers from the period and assigned a representative color, each character stood out for its signature style. Mexican multihyphenate Belinda portrayed Daniela, a young wife whose pink-colored wardrobe rivaled Barbie’s. 

To bring the character to life, opt for anything pink with a retro flair and slightly preppy-leaning. The key is on the beauty: a volume-packed blowout, prominent bangs and ‘80s makeup. If pink is not for you, you can still channel Dulce’s green girl-next-door image, Yuri’s rocker-infused looks or Lupita’s glamorous, animal print-rich wardrobe.

Feather Cuff Blazer Jacket

CICY BELL

Retro Polarized Sunglasses

SOJOS

Performative Male 

@yungjackinnanen

Day in the life of a performative man in nyc fall edition w/ @UNIQLO USA #UNIQLOPartner #UNIQLO

♬ original sound – Jack Innanen

One of the internet’s most viral discussions this summer was the emergence of the “performative male.” The label refers to the men who misguidedly partake in performative actions to pander to women. More often than not, they are guided by the desire to embody what men believe women want or like.  Unfortunately, the insincerity in their actions is crystal clear—thus, the name. The spectrum of actions can range from adopting political opinions to trying fashion trends they believe women approve of. In simpler words, they cosplay being the type of guy they think women want. 

Their uniform? If we go by the internet think pieces, then probably anything between a simple (organic cotton) T-shirt or a plaid shirt and baggy jeans or jorts. Everything is in the details, so if you go with this one, then don’t forget to pick up a matcha latte on your way to the party. Bonus points if you carry a canvas tote bag, a Labubu or a Jane Austen book. Or perhaps, all of them.

Men’s Boxy Cut Tee

SUNBORUI

Men’s 578 Baggy Fit Jean

LEVI’S

Labubu

Nothing speaks of 2025 as much as the plush monster that has the world in a chokehold since the beginning of the year. Labubu, a Pop Mart toy collectible, has sparked a craze that generated $6.2 billion in Media Impact Value in the first half of 2025. Everyone, from K-pop stars Lisa and Felix to music icon Cher and NBA player Dillon Brooks, loves a Labubu. In fact, Lisa—who is largely credited for the toy’s fame—dressed up as one for Blackpink’s tour stop in London. 

To channel Lisa’s look, opt for a fuzzy-textured top and skirt set and find a pair of Labubu-esque ears. Bonus points if you can get your hands on a pair of equally fluffy boots. More traditional Labubu costumes can feature something as simple as a pair of fuzzy pajamas with a DIY Labubu ear headband. For those who truly are running out of time, then go for the most basic option: use Labubus as bag charms or attach them to the waistband of your pants (á la K-pop star). Alternatively, recreate any celebrity look featuring the famous plush monster; there are plenty of them.

Fuzzy Lounge Pajama Sets

ZAFUL

Plush Ears Headband

LIZTACT

Kpop Demon Hunters

halloween
Photo courtesy of Netflix

Kpop Demon Hunters is one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of 2025. Spotlighting South Korea’s music scene with a fantasy touch, the animated musical became Netflix’s most-watched and popular film. It isn’t any wonder that 6 out of the top 10 most searched costumes this year are characters from the successful movie. 

Although channeling Rumi, Zoey or Mira in their yellow stage outfits is a no-brainer, here’s a spinoff. Step into their most relaxed side with a costume inspired by the trio’s bathrobe scene. For the best portrayal, don’t forget a tray of food. Ice cream, sushi or ramen are bulletproof options.

Premium Plush Fleece Bathrobe

KORBLISS

Shin Black Noodle Soup x6

NONGSHIM

Ayla and/or Tawan from Only You, The Series

Are you a Thai drama enthusiast looking for an easy-to-recreate costume? Only You, The Series might be exactly what you’re looking for. Starring rising Thai stars Orm Kornnaphat and LingLing Kwong, it follows a simple (but still exciting and heartwarming) premise. Ayla (Orm) is a celebrity who hires former schoolmate Tawan (LingLing) as her bodyguard. The story unfolds as they overcome the obstacles separating them. 

Our costume ideas are straightforward and can be adapted to a single person, couples and even friend groups. Tawan, the cool and competent bodyguard, sports nothing but the coolest suits worn atop sporty bralettes and cutout crop tops. Ayla, the superstar, has a thing for early aughts-infused ensembles on stage—think strapless tops and miniskirts. Meanwhile, off stage, she thrives on denim and elevated basics. The best part of this idea? The bodyguard crush is such a classic that you can add your own spin to it.

Women Suits 2 Piece Set 

KIRUNDO

Women’s Cut Out Sleeveless Top

VERDUSA

Y2k Halter Top Floral

VERDUSA

Denim Skirts

LUVAMIA

Katseye “Better in Denim” Ad 

halloween
Photo courtesy of Gap

Offering a throwback to the ‘90s, Katseye took over the internet with a collaboration with Gap. Titled “Better in Denim,” the dance ad went viral on social media in just a couple of hours. Diverse, fun and nostalgic, the campaign received so much attention that it took no time before TikTok challenges, covers and even dance classes emerged.

Soundtracked by the ‘90s hit, “Milkshake,” Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae delivered an iconic choreography with the denim outfits to match. If you want to recreate their looks, go for a total look. The key is to keep things slightly retro, so denim crop tops, low-waisted pieces, baggy pants and mini skirts should suffice to channel Katseye viral campaign.  

Denim Crop Shell Tank Top

GAP

Denim Belted Mini Skirt

GAP


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