Last Minute Pop Culture Costume Ideas

There are so many pop-culture-inspired costume ideas that can be easy to throw together, perfect for those last-minute Halloween plans. The Arts & Entertainment Department rounded up a list of creative and recognizable costumes that won’t break the bank or require hours of preparation.

Minions - “Despicable Me” Franchise

Bello!

This was a staple of the 2010s, but if there’s one thing about this society, it’s that minions will always be funny.

All anyone really needs to pull off Gru’s little helpers is a yellow top and denim, preferably overalls, but jeans should send the same message. Print out the G logo, get a pair of black gloves, and ideally, some goggles that everyone associates with the minions.

Minions can be as sexy or funny as the person may want to make it; that’s the beauty of the costume.

It also works well as a group costume since the minions rarely go places alone. Other iconic “Despicable Me” characters can also be paired with this and should be easy costumes to throw together. Gru needs all black and a scarf. Vector needs an orange jumpsuit and a banging bob. Purple minions could even work as a costume with some teased hair and the same minion costume, just with a purple top instead.

So, to those worried about not having enough costumes, needing a backup or having a change of heart. Be a minion for Halloween, and be comfortable and funny at a minimal cost. - Sophia D’Ovidio

Flavor Flav - Hip-Hop Artist

A lot of people are going to be inspired by the incredible Paris 2024 Summer Olympics for their Halloween costumes this year, which is so smart.

During the games, so many icons were titled like; Stephen Nedoroscik as pommel horse guy, Raygun as the Australian breakdancer, or Henrik Christiansen as the muffin man.

And while all of those would be great costumes, I think to stand out from the crowd and pull something maybe a little more niche, you should dress up as Flavor Flav being the ultimate USA women's water polo hype man.

After not only sponsoring the team, Flavor Flav decided to go the extra mile and support these women at every game. His actions really turned the spotlight onto a new sport for many and encouraged people to support alongside him.

The costume itself is fairly simple. Get yourself a “USA” basketball style jersey, a water polo swim cap and of course the iconic necklace clock.

To make the clock, I would recommend getting your arts and crafts skills out. Take paper and cut out the circle, tie a string to it and then design it to match Flavor Flav’s.

Overall, it is a pretty easy costume but highly effective and everyone will definitely know who you are. -Madison Rush

Miss Peacock - Clue Board Game

Outside of the media, there are many characters that can be replicated from the everyday world. A unique example would be from board games such as the murder mystery game known as "Clue."

There are a few different characters that make up the game and each has their own style according to the colors they wear. Miss Peacock, who is the blue piece when using the game, is nothing short of a great Halloween costume to utilize.

She is recognized for her blue character so almost any style of blue clothing could create the foundation for this look. For accessories, you can run to your local craft store such as Michaels or A.C. Moore to find feathers and face gems to replicate the beauty of a peacock and its patterns.

Other additions to the costume may include a fan, fur coat or gloves as she contains a fancy and expensive-looking appearance. To add a bit of spookiness for Halloween, include a fake knife or other weapons seen in the game and appear as if Miss Peacock were responsible for the murder! - Jessica Goldstein

Sophia D’Ovidio is a fourth-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.

Madison Rush is a third-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.

Jessica Goldstein is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email jng5536@psu.edu.