TikTok has become the center of cultural commentary in the past several years, and Halloween has proven no different. TikTok videos continue to document costumes that are indicative of some of the year’s most notable trends in media, and other niche pop culture references being brought to the forefront.
Countless ordinary partygoers have found sudden viral fame over their nostalgic and historical references this year. Some leaned into childhood favorite films and television shows, while others leaned into recently trending eras of history–notably, the British royals, amid the popularity of “The Crown.” Most importantly, after years of global turmoil at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok users were happy to see the public embracing their inner children and getting more creative than in recent years this Halloween.
The Spookiest Looks On TikTok
One New York City friend group dressed as Mr. Moseby and Cody Martin from “The Suite Life Of Zach And Cody.” The viral video quoted an iconic scene from the show, in which Moseby nervously chastises Cody, asking him “how do you lose a woman?” to which Cody answers “you forget to cherish her.”
@bornaflop
Others dressed in the late Princess Diana of Wales in her iconic revenge dress.
@bensneller Diana comes out to slay on halloween #diana #princessdiana @Kyle Raine #halloween
Some replicated Lindsay Lohan‘s twins from “The Parent Trap,” with the parents in the split photo being none other than Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, who have found themselves back in the news cycle amid Swift’s re-recorded “1989” (Taylor’s Version). Several songs on the acclaimed synth pop album are believed to reference the singer’s previous relationship with Styles, notably the vault tracks “Is It Over Now” and “Now That We Don’t Talk.” Despite the breakup anthems fresh out of the vault, Swift and Styles appear to be on friendly terms, even speaking at the 2021 and 2022 Grammys.
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@lilynadine Mom and Dad🫶🏼
Elsewhere, some channeled the fashion of 1970s California and dressed as the titular Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne from Prime Video’s “Daisy Jones & The Six.” The show is based on the novel of the same day by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and is loosely based on the lives of real life bands Fleetwood Mac and The Civil Wars.
@reese.cycled jumpscare warning: billy dunne #daisyjones
Others turned the news cycle into humorous group costumes. One circle of friends donned French berets and bed bug ensembles following the recent outbreak of the insects during Paris Fashion Week. Additionally, one TikTok creator dressed as recently fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson, recreating his controversial take on “woke M&M’s.”
@shannonnutt_ paris bed bug epidemic #parisbedbugs #paris #halloween
@jordxnlewis costume won us $200 btw #halloween #parisbedbugs #fyp
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@hanhancashhoe Halloweekend !!!!!!!!!! #fyp #tuckercarlson sexygreenm&m
Additionally, film buffs showcased costumes honoring the most powerful offscreen figures in the industry. One TikTok creator recreated a behind-the-scenes video of Greta Gerwig directing her Oscar nominated film “Ladybird.”
@margeintestine In Greta Gerwig we trust
Elsewhere, one fraternity got very into a group costume. New brothers dressed as minions while an upperclassman dressed as Gru from “Despicable Me.” Commenters found the costumes to be a hilarious reminder of what fraternity culture is truly like.
@susky.tke Felt despicable, might steal the moon later 🙈 #tke #rushtke #fyp #fraternity
Elsewhere, couples costumes oscillated between representing popular film and television characters and real life celebrities. From Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck to Nick and Jess from the hit sitcom “New Girl,” the creativity knew no bounds.
@csheetz89 Ben put a smile on for me today #jennifelopez #benaffleck
♬ Jenny from the Block (feat. Styles P. & Jadakiss) (Track Masters Remix) – Jennifer Lopez
@devynkohl nick, im gonna admit it, i might be your cooler #newgirl #trenchcoatnick
This year proved that Halloween is always what the costume wearer makes of it–whether that may be a form of escapism or a humorous take on how scary reality can really be.
