Need a Halloween costume? How about one that’s easy to make? Or even better yet, one that people will get?
The way I see it, you’ve got two angles to approach a TV-themed Halloween costume. Either pick something so mainstream it’s impossible not to know what you are or pick something that looks cool without context but will be recognized by other fans.
Here’s a few ideas:
The Handmaid’s Tale
No time like the present to rock a Halloween costume inspired by a dystopian novel. The robe looks easy enough to make or find. As for the bonnet, here’s a great DIY tutorial on YouTube. And if sewing, cutting, and glueing isn’t your thing – Etsy has a bunch for sale.
Game of Thrones Night’s Watch
Assuming you don’t live in a warm-climate, “Winter is Coming” so why not dress appropriately? A member of the Night’s Watch is probably one of the easier Game of Thrones costumes to make, especially now that we know their coats are actually made out of Ikea rugs. Get those instructions here. Other accessories to gather: additional layers of black-colored clothing, boots, a sword, and maybe a raven for good measure.
American Ninja Warrior Contestant
Alternatively if you need a costume for warmer temperatures or an indoor party, why not throw on some workout gear and pair it with an American Ninja Warrior t-shirt or tank top? Upside to this easy costume, the shirt can be re-worn throughout the rest of the year so it’s a purchase you can easily rationalize.
Eleven from Stranger Things
You don’t have to shave your head for this costume, just buy a blond wig and you can still pull off the Eleven-look with a pink dress, blue jacket, tube socks, and sneakers. Add an “11” tattoo on your wrist for the complete look. If this is the one for you, the website Carbon Costume has already done the leg work for you locating all the wardrobe pieces on Amazon.
Mr. Robot fsociety
Sure you could just wear a black zip-up hoodie and be Elliot, but that’s kind of cheating. Instead get yourself an official Mr. Robot fsociety mask, a thrift shop suit, and top hat. If people don’t get the reference at least a costume with a mask is a safe play.
Orange Is The New Black Inmate
Buy some orange or tan scrubs and / or a gray sweatshirt and you’re ready to be an inmate at Litchfield Penitentiary. And don’t forget your ID badge. Recruit a couple of friends and this could be a fun group costume.
Wet Hot American Summer Camp Counselor
Wet Hot American Summer would be another excellent group costume, and honestly probably needs to be done that way unless you want people to think you’re just rocking an 80s / throwback look, which wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. If you want help selling the costume you can buy a Camp Firewood t-shirt.
Pokémon Trainers
Celebrate Halloween and play Pokémon Go in character as either Ash, Brock, or Misty.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons airs almost non-stop on FXX so they’re still relevant, plus these iconic cartoon characters are pretty easy to imitate. With the right hair-do or wig and a wardrobe that’s either t-shirts and jeans (or shorts) or a dress with a necklace you can be a resident of Springfield in no time.
Legends of the Hidden Temple / Guts
Buy a shirt, spray paint a helmet yellow, and you’ve basically got yourself a pretty sweet costume by an 90s kid’s standard.
Friday Night Lights – Football Player or Cheerleader
If I were to own a Dillon Panthers or East Dillon Lions jersey I would certainly wear it more than once, so as a Halloween costume, it’s not a bad investment. And at your Halloween party if people aren’t yelling “Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose!” with you, then at least they’ll just assume you’re a football player. Alternatively a logo t-shirt for either team could be the focal point of a rally girl costume if that’s more your thing.
Walter White from Breaking Bad
Even if you haven’t seen the show, I have to imagine almost anyone would at least be able to place the reference. A button up shirt and a pair of tighty whiteys or a yellow jumpsuit and gas mask ought to do the trick.
BoJack Horseman
Buy a horse’s head (they’re surprisingly affordable!) and wear a sweater and jeans, it might be more of an obscure reference, but it’s a funny costume none the less.
Survivor Contestant
CBS sells Survivor buffs. Grab one, put on your dirtiest clothes, and maybe even fashion yourself an immunity idol for the win.
Party Down Cater Waiter
This one might be a bit of a stretch, but black pants, a white button up shirt, and a pink bow tie is all you need to channel this short-lived Starz series.
Jane Doe from Blindspot
Break out the temporary tattoos and go nuts! After that, all you’ll need is a white tank top and a black wig. Word of caution: take into consideration how difficult it will be to remove all the tattoos before going forward with this idea.
Bonus Option: a Doctor
Scrubs, lab coat optional, with an ID from Sacred Heart, Princeton Plainsboro, County General, and Seattle Grace is not only easy costume to make but offers a fun little ‘easter egg’ of sorts for fellow fans.
