best halloween costumes for 2021
Cover These are the best pop culture Halloween costumes to wear in 2021 (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix)

From Netflix’s hit series Squid Game to Kim Kardashian’s dramatic entrance at Met Gala, we gathered the most memorable pop culture moments of 2021 so far to bring you the best Halloween costume ideas

Halloween is fast approaching and with the city’s Covid-19 situation remains stable, our celebrations for the spookiest day of the year are getting back on track, where bars and restaurants are rolling out exciting festive events for people to enjoy after last year’s dead season.

If you’re heading to a party this Halloween and looking for some inspiration on what to dress up, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest costume ideas for 2021. Inspired by some of this year’s most popular dramas and blockbuster movies, as well as the most memorable red carpet looks, these fun costume areas are bound to turn heads and steal the spotlight.

Expect the iconic all-green tracksuits from Netflix hit K-drama Squid Game, Marvel's superheroes, Kim Kardashian’s head-to-toe black outfit at Met Gala 2021, and more.  

Don't Miss: These Are Hong Kong’s Top Halloween Parties for 2021

Bridgerton

Tatler Asia
best halloween costumes 2021 - pop culture - bridgerton netflix
Above Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

How can we forget the steamy love story between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke in Netflix’s Bridgerton? Aside from the engaging plot and outstanding production design, it’s the dazzling outfits the characters worn caught our attention.

There are plenty of ways to fuel your Halloween costume with whimsical Regency-era aesthetics for an immediately recognisable look—think extravagant jewels, empire waist dresses and gowns with ruffled lace sleeves.

And if you need a cute couple costume idea that’ll make you and your partner the talk of the party, use the scene where Daphne wears an exquisite blue dress and long gloves, and the Duke dons a paisley brocade vest and velvet jacket as inspiration for your costume. Gorgeous.  

Read more: 10 "Bridgerton"-Inspired Fashion Pieces to Wear Now

Squid Game

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Recently surpassed Bridgerton to become Netflix’s most-watched series launch ever, the thrilling survival K-drama Squid Game was, without a doubt, one of the best shows of 2021, making it a fabulous Halloween costume idea. Telling the story of debt-laden people competing for a huge cash prize in a series of children’s games with deadly penalties if they lose, Squid Game features a selection of striking, easy-to-replicate outfits that are guaranteed to earn you plenty of compliments.

Get yourself a green, numbered tracksuit and a pair of white trainers to dress up as the contestants, or go for a more striking look with red tracksuits and black masks worn by the guards in the show. These two outfits are eye-catching enough to be recognisable during Halloween, and if you’re looking to go all out, play the giant robot doll costume by pairing a yellow shirt with an orange dress and knee-socks. Don’t forget to style your hair in short ponytails, too.  

Netflix also dropped some new Squid Game-themed customisable merch, including T-shirts and hoodies which are perfect for those who want something on-theme, yet subtle enough to be merged into their day-to-day wardrobes after Halloween.

Don't Miss: Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ Cast and Director Talk About Bringing the Korean Survival Show to Life

The Gossip Girl Reboot

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of IMDb

The Gossip Girl reboot was released in July this year with a fresh new cast and brimming with more stellar outfit inspirations to take note of for not only our fall wardrobes, but also Halloween costumes. Live out your GG dreams by channelling your inner Julien Calloway with a chic school uniform paired with bike shorts and cowboy knee-high boots, or opt for the ever-stylish Monet de Haan’s classic mini-skirt look chunky pumps.  

Shang-Chi

Tatler Asia
best halloween costumes 2021 - pop culture - marvel shangchi
Above Photo: Courtesy of Disney

Transform yourself into Marvel’s first Asian superhero Shang-Chi on Halloween with his iconic battle look. If you love the idea but don’t feel like buying the full costume, you can totally DIY this look yourself by wearing a black and red jacket, black pants, and black shoes. To make the look feel as authentic as possible, check out the costume stores at Pottinger Street or Wan Chai Market to find the perfect replica of Shang-Chi's mystical Ten Rings weapon. 

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala look

Tatler Asia
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Kim Kardashian attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Above Photo: Getty Images

Looking for an instantly recognisable costume idea? This Kim Kardashian look is it. She made quite a dramatic entrance at this year’s Met Gala event, wowing the world with an all-black Balenciaga ensemble covering every inch of her body—including her face.

This is a great last-minute costume idea as it doesn’t require you to put on make-up or style your hair, but only need to put together a few black items for a show-stopping look. Get your black boots, leggings and gloves ready and don’t forget about the faceless mask. 

Don't Miss: 7 Women at the Met Gala That Understood the Assignment

Cruella

Tatler Asia
best halloween costumes 2021 - pop culture - disney cruella
Above Photo: Courtesy of Disney

A roundup of the best Halloween outfits would be remiss without bringing up a Disney villain. This year, Maleficent and the evil queen from Snow White are taking a back seat in the women’s costume arena, with Cruella de Vil from Cruella—one of Disney’s most notable releases of 2021, taking centre stage in our costume game.

Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan is the brains behind all those jaw-dropping outfits worn by Cruella (played by Emma Stone) throughout the movie, which we admire the bold punk designs revolve around the villain's signature colour palette of black, white and red.

To channel the rebellious Cruella, throw on a black leather jacket and sequin trousers for a glam-rock look. Alternatively, put on an elaborate red gown and wear long gloves to stand out against the crowd. Bonus points if you add a half black and half white curly wig!

Don't Miss: 6 Stylish Cruella-Inspired Outfits You’ll Actually Want to Wear

Black Widow

Tatler Asia
Marvel Studios' BLACK WIDOWBlack Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)Photo: Film Frame©Marvel Studios 2020
Above Photo: Courtesy of Disney

With the action-packed Marvel film Black Widow dropping earlier this year, the female superhero’s (played by Scarlett Johansson) outfits are fun and timely to replicate. Channel her strong character and show off your style with a black jumpsuit and utility belt. Be sure to also add a red hair wig to demonstrate her fierceness. 

NOW READ: 

Mirror's Edan Lui: 7 of the Hong Kong Singer’s Most Stylish Looks

Take a Look Inside Peter Cheung's Fabulous Designer Wardrobe

These Are The Most Stylish People in Hong Kong in 2021

Topics