Ideas

Labubu

The quirky toy character from Hong Kong’s Pop Mart became all the craze in the U.S. this year — so much so that costume-predictions listed Labubu among the top trending looks for Halloween. What makes it costume-worthy is its cuddly, yet monstrous look that many really don’t understand, but the youth adores.

To recreate: wear a pastel, neon, or mismatched colored fuzzy onesie or oversize sweater with faux fur, oversized foam ears attached by a headband, and a toothy smile overlay. Carry a small “blind-box” bag prop as a nod to the collector culture.

Jaden Smith’s “Black House” Ensemble

At the 2025 Grammys, Jaden wore a giant black castle headpiece by Abodi, nicknamed “Vampire Castle.” The look was definitely an attention-grabber with many not understanding what message he was conveying.

“The whole process of creating the headpiece was a fantastic experience, from sketching to testing and realisation,” the company wrote in a Feb. 2 Instagram of the look. “The artistic headpiece combines the mysterious elegance of ABODI Transylvania with a bold, modern design inspired by Transylvanian history and the vampire legends of the Bathori.”

Recreate: Get a foam or cardboard cutout in a castle turret shape, paint it black, add gothic accents, and cut out a face window. Pair it with a sleek all-black suit or goth outfit.

Young Thug “Whoopty Do” Moment

Young Thug sparked a viral meme moment in September with his off-hand “Whoopty Do” remark during an interview discussing his release from jail and his current relationship with Gunna. While on the Perspectives With Bank podcast, he opened up about how their bond has irreversibly changed following their two-year YSL RICO case.

The clip that caught fire featured Thug casually saying “Whoopty Do” while downplaying the very real possibility that they could have spent years behind bars — a moment of nonchalance that quickly became the source for a meme.

Costume guide: wear a white tank top, bedazzled beanie, dark shades, a grill or a few gold teeth, iced out chains, face tats, and don’t forget the energetic personality.

Kai Cenat’s Fortnite Skin

Famed streamer, Kai Cenat, and his AMP squad have continued to dominate the Twitch space year after year, with Cenat’s latest accomplishment being his own Fortnite skin in the beloved video game. In August, the Sphere in Las Vegas lit up with a two-minute video unveiling the brand-new skin bundle during a livestream, making it the first time a streamer was featured on the large display.

Make the W Fortnite skin: sport a white tank-top shirt, with red camo shorts and matching hat. Find a dred loc wig and also temporary tattoos to place all over your arms (if you don’t have any). Lastly, add some black Jordan’s and a AMP chain that can be made with cardboard, aluminum foil or with other arts and crafts. For a real-world nod to the livestream reveal, incorporate a miniature or toy Mercedes AMG, inspired by the trailer footage of the car driving around the Sphere.

Andre 3000’s Met Gala Piano Look

At the May 2025, Met Gala, André 3000 wore a baby-grand piano on his back while arriving on the red carpet, announcing his surprise EP 7 Piano Sketches. The look was very campy and had social media buzzing for days, making it a sure go-to for the Halloween.

How to do it: attach a lightweight piano-key pattern made with poster board or use styrofoam to create a “piano backpack” to a blazer or trench coat; classic black trousers, white dress shirt; bowtie optional. Walk like you’re still at the gallery opening.

‘Sinners’ Twins “Smoke” & “Stack”

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s 2025 film Sinners was a box office hit. The vampire film, set in the deep delta south, gave viewers a whole new view on how a vampire flick can focus to the history of Blues music. Twin characters “Smoke” and “Stack” — both played by Jordan – will definitely be a Halloween go-to for duos as the characters are polar opposite of one another. The brothers not only each have a distinct fashion sense, their vernacular and mannerisms are much different than one another.

Jordan told PEOPLE, “What we understood about identical twins is that one often takes the lead in certain ways. Discovering those subtle differences was both fun and incredibly informative on a process level.” Speaking of characters Smoke and Stack, he added, “Their physicality — the way they stood, the way they moved — was distinct. Smoke carried his trauma differently; he was more closed off. Stack, on the other hand, was lighter. He smiled through his pain, through his trauma.”

To nail the look: Channel the 1930s with earth-toned layered suit jackets and slacks, paired with suspenders, a crisp shirt, a wide-brim or Newsboy hat, and classic dress shoes. Add playful props like a toy knife or pistol to complete the look. To really capture the essence of Smoke and Stack, focus on the nuanced details that Jordan brought to each character such as their slightly different Mississippi accents, the way they moved and reacted, and the subtle contrasts in their energy.

Lil Nas X Roaming The Streets

In a wild 2025 moment, Lil Nas X was filmed strolling down a Los Angeles street in only underwear and cowboy boots before being hospitalized and arrested for alleged drug use. Although VIBE wishes the best for Lil Nas X, undoubtedly, fans will recreate this moment for a viral Halloween costume.

Costume version: flesh-tone bodysuit or your birthday suit, white Hanes underwear, white cowboy boots, and an orange traffic cone on your head (nod to the clip).

Nicki Minaj Vs. Cardi B

The ongoing saga between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B hit a new low this year after Cardi dropped her long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? — and honestly, she proved she just might be, even when she’s not trying.

What started as subtle shade from Minaj spiraled into a full-blown digital showdown, with the two rap queens trading ruthless jabs on X about everything from each other’s kids to alleged drug use and STDs, and lack of lyrical prowess. The feud lit up timelines and divided the internet, forcing fans to pick a side — Team Barbz or Team Bardi — as the online feud turned the timeline into a metaphorical wrestling ring.

Couple costume potential: one as Nicki (pink wig, high-fashion “Barbie-inspired” outfit, Barbz chain), one as Cardi (red wig, dramatic fashion ensemble, red bandana as accessory). Add props like a prosthetic baby bump for Cardi and a pink chicken-wing chain for Nicki.

Druski As White Nascar Fan

Comedian and actor, Druski, made one of his most viral skits to-date when he dressed as the most exaggerated white NASCAR fan — mullet wig, overalls and white body makeup included. Although his look was pure satire, it did receive backlash for its perceived racist undertones.

In the skit, Druski fully leaned into the role — cheering wildly at a NASCAR race, chugging beers alongside real white fans, and belting out Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” at the top of his lungs. He smoked a cigarette with an older white woman who ended up sitting on his lap, spit on the ground as a Black man walked by, questioned another Black attendee about why he was there, and went all out when the national anthem played.

To get the look this Halloween: grab overalls (or ripped jeans + suspenders), a plaid shirt or tank, mullet wig or fake hair piece, white or tan face/body paint with a pink sunburn, a beer-can prop, hat with NASCAR logos, and a fake cigarette. Walk around shouting “Born in the USA!” for full effect.

Beyonce’s “Levii’s Jeans” Look

When Beyoncé dropped visuals for Cowboy Carter in full-on Levi’s denim, she created an internet tidal wave of “how do we get that look” searches.

Bey turned simple Levi’s jeans into couture with a full on campaing that showed her removing her booty-hugging denim jeans in the Laundromat and washing them in diamonds. Sporting only a denim cowboy hat and white undergarments underneath, she read the daily paper, waiting for her load to finish as her country hit “LEVII’s Jeans” played in the background.

The costume version: pair a Levi’s denim jacket with matching high-waist jeans, add a bold western belt buckle, boots, and sleek blonde hair with a red lip. Bedazzle your denim and throw in a toy microphone or a belt chain for extra “Queen Bey” flair.

SZA & Keke Palmer in ‘One Of Them Days’

In the 2025 Friday-esqué film One Of Them Days, Keke Palmer and SZA play besties dealing with eviction stress that causes them to go to the limits to make $2500 dollars before the evening. In one particular scene, the two bloody their clothes from a hilarious incident at a blood bank, where they’re forced to wear unforgettable wacky outfits — a look that many will probably recreate this year.

Put it together with your bestie: choose either Palmer’s neon green, fishnet jumpsuit or opt-out for her plaid shirt, baggy jeans and hoops. To get even more creative with Keke’s look, you can style your hair in box-braids with the top of your hair left out.

For SZA’s look, grab a kinky-curly wig that you can tease to make even bigger and throw on a swishy burgundy track suit with beat-up Jordans. As an alternative look, you can opt for a tank top with hearts, crochet cardigan and bold beaded necklaces.

Gayle King And Crew In Space

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin launched mission NS-31 with an all-female crew including Gayle King and Katy Perry for a rare space moment. Upon the the crew’s return to Earth, King appeared to look bewildered as she sported a sleek blue Monse-designed flight suit, reminiscent of a modernized Star Trek uniform.

Costume how-to: slip into a metallic or cobalt jumpsuit (or tailored flight suit), affix a mission patch or custom badge saying “NS-31,” add a visor or space helmet prop, or simply sport King’s burgundy bob hairstyle.

Prison Diddy With Baby Oil

If there’s one costume that’s guaranteed to have people clutching their pearls and their baby oil, it’s one showcasing Sean “Diddy” Combs’ and his legal woes. After months of swirling controversy, the rap mogul became the center of endless memes when social media users began joking about the discovery of thousands of bottles of baby oil in his Miami residence during Homeland Security’s home invasion.

Not to make light of anyone’s pain, but as one of the most shocking moment of the year, you can bet someone’s bound to recreate it.

How to turn controversy into a costume: grab a standard bright orange prison jumpsuit, create a Bad Boys chain to wear over it, and make sure your skin glistens with a generous layer of baby oil (keep the bottle for show). To complete the satire look, wear a pair of aviator sunglasses, diamond earrings, and carry a mic or Cîroc bottle as a prop for good measure.