Halloween Costume Ideas: Music-Inspired Outfits From Doechii to Cardi

Halloween is just around the corner and if you don’t have a costume yet, all you have to do is turn to the music world for some inspiration. Already, 2025 has produced some major pop culture moments — some hilarious, some inspiring, and a lot of them memorable enough to make a solid Halloween get-up.

 

From Katseye’s Gap ad to Benson Boone’s glittery jumpsuits, here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

Taylor Swift’s Showgirl

 

The numbers should make it obvious: Halloween will be overrun with showgirls. Thankfully, Swift’s latest era is flush with costume-friendly looks. The looks fans are most likely to imitate are the proper feather headpiece showgirl outfits from the vinyl variants or “The Fate of Ophelia” video looks.

 

Charli XCX and Role Model on SNL

 

An easy costume for a couple or pair of friends is Charli XCX’s viral cameo as “Sally” during Role Model’s SNL debut. Cover yourself in fake tattoos to transform into Role Model or find a Max’s Kansas City tee to become Charli.

 

Chappell Roan in “The Subway”

Sure, you can probably just re-use your “Pink Pony Club” costume from last year but it would probably be more fun to whip out an oversized suit and get the longest red curly wig possible to pay homage to Roan’s video for “The Subway.”

 

Sabrina Carpenter in “Manchild”

 

Some of the more obvious Sabrina Carpenter-inspired costumes include her signature heart cut-out corset but her “Manchild” video is overflowing with trendy outfits worth imitating. The most recognizable would be the denim cut-offs with a white button-down tied up to make a crop top.

 

Cardi B in Court

 

Cardi B’s looks (and facial expressions) while taking the stand during a civil assault trial went so viral that even the Bronx rapper got in on the fun and made them the covers of physical variants for “Am I the Drama?”. They’ll make for the perfect Halloween photo op.

 

Lorde’s Water Bottle

A left-field option this season is finding a way to dress up as Lorde’s signature, multi-color water bottle. The bottle has become a legend throughout her Virgin era, being featured prominently in her interviews, live shows, and even her social media rollout.

 

Doechii at the Grammys

 

It’s pretty hard to forget about Doechii’s star-making turn at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Make your own version of the Thom Browne looks she sported on stage, whether it’s the school-kid blazer and shorts or the white brief and bra set.

 

Benson Boone Onstage

 

There is no shortage of chest-bearing live outfits from Benson Boone’s big year that could be fun, easy, and recognizable to throw on. Just don’t forget your mustache.

 

Addison Rae in “Headphones On”

 

Addison Rae has put out a series of instantly iconic music videos. The most memorable this year, however, is the one she made for “Headphones On.” Judging by the audience at her shows, plenty of people already picked up a pink wig and purple hoodie for a Rae-inspired costume this year.

 

Katseye’s Gap Ad

 

The Katseye girls have plenty of fun looks but a great group costume for your girl gang could just involve a trip to your local shopping mall. Get five other friends to sport their favorite denim for a tribute to the group’s viral Gap ad (and maybe learn their “Milkshake” dance while you’re at it).