Nostalgic Halloween: Halloween Costumes That Take Us Back
“In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress exactly how she wants and no other girls can say anything about it." That’s the Mean Girls philosophy, as Cady Heron put it more or less. On Halloween, people can be exactly who they want: Darth Vader, a Playboy Bunny, or President. It’s also the only night when my cat is a dragon. Halloween is the official fashion holiday and here's the list of the cutest, most nostalgic costumes. A mix between classic costumes like sailors and Wonder Woman, and creative costumes inspired by runway looks, musicians, and actors.
Kendall Jenner as 1970s Wonder Woman
Kendall Jenner paid homage to Lynda Carter’s iconic Wonder Woman with a costume rooted in retro authenticity. She channeled vintage glamour through a high-waisted bodysuit, bold primary colors, and metallic accents, perfectly capturing the essence of 1970s superhero style. Her red boots, an exact replica from the original series, grounded the look in nostalgia. Finished with soft makeup and pin curls, the styling captured a balance between comic-book fantasy and high-fashion editorial.
Britney Spears as Sailor Moon
The ultimate 2000s princess paying tribute to ’90s anime. With the iconic sailor collar, pleated skirt, and signature bow. Britney’s look perfectly balances nostalgia and whimsy, channeling childhood fantasy and girly fashion. An American twist on the beloved Japanese manga series Sailor Moon, written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. It’s a crossover the world needed: Sailor Moon, Princess of Serenity and the Moon Kingdom, meets pop royalty, Britney Spears.
Kylie Jenner as Xtina
Costumes don’t always have to be fictional characters; sometimes they’re significant memories of pop culture fashion - the kind of outfits that once broke the internet. King Kylie reimagines a real-life music legend: Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty era. While the original was bright yellow, this version leans bold red, a change that makes it feel more like reinterpretation. Though the bright blue contacts and platinum blonde hair capture the original look. A costume, yes but also a love letter to Y2K pop culture!
Jacob Elordi and Kaia Gerber dressed as Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley
In 1970, Photographer Frank Carroll captured these professional photos of Elvis and Priscilla during the week of Thanksgiving. Another costume that embodies a memorable moment in pop culture, Elvis Presley King of Rock and Roll and Priscilla Presley leader of the big hair believers! The bump in hair, cigar in mouth, and cane perfectly capture the vintage ambiance of the 70s era.
Lauren Conrad as Sailor
Lauren Conrad embraced timeless Americana with a chic sailor costume, blending classic with her signature effortless style. The look featured crisp white stockings, pigtails, and a bold red lip, the subtle details that gave the costume a vintage feel. Known for her polished simplicity, Conrad brought the same understated elegance that made her a 2000s fashion muse.
Harry Styles dressed as Elton John circa his 1975 Dodgers Stadium Performance
Wearing a bedazzled Dodgers uniform paired with Elton’s signature oversized, flashy sunglasses and a baseball cap. The look captures a moment that was both larger-than-life and deeply personal, Elton John's sold out Dodger's Stadium Concert in 1975. Styles’ costume feels perfectly nostalgic, an intimate homage to a beloved musician who helped define glam-rock fashion.
Holly Madison as Marie Antoinette
Holly Madison deserves praise for her attention to detail and love of aesthetics. The reality star has always had the most inspired outfits, but her Marie Antoinette inspired look truly speaks to her gift for costume design. A costume that doesn't just reference a queen, but reimagines her through pastel lenses and lace-trimmed decadence.
Sarah Hyland as Marie from The Aristocats
A costume that feels perfectly made for the ultimate girl next door, Sarah Hyland. While the look includes character-true details like the platinum bob, face paint, and choker. Hyland softened the silhouette with a dainty tulle skirt, tights, and leg warmers, creating a sweet, girly vibe. The most creative cat costume in history!
Megan Fox as Padmé Amidala
An elaborate costume that perfectly captures Star Wars main character Padmé Amidala’s iconic senate gown, with one unexpected twist: red Nike sneakers. The blend of cinematic accuracy and casual footwear adds a modern, playful edge to the regal ensemble. And honestly, no one is more fitting for this Star Wars costume than everybody’s crush, Megan Fox.
The Weeknd and Bella Hadid dressed as Tim Burton’s 1988 Beetlejuice
Hadid channeled Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz in the character’s iconic red bridal gown. The look featured a red lace dress custom-made by couturier Sylvio Rouberto Kovacic. The Weeknd, wore Beetlejuice’s groomsman outfit, a vintage burgundy Pierre Cardin suit complete with movie-accurate face and body makeup. Their interpretation of the look is equal parts glam and horror.
Written by: Nivea Frank
Cover Design: Amanda Abbott
