12 Last-Minute Celebrity Halloween Costumes To Easily Recreate
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It has happened once again. Each year, you go back-and-forth all month about whether or not you want to dress up this time for Halloween, and before you know it, Oct. 31 is a few days away and last-minute costume is needed. Luckily, VIBE’s got you covered with a list of solid options.
Recreating iconic looks from classic movies, music videos, and pop culture moments may be easier than people may think — you just have to get a little creative. The power of rummaging through what is already in your own closet (or your parent’s) should never be underestimated, as the key to a perfectly executed NBA Draft Night reference might just be your dad’s old suit.
From Janet Jackson’s classic look in Poetic Justice to one of Beyoncé’s countless music video looks that we’ll never forget, here are some last-minute celebrity costumes to put your own twist to. Most of the items each fit would need can easily be found on Amazon and shipped to your door before the holiday arrives.
For more recent options only, check out our list of costumes inspired by 2024’s most memorable/viral moments.
Courtside Spike Lee
Image Credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Before he became one of the most iconic filmmakers of our time, Spike Lee was a sports fanatic first. Throughout the years, the director has earned his reputation as the New York Knicks’ biggest fan, as he loyally sat courtside at almost every game at Madison Square Garden.
To emulate his spirit this Halloween, all you’d need is head-to-toe Knicks gear, a pair of thick glasses, and your (often distressed) game face — and bonus points if you dramatically fall to the floor like he does after major plays. For more inspiration, check out VIBE’s recent list of Spike Lee’s greatest courtside moments.
Janet Jackson In ‘Poetic Justice’
Image Credit: Poetic Justice official movie poster.
In this classic film, Janet Jackson stars as leading lady Justice, who left an imprint on the culture forever thanks to her simple and timeless wardrobe in the movie. Sporting her signature black hat and long braids throughout the entire film, the look has become synonymous with the memorable role. And thankfully, it’s easy to recreate. All you need is an all black outfit and this hat from Amazon.
To make matters even better, this idea can be easily turned into a couple’s costume. Halle Bailey and DDG dressed up as Justice and Lucky (played by Tupac) last Halloween — and they executed it perfectly.
Instagram/Hallebailey
Beyoncé In “Check On It” Music Video
Image Credit: YouTube screenshot
There are endless Beyoncé references to pick from, but some may be too intricate to pull off under a time crunch. However, Queen Bey’s “Check On It” music video from the 2000’s is a fan-favorite offering that is a gold mine for looks to recreate.
The Houston superstar sports several different on-theme ensembles throughout the visual, but her cropped baby pink shirt and miniskirt look is arguably the easiest to put your own twist to. Pair the two-piece fit with a some Amazon Y2K pink shades, hoops, and confidence, and you’ll look like the singer of 2006 The Pink Panther film theme song in no time.
YouTube screenshot.
Cam’ron’s Famous Pink Fur Outfit
Image Credit: Cam’Ron
Speaking of pink, although this look is arguably one of the most recreated Hip-Hop looks of all time, it’s for a good reason and it will never get old. Cam’ron’s famous pink fur outfit is a reference that will be cool for generations to come, as it is etched into people’s minds due to its sheer impact.
The costume consists of a pink fur jacket with a matching headband, a pink flip phone, and any white shirt, which are all available on Amazon for under $30 each. Walk into any party with this fit on and you’re bound to turn some heads.
Any NBA Player On Draft Day, Throwback Edition
Image Credit: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images
Draft Day is one of the most important nights in a lifelong athlete’s life, so it’s imperative their look for the night sets the tone. Over the years, players’ suits have become more flashy and customized, such as Scoot Henderson’s jewel-encrusted and Gradey Dick’s flashy red sequined blazer. However, the 2000’s era of draft nights is resulted one of the most recognizable decades thanks to the infamous oversized suits and immense talent.
Any basketball fan would appreciate a clever Draft Day fit remake, which would only require a suit that’s a few sizes too big and a hat donning the logo of your favorite team. The personalization options are endless (see picks at boohooman), as you can grab gear from whichever squad you like.
Martin And Gina
Image Credit: Martin and Gina
Martin is largely regarded as one of the best sitcoms of all time, so it’s only right Halloween is a time to pay homage to one of the culture’s favorite on-screen couples. Martin (Martin Lawrence) and his girlfriend Gina (Tisha Campbell) had countless complimentary looks throughout the show’s five seasons, but the best would be to recreate the classic series poster. In the image, Martin sports a boxy grey blazer while Gina matches his vibe with her bright red one.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMGPoAq-pSY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=375]
Soulja Boy
Image Credit: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images
Soulja Boy is a pioneer of many things: viral internet dances, various fashion trends, and writing your own name on your glasses. The veteran rapper was never one to shy away from bold looks and he’s got plenty of statement outfits that embody the Y2K spirit.
You can look back on the “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” rapper’s music videos to reference a specific look, but channeling his overall general style should do the trick. Throw on an oversized jersey or white tee, find a matching fitted, and write your name on your glasses in white sharpie, and you’ve got a customized Soulja Boy Tell’em look for any Halloween function.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UFIYGkROII?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Raven Baxter From ‘That’s So Raven’
Image Credit: Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Raven Baxter of That’s So Raven may have primarily been known for her psychic powers, but her fashion sense is what solidified her as a Disney Channel standout. Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman-Maday, always had incredibly vibrant and whimsical looks that embodied her unique sense of style. This high school student was always turning heads in the hallways for her fur-trimmed jackets, colorful flared pants, glittery scarves, and insane accessory game.
For more inspiration, check out Pinterest boards that are dedicated to the “Raven Baxter Aesthetic.”
Hoodie Melo
Image Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Carmelo Anthony has had several different eras throughout his illustrious career. There’s Syracuse Melo, Nuggets Melo, Olympics Melo, and then there’s his 2017-2018 chapter, Hoodie Melo. The viral look spread like wildfire after videos of the NY legend working out with his hoodie covering his head and hitting impressive shots began surfacing, and it stuck.
Instead of just simply dressing up as Melo with one of his jerseys, wearing the hoodie is a simple added layer that will speak volumes as it pays homage to a time in his career that is never to be forgotten. Walk outside with an OKC Thunder jersey and a grey hoodie underneath this upcoming week and NBA fans everywhere will instantly see the vision.
Halle Berry In ‘Catwoman’
Even though the movie infamously didn’t get the best reviews, Catwoman starring Halley Berry is still a classic. Whether people are fans of the protagonist or not, one fact is indisputable: She looks damn good. Berry’s take on the DC anti-heroine is a good spin on the typical cat costume. Her sexy outfit can be interpreted in several ways; you can go the full catsuit route or opt for the cut-out leather bra situation, but just be sure to pair it with a cat mask.
Ice Cube And Chris Tucker In ‘Friday’
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
If you’re in need of an extremely simple bestfriend duo costume, you’re in luck. Friday’s very own Ice Cube and Chris Tucker sported casual fits, but that’s all they needed to become one of the most recognized pair’s of all time on the big screen. If you want to be Craig Jones (Cube), find a black and white flannel with some black pants. Meanwhile, find a buddy to be your Smokey (Tucker), who just needs a navy blue tee, a fitted in the same color, and beige pants. Daaaaaaamn!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8EMndSFFMk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Jimmy Butler’s 2023 Media Day Look
Image Credit: Sam Navarro/Getty Images
Jimmy Butler trolled the media in the best way he knew how last NBA season when he showed up to media day with a very special look. He straightened his hair to have a side bang covering one eye, wore thick black eyeliner, and even painted his nails black to complete his emo look. For the rest of the season, portraits of his goth look had to be used almost every time he was mentioned on screen, immortalizing his “Emo Jimmy” alter ego forever. To recreate this look, all you need is his Miami Heat jersey and some makeup!
