Don’t let anyone ever tell you that picking the right Halloween costume isn’t an art. A genuinely spooky costume, dripping with fake blood, is a white carpet disaster waiting to happen. Cats, angels and devils i.e., anything involving a corset and a decorated headband have had their day.
A niche-ish pop culture reference, however, lets you prove you’re culturally informed while still looking good. Going as a duo is the surefire way to ensure you don’t have to explain your costume, either.
From fictional lovers to frenemies, these are the TV and film duos worth dressing up as this Halloween.
Allie and Dean, Off Campus
TV truly peaked this year during episode two of Off Campus. Hockey player Dean dressed as Maverick from Top Gun gazes puppy-eyed at theatre-kid Allie, who looks truly divine in J.Lo’s iconic, navel-grazing green Versace dress. It’s a truly meta moment to dress as two characters who are themselves dressing as two other characters, but people will get it.
Calypso and Odysseus, The Odyssey
They might not be the first duo that comes to mind from Christopher Nolan’s epic retelling of The Odyssey, but this is a minimal effort and pretty killer look to recreate. For Calypso, bronzer, sea-salt waves and a carefully draped piece of netting are all you need; for Odysseus, just find an old sheet and voilà: you’re Matt Damon stranded shoreside with Charlize Theron.
Nikki and Bear, Obsession
There is a strong chance that there will be multiple Nikki and Bears at any given Halloween gathering, but such is the risk you take for greatness. For the ultimate look, recreate the couple’s party scene, where things go from bad to worse. Inde Navarrette, the horror queen herself, revealed to People where to find Nikki’s outfit. For Bear, grab a pair of denim jeans, a gilet and the glazed-over stare of a guilty conscience.
@people #IndeNavarrette shares her tips for channeling Nikki Freeman this Halloween while hitting the #TIFF red carpet for Obsession.
Shane and Ilya, Heated Rivalry
Maybe the couple of the year, Shane and Ilya stole our hearts when Heated Rivalry in all its spicy hockey glory hit our screens. Luckily, all you need to recreate the look is two oversized hockey jerseys, some iron-on letters and a smouldering gaze.
Yasmin and Harper, Industry
For the friends who are really frenemies – and the frenemies who are practically soulmates – Yasmin and Harper are the ultimate power-dressing duo. Despite their constant feuds and backstabbing, these two are basically trauma-bonded. If your wardrobe is mostly long black coats, oversized sunglasses and chic power suits, this might be the lowest-effort look for you to emulate.
Carmy and Sydney, The Bear
Despite the shipping speculation, Carmy and Syd ended season five of The Bear as they had started – as good friends with a complex creative partnership. The easiest look of all to recreate: all you’ll need is a couple of blue aprons. For Carmy, add a bicep-hugging T-shirt and, for Syd, a bandana.
