Believe it or not, a lot of people actually spend months and months (and months) preparing perfect Halloween costumes. However, if (like 96 percent of us here at GQ) you’re not that way inclined, then just look in your wardrobe ahead of the evening and work with what you’ve already got.
There’s plenty in there that can form the basis of an easy, digestible men’s Halloween costume that requires minimal damage to the bank account. And so, we’ve rounded up the best low-hanging fruit from the realms of film, fashion, and beyond to make your costume—and your night—a successful one. (A word of advice: If you’re concerned that a person of your complexion can’t pull off one of these costumes, you’re probably right.) Happy Halloween, folks.
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John Wick
Did John Wick die? Is he still alive? While we may never know the answer (at least until the spinoff Ballerina releases next summer), there’s never been a better time to suit up as the Baba Yaga.
What you’ll need: If you want to try your hand at embodying Jardani Jovonovich, you’ll need to get yourself a stealthy all-black suit and a charcoal grey dress shirt. For dudes with long locks, slick your hair back with some gel or wax. If you’re lacking in the follicle department, a wig will have to do.
Optional: A very good boy.
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Lionel Messi
Even if you’re not all that into soccer, chances are you’ve been swept up in the Lionel Messi hype. Earlier this summer, the Argentine icon joined David Beckham‘s MLS side Inter Miami, leading them to their first-ever Leagues Cup trophy.
What you’ll need: This Halloween costume is simple in theory, but it might prove quite difficult to get together at the very last minute. All you need is Messi’s Inter Miami home jersey and shorts, and you’re good to go. But, at this point, they’re pretty much sold out everywhere, so you might have to opt for the numberless version instead.
Optional: If money is no object, you might as well match one of Messi’s sublime Patek Philippes, too.
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J. Robert Oppenheimer
This time last year, if you told us that one of 2023’s hottest Halloween costumes would be a theoretical physicist, we probably would’ve just laughed in your face. But thanks to Cillian Murphy‘s stellar performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, we’re all dressing up as seductive science nerds this year.
What you’ll need: A light brown suit that’s slightly too big, a matching hat, a grey shirt, and a chocolate-colored tie. Oh, a white badge that reads ‘K-6’ also adds to the costume.
Optional: If you want to go the extra mile, you might want to dig out your old physics textbooks from college and get reading. There’s still time.
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Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Travis Kelce
Let’s be honest: Up until the end of September, most non-sports fans didn’t have a clue who Travis Kelce even was. But a lot can change in the space of a few days, and all of a sudden, he’s primed to be one of the most popular Halloween costumes for 2023.
What you’ll need: The NFL tight end is known for his famous pre-game fits, but for this custom go for a classic Kansas City Chiefs jersey and a mustache. You can’t forget the mustache.
Optional: If you really want to go all-in, grab the clippers and give yourself a buzz cut. You’ll also want gallons and gallons of rizz.
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Paramount+Frasier Crane
For those of you who don’t know, Dr Frasier Crane was played by Kelsey Grammer in 1982’s Cheers, and he was so good that he eventually got his own spin-off show in 1993. Fast forward three decades, and he’s back once again, this time in 4K.
What you’ll need: There are two ways that you can dress like Crane. You can either go full throwback with button-down cardigans and lots and lots of corduroy, or you can wear a blazer and a pair of dad jeans. The latter isn’t as inspired, but it still works.
Optional: A pair of headphones, a microphone, and a cup of coffee (or ten).
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Warner Bros. PicturesPhil Knight
If you didn’t already know the story of Michael Jordan, Ben Affleck’s Air did a good job telling it. Not only was it great film about how the best basketball player of all-time became, well, the best basketball player of all-time, it was also 112 minutes of pure nostalgia, especially from Nike co-founder Phil Knight’s fits.
What you’ll need: Big, polarised sunglasses, a very old school tracksuit (the noisier the better), and some Nike sneakers.
Optional: While the Nikes seem like an obvious choice, surprisingly, Knight actually walked around barefoot a lot of the time, so they’re also entirely optional.
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Thomas Magnum
Even though they remade Magnum P.I. a few years ago, nothing will ever beat the OG series from the ’80s. Back in the day, the crime drama was consistently ranked as one of the best TV shows ever, but that might have just been because of how sexy Tom Selleck was.
What you’ll need: A Hawaiian shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and a beautiful, beautiful mustache.
Optional: It’s not totally necessary, but if you want to unleash your inner Magnum, getting a perm could be a good idea.
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Universal PicturesCocaine Bear
If you’ve got a really, really tight budget this Halloween, then going to as the Cocaine Bear is simple, effective, and kind to your bank account. Not only will be a proper meme machine, it’ll also be one of the more memorable costumes at your office party.
What you’ll need: A bear costume or a onesie.
Optional: Plain flour. Lots and lots of it.
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Warner Bros. PicturesJust Ken
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is, by far, this year’s most-hyped movie (if you haven’t watched it yet, wyd?). So it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that Ryan Gosling’s Ken is one of our favourite Halloween costumes of 2023.
What you’ll need: While Beach Ken sports countless looks in the film, the one that sticks out the most is his sleeveless denim jacket and jeans combo.
Optional: Platinum blonde hair and a very chiseled jawline.
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Joel Miller
Back in January, The Last of Us was the show that literally everyone talked about. In the post-apocalyptic drama, Joel Miller (played by the infinitely talented Pedro Pascal) is a smuggler who also happens to be a bit of a fashion god, because we all dress like its the end days now.
What you’ll need: To work this look, grab a blue denim shirt, a brown wax jacket, and the oldest pair of jeans that you can find. Finish it off with some hiking boots.
Optional: Very, very scruffy hair.
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Kendall Roy
After five years on air, Succession came to an end earlier this summer. If you want to channel your inner Eldest Boy this Halloween, it’s time to put those quiet luxury fits to good use.
What you’ll need: Wear a dress shirt, and layer this with a blazer, a padded gilet, or a puffer coat. For extra sad rich boi points, top it off with some huge headphones and Wayfarers.
Optional: A strong sense of entitlement and an absurd flight jacket
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Joey Tribbiani
Widely regarded by critics as one of the best Friends episodes of all-time, season 3’s The One Where No One’s Ready also has one of the more meme-able moments in the sitcom’s history.
What you’ll need: Absolutely all of your clothes.
Optional: Your roommate’s clothes too.
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Paramount PicturesForrest Gump
Forrest Gump will forever be known as one of the greatest films of all-time. In the 1994 classic, Forrest dons plenty of memorable fits, but there’s one that’s definitely more iconic than the others.
What you’ll need: Dive into the very back of your wardrobe and dig out a blue check shirt, chinos, a red baseball cap, and some white Nike Cortez trainers.
Optional: An aptitude for running.
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Carmy Berzatto
Thanks to The Bear, Jeremy Allen White’s Carmy Berzatto has quickly become everyone’s favourite hot chef. Known for his blond curls, icy gaze, and giant biceps, if you don’t have any of these, don’t worry, as there are other ways that you can channel your inner Carmy.
What you’ll need: Slip on a white tee, some black trousers, and a blue apron. If you’re lacking in the ink department, a ballpoint pen will work wonders.
Optional: The ability to shout “Yes chef!” at the top of your lungs.
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Universal PicturesMarty McFly
It’s wild to think that Back to the Future first hit the silver screen almost four decades ago, and even after all this time, Marty McFly’s fit is still one of the most popular Halloween costumes out there.
What you’ll need: A burgundy tee, plaid shirt, denim jacket, and red puffer vest, all layered on top of each other. Because ’80s.
Optional: Walkman, light-up sneakers, and a skateboard with the wheels removed (unless you’ve managed to invent a hoverboard).
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Universal PicturesAugie Steenbeck
Without a doubt, Asteroid City has got to be the most Wes Anderson-y movie that Wes Anderson has ever made. Taking the symmetrical shots and deadpan humour to the next level, it also happens to be the celebrated director’s most fashionable film to date, with Jason Schwartzman’s Augie Steenbeck being one of the coolest looking dudes that we’ve ever seen.
What you’ll need: Throw on a beige safari jacket, a white shirt, some chinos, and a pair of brown ankle-high boots.
Optional: If you really want to go all-in, invest in a 1978 Kiev-4 camera. These are very hard to find, so good luck.
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Eddie Munson
Set in 1980s Indiana, for the past seven years, Stranger Things has become the go-to show for Halloween inspo thanks to its huge selection of vintage fits. We guarantee that you’ll see countless Elevens and Dustin Hendersons this season, so why not opts for a more underrated character?
What you’ll need: Replicating Eddie Munson’s look is pretty straightforward. Grab a graphic T-shirt, a trucker jacket, permed up wigs, and anything remotely ’80s to cash in on the Stranger Things vibe.
Optional: An electric guitar, and for extra points, you can learn Metallica’s Master of Puppets from scratch.
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Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Harry Styles
We just can’t get enough of Harry Styles. While we’ll never ever be as cool as him, we can at least try and dress like him.
What you’ll need: Pearls, for a start. Then, borrow a pair of curlers for the signature cherubim locks, and complete with wide-legged trousers, feather boas, jewellery, transfer tattoos, sequins, platforms, anything from Gucci, anything that looks Gucci and a big showman blazer.
Optional: A live goat to drop in the lap of a co-star at Venice Film Festival.
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The Gorp-Nerd
From mountain peaks to city streets, gorpcore has quickly become one of the most popular streetwear aesthetics out there. If you too have always want to cosplay as Bear Grylls, Halloween is the perfect time to do it.
What you’ll need: An Arc’teryx jacket, Salomon trainers, and a crossbody bag filled with good ol’ raisins and peanuts.
Optional: A rehearsed speech on why gorpcore is not just a trend, it’s a way of life.
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Warner Bros. PicturesElvis
Austin Butler broke countless hearts when he transformed into Elvis—in part because of how damn good he looked. While you’ll never have his deep, raspy voice without months and months of intense vocal training, you can at least try and dress like him.
What you’ll need: Depending on which Elvis vibe you want, all you’ll need is a matching two piece—a sexy all-black leather look, perhaps, or maybe a baby pink suit? Add the musician’s signature pompadour, and you’re good to go.
Optional: Taking over the mic at the party to sing a drunken rendition of Suspicious Minds.
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Warner Bros. PicturesWilly Wonka
It’s official: Timothée Chalamet is the new Willy Wonka, and suddenly, everyone’s horny for the confectionary connoisseur. While the third remake won’t be out until around Christmas time, it’s never too early to dress up as the magician, inventor, and chocolate maker. So quiet up and listen down. Nope, scratch that. Reverse it.
What you’ll need: While Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp’s Wonkas were very extravagant and very fancy, Chalamet’s is a little more down to earth. Wear a burgundy winter coat, a green wool waistcoat, and a patterned ascot. Afterwards, bury deep into the darkest crevices of your wardrobe and dig out that brown top hat that you bought decades ago for no reason.
Optional: Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
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Waymond Wang
Everything Everywhere All at Once was one of the biggest hits of 2022, and over a year later, everyone’s still hooked. While Michelle Yeoh’s Evelyn Quan obviously stole the show, Ke Huy Quan’s Waymond Wang stole everyone’s hearts.
What you’ll need: A long-sleeved polo shirt, beige trousers, and a pair of nerdy eyeglasses. Finish the look off with a brown bum bag.
Optional: Get yourself a big bag of googly eyes.
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John Shearer/Getty Images
BTS
If you’re going to a party with six friends this Halloween and you’re not dressing up as BTS, wyd? Since their debut 10 years ago, the Bangtan Boys have enjoyed unparalleled success worldwide. The first K-pop act ever to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, they’ve also got well over 500 awards under their belt. That’s one hefty CV.
What you’ll need: While BTS has worn some pretty iconic fits over the past decade, we recommend suiting with a twist: think embellishments, interesting fabrics, and playful prints.
Optional: If you or any of your friends happen to have pastel hair or are willing to do a quick dye job for the costume, it will go a long way to prevent the dreaded “And you are…?” Choreography that’s synchronised to perfection is also a big plus, obvs.
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Ted Lasso
Even if you’re not into sports dramas or football or sports dramas about football, you’ve probably binged Ted Lasso. A wholesome show that ended back in March, it’s easy to watch and filled with fits that are easy to imitate.
What you’ll need: If you want to dress like Lasso himself, you have two options. Option A: a navy sweatshirt layered on top of a dress shirt with some beige trousers, and Option B: a full tracksuit, preferably in AFC Richmond’s blue and red palette.
Optional: A lot of optimism and next-to-no knowledge on football.
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Noam Galai/Getty Images
Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator is an artist like no other. After co-founding alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future in 2007, the Cali-born rapper became a huge hit. Known for his colourful lyrics and eccentric style, while he’s had plenty of big fashion moments over the years, his Igor era from 2019 is undoubtedly his most memorable (and most meme-able).
What you’ll need: A very bright suit, a blonde, bowl-cut wig, and black sunglasses.
Optional: Smart white shoes (low top Dr Martens are a good shout) and layered necklaces.
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Universal PicturesTony Montana
Scarface’s Tony Montana is a spooky season staple, and if you’re stuck for ideas, it’s a go-to costume that you can trust. It’s very simple, but very effective.
What you’ll need: A retro suit, complete with wide lapels, a waistcoat, and a pocket square.
Optional: A gold necklace, sunglasses, a fake gun, and piles and piles of baking powder.
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Warner Bros.Neo
Not only did 1999’s The Matrix completely change the sci-fi cinema landscape, it also transformed Halloween parties forever. No spooky soirée is complete without someone dressing up as Neo, and Keanu’s OG fit will always be the most popular one.
What you’ll need: A floor-length black trench coat with matching trousers and a long-sleeved black T-shirt underneath. But most importantly, you’ll need to find yourself some tiny ’90s shades.
Optional: A gun harness to store all of your toy weapons in and some combat boots. Oh, and you might also want to learn some kung fu.
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Carhartt WIPThe Workwear Guy
From Carhartt to Dickies, all the way to Engineered Garments and The North Face, workwear brands have infiltrated everyone’s wardrobes this season. If you have no idea what to dress up as, just throw on your chore jacket and cargo pants and call it a day.
What you’ll need: A ribbed beanie, a chore jacket, and some cargo pants. Preferably a pair with a billion tiny pockets.
Optional: Spend a fortune on vintage workwear so it looks like you’ve actually worked a day in your life.
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20th Century FoxTyler Durden
The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. Well, unless you’re struggling to work out what to wear for Halloween, that is.
What you’ll need: A Hawaiian shirt, a red leather jacket, trousers, and hair gelled up to the heavens.
Optional: Red tinted sunglasses, fake blood, an eyebrow slit (if you dare) and a bar of soap to flash to the camera when someone asks for a selfie.
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Everyone’s Dad
Remember when “that looks like something your dad would wear” was an actual insult? Yeah, me neither. Dadcore is everything these days, and if you’ve always wanted to look like you’re about to mow the lawn or fire up the Sunday BBQ, Halloween is the perfect time to do it. Just remember to bring in the newspaper while you’re at it.
What you’ll need: A baseball cap, a polo shirt, jorts, and a pair of very old, very chunky New Balance sneakers.
Optional: You might want to perfect your fist shaking skills and your ability to fall asleep anywhere and everywhere.
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Universal PicturesJames Bond
If James Bond isn’t at your Halloween party, is it even a Halloween party? Ever since the legendary Sean Connery played 007 back in 1962, absolutely every single man has wanted to dress up as British superspy—and here’s how to do it.
What you’ll need: Black peak-lapel evening suit (for Daniel Craig this can be swapped out for a midnight blue shawl-lapel), Marcella evening shirt, bow tie, polished black shoes, and high-shine hair wax.
Optional: Only order martinis (shaken not stirred, of course) and speak solely in double-entendre
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Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesIndiana Jones
While the big film companies will probably reboot Indiana Jones a few years down the line (it’s highly likely, especially considering the current state of the industry), Harrison Ford will always be the only Indy in our eyes. Earlier this year, Ford officially concluded the iconic franchise with The Dial of Destiny, so there’s never been a more perfect time to unleash your explorer.
What you’ll need: Tan leather jacket, military-style shirt (preferably khaki and unbuttoned to the fourth button), dark brown trousers, brown lace-up boots, and of course, a fedora.
Optional: A lasso and a giant papier mache rolling rock.
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Paramount PicturesMaverick
And last but by no means least, we have Top Gun’s Maverick. Played impeccably by Tom Cruise, while the 1986 film is obviously an important piece of cinematic history, we’ll be focusing more on the 2022 sequel for this fuss-free fit.
What you’ll need: Aviators, a white T-shirt, and biceps that’ve done several shifts at the gym. Perfectly pearly whites will also add some authenticity to the costume.
Optional: A set piece entrance to Kenny Loggins’ Playing With The Boys, and if you really want to get into the role, you might as well get your pilot’s license as well. It would make for a great party trick.