Best last-minute Halloween costume ideas: All the hottest looks for 2024, Raygun, Moo Deng and more

There’s still time left to put together a costume that could put you in the running to be the best dressed at any party.

If you’re out of the loop with 2024 pop culture fear not, this guide will show you which references were trendy this year, so you’ll be fully prepared when you get a trick-or-treater dressed as an Australian breakdancer.

Best ladies costume: brat

No, you early 2000s kids and parents, we’re not talking about the plastic dolls this time — it’s more of a vibe, like an aura.

You may have heard the phrase “brat summer” floating about. This cultural phenomenon branches from a new pop culture album brat by Charli XCX, which told listeners to get back on the dance floor and embrace a messy, carefree, party girl attitude.

The minimalist marketing is simply a shade of bright chartreuse dubbed brat green, so all you need for this look is anything in the signature shade, messy hair and sunglasses. Bonus points for replicating Charli’s dramatic smokey eye and pouty nude lip.

Best Male Costume: Harley Reid

The biggest name in WA football this year, the beloved midfielder is a go-to for any sports-centric costume.

An easy feat, all you’ll need is an Eagles guernsey, or a blue and yellow top, a blonde wig and a head band. A The West Australian back page is optional. Sticking your tongue out is a must.

Most likely to be overdone: Raygun

We’re calling it: Raygun will be the most-seen costume for Halloween this year.

The headline-making performance of the inaugural breakdance competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics was easily the biggest pop-culture moment of the games.

It’s easy, too. All you need is a green and gold tracksuit with a baseball cap, and stiff dance moves including jumping like a kangaroo.

Best costume for a couple of dudes: Deadpool & Wolverine

One of the biggest movies of the year, Deadpool and Wolverine, will be a top costume for a pair of fellas wanting a quick costume.

For Deadpool, you’ll need a red hoodie, or body suit if you have one handy. For Wolverine, a yellow and blue top, sideburns and claws complete the look.

Best all-ages besties costume: Galinda & Elphaba from Wicked

With the highly anticipated film adaption of the smash-hit musical Wicked releasing next month, expect to see shops quickly selling out of green face paint.

Replicating best friends of the film Galinda the Good Witch and Elphaba Wicked Witch of the West will be popular.

Grab some green face paint, a black dress and a witches hat, as well as a pink frilly dress, a blonde wig and a tiara.

The hardest part will be deciding who gets to sing which part of Defying Gravity.

Best meme costume: Pesto the Penguin/ Moo Deng the Hippo

Animals ruled pop culture this year, with the two biggest stars being Pesto the large baby penguin from Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo from Thailand.

For Pesto, you need a large fluffy brown coat, flippers and a beak.

For Moo Deng, a grey jumper, pink ears and a hippo nose will get the job done. The viral Moo Deng make-up trend could help with soft pink blush and big white eyes.

Best Group Costume: The bridesmaids from the Dancing With Domingo SNL sketch

Currently the most viewed sketch from Saturday Night Live in history with more than 15 million views online, Ariana Grande’s off-key bridesmaids singing about the brides not-great behaviour before the wedding to a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song Espresso is internet gold.

The new lyrics reveal the bride cheated on her now-husband during the hen’s do with a man named Domingo. Chaos ensues.

For this costume a long, brown dresses and a microphone is needed. Choreography rehearsals optional, but highly recommended.