30+ Hottest Pop Culture People To Dress Up As In 2024 (The Ultimate Costume Guide)

Are you tired of seeing the same old costumes every year? The key to winning any dress-up event, whether it's Halloween, a themed party, or a cosplay convention, is to tap into the most current and buzzworthy pop culture moments. As of today, December 18, 2025, the landscape of trending characters and iconic outfits has been completely refreshed by blockbuster films, viral social media trends, and record-breaking music tours from the past year. Forget last season's looks—this is your definitive, up-to-the-minute guide to the people everyone will be talking about when you walk into the room.

Finding the perfect character to embody is all about striking the balance between recognizable and creative. The best costumes are those that prompt an immediate, "Wait, I know exactly who that is!" reaction. From the highly anticipated cinematic releases like *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* and *Wicked* to the unmissable fashion moments of the Met Gala and the biggest names in sports and music, we've compiled a comprehensive list of over 30 people and characters to dress up as, ensuring your look is fresh, relevant, and guaranteed to turn heads.

The 2024 Pop Culture Hall of Fame: Movie & TV Character Outfits

The biggest screen hits of the year always provide the richest source material for memorable costumes. These characters and their distinct outfits are instantly recognizable and offer fantastic opportunities for both individual and group dress up ideas.

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• Glinda and Elphaba (from *Wicked*): The highly anticipated movie adaptation offers a perfect duo costume for friends. Glinda’s glamorous, bubble-themed gowns contrast beautifully with Elphaba’s signature green skin and dark, witchy apparel. This is a high-impact, recognizable choice.
• Paul Atreides (from *Dune: Part Two*): The desert-warrior look, complete with a Fremen stillsuit, is a sophisticated and detailed choice. The costume requires specific textures and accessories, making it an excellent project for a dedicated crafter or a quality store-bought costume.
• Tashi Duncan (from *Challengers*): Zendaya’s character sparked the "tenniscore" trend. Dressing up as Tashi is a stylish and simple DIY costume option. You'll need a sleek tennis skirt, a polo shirt, a visor, and a racket, capturing the athletic yet high-fashion look.
• Team Black and Team Green (from *House of the Dragon*): This is an ideal group costume for a large party, allowing for intricate medieval-inspired cosplay. The rivalry between the two factions of the Targaryen family provides a clear theme and a wealth of character options.
• Shrunken Head Bob and Delores (from *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*): The long-awaited sequel brought new, quirky characters. Shrunken Head Bob, in particular, is a unique and funny choice that leverages the film's macabre aesthetic.
• The Vault Dweller (from *Fallout*): Following the massive success of the TV series, the iconic blue and yellow Vault Suit is a hugely popular and easily identifiable outfit. Accessories like a Pip-Boy and a laser rifle complete the look.
• Bridgerton Characters: The elaborate Regency-era gowns and tailcoats are a perennial favorite, perfect for those who enjoy elegant, historical dress up ideas.
• Deadpool and Wolverine: The upcoming movie makes this a top-tier best friend costume or couple's choice. The classic comic book suits are always a hit.

Viral Sensations and Celebrity Icons: Solo & Couple Costumes

Sometimes, the most memorable dress up ideas come from real-life moments that break the internet. These pop culture icons are highly topical and show you're current with the latest trends.

• Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Look: Choose one of her many iconic outfits, such as the sparkling blue bodysuit from the *Midnights* era or the flowing red dress from *folklore*. This is a versatile and instantly recognizable choice for any event.
• Beyoncé as "Cowboy Carter": The country-western aesthetic from her latest album provides a distinct, stylish cowgirl costume—a fresh update to the classic cowgirl look. Think black leather, chaps, and a wide-brimmed hat, moving past the "Cowboy Barbie" trend.
• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (Couple’s Costume): This is the ultimate celebrity couple costume. One person dresses in a Kansas City Chiefs jersey (Kelce), and the other in a themed bomber jacket or a sparkly top (Swift). It’s a fun, recognizable, and timely duo look.
• Tyla’s Sand Dress (Met Gala): The fashion moment where Tyla wore a dress made of sand that required her to be carried up the stairs is a highly creative and challenging DIY costume or cosplay opportunity. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
• Ms. Rachel: For a humorous and wholesome choice, dressing up as the beloved children’s educator is simple yet effective. Her signature pink top, overalls, and a bright headband are easily sourced materials for a quick DIY outfit.
• Moo Deng the Baby Tapir: The viral star of the year, this little tapir from a Thai zoo became a massive meme. A simple tapir-themed costume or a person holding a sign with the animal’s name is an example of a low-effort, high-impact viral trend dress up idea.
• Sabrina Carpenter: Her aesthetic, often featuring light, airy, and sometimes vintage-inspired feminine fashion, is a great choice for a stylish, modern celebrity look.
• WNBA Stars (e.g., Caitlin Clark): With the massive surge in popularity of women's basketball, a simple jersey and shorts are a trendy and comfortable game day costume that celebrates a major cultural moment.

The Ultimate Costume Strategy: DIY vs. Store-Bought vs. Thrifted Looks

Deciding between a homemade costume and a store-bought costume is the first step in your costume planning process. Both have their merits, and the best choice often depends on your budget, time, and desired level of detail.

The Case for DIY and Thrifted Costumes

DIY costumes are often significantly more budget-friendly, costing an average of around $40 for materials compared to the higher price of a pre-packaged one. They also allow for a much greater level of inventiveness and detail, making your outfit more impressive and unique. Many of the most current pop culture outfits—like "tenniscore" or a celebrity look—can be easily replicated using thrifted apparel and a few key accessories, proving that a lower upfront cost doesn't mean lower quality. You can repurpose old sheets, cardboard, and fabric scraps, making it a sustainable and creative option.

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Top DIY-Friendly Costume Entities:

• Tashi Duncan: Easily assembled from thrifted sportswear.
• Ms. Rachel: Basic colored clothing and a headband.
• A Character from *Fallout*: A jumpsuit and some clever weathering.

The Convenience of Store-Bought Costumes

The biggest advantage of a store-bought costume is convenience. If you are short on time or lack the crafting skills for a complex look, buying a pre-made costume saves you the need to plan ahead or visit multiple stores to gather supplies. For characters with very specific, intricate details—such as the full Glinda gown from *Wicked* or a detailed Deadpool suit—a professional costume manufacturer can provide a sturdier, more accurate, and higher-quality final product. This can be particularly useful if you plan to reuse the costume for future events.

Top Store-Bought Costume Entities:

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• Glinda or Elphaba: The elaborate gowns and makeup are often easier to purchase.
• Deadpool or Wolverine: The full-body superhero suits require professional tailoring for the best look.
• Paul Atreides: The Fremen stillsuit is a complex piece of apparel.

Pro-Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Character

When selecting from the many people to dress up as, consider the following factors to ensure your choice is a success:

• Comfort and Venue: Will you be standing all night? A complex, heavy cosplay might be impressive, but a more comfortable outfit, like a WNBA star jersey or a simple tenniscore look, might be more practical.
• The "Inside Joke" Factor: Sometimes, a niche pop culture reference that only a few people in your group will get is more fun than a universally known one. Think about your audience.
• Leverage Accessories: A simple costume can be elevated with great accessories. For example, a Taylor Swift Eras Tour look is made instantly recognizable by a microphone, a specific hairstyle, or a friendship bracelet.
• Consider Duo or Group Potential: Planning with others opens up options like House of the Dragon factions, Glinda and Elphaba, or the viral trio from *Love Island USA*.

Ultimately, the best costume idea is the one you feel most confident and excited about. By choosing a character from this list of 2024's biggest trends, you are guaranteed to have a fresh, relevant, and engaging look that will be a highlight of any event.