Halloween used to be all about ghosts and witches. But what was once a holiday full of cobwebs and cauldrons is now about something else: the zeitgeist.

To put it simply: broomsticks are so last season. These days it's all about the hot version of Halloween. The entire month of October has become a prime opportunity to showcase your extensive knowledge of pop culture. It's an IRL quiz among Halloween-goers as they try to outsmart and outsmart each other with “If You Know, You Know” costumes.

But while it's all about what's current, the real joy of Halloween lies in making your own and finding vintage costumes instead of buying new ones. Trust us, a lovingly crafted offbeat reference will earn you far more cultural cachet than a store-bought sexy kitten. So, before next week, here are seven of the “2024” costumes to get you started.

It is raining Rish

For the most authentic view of the ousted Conservative prime minister, you better hope it rains. Grab your smartest suit, top it off with a blue Tory tie and shiny loafers (the former prime minister preferred Prada when he wasn't ruining sambas for the rest of us), then stand outside, ideally in the pouring rain , in front of a lectern “Things Can Only Get Better” booms in the background.

It's important to keep your head up while the rain hits your face. You'll know you've nailed the look when droplets drip down your hair and pool on your shoulders. Stay defiant.

A brat

It's been four months since Charli XCX released her album Brat, which quickly set the mood for summer. If you don't know what brat is yet, then unfortunately this isn't for you – it would be like dressing up as Mia Wallace without having seen Pulp Fiction.

For the real brats among us, there are plenty of iterations to choose from. You could take Charli's advice and stick to the basics: “A pack of cigarettes, a Bic lighter, and a white tank top with no bra.” Alternatively, you could dress head-to-toe in Brat Green, that special bright shade that everyone loves , from the Green Party to Kamala Harris, is elected. Or you could wear a “365 PARTYGIRL” baby t-shirt and some small shorts. You could also put on a pair of black sunglasses, carry around a pile of pants, or carry around a single Granny Smith apple. Remember: It's Halloween Brat and it's completely different, but it's still brat.

The substance

This spooky body horror is the perfect fodder for a boyfriend/couple costume. For Demi Moore's character Elisabeth Sparkle, you'll need a banana yellow coat, tobacco-colored gloves, and oversized black sunglasses. That little box that's been clogging up your hallway for a week? Pick this up and hold it under your arm. For Elisabeth's “better version” (aka Margaret Qualley's Sue), opt for a pink lamé bodysuit straight out of an '80s aerobics class. Add matching pink leg warmers and eyeshadow, then walk around yelling “Control yourself!” when someone looks your way.

Moo Deng

It's not easy to dress like the internet's most popular pygmy hippo baby – but it's a guaranteed conversation starter. Especially if you want to raise awareness of native West African species that are in danger of extinction. While you might opt ​​for a hippopotamus one-piece or gray sweatpants, the key to emulating this one-year-old is shiny skin— Really shiny skin – and a sassy attitude. Apply the baby oil and then get to work improving your indignant expression. As for accessories? It's all about Moo Deng's beloved garden hose.

Timothée Chalamet

While the picture above was taken of Timothée Chalamet on the set of his next film, the American sports drama Marty Supreme, he could just as easily have been photographed working in any number of chic wine bars and small restaurants in London. For those who don't au faitStart with wide-leg pants and a tight white vest. Next comes a loose shirt unbuttoned over it. Add a delicate necklace or pearls and wire-framed glasses. To complete the look, you'll need to grow a rat boy. The perfect whisker level? Equivalent to the early days of Movember.

Donald Trump

With Halloween just days before the US election, a spooky version of Trump is an easy choice. But instead of opting for an obvious ear bandage or a Maga hat, why not follow his McDonald's stunt and opt for an apron? You will also need a white shirt (note the French cuffs) and of course a republican ketchup red tie. Don't forget to stop by your nearest Golden Arches to pick up your final prop: his favorite fries with extra salt.

The Gallaghers

These Britpop heroes are an easy-to-win “cultural reference costume.” Plus, her wardrobe staples – from polo shirts to baggy jeans, soccer jerseys to hooded parkas – are not only easy to come by, but also practical when you inevitably find yourself loitering outside, jumping the queue for reunion tour tickets complain. While Liam recently fronted campaigns for Stone Island and Berghaus, there are plenty of jackets on second-hand sites to help you find his look. Accessories are also crucial for the Gallagher brother cosplay. Think a bucket hat, tinted sunglasses and scuffed sneakers. A can of lager and lots of splendor tops it all off.

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