Despite the creative challenges her celestial headpiece poses, Lamarr’s cosmic brilliance continues to inspire Halloween costumes every year. For a shortcut, a large ream of tulle and a Greek Goddess costume can provide a quick starting point for Lamarr’s iconic ensemble.

In one of the most cinematic moments in history, we meet Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp when the camera pans over her singing in the alps. To ensure you’re recognizably costumed, I recommend donning Maria’s dark dress and grey pinafore, plus a short blonde wig, of course.

As one of the most iconic burlesque performers of the early 20th century, Josephine Baker has a lot of fantastic inspiration to draw from. Her iconic banana skirt is not only fun and flirty, it also cheekily turns the tables on unkind racial stereotypes. It’s also one of the easiest DIYs on the list, as the main materials consist of fake bananas and string.

Sure, you could be Samantha – poised, chic, blonde. But for a more fun Halloween experience, be her kooky mother, Endora! In addition to her brightly-colored garb (the precise silhouette matters more than the lime and purple color combo), your drag-adjacent makeup should stop traffic.

As one of the most prolific actresses of the 1920s and 30s (and certainly the most prolific Asian one), Anna May Wong wore no shortage of fantastic costumes. I chose the Baroness Stoloff for inspiration, because of how easily one could combine the various elements into a fantastic costume. However, her slinky black dress with a large gold dragon from Limehouse Blues is a real showstopper, as well.

The beauty of Cher’s costume in this film lies in its fun, DIY nature! You could also draw inspiration from her baby pink polka dot ensemble. In recreating this mermaid look, however, you can add your own subtle twist, and possibly plumb the depths of your existing wardrobe.

Speaking of drawing from your own closet, the layered, gauzy looks by Stevie Knicks are as comfortable as they are copy-able. Her top hat and curly blonde hair certainly add to the reference, but funky 70s layers on their own are enough to evoke the songstress.

If you have clip in extensions and a wide-barrel crimping iron, you’re halfway to this gorgeous look. Donning long column dresses to sit on the moon or in a forest, gazing into the middle distance, Reutlinger’s girls provide romantic and beautiful sartorial inspiration. While you don’t need a direct reference, long, romantic hair is a must to pull this off.

Calling all black women with fantastic décolletage! Though her outfit is simple (a wide-neck black blouse and red wrap skirt), Dorothy Dandridge’s interpretation of the famous Bizet character was one of the sultriest depictions in the mid-century. Her red rose adds to the costume (and the glamour).

The 80s gave us many iconic men’s vests, and Ferris’s is no exception. The precise pattern might be tricky to nail down, but as long as it’s brown or tan with a black print, people will see the resemblance. Most crucially, make sure you know the words to “Danke Schoen” by Wayne Newton.

If you’re looking for an excuse to invest in a pin-stripe three piece suit, vintage pea coat, leather gloves, and wool baker boy cap, now’s your chance. Dress in this look with care – it’s bound to attract a great deal of both envy and admiration.

Another one of the most iconic vests, this time you’ll need a puffy orange-red vest to suffice. Layered over two shirts and a Canadian tuxedo, this look works especially well in cooler Halloween climes. Bonus points for adding a Delorean.

Unlike most other looks on this list, you’re probably best off investing in a sanctioned costume. But if you really want to make your own white leather jumpsuit with a cape and red and blue trim, I won’t stop you. Just don’t attempt any of his tricks on your own.

Though the singer behind some of the most iconic love songs in history, Marvin nonetheless kept his fashion straightforward. The red beanie was his trademark, however. You can find many iterations of this look, but personally I like this one, straight from the studio.

Simple on the surface, this unassuming white undershirt had a chokehold on American men in the 1950s. Brando’s undeniable swagger helped popularize undershirts in public. Muscular arms certainly help to pull this look off, but smudges of dirt make the look more costume-y. Most crucially, make sure you walk around with a sort of Cro-Magnon power slouch.

This may be one of the toughest looks to find, simply because of how quirky the components are. Red leather blazers for men don’t just grow on trees. But if you have the time and patience to scour eBay, Tyler makes for a worthy subject. The spiky hair and devil-may-care attitude add to the extreme 90s-ness of the character.

Undeniably a fashion icon, few 80s characters of any gender hold a candle to the kooky creativity of Duckie. With many looks to choose from, the Otis Redding ensemble holds a special place in my heart. Take care to nail the details for this one – in particular, the silver shoes and the pompadour with an elephant trunk (front curl).

In this fish-out-of-water comedy, many people overlook the clothes for Murphy’s wacky performance. But personally, I find the fashion in this movie to be some of the most inspirational on the silver screen. The black suit and red tie can be easily tracked down, while the gold necklace is worth a good DIY try. For a bit of fun, indulge in one of the extremely 80s Harlem looks.

From his first scene bopping down the street to the Bee Gees, Travolta saunters his way through many iconic looks in this film. None more so than his tight, white three piece suit with a large-lapeled shirt. Dance moves not included, but highly encouraged.

Especially for kooky families, The Jetsons provide a fun atomic age costume opportunity. For bigger families or friend groups, expand into Astro and Rosie for more futuristic fun.

Working best as a group, these five Chicago teens have a death grip on adolescent culture. Copy their outfits as closely as possible to avoid veering into, “are you even wearing a costume?” territory.

While Lucille Ball undoubtedly has the more iconic look of the two, a boater hat and a pompadour is all you need to play her husband! As one of Hollywood’s most influential power couples, the costume has real staying power. If you want to watch “I Love Lucy” to brush up on your costume, I won’t stop you!

One of the greatest will-they-won’t-they’s from TV history also makes for a fantastic couple’s costume. You can also easily pull it off – this look requires little more than deeply 90s outfits. Personally, if you want to pull in a third, I’d reenact Dwayne stopping Whitley’s wedding.

Lesbians? Best friends? Does it matter? As long as you have b ig curly hair and suitably 80s jeans, you can definitely pull off this pairing. Make sure you coat yourselves in a good layer of road dust after donning these sleeveless outfits.

Get ready to be the sexiest couple at the party. Elvira’s slinky red gown with a plunging neckline is her most iconic, but she also has a fantastic teal number if that’s more your beat. If you wear Scarface’s white suite, be warned, you might be mistaken for Travolta.

This all-white power ensemble is as chic as it is comfortable. Grab your friends and get your most quotable lines ready. And please, please learn all the lyrics to “You Don’t Own Me.”

As the two hottest men in Hollywood of their era, who wouldn’t want to emulate Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s western style?! The secret to nailing these looks? The hats! A classic cowboy hat will not suffice.

Proving that fun is more important than popularity, Romy and Michele are role models for their values as well as their fun fashion. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which one is the Mary if you’re both hot and fab.

This is another one of my favorite movies for the costumes. Who wouldn’t want to look like an elegant girl group?! You don’t need them, but personally I think adding on a 60s chrome mic really adds to the atmosphere for this look.

Growing up, my sister’s best friend’s older brother always had to supervise us while trick-or-treating, and he always wore a trench coat and fedora. I like to think nowadays he found his own fedora-clad female in a chic wool suit for Halloween.

The great thing about this look is any number of participants can get involved! The key to DIYing these headpieces correctly? Aim for height, not width! Many versions I’ve seen are far too wide and cylindrical.

Another one for as many participants as you want: the Peaches! Matching is crucial, and if you nail the hat, socks, and shoes you can get away with a bit more in the realm of the dresses. Bonus points if your group has a Tom Hanks.

For this fun 80s cartoon, you MUST make sure you have appropriate wigs! And the makeup – the more glitter and crazy colors, the better!

Why are mimes so silly? There’s something about them that has all the charm of a clown with less than 1/10th of a creep factor. Though technically a French man, I personally believe Marcel Marceau’s iconic look transcends era, race, and gender.

The only Universal movie monster designed by a woman is also the absolute grossest. You can skip the armored body in favor of a green morph suit if you want to. But the webbed claws and fanned gills? Those are a must.

Deeply popular throughout the 20th century, the Kewpie doll perfectly rides the line between adorable and terrifying. Wait, do I suddenly understand the appeal of Labubus? Listen, the more dedicated you are to this look, the more unhinged you will be. I do not advocate for nudity on Halloween, as a rule, but a convincing bald cap and tiny eyebrows? Yes please.

Round two for my décolletage devotees! With the many cartoon animal options, she may not be the most obvious, but she is the most hilarious. Badminton racket required.

Leave it to the 50s and 60s to popularize both science and sexism! Turns out, the cuter your outfit, the less suited to space. Use your imagination here – this look could look amazing as a mash-up with Hedy Lamarr. Or if you just want to wear a silver lamé swimsuit with a glass hat, that works too.

One of the most popular costumes for children in the 20th century, pointy-hat clowns dominated halloween for decades. Poofy jumpsuits with pom poms, pointy hats, and ruffled collars were all the rage. You could be the person to bring them back!