Halloween: It’s always more complicated than you want it to be. Even if you’ve got your plans set, it’s a struggle to find the perfect costume — without resorting to the same crappy, overpriced, pre-packaged getups everyone else will be wearing. So, this October, Flavorpill is helping you out with easy, weekly DIY costume guides tackling four different pop-culture realms. Don’t worry — there’s no sewing involved.
For this third installment, we’re tackling some of the year’s biggest films, from zeitgeist-y smashes to campy flops. Whether you’re goth or glam, nerdy or mysterious, or long to emulate a total trainwreck, explore your movie-inspired costume options after the jump.
Mark Zuckerberg sticking it to corporate America, The Social Network
In what may be remembered as 2010’s movie of the year, Jesse Eisenberg is all twitchy dialog and nerdy superiority as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. While the T-shirts and hoodies he wears throughout most of the film couldn’t pass for a costume, the “fuck you” pajamas he throws on to meet a major potential backer will be instantly recognizable and a great costume for fans and haters alike.
The costume:
Gray plaid flannel mens robe – $49.50, Lands’ End
Anvil blue ringer T-shirt – $6.82, WayClothes.com
Green football-themed pajama pants – $14.99, Crazy for Bargains
Adidas mens Duramo slide – $19.99, Gettington.com
Brown, curly mens wig – $15.69, Ziggos
Olive in slut mode, Easy A
Our favorite teen movie character of the year, Emma Stone’s Olive is a high-school nobody until a series of misunderstandings lead to a bad reputation. But instead of slinking away ashamed, she embraces her new identity, going so far as to buy a wardrobe consisting mostly of lingerie and affixing a bright red “A” to her chest in a reference to The Scarlet Letter. Ladies looking for a sexy costume could certainly do worse.
The costume:
“Romantic Ruffles” bustier – $24.95, Sensual Surprises
Black skinny jean – $19.90, Levi’s
Black sunglasses – $9.99, grinder PUNCH
2-stand faux pearl choker – $12.50, Tias.com
Red construction paper – $3.29, Staples
James Franco as Allen Ginsberg, Howl
So Howl didn’t live up to its pre-release hype. Critics still cheered James Franco’s performance as a young Allen Ginsberg. And considering that he’s pretty much the man of the year, you couldn’t go wrong in this costume. Of course, since the idea is that you’re supposed to be a very attractive person playing someone who isn’t particularly good-looking, you may want to self-assess before committing.
The costume:
Mens army jacket – $55.97, Amazon
Mens pleated, straight-leg khakis – $16, Old Navy
Mens cordovan dress shoes – $26.99, Amazon Warehouse
Black frame nerd glasses – $3.95, Amazon
Greg Brady wig (cut to appropriate length) – $22.99, Fierce Costumes
Jules and Nic, The Kids Are All Right
Annette Bening and Julianne Moore won America’s hearts this year as a lesbian couple raising teenage children. Keep the good message going by pairing up with a friend (or significant other) to dress as the beloved, if embattled, duo. Considering this plan doesn’t require many supplies you won’t already have easy access to, it could make a great last-minute solution.
The costume:
Short, spiky, blonde wig – $29.99, Willowbee
Black frame nerd glasses – $3.95, Amazon
Sangria red wig – $31, Amazon
Clothing you will already have: Jeans, T-shirts, corduroys, hoodies, etc.
Joaquin Phoenix, I’m Still Here
Is I’m Still Here brilliant performance art or a pointless hoax? Whatever you decide, it’s hard to deny that the spectacle of Joaquin Phoenix running amok is one of the year’s most recognizable film images. Dress up as a grizzled, overweight Phoenix if you want an extra excuse to get drunk and inappropriate this Halloween. If you already have a suit, you’re about halfway there.
The costume:
Mens black suit jacket – $39.99, JC Penney
Mens white dress shirt – $12.99, JC Penney
Black silk tie – $7.40, Amazon
Brown pre-historic beard and wig set – $12.50, HowCool.com
Black sunglasses with purple lenses – $24.75, Nation Wide Discounts
Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This great character from the bestselling book series-turned-international film hit would make an excellent Halloween costume. She’s dark, she’s powerful, she’s smart, she’s sexy. On the one night a year when going 100% goth is totally acceptable, you may as well embrace it.
The costume:
Womens black faux leather jacket – $39.99, Tilly’s
Womens black hoodie – $14.99, Old Navy
Collar with long spikes – $55.95, Body Body
Assorted small fake hoop earrings – $4.99/pair, BeWild.com
Revlon black liquid eyeliner – $5.07, Scented Monkey
Manic Panic black lipstick – $7.99, Amazon
Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop
He may still be an utter enigma, but thanks to his appearance in his thrilling hoax of a documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, the street art enthusiasts among us can dress as a faceless Banksy this Halloween!
The costume:
Mens black Alternative Apparel hoodie – $21.99, Buycoolshirts.com
Mens black Dickies work pants – $21.99, Buy.com
Black face paint – $3.99, Amazon (Yes, you have to cover your entire face)
Can of spray paint – $3.30, Amazon
Zombie Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City 2
Even loyal SATC fans have to admit that this year’s sequel was just awful, not to mention culturally and politically tone-deaf. With that in mind, we can think of no better symbol of the franchise’s failed attempt to cash in on resurrecting these tired characters than a Zombie Carrie Bradshaw getup. For ladies and dudes alike, this costume is bound to terrify and delight.
The costume:
Long-sleeve white mini dress – $27.99, Amiclubwear
Gold pumps – $24.99, Party America
Gold frame mirror aviator sunglasses (3-pack) – $12.95, GogglesandGlasses
Gold clutch – $20, eBags
As much clunky, flashy gold jewelry as you can get your hands on
Zombie makeup kit – $14, Amazon