According to data crunching by e-commerce site Lyst, everyone is going to be dressed up as a character from Stranger Things — be it Eleven, Barb or even Dustin — this Halloween. (Side note: Eleven plus an Eggo waffle equals a brilliant couple’s costume idea, no?) In order to maintain our sense of individuality and ensure that we don’t get lost in a sea of tousled blond wigs while monster mashing this Halloween, we’ll be doing something a little different.
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Rather than taking our styling cues from Millie Bobby Brown, brilliant though she may be, we’ll be referencing style icons who popped up on the scene prior to 2016. In some cases, we’ll be wearing looks they popularized this year because we do like to keep things topical. In others, we’ll be throwing it back to a less Upside Down time, when America’s first fashion family wasn’t in hiding and the only time we watched Donald Trump on TV was during his Sex and the City cameo.
Click through the slideshow above for Halloween costume ideas courtesy of 20 of the world’s most celebrated fashion icons (the shopping tips we take credit for).
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Fashion Icon Halloween Costumes
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North West
North West was a style icon before she could even stand on her own two feet. In her tutus, layered slip dresses and textured athleisure ensembles, Nori nails it every time. This Halloween, emulate the toddler's most iconic look — pair a white tutu with a matching leotard and ballet slippers, topped off with a double-breasted jacket (Nori's exact one here). Twist your hair into a top bun and scowl (adorably) in every picture.
Image: @kimkardashian
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Rihanna
Sure, you could somehow improvise a Swarovski-encrusted translucent dress, coordinating evening gloves, a glittery do-rag and pink Pologeorgis fur stole — or you could opt for one of the singer's more "wearable" (if you will) looks. All it takes is a brow pencil, statement earrings, an oversized leather jacket and a well-placed temp tattoo.
Image: @badgalriri
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Carrie Bradshaw
Pay homage to two of fashion's leading ladies by recreating Carrie Bradshaw's "impossibly fresh" outfit from An American Girl in Paris: Part Une. (Almost) as recognizable as her iconic tulle skirt look, this costumey ensemble by the late Sonia Rykiel will please those with an eye for detail and SATC stans alike.
Image: HBO/@everyoutfitonsatc
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Taylor Swift
Exclude Taylor Swift from a narrative she never asked to be a part of — this year, eschew any T.Swift-K.West (anti-)couple's costume (of which there are oh, so many possibilities). Instead, rock a bleached bob, sky-high platform boots and one of fall's most fashionably futuristic dresses for an Anna Wintour-approved (and equally pop culture savvy) disguise.
Image: Courtesy of Vogue
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Serena Williams
The Olympian, Beyoncé backup dancer and HSN designer had a helluva 2016. Whether you favor Serena Williams' unapologetic Lemonade getup or a pleated tennis dress topped off with a swooshed tiara and Wilson racket, you can't go wrong.
Image: @serenawilliams
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Young Thug
The androgynous Alessandro Trincone dress worn by Young Thug on the cover of Jeffery was arguably one of the most buzzy ensembles of 2016. It took the Calvin Klein campaign star an hour to put on, it sparked discussions of gender identity and black masculinity, it attracted comparisons to Mortal Kombat characters. While this periwinkle number will undoubtedly take more than an hour to DIY, the street cred you'll earn will be worth the effort.
Image: Courtesy of Atlantic/300 Entertainment
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The Olsen Twins
While we wish Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen would cast more (or even one) models of color on their The Row runways, we can't fault the pair's pioneering style choices. They made everything from turbans to layered chunky knits to oversized sunglasses happen. Have an ultra cozy Halloween in a figure-swallowing outfit inspired by your fave Olsen unit. A duck-lipped smile, Venti Starbucks cup and stellar shades are non-negotiables.
Image: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Björk
OK, so this lineup is a bit tutu-heavy. We believe the world needs to be reminded of the iconic swan dress the Icelandic singer and Alexander McQueen muse wore to the 73rd annual Academy Awards. What you'll need: a sheer long-sleeve tee, patience and all the tulle you can carry. Here's a much-needed tutorial.
Image: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
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Princess Diana
This Halloween, keep it classy. This year has been a lesson in power dressing (mentors include Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Amal Clooney), but no one did it better than the OG dapper diplomat, Princess Diana of Wales. Head to ASOS to nab pieces from Sharmadean Reid's Lady Di-inspired collection or hit the thrift circuit in search of 80s treasures, like this Catherine Walker suit and Philip Somerville hat.
Image: Georges De Keerle/Getty Images
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Prince
Break out the curly wigs, the inflatable electric guitars, the voluminous blouses, the jauntily tailored suits in all manner of sequins, fringe, silk, velvet and lace. It's time to pay tribute to the Purple One.
Image: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
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Cher Horowitz and/or Dionne Davenport
Alicia Silverstone's Clueless wardrobe has been the stuff of total Bettys' Halloween costumes since 1995. And with good reason — Cher Horowitz's plaid skirts, sheer button-downs and metallic heels are easily transitioned into everyday life. Dionne Davenport, the millinery queen of Beverly Hills, however, often goes uncelebrated. Grab a statement hat and even the popularity score.
Image: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures via YouTube
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Jared Leto
Back in August, style star Jared Leto's watermelon-hued Suicide Squad suiting inspired all the memes. Be a Gucci-clad Jared himself or be your favorite Internet interpretation of the theme. As with all things Jared-related, the name of the game is individuality. And yes, pink pants belong in your office wear rotation.
Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage
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Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo's breathtaking style has often been described as inimitable, but we beg to differ. Channel the Mexican artist's magical vibes in bright colors, printed tunics, elaborate floral headdresses, tons of neck jewelry and, last but not least, a stately shawl that'll come in handy that nippy November morning. Beauty-wise, don't forget a strong brow and a bold red lip.
Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Madonna
Desperately seeking a last-minute Halloween getup? Thanks to the fashion world's ongoing 80s obsession, putting together a classic Madge-worthy outfit requires little to no searching. Throw on leggings, a quirky skirt, layered tanks and a ton of costume jewelry. Tease the heck out of your hair, grab your biker jacket and prove to all that a Halloween costume doesn't have to be topical to be a big hit.
Image: Michael Putland/Getty Images
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Holly Golightly
Does your ideal morning consist of coffee, doughnuts and window shopping at Tiffany's? Same. Bring your inner Holly Golightly to life in black, Godard-style sunglasses, a pearl necklace (not necessarily Tiffany's, but if you aim for total authenticity, more power to you), black gloves, black kitten heels, a sassy coif and the LBD of your choosing. Optional (but recommended): Playing "Moon River" on your phone each time you enter a room.
Image: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Kate Moss
Proponents of the "Free the Nipple" movement would do well to reference Kate Moss' sheer metallic slip dress/black brief moment. For more bashful babes, this Terry Richardson-lensed Supreme Spring 2012 campaign is the mood board. All you need is a vintage cheetah print jacket, an investment tee and a (purely ornamental) ciggy.
Image: Courtesy of Highsnobiety
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David Bowie
This year, we lost not one, but two otherworldly, fashion-forward beings. More, if you count each of David Bowie's stage personas as separate individuals. Of said personalities, Halloween Jack and Ziggy Stardust — with his asymmetric, flame-accented leotard, fire-red mullet and iridescent makeup — make for the most glam homage.
Image: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Iris Apfel
Badass nonagenarian Iris Apfel is instantly recognizable by her silver crop and bold circle-rimmed glasses. Plus, thanks to her new Macy's line, it's extra easy and affordable to mimic the eternal fashion icon. While the "geriatric starlet" is known for her prolific jewelry collection, imitators needn't get too hung up on the details, after all: "If your hair is done properly and you're wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything."
Image: @iris.apfel
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Beyoncé
We know, we know, Beyoncé impersonators will be in good company (to put it lightly) this All Hallows' Eve. That said, you may as well get that mustard dress craving out of your system once and for all. Inflatable bats here because we love a good prop.
Image: Courtesy of HBO
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Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles' A Seat at the Table may not have dropped with a Lemonade-style bang, but it's just as chock-full of Halloween costume fodder. Of Solange's many experimental, DIY-able looks, we're partial to this Garden of Eden-chic plant dress designed by the siren herself along with artistic director Carlota Guerrero. The earrings are by Keef Palas.
Image: Courtesy of YouTube
