10 Halloween Costumes Inspired By '00s Pop Culture
The 2000s weren't that long ago, and yet, many of the pop culture moments from the early years after the turn of the century already seem iconic. From Britney Spears' unforgettable moment performing live with a, gulp, snake, to Jennifer Garner's inspiring turn as Sydney Bristow on "Alias," we heart eyes this decade.
Halloween offers up the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the most quintessentially-2000s pop culture phenomena, like when Brad Pitt ditched Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie, and how Paris Hilton was far more obsession-worthy than Kim, um, who?
Britney Spears' 2001 AMA performance
Perhaps one of the most iconic performances of the early 2000s was when Britney Spears sang and danced with a live snake. You can pull off a Halloween costume sans the real reptile; don't worry! A white tank top and short shorts plus a fake Burmese python ought to convey the feeling of arguably the pop star's most memorable moment on stage — unless you count the disaster that was "Gimme More" at the 2019 VMAs.
'Twilight'
By 2008, "Twilight" was all the rage and everyone wanted to be in love like Bella and Edward. Go back in time and relive the romance for the ages this Halloween. All you need to pull off an Edward costume are clothes in dark shades and makeup to make you look about 15 shades paler (via PopSugar). An outfit fit for the chilly Northwestern climate will easily transform you into Bella, paired with a constant sense of angst (via Cafemom).
Juicy Couture Tracksuits
When Amy Poehler wore a Juicy Couture tracksuit in the 2004 film "Mean Girls," we loved the ironic nod to the outfit of the moment, given that her character, Mrs. George, desperately wanted to be more like her daughter Regina and her friends. Even though this ensemble is back and bigger than ever almost 20 years later, the look would still make for the perfect 2000s-inspired Halloween costume (via Harper's Bazaar).
'Alias'
When many of us first fell in love with Jennifer Garner, she was playing Sydney Bristow on "Alias." Until we get a definite green light on a reboot, which the actress said she was game for, pay homage to one of the greatest TV characters from the early 2000s on Halloween (via People). Try donning a red wig and an all-black outfit and maybe some boots capable of kicking some serious butt — in theory of course.
Paris Hilton
As W Magazine reports, decades after reality star Paris Hilton celebrate her 21st birthday in 2002, "The Simple Life" star's ensemble still has us talking. The skimpy, chainmail frock was designed by Julien Macdonald and was paired with an equally-flashy choker and strappy shoes. The look is easy to duplicate for a Halloween costume. In fact, her sister Nicky dressed up like Paris for Halloween in 2018 (via Harper's Bazaar).
'Bring It On'
Is anything more 2000s than the movie "Bring It On" starring Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union? Relive the glory by sporting a Toros or Clovers cheerleading uniform, which are easy to score on Amazon. Then, be sure to watch the film to get inspiration, and just because it's awesome, and features quotes like, "These are not spirit fingers, THESE are spirit fingers!"
Jennifer Lopez's Versace dress
In the year 2000 (hi Conan O'Brien), Jennifer Lopez served up one of her most iconic fashion moments, wearing that Versace dress. The look stole the show at that year's Grammy Awards so much so, that we are still talking about it more than 20 years later (via Biography).
Amazon has some inexpensive dupes you can try for far less than the original, which will set you back just shy of $10,000 according to InStyle — that is, if it's even still available.
'Lady Mamalade'
Christina Aguilera was feuding with Pink the whole time, but we still adore the song "Lady Marmalade," which paired those two powerhouse pop stars with Mya and Lil' Kim. If you too know every word of this song, which came out in 2001 (yeah we can't believe it was that long ago either), go can-can this Halloween. Watch the video for inspiration and because it still holds up 20-plus years later.
Green Day
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" came out in 2004, off the band's album "American Idiot" (via Ultimate Classic Rock). Bring punk rock back this Halloween and go a little Billie Joe Armstrong. Spiked hair, eyeliner and an all-black ensemble (bonus points for skinny jeans) add up to a nostalgic costume your friends will love.
'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'
Remember when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married? Yeah, it seems like a vague memory to us as well. Meanwhile, a "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" costume is so 2005, when the movie debuted, as did Pitt's insta-relationship with Angelina Jolie. A buzzcut and a smart suit transforms you into Mr. Smith, while a sleek black evening dress is what Mrs. Smith was most associated with. Don't forget the smoky eye makeup!