Every year, Halloween costume ideas take their cues from what’s dominating pop culture, and 2026 is no exception. From award-worthy film adaptations to reality TV classics, this year’s trendiest costumes borrow straight from the headlines. The best part? You don’t need a costume shop to recreate any of these looks. Goodwill’s shelves are stocked with the exact basics you need to pull off a showstopping pop culture costume idea, all while keeping your wallet (and the planet) happy.
Here are five trendy Halloween costumes you can build entirely from thrifted finds this season.
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Alyssa Liu, USA Olympic Figure Skater
Alyssa Liu’s rise as one of this year’s standout Olympic figure skaters makes her a fresh pick for 2026’s trendiest costume ideas. This look is simple to recreate and instantly recognizable to anyone following the Games. Scan your neighborhood Goodwill to find:
- A fitted, sparkly leotard or bodysuit
- White or nude tights
- Lace-up skates (or white boots as a stand-in)
- A blonde and brunette halo-patterned wig (or go big and dye your own hair, with temporary or permanent hair dye)
- A small gold medal or ribbon accessory
Bonus: Make a bold entrance to every room you enter by blasting ‘Stateside’ by PinkPantheress from your phone!
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Catherine and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights
With Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie headlining this year’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff and Catherine are shaping up to be one of the trendiest couples costumes of the season. The moody, Gothic romance translates easily into thrifted basics.
- Catherine: A flowing white or cream Victorian-style dress, a lace shawl, and loose, wind-swept hair
- Heathcliff: A dark waistcoat, a loose white button-down, trousers, and worn boots
Bonus: a tattered coat or cape for extra moorland drama.
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Katniss and Effie from The Hunger Games
With a new Hunger Games prequel hitting theaters this fall, Katniss Everdeen and Effie Trinket are the perfect classic characters to revisit. This duo works well because it pairs two completely different aesthetics: rugged survival and Capitol glam. Your thrift list for this pair of trendy Halloween costumes:
- Katniss: A braided side ponytail, a leather jacket, dark pants, and a bow prop
- Effie: A bold, colorful dress, exaggerated jewelry, and a statement wig or hairpiece
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A Labubu Doll
Few pop culture costume ideas have exploded quite like the Labubu craze. This collectible character’s wide grin and fuzzy silhouette make for a costume that’s equal parts cute and strange. To craft your own DIY Labubu trendy Halloween costume, you will want:
- A fuzzy brown or tan jacket or faux-fur vest
- Pointed felt ears (DIY with felt or a craft headband)
- A toothy grin painted on with face paint
- Oversized round eyes drawn or applied with stick-on accents
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Survivor Contestants
Survivor remains a reliable favorite among trendy Halloween costumes because the look is so recognizable and endlessly adaptable for groups. Choose this costume if you want something low-effort but high-impact for a crowd.
- Tan cargo shorts
- A bandana or buff (the show’s signature numbered headwear)
- A tribal council-style necklace
- A torch prop
Let’s bring your pop culture costume ideas to life
This year’s trendiest Halloween costumes prove you don’t need anything new to make a statement. Whether you’re channeling an Olympic skater, a Gothic literary couple, or a viral plush toy, Goodwill’s shelves hold everything you need to build a standout look.
Why Goodwill?
- Thrift your costume basics: from clothing to shoes to props
- Explore our Halloween section: for themed accessories, makeup, and finishing touches
- Support your community: every purchase helps fund free job training, adult education, childcare, and job placement programs for local residents
Visit your local Goodwill and start building your 2026 costume today. Tag us in your looks at @bmoregoodwill. We can’t wait to see your pop culture costume ideas come to life at Goodwill!
FAQ
What are the trendiest Halloween costume ideas for 2026?
This year’s trendiest costumes draw from pop culture moments like Olympic figure skating, the Wuthering Heights film adaptation, the Hunger Games prequel, and the viral Labubu craze.
Can I thrift an entire trendy Halloween costume at Goodwill?
Yes. Goodwill carries clothing basics, shoes, and accessories that cover nearly every costume on this list, often for a fraction of retail costume prices.
Which trendy costume idea works best for a group?
Survivor contestants is one of the easiest costumes to scale for a group, since each person only needs cargo shorts, a bandana, and a simple prop.
Do I need to buy anything new for these Halloween costume ideas?
Most pieces, like dresses, jackets, and basic separates, can be found secondhand. Only small props or accessories, like a torch or face paint, may need to come from elsewhere.
