Following the success of the John Wick trilogy and recently announced fourth Matrix film, Keanu Reeves is back in the cultural conversation, and no Reeves’ character is more famous than the inimitable “Neo.” The protagonist of the post—apocalyptic man versus machine trilogy, Neo’s status as renegade hacker turned messianic figure is epitomized through his pre-Y2K style, a combination of leather, tactical military gear and a whole lot of black. With a long black trench (preferably leather), black surplus cargos, military boots and a vest suited for warfare anyone within spitting distance will immediately recognize the reference—the hallmark of a great costume.

Yes, this costume is always exceedingly popular—because not only is it easy, it works. An ‘80s sci-fi classic, Back to the Future introduced us to Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), an ambitious if down on his luck high school student with a famously bad temper. The crux of the film is his relationship with the eccentric Dr. Emmet Brown (Christopher Lloyd) aka “Doc” who develops a time machine conveniently fitted inside a Delorean. While it’s McFly’s inconic fit in Back to the Future II that’s most widely celebrated, you would be hard-pressed to find a pair of legit Nike Air Mags, unless you’re willing to shell out nearly $60,000. Instead, focus on his get up from the 1985 original. A red puffer vest over a denim trucker, tucked in T-shirt, vintage Levi’s and absolutely thrashed Nike Bruins. Not only seasonally appropriate, almost all of these items are to some extent wardrobe essentials, worthy of purchasing costume notwithstanding.

In 1984, famed comedy director Ivan Reitman unleashed his magnum opus, Ghostbusters. Following a ragtag crew of legendary comics and SNL alums including Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Ernie Hudson and the late Harold Ramis, the film was not only a massive blockbuster but set the bar for Sci-Fi comedies moving forward. Together, the actors comprised titular “Ghostbusters,” a crew of sort-of-scientists that hunt down ghosts, ghouls, demon dogs and various other paranormal creatures. Besides being an incredibly satisfying film (the jokes still hold up!) the iconic coveralls worn by the quartet became instantly recognizable, and given the film’s spooky undertones have been a Halloween favorite for literally decades. While the reference may feel a bit stale three decades later, a particularly strong ode to the film in Netflix’s Stranger Things—the gang dresses up as the Ghostbusters for their Halloween costumes—helped bring the ensemble for four back into the cultural zeitgest. Basically, just find three friends, grab some tan coveralls, a backpack and a portable vacuum cleaner and everyone will immediately recognize you.

The one that started it all—as far as slasher films are concerned anyways. In 1984, Wes Craven—aka the “master of horror”—introduced the world to the serial killer turned apparition Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. The film, which follows the lives of four sexually promiscuous teens who live on the titular Elm Street, received rave reviews for its ability to combine the gritty, horrific elements of late-’70s and early-’80s b-movies with the sort of intellectual depth and reality-bending illusion that Craven is known for. Apart from launching the slasher genre into the mainstream, the film’s iconic villain—a former serial killer who met his untimely demise courtesy of vigilante justice—became a film icon, as horrible and gruesome as he was fascinating. Burned alive, his deformed face and claw hand are as recognizable as his signature red and black striped sweater, a garment that is now synonymous with the film. Whether it’s a Saint Laurent cashmere version or simply a tattered vintage number, pair the sweater alongside a wide brim hat, fashion some plastic knives to a glove and you’re pretty much good to go.

In 1977, George Lucas introduced the world to one of the most beloved anti-heroes in cinematic history, Han Solo. Played with aplomb by Hollywood heavyweight Harrison Ford, the smuggler turned Rebel Alliance fighter—and self-proclaimed best pilot in the galaxy—became a crowd favorite for his witty one-liners, brash self-confidence and charming good looks. His iconic outfit, featuring an open henley, futuristic tactical vest, holster belt and trousers tucked into full-length riding boots is a perfect distillation of “a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”—a retro-space age futurism that combines elements of the wild west with "the final frontier." With a new generation of Star Wars films coming to a close in December 2019, now is as good a time as ever to pay homage to one of the characters that over four decades ago helped start it all.

For those with a crew searching for a simple ensemble costume choice, look no further than Reservoir Dogs. Acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut, the film is not only a hallmark in independent cinema but additionally helped launch the career of numerous Hollywood heavyweights including Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen and (while already a burgeoning star in his own right) Harvey Keitel. Surrounding a heist gone horribly wrong, the picture is less a crime film than a textured character study, an exploration of the personal motivations of each individual involved in the foiled caper. While predominantly taking place within a warehouse following the robbery, the most iconic scene is no doubt the first. Following a team breakfast at a local diner, where to his coworkers collective distaste Mr. Pink (Buscemi) fails to tip the waitress, the ragtag crew walks out, the soundtrack picks up and the title tag drops—”Reservoir Dogs.” Each unnamed member (at this point they all operate under an alias), in a slim fit black suit and skinny tie is the picture of cool, a clear reflection of Tarantino’s unimpeachable sense of time and place. Film aside, all you need is a few friends and if each of you dons your slickest black suit, white shirt, skinny tie and black wayfarers you’re pretty much set. That said, a few drops of blood here and there won’t hurt!

In quite possibly the performance of 2019, Joaquin Phoenix stunned audiences in Todd Phillips’ Joker. Regardless of your opinion on the film—it’s proven to be as divisive as any in recent memory—the “Clown Prince of Crime” is one of the most notorious characters in comic book history and, for that matter, popular culture in general. Avoiding any potential spoilers, Phoenix’s version leans heavily into the villain’s deranged delusions, however his dandy-fied wardrobe remains the same. While the most recent iteration opts for red and orange as opposed to the classic lime green and purple color palette, with this costume the main point is simply to dress as garish and eccentric as possible. Find yourself a wild maroon blazer, a mismatched vest and some wide wale cords alongside classic clown makeup and you may just have the fit of the night—that is, unless someone else happens to have the exact same idea. But as those who have seen the movie can attest, that might just be the point.

When Hulu announced the cancellation of High Fidelity following just one season, there was a public outcry. While the show received a tepid commercial response, a fervent fanbase and Zoë Kravitz’s legion of diehards fans both derided the decision, feeling that her Robyn was the perfect modern foil to John Cusack’s “Rob” from the original film. A modern retelling of Nick Hornby’s 1995 book of the same name, High Fidelity follows Robyn (Kravitz), affectionately known as “Rob”, a record store owner and “top five” list obsessive, who following a break up charts her worst breakups. Released 20 years after the 2000 film adaptation starring John Cusack, in this modern retelling Kravitz’s Robyn is a bisexual woman living in Brooklyn’s quickly gentrifying Crown Heights neighborhood. Though Cusack’s style in the original was celebrated, it was primarily for his double-breasted leather trench and loose mohair sweaters. Kravitz’s Robyn, however, was instantly the subject of think pieces and Tumblr-posts galore, thanks her gender-bending eclectic wardrobe. Wearing sundresses over T-shirts in one scene and floral Hawaiian shirts, vintage band tees, cropped trousers and Gucci loafers the next, Robyn’s style is undeniable; given that several of Kraviz’s looks are directly inspired by Cusack’s wardrobe in original film, this could be easily replicated as a costume for by either gender. Of course, Kravitz had to break out the leather trench coat and combat boots to honor the 2000s original, so if you have either in your closet, you’re already pretty much set. Whether you choose Rob or Robyn, this is guaranteed to be one of the season’s top picks.

While we would assume that—during most Halloweens—a person in a generic white lab coat is a doctor, or that someone in blue jeans and a yellow T-shirt simply didn’t try, we suggest you take a second look before judging. The person in question could be paying homage to the television phenomenon Rick and Mory. Over the past seven years, the animated television show about a nihilistic scientist and his sidekick grandson (originally a send up of the aforementioned Back to the Future movie franchise) has transformed from a cult favorite to one of the most successful, controversial, critically-praised and often-irksome animated comedies ever made. Originally a small side project for co-creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show quickly proved so relatable, rewatchable and surprisingly intellectual that the pilot alone became one of the most streamed Adult Swim shoes of all time. In fact, the show marked a paradigm shift for the network, spearheading a renaissance for the infamous late-night adult animation and anime block. This unprecedented success led to a fierce negotiation following the third season and, after nearly two years off the air, Adult Swim finally announced a deal, guaranteeing Roiland and Harmon an unheard of 70 episodes, a ridiculous concession only further highlighting the show’s success. Finally, over the course of six months from last November to May, Season Four finally unfurled in two parts and, as was expected, drew in even bigger crowds. All things considered—particularly their incredibly simple and consistent wardrobe—both Rick and Morty will be a huge draw this Halloween. The best part? Their outfits are insanely simple to nail. There are tons of vintage white lab coats out there (major bonus points if you happen to have one from our “No Appointments Necessary” event during Paris Fashion Week back in 2019), and for those who already own a yellow shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers, simply team up with a friend and your take on Morty will be the highlight of the evening. For those looking to do a couple’s or two-person costume, Rick and Morty is literally a failsafe. Everyone will get the reference, trust us.

By far this year’s runaway true crime success, Netflix’s Tiger King introduced the world to Joe Exotic, one of the oddest anti-heroes in recent memory. Though the series documents big cat zoos throughout the United States, the primary focus is the the feud between Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park owner Joe Exotic (aka Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage) and Big Cat Rescue CEO Carol Baskin, eventually culminating a muder-for-hire plot which landed Joe Exotic in jail with a 22-year sentence. While Maldonado-Passage is clearly a deeply flawed human being, the series managed to transform the animal rights abuser and multiple count felon into a heart-wrenching character difficult not to root for. A gay man with two husbands and a tragic past, Joe Exotic’s strangely melodic country ballads, insane youtube conspracy theories and outlandish style immediately made him a perfect analogy for the madness that is 2020. Releasing right at the onset of quarantine, Joe Exotic was the subject of style send-ups galore, prompting everyone from Kanye West to the president to chime in about the viral inmate. Though for a while Halloween perspectives for the year looked grim, when the show first dropped there was no question what costume of the year would be. With a Realtree camo trucker hat, Wrangler Jeans, work boots and a leopard printed silk button up shirt, you will be the life of any party. Considering how massive a success the show was, we doubt anyone will not immediately understand the reference, but if you feel that need to hammer the point home, add a B.B. Simon belt for good measure.