Before the season’s first pumpkins were plucked from patches, an offensive Halloween costume targeting Drake was pulled from Fashion Nova’s website. Meanwhile, a crewneck sweatshirt emblazoned with the words “Diddy’s Baby Oil” is currently available online. Ick.
It may only be the second week of October, but it’s clear that Halloween — and, more importantly, what to dress up as this year — is on more than a few people’s minds.
Thinking about the failed Drake costume and the baby oil sweatshirt raises a really good point: There are some costumes we really don’t want to see this season. Specifically, we’re talking about those making light of horrific high-profile cases, transphobic depictions, and zombified deceased celebrities.
Granted, given how much has gone down this year — not to mention it being an election year — the world should be bracing itself for a very interesting Halloween. From the Summer Olympics to the WNBA’s breakout stars to Reesa Teesa getting a movie deal to “Cowboy Carter” and beyond, there’s a lot of potential for some really clever costumes — and a lot of room for some really triggering and offensive ones, as well. Allow us to help you avoid exercising some truly terrifying judgment.
What we do not want to see…
1. Anything referencing Diddy
The number one concept worth avoiding is anything making light of or even referencing Diddy or his accusers. Do not be the person who shows up to the party drenched in baby oil, we beg of you.
Related: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ children address ‘untrue’ rumors about their late mother, Kim Porter
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2. Offensive depictions of pop culture moments like the Drake and K-Dot beef
The next thing to think twice about is any depiction of the Drake and K-Dot beef that could get you hurt or worse. Seriously. That means no Blackface, no matter how big a fan you are, and it’s probably also best to avoid wearing the wrong colors in the wrong areas. Also, no matter where your allegiance lies, it likely isn’t worth going out of your way to be offensive towards either party. That said, with J. Cole dropping a new track referencing the beef, no doubt there will be some referential costumes, as well.
Related: J. Cole drops ‘Port Antonio’ and manages to seem even more sincere than before
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3. No Blackface, whatsoever
Speaking of Blackface, this goes without saying, but we do not want to see white folks in any other faces than their naturally occurring alabaster ones.
Related: Dear white people, Please no blackface this Halloween
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What we do want to see…
4. Summer Olympics 2024
From Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav becoming unlikely stars in Paris to Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles winning gold and many more Black winners across sports, there is plenty of costume inspiration, especially if you’re rolling in a group this year.
Related: Nailed it! These manicures are winning the Paris Summer Olympics
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5. Cowboy Carter
Giddyup, y’all — and get ready to see so many cowboy hats, boots, and lassos. The Cowboy Carters will most definitely be riding into town.
Related: Channel your inner ‘Cowboy Carter’ with these Black-owned brands
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6. Clever political nods
It’s an election year, and a historic one, at that. We are going to see political costumes. That said, we don’t have to see offensive ones or even obvious ones. For instance, instead of portraying one of the current candidates running, one could go as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to ever run for president.
Related: From duchess to founder to investor: Meghan Markle steps into a new era
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7. TikTok couples and stars
TikTok couples and stars, each with their own idiosyncrasies and motifs, are ripe for costume inspiration. We can see the Nara Smiths with their “handmade” sticks of gum already. Once again, we encourage everyone to remain respectful in their fun!
Related: Influencer Nara Smith doesn’t wash her chicken — and the USDA agrees with her, even if you don’t
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8. Internet culture phenomenons
Whether it was the “Black Wife/Girlfriend Effect,” a balloon pop dating video, the ”Bear vs. Man” debate, or any of the other cultural phenoms that have emerged recently, we’re excited to see them potentially adapted in clever costume form.
Related: The ‘Black Wife Effect’ on TikTok has some Black men in their feelings
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9. Pop culture moments
The forthcoming “Wicked” musical film starring Cynthia Erivo; baby hippo Moo Deng; “Love Island USA’s” breakout cast this past summer, “Love is Blind US,” Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s growing family, and more. Plenty of pop culture moments still have many in a chokehold, so get into it.
Related: A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s best collaboration? Their children
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10. Paying homage to Black deceased celebrities
Sadly, several more Black stars left our orbit this year, including two from the original cast of “Coming to America,” John Amos and James Earl Jones. This year, you could pay homage to one or more of those who have left us.
Related: John Amos, best known for his role in the classic sitcom ‘Good Times,’ dies at 84
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11. Honoring the living
Black stars offer ample costume inspiration. You could be Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla, Jay Z, Law Roach, Pharrell (Lego version or real), Tyla in her showstopping Met Gala “sand dress,” and so many more.
Related: Cardi B admits she regrets her ex from Paris
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12. Black movie characters
Between hit releases like “Fight Night,” “Challengers” and “The Deliverance” alone, Black folks have plenty of movie and limited series characters to enjoy and potentially embody.
Related: Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and more star in ‘Fight Night’ teaser trailer
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13. Black TV characters
From “Abbott Elementary” to “Supacell” to “Industry” to “The Bear” to “House of the Dragon,” a multitude of Black characters have been added to the cultural lexicon, providing lots of potential inspiration.
Related: Netflix’s hit series ‘Supacell’ shines a much-needed light on sickle cell disease
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