2011 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes

What will be 2011’s top pop culture costumes? You know, the ones you see and immediately wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” as you stare longingly at the Zeitgeister who has everybody talking. There’s one at every Halloween party. It’s that person who perfectly selects an ensemble that’s witty, creative and/or on the cusp of a trend before every party superstore has created a spinoff? She was Gaga two years before there were scores of branded costumes, Sue Sylvester when Glee was just a few episodes old, and Katy Perry right after “California Gurls” hit airwaves.

Sometimes, this person can cause controversy, like when Bill Maher dressed as a speared Steve Irwin just weeks after the Crocodile Hunter’s death. She can occasionally fall into the “Too Soon?” category, prompting some to question her taste, but that’s the risk the Halloween enthusiast faces (more on that below). These people’s costumes always spark conversation — much better than the oft-overused lingerie-and-animal-ears combo Mean Girls lampooned back in 2004, which continues to be a trite standby for many people.

This year, my friend, it’s your turn to be the Halloween Zeitgeist. You deserve your moment to shine, just like that Old Spice model or Antoine Dodson or Keyboard Cat. Between classes, work and study sessions, finding time to brainstorm and create a costume can be a real challenge. In fact, it’s why many years I’ve opted for less-than-stellar ensembles. No more, I say! Here are a couple easy costumes to get your spooktacular started:

Bridesmaids

If you have a friend with impeccable sewing skills, you can go for an exact replica of the hot pink taffeta messes — err, dresses — the cast wore for its promotional posters. If not, don’t despair — here’s an easy way to copy Kristen Wiig and co’s look. (You may want to carry a bouquet to really send home the message. Otherwise, middle-aged drunk men may mistake you for their old prom date.)

Shoes: Type Z from Zappos (shown) or Tacey Ruffle Platform Sandals from Target

Dress: Romeo & Juliet Couture Strapless Peplum Dress (shown) or Strapless Peplum Dress by Jessica Simpson

Pearl Necklace/Earrings: Pearl Flower Earring/Necklace Set from JC Penney (shown) or 99-cent Faux Pearl Necklace

The Kardashians

The Kardashian sisters are known for their fitted minidresses, glossy brown locks and, yes, striking curves. Replicating their look involves a little edge and a lot of sass. The booty padding is optional.

Snag the look:

Dress: Kardashian Kollection at Sears (shown) or Sofia Vergara for Kmart

Shoes: Leopard Peeptoe Stilettos from Forever21 (shown) or Tipsy Red Carpet Pump from Kmart

Wig: Tabloid Starlet Wig from Halloween Express (shown) or Serpentine Black Wig from Party City (just pin back the bangs)

 Occupy Sesame Street Protestors

No matter where you stand on the “Occupy Wall Street” protests, you have to admit that the I Can Haz Cheezburger-esque “Occupy Sesame Street” comic from Imgur is pretty chuckle-worthy. Maybe even funny enough to merit a snort. It’s a timely costume, but be prepared to enter a few political conversations over it. (In which case, you may want to read up on a group who goes by Occupy Sesame Street. They’re sponsored by the letter E, as in Education.)

Cookie Monster Costume: Spirit’s traditional version (shown) or Amazon’s Sexy Cookie Monster, if you live by the “This is the one year a night I can dress like a slut and get away with it!” creed

Protest T-shirt: Occupy Sesame Street from Cafepress (shown) or “I am 99%” from Spreadshirt

Lady Gaga as Jo Calderone

Oh shoot. Look at you. You’re practically meta. I mean, while all those other Poker Faces parade around in two-year-old Gaga costumes, you’re bucking the trend by dressing as Lady Gaga dressing as a male model. Or whatever it is Jo Calderone does for a fictional living.

Boyfriend Blazer: Classic Woven Jacket, Forever21

White Crew Neck: Hanes Crew T-Shirts (via Target)

Candy Cigarettes: Amazon (or any specialty candy store)

Greaser Wig: Danny Grease Wig, Amazon

Katy Perry as Kathy Beth Terry

Okay, so I’ve been having a little too much fun with the concept of dressing as someone who’s dressing as someone else. But come on, people — put those cupcake boobs away. That was so 2010. This year, it’s less sexy, more seventh grade. You know you love that headgear.

Denim vest: Hooded Denim Vest, Forever21

Pink Turtleneck: Ultrasoft Turtleneck, Target

Jorts: Distressed Denim Boyfriend Shorts, Forever21

Faux Braces: Fake “Bubba” Braces, Spirit Halloween Stores (use some wire for the headgear)

Glasses: Clear Fake Glasses, Amazon

Other semi-awesome ideas to consider: Lisbeth Salander (AKA the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Pan Am stewardesses, Angry Birds, Average Joes and the Purple Cobras (Dodgeball is a cult favorite. It’s easy and well-received. Go for it.), Preggers Beyonce & Jay-Z, Cowboys vs. Aliens, Rebecca Black, Nicki Minaj and her “Superbass” ballerina princess fans, Carmen Sandiego

UPDATED: Or PSY, Honey Boo Boo, Taylor Swift, Breaking Bad and more

The trick is to avoid the “Too Soon?” category, where you’re shunned for being entirely too insensitive, or — worse! — you show up as one of five wannabes all pretending to be the same much-gossiped celebrity. Here are the sure-to-be-overdone costumes you should dodge at all costs:

Charlie Sheen

Amy Winehouse (unless you’re Zombie Winehouse, but that may fall into the poor taste category. The reception depends entirely on your audience)

Katy Perry circa “California Gurls”