Ripped from the headlines: 12 viral 2025 news Halloween costume ideas straight from The Post

Given inflation, instability and anxiety about AI, 2025 has already been scary enough — and we haven’t even hit Halloween.

This spooky season, it might be best to ditch a costume inspired by blood, guts and gore and instead go with a comical one poking fun at some of the head-scratching things that took place this year, designed to incite more humor than horror.

And don’t fret: There’s certainly no shortage of wild moments and wacky public figures to inspire your imagination.

A team of writers and editors from The Post played dress-up to prove you can creatively turn one of this year’s biggest newsy moments into a hot Halloween ensemble.

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All you need is a couple of cost-effective items from Amazon and a whole lot of chutzpah. The results are less Jack the Ripper — and more ripped from the headlines.

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Of course, one of the most popular costumes this year will likely be the Labubu, the quirky, crazed-looking doll that some serious price spikes.

But we didn’t even try to score an authentic-seeming — we use the term loosely — Labubu costume, given that one local retailer wanted to charge an eye-popping $400 for a one-day rental.

And that’s without delivery.

On a journalist’s salary, we’re looking for better bang for our buck.

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Here are some fun costumes ripped straight from the headlines. 

Coldplay kiss-cam couple

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Forget serial killers and creepy-crawlies: There’s nothing scarier than being busted canoodling with your co-worker.

That’s what happened to married Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who was caught cozying up to HR honcho Kristin Cabot on kiss-cam at a Boston Coldplay concert in July.

The scandal sparked national conversation, so this controversial couple’s costume is sure to get tongues wagging and cause many eye rolls at your Halloween bash.

Parker Posey in ‘The White Lotus’

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The third season of Mike White’s water-cooler hit featured a cast of characters so instantly recognizable that any of them could be used as inspiration for a Halloween costume.

But Lorazepam-loving housewife Victoria Ratliff, played by Parker Posey, is perhaps the most distinct — and hilariously over-the-top — of all.

Her colorful kaftans, oversized sunglasses and ever-present pill bottle make for easy outfit inspiration — just be sure you can master her drug-induced Southern drawl before you step out to trick-or-treat.

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem

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The puppy-killing politician hit headlines earlier this year after she sported a very glam get-up during an early-morning immigration raid.

Rocking heavy makeup, a bouncy blowout and a bulletproof vest, Noem’s unorthodox look earned her the unfortunate nickname “ICE Barbie.”

Depending on your political persuasion, dressing as the Homeland Secretary could be potentially petrifying, but there’s no doubt you’ll spark instant discussion.

You just may need to set aside a substantial amount of money for a glam squad.

Melania Trump‘s humongous hats

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The fashionable FLOTUS has made huge headgear her trademark during her husband’s second term in the White House.

On Inauguration Day, Melania hid her face during a visit to the UK, she shielded her visage with the help of a huge hat designed by Dior.

You can find a range of large, low-cost hats online if you’re eager to channel the first lady — and they help to make any unwanted smoochers keep their distance should a pesky party guest attempt to go in for a peck on Halloween.

Feuding Musk vs. Trump

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Melania isn’t the only member of MAGAworld known for her hats.

Elon Musk regularly rocked a black Make America Great Again cap while campaigning for Trump, and later headed up the Department of Government Efficiency.

A landed them on the front page of The Post, but the boisterous bromance is now back on.

There are unofficial DOGE hats available on Amazon if you wish to dress up as Elon. And if you can find a buddy with an orange wig and a penchant for a fake tan, you’ve got yourself a perfect couples costume.

CEO cap stealer vs. kid at US Open

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Yet another hat was in the headlines this year after a grown man was seen snatching a signed cap from a young boy at the US Open tennis tournament.

The thief was eventually identified as Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek.

Just grab an oversized tennis ball, a polo shirt and a branded hat to channel this duo — bonus points if the headwear happens to be stolen.

Louvre jewel thief

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Speaking of stealing …

Theft has inspired another straight-from-the-headlines Halloween ensemble.

Just last week, a group of thieves broke into the Louvre, making off with $102 million worth of historic jewels.

The brazen bandits — two of whom seven minutes).

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s hairy separation

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The end of Nicole and Keith’s 19-year marriage inspired thousands of headlines — and almost as many memes.

Given that the longtime couple both sport sleek, straightened tresses, TikTok users joked that the pair would have to divide custody of their hundreds of hair straighteners in their divorce.

Just grab two matching blond wigs, an all black ensemble, a chic dress and you’ll be good to go.

Potato chip bag briber Winnie Greco

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If you want your Halloween costume to riff on a local political scandal, look no further than Mayor Eric Adams’ advisor Winnie Greco, who was caught handing a reporter a bag of chips stuffed with cash .

Amazon has a full-size “crispy chip costume” available on sale that’ll have you looking like a real snack.

Just add fake dollar bills for the full Greco effect

Katy Perry in space

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Katy Perry was among the all-female crew on board the Blue Origin space flight in April.

The “I Kissed a Girl” crooner brought along a single daisy for the ride in honor of her daughter, who is named after the flower.

You can easily channel Perry with a $36.99 Amazon space suit and a quick trip to your local florist.

Chicago White Sox fan Pope Leo XIV

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Americans were saying “holy smokes” after Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost was named the new pope following the Vatican City conclave in May.

The pope, better known as Leo, is a huge Chicago White Sox fan and was even photographed rocking one of the team’s caps with his papal vestments.

You can replicate the instantly iconic ensemble easily by hitting up an MLB store and scrolling Amazon for the perfectly priestly frock.

Meghan Markle’s jam

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If you’re in a jam (get it?), this clever costume idea could be a quick fix that’s super sweet (no pun intended).

Given that the Duchess of Sussex’s sold-out spreads from her label As Ever were in the news this year, this Halloween costume is sure to be topical.

You can repurpose this honeypot costume by labeling it as a jar of jam – just be sure to write the words “As Ever” in perfect calligraphy, as Markle does herself.

Photographers: Brian Zak and Olga Ginzburg Makeup: Markphong Tram using Mac Cosmetics Prop Stylists: Evelyn Cordon; Anissa Lorenzi Boukourizia Prop Assistant: Lee Brown