Pop-culture Halloween costumes

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Pop-culture Halloween costumes

Halloween always brings out the best of pop culture, with costumes that fit the times.

What are you wearing? The question works at the Emmys and the Oscars and at Halloween. This year's No. 1 pop-culture costume is Big Bird, who was fired by Mitt Romney during the first presidential debate. Instantly, Sesame Street became the go-to place for trick or treating.

Short on yellow feathers? You could go as Romney himself, who will be spending much of October in Ohio around hay -- very Halloween looking if not presidential.

Or you could go as President Obama, who last year went as himself while his wife and mother-in-law dressed for the holiday. Boring, Mr. President.

OK, enough politics. Lena Dunham, writer and star on HBO's "Girls" series, did some very-Halloweeny thing to her eyes at the recent Emmy Awards. She looked creepy, perfect for scaring your neighbors. And if you wear one of her frumpy dresses from the show, all the better.

Be a dancer. Everyone else seems to think they can do it. Dance up to the door to collect your candy. "Dancing with the Stars" is so popular you can't miss. Look at Tristan MacManus and Gladys Knight cutting a rug here. Give that couple a hug and a small Snickers bar.

Be an NFL replacement referee and try not to get lost. Costume bonus: stripes are thinning.

You can't go wrong going as Nicki Manaj, who is one sharp dresser, giving you many ways to mix and match. But if you see someone dressed as Mariah Carey, cross the street.

Korean rapper PSY goes "Gangnam Style" and you can, too.

U.S. swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte looked slick in the water at the Summer Olympics, but when they stripped out of their one-piece suits to celebrate they got a bit saggy. Add a tight rubber cap to you costume to complete the look.

Admit it. You hadn't thought about Hulk Hogan for awhile. The sex tape has brought the Hulkster back into play for Halloween. Be careful out there.

Poofy wig, simple dress and, presto, you're Adele. Just don't try to sing for your treats. You can dress like Adele but you can't sing like Adele.

Most people who want to dress up as Lindsay Lohan use one of her booking mugs as inspiration, but, really, any of her night-on-the-town looks will work.

You can't go wrong being a Super Hero, and The Avengers are just the thing this Halloween -- colorful, strong, popular, product-friendly. Get a bunch of friends together and save the world.

As long as they keep winning Emmys, it's OK to dress up as the "Mad Men" women.

The accent is tricky, but dressing up your daughter like Honey Boo Boo is easy. And there are lessons to be learned as you walk the streets.

Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt is the hottest player in the NFL after dismantling the NY Jets. Bulk up and salute the holiday.

Justin Bieber and leather will get you a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

One more political opportunity. Be Clint! You walk up to the nicest house on the block with your hair on fire and mumbling to a chair and they will load up your bag with goodies. Are you feeling lucky, Eastwood? Happy Halloween. Make my night!

OK, OK, be a zombie if you want.

Don't forget to bring your pets out trick or treating. They enjoy dressing up.

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What are you wearing? The question works at the Emmys and the Oscars and at Halloween. This year's No. 1 pop-culture costume is Big Bird, who was fired by Mitt Romney during the first presidential debate. Instantly, Sesame Street became the go-to place for trick or treating.

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