The only thing more annoying than rolling up to a Halloween party that has already run out of pumpkin treats and wine coolers is discovering you're wearing a duplicate costume.
Why spend time planning and prepping if an acquaintance is also dressed up as Ariana Grande, and they have a better version of it too?
It makes us want to eat all the fun size Snickers and mope.
To avoid that conundrum this year, let us help you think outside the box when it comes to Halloween costumes.
There are tons of pop culture-inspired ideas that no one else will think of, and even if they're not the sexiest or most timely, they'll certainly make you the most interesting person at the party.
Who doesn't want to approach the girl dressed as a forgotten movie character to ask why the heck she made that choice?
Trust us, these are some stand-out items...
Judd Nelson: Anyone can dress as his character John Bender from The Breakfast Club. That's easy, and that's awesome, and that's been done. This year, dress as 55-year-old actor Judd Nelson—the man. Glasses with tinted lenses. Facial hair is optional. What other 20-something woman at your Halloween party is dressing as the Suddenly Susan star? Answer: Not enough of them. Be that person.
Rick O'Connell: Brendan Fraser stars as Rick in The Mummy movie series. Want to spend your entire evening explaining that you're Rick O'Connell and not Indiana Jones for Halloween? It's a conversation starter, for sure. Also, The Mummy is arguably one of the greatest action-adventure series of all time, and anyone who says differently has garbage taste in movies. It's on television 24/7; how can it not be amazing?
Nick Nolte's 2002 mug shot: This costume is great because it's topical, but 13 years late to the game. It's a throwback. You don't have to brush your hair. You can wear a chill tropical shirt. Plus, it's uplifting because Nolte is still starring in films like A Walk in the Woods, so we're out of the woods on this costume being a dig.
Andrea Mitchell: The veteran TV journalist is like the unsung heroine of daytime programming on MSNBC. You recognize her when you see her, but she's a bit more under the radar than a prime-time host like Rachel Maddow. Just because she's on the midday block doesn't mean Andrea shouldn't get some love. She's been in the biz for decades, and she has amazing bangs. Drop some knowledge on foreign affairs at your Halloween party this year and school your guests.
Judy from Family Matters: Jaimee Foxworth played the youngest daughter on the sitcom and was written off the series after its fourth season—becoming one of TV's mysteriously disappearing characters. Pay homage to her role's legacy in some adorable '90s gear to show that even though the family on Family Matters moved on, you never did.
Kenai from Brother Bear: Joaquin Phoenix voices the main character from the 2003 largely forgotten Disney film as a young man who is magically transformed into a bear. The fun thing about this costume is it just looks like a typical bear costume, but you get to tell your friends that you're Kenai from Brother Bear. Some hottie at your Halloween party will probably confess that it's their favorite underrated Disney movie, and then you'll both fall in love and get married. (You're welcome.)
Xzibit: He's a rapper, an actor, and the legendary host of the MTV series Pimp My Ride. Did you ever want a hot tub in your mini van? Xzibit's the automotive guardian angel and modern day MacGyver who can grant that wish for you. Is it practical? Will it pass a DMV inspection? No idea. Xzibit's enthusiasm taught us what cars could be, if we really dreamed. Bonus idea: Feel free to spit the lyrics to "Front 2 Back" to prove you're familiar with his all-encompassing career.
Sally Jessy Raphael: We shouldn't even have to explain this one. There are only a few things you need to pull off the iconic talk show host: large red glasses, a bold 'do, and to keep threatening to send unruly Halloween party guests to boot camp. Everyone respects Sally.
Speaking of costumes, check out Channing Tatum's adorable look for this year...