Part of the fun of being a certified Chappell Roan stan is wondering what kind of elaborate look she’ll perform in next. Take this year’s MTV Video Music Awards: While some fans theorized beforehand that she would perform an homage to Britney Spears’ “Lucky” music video, she actually pulled off a series of knight-inspired medieval looks.
Where do her brilliant ideas come from? During a June appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Roan shared that she and her stylist, Genesis Webb, pull from burlesque, drag, horror movies, and theater when coming up with the pop star’s outfits. As Roan herself put it: “I love looking pretty and scary.” And what better night to look pretty and scary than Halloween?
Given how wildly popular pop music’s resident Midwest Princess has become this year I’d wager that Roan-inspired costumes will be a mainstay at queer Halloween parties all season long. Apart from there being a feast of looks to choose from, her outfits are particularly costume-friendly because being a scrappy DIY enthusiast is part of her whole persona. As she told Trixie Mattel during a Paper magazine cover story earlier this year, she even did her own makeup for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess cover because “I had no money to pay a fucking makeup artist.”
“I love the chic bitches, but I am not trying to be that,” she added. “Nothing turns me off more than frickin’ luxury brands.”
A drag-inspired pop star who can turn out looks without breaking the bank? That’s a queer Halloween icon in the making right there. From her Governor’s Ball Lady Liberty look to her mermaid-inspired “Casual” ensemble, here are seven Roan costume ideas that are hot to go.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Album Cover
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The album cover for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is already iconic, so why not recreate the look that has become synonymous with Roan herself? First, you’ll need to get your hands on a sparkly turquoise homecoming-style dress. To emulate the pop star’s budget-friendly aesthetic, I recommend scoping out your favorite thrift store or checking the sale racks at a nearby department store. Next, pick up a sash and tiara. To top off the look, coat your face in Roan’s trademark white face paint and apply your favorite red lipstick.
“Casual” Music Video
In the music video for “Casual,” Roan dramatizes the song’s central situationship woes by casting herself as a man-eating siren’s lover. For much of the video, she imagines herself dancing with her aquatic love interest in a knee-length turquoise dress that’s similar to her album cover look. However, this dress is completely covered in sequins and a matching shrug. She’s got her classic white-painted face and an array of sand dollars and seashells in her hair.
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If you’re also in the throes of a situationship, I’m sorry! But also, once you’ve thrifted your dress, all you need to complete this costume is some seashell clips and white paint. If you still belt along to “Casual” despite being in a relationship, make it a couples’ costume! One of you can don blue hair extensions and face scales and go as Roan’s mermaid girlfriend. (Note: Hunting beachgoers is not recommended!)
Coachella
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Believe it or not, Coachella 2024 marked Roan’s first time performing at a music festival. She marked the occasion with a beautifully lesbian outfit, complete with a leather harness that feels like an allusion to a strap-on. Ready to create your own dyke Coachella costume? Once you’ve got your hands on a similar harness, finish your ensemble off by DIY-ing her “Eat Me” shirt using iron-on letters or a Sharpie and throwing on some leopard-print leggings.
Governors Ball
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Roan made headlines as soon as she took to the stage at this year’s Governors Ball in New York City dressed as the Statue of Liberty and covered in head-to-toe seafoam green paint. As if that weren’t iconic enough, she entered in a giant apple while smoking a cigar. This Roan look is particularly Halloween-friendly: A Lady Liberty costume is easy enough to grab from your nearby costume store. If you’re eager to level up your costume, you can add your own green paint. Throw in a faux apple or a prop cigar, and you’re good to go!
“Hot to Go!” Music Video
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Roan lives out her roadside diner cheerleading fantasy in the “Hot To Go!” music video, donning a yellow crop top and matching mini shorts with a purple bralette underneath. To get the look, pick up a summery yellow two-piece set and throw on a tank top or bralette underneath. To make it a couples’ costume, you or your partner could order a fast food-themed outfit like a French fries or cheeseburger costume. And while you’re at it, why not wrap up your Halloween night with a trip to your drive-through of choice?
NPR Tiny Desk Concert
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The singer served high femme camp realness while gracing NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk series earlier this year. To emulate her Tiny Desk look, throw on your frilliest hot pink dress, grab a sky-high red wig, and cover it with butterfly clips. When it comes to copying Roan’s John Waters-esque makeup look, her makeup artist, Sterling Tull, told Them that she started with a white foundation, then added pencil-thin brows and a glittery blue cut crease. And of course, make sure you add a bit of lipstick to your top teeth!
VMAs Performance
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Roan’s 2024 VMAs appearance gifted us with not one but three knight-inspired costume ideas, drawing comparisons to Joan of Arc as well as the lesser known sword-fighting bisexual arsonist Julie D'Aubigny. To model her medieval-esque red carpet dress, order a long, flowy transparent gown and a chunky cross necklace, then throw your hair up in a half-up, half-down ’do. If you’re in the mood to model some classic armor à la Roan’s VMAs performance look, make your own using cardboard. Or pick up a prop trophy, don a sheer silver dress and a faux chainmail costume, and go as Roan accepting her award for Best New Artist!
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