Through Ahsan Washington
November 1, 2025
Celebrities are turning Halloween cosplay into a cultural tribute.
Every year, Halloween emerges as a showcase of flair, sartorial bravado and reverential cultural nods. Fright Night 2025 is no different. Black celebrities stepped into the spotlight to show why their Halloween costumes stand out above the plethora of typical costumes floating around social media. Whether it’s a tribute to icons or conceptual ideas from pop culture, each look transcends merely turning heads. The costumes illustrate how Black performers use Halloween cosplay to create cultural tributes.
Check out these nine ensembles that slayed Halloween day.
Taraji P. Henson as Janet Jackson
Henson provided several stages for cultural pop icon Janet Jackson. The actress played up the megastar’s most iconic looks throughout her successful career, from highlighting Jackson’s Rhythm nation performances to her video production days for “Scream.”
Chloe Bailey as Foxxy Cleopatra for Halloween
Dressed in a metallic gold catsuit and sporting a gravity-defying afro, Chlöe evokes the Foxxy Cleopatra that Beyoncé once embodied, with a nod to black female empowerment and the electric buzz of cult pop culture.
Megan Thee Stallion as Chōsō (from *Jujutsu Kaisen)
Megan gets to work on her anime devotion, emerging as Chōsō with dark cultural threads that intersect with the vast tapestry of global pop culture.
Winnie Harlow as Whitney Houston
Winnie’s reverence for Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” moment shines in a purple leotard, the iconic hairstyle a resonant tribute to the rich legacy of black music.
Lizzo as Cheese Pull
Making Halloween a stage for this cheesy outfit, Lizzo combines humor, body-positive messaging and pop culture references, creating a look that feels playful and socially responsible.
Keke Palmer and Leo as Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow
For Halloween 2025, Keke Palmer and her son Leodis appeared as Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow, turning a costume party into a celebration that merged hip-hop culture, family chemistry and a touch of theatrical swagger. Keke’s look, complete with cornrows, a goatee and a chain-laden outfit, is reminiscent of the Snoop vibe. The pair’s coordinated style makes an even bigger impact. The whole affair portrays Halloween not as a personal dress-up event, but as a branded spectacle for the entire community.
Halle Bailey as Lisa Bonet
Halle Bailey’s Halloween 2025 post channels Lisa Bonet’s authenticity, combining nostalgia, black heritage, and her own star persona. The content-driven, brand-enhancing look emerges as a statement.
Janelle Monáe as Cat in the Hat
Janelle treats Halloween as a showcase one moment embodying the Cat in the Hat, the next unveiling a parade of unusual, imaginative ensembles, each costume transforming into a new ongoing moment.
Latto as Lil Kim
Honoring rap legend Lil Kim with hair, makeup and impeccable styling, Latto turns a tribute into a full-on transformation, embodying the icon’s wardrobe, swagger and everything that comes with it. The ensemble falls under the Latto brand; bold, expressive and unapologetic hip-hop, making it as much a calculated play of content as it is a costume.
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