Asian Halloween Costume Ideas 2021

Last year, Yo! published an article with Asian Costume Ideas for our readers. After this year of off-the-charts Asian and Asian American mainstream representation, we thought it would be the perfect time to suggest some costume ideas for our AAPI readers. While the tried and true costumes will always be classic, we decided to update our recommendations from this year!

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Squid Game

Set to be Netflix’s most-watched show ever, it’s no doubt that everyone is planning on dressing up as a character from Squid Game this year. Whether you’re a player, a guard, the front man, the robot from “Red Light, Green Light,” or even the giant piggy-bank, you’d better your costume soon before they all run out!

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‍Shang Chi Cast

How about dressing up as a Marvel superhero this year? If you’re in a hurry, grab a red jacket and some black duct tape to make Shang Chi’s signature costume. Dress like Xialing with her signature bob and bold red lip, or if you only have time to make the iconic ten rings, opt for Tony Leung’s adaptation of Xu Wenwu!

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‍Minari Cast

Golden Globe winner for Best Foreign Language Film this year, Minari tells the story of a Korean-American family who moves to a farm in Arkansas in the 1980s, loosely based on director Lee Isaac Chung’s childhood. Dress as Steven Yeun’s character, Jacob, in his signature red hat, or as Alan Kim’s adorable David in his classic cowboy boots—don’t forget the Mountain Dew bottle!

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Newton Nguyen (@milktpapi)

Newton Nguyen, otherwise known as @milktpapi, has risen to fame over the past year for his cooking videos on Twitter and TikTok. All you’ll need is an apron, some streetwear, and some PAAAARSLEY to complete this look.

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‍Your Favorite Anime Character

(Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Tokyo Revengers)

2021 did not disappoint when it came to anime releases! From Jujutsu Kaisen to Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and _Attack on Titan’_s final season, there is no shortage of costumes to choose from. More noteworthy releases with recognizable costumes from this year include Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone, Sk8 the Infinity, To Your Eternity, Re-Main, and The Promised Neverland. If new series aren’t your thing, there are plenty of classic characters to fall back on.

‍Olivia Rodrigo

The 18-year old singer-songwriter broke records this year after the release of her debut studio album, Sour. good 4 u because the Filipina-American’s iconic album cover is one of the easiest costumes you could rock this year! All you need for this look are stickers, and you’re set. Bonus points if you add the stickers on your tongue.

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Bowen Yang as ‘The Iceberg That Sank the Titanic’

Bowen Yang’s hilarious SNL skit as “The Iceberg that Sank the Titanic” was one of the most memorable Weekend Updates we’ve seen. “The Iceberg” came onto Weekend Update to promote his “hyperpop EDM new disco fantasia” album, Music, and make a new name for himself apart from his past. For this costume, you’ll need a white suit and gloves (sequins optional), blue and white face paint, and an iceberg hat.

‍Raya

Dress up as Disney’s latest warrior princess, Raya, from Raya and the Last Dragon. Target and Kohl’s stock a Disney-sponsored costume, but if you want to recreate it from scratch, you’ll need a hat, a red cape, and a sword.

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Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe

Snake Eyes is one of the most prominent characters in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero franchise, having appeared in every series of the franchise since its inception. Originally revealed to be a White guy with blonde hair and blue eyes in the comic, this year, Henry Golding portrayed Snake Eyes as an Asian American following Ray Park’s interpretation in 2013. For this costume, you’ll need all black armor and a mask covering your entire face. Don’t have those? Try recycling the ninja costume you’ve worn 3 years in a row, and attempt to convince everyone you’re Snake Eyes.

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‍Athletes or Olympians

(Suni Lee, Jay Litherland, Naomi Osaka, Rui Hachimura, Shohei Ohtani, Yul Moldauer, Sakura Kokumai, Justine Wong-Orantes)

According to Gold House, more than 50 athletes on Team USA identified as Asian American in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

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Your favorite K-Drama character

Thanks to the hallyu wave, and Netflix adding some of our favorite K-dramas this past year, the possibilities are endless for this category. Pick your favorite Song Kang character (Nevertheless, Sweet Home, Love Alarm, Navillera), or dawn some scrubs to dress up as your favorite character from Hospital Playlist. Have a black trench coat and turtleneck? You can be Doom from Doom at your Service! Have a suit? Be your favorite character from Law School, or Vincenzo Cassano from Vincenzo. Going for a more feminine look? Tie your hair up in a messy ponytail like Suzy’s character Seo Dal-mi in Start Up.

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CL and BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s Met Gala Looks

2NE1’s CL and BLACKPINK’s Rosé were the first female K-pop stars to attend the Met Gala in the event’s history. They donned Alexander Wang and Saint Laurent for this year’s theme, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. Attempt these costumes... if you dare!

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Did we miss any of your favorite looks this year?