8 fab pop culture couples costumes for Halloween 2014

Yes, dressing up for Halloween is fun. But doing it as part of a pop culture pair? Um, twice the awesomeness! From TV shows to movies to TV shows made into movies, we’ve got eight great ideas from this year’s top hits sure to earn your couples costume top honors at your holiday party this year.

True Detective: Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart

Why them: Our favorite odd couple from the much-lauded HBO series is just begging to be parodied. Extra points for DIY-ing some Lone Star beer cans into little people figurines.

What to wear: For the 1995 versions of the men: blue windbreakers, black slacks, police badges and black boots (add a notebook for Rust; coffee mug for Marty). For the 2012 versions: a straggly ponytail wig, mustache, Lone Star beer can and rumpled khaki work short over a long-sleeve thermal-shirt with jeans for Rust; a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, loosely knotted tie and khakis for Marty (be sure to add padding for the belly and a balding head).

Scandal: Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant

Why them: The hit ABC drama recently returned for its fourth season and now’s our chance to really channel Kerry Washington’s killer style. Hint: The Limited recently released a Scandal-inspired collection if you’re looking for an easy route (and clothes you’ll wear over and over again).

What to wear: A white trench coat, chic trousers, Prada bag and perfectly wavy dark hair for her; a classic dark suit with an American flag pin for him.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Star-Lord and Gamora

Why them: The Marvel comic book stars turned silver screen heroes have made some $330 million at the box office, with the action movie expected to bring in as much as $785 million after international release totals are added. Plus, green body paint and red leather is just fun!

What to wear: A red leather jacket, navy shirt, black pants, leather boots, leather gloves, holster, Walkman, quad blasters and mask for him. (Or make it easy and just buy the costume at Spirit Halloween.) A black body suit, black boots, black and red wig and green body paint for her. (Or, again, buy the costume at Party City.)

Veronica Mars: Veronica Mars and Logan Echolls

Why them: Fans of the ’90s-era TV show have long pined for a reunion between their favorite girl sleuth and troubled Hollywood heir. In 2014, they finally got it, with the release of the Veronica Mars movie.

What to wear: Blonde hair, black leather jacket, jeans, black boots, messenger bag and big ol’ camera for her; Navy dress whites for him (movie version) or T-shirt, jeans and pukka shell necklace (TV version) for him.

Orange is the New Black: Piper Chapman and Alex Vause (or the whole crew)

Why them: The Netflix series, full of quirky characters, is not only great for a duo costume, but perfect for a big group looking to dress as a theme.

What to wear: Orange or khaki scrubs or prison jumpsuit, white long-sleeve shirt, blue slip-on sneakers and ID tags. Add a blonde wig for Piper, a black wig for Alex (plus a temp tattoo on your arm, of course).

Dumb and Dumber To: Lloyd and Harry

Why them: The long-awaited sequel (20 years!) to the movie (due in theaters Nov. 14) means a repeat of the truly dumb duo’s truly ridiculous tuxedos and weird hair is in fine order.

What to wear: An orange tux with ruffled shirt, top hat and cane, with a brown bowl-cut wig for Lloyd; a blue version for Harry with a curly blonde wig. For a more DIY version, don a khaki windbreaker with a red T-shirt for Lloyd and a blue hoodie with a striped T-shirt for Harry – and don’t forget those wigs.

“Tight Pants”: Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon

Why them: Anyone who saw the “Tight Pants” sketch on The Tonight Show (or the YouTube version, currently at more than 4 million views—in other words, pretty much all of you), has the pair’s look—and that song!—permanently seared in their brains.

What to wear: A cropped blue stripped long-sleeve shirt, tight white jeans, white boots and giant hoop earrings for her; a short-sleeved blue stripped sweater, white jeans and white boots for him; and short black mop-top wigs for both.

Game of Thrones: Cersei and Jaime Lannister

Why them: The twins (and, eek!, lovers) are central to the HBO series, now in its fifth season.

What to wear: A long red flowing Medieval-style dress and long blonde wavy wig for her (or buy a costume pre-made at Spirit Halloween); a suit of armor, fake gold right hand and a sword for him.