Everyone’s a sports nut during playoff season. Embrace the baseball mania by embodying the fair-weather approach to fandom.Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press
There are two personality types that emerge in October: Those who have been plotting their Halloween costumes since November 1, and the rest of us, who are currently wondering whether it’s worse to dress as a sexy cat/cowboy for the umpteenth time or just give in and order a pre-packaged costume from Amazon.
But before you throw in the pumpkin, consider shopping local, as in the stuff you already have in your closet (or garage, linen closet or bathroom).
An all-Canadian guide to low-effort, last-minute costume ideas:
Justin and Katy
Pop star Katy Perry, left, at Madison Square Garden, December, 2024, in New York, and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a news conference, February, 2025, in Kyiv, Ukraine.Andy Kropa, left, and Frank Gunn/The Associated Press
This time last year, the PM was struggling to hold onto his gig as leader of the country. Now he’s holding on to Katy Perry’s posterior, kissing her on the deck of her mega yacht. The politico-pop star crossover romance is the inescapable tabloid headline of the moment, and the perfect couple’s costume for anyone looking to expose a little flesh.
What you’ll need: For Katy, a skimpy one-piece bather. For Trudeau, a pair of jeans and an expression of smug satisfaction should do it.
Mike Myers
Musical guest Tate McRae, host Shane Gillis and special guest Mike Myers on March 1.NBC/Getty Images
He returned to SNL for the first time in a decade to play Elon Musk in a cold open, but it was the T-shirt he flashed during the show’s final moments – “Canada Is Not For Sale” – that turned Myers into the poster boy for post-tariff patriotism. “Elbows up!” he mouthed as the credits rolled, and a movement was born.
What you’ll need: A “Canada Is Not For Sale” T-shirt and a puffer vest.
Bandwagon Jays fan
Fans cheer as the Toronto Blue Jays win the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto on October 20.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Everyone’s a sports nut during playoff season. Embrace the baseball mania (and annoy your friend who never missed a game during the regular season) by embodying the fair-weather approach to fandom.
What you’ll need: Whatever Jays gear you bought last week, plus the family Radio Flyer.
Meghan Markle, jam magnate
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, during South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, March, 2024.Jack Plunkett/The Canadian Press
When the Duchess launched her collection, As ever, she joked that jam was her jam. The British press groaned, but the preserve-buying public ensured that Markle’s line of lifestyle swag (which also included edible sparkle flowers) sold out in less than an hour.
What you’ll need: The Duchess is all about timeless classics, so break out whatever the cool mom might wear to parent-teacher night and add a jar of jam.
The Bay blanket, the redux
A display of Hudson’s Bay’s point blankets.Christopher Katsarov/The Globe and Mail
This year saw the demise of the nation’s oldest department store, but a certain signature item got a stay of execution. Canadian Tire announced plans to re-issue the iconic Bay blanket in partnership with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, for what should be obvious reasons to anyone who passed Grade 10 history.
What you’ll need: An authentic Bay blanket. And if you already have one, consider making a donation.
Tate McRae at the Video Music Awards
Tate McRae performs during the MTV Video Music Awards, Sept. 7.Charles Sykes/The Associated Press
Canada’s pop princess channeled the Greek goddess Medusa for her debut VMA performance, which brought the crowd (and her cast of male backup dancers) to its knees. McRae spent most of 2025 in a state of high-fashion undress, but this distressed, two-piece micro toga look is probably the easiest to DIY.
What you’ll need: A few rolls of toilet paper and a glue gun.
Banned handmaids
Elisabeth Moss as Offred in a scene from The Handmaid's Tale.George Kraychyk/Supplied
Another year, another reason to say, “Wow, it really does feel like we’re living in an Atwood-authored dystopia.” One of the latest assaults on democracy came courtesy of the Edmonton Public School Board’s plan to remove 200 “sexually inappropriate” books from grade school libraries to comply with a directive from the Alberta government, including 1984, Brave New World and The Handmaid’s Tale.
What you’ll need: The same handmaid costume that you bought to wear to a women’s march nearly 10 years ago, having no idea then how much wear it would get.
Labubu or Lafufu
Counterfeit Labubu dolls are displayed by a street vendor in New York City.Jeenah Moon/Reuters
This year’s most overpriced toy slash status backpack charm is coming to Canada. The Chinese company behind the Labubu toy phenomenon has announced plans to open stores in Richmond, B.C., and Toronto. Until then, there is always the more affordable, also adorable dupe version.
What you’ll need: An old Easter Bunny costume will provide a close enough approximation of either critter. The key difference between the real toy and the reproduction is the number of teeth (Labubus have exactly nine). Also, the price tag: If your little guy came from the dollar store, he’s a ‘fufu.