October 28, 2016
We get it — all those Halloween parties you mentally declined a month ago are coming up tonight, or tomorrow, and suddenly you're itching to go out. Only one problem: you don't have a costume. Before you run out and spend two hours waiting in line at a party store, or give up entirely, take a look through this list we've put together. It plumbs some of hip-hop and R&B's most iconic — both older and more recent — moments for inspiration for simple yet effective costumes. They should be easy to put together (three items or less), yet obscure enough that you won't have to twin with anyone. And above all, they're low-key, so you won't look like an idiot on your way home.
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Your favorite solid color pajamas + two like minded friends + matching lipstick = TLC in the "Creep" video
LaFace Records
An all-white suit + anything green and low-cut + a bucket of bronzer = P. Diddy and J. Lo's iconic Grammys moment
Scott Gries
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Hulton Archive
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A tie-less suit + vintage fabric + a pillow = Kanye and pregnant Kim at the Met Ball
Dimitrios Kambouris
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Getty Images
A sumo wrestler costume + black spray paint + a bike helmet = Missy Elliott circa "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)"
The Goldmind And Elektra Records
A mesh bodysuit + electrical tape + a long black wig = Nicki Minaj in 2016
Brad Barkett
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Getty Images
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White crop top + low rider jeans + a white bandana = 2000s era J. Lo
Henny Ray Abrams
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Oversized tuxedo jacket + silver choker + tights = Rihanna at the 2014 British Fashion Awards
Pascal Le Segretain
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Getty Images
A tank top + men's jeans + a chain = Ciara in the "Like A Boy" video
LaFace Records
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Leopard fabric + sunglasses + a trophy = Mary J. Blige at the 1996 Grammys
AFP
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UConn Jersey + Band-aid + chain = Nelly in the "Dilemma" video
Universal
A black leotard + artfully placed black ribbon + wet-look hair gel = "Drunk In Love" Beyoncé
Kevork Djansezien
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Getty Images
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White tees + denim overalls + 3 friends = Blackstreet
Interscope
Your best '90s monochromatic outfit + matching sunglasses + a matching wig = Lil Kim circa "Crush On You"
A black suit + a Zorro mask + cornrows = R. Kelly at the 2004 Grammys
Kevin Winters
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Getty Images
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Washed-out denim skirt + slinky top + long brown wig = Rihanna in the "Work" video
Westbury Road Entertainment
Girl Scout uniforms from Salvation Army + scissors + khaki pants = Destiny's Child circa 2001
Kevin Winter
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Hulton Archive
A green dress + yellow fabric for a head wrap + statuette = Erykah Badu at the 2000 Grammys
Vince Bucci
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Getty Images
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Purple shirt + white fuzzy hat + bedazzled sunglasses = Snoop Dogg circa 2001
Kevin Winter
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Undone leather jacket + black bra + loose curls = Janet Jackson circa 1998
Victor Malafronte
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Getty Images
Red tracksuit jacket + big hoops + permanent marker to draw paws = Eve
Interscope
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