10 Charlotte-themed Halloween costumes for 2022

Let’s break the basic trends with some Charlotte-themed costumes that you can put together in minutes.

What’s happening: This year, I solicited help from Hellen Moffitt, owner of Rent Ponybox. A lot of these pieces you can find in her shop.

• “If anybody needs help [with a last-minute costume idea] just tell them to come here, I have tons of ideas,” she said.
  

Zoom out: If you still don’t have Halloween plans, check out this list of Halloween parties spanning two weekends in Charlotte.

(1) Geoffrey the coffee bot

These pink robots can be spotted rolling around Plaza Midwood and Uptown, delivering everything from coffee to meals. They’re part of a fleet of human-operated, coffee-delivering machines as part of a partnership with Toronto-based Tiny Mile, Axios’ Emma Way wrote this past summer.

What you’ll need:

• A pink outfit, like this pink jacket and jeans from Ponybox
• Heart-shaped sunglasses
• Of note: Pink hair is optional

(2) Bruno Mars touring the Charlotte bar scene

Earlier this year, Bruno Mars toured several Charlotte bars to promote his rum brand SelvaRey, giving a whole new definition to Uptown Funk.

What you’ll need:

• A funky button-down.
• Tan, brimmed hat.
• Brown satchel.
• Aviator sunglasses.
• Gold chain, watch and ring.
• Draw on a mustache.
• Drink in hand.

(3) The Charlotte FC Queen

74,479 people filled a nearly sold-out Bank of America Stadium (an MLS attendance record) for the inaugural Charlotte FC match against LA Galaxy. We might’ve lost, but that first game sparked many traditions and memories — including tailgates, singing the national anthem acapella and this large sculpture of Queen Charlotte.

What you’ll need:

• A teal-blue dress, like this one from Ponybox.
• A crown.
• A black mask.
• A “for the crown” Charlotte FC scarf.
• A purple cape (optional).

Go deeper: Charlotte FC’s historic debut in photos

(4) LaMelo Ball

Even though local style expert Erica Hanks told Axios’ Ashley Mahoney this Louis Vuitton outfit worn by LaMelo Ball gets a B+, it gets an A+ in our hearts. And it’s relatively easy to recreate. 

What you’ll need:

• A pink beanie that you don’t mind cutting a hole into.
• A colorful jacket, like this one from Ponybox.
• Black sweatpants.
• Pink sneakers.

(5) Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo couples costume

Part-time Charlottean and girlfriend of Christian McCaffrey, Olivia Culpo, recently released a trailer for a new reality TV show. In it, she doesn’t spend a lot of time in Charlotte, but we know through her Instagram that she’s constantly in the city supporting her boyfriend.

What you’ll need:

• A sparkly blazer and black mini skirt.
• Hair slicked back.
• A Panthers McCaffrey jersey for your partner.

(6) Selwyn Pub Transfusion

At one point, Transfusions outsold beers at Selwyn Pub. The dangerous but delicious drinks, made with vodka, ginger ale & a splash of grape juice, are a Charlotte tailgate staple. 

What you’ll need:

• An all-white outfit, like this romper from Ponybox.
• A printed cutout of the Selwyn Pub logo.
• White sunglasses.
• White boots/shoe.
• Optional: A colorful scarf to turn yourself into a “Carolina Transfusion” (blue) or “the Pink Drink.”

(7) Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Roastery

Back in March, Smelly Cat in NoDa opened for indoor dining for the first time in two years. Their iconic cat logo is an easy costume. 

What you’ll need:

• This cat romper from Ponybox, or any yellow base, really.

• Cat ears (Hellen made hers with yellow paper).
• A coffee cup.
• Optional: Don’t shower for a couple of days to complete the “smelly” in “smelly cat.”

(8) Two Scoops Creamery

Two Scoops Creamery is owned by three friends who met in Myrtle Beach, consider coordinating with your friends for this one.

What you’ll need:

• This romper from Ponybox conveniently has the same color scheme as a handful of sprinkles.
• A print-out photo of the Two Scoops logo.
• An ice cream scoop.

(9) Firebird sculpture in Uptown

The Firebird sculpture, AKA “the disco chicken,” is a 17-foot funky sculpture, made by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s impossible to miss, right in front of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. 

What you’ll need:

• Sparkly clothes, I wore this dress and this blazer from Ponybox.
• A gold crown.
• Strong knees to hold that squatting position throughout the night.

(10) Charlottean seeing snow for the first time

Charlotte’s first significant winter storm in more than three years was hardly a fluffy, dreamy wonderland, Axios’ Michael Graff wrote in January. Little did we know we’d see snow (more like sleet) two more times in the following two weeks. Charlotteans made the best of it. 

What you’ll need:

• Your winter gear.
• Some powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
• A look of awe on your face.

Go deeper: Need more Charlotte-themed Halloween inspo? Check out our list of costumes from last year.