31 Times 2014 Took Us Back to the ’90s

A lot went down in 2014. But some of our favorite moments were less about living in the now and more about celebrating our favorite decade of nostalgia — the ’90s (teens of the aughts, please rise). From reunions to scrunchie hair, get the 4-1-1 on our faves below, STAT!

1. Iggy Azalea, Fancy: We were totally buggin’ when we saw Iggy channeling Cher Horowitz in her chart-topping video. You think she’s a virgin who can’t drive?

2. Friends Reunion: The ladies of Friends reunited for a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and it took us back to when we were dying for the Rachel and endless mugs of coffee at Central Perk.

3. We Met Bill Nye: Brit met Bill Nye THE Science Guy at the White House Maker Faire and it was out of this world.

4. #TBT Halloween: Two things we’re all about at Brit + Co: Halloween and nostalgia. So we obviously trick or treated with some hella cool ’90s-inspired costumes this year.

5. ’90s Hair Came Back: We went a little crazy with the scrunchie and chalk hair looks this year. But whatever, we think they’re all that and a bag of chips.

6. Seinfeld Emoji Happened: Liven up those iPhone yadda yadda yadda moments with this sitcom-centric emoji keyboard.

7. Scrunchie Style: Not only did we crimp and scrunch our hair this year, we also played a huge April Fools joke on our readers when we transformed the entire site ’90s-style. How many of you thought we were totally buggin’ when you saw scrunchie tutorials and printable pogs taking over Brit.co!?

8. Nick Jonas Pulled a Marky Mark: The JoBro stripped and recreated Mark Wahlberg’s iconic ’90s Calvin Klein pose while promoting his album. Drooling.

9. Miley Brought Rainbow Loom Back: Miley took a cue from T.Swift and started repping her birth year (that’s ’92 for Miss Cyrus) by tackling the decade’s best art projects throughout the year. Like rainbow loom! She’s just being Miley, y’all.

10. Harem Pants Made Their Return: Stop, harem time.

11. dELiA*s Closed: Our fave clothing catalog (and store) is outie. Excuse us while we search the Internet for comparable looks.

12. Alfonso Ribeiro Won Dancing With the Stars: Yes, that’s Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel Air and yes, he danced the Carlton (and won) this year’s fall season.

13. Trapper Keepers 2.0: Although our world is more digital today, we love a good nostalgic office supply. Pick up one of these tablet covers and reminisce about the days of gel pen love letters.

14. Nicki Minaj Brought Back Back: The year was all about booty. A big contributor of 2014’s baby got back movement was the raptress herself.

15. ’90s Grunge: Thanks (primarily) to Queen Bey, the grunge look has officially made its way back into our closet. We’re not mad, we think it’s totally fly.

16. Girl Meets World Debuted: We KNEW Cory and Topanga would end up together and have the cutest family.

17. Cereal Cafe: This London cereal haven opened its doors this year and our favorite breakfast food has never been the same. Get us a ticket to Londontown STAT.

18. We DIYed like It Was the ’90s: From safety pin necklaces to ’90s heartthrob Valentines, our DIY projects were all that (No duh!).

19. Clip Art Ends: Now that emoji have taken over our lives, Microsoft told us Clip Art is no longer. Uncool.

20. Toy Story 4 Was Announced: We have mixed feelings about the announcement of another Buzz and Woody adventure (Toy Story 3 ended so perfectly). But, no duh, we’ll be at the premiere to watch all our favorite toys one more time when the film is released in 2017.

21. Clueless Reunion: Cher, Dionne and Amber together again?! Is this like a Noxzema commercial or what?

22. The Nostalgia Machine Brought Us Back: Enter a ’90s year of music you want to jam to then kick it. Word.

23. Nick + Knight Gave Us New Posters to Put Up: Not only did these two boy banders head out on tour this year, they also recreated some of their (cheesy) iconic photoshoots. We think the fangirl inside of us needs to take a chill pill!

24. Reading Rainbow Killed It On Kickstarter: Take a look, it’s on Kickstarter. Yes, Levar Burton made a comeback this year with his relaunch of the classic literary series for an even BETTER cause.

25. The Boy Is Mine 2.0: Jessie J and Ariana Grande announced they will be remaking Brandy and Monica’s classic The Boy is Mine for the song’s 20-year anniversary. Talk to the hand because we’re a little skeptical.

26. The Goosebumps Movie: Prep yourself again for the scariest monsters — it was announced this year our favorite horror books from the ’90s are coming to the big screen in 2015 thanks to Jack Black.

27. S Club 7 Reunited: There really ain’t no party like an S Club party, so we were hella psyched when they reunited for a medley performance this year. They also announced they’re heading out on tour next year, giving 2015 some pre-emptive ’90s chops.

28. Dumb And Dumber To Made Us Laugh: The dumb duo reunited for a sequel 20 years after the original. Mock! Yeah!

29. French Toast Crunch Returned to a Cereal Aisle Near You: Naturally we are freaking out over the return of our fave syrup-heavy cereal.

30. Surge Made a Comeback: The minute we heard Surge was available on Amazon, we bought a crate. And if you think we’re clownin’, talk to the hand.

31. The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story Got Detention: The Lifetime TV movie may have been a total hot mess, but it still got us SO EXCITED to see the gang kinda together again.

What ’90s moment this year left you in need of a chill pill? Let us know in the comments.

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo and Stitch is now also in the works. While filming was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Here's everything you need to know about the live-action Lilo and Stitch. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Image via Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo and Stitch cast?

Image via Sydney Agudong/Instagram

In Lilo and Stitch, we'll see Sydney Agudong as Nani, Amy Hill as Tūtū, Kaipo Dudoit as David, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa. We'll also have Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, Billy Magnussen voicing Pleakley, and Zach Galifianakis voicing Jumba.

When is the live-action Lilo and Stitch coming out?

Image via Walt Disney Studios

We don't have an official release date yet, but we could see Lilo and Stitch in the next year. Personally, I'm hoping they release it just in time for summer 2025!

Where are they filming live-action Lilo and Stitch?

Image via Jess Loiterton/Pexels

The new Lilo and Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there going to be a live-action Lilo and Stitch?

Image via Walt Disney Studios

Yes, we're getting a live-action Lilo and Stitch! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo and Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo!

Lead image via Walt Disney Studios

This post has been updated.

Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.

Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”

Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."

It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)

However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.

“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?

Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”

“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”

Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!

Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?

JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel

With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.

Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.

Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.

What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!

What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:

  • Captain America: Civil War
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
  • Avengers: Infinity War
  • Avengers: Endgame
  • Spider-Man: Far From Home
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home

What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Fact: How To Lose A Guy In 10 days is one of the best romantic comedies of all-time. It’s stood the test of time and is on constant rotation (in my house, at least). From the iconic Y2K fashion and delightfully convoluted plot to the undeniable chemistry of a young Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, it has all the key ingredients of a classic rom-com.

Eagle eyed viewers know that Kate Hudson embodies the perfect early 2000s heroine: she lives in NYC, has a glamorous job, is shockingly gorgeous, yet somehow so relatably clumsy. As a fellow NYC media girly, I selfishly love this trope — but not all films within the genre are created equally. And while I absolutely adore this film, not every aspect of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days holds up. Let's dissect the movie's most iconic moments together because I...have questions.

Andie doesn't seem to understand how magazines work.

The movie opens with our charismatic heroine finishing up an article on “bringing peace to Tajikistan.” It’s clearly well-thought out and in-depth, but she forgot two crucial steps: pitch it to her editor and get the actual assignment!

“It’s brilliant, it’s really moving” says her coworker Jeannie, who has clearly not read the article. “But it’s never going appear in Composure magazine.”

So at least one of these writers has actually read the magazine’s mission statement. But this scene begs the question - why doesn’t Andie know how newsrooms work, let alone the type of articles her publisher is actually looking for?

Composure is a relic of a forgotten time in media.

Composure sounds like your typical mid-aughts women’s glossy, like Glamour or Lucky. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re part of a large magazine conglomerate, like Condé Nast or Hearst, with multiple different titles. If this is the case, why didn’t our Andie just freelance for another title? Or consider putting in for a transfer?

Andie's boss is actually cool!

Her boss, Lana, is pretty cool. She begins the regular team meeting with shoes off and deep breathes — this is my kind of meeting! Miranda Priestly could never!

Does Andie really care about Tajikistan?

“I want to write about things that matter! Politics, religion, foreign affairs, things I’m interested in!” Andie whines to Jeannie, who does an excellent job pretending to care. However, is seems like Andie might be pretending as well, as she fails to mention any of these interests ever again throughout the duration of the movie. Not to mention, Kate Hudson doesn’t really seem to be buying that line herself. I could see her writing about sports, maybe?

NYC traffic is no match for Andie IRL.

It's 30 minutes to the staff meeting, and Michelle (work BFF #2) isn’t there yet. Logically, there is no way they’re getting to her apartment, cleaning her up, giving her a pep talk, and getting back to the office in time for this meeting, and in rush hour traffic. Yet somehow...Andie Anderson prevails? I don't think so!

Living in NYC was never THAT affordable.

Circling back to Michelle's apartment...all I can think about when I see where all these women live is: How do all these single girls live alone on junior magazine salaries?!

Andie should lean on her media connections more, TBH.

After Andie retrieves Michelle, we see them getting out of the taxi in Times Square. Realistically, they’re pulling up to 4 Times Square — AKA Condé Nast’s previous home. Which proves our theory correct: Composure is part of Conde, a media giant with 50+ other titles, which means she could have easily asked her editor for an intro elsewhere to start freelancing and writing about the things she pretends to care about..

Also, Andie's constantly flirting with an editor from Sports Illustrated. She’s clearly well-connected within the media world, so why not ask this man about freelance opportunities? Someone who's shouting about NBA finals — completely unprovoked — would do well writing about sports, a subject which she seems to actually be interested in.

What IS the deal with Sports Illustrated guy, anyway?

A hot and successful guy gives Andie a pair of buzzy NBA tickets and she chooses to bring her coworker who hates sports?! I think Andie is missing the memo, but this at least explains why she's single at the start of the movie.

The "Cool Girl" trope is soooooo tired.

Judging by how she LOVES sports, eats meat, and doesn't experience girly things (like feelings!), it's clear that Andie was written as the cool-girl and anti-girly girl. Remember that trope?! I’d want to hate her, but Kate Hudson is honestly too charming in this role.

Someone is probably missing that green cashmere sweater.

Since Andie is the world's best friend (and coworker!), she casually steals a cashmere sweater from a passing rack. I'm pretty sure someone will miss that during the run through, and I feel for the assistant who get blamed. However, Katheryn Hahn does look amazing in this shade of green, so I guess it's worth all the drama, drama, drama.

Drama, drama, drama is an eye-roll inducing refrain.

I'm not sure who thought this was a clever, punchy line, but it's grating. And Jeannie — who's otherwise cool and relatively smart — keeps repeating it throughout the film.

Michelle doesn't seem like a very committed journalist...

Michelle comes to the meeting unprepared and still teary-eyed. She tells her editor-in-chief that it’s because she got dumped (Lol!). Her boss briefly sympathizes, tells her she looks fabulous, and gives her an out - write about it! Yet, Michelle declines. How does this girl still have a job?! She would definitely not have survived the ’08 recession and media cuts.

Andie's frustration is totally preventable!

Andie finally pitches her article to Lana during the staff meeting, which takes place after she has already finished work on it. You can see her boss’s face drop when and says “it’s something different, a political piece.” Lana then reminds Andie that what they cover is: “Fashions, trends, diets, cosmetic surgery, salacious gossip — that’s Composure.” From her tone, I get the feeling that Andie has heard this before.

Ben's intro is heteronormative AF, and extremely of the times.

In case you missed it, Ben is cool. He is a manly man who wears leather (!) and rides a motorcycle (!!). Not even rush hour traffic can get him down!

Ben’s friends are incredibly lame.

Ben is the alpha male of the office and clearly loves it. The basement dwellers he spends his time with exist only to make himself feel good and look better in comparison.

Why does Ben have a southern accent if he’s from Staten Island?

The origin of this accent is one of the greatest mysteries of all time. Also, does Andie have any family at all?

The titular pitch is equal parts cute and cringe.

Andie pitches Michelle's love life as a "what not to do" story, which is a cute idea in theory. But then she continues, “I’ll be everything guys hate: Clingy, needy, touchy feely.” This is such pick-me behavior! Ugh.

The type of bar they go to does not exist IRL.

Now on a mission, the girls go to a bar which is known for being frequented by successful men with good jobs. It's essentially an IRL version of The League.

Ben's "business" meeting is awkward and non-sensical.

Why did Ben, the Judy’s, and their boss have to relocate to this trendy bar just for this meeting? I don't understand why they couldn't just book a conference room at the office.

While the setting is strange, it's not nearly as odd as the conversation: “A woman in lust wants chocolate, a woman in love wants diamonds.” This is a weird generalization, but I find myself feeling happy to live in a world where we can buy our own diamonds.

Kate Hudson has a great smile, and everyone knows it.

While picking the girl for Ben, Judy points to Andie and says: “Her — with the blonde hair, grey dress, pretty smile.” We get it, she has a nice smile, but they’re really going overboard as Andie is grinning like there's no tomorrow. I need to know what she's laughing at because it seems HYSTERICAL.

The plot of this movie is convoluted AF

We already know this, but I just can’t get over this line from Ben’s boss: “If you come to this party with a woman who’s really in love with you, you can make the pitch to the DeLauers.” Like, why would that matter to his boss? Are we just suspending belief that Matt is insanely hot and any woman wouldn’t fall for him?? Were bosses in the 2000s really that involved in their employees personal affairs, or was there just nothing on TV??? So many questions!!!

Alliteration means it's a love match.

Andie Anderson meets Benjamin Barry. The 2000s really were a simpler time.

Andie and Ben's first date is weird

Andie shares that she has a master’s in journalism from Columbia, explaining that “if I do it right, I can write about whatever I want!” To which Ben asks, “What’s that, shoes?” And we watch Andie sheepishly smile while she struggles to remember her interest in politics and the environment.

Ben changes the topic and tells her, “You can ask me three questions.” Why only three, Ben? They literally just met, and that’s pretty weird.

Awkwardness aside, that lobster looks really good.

Meeting the parents brings more questions than answers...

Katheryn Hahn playing shrink is one of my favorite moments, especially when she sends Andie to Staten Island (the horror!). Here, we see that no one in Ben's lovely family shares his accent, which makes me wonder if he's been using fake dialects his whole life and his family has just learned not to question it.

Hooking up in your childhood bathroom is not sexy!

Andie and Ben also have sex at his parents house...in the shower during the middle of the day. They weren't even trying to hide it!

Andie's post-sex hair is impossibly stunning

Emphasis on impossible, because our girl didn't bring any hair products for that day trip. But I'm willing to look the other way since she's absolutely glowing, thanks to Relaxed Rom-Com Girl Hair ™️!

Andie's yellow dress holds up all these years later!

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: butter yellow looks good on everyone.

Kate Hudson does a great job singing badly!

Andie is a terrible singer, but Glee fans have known for years that Kate Hudson is not. It makes me happy knowing that we now have a full album for songs from THE Andie Anderson.

The ending is a cute disappointment...

Ben's motorcycle chase to catch up with Andie is iconic, but she left a big opportunity (supposedly her dream job!) to stay in NYC with Ben. I guess Andie's journalism dreams can't compare to being unemployed with a boyfriend?

"The girl leaving it all behind for her guy" is one of my biggest gripes with early aughts rom-coms. I'm sure there are generic marketing agencies in DC that Ben could have transferred to, and let Andie pursue her dream, but I guess our beautiful leads didn't consider that option.

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Header image via Paramount Pictures

Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.

New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.

Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.

Baby Yoda

Disney

And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.

A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'

Matthias Clamer/Disney

I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!

Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

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If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

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Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

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"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

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The Real Body Manual

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