24 Halloween Costumes Inspired by Fave School Movies and Shows

We know Halloween isn’t exactly around the corner, but it’s never too early to start planning your killer costume. Let the final days of August inspire your getup, and by that we mean back to school. These 24 creative ideas are inspired by the cool school settings from our favorite movies and TV shows. So right after you buy a new pair of jeans, snag a new pair of kicks and DIY your notebooks, Pin and bookmark these ideas to get extra credit on your A+ group and couple costumes.

1. The Plastics: What might be the most quoted movie of our time (“Is butter a carb?”), Mean Girls has some of the most fetch Halloween costume inspo, ever. From Pink Wednesdays to the “Jingle Bell Rock” looks, there are a ton of possibilities to recreate this iconic girl clique. Let your favorite scene design your duds! (via Soulfire Photography)

2. Clueless: As our favorite popular high school girls on the silver screen, Cher, Dionne and Tai make a fantastic group costume for you and two of your BFFs. (via Wildfox)

3. Serena + Blair: It would be pretty tough to copy Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen’s actual looks from the hit show Gossip Girl (we mean, they wear Oscar de la Renta and Chanel to high school), but you can still channel these Upper East Side school girls with some classic accessories — pearls and a headband for B and a short skirt and loose tie for S. (via People)

4. Cast of MTV’s Awkward: To say that Jenna Hamilton’s teenage life is awkward would be an understatement. To mimic her look and still be recognizable, you need to recreate that infamous cast. (via MTV)

5. Ashley Spinelli: Remember Ashley Spinelli from the kiddy cartoon Recess? That chick was the coolest tomboy on the playground. To copy her style, a leather moto jacket, striped tights and an orange beanie are key. Oh, and the pigtails. (via Costume Works)

6. Laney Boggs: Our favorite makeover story takes center stage for this She’s All That couples costume. Grab a friend so that one can go as the “before” and the other can go as the “after.” (via Popsugar)

7. Superbad Seth: Steal some style tips from Jonah Hill’s hilarious character in Superbad by wearing a navy western shirt and khakis. Then, just carry around some Tide. (via Buzzfeed)

8. Brenda, Kelly, Donna and Andrea: The girls from the original Beverly Hills, 90210 are a seriously cool way to go ’90s with your besties for Halloween. Heck, why wait ’til October!? You could totally rock some of these looks at the office. (via Who What Wear)

9. Cast of Ja’mie: Private School Girl: If you didn’t have the pleasure of catching Chris Lilley’s Australian comedy series on HBO, drop everything and HBOGo it stat. After you literally ROFL, you’ll be searching for school blazers, striped shirt dresses and Mary Janes immediately. (via Big Pond Movies)

10. Edward Cullen + Jane: This isn’t your typical Twilight couples costume. Sure, you could go for the obvious Edward and Bella, but why not go to the dark side and go as Edward and Jane? Not only do you get to rock a killer cat eye, but you also get to wear a cape! (via The Pin Junkie)

11. Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: You guys. This group costume is too good for words. Whether you’re looking for a couples costume, a besties costume or a group getup, this legendary ’80s movie has fantastic options (and gives you a perfectly good excuse to play hooky). (via Pinterest + Ten:Thirteen Design)

12. Cast of Pretty Little Liars: Got a secret; can you keep it? This beautiful group of high schoolers is made up of four best friends with very different styles. For the most recognizable look, opt for a classic LBD — but don’t forget to rough yourself up with some dirt (or face paint). (via Seventeen)

13. Darla Marks: A “Seniors” tee or sweatshirt, plaid shorts and some knee-high tube socks will make you a dead ringer for Dazed and Confused‘s Queen Bee. (via Found Item Clothing)

14. Cast of Napoleon Dynamite: Dressing as the most awkward high school character ever created is pretty easy and sure to get lots of laughs. Large glasses, unflattering jeans, a “vote for Pedro” tee and an afro are all necessities. Bonus points if you can get your friends to come as Deb, Kip and Pedro. Double bonus points if you can learn the dance. (via Costume Works)

15. Cast of Glee: Whether you’re a fan of Sue Sylvester and the Cheerios, Mr. Schu and New Directions, Coach Beiste and the football team or the Dalton Academy Warblers, there are tons of great costume ideas floating through the halls of William McKinley. (via Toynk)

16. Heather Chandler, McNamara and Duke: Rule the school by dressing as the colorful clique from ’80s cult classic Heathers. (via Found Item Clothing)

17. Paulie Bleaker + Juno: This Juno couples costume is one of our faves, because it’s so easy to do and so recognizable. And, if you’re actually a mama-to-be, this is a great way for you and your baby bump to join in on the Halloween fun. (via Baby Gaga)

18. Enid + Rebecca: These two high school outcasts from Ghost World would be a blast to dress up as. With the exception of the raptor tee (which was homemade, btw), the looks would be quite easy to recreate. (via Flickr)

19. Barden Bellas: If you’ve got a group of girls, go as the acca-awesome gals from Pitch Perfect before they got their cool makeover from Beca. Just be prepared to sing, because you know someone’s going to ask you. (via Coolest Homemade Costumes)

20. Cast of The Breakfast Club: This unlikely crew of five is one of the most celebrated high school groups in movie history. A few key accessories and some ’80s outfits will make this one a cinch. (via ELJ All Arts Annex)

21. Sandy + Danny: This stellar couples costume from Grease gives us chills (they’re multiplyin’). While we’re loving the sexy version of Sandy, you could also channel Sandra Dee with a ’50s poodle skirt and tennis shoes. (via Halloween Costumes)

22. Torrance Shipman: If you’re thinking about being a cheerleader for Halloween, consider going as the champion-winning squad captain of the Toros (T-T-T-Torrance) from Bring It On. No one will see it coming and the quotes will be flying (“Awesome, oh wow! Like, totally freak me out! I mean, right on!”). (via My Party Shirt)

23. Kelly Kapowski + Zack Morris: The cutest duo of the ’90s? Kelly and Zack, duh! Combine your love for early ’90s fashion and your love for the teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell into one rad couples costume. (via Ian Brooks)

24. Olive: We’ve got mad love for the sassy high schooler from Easy A. The costume is one of the easiest yet. Just grab your Wayfarers, a pearl necklace and a black corset (and don’t forget the “A” patch). (via IMG Arcade)

Are any of these school-goers sparking your costume creativity? Talk to us in the comments below!

Following in the footsteps of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid, there's a new live Disney movie in the works: a live-action Snow White! The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes actress Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White in the new iteration, and this weekend, we got the first official look at the film!

Snow White has faced plenty of controversy this year, from the actors' comments to the costumes to the rest of the cast, but I'm actually excited for it. I'll see any story that places women at the forefront!!

Here's everything you need to know about the new live action Snow White, coming in 2025.

Is there a Snow White trailer?

@biran337 rachels voice😭🤍! #rachel#rachelzegler#snow#SnowWhite#billie#BillieEilish#barbie#GretaGerwig#halle#HalleBailey#disney#Disney100#littlemermaid#thelittlemermaid#MickeyMouse#apple#poisonapple#poison#somedaymyprincewillcome#partofyourworld#chloe#chloebailey#zendaya#thehungergames#music#musicvideos#sing#singing#coquette#dwarfs#sevendwarfs#snowwhiteandthesevendwarfs#snowwhiteliveaction#digital#30s#40s#50s#60s#70s#80s#90s#00s#2010s#2020s#megan#megantheestallion#style#ootd#outfits#makeup#wish#disneyprincess#princess#prince#beyonce#hungergames#beautyandthebeast#belle#achangeinme♬ original sound - mina

Well, yes...but also no. Someone leaked the brand new Snow White trailer to TikTok and I can't stop watching. Rachel Zegler's vocals, Gal Gadot's mystery, and the handsome Jonathan. Because, FYI, Rachel clarified that the movie will feature romance, telling Variety that "I would never want to box someone in and say, ‘If you want love, then you can’t work.’ Or ‘If you want to work, then you can’t have a family.’ It’s not true. It’s never been true."

"The love story is very integral," she continues. "A lot of people wrote that we weren’t doing [the romance] anymore — we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day."

What else has Rachel said about the movie?

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney

Like the live-action Disney movies before it, the new Snow White teaser trailer shows off a variety of shots you know and love from the original 1937 movie. But there's also a hint of modern edge that I'm excited to see in the final film. While the cartoon Snow White is pure sweetness, Rachel Zegler adds a touch of sass, spunk, and determination. I have no doubt she'll be able to bring the iconic princess into the modern age without sacrificing the goodness we love in the original character!

But as much as I love seeing Rachel Zegler in this starring role, I was not expecting the entire movie to look so CGI. The live-action Cinderella was successful aesthetically because it used so many practical elements, but so far, the Snow White visuals — from the animals to the dwarves to the cottage — seem a little hazy.

However some people are taking their critiques wayyyy too far and sending Zegler literal death threats. "fun fact i will be dying eight times a week on broadway this fall!!!!!" she says in response to a now-deleted tweet. "get your tickets, lee! also @fbi." You can see Zegler star in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor.

When is the live-action Snow White coming out?

Disney

Snow White Release Date

Snow White hits theaters on March 21, 2025! Check out the rest of the Most-Anticipated 2025 Movies you can watch next year. The lineup is already amazing.

What is the new Snow White movie about?

Disney

Snow White Plot

It looks like Snow White will focus more on the princess becoming a leader than it will on her romance. And Rachel Zegler went viral for her comments on how the film would change the original story. "We absolutely wrote a Snow White [that's] not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love," Rachel says in a clip from D23 in 2022. "She’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true.”

Many internet users didn't like how Rachel phrased her problem with the original story, claiming that telling women they have to choose between falling in love and leadership is inherently anti-feminist. "No but she could fall in love AND be a leader at the same time," one TikTok user commented.

However, the extreme backlash to Rachel's comments was put in a new light after Priscilla star Jacob Elordi (who plays Elvis Presley) joked he didn't know much about Elvis except what he learned on Lilo & Stitch.

"Okay but when Rachel Zegler says she wasn’t a fan of the original Snow White (a cartoon btw), and only revisited it for her role as Snow White, she’s 'entitled' and a brat," one user wrote on X. "This just confirms Rachel Zegler hate is literally just misogyny." Say it louder for the people in the back!

Who else is in the cast of Snow White?

Disney

Snow White Cast

Gal Gadot will star as the Evil Queen opposite Rachel Zegler's Snow White. We'll also see Andrew Burnap as Jonathan (in place of the original film's Prince) and Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman.

Will Snow White be a musical?

Disney

Yes, Snow White is going to be a musical, just like the original film! In addition to original songs like "Whistle While You Work," La La Land and The Greatest Showman writers Pasek and Paul (who also added a couple of new songs to the 2019 Aladdin) wrote some new tunes for the film.

How many dwarves does Snow White have?

Disney

In the original film, Snow White meets seven dwarves: Doc, Bashful, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Happy, and Sleepy. After actor Peter Dinklage expressed his anger over the new story ("You're still making that f—king backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f—k are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soap box? I guess I'm not loud enough," he said in an episode of Marc Maron's WTF podcast), Disney released a statement to Good Morning America saying they were changing the original story.

"To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community," a Disney spokesperson said. "We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period."

However, the movie's first look clearly shows Rachel Zegler's Snow White surrounded by seven dwarfs, and honestly, we're even more confused than we were before about how Disney has updated the story, if at all.

What is the original dark story of Snow White?

Disney

In the original Grimm's Fairytales Snow White, the princess avoids even more brushes with death than she does in the Disney version. In addition to the poison apple, the queen also tries to suffocate her with too-tight bodice laces, as well as a poison comb through her hair.

Are you excited for Disney's Snow White, or do you wish they had just come up with a new story? Check out our Movies page for the latest news on the rest of this year's films, including this year's Fall Movies!

This post has been updated.

I think it's safe to say we collectively fell in love with Mark Ruffalo and his Razzles in 13 Going on 30. The leather jackets, the Brooklyn charm, the slightly guarded nature of his tender, tender heart — oh, and those gorgeous curls — really sealed the deal for us all. But does the Avengersstar have the same affinity for our favorite rom-com as we do? Apparently so! Here's what he told PEOPLEmagazine about 13 Going on 13, filming with Jennifer Garner, and more!

Scroll down to see what Mark Ruffalo had to say!

Mark Ruffalo told PEOPLE that he's aware "people fell in love" with 13 Going on 30 — and that he loves it too! PEOPLE reported that the All the Light We Cannot See star spoke about this love during a benefit for Central Park West. He said, “Probably more than every other movie, that's the one I get people talking about when they come up to me.”

And while we has plenty of impressive titles under his acting belt to reference, he noted that people constantly bring up his nighttime Razzles escapade — some even handing him the candy if they can! — "over and over again."

When talking about why an early 2000s rom-com like 13 Going on 30 is such a popular classic, he notes that the themes are "common denominators" like "caring for our family." He said, "I don't care who you are, whether you want love or you felt love, every house has love in it, hopefully, some form of love.”

Okay, BRB crying over how sweet that is...and doing the "Thriller" dance while I'm at it! What? I can't help it! 😉

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Following in the footsteps of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Dr. Strange: Multiverse of Madness, literally EVERYONE obsessed over the cast for Deadpool 3 (officially titled Deadpool & Wolverine). Rumors were circulating for quite awhile about names like Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Olsen, and Taron Egerton making cameos in the new Marvel movie, but there's one potential casting that had Twitter going crazy: Taylor Swift.

Thanks to Harry Styles' appearance in Eternals, the popstar to superhero pipeline is something we know all too well. Even though the popstar didn't end up making an appearance, we were even happier to see (or rather, hear) Blake Lively in the movie!

Here's the latest news on Deadpool & Wolverine — AND Blake Lively's involvement in the movie.

Is Blake Lively Lady Deadpool?

Blake Lively/Instagram

Yes! Blake Lively makes a cameo as the masked Lady Deadpool, while Inez Reynolds appears as Kid Pool and Olin Reynolds makes their onscreen debut as Baby Pool. But Blake doesn't only act in the movie — she also ended up helping behind the scenes! Director Shawn Levy revealed that a note from Blake about the Deadpool 3 ending ended up changing the movie.

“Credit where credit is due. It used to be that there was no suspense, that the power room blew up, and our heroes had survived,” Shawn told Games Radar. “It was Blake Lively who said to us, ‘You know, I’ve been with you this whole movie. I want to sit in the fear that they’re lost. Let me be in that place of suspense so the triumph of their survival is more emotional and visceral.’”

“We did just a day-and-a-half of reshoots on the movie, which we’re very proud of," Ryan Reynolds adds. "These kinds of movies typically involve weeks of reshoots. But this speech that Matthew has is one of the pieces that we reshot. And he is miraculous.”

20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios

In an Instagram post celebrating Deadpool & Wolverine, Blake Lively revealed the first time Ryan Reynolds told her about "meta" superhero Deadpool was when they were working on The Green Lantern.

"We understood in theory, but how it would come together for an audience was murky, for everyone but [Ryan]. It wasn’t a real dream. The movie was never gonna happen," she says. "Just before all this in 2010, [Rob Liefeld] drew an unmasked Lady Deadpool for the first time." Lady Deadpool is an alternate universe's version of the famed superhero.

"12 years later I read Rob’s post," she continues. "A year after that, @deadpoolmovie 3 was filmed...The universe has such a magical sense of humor sometimes."

Some fans immediately jumped to the conclusion Blake is in the new Deadpool movie, especially after she rocked a Lady Deadpool-esque 'fit + high pony to the premiere alongside BFF Gigi Hadid.

Is Deadpool and Wolverine streaming?

Marvel Studios/Disney

Yes, you can rent Deadpool & Wolverine on platforms like Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime! There's nothing like fighting the universe's biggest and baddest in the comfort of your own home.

Is Taylor Swift in Deadpool 3?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp

No, Taylor Swift is not in Deadpool 3. But this dazzlingfan art will have to tide us over until she decides to make an appearance!

In a new interview with Fandango, Ryan Reynolds addressed the cameo rumors...kind of. “There’s so much speculation about so many people that might end up in the film,” Ryan says. “I saw one that was convinced that Elvis is in the movie. Anything can happen and that’s sort of what I love about this universe. Surprises are the essence of Deadpool.”

The rumor that Taylor Swift will appear as Dazzler (which has been on the internet since Taylor tooka picture with the cast and crew of 2016's X-Men: Apocalypse) gained traction after a video from The DisInsider. The mutant, a singer who can turn sound into light, has been one of MCU boss Kevin Feige's favorites for a long time.

"Many years ago I asked Kevin Feige if he were to ever direct his own Marvel movie, which character would he want to focus on," Fandago's Eric Davis tweeted. "He said Dazzler. He’s a big fan."

In addition to manipulating sound and light, Dazzler (whose real name, Alison, also happens to be Taylor's middle name) can also create holograms. "The louder the source, the more powerful the output," says Marvel's official site. "She can also shoot bursts of light out of her fingers, hands, eyes, and other parts."

Not only would the character's popstar similarities make sense, but Taylor is also good friends with Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively. Their kids have been included in Taylor's music (like the intro to Reputation's "Gorgeous" and the names of folklore's fictional characters). Ryan lent Taylor his Deadpool suit for Halloween and both the Deadpool 3 announcement and All Too Well: The Short Film were filmed in Ryan and Blake's house.

On February 16, the official Australian Marvel Entertainment account posted a photo of some Deadpool and Wolverine friendship bracelets, in addition to a rainbow bracelet confirming the July 25 release date. "Besties," the caption reads. Considering Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has become known for friendship bracelets, and she was in Australia at the time.

Who's in the Deadpool & Wolverine cast?

Marvel Studios/Disney

In addition to Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, we'll see Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Stefan Kapičić as Colossus, Brianna Hildebrand as Warhead, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio, Owen Wilson as Mobius (who became a fan favorite after Loki), as well as Succession's Matthew Macfadyen and The Crown's Emma Corrin.

As far as cameos, Deadpool & Wolverine did not disappoint! We also see Jennifer Garner as Elektra from 2003's Daredevil and 2005's Elektra, Chris Evans as the original Fantastic 4's Johnny Storm, Wesley Snipes as Blade, and Dafne Keen as Laura/X-23 from Logan. Channing Tatum also appears as Gambit.

What's the Deadpool 3 release date?

Marvel Studios/Disney

Deadpool 3 hits theaters July 26, 2024. The movie was originally scheduled for May 3, 2024, but because of the strikes happening in Hollywood, it became one of many delayed movies.

What is Deadpool & Wolverine about?

Marvel Studios/Disney

Ryan Reynolds announced Deadpool & Wolverine with a hilarious Instagram post on September 27, 2022. "[Deadpool's] first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special," he says in the video. (The first Deadpool was distributed by 20th Century Fox). "We need to stay true to the character." He goes on to joke that despite all his brainstorming, he has no ideas for the film — except bringing back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

"Hey Hugh," Ryan says as Hugh crosses the background of the video. "You want to play Wolverine one more time?"

"Yeah, sure Ryan," Hugh responds.

The announcement immediately started trending on social media (Ryan's original post currently has 3.8M likes), and while we don't have many official plot details yet (Marvel loves to keep their surprises, well, surprising), we do know that time travel will play a role.

Watch the hilarious, gory, and unhinged Deadpool 3 trailer here! The movie brings the classic funny-yet-gory story we've come to expect from Ryan Reynolds, but it also introduces newer MCU details like the TVA from Loki and the next chapter of superheroes thanks to Wolverine! We haven't seen the X-Men in the MCU before and I cannot wait to see how they make their mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Is there a Wolverine variant in Deadpool & Wolverine?

Marvel Studios/Disney

Yes, Deadpool 3 shows us multiple Wolverines — not just Hugh Jackman's version. We also see Henry Cavill! After the introduction of the TVA, the multiverse, and series like What If? (not to mention Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness giving us John Krasinski as Mr. Fantastic!!), literally anything is possible when it comes to casting in the MCU these days.

Is Deadpool's girlfriend alive in Deadpool 3?

Marvel Studios/Disney

Yes, it appears that Vanessa is alive in Deadpool 3what?! Turns out, Wade used a time device (with a little help from Warhead and Yukio) to go back and save her before she met her untimely end. However, it looks like that one decision gets him trouble with the Time Variance Authority (TVA). TBH, he shouldn't be surprised. They don't mess around.

Why is Deadpool 3 part of the MCU?

Joe Lederer/Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation/IMDb

After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, characters like the X-Men, Deadpool, and the Fantastic Four joined the MCU. Hugh Jackman's involvement in Deadpool 3 marks Wolverine's introduction to the MCU. And we finally got official word that our Fantastic Four will be played by The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal, The Crown's Vanessa Kirby, Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, and The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Talk about a star-studded cast!

Are you excited about the cast for Deadpool 3? Let us know in the comments and check out the rest of this year's Summer Movies!

This post has been updated.

Listen, we're all in agreement that money can make friendships super awkward. Venmo has made it easier than ever to split the cost of a trip, grab someone's lunch, or go on a Starbies holiday run — even if it means we see way less cash nowadays (this tweet about never finding money on the street anymore makes me laugh every time). But it also begs the question: how far is too far? Should we be paying someone back for a $2 soda? According to more than a few internet users, there are some times you should absolutely, never, ever send a Venmo request to a friend — and 4 times you should.

Keep reading to see all the times you should never Venmo request your friends, in addition to the times it's appropriate. And all the personal stories to back them up.

7 Times You Should Never Send A Venmo Request

The Lazy Artist Gallery/Pexels

1. You don't always have to Venmo request someone for their coffee. Gasp!

I can't believe we're living in the land of $9 lattes, so I totally understand not being able to cover the tab every single time you meet a friend at a coffee shop. But if you haven't seen a friend in a long time, or, dare I say, you know they're struggling (whether it be emotionally or financially), cover the bill y'all! And if someone has opened their home to you? A coffee is the perfect thank you.

Brit + Co

2. Don't ask to be paid back for small, generous favors.

Getting into the weeds of every little penny will turn any enjoyable activity into a nightmare. "I had a college friend who would Venmo request every person in the car for gas money when we would drive to the grocery store," one anonymous Brit + Co reader says. "Like girl, don’t offer to drive 15 minutes then."

A Reddit user also points out that asking to be paid back for a cheap favor can come off as rude. "$10 is less than 1 hour minimum wage," they says. "$30 maybe. $50 absolutely. If this became a habit, then sure. But you don't see each other regularly."

Andrea Piacquadio

3. Don't send a Venmo request if you're helping someone who's sick.

If you've offered to help out a sick friend who can barely get out of bed, it's probably not appropriate to charge them for things like medicine, water bottles, and soup.

Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

4. Definitely don't ask for money if you offered to cover the cost in the first place.

When I went to a movie and a friend offered to cover my soda? So kind! When they texted me the next day to ask I send them money? I was a little taken aback. I didn't mind paying for my own drink, of course, but I would have also appreciated some clearer communication...

Brit + Co

5. Maybe don't send a Venmo charge if your friend is being generous in other areas.

I have to admit that I never realized how expensive it is to host friends. Well, one Reddit user explains that when they hosted some friends, and offered them food, one guest ended up sending a charge to cover just a couple of dollars.

"This is after I hosted her and was very generous with my time, home, and food," they say. "Charging me for crappy cheap grocery store muffins and a soda just feels like a slap in my face."

Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

6. Do NOT send a Venmo request just to be passive aggressive.

Just like the idea that "it's only weird if you make it weird," relationships can get messy if you let them. Case in point: money situations aren't the time to be passive aggressive.

"I once quit my job at the college coffee shop to help open a local cafe and my former boss at the college...made me feel so bad for taking the new job, like I was betraying everyone," says photographer Brittany Melissa. "He randomly sent me a Venmo request charging me $1 for emotional stress. I cried. I ended up paying it and told him it upset me and then he sent a Venmo paying me $1.50 'for causing you emotional distress.'"

Brit + Co

7. And you shouldn't send a Venmo request if you're just avoiding confrontation.

Friendship really is all about communication, and when you find yourself splitting a bill, make it clearer for everyone and actually discuss who's paying what.

"I’ve had friends in the past Venmo request me for food or for when we go out rather than messaging me & I feel like as a friend & someone I know & when dealing with money, it’s kinder to ask for the money rather than Venmo requesting," Brit + Co reader AspenGrace Ricks says. "When requesting on Venmo, it feels like there is more of an obligation to do it."

3 Times Venmo Requests Are Totally Appropriate

Brit + Co

1. It's okay to send a Venmo request when you have communal living needs.

If you live with friends, there's no way to avoid the fact you'll be using some of the same products (unless you buy two of everything). My roommate and I go back and forth on things like toilet paper and paper towels, but when it comes to items like the folding table we just ordered for Thanksgiving — yeah girl, send that Venmo request.

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

2. Feel free to send a request if you're running their errands.

Listen, as someone who's in a very happy relationship with my Instacart, I understand not having time to grocery shop. But (unless you find yourself in the aforementioned "small, generous favors" situation) if you're already at the store and a friend asked you to pick up a few things just because they're short on time, I think it's totally okay to ask for them to chip in.

But if you want to give them the favor out of the kindness of your heart and cover the cost? It'll make their day!

Brit + Co

3. Going on a roadtrip means splitting roadtrip travel essentials.

I know the internet can have some differing opinions on what "essentials" mean, but I'm talking, like, the cost of a rental car. If your friend group is splitting the ride, then everyone should absolutely split the cost. And if you ask me, the same goes for gas money!

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

4. Send a Venmo request if your bill had to be on one credit card.

We've probably all been there: your 6-person bill arrives to the table (where you were all very respectful and kind to your waiter RIGHT?!) and no one wants to pick up the tab. If you end up swooping in to save the day, and you've all agreed to pay your own way, take a picture of the receipt and send those Venmo requests. Dinner ain't cheap!

Long story short, the key to making sure Venmo doesn't strain your friendship is communication. If you're not able to cover your friend, tell them! And if they freak out or just automatically assume they have access to your wallet? It might be time to check out how to break up with a toxic friend...

Step aside, peppermint mocha! I’m here to disrupt everything you thought you knew about the seasonal bev. Hear me out: there are tons of different holiday drinks out there, and at this point, the classic pep moch is a bit expected. When you compare it to some of my personal favorites (like Starbucks’ Chestnut Praline Latte and a chai espresso martini), it just doesn’t hit as hard as it used to.

In honor of switching up your go-to seasonal sip, here are 9 holiday drinks that (in my humble opinion) rank higher than the peppermint mocha.

Starbucks

1. Chestnut Praline Latte (Starbucks)

To me, nutty flavors are especially holiday-like. For example, Starbucks' Chestnut Praline Latte packs a flavorful punch with not one, but two different nuts. It's deliciously sweet (but not overly so) and fittingly festive now that the coffee chain's serving their holiday drinks in red and green cups.

Raymond Ma Yi Rong / PEXELS

2. Orange Mocha

I recently tried an orange mocha for the first time, and I must say I'm hooked. While you may think of orange as more of a summer flavor, when you pair it with mocha sauce and a nice cinnamon-clove topping, it's totally winter-esque. If you still crave the chocolatey vibes of a peppermint mocha – but have been pepperminted out recently – give the orange mocha a try! Bonus points if you use dark chocolate for the mocha component.

Dunkin’

3. Cookie Butter Cold Brew (Dunkin’)

Next up is none other than the Cookie Butter Cold Brew from Dunkin'. This iced bev is part of their current holiday menu, and a single sip of it instantly transports me to the kitchen on Christmas Eve, where my fam is ferociously baking up Christmas cookies. It's also got notes of warm spices, which amp up the holiday vibes even more.

Starbucks

4. Sugar Cookie Latte (Starbucks)

As another massive holiday menu hit from Starbs, the Sugar Cookie Latte is (in my opinion!) immediately way more fun than a peppermint mocha because the top of the drink gets finished off with tiny red and green sugar sprinkles. You just can't be mad at cute sprinks.

Meredith Holser

5. Peppermint Matcha Latte

Peppermint syrup in a matcha latte is truly unmatched... a master barista move, if you ask me. The minty effect mixed with matcha's earthier notes is just too good. If you've never tried this combo before, now's your sign! Plus, I'd like to think this peppermint-y bev is a bit lighter than your average peppermint mocha since it's not loaded with chocolate or espresso, which, when consumed in conjunction, can really kickstart a crazy sugar rush.

Mixop

6. White Russian

I'd take a creamy cocktail over a peppermint mocha any day. Luckily, the traditional recipe for a White Russian includes coffee liqueur, so you can still get your fix of caffeine! I personally only really drink this around the holidays, and it's always been quite a warm welcome to the most wonderful time of the year.

Half Baked Harvest

7. Chai Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis are essentially season-less, but when you throw some chai into the recipe, they become so much more fit for the holidays. Just look at that festive star anise garnish!

Polina Kovaleva / PEXELS

8. Hot Toddy

Hot toddiesget me goin' way more than the thought of peppermint mochas do. They're super easy to make at home with just three ingredients, bourbon being the most important one. It's just the thing the doctor ordered, especially after being out in the cold winter weather.

Justina Huddleston

9. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine – in whatever wine iteration, red or white – is one of the most rewarding holiday drinks. You just let all the ingredients simmer for an hour or two, and anyone who likes mulled wine knows that the warm, fuzzy feeling of your first sip is truly unbeatable.

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