Original Halloween costume ideas are few and far between, with most people turning to tried-and-true stereotypes or classic Hollywood-inspired looks.

Instead, set yourself apart from the crowd by taking a leaf out of the pop culture book.

Here are the best topical Halloween costume ideas from the year 2014:

1. Mark Holden as a clown on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

What: The former Australian Idol host and barrister lost the plot on the dance floor and made some great television. With fake fart noises, lewd comments and crazed dance moves, he alienated everyone on the Dancing with the Stars cast and earned himself social media hashtag status.

You’ll need: A classic clown outfit, a red wig, creepy white makeup, a microphone, a fart cushion, some confetti and no shame. Awkward dance moves and inappropriate jokes encouraged. If you can get a fed-up looking woman in an orange tutu to accompany you, even better.

2. #DirtyStreetPie

What: Fans of The Bachelor will remember the hilarious episode in which contestant Laurina Fleur chucked a tantrum over a particularly bad date.

“Everyone else gets Ferraris, super yachts and private jets, and I get a dirty street pie,” she lamented, thus creating the memorable hashtag #DirtyStreetPie.

The pie in questions was from iconic Sydney roadside eatery Harry’s Cafe de Wheels.

You’ll need: You have two options. You could dress as Laurina, wearing high-end designer clothing, high heels and a disdainful expression while carrying a Four’N Twenty. Alternatively, you could dress as the street pie. Dress all in black, tape hair-sprayed (to preserve them) party pies all over your body and cover yourself in dirt.

3. Shia LaBeouf mid-meltdown

What: The young actor made headlines earlier this year for a very cultivated, very public “meltdown”. Publicity stunt or not, LaBeouf’s unusual behaviour was entertaining and he’s now back on track (after an arrest).

You’ll need: A really nice tux and a paper bag with holes cut out for the eyes and the words “I am not famous anymore” written in thick black marker.

4. Bendy iPhone 6 Plus

What: Oh, #Bendgate. The social media uproar had all brand new iPhone 6 Plus users looking quizzically at their new devices and searching for signs of a deformity. However, Apple dismissed the scandal, claiming that only nine people had complained of their iPhones bending.

You’ll need: A giant cardboard sandwich board painted silver or grey and covered with app icons on the front. Create a crease down the middle and put the sandwich board over your head, securing it over your shoulders with ribbons. Walk awkwardly and look dejected. Occasionally, hum loudly like you’re ringing on vibrate or scream the standard Apple message tone sporadically.

5. Angelina Jolie at her wedding

What: It was a given that when Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt she had to make it unique somehow. Thus, she chose to wear a veil covered in her kids’ scribbles and sketches.

You’ll need: A classic white wedding gown a simple up-do. Next, grab a large piece of tulle from a fabric store and have your friends over for a craft day. The more embellishment, the better. Finally, find yourself a good looking man in a suit and a brood of young children and you’re good to go.

6, Gabi Grecko and Geoffrey Edelsten

What: They court controversy everywhere they go for their age gap and outrageous outfit choices and, for that reason, this kooky couple have been a fixture on gossip pages since their debut.

You’ll need: Team up with a friend for this one. One of you should wear a brightly coloured wig, elaborate makeup (stick gemstones to your face if you can), excessive cleavage, a corset, fishnet stockings and super high heels. The other member of the pairing should be slightly shorter, with a ill-fitting loud suit and an tie. Bling compulsory.

7. Pharrell at the Grammys

What: Award-winning singer Pharrell Williams took the care this year for most bizarre red carpet get-up. He was the first person to make a Smokey the Bear hat a fashion statement – and the last.

You’ll need: Jeans, a red tracksuit top and a ridiculously oversized hat. The bigger the better – you might need to DIY with cardboard because we doubt most stores will stock a hat of that size.

8. The Red Viper and the Mountain from ‘Game of Thrones’

What: In one of the most memorable episodes of the television smash-hit, beloved character Prince Oberyn Martell, aka the ‘Red Viper’, had his head brutally squashed like a grape by the hulking Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane. It was gripping, terrifying television and traumatised leagues of loyal fans.

You’ll need: A really, really tall friend, a suit of armour, some manly stubble (draw it on if you’re a lady) and two large wooden sticks. If you want to take it a step further, you can cover your head in blood to emulate the late Oberyn.

9. Palmer United Party senator Jacqui Lambie

What: In her trademark yellow scarf, the controversial senator burst onto the political scene after a radio interview in which she shared her love for “well-hung men”.

You’ll need: A touch of yellow – preferably a scarf or blazer, some black drop earrings, blue eyeshadow and a black skirt-suit.

10. Rosamund Pike in ‘Gone Girl’

What: (WARNING: SPOILER ALERT) It’s still dominating the box office and garnering critical attention and the chilling thriller is a great source of creepy costume ideas. Rosamund Pike’s Amy character is calculating, mysterious and manipulative. The dramatic final scene in which she returns to Ben Affleck’s character drenched in blood is particularly harrowing.

You’ll need: A white lacy nightgown, a blonde wig, bare feet and buckets of fake blood.