Each Halloween there are many classic themes people use to inspire their costume choice, but every year there are some that stand out from the rest.
As Halloween revelers put more focus on finding the right costume, there has been a trend to “mash up” or create unique costumes by blending elements from several existing costumes.
For those who are either too time-pressed or not as creative to mash up their own costumes, don’t worry. There are plenty of costume vendors putting fresh twists on old themes. They find just the right elements to be recognizable, while freshening up the concept to make it look like something never seen before.
Pirates of all kinds are very popular right now among all age groups. This pirate costume, manufactured by Roma, is a perfect example of how the right elements—boots, swords, and hats—can be used to establish the theme, but the style of the costume and the material it’s made of provide a unique twist.
Although pirates are a very traditional Halloween theme, they have become more popular in the wake of moves such as “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Movies provide much of the inspiration for Halloween costumes each year, but this year there are quite a few costumes that draw inspiration from older movies.
One example is this Edward Scissorhands costume, which taps into several trends. It is inspired by the 1990 film “Edward Scissorhands,” which was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp. It also has a dark, gothic look, which is also popular at the moment.
Other older movies that are inspiring costumes this year include the 1983 film “Flashdance” and the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” for the 80′s theme.
Alice in Wonderland theme has been popular not only for Halloween, but also during the year as a theme for parties.
Major media events often provide inspiration for Halloween, and Charlie Sheen’s meltdown was particularly spectacular. There are plenty of ways people will be putting together Sheen characters. Some will interpret Sheen’s catch phrases, while others will mimic him. To help pull the costume together, there are masks and wigs, even bowling shirts, Fedora hats, sunglasses and shirts that say “Winning.” Adding a “Goddess” on each arm can’t hurt either.
Zombies, the ever-popular flesh eaters may outnumber the blood suckers this year, as the desire to be “undead” is, er, alive and well this Halloween. We are definitely in the midst of a zombie craze.
Luckily, consumers will find there is no shortage of zombie costumes. They range from the traditional blood and gore zombies dressed in rags to other costumes that basically take a traditional costume theme and turn it into a zombie. Think, a Zombie police officer, or a Zombie girl in her pajamas, or even the Prom King and Prom Queen.
There are plenty of reasons for this trend, including AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” a television series about zombies, as well as popular videogames such as “Left 4 Dead.” There are costumes based on the TV series, which centers on a small group of survivors, led by Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes and his family.
Let’s face it: We don’t always have a royal wedding to gawk at. So it should come as no surprise there are costumes that will have you looking like the royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton, on their big day.
The outrageous hats of wedding guests Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also may inspire some do-it-yourself costumes this
Without a doubt, one of the best-selling costumes this Halloween for both children and adults are the ones based on the characters in the Angry Birds game.
With the release of the final “Harry Potter” movie, there will likely be many Potter fans dressing up as their favorite characters. This is especially true for young adults, who have grown up with the series.
Not only are there Harry costumes in various forms, but other characters such as the evil Lord Voldemort, the Death Eater, the Tree Man and the Dementor are also well represented. The costumes also vary from ones that are fairly standard issue Gryffindor Robes to more adult-takes on Potter theme.
What’s a “Mad Men” fan to do while pining away waiting for the show to return to the air? Dress up like characters on the show perhaps? If this idea appeals to you, you’re in luck. The Mad Men Show site has a guide to creating the perfect Mad Men costume
Some of the tips: For those dressing as Joan Holloway, choose a bright bold color. If you’re more of a Betty, it advises that you must get the hair just right, and even walks you through how to style it.
As for Don Draper, it’s all about how you hold the cigarette, lighter and glass.
You can even do a gory Mad Men costume. How? Remember Guy McKendrick’s accident at the office party? The site advises, “You’ll need a light suit, a sliced-up wingtip, and lots of fake blood.”
Some costume retailers are reporting strong sales of black tutu skirts. The leagues of would-be ballerinas are probably being inspired by actress Natalie Portman and her role in last year’s “The Black Swan” movie.
If you’re not up for creating your own Black Swan costume there is this one, with jewel accents and a feathered tail and headpiece.
Whatever costume you end up with, Happy Halloween!!!
