Festive Halloween costumes for 2024
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, with festive aspects such as spending time with friends, candy, and, perhaps most importantly, dressing up. Costumes are a fantastic way to express one’s creativity and find common interests among others. The process of deciding what to dress up as can be a stressful decision if your ideas seem boring or overdone. Do not fret, though, as a few costume ideas are appropriate, fun, and versatile!
In college, many of the same costumes are seen repeatedly because they can be easily done in groups and are cheap to buy. Devils, angels, fairies, and things alike are fun, but sailors are a great option if you want something more unique. For a simple sailor costume, you only need a typical sailor hat and blue clothes in your closet, like a blue dress, polo, or some standard jeans. The costume can be upgraded by buying a handkerchief or even a faux pipe or eyepatch for the “Popeye feel,” but the costume is easily recognizable even with just the hat.
Another great option for cheap group costumes is being a boxer. A solid color tank top and athletic shorts are things you may already own, so all that is needed for this costume is some type of robe and maybe a set of gloves. Makeup can be used to add details to the costume, and different types of sports tape or wrap can be used on the hands to replicate the boxers' hands. This can be done with just one friend or ten friends; the options are endless. Different colors and styles can be used by different friends, making each costume unique to oneself.
If you want a truly unique group costume, I have the perfect one for any Pitch Perfect franchise fans. The Barden Bellas have many iconic looks throughout the movie series, most famously their outfit during their regionals and finals performances. The outfit may need a few different pieces of clothing, but thrifting and shopping in advance should allow you to complete the costume without breaking the bank.
Funny costumes are a great way to express any personal interests and have a good laugh on a traditionally scary holiday. A classic duo option that is often overlooked comes from the movie The Lorax (2012). The Onecler and the Lorax are an iconic enemies-to-friends duo who cannot be mistaken. The Lorax’s bright color and bushy eyebrows can be replicated in many ways and will surely make for some funny photo opportunities throughout celebrations.
Group, duo, or trio costumes are fun, but a classic solo costume is perfect for expressing one's own creativity. Favorite characters from movies or books, personal heroes or enemies, and things alike make great options for costumes. If you are looking for a funny solo costume Guy Fieri or Bob Ross are iconic costumes that never go out of style. A couple of funny wigs and shirts are all needed for the costume and should be easily recognizable. A more feminine or cute costume idea may be Alice from Alice in Wonderland (2010) or even one of the Disney princesses. All the princesses have unique characteristics that make for a fun costume.
When deciding what to wear for Halloween, choosing a costume that is not offensive is most important. Appropriating cultures or inappropriately portraying disabilities is not acceptable on Halloween or any other day of the year. If partaking in any parties or night-time activities, follow classic standard safety rules like not separating from the group and not drinking anything you did not make/bring yourself. Have a fun, unique, but safe Halloween!