With spooky season creeping upon us, the question on my mind is: What costumes will haunt the streets this year? Only time will tell, but we can certainly predict a plethora of pop culture references and internet icons. For those brainstorming a look, or multiple, for the coming hallo-weekend, here are a few ideas:
1: Musical Icons
It has been a big year in the music industry, and no one has gotten more coverage than Taylor Swift. With the release of her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” along with a very successful run of the “Eras Tour,” swifties have no shortage of outfit ideas.
Perhaps a drum major getup on theme with her song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” or a recreation of one of her iconic bedazzled tour outfits. There is also an opportunity to pair it with a football jersey and make a Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce couple’s costume.
Girl pop has been on the rise with other artists such as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, both of whom have an assortment of outfits to draw inspiration from. Emulate the Midwest Princess with some dramatic white face paint and bright red curls, or copy her “Casual” music video with blue fish gills.
If you’re a Sabrina Carpenter fan, add some heart-shaped motifs to your look. There’s an opportunity for a duo costume if you grab a friend and re-create the “Taste” music video.
If a comical look is what you are going for, get some dramatic face paint and put your hair in a mohawk to get JoJo Siwa’s “Karma” look. It’ll be the most dramatic transformation any of your friends see this Halloween.
2: Sports Stars
It’s also been a big year for sports, which brings athletic inspiration to the season. With this summer’s Olympics, sports fans don’t have to look far for costume ideas. Put on a leotard to celebrate Simone Biles, or dress up as America’s favorite pommel horse hero, Stephen Nedoroscik. Grab a rugby ball and become Ilona Maher, Olympic rugby star, TikTok phenomenon and “Dancing With the Stars” competitor.
There’s also the classic jersey costume if you’re not wanting to go all out. Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are good options as the reigning Super Bowl champs. If basketball is more your style, get some pre-wrap and a Caitlin Clark jersey for the night. Any jersey can be a simple, fun way to celebrate your favorite player.
If you want to go the couples costume route, get your hands on a Cowboys jersey and some silver pom-poms and go as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and a player. You can aim to leave everyone “thunderstruck” with this look.
3: Film Standouts
There are also several film-inspired costumes you could use. If you’re going for the sporty look, grab a tennis racket and go as Zendaya’s “Challengers” character, Tashi. If you and a friend need ideas, try a “Deadpool and Wolverine” comic book look. If you’re going for a more spooky look, get some green hair dye and dress up like “Beetlejuice.” And if you’re looking for a group idea, go monochrome as the emotions from “Inside Out 2”.
There are many great options for Halloween costumes this year. Whether you’re going for spooky, stylish or humorous, there’s an endless variety of costumes to choose from. I know I’m looking forward to seeing what looks the IWU community will sport this Halloween.