For many, Halloween is more than just a fall holiday. It’s an opportunity to indulge in the atypical; to be something different; to expand horizons — all of which can be achieved through costumes. 

The eerie holiday entails nightmarish creatures and a surplus of candy on a foggy autumn night. Also having an element of fun, with healthy scares and laughs shared with friends, that will always be embedded in the October holiday. 

While there will be the excitement of sugary sweets and spiderwebs on houses, the element of costumes remains the star of Halloween. 

Arguably the main attraction, costumes define many peoples spooky Halloween and provide key memories. Campbell Morgan, a junior at Ida B. Wells who enjoys Halloween attire says, “My favorite part of Halloween is the escape from reality by dressing up.” Morgan also said that costumes can help with self expression, and for one day, you can feel like someone you aren’t. Getting to pretend like someone else adds fun and experimenting into the mix of an otherwise mellow fall.

Brady Bennon, a history teacher at IBW, sees a different side of costumes, “My favorites are the ones people make at home, that are super duper creative and you’re not expecting.” By making your own costume, you can not only let your creativity show, but also add the aspect of originality. Not having to rely on money or costumes already on the market is another bonus.

Bringing personal elements into Halloween outfits are also common. While some choose favorite characters, food and inside jokes, others involve their costumes with friends. Creative group ensembles, couple costumes and matching outfits are some of many that friends may participate in. 

Emily O’Loughlin and Annaleah Wonder, both science teachers at IBW, plan on having corresponding costumes. Both sharing the love for Six the Musical, they decided O’Loughlin will be Anne Boleyn, and Wonder will be Catherine of Aragon. Both characters are an integral part of the play and have a rivalry that spices up Wonder and O’Loughlin’s portrayal. 

While not everyone will understand their nod to the Broadway musical, Wonder says “You’re introducing people into this world that you love and that is very fun.” Sharing your interests through costumes can be a learning opportunity and an opener to new dimensions of the passions of others. 

Pop culture also often influences costume choices. We can predict the mimicry of pop stars, celebrities and personal adaptations of characters from entertainment. “[This year] we’ll see some fun musician stars…a group of people as Taylor Swifts’ eras…some Chappell Roans,” says Wonder.

Following the new movies and shows released this year, it’s likely we will see these characters brought to life this Halloween. Fletcher Mills, a freshman at IBW, is predicting to see Wild Robot costumes trailing the movie adaption that was recently released. 

Another animated movie, Inside Out 2, might see some characters interact with our Halloween this October. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel to the movie Beetlejuice, was also recently released, and may spark a revival of costumes of its characters. Campbell Morgan plans to echo the characters Deadpool and Wolverine with a friend after inspiration from the movie’s popular release in summer. 

Our choices of Halloween costumes can also reflect what’s currently happening around us. With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, Bennon says, “I bet we’ll see some political ones…some people who are doing over the top exaggerated versions of the presidential candidates and some people might get into some hot water.”

It is important to remain considerate when picking a costume. Bringing political or religious beliefs into Halloween can provide unwanted distress for many, and take away from the fun of the holiday. Making sure to steer clear of cultural appropriation in costumes is key to keeping your Halloween lighthearted and fun. 

Many Halloween goers stick to their personal, appropriate interests and use Halloween as a fun opportunity to dress up with friends. Depending on how you spend this spooky holiday, your costume choices can emulate your creative side and your own self expression.