Ella Gilbert
Once again, spooky season is upon us. After last year’s Halloween full of restrictions, I’m sure this year people will want to go all out. I often spend the few weeks before the 31st debating what costume to wear and figuring out what everyone else will. Today I’ll be taking a look at the possible, popular costumes of 2021 and sharing some of my favourite ideas.
Halloween Costume Predictions
In previous years we’ve seen that what’s new in the media often shapes the popular Halloween costumes. We all remember the the abundances of Harley Quinns and influx of Money Heist masks. As well as TV and film, current fashion trends often influence our costume choices.
2000s icons
We’ve seen the return of noughties fashion, ‘Y2K’, thanks to Depop and TikTok. So, Halloween seems like the perfect opportunity to recreate some of the classic looks from the decade. Whether it be Paris Hilton’s iconic glittery cowl neck birthday dress or some of the outfit from Britney Spears’ music videos, there’s plenty of looks to choose from. Personally, I think old-school Avril Lavigne would be a fun look: take a low-waisted tartan skirt, crop top, fishnets and chunky boots or converse and you’re set. If you want to go all out you could even add in some hair chalk.
Squid Game
Netflix’s Squid Game has blown up in the last few weeks. We’ve seen people inspired by the show to create their own ‘games’ or Squid Game themed club nights (hopefully with a slightly less final end result for the players!) so it would be no surprise to see many ‘players’ on the 31st. The costume is quite simple yet recognisable which attributes to its likely popularity: just a green tracksuit, or a red jumpsuit and mask for the more committed costumers.
Pirates
Dressing up as pirates isn’t a particularly new idea for Halloween but given that corsets and scarves/bandanas have been all the rage this year it’ll be no surprise if we see plenty of swashbucklers this year. There are many different ways to achieve the pirate look and can quite easily be made up from pieces in your wardrobe. Pair a white blouse or shirt with black trousers and a corset top if you have one to hand. Finish with a pair of chunky boots, bandana and an ‘Ahoy Matey’ to complete the look.
Cruella de Vil
The 2021 release of the film Cruella could lead to a number of Dalmatian villains appearing on the 31st. The film itself was relatively well received with its use of fashion specifically praised. What makes this such a tempting costume is the iconic outfits and instantly recognisable character. Almost everyone has seen 101 Dalmatians or one of the adaptations and pictures Cruella de Vil as one of the classic villains; the release of the new adaptation just brings it back into the forefront of our minds. Cruella’s iconic colour combination is what really makes this costume: black, white and red. Ideally you’d have a fur coat, red lipstick and the classic split-dye wig but this costume could definitely be achieved on a budget with some creativity.
Fairies
I think we can credit this next trend to TikTok. October had barely started and I saw multiple ‘costume inspiration’ videos featuring fairies as a new idea for this year. You can see the appeal; it’s a ‘pretty’ costume that’s not scary but still shows you’ve put effort in. All you need is a colourful dress, fairy wings and some glitter and you’re sorted.
Scooby Doo
The mystery gang from Scooby Doo are both a throwback to childhood and currently relevant, with last year’s release of Scoob! They make a great group costume which can be conjured up with things you already own.
Alternative Ideas for Halloween Costumes
Not feeling these trends? Or worried you’ll turn up in the same costume as someone else? Here are some other easy ideas for Halloween that will still make for a memorable night.
The Joker
The Joker is sometimes overlooked as a costume idea, especially considering the previous popularity of his co-star Harley Quinn. The trends of women in suits also ties in nicely with this low-key costume. It’s unlikely you’d own all the pieces of this costume beforehand but they could definitely be worn again. You’ll need a purple suit jacket and trousers, yellow bralette and green heels. To finish, add a green tie and you have a wearable but recognisable costume.
Jack Skellington
My friend dressed up as Jack Skellington a few years ago and it was brilliant, I’m surprised that not more people have recreated it. All you need is to wear something pinstriped and then to just get creative with your makeup to draw on his smile.
Heathers: The Musical
Heathers: The Musical has become increasingly popular on social media, especially TikTok. The trio of Heathers and Veronica could make a great costume for individuals or a group and are a great alternative to the somewhat overdone Clueless costumes. You’ll need the check skirt and blazer and white shirt in the appropriate colour, depending on which character you decide to be.
No matter what you’re dressed up as, Halloween can be a blast. Dress however you feel comfortable and stay safe.
Featured image courtesy of Baptiste MG via Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
Ella Gilbert
Ella is History and Spanish student at the University of Sheffield. She is the social media manager for Empoword and a keen writer for various publications. When not writing or studying (which is far more often than she'd like to admit), you can find her exploring the outdoors, going out for drinks with friends, or in bed with Netflix and TikTok.