Halloween 2024: A K-Pop Twist on Costumes
This year, Halloween is taking on a K-pop vibe.
As the season approaches, many are rushing to snag the trendiest items. From outfits to accessories, it’s a race to prepare before they sell out.
Interestingly, it’s not just the younger crowd that’s buzzing with excitement. The spooky holiday is gaining traction among adults, with a surprising 51% intending to dress up this year, according to the Halloween Costume Association. Plus, around 34% of pet owners are planning to dress their furry friends as well.
In terms of spending, estimates suggest that Halloween expenditure will hit an all-time high of $13.1 billion this year, topping last year’s $12.2 billion. Notably, 71% of that will be earmarked for costumes, as reported by the National Retail Federation.
So, what costume themes are taking over? Google Trends indicates a blend of classic and contemporary, mixing timeless monsters with fresh ideas inspired by this year’s media hits.
In response, the industry is on alert to ensure that people aren’t caught off guard by the unspoken “Halloween fashion police” come October 31st.
It’s probably no surprise that children’s top costume choice is Rumi, the purple-haired character from a hit Netflix series, which has amassed over 236 million views. Rumi is part of a K-pop trio that battles an opposing boy band masquerading as demons.
Costumes based on Rumi can be found at various retailers like Spirit and Amazon, especially after a partnership with Netflix for exclusive “KPop Demon Hunter” costumes.
Among kids’ favorites, the classic Race Car Driver and the Predator character from the recent film also made the list. The upcoming movie “Predator: Bandlands” hits theaters on November 7th, likely boosting interest.
On the adult side, Art the Clown from *The Terrifier* has outpaced Pennywise this Halloween. Given the success of *The Terrifier* series—especially with the third film becoming an unexpected hit with significant box office returns—it’s easy to see how this character resonates.
The gruesome costume of Art the Clown is noted for its striking black-and-white design splattered with fake blood, reminiscent of a disturbing art piece.
Other popular adult costumes include Kim Possible and characters from *101 Dalmatians*.
Pet Costumes Rising in Popularity
For the furry companions, Gizmo from *Gremlins* is a hot pick, with various options available for around $28.99. Other trending pet costumes include Jake from *Adventure Time* and additional Ty Brand dog outfits.
Recent data shows a notable rise in pet costume purchases, with over half of pet owners opting for Halloween attire for their pets. Interestingly, 20% of these pet parents are expected to spend more than $50 on costumes.
Then there’s Ghostface from *Scream*, who remains a Halloween classic since the franchise’s inception. The upcoming seventh film is building anticipation, and it appears the Ghostface trend on TikTok has given further life to this costume.
For boys, favorites include The Joker and the infamous angry golfer from *Happy Gilmore*. The sequel to *Happy Gilmore* recently set streaming records, showcasing its continued appeal.
Elphaba, the iconic character from the recent *Wicked* film, has also made waves, with her costume being revamped for the season. The film, which garnered an Oscar nod for actress Cynthia Erivo, is inspiring many to seek out Elphaba-themed outfits.
However, don’t fret if you can’t snag a designer costume. Amazon has reasonably priced options available, with variations around $27.99 that include Elphaba’s signature hat and cloak.
And it seems that Poison Ivy is also making a comeback, as interest in this character surges. Costumes inspired by *Mean Girls* have also been trending following its successful remake this year.
