Halloween is still a month away but it’s not too early to start planning your costume! The fashion search platform Lyst and Pinterest combined their data to predict what 10 costumes will be all the rage at this year’s Halloween parties (check out their full report here). I found the information really interesting and thought I’d share it with you all. However accurate this all is, I’m not going to lie, before I even came across this list, I was already planning on doing one of these ideas myself so they’re definitely on to something.
2018 Top 10 Most Popular Halloween Costume Ideas
1. Tonya Harding
Who would have thought Tonya Harding would be this year’s top pop culture costume? Channeling the tragic skating icon is super easy to do and can be done on a budget. Just find a leotard, bedazzle it to your heart’s content, pair it with some tights, maybe a skater skirt then crimp your hair and pull it back with a scrunchie. And don’t forget the makeup! Blue eyeshadow, lots of smudgy black eyeliner, and red lipstick will give you that perfect Tonya look!
2. A Riverdale Character
I’ve only watched a couple episodes of this popular and addictive hit show but I could tell early on it was going to be a great source for fashion inspiration a la Gossip Girl. If you’re looking for a relatively easy and budget-friendly but still stylish costume idea, this could be it. For Veronica, throw on something black and classy (preferably with a Peter Pan collar) and throw on pearls. Pair a pink sweater or cardigan over a white button down with skinny jeans and flats for Betty and don’t forget the ponytail! Got a boyfriend? Make it a couples costume! Give him a letterman jacket for Archie and a beanie and fur-lined denim jacket for Jughead!
3. A 90’s Icon
The 90’s are back and here to stay! Stores are full of 90’s fashion trends like halter necks, crop tops, throwback logos and chokers. If you’re looking for something fun and easy, just use some of these pieces to transform into your favorite 90’s icon. A couple pop culture suggestions: the Spice Girls, Clueless, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Britney Spears, etc.
4. A Wakandian Warrior
After all the records Black Panther broke, this comes as no shock. Let out your own inner warrior with chunky gold necklaces and cuff bracelets and tribal markings and half moon braids like Princess Suri.
5. A Flamingo
Yep, one horned unicorns are out and standing on one leg flamingos are in. Dress yourself up in head-to-toe pink, maybe add something fluffy or with feathers, then work some black and white makeup on your face or just don a ridiculous flamingo headpiece and you’re good to go!
6. Edna Mode
Recreate the scene-stealing Incredibles stylist’s look with heavy round black frames, a black A-line dress with black tights, and, of course, you can’t forget that iconic do.
7. An Abba-Inspired Dancing Queen
YES to this!! I’m a lifelong, die-hard ABBA fan and I LOVED Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again – the movie’s definitely inspired a few new wardrobe additions to my closet. Embrace your inner disco goddess and channel Donna and her Dynamos with platform boots, metallics, fringe, trouser suits, patterned flares and all the glitter and sequins you can find! Go all out and don’t forget the 70s/80s disco makeup and hair!
8. A Cosmic Fairy
Need inspiration? Just look up to the stars! Zodiac and constellation jewelry are super on trend worldwide as are star and galaxy print dresses, tops, and skirts! A fun look idea? Match brightly colored/Milky Way-ish eye makeup, cheeks, and lips with a brightly colored wig or extensions. Add some crystals and glitter to your face/makeup or body for an out of this world look. Wings are optional.
9. Frida Kahlo
The Mexican artist has been a huge inspiration this year after Beyonce and Rhianna both donned giant flower crowns in Vogue’s important September issue. She was also in the spotlight as the subject of a major London exhibition. Recreate her look with a brightly colored and/or patterned top and skirt, scarf/shawl, and big gold and colorful jewelry. The hair and makeup is just as important as the clothes! Of course, there’s her strong dark brows and signature unibrow, bright blush, and red lips. For the hair, create a braid around your head or just pile on the hair on your head and top with a flower crown.
10. A Cow
I was a bit perplexed when I saw this on the list but after reading the data report, I could totally see this being as they say, “this year’s hottest hipster Halloween look.” I had no idea cow print was becoming so popular or that there were cow inspired makeup looks out there, but hey numbers don’t lie. Love the idea of making this a couples or group costume by having your partner or friends dress as cowboys/girls, milk maids, and milkshakes. If you don’t want to be just any ol’ cow, make a sign encouraging those around you to eat more chicken and boom, you’re one of those clever Chick-Fil-A cows now – speaking of, you can later reuse your costume for Cow Appreciation Day and get some free food – double boom!
