Choosing Your Halloween Costume in 2024: Thrills, Pop Culture, and Second Hand

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Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes the eternal question: what costume to choose this October 31, 2024? Whether you want to scare, surprise, or simply impress with your creativity, finding the perfect Halloween costume is an art that evolves over the years. Since we are not all budding Heidi Klums, Modalova is here to give you a boost in finding the ideal costume that is both trendy and responsible.

Inspirations: Fashion, Film, and Pop Culture

The first dilemma when thinking about a Halloween costume is often choosing a theme. Horror is, of course, a classic option, but it is not the only one. Here are some ideas to help you decide.

Horror in Fashion or Cinema Style

If you are a Halloween purist, the horror theme remains a safe bet. Legendary creatures like vampires, zombies, or ghosts are always effective. However, it’s always more fun to stand out. Instead of opting for the classic vampire, why not revisit the character with a fashion twist? A glamorous vampire inspired by contemporary films, or a well-styled zombie, almost chic, can add a unique touch. To get inspired, fashion shows, where the gothic trend regularly surfaces, are a great source of ideas.

We also love cinematic inspirations from Tim Burton. In 2023, the series Wednesday inspired many costumes, and there’s no doubt that this year will see a surge of Beetlejuice costumes. With the highly anticipated release of Wicked in theaters (December 4, 2024, in France), we should also encounter plenty of Halloween costumes inspired by the witches of the west and Glinda. Especially since duo looks have been very trendy in recent years.

Pop Culture to the Rescue

Halloween does not necessarily mean “scary,” and nothing stops you from exploring other horizons. Movies, series, and pop culture icons are making a notable comeback and offer a multitude of options. Cher Horowitz from Clueless remains a classic, and Buffy, a very girl power pop icon, is back in the spotlight for our greatest pleasure.

Of course, 2023 saw its share of Barbies parading in front of our doors, and the slender dolls are set to make a grand comeback in 2024. Still going strong, for Halloween, superheroes are pulling out their capes as quickly as the clock strikes midnight. This year, you can be on trend with a Wolverine or Deadpool Halloween costume; it’s your choice. Unless you decide to embody this iconic duo with your best friend.

And because since 2016 Halloween wouldn’t be complete without the fans of Stranger Things and their wildly 80’s style, don’t hesitate to whip up an Eleven costume or treat yourself to a mythical duo in Scoops Ahoy outfits.

DIY or Purchase: In 2024, Think Recycling and Sustainability!

Once the theme is defined, the next crucial question is: should you create your own costume, rent it, or buy it? Each of these options has its advantages, but think long-term and about recycling.

DIY Option for a Personal Touch

Making your own costume allows you to unleash your imagination and ensure a unique look. If you enjoy crafting or sewing, this solution is perfect for achieving a truly personalized result. Moreover, it is sometimes possible to create surprising outfits with elements you already have at home. An old dress, a vintage coat, or vintage accessories can, with a little creativity, be transformed into a memorable costume. This DIY approach is also more eco-friendly, as it promotes upcycling rather than buying new items. If you have the time, exploring tutorials on YouTube can provide you with the necessary inspiration to create breathtaking outfits.

Buying or Renting: The Practical Solution

For those who lack time or don’t feel like a creator, buying or renting a costume is a simple and effective option. Buying a costume can be a good idea if you want a very specific and detailed look. You can simply purchase a nice dark-colored outfit that you can easily wear on another occasion. And for accessories, we focus on second-hand items, rummaging through drawers for a forgotten treasure, or treating yourself to a nice piece of jewelry that you can imagine wearing again.

The rental option, on the other hand, is perfect if you want a high-end costume without having to buy it. It allows you access to more expensive costumes, often handmade or of cinematic quality, while remaining within a reasonable budget. It’s also a good choice to avoid cluttering your closet with outfits that you will only wear once a year.

Makeup: Glam or Gloomy?

Makeup is key to perfecting your costume. Whether you embody a scary character or something lighter, it plays a central role in bringing your disguise to life and impressing those around you.

For a Scary Look

If you have opted for a scary Halloween costume, successful makeup is essential. Scars, fake wounds, and distorted faces are must-haves for a realistic look. Use professional makeup products for a striking result. Liquid latex, for example, can create very convincing effects of torn or burned skin. Brands like Kryolan or Ben Nye are renowned for their quality products used by professional makeup artists.

To enhance the macabre aspect, don’t hesitate to work with shadows and contrasts using dark shades, black, red, and purple. You can also opt for colored contact lenses for an even more striking effect.

For a More Glamorous Look

If you have chosen a more glamorous but equally impactful Halloween costume, makeup can help you enhance your character. Think of artistic makeup or looks inspired by fashion shows, where designers are not afraid to play with glitter, graphic lines, or bold colors. You can also opt for a mysterious look with a very pale tone, or simply play on an old Hollywood makeup style for an enchanting look…

Tips for a Long-Lasting Look

Don’t forget to set your makeup with powder or a setting spray to ensure it lasts all night, even after hours of dancing or feasting. If you plan to wear heavy makeup or special effects, a makeup base and a gentle makeup remover will also be essential to protect your skin.

So, with your Halloween costume, do you opt for a treat or a trick?

Photos: Pinterest and Unsplash