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

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Halloween is fast approaching, 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. Because not everyone is a potential Heidi Klum, 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’s not the only one. Here are a few ideas to help you decide.

Horror: The Fashion or Film Version

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 going for the classic vampire, why not reinterpret the character with a fashionable twist? A glamorous vampire inspired by contemporary films or a well-styled, almost chic zombie can add a touch of originality. For inspiration, fashion shows where the gothic trend regularly resurfaces are a great source of ideas.

We also love the cinematic inspirations from Tim Burton. In 2023, the series Wednesday inspired many costumes, and there’s no doubt that this year will see a resurgence of Beetlejuice. With the highly anticipated arrival of Wicked in cinemas (December 4, 2024, in France), we should also come across 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 doesn’t 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 pop icon with strong girl power, is back in the spotlight for our utmost pleasure.

Of course, 2023 saw its share of Barbies parading at our doors, and the slender dolls are expected to make a grand return in 2024. Still in vogue, superheroes are pulling out their capes just as quickly as the midnight strikes. This year, we are trending with a Halloween costume of Wolverine or Deadpool; it’s your choice. Unless you decide to embody this iconic duo with your best friend.

And because since 2016 Halloween wouldn’t be the same 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 we create the costume ourselves, rent it, or buy it? Each of these options has its advantages, but think long-term and about recycling.

The 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 option is perfect for achieving a truly personalized result. Additionally, it’s sometimes possible to create surprising outfits with items you already have at home. An old dress, a vintage coat, or vintage accessories can, with a bit of creativity, transform into a memorable costume. This DIY approach is also more environmentally friendly as it promotes reuse rather than buying new items. If you have the time, exploring tutorials on YouTube can provide the inspiration you need to create breathtaking outfits.

Buying or Renting: The Practical Solution

For those short on time or who 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 beautiful outfit in dark colors that you can easily wear for another occasion. For accessories, consider second-hand options, rummage through your drawers for a forgotten treasure, or treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry that you can envision wearing again.

The rental option is perfect if you want a high-end costume without the commitment of purchasing. It allows you to access more expensive costumes, often handmade or of cinematic quality, while staying within a reasonable budget. It’s also a good choice to avoid cluttering your closet with outfits you’ll only wear once a year.

Makeup: Glam or Gloomy?

Makeup is the 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’ve opted for a scary Halloween costume, successful makeup is essential. Scars, fake wounds, and distorted faces are must-haves for a realistic effect. Use professional makeup products for a striking result. Liquid latex, for example, can create very convincing torn or burned skin effects. 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’ve chosen a more glamorous Halloween costume but still impactful, makeup can help elevate your character. Think of artistic makeup or looks inspired by fashion shows, where designers aren’t shy about playing with glitter, graphic lines, or bold colors. You can also opt for a mysterious appearance with a very pale tone, or simply play on an old Hollywood makeup for an enchanting look…

Tips for a Long-Lasting Outfit

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