Most Popular Halloween Costumes For 2024

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as spooky season arrives I check out the most popular Halloween costumes for 2024 to get inspired for the upcoming festivities!

Halloween is my favorite season, and I can’t wait to get into the spooky spirit! As October is finally here, it’s time to start brainstorming the perfect costume. Whether you’re looking for something scary, funny, or creative, there’s a costume out there for everyone. While some people stick to traditional costumes like broomsticks and witches’ hats, I love looking to pop culture for fresh and exciting inspiration. This year, popular trends include characters from hit movies, TV shows, and music. Let’s dive in and find the perfect costume for you!

To help you get inspired, with the help of Nick Drewe, trend expert at online ecommerce platform, Wethrift, we’ve analysed Google Trends data to determine which popular pop culture outfits in the UK are the most in demand to inspire your Halloween costumes. 

Most Popular Halloween Costumes For 2024

Regina George costume +123% past week

One of the hottest Halloween trends of 2024 is channeling Regina George from the beloved film Mean Girls. Inspired by the recent musical adaptation, fans are flocking to recreate this iconic character for a fun and nostalgic costume.

For Regina George you’ll need:

• A blonde wig: A classic Regina George look requires a flowing long blonde wig.
• A “A Little Bit Dramatic” tank top: This iconic phrase A Little Bit Dramatic is synonymous with Regina George, so be sure to include it on your outfit.
• Pink accessories: Accessorize with pink headbands, bows, or other pink-themed items to complete the Regina George look.

Regina George is a fun, easy costume. Grab a blonde wig and a tank top with ‘A Little Bit Dramatic’ written on it to channel the film’s queen bee.

-Nick Drewe

Chappell Roan costume + 103% in the past month 

Chappell Roan, the Midwest Princess, has taken the world by storm in 2024. From her viral TikTok songs to her electrifying performance at the MTV VMAs, Chappell’s eclectic style has made her a sought-after costume inspiration this Halloween.

For Chappell Roan you’ll need:

• Bold Fashion Choices: Chappell’s wardrobe is known for its eclectic mix of styles. Experiment with different outfits, incorporating elements like corset dresses, lace, and statement pieces.
• Unique Makeup: Recreate Chappell’s signature makeup style, featuring bold eyeshadow, dramatic lashes, and contouring.
• Curly Ginger Hair: If you have naturally curly hair, style it to resemble Chappell’s voluminous and bouncy locks. For those with straight hair, consider using styling products or extensions to achieve a similar look, or buy a long red wig that suits her style.

Chappell’s unique makeup, full-bodied curly ginger hair, and bold fashion choices make her instantly recognisable. For a standout look, consider replicating her iconic knight-in-armour outfit from this year’s VMAs.

-Nick Drewe

Wicked +33% in the past week

With the highly anticipated release of Wicked starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda costumes are set to be popular choices for Halloween 2024.

For Elphaba you’ll need:

• Green face paint: Apply green face paint to your skin, ensuring it covers your entire face and neck.
• Witch’s attire: Wear a dark, flowing robe or dress, preferably in shades of green or black.
• Accessories: Complete the look with a pointed hat, witch’s shoes, and a staff or broom.

For Glinda you’ll need:

• Blond hair: Style your hair in loose blonde curls or waves to mimic Glinda’s signature look.
• Pink gown: A long, flowing pink dress is essential for capturing Glinda’s ethereal and feminine appearance.
• Tiara and wand: Adorn your head with a tiara and carry a magic wand to symbolize Glinda’s magical powers.

Elphaba’s costume is flexible—you can keep it simple with a witch’s outfit and green face paint, or go all out with a high-concept look. For Glinda, a long, tulle pink dress, a tiara, and a magic wand will steal the show.

-Nick Drewe

Minion costume +29% in the past month

Following the release of Despicable Me 4 in July 2024, Minions are expected to be one of the most popular Halloween costumes this year. Google searches for “Minion costume” have surged in recent weeks, indicating strong interest in this adorable and iconic character.

For a Minion you’ll need:

• Optional face paint: While not strictly necessary, applying yellow face paint can enhance the Minion appearance.
• Yellow clothing: A yellow long-sleeve shirt and blue overalls are essential for capturing the Minion’s signature look.
• Goggles: Safety goggles or old cinema glasses can add a finishing touch to the costume.

Recreate the Minion look with a yellow long-sleeve shirt, blue dungarees, and some old cinema glasses- face paint is totally optional!

-Nick Drewe

Cheerleader +24% in the past month 

Inspired by the popularity of Netflix’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, cheerleader costumes are a trending choice for Halloween 2024. Expect to see plenty of pom-poms and skirts at parties this season.

For a cheerleader you’ll need:

• Hair and makeup: Style your hair in a high ponytail with a large bow, and apply bold makeup to complete the look.
• Cheerleader uniform: A traditional cheerleader outfit typically includes a dress or a skirt with a matching top, and boots. You can find these items at costume shops or online retailers.
• Pom-poms: No cheerleader costume is complete without pom-poms. Choose a color that complements your outfit and matches the team you’re cheering for.

Dallas Cowboys are quite specific and might not have much re-wear potential, so it’s best to buy a cheerleader costume second-hand on platforms like eBay or Vinted.

-Nick Drewe

Taylor Swift + 21% past month 

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has taken the world by storm, and her iconic looks are inspiring Halloween costumes everywhere. With the UK leg of the tour fresh in people’s minds, expect to see plenty of Swifties sporting pink cowboy hats and sequin outfits this October.

For Taylor Swift you’ll need:

Accessorize with Taylor-inspired items: Complete your look with Taylor-inspired accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry.

Embrace the Eras: Choose a look inspired by one of Taylor’s iconic eras, such as the Reputation, Lover, or 1989 eras.

1. Reputation Era:

• Dark and Edgy: Channel Taylor’s edgy Reputation era with a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and dark make up.
• Catwoman-Inspired: Recreate Taylor’s iconic look from the Reputation tour with a black catsuit.

2. Lover Era:

• Pastel Dream: Capture the pastel-filled Lover era with a flowy floral dress and delicate jewelry.
• Folklore-Inspired: Embrace Taylor’s indie-folk aesthetic with a cardigan and cowboy boots.

3. 1989 Era:

• Retro Chic: Recreate Taylor’s 1989 era with a 1989 t-shirt, high-waisted skirt, and bomber jacket.
• Red Lip and Bold Eyes: Channel Taylor’s signature makeup look with a bold red lip and dramatic eye makeup.

Recreate the ‘You Belong With Me’ music video outfit with pyjama trousers, glasses, a white T-shirt, and some coloured markers. 

Get your friends to sign the shirt and write ‘Junior Jewels’ across the front for a trendy, cost-effective Taylor costume.

-Nick Drewe

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, classic characters, or DIY creations, there’s a Halloween costume out there for everyone. By incorporating these popular trends into your costume ideas, you’re sure to make a statement and have a memorable Halloween. So, get creative, have fun, and embrace the spirit of my favourite season!