Nostalgia’s A Killer

What made Halloween so exciting as a child? We didn’t have our driver’s licenses to go out on our own, our parents sorted through our hard-earned candy, and we had school at 8 a.m. the next day. To make matters worse—if your mom was anything like mine, you had to wear long sleeves under your pristine princess costume, totally ruining the aesthetic. Moms, am I right? 

Nevertheless, the magic of Halloween was ever present. There was something different in the way Halloween and the fall season felt as children, and sometimes it feels like we’re missing out on that magic as adults. Feeling reminiscent of old Halloween memories is so special because it means you made incredibly cherished memories, and sometimes it’s nice to feel like a kid again. Is it really possible to recreate that feeling as adults? I believe it is possible, and here are all the ways you can replicate that nostalgic feeling for yourself!

Let’s Set the Mood.

The perfect start to any great fall season is getting the ambiance just right. Light a white pumpkin scented candle, warm up a mug of apple cider, and get snuggled up on the sofa. 

To set the scene, you need a fall playlist.

• “Never Be Lonely” by America 
• “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
• “People are Strange” by The Doors
• “Witchy Woman” by Eagles 
• “Spooky” by Atlanta Rhythm Section
• “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
• “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones

Next, you need to watch a few classic Halloween movies. 

I’ve compiled a list of my personal faves, from family-friendlies to spooky-scaries.

• Another Cinderella Story (2004) – Chad Michael Murry and Hilary Duff star in this coming-of-age rom-com featuring a mysterious masked Halloween dance.
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) – This movie needs no introduction. Seriously, is there anything cuter than Snoopy with a pumpkin? 
• Friday the 13^th (2009) – If you’re looking to be spooked, check out this reboot on the classic tale of Jason Voorhees and his rein of terror across Camp Crystal Lake, starring Jared Padalecki and Julianna Guill.
• Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) – Helloooo, Kyle Gallner! Yet another remake, but oh so timeless, this horror film is one of my favorites (and dare I say, better than the original). 

Perfecting the fall ambiance doesn’t stop at home, and we’re just getting warmed up.

Snap a Pic! 

Lights, camera, action! As a kid, my mom always had her camera pointed in my direction– “Go stand with your brother and let me take a picture!” I groaned, dragged my feet, but nevertheless posed (and looked fabulous, by the way). As annoyed as I would get, one of my favorite things to do this time of year is look back at old Halloween pictures. You’ll never be this young again, so strike a pose and take as many pictures as you can! 

Since Halloween is only one night a year (or, in my case, a whole weekend), let’s maximize that autumn aura all season long. 

West Chester University’s fall foliage is unmatched. The scenic campus allows students to live out their Harry Potter dreams (now accepting applications for Draco Malfoy lookalikes ;) ). If you’re looking to step away from campus and snap some stunning Instagram pictures, there are numerous photoshoot spots a short drive away!

• Milky Way Farm – Located in Chester Springs, Milky Way Farm offers hayrides, corn mazes, and a beautiful pumpkin patch, perfect for a photoshoot! 

• Highland Orchards Farm and Market – Located right here in West Chester, Highland Orchards is another stunning location for all of your fall festivities. 

• Downtown West Chester – West Chester is home to so many hidden gems, and you can find a lot of them on High St and Gay St in downtown West Chester! Coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants–it’s all here with the perfect autumn vibe. 

Dress the Part!

Halloween is a night to pull out all the stops and dress your very best. Scary or sweet, here’s a list of nostalgia-inspired costumes to spook or show-off: 

• Party Monster –  All the ghoul girls are dressing up in Monster High-themed looks: childhood favorite meets fashionista. The perfect solo or group costume for any ghoulish girl. 

• Girl, why are you buggin? – Did you hear? There’s a bug going around campus… a ladybug that is. A super easy costume that can be sweet or sexy–the choice is yours. 

• Crowning you the “Queen of Halloween” – Let’s play dress-up! Polish your tiara, pick out your pearls, and maybe kiss a frog or two ;). Bonus points if you can recreate a childhood picture as the same character. 

• Be my (beanie) boo? – Grab your glue gun, because we’re about to DIY. If you have a cheetah print top lying around, let’s tie some red ribbon, cut out a heart, and turn you into a Beanie Boo! A nostalgic costume that requires little to no extra expense. 

• You look berrylicious / You look berry good – Would you be the Orange Blossom to my Strawberry Shortcake? A light-hearted and super sweet idea for you and all your friends!

No matter what you choose to wear, you’re already killing it! You always look your best when you’re comfortable and confident in your outfit. Your younger self would be so proud of how much you’ve grown up, so let’s celebrate and show off! 

As fun as Halloween is, it can also bring up an array of emotions. Whether you’re feeling reminiscent, sentimental, or even homesick, know that Halloween as an adult can be just as special as it was when you were a child. It doesn’t matter how you choose to spend Halloween or what you dress up as; surrounding yourself with company that makes you want to celebrate like a kid again is the most important factor. The best part of Halloween as a child was never the candy or costumes, but the friends and family that were there, too. 

• college
• fall
• halloween
• Nostalgia