Every year, there are always people who have their 15 minutes of fame and then disappear off the public radar forever. There are pop culture events that seemed like such a big deal at the time, but now they’re not. There are huge controversies that just aren’t on anyone’s mind anymore. When you’re deciding what to be this Halloween, choose wisely—don’t be the girl who unofficially wins the contest for most forgettable costume ever because it’s so 2012. Instead, wow the crowd and demonstrate your pop culture knowledge by choosing a new and current costume idea. Stay trendy and check out these five Halloween costumes to avoid and what to wear instead!
1. So Last Year: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games
Okay, so it’s totally normal to secretly imagine what it would be like to be thrown into the Hunger Games and escape with Peeta forever, but let’s be honest—people were way too eager to volunteer as tribute last Halloween. As fearless as Katniss is and as beautiful as Jennifer Lawrence is, our eyes can only handle so many pairs of cargo pants.
So 2013: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
If you’re still as obsessed with Katniss and Jennifer as we are, here’s the perfect solution: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, coming soon to theaters near you! Get an early start on the craze by emulating Katniss’s looks in the sequel (thank you, movie posters and early-release photos). Pull on a caramel-colored leather jacket, matching boots, brown pants and a fur scarf, wear your hair in the signature braid and grab a bow and arrow for Katniss, warrior version. Or, if you want to get Katniss’s Victory Tour look, go for a flowing white dress. With either of these costumes, the odds will be ever in your favor. Let the games continue!
2. So Last Year: PSY
You thought you would be the one and only person shouting, “Ehhhhhh sexy lady.” You thought it would be a good excuse for rocking those dance moves… until you walked into the party and ran into 10 other PSYs in sunglasses and bowties who had thought the same thing. “Gangnam Style” conga line? No, thank you!
So 2013: “The Fox”
We’ve all heard “Gangnam Style” one too many times, and it’s time for PSY to move aside and make room for the newest viral hit: Ylvis’s “The Fox.” Don a pair of animal ears from a costume shop, paint your nose to look like a fox’s and throw on a brown jumpsuit or onesie to transform into the star of the most bizarre song of the year. Be sure to remember all the phrases the fox says in the video when people inevitably ask you, “What does the fox say?” Bonus points if you get your friends to dress up as the other animals, too!
3. So Last Year: The Avengers
As much as we would all love for the Avengers to come to our rescue and save us from our mere mortal lives, let’s not boost their egos any more than we did last Halloween (I’m looking at you, Tony Stark).
So 2013: Star Trek
Instead, make this year the comeback of Star Trek, courtesy of the movie Star Trek Into Darkness. Join the crew of the Enterprise with a black crewneck shirt under a red T-shirt dress and a pair of black boots. Use hairspray to tease your hair into a sleek ponytail, add a pair of white earrings and apply winged eyeliner. Once you add the Starfleet insignia, you’ll be ready to jet off in search of your very own Benedict Cumberbatch!
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4. So Last Year: Honey Boo Boo
You may love her, hate her or love to hate her, but the world can only take so much of Honey Boo Boo at one time before the damage is irreversible. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the general tolerance for all things pink, glittery and over-the-top was maxed out last Halloween.
So 2013: Daisy Buchanan
If you didn’t get enough of the girly and glamorous last year, no worries—you can’t go wrong with one of Daisy Buchanan’s chic looks from the movie The Great Gatsby. Pair a bedazzled gold or peach-colored dress with an elegant, sparkly headband and lots of pearls. Add light makeup and a pair of silver shoes, and you’ll be ready to dance the night away like it’s the Roaring Twenties!
5. So Last Year: Snooki and her Baby Bump
First it was Snooki and her pouf, then it was Snooki and her baby bump and finally it was Snooki and Lorenzo Dominic LaValle. Halloween-goers for the last couple of years have had an unhealthy obsession with everything Snooki-related, and as much as we all love to guess what will come out of her mouth next, it’s about time for Snooki to step down from her reality TV throne.
So 2013: Kate Middleton and her Baby Bump
This year, it’s all about Kate Middleton. You can’t get any classier than some of Kate’s pregnancy looks! Throw on a black-and-white polka dot dress, a black blazer and black heels. Or, if color is your thing, wear a pink coat with a blush dress and pumps. Either way, you’ll look fit to be a princess!
Calling all collegiettes: Send your best Halloween costume photos to halloween@hercampus.com or Instagram/tweet them to us at @HerCampus with #HCHalloween to be included in our Halloween slideshow!