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Hofstra | Style > Fashion

5 Niche Halloween Costumes

Yaritza Menjivar Pineda Student Contributor, Hofstra University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With Halloween approaching quickly, the rush to find a cute, unique costume that will stand out among the sea of Nikkis from Obsession is at an all-time extreme. Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, so going all out is a definite must. While having a simple or popular costume may be easier and fun, what’s a better conversation starter than having someone ask you “So, what are you dressed as?” at a Halloween party? Whether you’re looking for a niche and nostalgic throwback or a dynamic female lead, I’ve got you covered! I’ve scoured the depths of Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram (as well as my childhood memories) so you didn’t have to. Here are five costumes that everyone will remember you for! 

1. Word Girl

This one is for all my English, Rhetoric, Journalism and Writing majors (and a simple throwback for all us who watched PBS Kids growing up). All you’ll need is to be dressed in red from head to toe, a yellow cape and a star shield on your chest, and bam! Your vocab skills will be enough to save an entire city.

2. Layla, Buffalo ‘66

Buffalo ‘66 is a cult-classic with one of the most iconic female characters in indie drama. Blue eyeshadow, a baby-blue mini dress, blue stockings, a white cardigan and tap shoes is all you’ll need to complete this Christina Ricci look. (P.S. Wednesday would also be a sick costume, just saying
)

3. Thumbelina 

Whether you decide to do the classic 1994 film version or the Barbie’s Thumbelina version (more fairy-esque), you’ll be dressed as one of the most underrated fairytale characters ever. For this costume, a white puffed princess sleeve top, a turquoise waist corset and a light blue skirt will do. Oh, and don’t forget to add flowers on your hair!

4. Emily Prentiss, Criminal Minds  

For all my procrastinators who still want to look cool, this B.A.U. Agent costume is probably the easiest to pull off last-minute. You probably already have sleek and stylish business-casual clothing in your closet for internships or career fairs – just add an FBI badge or ID and some combat boots to that and you’re all set. If you want to make it more flashy, add an FBI vest and some sunglasses. 

5. Gloria, Modern Family

Bust out those sky-high stilettos and start training those calves because last but most definitely not least we have this feisty and iconic Colombian diva as my personal favorite of this list. An animal print (or other bold/floral patterns) body-fitting dress or top, high heels, a voluminous blowout and bold jewelry and makeup will all scream Gloria.

From magical girls to bold and charismatic leads, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to dress up as a beloved character or fairytale that others may not have even thought about! I hope these few ideas inspired you in your last-minute costume hunting.

Yaritza Menjivar Pineda

Hofstra '28

Yaritza is currently a junior Writing Studies major at Hofstra University, with a minor in Legal Studies in Business. She was born and raised on Long Island and has ethnic roots in El Salvador. She has a passion for writing; from plays, short stories and poems to essays and formal letters. Outside of Her Campus, Yaritza is a hard worker with a part-time job at a clothing store. She also loves to sing, beginning to perform in front of her church congregation at the young age of 7 years old.