On my personal Instagram, I created a poll asking Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students what they were wearing for Halloween. I don’t follow the entire VCU student body, so my results may be a bit skewed and only reflect those who I am familiar with, however, I received some interesting costume ideas here are the results.
- Goth Barbie
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When I saw this result, I was surprised and a little jealous I hadn’t thought of the idea first. It’s the perfect combination of style and intrigue. Those who don’t know what you are at first sight can still appreciate the fashionable aspect of your costume. It also gives Barbie an unusual twist, transforming her pink and bubbly aesthetic into an edgier character.
- Beetlejuice
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This costume has been plastered all over the costume store, Spirit Halloween and the social media app, TikTok. People can’t get away from it. The musical and the movie are ubiquitous, so I wasn’t surprised when someone suggested this costume in my poll. The characters and aesthetics in the movie “Beetlejuice” have an infinite amount of applications. Admirers of the movie could fashion their costumes after Beetlejuice himself, or other characters in the movie like Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz and Geena Davis’ character Barbara Maitland. The possibilities are endless.
- Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy
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Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy is a classic costume that most people forget about. However, when they show up to a festivity, they’re the life of the party. Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy come from a pillar in everyone’s childhood, the show “Spongebob Squarepants.” That’s why they make for such a great costume; they’re a crowd-pleaser that reminds everyone of their childhood.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
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Ever since Netflix added this iconic show from our childhood to its streaming service, Gen Z has drowned in nostalgia. From the fan videos to cosplaying on TikTok, the excitement over “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has not died down, especially now since Netflix also added “The Legend of Korra.” People can dress up as their favorite character or can go as themselves in the “Avatar: The Last Air Bender” universe.
- Harry Potter
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Like “Avatar: The Last Air Bender,” Gen Z has once again become obsessed with things from our childhood. Recently, Tiktok has been filled with fan videos of Draco Malfoy, Fred Wesley and Cedric Diggory. The “Harry Potter” universe has once again taken over social media and a great way to take advantage of that is to dress up as your favorite character this Halloween.
Hopefully, seeing what other VCU students are wearing for Halloween will help you come up with a costume of your own.