Image by: @funpluscute
As Halloween approaches, teens across the country are gearing up for the festivities, and this year, the costume trends are taking an interesting turn. While some may wonder if teens are still as excited about dressing up as they used to be, it’s clear that the costumes are just as creative as in previous years. From animal-inspired looks to pop culture favorites, Halloween among teens is shaping up to be a mix of makeup artistry, nostalgic characters, and simple, yet effective, designs.
One of the biggest trends this year is animal-inspired costumes, especially those featuring detailed face makeup to complete the look. Teens are drawing inspiration from creatures like cheetahs, deer, and foxes, using their faces as canvases to transform into these wild animals. The makeup is the key element of the costume, often paired with simple accessories like animal ears, tails, or basic clothing that matches the chosen creature’s color scheme.
“I’ve seen a lot of my friends going for the deer look this year,” says sophomore student Mylie Dao. “The makeup is cool because you can just make it super detailed with spots and highlights, and you don’t even need a full costume. You just have to wear a cute, brown shirt and bottoms and you’re done.”
The simplicity and creativity behind these costumes make them appealing to teens who want something easy, but visually striking. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have fueled this trend by offering tutorials that show how to use makeup to create lifelike spots, stripes, and animal features.
“I think makeup makes it so fun,” says Zoya Veeramachinni, a sophomore who plans to dress as a deer. “You don’t have to spend a lot on an outfit when you can use makeup to do most of the work. Plus it’s enjoyable to try out different designs.”
While animal costumes are taking center stage, pop culture remains a significant influence on this year’s teen Halloween costumes. From Alvin and the Chipmunks to the minions from Despicable Me, nostalgic characters from childhood favorites are making a comeback. These straightforward costumes, typically featuring hoodies, overalls, and face makeup provide a comfortable and recognizable option for teens looking for something playful and lighthearted.
“Everyone loves minions,” says Lauren Phan, a freshman planning on dressing up as a minion this Halloween. “It’s easy but also really funny.”
In addition to childhood classics, teens also draw inspiration from newer pop culture releases. The dark drama Saltburn has gained a following, with some teens incorporating the film’s moody, “camp” looks into their costumes. While these costumes are less common than the animal-themed and nostalgic ones, they demonstrate how Halloween continues to be a way for teens to engage with current media and express their interests through fashion and makeup.
Are teens still dressing up for Halloween? While some fully embrace the holiday spirit, not everyone feels the same way. For many, costumes have become more laid-back, with a trend toward simpler outfits and an emphasis on socializing at Halloween parties instead of going all out with elaborate costumes. “I feel like fewer people are dressing up this year,” says sophomore Kalina Yanez. “It’s more about hanging out and having fun with friends.” Ultimately, the essence of Halloween may be changing, but the desire to celebrate and connect with others is still very much alive.
Ava Etemad Rezai is a sophomore at Washington High School. She was raised in Minnesota and just recently moved to Fremont 4 years ago. This is her first year with the Hatchet where she hopes to cover topics such as trending media, mental health, and opinions. Her main hobbies include playing on the girls’ tennis team, skiing, and being a manager at MiniCatTown and doing veterinary work for the cats. While working there she hopes to gain work experience to become a vet and eventually go to vet school. And she has dreams of going to college in San Diego.