As we enter the end of October, and internet users are over opinionated as ever, one question keeps coming to my mind: are overdone costumes still fashionable?
In a world that often celebrates out-of-the-box thinking and individual expression, dismissing certain costumes as "overdone" misses the mark on what fashion—and Halloween—should truly represent: self-expression.
Let’s be honest. Every year, we see a tide of classic costumes that seem to reappear: pirates, Where’s Waldo, Mia Wallace, etc. While some might scoff at these "overdone" choices, I argue that their popularity is a testament to their universal appeal and the personal connections people forge with them.
Fashion is inherently repetitive. Trends cycle in and out of style, often borrowing from the past and reinventing them with a modern twist. So why should Halloween be any different? A costume that has been done countless times can still resonate deeply with someone. Wearing a classic costume doesn’t dilute its meaning or make it any less fashionable; instead, it adds another layer to its rich tapestry of cultural significance.
Celebrity costumes get more and more off the charts every year. This year, we’ve already seen Janelle Monae dressed in a full size, realistic ET costume, and Lizzo dressed as an Ozempic box. While we LOVE to see the creativity, the classics aren’t disappointing anyone when they’re done right.
This year, Paris Hilton dressed as Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction, and the next day, she’s honoring Britney Spears, wearing the iconic “…Baby One More Time” Music Video outfit. Both of these costumes are ones I've seen done time and time again, but did that tamper my reaction and enjoyment of her costumes? It certainly did not.
Consider what a costume means: it’s a chance to embody a different persona for a night. For many, costumes can evoke nostalgia, playfulness, or even empowerment. When I slip into a last minute (but of COURSE fashionable) cat costume, I channel not just the classic figure of Halloween, but also my first Halloween as a black panther. That’s fashion at its core—transformation through clothing.
The amount of people who have done your costume before you doesn’t take away from your connection to your costume. Why would I, as (at one point in time) the actual number one Spice girls listener in the world, not dress up as the Spice Girls for Halloween, just because it's been overdone every year since 1997? Why would a diehard Spider-Man fan not put on a spider man costume just like everyone else?
In a time when individuality is celebrated, dismissing popular costumes as overdone can feel exclusionary. Each choice reflects a part of who we are, and every nod to tradition in our costume choices brings stories and memories to life. The costume may have been worn by many, but when we wear it, it becomes ours.
The way we style a "traditional" costume can make all the difference. Adding unique accessories, incorporating modern trends, or infusing some personal flair can elevate even the most conventional outfit into something fresh and exciting. Pairing a classic witch’s hat with a contemporary monochromatic look or mismatched vintage pieces can create a statement that is both personal and fashionable.
This Halloween, let’s celebrate the beauty of self-expression, the joy of nostalgia, and the thrill of putting ourselves into what we wear. Fashion is inclusive, and so should our costume choices be. After all, true style is not about originality but authenticity—being true to who you are, even in the most well-trodden of costumes. Happy Halloween!
Comments