Halloween is here, and the excitement for fresh costumes and bold decorations only grows. Simporter AI’s analysis has pulled together the top trends that everyone will see this Halloween. From iconic characters to unique DIY costumes and eerie decor, here are the biggest trends in 2024.
Pop Culture Takes Over Halloween
Halloween costumes inspired by pop culture continue to dominate. Thanks to social media and streaming platforms, popular characters have become go-to options for Halloween. This year, favorites include “Bob the Shrinker” from Beetlejuice, making a comeback with the film’s new sequel. This character tops Google’s trending list, with people loving the playful nod to Tim Burton’s classic. Other popular picks include Olympic breakdancer Raygun and Lady Deadpool, who bring an edgy, action-inspired vibe to Halloween attire.
TV shows and music stars also make strong costume choices. Characters from Inside Out, like Anger and Joy, rank high as fans bring Pixar’s playful and expressive emotions to life. Music icons like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo also take center stage, with their memorable looks trending across social media. These choices offer something for everyone, whether you’re aiming for colorful and playful or dark and moody.
DIY and Creative Costumes Shine on TikTok
TikTok has turned DIY costumes into a major Halloween trend. Instead of buying ready-made costumes, many are getting creative with unique, handmade outfits. This year, trending DIY ideas include the “baby oil bottle” costume, which has taken TikTok by storm. This playful, simple idea appeals to those looking to stand out without spending much. Others are exploring costumes inspired by everyday objects, bringing a fun twist to classic Halloween costumes.
Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen is another DIY costume making waves on TikTok. Anime fans are tapping into this character’s dark look for Halloween. Gory details and complex face paint make this costume exciting for those wanting an anime-inspired outfit. The appeal of DIY costumes lies in the freedom to add personal touches, and with trending characters like Sukuna, creativity has no limits.
Gothic Glam and Beastly Beauty
For Halloween 2024, Gothic Glam stands out as a go-to look. Pinterest shows a major rise in searches for dark, Victorian-inspired costumes and makeup ideas. This year’s Gothic Glam embraces smoky makeup, heavy eyeliner, and a haunting aura. Classic looks get a twist as people blend horror with elegance, showing Halloween’s darker side.
Beastly Beauty brings another layer of bold creativity to Halloween. Animal-inspired looks, like fierce wolves and ravens, have captivated costume lovers, with Pinterest showing a surge in “Beastly Beauty” searches. This trend lets people add unique elements like feathers, animalistic makeup, and bold accessories. Gothic and beastly styles offer endless options for makeup, outfits, and accessories that bring a mysterious edge to any Halloween look.
The Rise of “It Girl” Costumes
For 2024, “It Girl” costumes are some of the most sought-after Halloween looks. Social media stars and influencers lead this trend, inspiring fans to dress like their favorite public figures. Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX are some of the biggest names influencing these costumes, as fans mimic their style with statement makeup, distinct outfits, and eye-catching accessories.
Celebrities like Ariana Grande with her iconic bunny ears costume, and Amy Winehouse with her classic beehive hairstyle, also inspire Halloween looks this year. Fans are revisiting these classic celebrity outfits, adding a fresh twist that keeps these costumes trendy and memorable. Charli XCX’s edgy, bold makeup has seen a major spike in searches, showing the appeal of high-energy, pop-inspired costumes.
Sports Themes and Nostalgic Touches
Sports-themed costumes bring a lighthearted touch to Halloween, especially in 2024. Pinterest searches for sports-inspired looks show people leaning into costumes that celebrate iconic athletes, vintage jerseys, and classic game-day outfits. This trend works for anyone looking to add a sporty edge to their Halloween plans, with costumes inspired by famous players, cheerleaders, and even referees. For couples and groups, sports themes also offer simple, coordinating costumes that fit Halloween’s spirit without leaning on horror.
Vintage Halloween elements also make a big comeback this year. From retro decorations to old-school costumes, nostalgia is a strong trend in 2024. Pinterest searches show that people love vintage-inspired decor, including 90s-themed Halloween parties and decorations. Classic pumpkins, 90s horror icons, and skeleton motifs bring a timeless Halloween charm. For costumes, vintage aesthetics offer playful, nostalgic looks that are both festive and fun.
Halloween Decor That Transforms Spaces
Decorating has always been key to Halloween celebrations, and this year, people are going all out. The 2024 Halloween season favors larger-than-life decorations, with options that can turn any space into a haunted scene. Spooky decor is a top choice, with people opting for cobwebs, eerie lighting, and haunted mirrors that bring any Halloween theme to life.
Halloween’s vintage appeal comes into decor as well, with people choosing retro Halloween signs, pumpkin lights, and skeleton wreaths. For a more whimsical feel, pastel Halloween decor trends, mixing soft colors with spooky symbols, make a unique twist. Pinterest searches also reveal a growing trend for Halloween food decor. Fun treats like “ghost pizza” and “pumpkin s’mores” add a festive touch to Halloween parties. These small details turn a simple Halloween gathering into a fully themed event.
Halloween Food Trends Bring Flavor and Fun
Halloween isn’t only about costumes and decor; themed foods are growing in popularity as well. Pinterest shows that creative food trends like ghost-shaped pizzas and pumpkin-flavored desserts are drawing attention. Halloween-themed foods add a playful element to parties, as simple treats become spooky centerpieces. Other popular ideas include ghost brownies and themed cupcakes, which are easy to make and fun to share. These food trends let hosts serve Halloween fun in every bite.
People are also experimenting with drinks that match their Halloween theme. Spooky cocktails with black or red hues, fog effects, and eerie garnishes are trending, making Halloween beverages as exciting as the decor. This trend encourages creativity in drinks and snacks, adding to the experience of Halloween parties and gatherings.
Vintage Halloween Costumes and Retro Vibes
This year’s Halloween costume trends are diving into the past, with a love for all things vintage. The ‘90s and early 2000s are particularly popular, with nostalgic touches in both costumes and decor. Movies, music, and TV shows from these eras inspire creative outfits, and we’re seeing everything from Friends character costumes to classic video game-inspired looks. The appeal of retro vibes adds something familiar yet fun, as costume lovers revisit styles that evoke memories from simpler times.
Vintage horror characters also remain a favorite. Costumes inspired by iconic horror films like Scream and Beetlejuice allow people to pay homage to classic horror while adding a modern twist. Pinterest data reveals that searches for “retro Halloween costumes” and “90s Halloween themes” are trending, and this nostalgic vibe resonates with those who want a timeless Halloween style. Paired with vintage decor like skeletons, faux spider webs, and dim, eerie lighting, these costumes help set the perfect scene for any Halloween gathering.
Couples and Group Costumes Gain Popularity
Halloween is often better together, and 2024’s trend of couple and group costumes makes celebrating as a team even more exciting. Friends, families, and couples are turning to themes that bring everyone together in coordinated looks. Some popular group themes this year include Inside Out characters, which allow each member to embody a different emotion from the movie. Similarly, classic group themes like superheroes, storybook characters, and sports teams offer versatility for groups of all sizes.
Couples are also embracing iconic duos, with popular choices like Deadpool and Lady Deadpool, and Harley Quinn paired with the Joker. For couples wanting something unique, retro-inspired duos from vintage horror films or pop culture offer endless possibilities. Pinterest reports that searches for “best friend Halloween costumes” and “Halloween couple costumes” are on the rise. This trend gives Halloween a sense of togetherness, letting groups share the fun in a coordinated way that stands out at any Halloween event.
Halloween Parties with Themed Decor and DIY Fun
Halloween parties in 2024 bring creativity to new heights, and this year’s themes push beyond the traditional. Parties centered around popular themes like “Beetlejuice” and “Ghostbusters” provide guests with a fully immersive experience. Vintage and gothic-inspired decor is a major trend this season, with haunted Victorian touches that transport guests into a world of classic horror. Pinterest shows a high search volume for “Victorian Halloween decor” as people seek to add historical elegance to their spooky gatherings.
Halloween party hosts are also turning to DIY decor to keep the theme fun and affordable. Cobwebs, eerie lighting, and classic carved pumpkins make for a spooky atmosphere that doesn’t require a high budget. For a unique twist, pastel Halloween decor is trending, using lighter colors combined with traditional Halloween motifs like ghosts, skeletons, and bats. This approach offers a playful feel, especially for family-friendly parties or Halloween events where kids and adults alike can join in on the fun.
Food and Drink with a Halloween Twist
Halloween-themed food has become a favorite part of the celebration, and 2024’s trends make party tables more exciting than ever. Halloween treats are taking creative forms, from ghost-shaped pizzas to spooky s’mores. Themed cupcakes, cookies, and candy-inspired cocktails make Halloween menus feel festive and fun. Searches for “ghost pizza” and “spooky cocktails” have increased, as these quirky dishes become central to any Halloween party spread.
People are also going the extra mile with Halloween-inspired drink recipes. Themed cocktails with eerie garnishes, dark colors, and creative flavors bring Halloween spirit to every sip. For non-alcoholic options, festive punch bowls filled with gummy eyeballs or themed ice cubes make drinks spooky and shareable for all ages. These food and drink ideas let hosts create a fully themed Halloween experience, bringing the holiday’s spirit into every aspect of their gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Halloween Ideas
Halloween 2024 offers plenty of family-friendly trends for those celebrating with kids. Kid-focused costumes inspired by popular shows and games are top picks, including characters from Bluey and Disney’s Descendants. These costumes offer comfort and fun for younger trick-or-treaters, while parents find joy in dressing up alongside their kids in complementary looks. Costumes with character-driven themes let families embrace the holiday together, whether as a simple duo or a large family group.
Children’s Halloween parties also have their own decor trends this year. Bright colors, cartoon-inspired decorations, and playful Halloween motifs like friendly ghosts or cheerful pumpkins are favorites for kid-friendly settings. Many parents choose non-scary themes that keep Halloween playful, with pastel decor, pumpkin-themed games, and cute costumes that capture the joy of Halloween without the fright factor. DIY activities like pumpkin painting or making treat bags also make Halloween fun for kids while letting them get creative.
Pet Costumes Join the Trend
This year, Halloween goes beyond humans, as pet costumes have gained popularity like never before. Searches for “Halloween costumes for pets” have grown, with dog and cat owners dressing their pets in themes that match their own costumes. From classic ideas like witches and pumpkins to characters from popular movies, pet costumes add extra fun to Halloween celebrations. Many pet owners even coordinate their costumes with their pets, making for unforgettable family photos and adding to the holiday cheer.
Halloween costumes for pets can be as simple as a cape or as elaborate as a mini superhero suit. Options like “Dogpool” (Deadpool-inspired for dogs) bring pets into the spotlight, and costumes designed for comfort keep pets happy and safe. For those not keen on full costumes, pet-themed accessories like collars, hats, and bandanas let pets join in the spirit without discomfort.
Eco-Friendly Halloween Ideas
Eco-conscious choices are gaining traction this Halloween, with many opting for sustainable costumes and decorations. Halloween enthusiasts are reusing old costumes, sourcing secondhand decor, and choosing eco-friendly materials to reduce waste. Pinterest reports an increase in searches for “sustainable Halloween” as people look for ways to celebrate with less impact on the environment.
Costume swaps and thrift store finds are popular, especially as people find ways to repurpose past Halloween costumes or create new ones using secondhand materials. DIY costumes and decor also help reduce Halloween’s environmental impact, and many choose natural decorations like pumpkins, gourds, and dried flowers. These choices allow for a Halloween that’s both festive and friendly to the planet, proving that sustainability and creativity go hand-in-hand.
Halloween Trends with a Local Twist
Halloween trends can vary by region, and 2024 is no exception. Google’s Frightgeist map shows different costume preferences across the U.S., with each area having its own local spin. For example, Dolly Parton costumes are popular in the South, while coastal areas show a preference for beach-inspired Halloween decor. This local flavor allows people to celebrate Halloween in ways that reflect their community’s unique personality.
Local Halloween events also play a role, with parades, haunted houses, and neighborhood parties adding excitement. Many areas host themed events that influence costume choices, from historical reenactments to spooky ghost tours. This regional twist on Halloween trends adds variety, as people draw inspiration from their hometown traditions to make Halloween personal and memorable.
Final Thoughts on Halloween 2024
Halloween 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most creative and inclusive seasons yet. Simporter AI’s analysis reveals trends that appeal to all ages, from kid-friendly parties and pet costumes to nostalgic looks and spooky food. The rise in DIY, sustainable, and locally inspired trends proves that Halloween isn’t just about dressing up but about celebrating in ways that feel meaningful and fun. This Halloween, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a popular costume from a favorite movie, a throwback to past decades, or a homemade treat that brings a touch of spooky spirit to the table.
As Halloween night approaches, these trends are set to make the season memorable. Whether dressing as a trending character, decorating with a vintage touch, or serving up themed snacks, Halloween 2024 promises a blend of classic charm and modern twists that will keep everyone celebrating.
