What better holiday is there than Halloween to express your artistic fashion? Personally, I see Halloween as the perfect time of the year to express yourself however you want, with no judgement, and, as I mentioned in the previous issue, people seem to be taking more risks this year with their costumes. Less conventional costumes are showing up everywhere, ones that are both slightly unsettling and alluring.
Renaissance themes and circus-core with Victorian influences seem to be prevalent in some of the best looks I have seen so far. Clowns, but not in the 2016 killer clown way or horror film stereotype, but in a vintage fair type of way, sort of mime-esque. The best clowns I have seen this year remind me of the types of trinkets you would find in a grandparent’s attic — almost a combination of the porcelain doll and the clown in one. Less dramatic and scary than we have seen before, but more lifeless and eerie in execution.
On a similar note, while animal costumes such as the classic black cat or even deer do not seem to be going anywhere, there has been a rise in yet a few other Renaissance influenced costumes, these being animals. The white rabbit is emerging everywhere, and no, not in the Playboy Bunny way. This year, the white rabbit is being done with uncanny masks and makeup looks that focus on red eyes that feel creepier. The white rabbit has gone from the sultry look we all know and love to a Brother’s Grimm take on Alice in Wonderland.
Lambs have reemerged as a popular costume too, for both white and black sheep. Again, not the traditional sexy Bo-Peep and little lamb costumes that were popular in the 2000s. The lambs I am seeing have a more medieval, sacrificial lamb component to them. Similar to the white rabbit, red eyes and uncanny masks or frightening painted-on mouths are being used to portray this lamb.
Jumping into everyday fashion, circus-core and the Renaissance are also relevant. I have seen “ringleader” inspired jackets, typically in the peacoat format all over social media. These jackets typically have tassels on them, some with shoulder pads and always with buttons up to the collar. Two of my favorite fashion influencers, Susie Lola and Amanda Symonds, brought up the rise of these jackets on their YouTube channels.
Bloomers, both in the style of shorts and capris, are popular as well. Bloomer shorts have been a common accessory in Halloween costumes for the past few years and there has been a recent rise in balloon capri style bloomers. Autumn period dramas, such as “Little Women,” or Halloween classics like “Hocus Pocus,” both showcase this type of fashion and could serve as potential influences on their rise.
Overall, I am seeing an emphasis on vintage looks this Halloween, with the earlier the period, the better. Decades like the ‘80s and ‘90s do not seem to have as much influence as they have in years before, but rather earlier periods, like the 15th to 19th centuries, have a hold on the holiday this year. I am also seeing some references to the earlier decades of the 20th century, such as the ‘20s through the ’60s. Classic characters — such as Betty Boop and Popeye, or really any female character with skinny high arched eyebrows that defined early 20th century makeup looks — are very popular as well.
The emphasis on transformation and makeup this Halloween is clear.
If you are looking to show off your costumes on social media, there are a few relevant trends that I predict will stick around just long enough to do so. Participating in the “Maui Wowie” trend, where people swing from crosswalk lights while lip-syncing the words to Kid Cudi’s 2008 song, could be a fun way to get your entire look from head to toe into the frame. Another possible idea is participating in the “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes x “Beez In The Trap” by Nicki Minaj remix trend, where a camera man spins around two people lip syncing to either 4 Non Blondes or Minaj. I think this could be an incredibly fun way to show off a duo or couples costume this Halloween.
Be bold and show off your creativity this Halloween. Stay safe and have a spooktacular holiday!