Fashion Expert Predicts The Most Popular Halloween Costumes Of 2022
There are two kinds of people in this world: Halloween go-hards who plan for spooky season all year and those who wait until the last minute and eventually end up scouring the aisles of a discount store hoping to find remnants of costumes that'll come together for one look.
According to the National Retail Federation's annual survey, 47% of consumers begin searching for their costumes in September or earlier, and 36% of those shoppers plan to purchase their spooky attire at a specialty Halloween or costume store.
Those who choose to wait are taking a risk, but, once there's a working idea of who or what you'd like to be, creating the actual costume becomes much more manageable.
To make your planning as painless as possible, we teamed up with fashion expert Maria Loizou from Karen Millen to get the scoop on this year's hottest pop-culture-themed Halloween costumes. Here's what Loizou predicts will be 2022's most popular Halloween costume ideas.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family
Wednesday Addams is an icon, full stop. And, with the release of Netflix's new comedy horror series "Wednesday," there's bound to be a few members of the Addams Family roaming around on Halloween (which is ideal for a group costume).
"You can easily recreate this look by pairing a printed black dress with a white pointed collar, with Wednesday's signature braids," says Loizou. Or, if you already own a Wednesday-esque LBD, you can buy a cheap faux collar to complete the look.
Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision
Marvel's Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch, has a wardrobe that tells a story (via SyFy Wire). From the Hydra smock she wore as a brainwashed assassin to her '50s-inspired night dress, "WandaVision" fans have a number of Halloween costumes to choose from.
Her most memorable look, however, was in Episode 6, "All-New Halloween Spooktacular!" In it, she wore the Scarlet Witch costume — a look that gives a nod to the character's history as Magneto's daughter (via CBR).
To recreate this costume, you'll need a red cape and dress, along with a signature Scarlet Witch headpiece. "Incorporating a red leather top, corset or catsuit can really help in emulating the Wanda Maximoff look," adds Loizou.
Julia Fox
Known for her role as Julia De Fiore in "Uncut Gems" and most recently as "Ye's muse" (via CNET), Julia Fox has made quite an impression on the internet and the fashion industry.
During Paris Fashion Week, Fox and Ye (who walked the runway for Balenciaga, per Vogue) posed for multiple photos wearing matching outfits, including what looked to be a modern version of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears' iconic denim-on-denim look from 2001 (via Harper's Bazaar).
Whether you're going out with a partner or partying solo on Halloween, Fox's wardrobe is one place to find inspiration — let her be your style muse for the evening.
Maverick from Top Gun
The "Top Gun" Halloween costume is a solid choice no matter what year it is. This year, however, Tom Cruise's "Top Gun: Maverick" has rekindled fans' interest in the classic '80s film.
"Fake mustaches, bomber jackets, and aviator glasses make the ideal, minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise," says Loizou.
While you can find premade "Top Gun" flight suits online, Men's Health recommends going for a more authentic look by purchasing a pair of Dickies coveralls and ironing on custom patches from Etsy.
Eddie Munson from Stranger Things
From Eleven's incognito outfit to Robin's Scoops Ahoy uniform, fans of Netflix's "Stranger Things" have plenty of nostalgic ideas to choose from when celebrating Halloween.
"We can anticipate many costumes inspired by the residents of the town of Hawkins this year and more specifically, new fan-favorite Eddie Munson," says Loizou. "Season 4 introduced us to the Metallica-playing, Dungeons and Dragons-obsessed Eddie, leader of the Hellfire Club. Eddie's grunge look can easily be replicated with a Hellfire Club shirt, ripped black jeans, and a denim vest." Don't forget the guitar, real or prop!
Targaryens from House of the Dragon
Based on George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," HBO's "House of the Dragon" tells the story of the Targaryen dynasty (via HBO). Similar to its predecessor, "Game of Thrones," this action-packed fantasy drama is full of suspense and fire-breathing dragons.
While it's probably unlikely that you'll find a last-minute garment that's anywhere near as fabulous as the intricately embroidered and gilded ones on the show, designed by Jay Temime (via Vogue), you can create the illusion of a Targaryen family member by dressing in a long black robe, a white-blonde wig, and a fake sword. Bonus points for some elaborate braids in your wig and a toy dragon on your shoulder.
Elvis and Pricilla Presley
Thanks to Austin Butler's portrayal of the King of Rock in the Baz Luhrmann biopic "Elvis," Elvis and Priscilla Presley couple's costumes have skyrocketed in popularity, per WWD.
Loizou recommends a '60s-inspired mini dress and a bouffant-style hairdo to portray Priscilla and a leather jumpsuit and slicked-back hair for Elvis. Other memorable Elvis outfit options include the "Jailhouse Rock" look (black denim and a black-and-white striped shirt), an American eagle jumpsuit, and his Army uniform (via Entertainment Weekly).
Barbie and Ken
Barbie has been busy. Mattel's running list of accomplishments gets longer by the minute: It released a brand-new Tina Turner doll in celebration of the 40th anniversary of "What's Love Got To Do With It" (via Mattel), the term "Barbiecore" made it into mainstream vernacular, and Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are set to star in the 2023 "Barbie" movie.
The Mattel company also has a Barbie-themed collection of NFTs representing the long list of professions Barbie has had over the years, per The Drum.
Whether it's matching neon rollerblading outfits or hot pink cowboy costumes, there are bound to be a few Barbie and Ken lookalikes running around this Halloween.
Danny and Sandy from Grease
Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) may have ridden off into the sunset (on a flying Thunderbird, nonetheless), but these characters (and the two talented actors who played them) will live in the hearts of "Grease" fans for eternity.
After battling cancer for nearly three decades, Newton-John died at her home in California on Aug. 8, 2022. Thanks to her iconic role in "Grease," her long and successful singing career, and her advocacy for cancer research, she will be remembered forever.
To honor Newton-John and revive her character Sandy, Loizou suggests pairing black leather leggings or pants with red heels and matching red lipstick. For Danny, a leather jacket, black T-shirt, and slicked-back hair should do.
Cast of Euphoria
With the release of its first season, HBO's "Euphoria" sparked a beauty revolution. The show's lead makeup artist, Doniella (Donni) Davy, won two Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) Emmys (via Emmys) for her stunning designs. And, now, fans everywhere are able to emulate her looks with the launch of Half Magic, a makeup line she co-founded.
If doing makeup isn't your best skill, you can also recreate the characters' looks with a few clicks. Cassie Howard's blue gingham "Oklahoma" look, for example, is just $9.99 on Amazon. You can also find Cassie and Maddy's cheerleading uniforms on Etsy.
Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus
"Hocus Pocus" is a longtime Halloween favorite for many, and, with the recent release of its sequel, "Hocus Pocus 2," and the launch of the "Hocus Pocus 2" makeup collection (via Teen Vogue), Loizou says that the Sanderson Sisters — Winifred, Mary, and Sarah — are the perfect trio of witches to dress up as this Halloween.
And, luckily for you, Amazon is a great place to get started. You can get a hooded cloak and a book of spells for less than $30.