Halloween 2024 was... weird. Honestly, if you walked into a party this year and didn't see at least one person with a tiny head and a giant yellow suit, were you even at a party?
We saw this massive collision between "old school" nostalgia and whatever the TikTok algorithm decided was funny that week. Usually, you can predict the big hitters. A superhero here, a Disney princess there. But 2024 took those expectations and basically threw them out the window in favor of breakdancers and personified anxiety.
The Beetlejuice Resurgence Nobody Saw Coming
It is wild to think that a movie from 1988 is still dictating what we put on our bodies. But with the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hitting theaters, the "Neitherworld" aesthetic absolutely dominated.
According to Google Frightgeist data, the #1 trending costume wasn't even Beetlejuice himself. It was Shrunken Head Bob. You know the guy—the one in the yellow suit with the tiny, withered face. It’s a hilarious, slightly high-effort costume that perfectly captures that "Tim Burton weirdness" people crave.
And it wasn't just Bob. We saw Delores (the soul-sucking ex-wife) and the classic Lydia Deetz red wedding dress making huge rounds. People weren't just buying these off the rack at Spirit Halloween either. There was a huge push for DIY "fake staples" and SFX makeup to recreate that stitched-together look.
Why the 80s are sticking around
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Millennials want to relive their childhood, and Gen Z has decided that the 80s/90s "goth-lite" look is peak fashion. It’s the perfect storm.
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When the Olympics Met the Dance Floor
If you want to talk about a "right place, right time" costume, we have to talk about Raygun.
The Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn became an overnight sensation for all the... well, let’s call them "unique" reasons during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her green and yellow tracksuit became the most sought-after DIY project of the year. It’s simple. It’s recognizable. It’s a little bit of a "if you know, you know" joke.
I saw so many people practicing that "kangaroo hop" move at bars on October 31st. It just goes to show that a meme with a shelf life of three weeks can still carry an entire holiday.
Inside Out 2 and the "Emotional" Group Costume
Group costumes are usually a nightmare to coordinate. One person wants to be a Powerpuff Girl, the other wants to be a Minion. But Inside Out 2 gave everyone an easy out this year.
Since the movie introduced new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, and Ennui, the character roster expanded just enough to fit almost any friend group. Anxiety was the breakout star. Orange hair, a striped sweater, and carrying a literal mountain of "baggage"? It’s basically just a mirror of our daily lives at this point.
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Envy also saw a massive spike in searches, specifically for that "green sequin dress" and "green leggings" combo. It’s cute, it’s color-coded, and it doesn't require four hours of face paint.
The "It Girl" Era: Sabrina and Chappell
You couldn't go anywhere in 2024 without hearing "Espresso" or "Pink Pony Club." Naturally, the music scene dictated the "pretty" side of Halloween.
- Sabrina Carpenter: The heart-shaped cutout corset became the "uniform" for girls who wanted a pop-star moment. It’s retro, it’s blonde, and it’s very Short n' Sweet.
- Chappell Roan: The "Midwest Princess" look—camo, glittery cowboy hats, and drag-inspired makeup—was everywhere. It’s high-energy and allows for a lot of creative freedom.
- Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it was the Tortured Poets white gown or a classic 1989 glitter set, Swifties were still out in full force.
Let's Talk About the Guys: Deadpool, Wolverine, and... Burritos?
On the more "traditional" side of things, Deadpool & Wolverine saved the day for people who just wanted a mask and a jumpsuit. Lady Deadpool was a surprise breakout, ranking in the top 10 on Google’s trending list.
But then there’s the Chipotle Burrito.
I’m not kidding. A literal silver-foil burrito costume was one of the top-searched items. It’s the ultimate "I don't want to try" costume that still gets a laugh. Pair that with the Skibidi Toilet trend for the younger crowd (which, honestly, we don't need to explain), and you have a very chaotic retail landscape.
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A Quick Reality Check on Costs
Spirit Halloween and Amazon dominated the sales, but prices definitely crept up this year. A decent "official" Deadpool suit would set you back $60 to $80. Meanwhile, the DIY "Raygun" look could be done for under $30 with a cheap tracksuit from a thrift store and some iron-on letters.
What Actually Matters When You're Picking a Look
Look, trends are fine, but the best costumes in 2024 were the ones that actually let people move around. Nobody wants to be the person who can't fit through a doorway because their "Shrunken Head" shoulders are four feet wide.
Comfort vs. Clout is the real battle.
If you’re still looking to capture that 2024 energy for a late party or just want to know what worked, focus on the "Meme-ability." The stuff that photographs well and has a clear "hook" is what won the internet this year.
Your 2024 Wrap-Up Checklist:
- Go for the niche character: Everyone is Beetlejuice; be the Shrunken Head guy.
- Mix textures: If you're doing "Gothic Glam," don't just wear black polyester. Mix in lace, velvet, and fake blood for depth.
- Think about the "Prop": Raygun needs the hat. Anxiety needs the suitcases. Without the prop, you’re just a person in a weird outfit.
Halloween 2024 proved that we’re moving away from generic "Vampires" and "Witches" and leaning into hyper-specific pop culture moments. Whether it’s a viral Olympian or a personified emotion, the goal now is to be the most "online" person in the room.
Actionable Insight: For your next costume, check Google Trends' "Frightgeist" early in October. It’s the most accurate predictor of what will be over-saturated versus what will be a "sleeper hit." If a movie comes out in September, expect it to be the #1 costume by October 31st.