As we get
closer and closer to October 31st, the one question on every child’s minds is:
what will I be for Halloween? And while your kids may be dreaming of a
one-of-a-kind creation that came straight from their imaginations (pirate vampire,
anyone?), it’s helpful to know what the big costume trends are for the season,
as some timeless classics never go out of style (like pumpkins, witches and
cats) while others are constantly changing to reflect the latest popular movie,
book or television show. We chatted with costume experts at NYC institutions
Abracadabra (located at West 21st St. between 5th and 6th Avenues) Frank Bee Costumes (on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx) and State News (two UES locations, 1243 3rd
Avenue at E.
72nd Street or
112 E. 86th Street) to find out what are the big trends this season.
Vampires In Vogue
Of course,
it should come as no surprise that vampires are back in a big way this season. With
the influx of Vampire-themed movies, television shows and even children’s
picture books, it makes perfect sense that these blood-sucking creatures would
be in high demand on All Hallows Eve. Our experts say they’ve seen huge
increases in the sale of vampire, Gothic and punk rock costumes, with accessories like fake teeth and blood
rounding out the look. To make sure your little one isn’t the tenth Edward Cullen on the block, check out similarly-themed costumes, like Dracula and bats. Check out a few vampire costumes here and here.
Down The Rabbit Hole
Continuing
with the popular movie trend, Alice in Wonderland costumes are another
big hit with children of all ages this year. Interestingly enough, our costume
experts say that both the traditional Disney cartoon costumes and the Tim
Burton-inspired garb are both popular this year. So never
fear, fans of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, there is room this Halloween for the classic Alice (and company) or the movie’s Alice, whichever your little
trick-or-treaters desires. Check out a classic Alice costume,perfect for little girls plus a very cute Queen of Hearts, here.
More Movie Madness
If your
child wants to go all the way with blue face paint, Avatar’s Neytiri and Jake
Sully are super popular this season too. Of course, classic movie heroes, like
Batman, Spiderman, the Super Mario Brothers and Star Wars never go out of
style, especially for the younger boys set, between ages six and nine. “Everyone
likes superheroes!” one of our experts said. Have an action-loving little girl? Check out this perfect pink Batgirl costume.
Other
favorites dictated by the big screen are the characters from Toy Story (this
summer’s third installment of the movie may give your kids some new characters,
like Barbie or Lotso, plus old standybys, like Buzz Lightyear, Woody or the aliens) and the new flock of Disney Princesses, like Tiana from “The Princess And The Frog” and Rapunzel from the upcoming 3D film “Tangled.”
Think TV
For tweens,
characters from popular television series, such as High School Musical and
Wizards of Waverly Place, are hugely popular, while great picks for babies and
toddlers include characters from Sesame Street, Thomas The Tank, Yo Gabba Gabba,
and Sponge Bob.
Easy Classics
Yet despite all the trendy costumes out there this season, Rosie Weissbart, owner of State News, says she can always rely on the classics
to sell, from Batman and Spiderman for boys to Cinderella, Belle and the Little
Mermaid for girls. “Little girls always want to be a princess,” she says. For little boys, occupational classics, such as firefighters,
doctors and policemen are always in style and easy to put together.
We hope we’ve given you some ideas for a happily outfitted Halloween; now check out our list of great NYC costume shops to pick up everything you need!
