Students detail which costume trends they expect to see in this college town
By GRACIELA TIU — features@theaggie.org
With Halloween season upon us, students and community members alike are gathering their pumpkins, candy and, most importantly, costumes. Each year, Halloween’s most-worn costumes change alongside new trends, but the need for attire to be both niche and recognizable remains constant.
Various styles of costumes are curated to celebrate the holiday, whether UC Davis students are preparing for haunted houses, pumpkin patches or a two-week-long party. Social media platforms such as TikTok or Pinterest are go-to hubs of inspiration, and popular costume ideas often arise from trends circulating online.
Joya Chahine, a third-year chemistry major, described which Halloween costume trends she has seen permeating online spaces.
“It honestly changes every year, but the most common ones I’ve heard of so far for this year are Labubus, ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ or Victoria’s Secret Angels,” Chahine said. “I’ve also seen people talking about dressing up as the Dallas Cowboys, a cheerleader, Disney princesses or a cat.”
Though costume trends can be fun and exciting, many students opt for simple costumes that require less preparation.
“I mostly see easy costumes that you can make with clothes in your closet, like black cats, vampires, etc.,” Nicole Hazen, a second-year chemistry major, said.
When choosing to carefully curate an intricate costume, students often have to plan ahead of time. Though Davis has stores dedicated to Halloween attire, many students choose to purchase costumes online.
“I usually buy online stuff a couple of weeks in advance,” Hazen said. “Online stores can have more options, depending on the costume.”
Others choose to go costume-hunting in person, preferring sustainable shopping or thrifting at local Davis stores. New this year, the city has a pop-up Spirit Halloween, along with various thrift stores — such as Bohème and Yesterday Vintage, that cater their merchandise for the holiday.
While some students enjoy the excitement of brainstorming costumes and curating specific clothing pieces, others feel more inclined to wait until closer to the day.
“I would say I’m more of a last-minute type of guy,” Dylan Gianella, a third-year communication major, said. “Halloween is creeping up, and I haven’t really thought about it yet.”
As October progresses, UC Davis students look forward to seeing the various ideas and outfits people put together.
“I think this year there will be a lot of new and interesting costumes I haven’t seen before, like cave women or newer things that are trending,” Hazen said.
No matter the year’s trends, Halloween season in a college town is sure to be filled with modern references alongside new takes on classic costumes. For those relying on last-minute shopping, ideas from fellow students and Davis’ local shops are always there to lend a helping hand.
Written by: Graciela Tiu — features@theaggie.org
