It's the second most popular holiday in the United States. Halloween is a special time for kids both young and old. It's a chance to eat tasty candy, stay out late, and dress up in elaborate costumes. What more could you ask for? One of the most important decisions a child or an adult makes at this time of year is what type of Halloween costume to wear for a night of trick or treating or for that grown-up Halloween party. Should you be a superhero, an imaginary animal, a celebrity, or a movie character? As with fashion, Halloween costumes tend to follow trends, usually reflecting the current social and political climate. Here are some 2008 Halloween costume trends you may see this Halloween:
Political Figures
It's an election year and most Americans have politics on their minds. What better way to make a statement than to bear the likeness of an important political figure at a Halloween party? Don't be surprised if you see comical renditions of Obama and John McCain at this year's Halloween parties. Not to mention the current woman dominating the political news, Sarah Palin. Some people are so wrapped up in politics that they'll use any occasion to express their political views. Be prepared!
Celebrities
When America isn't fixated on politics, they're obsessed with the latest celebrity escapades. Not surprisingly, their glamorous lifestyle inspires people to walk in their shoes if only for an evening. What better way to do it then in full Halloween costume? It's quite probable that you'll see more than one Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Angelina Jolie carrying a trick-or-treat bag or attending a trendy Halloween party this year. For males, don't be surprised to see a few Brad Pitts ringing your doorbell for Halloween treats this year.
Sexy Costumes
Hopefully, you'll only see these costumes at adult Halloween parties. Some women see Halloween as the time to become the femme fatale they've always wanted to be. This trend seems to have been gaining momentum in the past few years. From the more sedate Marilyn Monroe impersonations to the blatantly sexy, scantily clad French maid, Halloween is a time of fantasy and many people are taking advantage of it. What other day of the year can you dress like a Playboy bunny or a dominatrix and get by with it?
Traditional Costumes
Fortunately, the traditional costumes we've come to associate with Halloween are always in vogue. Expect to see your share of snaggle toothed witches wearing black, pointy hats as well as their opposites, fairies in white, princesses, and, the perennial favorite of little girls everywhere, Cinderella. And what would Halloween be without little boys in white sheets making ghostly moans and giant orange pumpkins carrying Halloween bags filled with tasty Halloween treats? Some things never go out of fashion.
