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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sian Hewitt

Halloween 2023: Popular costume predictions, from Barbie to The Little Mermaid

Halloween is just around the corner, and already people are lining up what they will be dressing up as.

From the scary to the simply sublime, 2023 is set to see an array of spooktastic get-ups in all shapes and sizes.

Costumes have gone on sale and now experts have shared which they think the hottest trends will be for this year’s spooky season.

Fashion experts at boohoo have predicted this year’s hottest pop-culture-themed Halloween costumes inspired by the most memorable moments from 2023 so far.

But what will you dress as?

‌HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR HER

There’s always an array of costumes for the ladies who want to go all out and this year is no different, with boohoo also selling some of the outfits that they think will be most popular. Top of the list expected to be out and about this year are:

Barbie

boohoo have a whole range of Barbie-themed outfits (boohoo)

With Barbie fever taking over the world, and girl power at an all-time high, it is expected that many will be dressing up as the classic toy.

And the beauty about this one? There are so many different types of Barbies — President Barbie, Cowgirl Barbie, Workout Barbie, Classic Barbie — that you can be anything you want, just like the official Barbie slogan.

Experts say the phrase ‘Barbie costume’ is currently receiving a huge average of 18,000 monthly Google searches worldwide, so expect to see a lot of these out and about this year.‌

Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid

Ariel from The Little Mermaid is also set to be popular (boohoo)

One of the classic Disney favourites got a revamp this year and, as a result, it is expected that a lot of ladies will be dressing up to be their favourite underwater Disney princesses.

The live-action adaptation has already been popular, which has led to experts predicting a lot of mermaids on the street this Halloween.

They say the phrase ‘Ariel costume’ is currently receiving an average of 8,000 monthly searches worldwide, with many wanting to recreate Ariel’s signature look by pairing a purple seashell bikini top with a green mermaid tail skirt, seashell jewellery, and toy sidekick, Flounder.

Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton

The Netflix series, a spin-off of favourite Bridgerton, had fans queuing up to bingewatch the classic love story pan out and, as a result, it is expected that a lot of Queens will be on show this scary season.

Think elegant ballgowns, extravagant jewellery, and stunning BIG hairstyles, as Queen Charlottes go on display.

M3GAN

(Handout)

Want more horror? Those wanting something a bit more in the Halloween spirit are expected to dress up as M3GAN — the terrifying and murderous doll that ruins lives.

Those wanting more of a trick, rather than a treat, costume can layer a beige dress over a striped long-sleeve top with white tights, along with ballet flats and M3GAN’s signature blue and red striped neckerchief or scarf.

boohoo’s fashion experts added: “Pair this with some round sunglasses to complete the look and don’t forget to learn some of M3GAN’s killer dance moves to impress your friends.”

boohoo also has a classic Medusa hairband on offer (boohoo)

‌HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR HIM

Let’s not forget the men in all of this. Halloween is a time for all and there are a whole‌ host of male characters expected to be on show.

Ted Lasso

(Apple TV)

Mix football with a highly popular TV series, and you are onto a winner.

Fashion experts say they expect a large number of men to dress up as the country’s favourite manager, Ted Lasso, for Halloween.

boohoo said: “Jason Sudeikis’s character has a casual style that is easy to replicate using items you likely already own, consisting of a tracksuit, trainers, aviator sunglasses, and visor. Most importantly, you’ll need a fake moustache to match Ted’s most distinguishing feature, as well as a whistle and football to complete the look.”

Ken and Alan

(Barbie)

That’s right, Barbie fever has not just hit the ladies. The men are expected to jump aboard Barbie’s famous pink car and join in with a variety of Ken and Alan costumes set to be on show.

boohoo said: “From Ken’s tie-dyed ‘I am Kenough’ hoodie to his signature denim vest, there are plenty of Ryan Gosling’s looks from the film to replicate. For a more unique costume, however, grab a pair of blue shorts and a multicoloured stripy shirt to dress as Michael Cera’s character from the film, Alan.”

Indiana Jones

Always a favourite — the famous adventurer has always been a popular Halloween costume and 2023 is set to be no different.

The new Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny film has reignited interest in the classic 80s film, sparking 11,000 average monthly searches for ‘Indiana Jones costume’ worldwide.

FOR COUPLES

Barbie and Ken

Couples could go as rollerblading Barbie and Ken (Warner Bros. Pictures)

This Halloween’s most popular couples costume will undoubtedly be Barbie and Ken, based on Greta Gerwig’s hugely successful Barbie. Couples primarily have two iconic matching outfits from the film to choose from, either Barbie and Ken’s matching neon rollerblading outfits or their hot-pink cowboy costumes.

Mario and Princess Peach

Dress as a character from this year’s popular film (Universal Pictures)

Another popular couple costume this year is set to be be Mario and Princess Peach, thanks to The Super Mario Bros. Movie being released, much to the delight of children and adults alike.

The blockbuster film came out in spring and is a pretty easy outfit to put together for couples.

For Mario think blue overalls, a red hat, and long-sleeve top, as well as the famous moustache, and for Princess Peach you will need a pink dress, signature blonde hair, and tiara.

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