How Pop Culture Has Defined Halloween Costumes
How Pop Culture Has Defined Halloween Costumes
By: Sayla Taylor
The popularity of Halloween costumes has been predominantly influenced by pop culture, and with Halloween right around the corner, we are taking a look at how costumes have evolved alongside pop culture through the decades.
1950s
With the newfound relevance of television, dressing up as your favorite TV character was a popular choice in the 1950s. Westerns were the most widely viewed programs on television at the time, so it comes as no surprise that cowboy and cowgirl costumes dominated this decade.
1960s
A time in which second wave feminism was at its peak, more risqué costumes took the spotlight in the 1960s. Catwoman reached the big screen in Batman (1966), influencing the rise of the cat costume, which remains one of the most widely worn costumes today.
1970s
As the demand for halloween costumes increased and mass production became more common, plastic masks became a staple of the 70s. Masks donning the likeness of Cabbage Patch Kids, Wonder Woman, Strawberry Shortcake, and other pop culture icons were popular during this decade.
1980s
With the release of Halloween (1978) and The Shining (1980), costumes took a turn toward horror. The success of slasher movies in Hollywood led to the prevalence of blood and gore in costuming, much of which we are familiar with today.
1990s
MTV dominated the televisions of the 90s and the prevalence of costumes of famous musicians reflected this. Although costumes continued to be mass produced in the 90s, DIY costumes rose in popularity, with many people creating their own versions of the Spice Girls, Britney Spears, and other star’s signature outfits.
2000s
Similar to the 90s, there was a spike in celebrity costuming in the 2000s. At a time when fashion magazines and tabloids were one of the most consumed forms of media, the desire to dress up as celebrities was at its prime, and the DIY trend continued with many people choosing to wear items from their closet that mimicked that of their chosen celebrity.
Not much has changed in the way we model our costumes after our favorite pop culture icons. Whether it be cartoons, movie villains, or celebrities, pop culture has its hands on Halloween and is not letting go any time soon. So, what costume will you choose this year?
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