Pop Culture Dominates 2016 Halloween Costume Trends

From Pokémon GO to Suicide Squad, Americans look to their screens for stand-out ideas

Nearly a quarter of Americans call Halloween their favorite holiday, and according to a new survey* from Savers thrift stores, there will be no shortage of celebrating this year. The majority are planning to attend multiple parties in one night, and the social calendars of those aged 35-44 are packed; this demographic is anticipated to attend about three parties this Halloween season, outshining their millennial contemporaries.

Decision 2016What will you be for Halloween, and have you started planning yet? A quarter of people insist on having a different Halloweencostume every year, and with plenty of party appearances to be made, selecting a costume can be serious business. The average span of planning is nearly three weeks and a quarter of millennials have been planning their outfits since last year.

The Trends:

• Pokémon GO Over Politics: Despite the U.S. election dominating headlines, candidates take the back seat when it comes to inspiring costumes. Americans are one-and-a-half times more likely to see Halloween ensembles inspired by Pokémon GO characters than by the election.
• Still, Trump Trumps: While the election may not inspire the most costumes, when comparing the two parties, 52 percent of Americans say Republican candidates would have better costumes than the Democratic candidates.
• Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Nearly a third of people (28 percent) want their outfit to make them look scary, but the vanity factor is key for millennials who want their outfits to make them look beautiful, handsome or sexy (40 percent) – not surprising since this is also the crowd that's likely to be snapping the most selfies and sharing on social media.
• Squad Goals: Most people believe that Pokémon GO will be the most popular group costume inspiration, but millennials are much more inclined to say it's Suicide Squad. The Avengers have the vote among those aged 25 to 34, and when it comes to Star Wars, the Force is strong with those aged 45 and older.
• Celeb Showdown: Americans are confident that Ellen DeGeneres will dress to impress (30 percent), beating out Kim Kardashian (18 percent) and Justin Bieber (7 percent) for the best celebrity costume.
• Being a Good Sport: Of the 2016 star athletes, one in three Americans picked Michael Phelps as the most popularHalloween costume, followed by Ryan Lochte and Usain Bolt.
• Battle of the Sexes: While all people aged 18 to 44 will be increasing their spend on outfits, men in particular are nearly 50 percent more likely to spend more than females.

Thrift or TreatWith Americans showing an appetite for originality and many making or buying multiple costumes for Halloween, Savers offers the one-of-a-kind finds shoppers want at prices that won't break the bank. During Halloween, Savers stocks its shelves with new packaged costumes, makeup, wigs and accessories – perfect to combine with the reused clothing and accessories that fill the aisles at Savers for a fraction of their original price. Two in five people look to thrift stores as great places to gather ideas during Halloween. 

"Savers is proud to be the one-stop destination for shoppers to find a unique, budget-friendly costume. Halloween is one of our busiest times of year and of course, one of our favorite holidays. Our stores are especially popular during this time because we're the only retailer that offers a huge selection of both new and pre-owned Halloween merchandise all under one roof, and at prices to accommodate every budget," said Ken Alterman, President and CEO of Savers, "Our store teams look forward to being a part of your celebration."

Savers stores have trained "Costume Consultants" ready to help put together the perfect costume, and host free "HalloweenCostume Catwalk" fashion shows at 3 p.m. every Thursday in October that showcase the season's most popular and unique looks for adults and children.

Online Inspiration and Fun  

• Savers.com Halloween Hub: Savers.com provides a store locator tool, costume inspiration and instructions for HalloweenDIY costumes and home décor.
• Social Media: Find Halloween costume ideas, DIY tips, spooky décor and more on the @SaversVVillage Pinterest channel and engage with Savers' social networks via the #thriftortreat hashtag on Facebook.com/Savers, @SaversVVillage on Twitter and @Savers_thrift on Instagram.