Popular Halloween Costumes from Popular Culture

by The Cowl Editor on October 24, 2019


Variety


How Television, Film, and Music Can Inspire Your Outfit

by Madison Palmieri ’22 A&E Staff

As the leaves start to fall and the days grow shorter, one of Providence College students’ favorite holidays rapidly approaches: Halloween. Whether they prefer spooky movies or handing out candy, students from freshmen to seniors get into the spirit of the season by dressing up.

Some costumes reappear every October, from the traditional witches and vampires to the more modern superheroes and celebrities. Each year, however, brings movies, television shows, and music for students to take inspiration from, and 2019 has been no exception.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY AIELLO ’17

On television, this year saw the end of one of the most beloved shows in recent history, Game of Thrones, as well as the much-anticipated return of Netflix’s hit Stranger Things. Both series’ popularity, as well as the myriad of characters in the ensemble casts, are sure to inspire fans. Those who are not fantasy lovers may choose to dress up as beloved characters from dramas such as Riverdale and The Handmaid’s Tale or comedies such as Brooklyn 99 and The Big Bang Theory. Without a doubt, some students will find a purple bandana and do their best Prison Mike impression or grab a stuffed monkey and dress up as everyone’s favorite paleontologist Ross Geller, proving the lasting appeal of classics like The Office and Friends.

In 2019, movies belonged to the superheroes. Marvel’s juggernaut Avengers: Endgame towers above the rest of the releases, but the studio’s Captain Marvel and Spiderman: Far From Home, along with DC’s Shazam! and The Joker, will provide plenty of inspiration for students. Whether students want to assemble their friends and be the Avengers or take on a darker role, these heroes and villains are sure to be present in Friartown this Halloween.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOPDISNEY

Those who still have not heard the spoilers for Infinity War, or have never heard of Tom Holland, need not despair; plenty of other films released this year can provide inspiration. On the one hand, for those longing for the days of trick-or-treating and Halloween specials, characters from Disney’s Aladdin, The Lion King, and Toy Story 4 can recapture the sense of childhood wonder particular to Oct. 31. Those aiming to scare, on the other hand, can look to films such as Midsommar or Us.

Students can also turn to the world of music for inspiration. From any of the iconic outfits Taylor Swift wears in her music videos for “ME!,” “You Need To Calm Down,” and “Lover” to the western vibes in the summer hit “Old Town Road,” music fans are sure to find a famous figure to emulate. Indeed, fans of rising musical stars such as Billie Eilish and Lizzo can become these artists, if only for one night.

The world of popular culture provides a host of shows, films, and artists for students to take inspiration from. No matter what they decide to wear, however, hopefully they will choose costumes that are respectful of other people, cultures, and ideas, so that everyone in Friartown can have a fun, safe, and happy Halloween.