As Halloween creeps closer, GCSU students are gearing up for “Halloweekend.” This time of year, many students look forward to the multi-day celebration where costumes, creativity and fun-themed parties take center stage.
Costumes range from throwbacks to the latest icons such as Chappell Roan. This year’s Halloween costumes are expected to feature a variety of both classic and modern looks. From popular movie characters to traditional choices like ghosts, students are preparing a range of creative costumes for the upcoming festivities.
Costume trends are ever evolving, with students at GCSU looking forward to seeing this year’s most anticipated outfits.
“My favorite costumes are the ones that are really creative,” said Ally Burns, a junior marketing major. “I like it when people think outside the box and do something unoriginal. I also like scary costumes, but not on myself.”
For Halloweekend, Burns plans to dress as a mermaid and a Hershey’s Kiss, with her third costume still undecided.
“Apparently Strawberry Shortcake will be a big thing this year, and obviously Barbie. Burns said. “I feel like that is always a repeat costume.”
Madelyn Agostini, a junior mass communication major, whose birthday falls on Halloween, is set to be a black cat this year. She is excited to celebrate both the holiday and her birthday.
“My favorite part about Halloween is seeing everyone in their costumes and pretending to be their favorite characters for a night.” said Madelyn Agostini, a junior mass communication major.
Agostini predicts that Game of Thrones couples’ costumes will be popular this year, alongside a surge of mermaid-themed outfits. Costumes that bring fantasy and nostalgia to life continue to resonate with students.
Halloween at GCSU is not just a one-day affair, as students often wear various costumes from Thursday to Saturday. With three nights to celebrate, creativity runs wild, and this allows students to show off their costume-making skills.
“I think I’m gonna dress as an espresso martini,” said Anna Hunger, a senior political science major. “Probably the scary movies and candy corn.”
Halloween is not as exciting as it is for others. Various factors can include personal beliefs, past experiences or even a dislike for the holiday’s darker themes.
“I don’t really like Halloween because I’ve never been interested in it.” said Zeke Hull, a senior nursing student. “ It’s all kinda boring to me.”
He fondly recalled past costumes from his childhood, including Superman and Spiderman. While not dressing up himself this year, Hull anticipates seeing a Buzz Lightyear on campus, which taps into nostalgic themes of classic films.
Although Halloween is targeted more towards students and kids, the Halloween spirit also reaches local businesses in Milledgeville that are keen to join in on the fun. Ivan Manoylov, owner of Shima Sushi Bar and Grill, among many traditions he loves the tradition of dressing up.
“Candy! The variety of candy this time of year, especially from trick-or-treating.” Manoylov said.
Manoylov, whose go-to costume is the Brawny Man, also predicts popular costumes for this year. His daughter, Mila, will be dressing up as Minnie Mouse, adding a sweet, family-friendly touch to the celebration
“For the kids, I think there’s gonna be a lot of Elsa and Bluey costumes. Manoylov said. “Then there’s always the classic witch and playboy bunny,”
Pop culture continues to play a significant role, with costumes from major movies and shows leading the way.
The new sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is predicted to be a massive hit, with fans gravitating towards both Beetlejuice himself and Lydia’s iconic outfits. The Barbie and Ken craze from last year is also sticking around, making the vibrant pink aesthetic a Halloween favorite, yet again. Other highly anticipated costumes include Wednesday Addams and new emotions from “Inside Out 2.”
Social media platforms impact Halloween costume trends, with influencers sharing costume ideas. Platforms like TikTok have inspired costume ideas, stemming from videos gauging viewers with titles such as “Niche Halloween Costume Ideas” or “Basic Last Minute Costume Ideas”.
Costumes like Strawberry Shortcake, classic horror icons and popular pop culture figures are anticipated to be popular choices among GCSU students and locals during this year’s Halloween festivities. Social Media continues to influence the choices of students as each year they aim to be unique in their costume pick.
