Disney’s Frozen characters are expected to top this year’s Halloween costume trends for girls while Spider-Man remains a top pick for boys, industry experts say.
According to National Retail Federation’s 2014 Halloween Consumer Top Costumes Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, an estimated 2.6 million children plan to dress up as one of Disney’s Frozen characters, while about 1.8 million children will dress as one of the re-imagined classic characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Princess (3.4 million), animal (3 million), and Spider-Man (2.6 million) will be other popular choices for children.
“Children and adults love to celebrate this fall holiday in all sorts of ways, and it’s clear dressing in costume will be a top priority for millions of people this year,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Given the popular holiday falls on a Friday this year, retailers can expect increased web and in-store traffic in the weekdays leading up to the big night, meaning consumers will need to keep their eye on specific must-have items as they are likely to go fast.”
The survey also found 75 million adults will dress in costume, and most will stick to traditional options, including a witch (4.8 million), animal (2.6 million), Batman character (2 million), and pirate (1.8 million)
Halloween retailer Party City analyzes pop culture, the latest fashion crazes, and Hollywood blockbusters to determine the year’s biggest costume trends. Here is Party City’s list of top Halloween costume trends for 2014: MARVEL-ous Heroes: With movies like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Captain America: The Winter Solider” and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” scoring box office records, it’s no surprise superheroes remain a top costume trend.
Disney Princesses: Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess, and Disney’s collection of beloved princesses make Halloween a fairy tale come true. Everyone’s favorite movie “Frozen” melted the hearts of parents and children nationwide. Widely considered the most popular princess of 2014, Elsa is capturing the imagination of little girls, creating a flurry of demand for the royal sisters of Arendale.
Day of the Dead: The growing influence of Hispanic culture in the U.S. has made this traditional Latin American holiday rise in popularity, making skull motifs, skeleton prints and sugar skull makeup popular Halloween trends.
My Little Pony Not Just for Kids: This Halloween, both children and adults are celebrating the magic of friendship with costumes inspired by the classic Hasbro hit, “My Little Pony.” Young adults began flocking to these equestrian best friends after the cartoon gained Internet fandom, and Party City offers My Little Pony costumes, mix and match accessories and character-themed clothing to satisfy this growing trend. Snuggly soft hoodies with pony ears and rainbow mane, sparkling “cutie mark” body jewelry and glittery blue Rainbow Dash wings are the perfect accessories to create a one-of-kind Pegasus pony.
Throwback Comebacks: Hollywood blockbusters and entertainment media are popularizing cherished characters from the 1980s and 1990s, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and Transformers.
Color Coordinates: Bright neon hues that span the color spectrum are all the rage in 2014, making color a great way to showcase a shopper’s personality. One-piece spandex Partysuits layered with jewelry, glasses and moustaches or ravewear paired with kaleidoscopic wigs, leg warmers and tutus create a bold costume with big personality.