These TikTok Halloween Trends Are Gen Z Approved
By Shannon RaphaelSep. 24 2020, Updated 2:57 p.m. ET
With Halloween taking place in the midst of a pandemic in 2020, TikTok may be one of the only "public" places for people to show off their costumes. It's unsurprising, then, that people are looking to the video app for costume inspiration, and for the latest on trends to celebrate the holiday.
Many users are rating their past costumes on a scale of 1 to 10, while others are demonstrating how to create appropriate looks with items you likely have laying around your house.
From looks that are on par with how crazy 2020 has been to aesthetics made popular on the app, keep reading for 9 TikTok Halloween trends that are ~spooky~ and are Gen Z approved.
1. Try out a makeup look, like the Sanderson Sisters from 'Hocus Pocus.'
Though most top TikTok users weren't born when the cult favorite Halloween movie came out in 1993, the Sanderson Sisters have won new fans thanks to Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween and the creation of Disney+. The costume idea is a top pick for groups of three, and the one-liners from the movie are perfect for TikTok sounds.
Many users have posted makeup tutorials to achieve their looks.
2. Dress as your favorite TikTok aesthetic.
The battle between Straight TikTok and Alt TikTok rages on, and 2020 has been the year of identifying what your style is. Whether you gravitate toward an E-girl or E-boy look, or you're more whimsical with cottagecore, or you're proud to still be a VSCO girl, there's no shortage of ways to emulate the different aesthetics.
3. These looks work well for duos.
One of the most-viewed Halloween costume videos on TikTok is by user @MaddieSaysYeet, who came up with a slew of looks for pairs. From the creepy twins featured in The Shining to Daphne and Velma from Scooby Doo to the ever-popular plaid look from Clueless, there are plenty of dynamic duos to emulate. Other people posted fun couples costumes ideas.
4. These ensembles work for groups of three.
If you're spending the day with a few friends, then a small group costume look is just the ticket.
Fictional trios from Mean Girls, Totally Spies, and The Powerpuff Girls have been making the rounds on TikTok.
5. Some costumes are definitely more pandemic-friendly than others.
While the group in this video seems to have worn these get-ups during a past Halloween, there's no denying that the snowglobe idea incorporates a face shield into a clever costume, making it perfect for 2020. This group selected snow globes from around the world, but there are a multitude of ways that people can put their own touches and individualities into this look.
Other creative costume ideas that incorporate a mask or a face shield include dressing as the DJ Marshmello, or being any variation of a cowboy/cowgirl (because you can use a bandana as a mask).
Going as a zombie medical professional will also likely be a popular choice for 2020.
6. Get in on the trends and channel the supernatural with a ghost photoshoot.
Another pandemic-friendly idea (if you're attempting to go out on Halloween) is dressing as a ghost. The user in this video made a joke out of getting ghosted, which is another way to modernize this timeless, easy ensemble.
Also, the ghost photoshoot hashtag has already gotten billions of views on TikTok. If you're staying at home on Halloween, you can create your own video and get in on the fun.
7. Or you can dress as your favorite TikTok star.
TikTok has given us stars like Charli and Dixie D'Amelio, the Sway Boys, and Addison Rae, among others. While you can't copy their follower lists, you can dress like the top TikTok influencers — whether that means wearing Tie-Dye grabbing a Dunkin Donuts cold brew to be like Charli, singing "Be Happy" by Dixie, or scrunching your nose like Addison.
You can take the Addison costume a step further and make it into a timely group costume by getting a friend to dress like Kourtney Kardashian.
8. Rank a costume you wore as a child or the ones you wore in school.
If your Halloween plans are up in the air (or they're just not happening), one popular trend on the app is to rank and rate your past costumes. While some are using this as an opportunity to showcase their best looks, others are giving people laughs with ideas they had as kids.
9. Or channel characters made famous by the app, like Willy Wonka.
Another somewhat unexpected trend to come out of 2020 was users' fascination with 19-year-old Duke Depp, who got famous for impersonating the Johnny Depp version of Willy Wonka.
Unlike the 2005 film version of the Roald Dahl character, Duke's interpretation of the candy factory owner was a bit more risque. He twerked in some videos, showed off a lot of chest in others, and he even apologized for "ruining" people's childhoods.
It's a bit meta to dress as someone who is impersonating someone else's depiction of a fictional character. But recreating this TikTok phenomenon as a costume only requires a wig, some glasses, and a robe or a jacket. However you decide to spend Halloween this year, you can always seek inspiration from TikTok.
