Halloween is a time where people can share their creativity, have fun, and have a great time filled with spooky fun and excitement. For generations, kids, teens, and adults alike have looked forward to dressing up as their favorite characters and monsters. Costumes made from scratch or carefully assembled outfits were a fun part of Halloween, often showing people’s effort, imagination, and creativity.
In recent years, there’s been some noticeable changes in how teenagers approach their Halloween costumes. Many prefer more casual outfits, like just everyday clothes or very minimal accessories, and still call them costumes. This brought me to the question: why is the culture of dressing up for Halloween changing?
One possible reason for this change could be how busy much of Gen Z is today. With full schedules, it’s easier to throw on a quick outfit rather than spend hours creating or shopping for a complicated costume – or for any sort of costume. Additionally, many social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have influenced costume choices. People want quick, eye-catching looks that can be shared quickly, leading to trends that favor minimalism and quick transformations over detailed, more complicated costumes. While trick or treating in Grayslake, a local parent said “My kid just wants a costume so we can go out and grab as much candy as possible. The creativity isn’t what it used to be, but at least they’re having fun.”
Another thing might be the ever so changing perspective of Halloween itself. Some see it less as a night of a holiday and more as a casual celebration. Today’s younger generation may not feel the same pressure or desire to make detailed costumes or put the effort they once put in. Instead, they are choosing comfort or humor over imaginative costumes.
Despite the changes, one could say the essence of Halloween fun, community, and self-expression still remains, even if the costumes look a bit different. However, the worry remains that the move toward bland or everyday outfits destroys the spirit of the holiday, which historically encouraged imagination and craftsmanship.
The evolution of Halloween costumes reflects a shift in Gen Z. While some cling to the traditions of the past, others choose the simplicity and convenience of modern life. Whether this trend will continue or revert remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the way people dress up for Halloween is changing – but, is it a trick or treat?
