Even though we’re still a week away from Halloween, Google already knows what the most popular costumes are going to be… or at least what the most searched-for Halloween costume terms have been, which is basically the same thing. Want to get in on the trends? Good news – you can put together many of them using pieces you find at your local Goodwill. So, what’s going to be popular this year?
Walter White
The tense finale of Breaking Bad had audiences around the country on the edge of their seats, so it’s no surprise that chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-cook Walter White is one of the most searched-for Halloween costumes this year. You have plenty of costume options if you want to go as America’s favorite antihero. To go as Season 1 Walter White, look for a green apron or green button-up shirt that you can wear with white briefs. To become alter-ego Heisenberg, look for a flat-brimmed black hat and tan windbreaker. New Hampshire Mountain Man Walt needs a plaid jacket and other winter layers, but should keep the signature black hat.
The Minions from Despicable Me
With the success of Despicable Me and its recent sequel, you’re likely to see plenty of people dressed as the films’ cute yellow minions. All you need for this costume is a pair of overalls, black boots, black gloves, some oversized goggles and, if you’re really dedicated to the costume, yellow body paint.
Daenerys from Game of Thrones
The HBO series Game of Thrones was one of the most talked about shows this year, and many people plan to channel the Khaleesi (aka Daenerys Targaryen) this year. She wears many different outfits over the course of the series, so you have a lot of options. Look for lightweight materials since Daenerys is from a warm climate—Grecian inspired dresses, halter tops, and maxi skirts in pastel or tan shades. Also keep your eye out for a platinum blonde wig to match Daenerys’ signature hair, and if you can find a plush dragon (or three!), walk around with it on your shoulder.
Miley Cyrus
Lots of people are probably going to dress up in Miley’s infamous VMA outfit, but consider bucking the trend and going as “Party in the USA,” Hannah Montana-era Miley Cyrus. To go as her Disney Channel alter ego, look for brightly-colored tops and skirts. A red or metallic jacket, cowboy boots, and a microphone would also be a nice touch. You’ll have people nostalgic for 2008.
The Robertson Family from Duck Dynasty
This addition to Google’s most searched for list might surprise some people, but not those who have been regularly tuning in to the surprisingly addictive A&E reality show Duck Dynasty. The Robertson family makes a great group costume and is pretty easy to assemble. Look for pieces like bandanas, baseball caps, and lots of camouflage. And if you don’t have time (or the ability) to grow an impressive beard yourself, keep an eye out for fake ones to complete the costume.
Whether you want to put together one of these pop culture costumes or go with your own creative vision for Halloween, your local Goodwill is a great place to find the perfect components. It’s a lot less time-consuming than sewing an entire costume (especially this close to Halloween) and a lot cheaper than buying ready-made costumes.
Juliana Weiss-Roessler is a freelance writer and co-owner of Weiss-Roessler Writing. This year, she plans to trick-or-treat as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, while her husband will be the Scarecrow and her 16-month-old will be dressed as the Cowardly Lion. There was some talk of bringing one of their tiny dogs as Toto, but the cute factor was outweighed by the likelihood of rampant barking.
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