As Halloween draws near, the annual quest for the perfect costume intensifies for adolescents. This year's costume landscape is heavily influenced by the latest in pop culture, ranging from blockbuster streaming series to viral internet phenomena and timeless characters. The selections reflect current obsessions, providing a rich tapestry of choices for those looking to make a statement on October 31st. For parents, understanding these trends can transform the holiday from a guessing game into a shared experience, fostering connections through popular youth culture.

Details on the Hottest Halloween Trends for Young People

The countdown to Halloween is on, and for many households with pre-teens and teenagers, the discussion around costumes has been a year-round affair. As October 31st approaches, the excitement builds, fueled by a diverse array of pop culture touchstones. Here are the top nine costume ideas that are expected to dominate this Halloween, offering a glimpse into the minds of today's youth:

First on the list are the fierce female group HUNTR/X from Netflix's hit animated movie, 'KPop Demon Hunters.' Since its June premiere, their music has become an anthem, and their stylish, demon-hunting personas have captivated young audiences, making them aspirational figures. The film's record-breaking viewership on Netflix, coupled with an upcoming sequel, ensures these animated pop stars will be a popular choice.

Next up is the Labubu, a quirky plush monster with a toothy grin, originating from Chinese storybooks by artist Kasing Lung. These once-elusive figures became a massive trend this summer, adorning bags and belt loops. Their viral status was further cemented by tennis star Naomi Osaka, who showcased custom, bejeweled Labubu dolls at the US Open, and a 'RuPaul's Drag Race' contestant who sported a full Labubu suit at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Expect to see many interpretations of this charmingly odd character.

A more recent, yet equally impactful, moment in pop culture was Katy Perry's historic space flight. As a member of Blue Origin's inaugural all-female crew, Perry donned a royal blue space suit, captivating audiences as she experienced weightlessness and serenaded her fellow crew with Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World.' Her memorable journey is set to inspire numerous blue jumpsuit-clad, black-wigged Katy Perrys this Halloween.

Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show also left an indelible mark, particularly his fashion choice. His decision to wear Celine's flared Marco jeans from the women's collection sparked widespread discussion online. For teens looking to emulate this look, the key will be pairing them with distinctive sneakers and a backward cap, reflecting Lamar's unique style.

The perennial favorite, Taylor Swift, continues to influence Halloween costumes. While her 'Eras' tour has concluded, her recent engagement announcement to Travis Kelce has created a new, charming costume concept. Their viral Instagram post, captioned 'Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,' offers a sweet and humorous idea for couples' costumes.

From the 'Minecraft Movie,' the 'Chicken Jockey' emerged as an unexpected viral sensation. Already known to gamers, this baby zombie riding a chicken gained widespread fame through a social media trend encouraging moviegoers to shout its name during screenings. This year, expect to hear 'Chicken Jockey!' instead of 'trick-or-treat!' as young fans celebrate this quirky character.

Another curious trend baffling adults is the phrase 'six seven,' a lyric from Skrilla's song 'Doot Doot (6 7).' Popularized by sports content creators on TikTok, this seemingly nonsensical phrase has infiltrated the minds of tweens. Costumes featuring the numbers six and seven, or clothes adorned with them, will signify participation in this widespread, if perplexing, trend.

Wednesday Addams, portrayed by Jenna Ortega in the hit Netflix series, maintains her status as a Halloween icon. Her dark, stoic, and intimidating persona has resonated with a new generation, solidifying her place as a go-to costume for those who appreciate her morbid goth style.

Finally, Aunt Gladys from the horror movie 'Weapons' provides a fresh, spooky option. Her eccentric appearance – bright orange hair, pink blazer, oversized glasses, and smeared lipstick – masks sinister intentions. Teens are drawn to her creepy aesthetic, making her a compelling choice for those aiming for a balance of quirky and unsettling.

This year's Halloween promises a vibrant display of creativity, deeply rooted in the cultural touchstones that resonate most with young people. These costume choices not only reflect current trends but also offer a unique way for teens and tweens to express their individuality and engage with their favorite pop culture moments.

This year's Halloween costume trends for teens and tweens highlight the profound influence of popular culture on youth expression. From animated K-pop stars to viral internet phenomena, these choices reflect a dynamic interplay between entertainment, social media, and personal identity. Observing these trends provides a fascinating insight into what captivates and inspires the younger generation, demonstrating how even fleeting cultural moments can become defining elements of their celebrations.