Picking Out the Right Halloween Costume

By: Riley Carney

“Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us.” — Tim Burton

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I love the decorations, scary movies, and, of course, the endless candy! My favorite part is picking out a costume. It’s the time of year when you can transform into anyone or anything you desire. Picking out a Halloween costume allows your creativity to shine. Whether you’re a trick-or-treater, a party-goer, or just a Halloween super fan, finding the perfect costume can be a thrilling endeavor.

1. Reflect on Your Interests

One of the best places to start when selecting a Halloween costume is to consider your interests. What movies, TV shows, books, or hobbies are you passionate about? Your costume can be a fun way to pay homage to something you love. Whether you’re a sci-fi fanatic, a history buff, or a fan of classic horror, there’s a costume for you. For example, if you’re a “Star Wars” enthusiast, dressing up as your favorite character like Darth Vader or Princess Leia can be a blast.

2. Embrace Current Trends

Halloween costumes often reflect the current pop culture trends. Pay attention to what movies, shows, or memes are making waves in the year leading up to Halloween. Going as a trending character or concept can make your costume timely and relatable. Think about iconic moments from the past year and how you can recreate them in your costume.

3. Classic Halloween Icons

Sometimes, the classics are timeless for a reason. Consider dressing up as a classic Halloween icon, such as a witch, vampire, zombie, mummy, or a ghost. These staples never go out of style and offer a chance to put your unique spin on a well-known character. You can experiment with various interpretations, from a spooky to a cute and friendly approach.

4. Group Costumes

If you’re celebrating Halloween with friends or family, group costumes can be a fantastic choice. Coordinate your costumes with your companions to create a theme. Whether it’s the cast of a popular TV show, superheroes, or even famous historical figures, group costumes can be both fun and visually impressive.

5. DIY vs. Store-Bought

Do you want to create your costume from scratch (DIY) or buy a pre-made one? DIY costumes can be a good way to express your creativity and save money. However, store-bought costumes are often more convenient. You can also mix and match between the two, personalizing store-bought costumes with unique DIY elements.

6. Consider Comfort

Comfort should not be overlooked! Remember that you may be wearing your costume for an extended period. Make sure it’s comfortable to move and breathe in. If your costume involves a mask or headpiece, ensure you can see and breathe properly. Comfortable shoes are also essential, especially if you plan to walk around or attend a party.

Picking out a Halloween costume is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and imagination. Whether you’re aiming for a spooky, funny, or jaw-dropping look, the key is to have fun during the process. Reflect on your interests, stay up-to-date with trends, and think about whether a classic, a group costume, or a unique DIY creation is right for you. Whichever direction you choose, remember that Halloween is all about enjoying the magic of transformation and embracing your inner character.

2023 is Well Underway…

By: Victoria Croft

Now that the New Year’s glitter has settled, and we are finished eating our heart-shaped Valentine’s chocolates, it’s safe to say that 2023 is off to a swift start. But where will it lead us in the world of PR? Let’s see which trends we may see soar in the new year and which practices will be left behind…

  • Influencers Continue to Rule

It’s no secret that traditional media is on the decline. Social media outlets continue to expand, and influencers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“It’s expected that brand spend with influencers will increase by more than 23% in 2023. Additionally, 80% of marketers found influencer marketing effective or very effective, and 71% say it produces better leads than other forms of marketing,” says PR Daily.

It is recommended that you invest in relationships with influencers with vast, but targeted, audiences. It may cost a pretty penny, but as we roll into 2023, influencer visibility will still be considered priceless.

  • Face to Face

Almost three years ago, a pandemic surged across the entire planet and changed our lives entirely. Working from home, Zoom and online events all became the new norm. However, as mask requirements were lifted and vaccines became available, people were able to rejoin the world and their communities again.

PR professionals, journalists and influencers are ready for more face-to-face interactions. While Zoom calls will likely still stay a major player in everyday logistics, it is expected that events and interviews will continue to rapidly progress to in-person settings.

“Face-to-face conversations yield more in-depth insights, and this PR shift is particularly applicable for critiques and discussions of sensitive or contentious matters,” says Entrepreneur. “However, brands should expect a rise in demand for in-person consultations and do what they can to make members of their personnel available.”

  • Ditch the Mass Pitching

Want to stand out to a specific reporter or outlet? Stop mass pitching and choose quality over quantity! Lean on a “small-batch” approach when sending pitches and leads.

“There are more PR practitioners and fewer journalists than ever before. Taking a ‘spray and pray’ approach is likely to be ineffective as journalists are looking for relevant, engaging content that is tailored to their publication,” says Beth Nunnington, VP of digital PR and content at Journey Further.

Let us know what else you expect to see in 2023 and which trends you think are SO “2022!”