Aotearoa is in for a hit of pop culture this Halloween, with Kiwi looking to celebrities, movies and TV shows for costume inspiration, according to Trade Me’s top costume predictions.
Trade Me spokesperson Millie Silvester said the online marketplace has already been flooded with Halloween searches in the lead up to October 31. “Every year we see Kiwi jump onsite in search of the perfect Halloween get up with searches for costumes and decorations soaring.
“We’ve had a look at the top searches onsite along with some international costume trends to work out what creatures and personalities might be knocking on your door come the 31st.”
The online marketplace had already seen over 5,000 searches for Halloween stuff onsite, with Kiwi looking for everything from outfits to party supplies.
“There are currently over 20,000 costumes for sale onsite along with thousands of secondhand items for those feeling creative.
Miss Silvester said costume trends often reflect what Kiwi have seen hitting the big screen over the past 12 months. “This is definitely the case this year, with our three top costumes all based on the most popular on-screen characters of 2023.
“The faint hearted will be pleased to know things are looking a lot more fun than scary this Halloween.”
Barbie (and Ken)
Miss Silvester said the top costume this year is everything and Kiwi can expect to see Barbie (and Ken) knocking on their door this October.
“Barbie has forever been popular on Trade Me but ever since the release of Greta Gerwig’s live-action Barbie film starring Margot Robbie, we’ve seen a surge in interest in all things Barbie, including costumes for All Hallow’s Eve.
Since the beginning of October, Miss Silvester said the online marketplace had seen over 8,300 searches for Barbie – that’s up 69 per cent on the same time last year.
“With countless looks to recreate from the movie, the options for Barbie costumes are endless. Expect every type of Barbie to be hitting the streets; rollerblade Barbie, dance party Barbie, dream house Barbie, weird Barbie, and of course Ken.
“There’s even a life size 3D Barbie box onsite to complete your look.”
Taylor and Travis
Miss Silvester said it’s hard to go past one of the most prominent pop culture figures of the 21st century this Halloween; Taylor Swift.
“After her hugely successful Era’s tour, and rumours of Taylor Swift’s recent love interest, I think it goes without saying that many Kiwi will be dressing like it’s 1989 and taking inspiration from one of Taylor’s many hit albums.”
Since the start of the month we’ve seen over 4,400 searches for Taylor Swift onsite. That’s up 102 per cent on the same time last year.
“For this costume think lots of sequins, friendship bracelets or even a Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs football jersey.”
Oppenheimer and Wednesday Addams
“For those feeling a little more sophisticated this Halloween, we think a lot of Kiwi will be taking us back to the 1940s by dressing up as Oppenheimer. Think wool suit, tie and a fedora but don’t forget the pipe!”
This is a great option for those searching for a secondhand outfit idea with over 500 preloved wool blazers onsite to choose from.
“On the whole it seems Kiwi are taking more of a fun approach to their costumes this year and steering clear of scary looks. However, for those feeling a little more scary this year, Wednesday Addam’s will also be making an appearance on the streets thanks to Jenna Ortega’s hit Netflix series, Wednesday.
“This is a great option for those who have a lot of black in their wardrobe. Just add a long black wig, and ‘Things’ and you’re good to go.”
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