Every year, I am stunned by the creativity Marlborough students bring to Pumpkin Day. Everyone goes all out and it’s clear how much thought and time goes into making students’ creative costumes. Don’t get me wrong, solo costumes are great, and when done right, can be really cool. But I enjoy group costumes the most, especially with the vast selection of current pop culture and TV references. There are so many ideas to choose from for your next group costume that give you the opportunity to be a little more creative than just a group of fairies, pirates or boxers (not that there’s anything wrong with those). So here are some ideas in case you’ve hit a roadblock and need to get your creative juices flowing. Take notes:
‘Challengers’
The movie “Challengers” was a pop culture hit, and I better see it as a costume this year. It’s easy to execute. You need three people, four if someone’s willing to be a tennis ball. Two in men’s tennis clothes and one in a tennis skirt, tank top and, although controversial at Marlborough, a Stanford hoodie. You can carry a tennis racket for the extra effect, and bonus points if someone holds a churro.
‘Inside Out 2’
The sequel to “Inside Out” created new characters that can be your next costume! For example, you can nail Anxiety with a striped orange sweater, an orange wig and a dash of orange face paint. You can also choose from Embarrassment, Ennui, Envy, Nostalgia and, of course, the OG emotions.
Beanie Babies
If you are looking for an easy and comfortable costume, you’ve already been a Care Bear, then Beanie Babies are a great option for you. I have never seen a group do Beanie Babies, and it’s about time those iconic stuffed animals get some recognition at Marlborough. Put on a onesie and make a red heart that says “TY” and you’re all set. This costume isn’t too basic, as you won’t see everyone wearing it, and it also doesn’t take much time to put together.
The ‘Taste’ Music Video
After a long wait, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Short and Sweet” finally dropped in August alongside the memorable music video for one of the album’s most popular songs “Taste.” The music video features Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega being the perfect muses for your next Halloween costume. They have multiple outfit changes but the most iconic one you should recreate is the one where Sabrina wears a blue plaid set and Jenna is in a black strapless dress. Add some blood, heels and a chainsaw if you really want to go all out.
‘Love Island’
You could be the next “hot new bombshell” by dressing up in “Love Island” fashion. Rob is easy: Just grab a pair of overalls. If you want to spice things up, get someone to be Leah. The best part is that your group can be as big or small as you want. Just make sure you have enough tropical attire and black necklace mics to go around.
Barden Bellas
I am bringing it back to the classics: The beautiful days when “Pitch Perfect” was in its prime. You and your friends can all get matching blue uniforms with white polos and yellow scarves. One person holds the pitch pipe, and everyone else can hum “I Saw the Sign” on repeat. The costume, like the original performance, will be unforgettable.
Now you have the perfect guide to a memorable Halloween. I hope these ideas helped you come up with the perfect, non-boring costume. I can’t wait to see any of these outfits, or whatever else these ideas inspire you to come up with on your own, at Pumpkin Day 2024!
