By early October, Halloween chatter is already filling the school’s halls. From brainstorming group costumes to debating whether to go DIY or store-bought, students are already planning how they’ll celebrate one of fall’s most anticipated celebrations.
Senior Lena Ross says she turns to social media for costume planning, describing online platforms as a source of inspiration for character costumes and last-minute DIY hacks.
“Typically, I go on TikTok and see what [costumes] are trending or if I can find one that I relate to. If TikTok’s [options] fail, my next move is to check Pinterest,” Ross said.
While store-bought costumes can be convenient, their DIY counterparts are becoming increasingly popular. Many students are turning to craft supplies, individually-sold pieces online, and even items from their own closets to create unique looks without breaking the bank.
“What DIY costumes appeal to me compared to store-bought ones is that you [the designer] can really put your thought and creativity into creating them,” senior Amanda Blondet said. “I’ve created a costume entirely from my own closet. Two years ago, I dressed up as Kesha and had to cut my own fishnet and shirts, then sew them together, and I loved it—it gave [the costume] a messy but chic look.”
Blondet added that DIY costumes aren’t just about saving money—they also showcase the wearer’s individuality more than ready-made looks.
“DIY costumes feel more personal because you [the designer] can always add your own creative touch, and even if the costume isn’t an exact [replica of its inspiration], many people can still tell it’s yours and even guess what you are,” Blondet said.
At the same time, traditional costume stores don’t draw the crowds they used to. With online shopping being so popular and just a click away, many students save themselves the trip. Some say they can’t even remember the last time they purchased a costume from a Spirit Halloween or a local shop.
“I usually stick to online options because I purchase my costumes last minute, so my dad will just order from Amazon,” sophomore Zee Tobins said. I can’t remember the last time I actually bought one in person— I went into a store last year just to look around, but didn’t end up buying anything. Most of the time, costume quality [in store] isn’t great, and I don’t want to show up in the same costume as everyone else.”
Tobins also said that online shopping offers wider possibilities beyond what’s found in stores.
“I think students are turning away from in-person stores because online has way more options overall—it’s like having all the stores combined from all over the world,” Tobins said.
Group costumes remain a
favorite Raider tradition, with students and faculty alike often coordinating outfits. Matching looks give everyone a chance to celebrate together and make their costumes stand out even more. Each year, faculty members join in by choosing department-wide themes that make the holiday even more memorable.
“The Math department gets together and we collaborate—we find something that can include many of our faculty members, with everyone wearing different costumes tied to the same theme,” Math teacher Jeanette Dodge said.
Whether elaborate or simple, DIY or store-bought, Halloween costumes bring the school/Raider community together and offer a chance for self-expression in a fun way.
“For me, Halloween is the time to be creative and feel like a little kid again,” Tobins said. “Everything is so much more serious as you get older, and this is one of those days that feels so opposite from that [spirit].”
