5 Questions With: Odette Welling

After a quieter Halloween in 2020, consumers are ready to get back to their pre-COVID traditions—one of those traditions being dressing up in costume. Party City predicts costumes will be part of 96% of moms’ purchases this year, after a softer 2020.* Today we’re talking with Odette Welling, Category Director – Halloween Costumes, to hear about this year’s top costume trends.

It’s expected 89% of kids will trick-or-treat this year*, up from 56% last year. What does this mean for costumes this year?

We know consumers are looking to make up for Halloween last year—which means we’re expecting to see people go all out with their costumes this year. Things like over-the-top accessories, elaborate makeup, face paint, jewels, and special FX will help consumers really elevate their costumes and “get the look” they’re after.

What’s your early read on top trending costumes for this year? Give us a sneak peek on what the kiddos will be showing up at our door in.

2021 has been a big year for new movie releases and shows, and we know a lot of consumers look to these for costume inspiration. You can expect to see kids and adults in Space Jam, Cruella, Ghostbusters, and Michael Myers costumes. We also predict that Among Us, Bridgerton, and Euphoria inspired looks will be top costume picks as well.

Are there other notable trends in how people are dressing up for Halloween?

Families and friend groups love dressing up together! So, expect to see a lot of fun group costumes this Halloween. Additionally, we know that 45% of consumers want to be unique with their costume.* Party City offers an extensive line of accessories and makeup to help our customers differentiate their look.

Do people still make their own costumes? If so, how are we responding?

DIY costumes are hugely popular. Our large selection of costumes and accessories allows our customers to mix and match items to bring their costume together and create a look that’s unique. We also offer a wide selection of specialty makeup along with DIY makeup tutorials to help our customers complete their look.

What’s the most creative or memorable Halloween costume you’ve seen?

Kids love illusions—be it glow in the dark, sound effects, or looking taller. Some of the most creative costumes I’ve seen stem from these ideas, and this year we’ve developed a line of kids’ illusion costumes that will match back to their wild imaginations.

* Party City Independent Study in Partnership with BSM Media. August 24, 2021.