Halloween at Syracuse: What’s in Store for 2026?

By Isabella Magalhaes, Staff Writer Edited by Eleanor Unsworth

It seems each year on October 31st, those who celebrate have the same realizations about Halloween: first, it is overly expensive for a three-night-only event, second, three girls next to them are wearing the same costume, and third, they have to figure out what to wear all over again next year. It’s all about the race for the perfect Halloween costume. The ideal costume is one that’s sexy and confident, but doesn’t have to be pulled down every 5 seconds, and that's well-known enough that people will recognize it, but not so well-known that every girl will also be wearing it. The challenge is figuring out how to find it. 

Over the years, TikTok has become a helpful resource, with its endless videos on Halloween costumes and where to buy them. Recently, however, some have noticed that the more niche costumes from the previous year become increasingly popular the following year. For example, in 2023, when cheetah prints were slowly gaining traction, a few leopard costumes were spotted that Halloween. By the next year, the holiday had become a cat jungle, with all types of ferocious animal print swarming the streets. So what will be the biggest trend of the year, the most popular costume, and more importantly, the niche look destined to steal the spotlight next Halloween? 

This Halloween, multiple costumes seemed to trend. Ava O’Neil, a Syracuse freshman, stated, “I saw a lot of Victoria’s Secret Angels while out.” Recently, Victoria's Secret hosted its 2025 Fashion Show, one of the company's biggest and most renowned live events, featuring big names like Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, and Anok Yai. It was, therefore, unsurprising to see girls wearing pink and white striped robes, lace babydoll intimates, and a pair of white mini angel wings. But along with Victoria's Secret's popularity were the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. With the second season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders released earlier this summer, a resurgence of this costume followed the show’s popularity. The white and blue uniform was recognizable from any distance, with the sound of white boots and pom poms rattling all night. 

Dressing as an occupation proved to be a significant trend overall, with freshman Lily Pravada stating that she saw “plenty of makeshift sailor and flight attendant outfits” joining the angels and cheerleaders. The costumes mainly emphasized hats as the biggest accessories. With sailors sporting captain hats and flight attendants in stewardess hats, they truly “worked” this Halloween. 

However, occupations weren’t the only influential trend; animals and bugs were also very popular. Marshall Street was flooded with deer, bunnies, ladybugs, and bumblebees, with even mix-and-match Minnie Mouse outfits making an appearance. Superheroes were also very popular, specifically Wonder Woman and Superman, whose costumes often featured a red corset and cape paired with blue shorts and skirts. Lastly, the typical supernatural girlies were found everywhere, from fairies to vampires to mermaids. With so many different costumes, it was amazing to see the diverse and fun spirit that the Syracuse girls brought to the spookiest holiday. 

Students, though dressed and ready in their costumes, were already spotting and noting different ideas and costumes for next year. Surprisingly, even with the popularity of Wicked, there weren’t many Elphaba and Glinda costumes to be found in Syracuse. However, with the upcoming Wicked: For Good being released in theaters on November 21st, this could become the perfect niche costume for next year's Halloween. Alongside the cheery witches, students were enjoying the cheerful seasonal Santa costume. A red babydoll dress, a red hat lined with white fur, and knee-high black boots would make for a fun and possibly even warm outfit, depending on the accessories. This could be a popular and cozy costume for next year. 

If a warmer costume sounds more appealing after the horrendous rain and wind students were subjected to on Halloween night, a cavewoman would be an amazing costume with the fur boots, skirt, and top, complete with accessories like bone necklaces and belts, creating a sexy but conveniently warm outfit for walking or waiting in line outside. Lastly, for a big group costume, one of the best themes was the circus. This costume is perfect for next Halloween's big group costume as it allows for cohesion and balance alongside individuality. The ringmaster, with a bright red and gold top, the retro clown in a white corset with colorful pom-poms and devilishly bright clown makeup, the pink Katy Perry-inspired cotton candy, the chic black and white striped mime, and the purr-fect brown lion, would make any group truly stand out on Halloween night. 

So whether you’re leaning more towards the witchy galore of Wicked, feeling particularly festive with Santa, or feel like putting on the performance of the year with a group circus act, Syracuse students have shown how to truly make the most out of the spookiest night of the year and are ready to do it all over again next year.

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