By Emma Coleman, Film and TV Subeditor, and Megan Pantry, Second Year, Law
Say goodbye to disney princesses, cutesy animals and vampires with big plastic teeth because based on 2024/25 newly released films and classic Bristolian culture itself - we bring you the ultimate guide to non-basic ‘Halloweek’ fashion.
Let’s begin with your on screen inspo:
- Harley Quinn and Joker duo (Joker: Folie à Deux)
Before you attack me, I am NOT suggesting that this is in any way a new idea (evident by my 2016 costume as Harley Quinn - I had a really bad wig on), but instead that it has had a revival since the Joker: Folie à Deux (2024). With the Queen of pop herself, Lady Gaga, as Harley and Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker - they have brought all new ideas on how to dress up as these iconic comic book characters in a fresh and unique way.
- Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair duo (Wednesday)
Back for another season only last month, the gothic Wednesday costume is sure to resurface this year with the edition of her sunny counterpart, Enid. Easy to pull off with two plaits, a stern expression and a lot of black clothing, we expect people to rock this look on Halloween 2025, joined by our favourite brightly dressed werewolf. Dating back to 1991 when the original The Addams Family came out, she truly is a timeless character - you could also create a group costume with the rest of the Addams!
- Ellen Hutter (Nosferatu)
Premiered in 2024, Lily-Rose Depp gave us an eerily uncomfortable (but brilliant) performance of Ellen, based on the character in the original Nosferatu (1922). Whether you dress in her iconic white nightdress or a full on ball gown, the possibilities for this character are endless. Chuck your hair into a cheeky updo and try not to fall for a vampire in the club this Halloween - or better bring Nosferatu himself for a brilliant duo moment!
- Emotions group costume (Inside Out 2)
Another 2024 film favourite, and a brilliant costume for all in your flat, I present to you: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, Fear, Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment. I know this is technically a 'kids film' but the volumes it speaks to real life really makes it so significant - I don’t know any adult that hasn’t watched it! This is probably the easiest costume so far: throw on a brightly coloured top/dress and some colourful eyeshadow and you're sorted, more time for pre-ing.
- Elphaba and Glinda duo (Wicked)
We all saw the insane hype for this film in 2024, and anticipation stirs again for part two coming out in November this year, so there was never a more perfect time to let out your inner Shiz student. This is perfect for another black cat and golden retriever friendship. Whether you want to paint yourself green, or just put on a pointy black hat, I have no doubt that I will see this witchy duo on the streets of Bristol this month!
Patrick Sullivan
Not feeling inspired yet? Well check out some costumes unique to Bristol and University culture itself:
- Wallace and Gromit
For both film lovers and the chronically nostalgic alike, it would be a missed opportunity to spend Halloween in Bristol without dressing up as one of the city’s proudest exports: Wallace and Gromit. Created by the Bristol-based Aardman Animations, the franchise’s legacy is inescapable in the area (partly due to the Gromit statues that can be spotted throughout it)!
Since the characters are so recognisable, putting together a costume should be simple and cost-effective. A quick Vinted search for a green sweater vest and a red tie, and you have a Wallace costume! This simplicity also makes the costumes a sustainable choice – it would be possible to source large parts of them from your own wardrobe.
The costume isn’t limited to duos, either. Add a Feathers McGraw and/or a Norbot to create a Wallace & Gromit group costume!
- UoB Halls of Residence
This group costume is slightly unconventional, but also very fun! It covers the whole breadth of the spectrum of Halloween costumes – whether you want to don a historically accurate Victorian suit to be Bristol's own Isambard Kingdom Brunel, or throw on a chef's hat and your everyday clothes, there's something for you! There are definitely other accommodations that could be included, but I've put a couple of examples above: gold for Goldney, a judge for the Courtrooms, Brunel for Brunel House, a bride for New Bridewell, a baker for Hiatt Baker and Winston Churchill for Churchill Hall (bald cap not required, but strongly encouraged).
- Blackbeard
There are few Halloween costumes more ubiquitous and beloved than the pirate. However, for those looking for a slightly more unique twist to this Halloween classic, consider dressing up as Bristol’s very own swashbuckler: Blackbeard!
Born Edward Teach, the famous pirate is widely thought to have been born in Bristol in approximately 1680. In addition to Blackbeard himself being portrayed in countless films and TV shows (including Pirates of The Caribbean, Our Flag Means Death and Horrible Histories) he has also strongly influenced pop culture’s idea of what pirates were like. Think about it: the ‘pirate’ accent that you hear in films is really just a Bristolian one!
So, while dressing up as any pirate is a nod to Bristol in itself, the addition of a Blackbeard adds an even more Bristolian twist to the iconic costume.
Featured Image: Unsplash / Clothing rack
What are you wearing for Halloween this year?
