While endlessly scrolling on your phone, whether it’s on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, your feed starts to slowly fill with more and more Halloween costume videos as October rolls around.

However, instead of seeing a wide variety of creative and unique ideas, you begin to notice that the same costumes are appearing repeatedly. The Lorax, the Silent Hill nurse, revealing Disney princess costumes, Victoria’s Secret angels, and many more all seem to dominate your feed.

You might come across a few videos of people hand-making their own costumes or putting together creative “closet costumes” from things they already own. But even then, those videos tend to be overshadowed by all the hot new costume trends that gain more likes and attention.

“Halloween is the one night of your year that you have a right to go as fully decorative as you want for an outfit, so you should attempt to be as creative as possible,” Junior Anna Scepanik shares.

So what really is Halloween? Traditionally, Halloween is a night for children, typically those under the age of 18, to go around their neighborhoods, knock on doors, and participate in the long-standing tradition of trick-or-treating.

Children and teens dress up as their favorite characters, movie icons, or even just things they find funny or cool. It’s the one night of the year where people can truly express their creativity and imagination through costume, without worrying about standing out or being judged.

However, in recent years, some conflict has been stirred up due to people repeatedly wearing the same trending costumes, as well as the growing amount of criticism aimed at others’ outfit choices.

A few types of costumes that have been especially popular among teens this year include The Lorax, the Silent Hill nurse, and overly revealing versions of Disney princesses.

These costumes tend to lack the creativity and originality that Halloween is supposed to celebrate. Instead, they often focus more on fitting in with what’s trending online or on creating a costume that will look good for photos and social media posts.

Turning characters from children’s shows into revealing or inappropriate versions can also have an impact on younger kids who see them out in public. It can create a confusing or negative impression for children who associate those characters with innocence and fun.

“Little kids might see them and they’re gonna ask their parents why they are dressed like that or what it is,” Junior Makala Lorenz shares.

Wearing something simply because it’s popular or gaining attention online shouldn’t be the main reason you choose a Halloween costume. It should be based on genuine interest, creativity, and self-expression — something that truly reflects who you are or what you enjoy.

While cost can sometimes be a concern, there are still plenty of ways to be creative without spending a lot of money. Many people have found that making their own costume or piecing one together from thrifted or reused items is not only cheaper but also more fun and rewarding.

In fact, buying a pre-made Halloween costume often ends up costing more than taking the time to make one yourself or assemble it from separate items.

So when next year’s Halloween season rolls around, take a moment to think about what really inspires you. Consider your interests, creativity, and what you’re capable of making on your own — because sometimes, the most memorable costumes are the ones you make yourself.