By
Aaron Cowman
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Britney Spears, Harry Potter among the popular Halloween costumes
Halloween is the one time of the year when it is acceptable to walk the streets in outrageous garb without gathering too much attention from gawking onlookers.
Diversity seems to be the idea for costumes this Halloween, with many different looks for a disguise-shopper to choose from, such as pop culture icons.
"Britney Spears is real popular," said Julie Titus, co-owner of Adventure Costume, 5811 E. Speedway Blvd. "Everyone wants to be Britney."
The wizard craze has also been a common look, thanks to the popularity of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" books.
"A lot of kids are into Harry Potter this year," said Amy Hill, an employee at Creative Costumes and Formal Wear, 828 N. Stone Ave. "A lot of parents like it too."
Times change, and fashion does so accordingly. Popular looks from past years no longer have the same appeal, costume shop employees said.
"Star Wars hasn't been as hot this year," Titus said. "I was really surprised."
Some people are finding that going with an era is easier than a specific persona.
"The 60s and 70s look has been the hot ticket this year," said Leslie Frost, an employee at How Sweet It Was Vintage Clothing & Rentals, 419 N. 4th Ave. "Flappers and the mob look is big."
Titus also said that men and women have different tastes when shopping for a costume.
"Women want to wear something they can look sexy in and get away with," Titus said. "Men just want to be comfortable."
Women are drawn to the feminine long, flowing dress look, Titus said.
"I've noticed this year that a lot of girls want to be Southern belles," she said.
Similarly, men are discovering that costumes that present a strong, masculine look work for them.
"Pimps and gangsters are always popular," said Lauren Erickson, an employee at Desert Vintage & Clothing, 636 N. 4th Ave. "Guys want to be empowering."
"I see a lot of gladiators with the men," Titus added.
Couples are finding that matching costumes are perfect for the Halloween occassion.
"I've seen a lot of people wanting to be Raggedy Ann and Andy," Titus said. "Fairy tale stuff has been real big, especially for couples."
Other popular costumes this year include the belly dancer, gypsy and go-go looks for women, and Austin Powers and Batman for men.
