College students often face challenges in selecting Halloween costumes, balancing creativity with the pressure to be recognized. With Halloween approaching, many find themselves rummaging through their closets the night before, trying to put together unique looks for parties on State Street.

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This year, Americans are projected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween, averaging $115.14 per person, according to the National Retail Federation. In this context, UW-Madison students are actively seeking ways to keep costs low amidst an expensive holiday that encourages spending.

As October progresses, students are on the lookout for costumes ranging from classic figures like zombies and vampires to trendy characters inspired by popular culture and internet memes. Madison's vibrant nightlife heightens the urgency for students to finalize their costumes for Halloween celebrations that stretch across the weekend.

Senior Hadley Wendorff pointed out the significant financial burden costumes can impose, noting that Madison’s Halloween atmosphere encourages multiple, often elaborate, costumes over one weekend.

Junior Lily Myhra shared that she spends between $50 to $100 searching for costumes on discount sites like Depop, highlighting the trend where students often have multiple costumes influenced by their peers.

Junior Matteo Rovera also echoed this sentiment, explaining that the desire to keep up with friends often leads him to own more than one costume.

However, while quick shopping options like Amazon and Spirit Halloween are tempting for their prices and fast shipping, they contribute to the detrimental effects of fast fashion. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and every year, 85% of textiles end up in landfills.

Students can still embrace Halloween while being mindful of sustainability. Suggestions from fellow UW-Madison students include:

- Shopping second-hand at thrift stores or platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

- Sharing costumes among friends to reduce waste.

- Utilizing items already in their closets.

- Investing in clothes that can be reused beyond Halloween.

- Avoiding reliance on fast fashion sources for their costumes.

By making conscious choices, students can enjoy Halloween without compromising their environmental values or their budgets.