Leather pants, black tank top, high heels, ears and a tail — Ariel Angelico is ready for Halloween.
The 21-year-old public relations senior said she’ll wear a cat costume because it’s easy and cheap.
According to a study from the National Retail Federation, Angelico isn’t alone. The company estimated more than 1 million American adults will dress up as cats for Halloween. Other popular costumes, as culled from the responses of about 9,300 people, include witches, vampires, Batman characters and princesses.
Nava Ottenberg, owner of Persona Vintage Clothing & Costumes in Gainesville, said the store’s most sought-after costumes differ from the findings. She said she’s seen interest in pirate, disco, superhero and “Alice in Wonderland” clothing.
People’s costume choices could also give clues about their love lives, according to a study released by www.WhatsYourPrice.com.
UF assistant psychology professor Gregory Webster said he disagreed with drawing conclusions based on Halloween costumes.
“Costumes are something you wear one day a year,” he said.
Stephanie Baguidy, a 20-year-old public relations junior, said if she dresses up, she’ll be an NBA player. Baguidy said she doesn’t plan to spend a lot of money on her costume.
“It’s only a one-night thing,” she said. “I don’t need to be that into it.”
As for Angelico, having a popular costume isn’t a problem.
“Maybe I’ll find a bunch of other cats,” she said.
