Retail

10 buzzworthy Halloween costumes

Splashiest costumes for Halloween 2015

Fergregory | Getty Images

Planning to go all out this Halloween? You're not alone.

With box-office heavy hitters from "Star Wars" to "Jurassic Park" serving up inspiration, 2015 is shaping up to be a year of ornate costumes.

"We're seeing a really large uptick in the classic ['Star Wars' costumes] and these price points are typically a little higher because they're so detailed," said Bob Humphrey, chief merchandising officer of BuySeasons, the parent company of BuyCostumes.com.

That's not to say budget-conscious shoppers will need to shell out big bucks to participate. As always, there are plenty of do-it-yourself options, including a take on the latest social media sensation: Pizza Rat.

And with the spooky holiday falling on a Saturday this year, there's a good chance shoppers will stock up on multiple costumes or accessories, which bodes well for spending, Humphrey said.

A recent forecast from the National Retail Federation, however, paints a gloomier picture. The trade group predicts that consumers will spend $6.9 billion this Halloween, compared with a forecast of $7.4 billion last year.

For a look at this year's buzziest costumes, click ahead.

—By CNBC's Krystina Gustafson
Published 28 Sept. 2015

Disclosure: Universal, which created "Jurassic World," is part of NBCUniversal, as is CNBC.

Pizza Rat

Rat carries pizza in subway costume.
Source: Savers/Value Village thrift stores

From snoring kittens to sliding pandas, the Internet is no stranger to overnight animal sensations. But the must-see clips typically don't involve rodents.

After one New York City rat was caught on video carrying a slice of pizza down the stairs, the team at Savers thrift stores fashioned a do-it-yourself take on Pizza Rat that's perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.

All you need to pull off the look is head-to-toe gray apparel, faux ears and a piece of pizza. Just try not to chow down before the night is over.

The Dress

Source: Yandy.com

Is it white and gold or blue and black? Regardless of which team you're on, online costume shop Yandy's take on the viral phenomenon that sparked more debate than the upcoming election can now be yours.

According to a recent survey by Savers thrift stores, almost 30 percent of consumers said "The Dress" will be the 2015 event that inspires the most Halloween costumes.

Caitlyn Jenner

Call Me Caitlyn Unisex Adult Costume
Source: anytimecostumes.com

Celebrity costumes are a perennial favorite. But several takes on Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair cover stirred up debate months ahead of Halloween.

Following a social media firestorm, in which consumers called the costume insensitive to transgender issues, a search for AnytimeCostumes' version, seen here, now comes up empty. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But Spirit Halloween, which carries its own exclusive version, is still selling the outfit. The retailer said last month that it is "proud to offer a costume inspired by Caitlyn Jenner."

"At Spirit Halloween, we create a wide range of costumes that are often based upon celebrities, public figures, heroes and superheroes," said Lisa Barr, senior director of marketing at Spirit Halloween.

"Caitlyn Jenner is all of the above and our exclusive Caitlyn-inspired costume reflects just that," she said.

'Sexy' Donald Trump

Donna T. Rumpshaker costume
Source: Yandy.com

Political get-ups typically gain steam during an election year. But BuyCostumes.com noticed that this time around, candidate costumes are in demand a full year earlier than usual.

"There are so many characters that are running," Humphrey said.

Popular takes include the typical masks and wigs. But there are also edgier options available, including Yandy's sexy spin on Donald Trump—the "Donna T. Rumpshaker."

Lion-killer dentist

Source: Costumeish

There's always one costume that borders on too-soon. Last year, it was the hazmat Ebola suit; this year the distinction goes to Costumeish.com, which is selling a "Lion Killer Dentist" outfit.

"Our Cecil Lion Killer Dentist Costume features a severed lion's head mask, bloody smock, and bloody gloves for a gruesome, complete look," the site says. "We reserve our right to freedom of speech and expression and will not be removing this costume for any reason whatsoever."

Due to "overwhelming demand," the costume's price has been raised to $139.99, from $59.99. Company CEO Johnathon Weeks said it is one of its most popular costumes, and hundreds have been sold.

'Star Wars'

Source: BuyCostumes.com

With the next installment of the "Star Wars" saga roughly two months away, the National Retail Federation, Spirit Halloween and BuyCostumes.com all ranked the franchise as one of the most popular ideas for 2015.

But the idea isn't limited to two-legged fans.

"We're seeing a big uptick in pet costumes," said BuyCostumes.com's Humphrey, adding that sales of these items have picked up earlier in the season than usual.

'Jurassic Park'

Source: Party City

"Jurassic World" broke box office records this year, inspiring a slew of dinosaur-theme costumes. One of the more clever takes is this inflatable T-Rex costume, which includes a battery-operated fan.

"We're selling these like popcorn already," BuyCostumes.com's Humphrey said.

Left Shark

Source: Costumeish

Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance generated a lot of buzz—though not necessarily because of the singer herself. Instead, it was the uncoordinated dance moves of one of her dancers, dressed in shark attire, that people were still talking about weeks later.

Costumeish.com tapped into the fun with this "Left Shark" costume.

"Do you know the dance moves? The Left Shark sure doesn't. This hilarious costume captures the fun of the 2015 Super Bowl and Katy Perry's iconic performance at half time," the site says.

Emojis

Source: Disguise.com

Who needs words anyway? The emoji craze has gotten so big that even Hillary Clinton has been immortalized as the cartoonish figures. New this year, Disguise is selling two yellow emoticon masks that will leave you smiling or winking all night.

Pretty Princesses

Source: Disguise.com

You can always count on princesses to make the most popular list. Momentum is holding strong for the "Frozen" characters, while the latest "Cinderella" film has spawned new takes on the classic movie.

Humphrey noted, however, that while princesses remain in demand, so too are what he calls the "anti-princesses." These include the evil characters from Disney's "Descendants."