HALLOWEEN 2024
ARTICLES
Why are Women Being Objectified by their Halloween Costumes?
By: Jordan Hall and Siena Shah
Every Halloween, women across the world often find themselves being objectified—not just by men, but sometimes by parents, and even other women—for the costumes they choose to wear. To begin, Halloween is meant to be a holiday of self-expression, where anyone can embody a character they admire or connect with, whether that’s Remy from Ratatouille, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or Rapunzel from Tangled. It’s a night of freedom, where the costume you wear should reflect your choice, your vision, and your identity–even if just for a single night.
But for girls like me, that sense of freedom is often overshadowed by the pressure of judgment. I used to enjoy Halloween without worrying if a wig was “too sexy” or if my pink tutu was too small to be socially acceptable. It’s unsettling that today, so many people—especially men—view women’s costumes through a lens of objectification, as something meant for their pleasure… their enjoyment.
That’s not to say men are always to blame when they comment on costumes or think they have a right to judge. Women, after all, choose what they wear, and for many, Halloween offers a chance to explore their “alter-ego”—a side of themselves that feels empowered, confident, or even provocative. Sometimes, this means wearing something small or tight, not for anyone else’s validation, but because it makes them feel bold and in control of their own image. The problem lies in the way society interprets these choices, often reducing them to something sexual instead of respecting the self-expression behind them.
During our interviews with students at Kent Place School, many students from various grades shared their thoughts on the pressures they face when choosing Halloween costumes.
One student commented, “I love Halloween, but it’s frustrating to feel like I have to think about whether my costume will be judged. I want to wear what I like without worrying about being labeled, especially by people who don’t know me.”
Another shared, “It’s not just guys—I’ve had family members suggest my costume was ‘too revealing’ or ‘inappropriate’. It makes me feel like my choices are constantly being supervised, even by people who should understand me.”
When asked if these judgments affected their costume choices, one student replied, “Definitely. I sometimes end up going for a ‘safe’ option because I know I’ll be judged if I wear what I actually want. It’s supposed to be a night to try something different, but the fear of people’s comments kind of ruins it.”
These reflections from students reveal a deeper issue within how society views self-expression and autonomy. Halloween, in theory, is a night that encourages embracing individuality and stepping outside one’s usual identity. Yet, for many young women, it becomes a reminder of the pervasive judgments they face, whether from peers, family, or society at large.
This raises an important question: why must self-expression be limited by the gaze of others? The ideal should be a society where all individuals–regardless of gender–are free to choose their costumes without unwanted judgments or labels. The insights shared by these students at Kent Place School underscore the need for a change in perspective, where costumes are an act of personal expression rather than open invitations for critique or objectification. Perhaps that is indeed the real spirit of Halloween: transformation not just of appearances but also of how we see and respect each other's choices.
These anonymous voices reflect a shared sentiment: Halloween should be an opportunity for self-expression, but societal pressures and judgments often overshadow that freedom, transforming costume choices into a balancing act between personal expression and the need to avoid objectification.