PROVO — Halloween is getting bigger, and so are the budgets for costumes.
The most popular costumes for both genders are pirates, due to the Johnny Depp influence, said Taylor Maid owner Rick Taylor. The costume store is stocking lots of choices in buccaneer costumes, hats, swords and even coins.
New movies have a marked influence on the costumes and the quality people want, he said. Superhero costumes — Spiderman and Superman — are popular. For little girls, princess costumes still are popular, although many former princess wannabes are shucking the tiara for an eye patch and a scepter for a sword.
Women are going for sexier costumes, Taylor said — Snow White or Little Red Riding Hood in a short skirt and ruffled tops. Of course, the traditional witch costume remains popular.
Couple costumes are also popular: Raggedy Ann and Andy or mustard and ketchup. Wigs are popular as are Renaissance costumes, particularly for women.
"(Halloween) is just getting bigger," he said.
Expect to pay about $80 or more for a full length Renaissance cape or from $150-$175 for a quality pirate costume.
Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are popular at Archive Costumes, said shop manager Julie Ingram. But expect to find more modest versions at the rental shop.
Pirates are the most popular costumes, but while more pirate costumes are still available, first to be reserved are fairies with big wings, Ingram said.
"They're always first to go," she said.
Most costumes are adult sizes, but the shop has some children's costumes, including a fuzzy dog, a colorful bird and alligator.
New this year is an adult-size astronaut costume.
"We'll fly that one and see how it goes," she said. "It's way cool."
Many men choose to dress up as Zorro, she said.
"He's very dashing. Guys like that. Maybe it's because they get to carry a sword," she said.
A popular year-round costume is the knight in shining armor, often rented by guys who want to propose, she said.
Expect to pay from $30-$45 to rent a full adult costume, she said.
Pirates are the most popular costume at Partyland, as well, said manager Stefanie Grassley.
"Everyone wants to be Johnny Depp," she said.
Halloween shoppers are buying more accessories this year, she said. In addition to the costume, they also purchase the wig, teeth, fake bruises and the sword. Witch costumes also demand the "gross wart" accessory.
Sexy costumes are also popular, she said. Sexy versions of cartoon characters are catching the eye — and wallet — of many customers.
"Everyone wants to look better than the competition (at parties) last year. It's the one night you get to dress up and be anything you want to be, so you have to go the distance," she said.
E-mail: rodger@desnews.com