Halloween in Leeds: Nostalgia Meets Street Style

Christelle Al Abbasi on 28 October 2024

As temperatures drop and October settles in, the anticipation begins—Halloween is just around the corner, offering the perfect opportunity to embrace creative costumes alongside the best of Leeds’ autumnal fashion.

Leeds, renowned for its distinctive street style, finds itself once again at the centre of something much bigger—where fashion converges with cultural nostalgia and personal expression. This Halloween is shaping up to be a moment where the city’s flair for creativity and individuality shines, blending old school classics with fresh, modern twists. From the resurgence of animal prints to the revival of classic film costumes, here’s what’s shaping Leeds’ Halloween style this year—and how to make the most of it.

The Return of Animal Prints

Animal prints are making a bold comeback, a stylish nod to the Y2K era that’s back in full swing. Leopard, zebra, and snake patterns, once the hallmarks of early 2000s fashion, are effortlessly weaving their way into this year’s costumes. But what’s driving this revival? It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and accessibility—these prints not only channel fashion history but are also incredibly easy and budget-friendly to thrift or shop for.

Across campus, Hyde Park, and Headingly, animal prints are everywhere—from leopard-print Sambas to thrifted tube tops and Free People cardigans. Expect to see leopards, deer, and other animal-inspired costumes, with makeup taking these looks to the next level. A sleek cat-eye, headbands, or subtle animal face paint can refine and elevate the look. The beauty of animal prints is in their versatility; they’re just as relevant for a night out as they are for Halloween, fitting perfectly into a student’s wardrobe year-round.

Animal print make-up and costume ideas/Photos from Pinterest.com

The Return of the Fur

Over the past two years, fur jackets—both real and faux—have reclaimed their place as an autumn wardrobe essential. Whether it’s a nod to the glamor of the 70s or a revival of Y2K fashion, fur has become the ultimate layering piece, offering both warmth and sophistication as the weather cools. When it comes to Halloween, fur jackets add a sense of drama to any costume, transforming a simple outfit into a striking ensemble.

Take Cruella de Vil, for example—a fur jacket is the cornerstone of this iconic look, instantly evoking her unapologetic flair. But Cruella isn’t the only character or era you can channel with fur. Think of the classic Hollywood allure of Marilyn Monroe, draped in fur for a glamorous, old-school starlet vibe. Whether you’re embracing a villain or a screen icon, fur jackets elevate Halloween costumes, adding texture and visual interest to your look.

BDG Maxi Faux Fur Coat from Urban Outfitters/Photo from Urbanoutfitters.com

Cinematic Influence

Cinema has always been a driving force behind Halloween costumes, and last year’s wave of Barbie, Pearl, and Oppenheimer looks proved just how much influence the big screen holds. This year is no different, with films that once again set the tone for autumn style. From cult classics like Beetlejuice and Wicked to darker, moodier releases such as Saltburn, Smile, and The Substance, this season’s movies offer endless inspiration for Halloween costumes that blend film influence with individual style.

Classic film characters like The Bride from Kill Bill, Patrick Bateman, and the Joker remain Halloween favourites year after year. What keeps them fresh is their adaptability through street style. Rather than full replicas, it’s about reimagining them with statement pieces. For Beetlejuice, all you need is a black and-white striped top paired with modern tailoring. For the Joker, it’s bold makeup and green hair, paired with a statement jacket or thrifted suit. High boots or cowboy boots could even be made into the look of an Indiana Jones moment—these iconic looks are easily recognised but can be subtly elevated through everyday fashion.

Couples and Group Costumes

No Halloween is complete without the tradition of couples and group costumes, and this year is no exception. These looks are a staple of university life, offering a fun, cohesive way to celebrate as a flat or group of friends. From playful ideas like Dirty Martini and Espresso Martini to pop culture nods like Barbie and Ken, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Expect to see groups dressing up as characters from iconic films and TV shows. Imagine Ratatouille for food lovers or Wanda and Cosmo for something light-hearted. Other popular ideas include Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit, and even timeless pairs like Beauty and the Beast. For those who love a laugh, costumes like Kiss, Marry, Kill or Magic Mike can bring out the humour, while group themes like Peaky Blinders, Alvin and the Chipmunks, or Avatar ensure everyone gets in on the fun.

These costumes aren’t just fun; they’re a chance to showcase the creativity and camaraderie that come with uni culture. Whether you’re coordinating as a couple or going all out as a group, these looks ensure that Halloween remains one of the most exciting nights of the year for Leeds students.

Photos from Pinterest.com

Wunderhorse Live In Leeds: Raucous Rain & Sweaty Singalongs

Millie Cain on 28 October 2024

I feel like I’ve been waiting for a band like Wunderhorse for quite some time. That’s not to say we’re short of new, and very talented outfits rising through the ranks of the indie rock genre – in fact the opposite. Among a sea of similarity Jacob Slater reared his head (albeit with 2 fingers down his throat) and has steadily chipped away at the stereotypes easily associated with such bands. 

For, after all, what are Wunderhorse giving us that hasn’t already been done? Indie sleaze is dead and buried, despite how hard some bands may be gagging for its second coming. Post Punk has hit great heights and let’s face it; everyone’s favourite band Fontaines DC are mainstream artists now. Where is the crack to slip through? What fissure can bands root their fingertips into and grasp the light of a new opportunity? Perhaps the Victorian doctors were right and Slater’s restbite taking in the Devon coastal air imbued him with life after his notorious run with Dead Pretties and now Wunderhorse are giving us a live sound that beats out the streaming services by a country mile. 

Leeds was the first city to sell out this tour – even surpassing the band’s London home show. Not surprising, the Leeds music scene is a relentless one and its fans are never ones to let a good gig slide by. Just before the support walked out, the queue was rammed down the side of Leeds Beckett Union – and a game of ‘spot the mullet’ kept us entertained (imagine an opposite Where’s Wally? situation). Fans all down the line bonded over a shared issue – forgotten physical tickets. A once unimaginable situation and a nightmarish one at that. Thankfully, the Beckett box office were working overtime and got everyone packed in drinking very flat, overpriced Amstel and buying up the particularly nice merch that isnt dissimilar to the legions of quality band tees I’ve taxed from my dad’s wardrobe. 

Chatter filled the audience awaiting Wunderhorse’s arrival onto stage, it felt like a gig of a decade ago, notably one without blue screen light illuminating faces during conversations. The hum in the air was slowly building as an eccentric playlist prolonged the wait, until the white sheet fell, Wunderhorse’s moniker rose and I couldn’t hear myself think over the roar of the crowd as Staples, Woodin, Fowler and Slater stomped onto stage and straight into titular album track ‘Midas’. 

As much as I adore my Marshalls, and am so rarely seen without them, I would’ve cast them aside in an instant to capture the quality and tight sound of the band live. What Spotify could never grant me is the crackling in the air from the riffs and the hoarse intimacy of Slater’s voice cutting through the crowd. I had the luck to chat to drummer Staples this summer, and after learning that his favourite way to play was a. barefoot and b. noisy as all hell, he certainly delivered. There were moments we were stilled to silence, a crowd of gazing eyes and grinning smiles – we were enchanted by ‘Butterflies’ and nodding in unison to ‘Emily’. Stark to me was the word-perfect singalongs, perhaps they had a secret karaoke machine onstage I was not privy to, or perhaps we’d all just really rinsed the album on repeat but the crowd was the 5th member of Wunderhorse this evening. From reminiscing on long lost loves to the time wasted chasing them, ‘Cathedrals’ was a standout and a very exciting moment to hear live. With ‘Rain’ serving as a reminder of their capabilities as a rock outfit, however the air quite literally being thick with the moisture of sweat. With a set punctuated by Slater’s chatting about the songs, and with a bit of back and forth with the crowd, almost climbing into it himself during fan favourite ‘Purple’. There’s a reason he’s so successful no matter where he goes, he’s a captivating front man, always busy and engaging and had all eyes trained on him at once. But under this pressure and the blinding lights he does not buckle. With a band at his back that match his talent and return it twicefold he has no reason to fear his potential but only to push forth. 

‘Superman’ had the whole room holding its breath at once. A longer number that felt like it lasted an age and demonstrated the different levels that Wunderhorse can reach. They hold a sincerity that is rarely found within bands of this genre and it only works in their favour to be more vulnerable.  Following an encore, they returned to play ‘Teal’, accompanied by a bizarre slow motion mosh pit that quickly ceased to exist and instead the crowd locked arms to match Slater word for word. Finally closing on ‘July’ it felt like no time had passed at all, and Wunderhorse for me, solidified their importance and their growing cult-following will ensure this will only continue and into bigger spaces. 

Words by Millie Cain.