Most Popular Halloween Outfits of 2012

Ever since I got married, choosing a Halloween costume has become a tag-team, cooperative effort.

My wife and I usually want something that matches, but isn't too cheesy. Fun and elaborate, but not too expensive. Thankfully, we were struck by a moment of brilliance last year as we decided to dress up as Pokemon's famous characters Ash (me) and Pikachu (my wife).

Sure, it wasn't the most grown-up costume of all time, but it was clever, fun, nostalgic, and most importantly, cheap. 

Americans will spend nearly $3 billion on Halloween costumes this year, and the majority of them will dress as witches, vampires, princesses and other traditional outfits.  

For those that don't feel very crafty, residents can always pick up a relatively inexpensive costume from the Spirit Halloween shop on Solomons Island Road. 

The National Retail Federation’s 2012 Top Costumes survey reports that 10 percent of kids plan to dress as a princess, while 6 million adults plan to go as a witch.

Batman is the second most popular costume for kids, while the character—along with other characters from The Dark Knight—is fourth for adults. 

Some people plan take their outfit cues from current events, whether it’s an athlete, political figure, or something else entirely.

“With nearly 1 in 10 celebrants taking their costume cues from current events, we’ll see plenty of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney look-alikes out-and-about for Halloween,” said Pam Goodfellow, a director at the survey firm BIGinsight. “However, we expect these ‘rivals’ will be able to find some common ground over the punch bowl or a bag of candy.”

One outfit that’s been anecdotally popular has been that of South Korean rapper PSY, the musician behind the hit song "Gangnam Style" recently featured in a University of Maryland flash mob and viral video. 

Shoppers have been coming to Halloween stores in to find the signature look of the entertainer.

“Now I’m thinking maybe I should get a blue tux, black sunglasses and a bow tie for those looking for it,” said one owner.

Pets will also play a big part in the holiday, as owners are expected to spend $370 million on outfits for the pets. The most popular costumes in that category are pumpkins, devils and hot dogs.

Fisher's Famous hot dogs on Central Avenue is hosting a "Canine Costume Contest" throughout October. 

The full list from the National Retail Federation

Top Adult Costumes

Top Children’s Costumes

Top Pet Costumes

1. Witch

1. Princess

1. Pumpkin

2. Vampire

2. Batman

2. Devil

3. Pirate

3. Spiderman

3. Hot dog

4. Batman character

4. Witch

4. Cat

5. Zombie

5. Disney princess

5. Bee

6. Vixen

6. Action/super Hero

6(tie). Dog

7. Princess

7. Pirate

6(tie). Ghost

8(tie). Ghost

8. Vampire

7. Action/Super Hero

8(tie). Nurse

9. Zombie

8. Witch

9. Cat

10. Ghost

9. Bowties/Fancy Collars/Bandanas

10. Superman

10. Superman

What are you dressing up as this Halloween? Let us know in the comments.