Devin Jacobs
Halloween has a funny way of turning responsible adults into nostalgic chaos enthusiasts. Suddenly, the pull of pumpkin lights and cheap costumes feels irresistible, and dignity takes the night off. If you’ve ever caught yourself chasing teenage thrills with a mortgage, this list might hit home—grab your candy bowl and cringe with us.
Wearing Teen Costumes As Adults
Ah, the great Halloween squeeze, literally. Adult costumes inspired by teen designs always look fun online until real-life mirrors get involved. The fit is truly questionable. And when a seam pops mid-party, it’s less “sexy witch” and more “wardrobe malfunction with regrets.” Some memories really should’ve stayed in 2009.
Recreating High School Parties
It starts with “let’s throw a party like the old days” and ends with everyone yawning by 10:30. Trying to replay high school Halloween energy as an adult feels… forced. Beer pong meets back pain, and nobody’s skipping work tomorrow.
Using Outdated Teen Slang
Hearing someone shout “totally rad!” in 2025 is like spotting a ghost, fascinating but confusing. Adults who dust off old slang during Halloween parties mean well, yet the reactions say it all. A few polite smiles, a few blank stares, and one quiet wish that TikTok trends came with subtitles.
Copying Old Social Media Trends
Adults recreating their old Halloween selfies is the digital version of a time warp. Think duck-face and hashtags that expired before Vine did. Although it’s charming in a “mom found the filters” kind of way, when your spooky post says #YOLO, the real horror is the timestamp.
Reuniting Old Friend Groups
Nothing screams “adulting” like realizing your high school crew now lives in four time zones and needs a calendar invite to hang out. The dream of recreating old Halloween chaos usually turns into three cancellations and one awkward “remember when?” text thread. The vibe is less reunion, more group therapy.
Turning Costumes Into Competitions
Somewhere out there, an adult is emotionally invested in winning “Best Costume.” Suddenly, it’s high school again with whispering, judging, and posing for votes. Elaborate wings, full glitter armor, and maybe a minor meltdown. It’s all fun until someone realizes it’s a house party, not the Met Gala.
Attending Teen-Focused Events
There’s always one person who accidentally ends up at a teen Halloween dance, wondering why everyone’s quoting shows they’ve never heard of. The music’s loud, and the existential crisis is real. It’s the kind of night that teaches one lesson fast: always read the event description twice.
Reenacting Teen Romance Tropes
Matching costumes is cute. However, channeling that teen-movie romance vibe as an adult can go either way, from adorably nostalgic to deeply awkward. The “prom king and queen of 2010” energy hits different when everyone’s just hoping not to spill wine on their capes. Love’s still alive… just quieter now.
Decorating Like A Teen Bedroom
There’s a fine line between “festive” and “did a 15-year-old decorate this?” Adults trying to recapture that moody teen-bedroom energy fill their homes with fairy lights and glitter glue masterpieces. It’s cute until guests start asking where the beanbag chair went.
Drinking Like A Teen Again
Flashback to Halloween ‘09: shots flowing, no hangovers, no responsibilities. Fast-forward to now: two drinks and a regret sandwich. Adults trying to relive teen drinking games quickly rediscover biology’s cruel humor. “One more round” sounds bold at midnight. Then by morning, it’s just a horror story starring electrolytes and Advil.