Lately, though, I’ve seen conversations that Halloween is becoming increasingly polarized. While some people argue that Halloween has become too frightening for children, others have been arguing that the rise of sexy or comical costumes has diluted the spookiness of Halloween. All this debate has made me curious: Why did we start wearing costumes in the first place, and how did “sexy” costumes become the norm?

This time last year, I shared my recommendations for the most fun and flirty solo Halloween costumes for vintage fashion and media lovers. This year, I’m back with a twist: group costumes. While solo costumes are sometimes the most iconic, it can be fun to participate in a group costume. If you are lucky enough to have friends or a partner who have the same old-fashioned interests as you — or are generous enough to indulge your nerdy interests — Halloween is a perfect time to celebrate together.