Tradition keeps witch costumes on top of Halloween heap
— -- Many revelers will dress as well-known women this Halloween - from Jersey Shore's Snooki to performers Lady Gaga and Katy Perry - but the basic witch still reigns supreme as the most popular adult outfit, according to a National Retail Federation survey.
Just over 13% of adults who have their costumes planned have picked the witch.
Princess attire is tops among kids - but the witch also proved popular with the younger set. It came in second.
Spider-Man took third place for tots, and pirates took fourth.
Those who dress their pets favor pumpkin outfits — followed by devil and hot-dog costumes. Some owners even plan to dress their pets as cats and dogs. Go figure.
An emerging trend: The popularity of zombie-themed books, TV shows and video games has breathed some life into the "living dead" look, says the Federation. More than 2.6 million adults and children plan to don this creepy costume. It ranks ninth on this year's children's list - up from 22nd last year. It's fourth on the adult list, up from seventh in 2010.
Another frighteningly popular look this year: actor Charlie Sheen, according to research from retailer Party City. "People love taking on a completely new persona for Halloween, and who better then the wild and unpredictable Charlie Sheen?" says Party City spokeswoman Ressa Tomkiewicz.
Americans are slated to shell out $2.5 billion on Halloween costumes - spending more than $1 billion on children's costumes, $1.2 billion on adult costumes and $310 million on pet costumes, according to the NRF survey, conducted by BIGresearch.
