Each year a new batch of Halloween costumes becomes popular. There are perennial favorites this time of year, like witches, ghosts and monsters. But popular culture is always reflected in people’s Halloween costume choices.

For the fifth year in a row, people around the country will be showing supporting the troops by dressing up as soldiers. A soldier costume, whether pieced together from an army surplus store or purchased ready-made at a costume shop, is a popular choice. Men and boys alike can use this easy costume idea.

The phrase “everything old is new again” certainly applies to the next Halloween costume trend: the 80′s. Fashion and hairstyles from the 1980s now have retro appeal and make terrific costumes. Teens and young adults especially enjoy dressing up in retro 80′s goth costumes, or 80′s punk costumes. Acid-wash jeans, glam makeup and lots of “big hair” make the perfect 80′s wear for women who want to relive their teen days.

Politicians are always popular costume choices, and even more so this year as we are 13 months away from the next election. Men can choose from one of several George W. Bush masks. Political front runners Barack Obama and John Edwards are also likely costume choices. Women who want to get in on this costume trend can dress like Hilary Clinton or Condoleeza Rice.

The Simpsons made the leap from T.V. to the big screen this year, so costumes of the characters will be a big hit this season. Dressing like Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie would be great for a family of 5. Dressing like any one of the other characters, like Mr. Burns, Patty, Selma, Moe or Barney will be popular as well.

For the kids, there were plenty of feature films to draw costume inspiration from. Harry Potter and Spiderman, both popular costume choices in previous years, made their return to the big screen. Harry Potter’s trademark glasses, robes and a wand are going to be popular this year, as well as costumes that depict his many friends and foes at Hogwart’s school.

Spiderman has always been a popular costume, but this year the costume of his enemy Venom may be just as popular. This “black” version of Spiderman will probably sell out quickly. The other Spiderman 3 foes, Sandman and the New Goblin, will be popular picks as well.

Transformers was a summer blockbuster, and you can bet that Transformer costumes will be a hit this year. Optimus Prime, Megatron and Jazz costumes will be on the top of many boys‘ lists.

For the girls, the Disney Princess and Disney Fairy costumes will be as popular as ever. Dressing like one of the enchanted Princesses of the Disney movies will always be a little girl‘s dream come true. The new Fairies line features costumes that are just as delightful for little girls.

The movie “Hairspray” has inspired a flashback to 60′s dance wear. Girls, teens and even their moms will be dressing up like they are going to sockhop. Full skirts, crisp white shirts and bouffant hairstyles will be in style this Halloween.

No matter what type of costume you’re looking for, there are plenty of popular choices for 2007 for every member of your family.