Shawn Mendes vs. Finn Wolfhard: The Ultimate Halloween Mustache Showdown and Style Battle
Halloween is a time for creativity, spooky fun, and, for celebrities, a chance to showcase their imaginative costume choices. This year, fans were treated to an unexpected yet delightful style showdown: a “mustache-off” between two beloved stars, Shawn Mendes and Finn Wolfhard. Both heartthrobs embraced the spirit of the holiday by sporting some rather impressive, albeit faux, facial hair. The question on everyone’s minds, and one that sparked considerable debate across social media, was simple: who wore it better?
It’s a familiar scenario in the world of celebrity fashion – two stars, one trend, and a passionate fanbase ready to declare a victor. But to find ourselves deliberating over fake mustaches worn for Halloween? That was an unexpected twist! Yet, the contrasting interpretations of this classic accessory by Shawn Mendes, 21 at the time, and Finn Wolfhard, then 16, made this a fascinating and tough decision. The “Lost In Japan” singer and the breakout star of Stranger Things each took to their respective social media platforms to unveil their festive looks, sparking immediate buzz. While Finn delved into the archives of classic teen cinema for his inspiration, Shawn took a vibrant trip back to the iconic era of the 1980s, creating two vastly different yet equally compelling ensembles.
Finn Wolfhard Channels a Cult Classic: Wooderson from Dazed and Confused
Let’s dive into Finn Wolfhard’s memorable Halloween costume first. The then 16-year-old actor, known for his roles in supernatural thrillers and fantasy series, took a delightful detour into the realm of 90s nostalgia. He donned a fake mustache that distinctively covered his entire upper lip, a crucial element for the character he was portraying. The light brown hue of the mustache didn’t quite match the dark, rich tone of his signature curly locks, but this slight discrepancy was entirely intentional, serving to perfectly capture the essence of his chosen persona. Finn wasn’t aiming for a perfect replica of his own hair color; he was embodying a character whose entire vibe was distinct from anything he’d showcased before.
On October 31st, Finn shared a mirror selfie of his carefully constructed getup, much to the delight of his followers. His caption was succinct yet profoundly iconic: “Alright alright alright,” it read. These three simple words immediately clued in fans to the source of his inspiration – the beloved 1993 coming-of-age film Dazed and Confused. The line, instantly recognizable to cinephiles, was famously uttered by a young, charismatic Matthew McConaughey in his breakout role as David Wooderson. Finn’s dedication to detail was truly impressive. He meticulously replicated Wooderson’s laid-back yet distinct style, including the precise way one sleeve of his white T-shirt was playfully rolled up, while the other remained casually undone. This attention to such subtle nuances demonstrated Finn’s commitment to delivering an authentic and truly memorable Halloween portrayal, tapping into a cultural touchstone that resonated with many generations.
Shawn Mendes Takes on the Roaring ’80s and a Music Icon
In stark contrast to Finn’s understated film reference, Shawn Mendes opted for a bold, high-energy homage to one of music’s most flamboyant eras. The “In My Blood” singer presented a look that was very put together, exuding a polished yet undeniably retro charm. Shawn’s costume centered around an ’80s-inspired windbreaker, a quintessential garment of the decade, featuring a striking palette of vibrant colors including electric green, rich purple, and fiery red. This piece alone screamed 1980s, instantly transporting onlookers back to an era of big hair, neon lights, and synth-pop anthems.
For his Halloween snap, Shawn adopted a playful, wide-open mouth pose, adding to the jovial spirit of his ensemble. Complementing the vibrant windbreaker, he sported a bandana tied around his head, a common accessory for rock stars and rebels of the era. The pièce de résistance, however, was his mustache – a distinctly Freddie Mercury-esque facial hair choice that instantly evoked the legendary Queen frontman. This particular style of mustache is synonymous with Mercury’s iconic image, making Shawn’s intention crystal clear. “80’s baby,” Shawn proudly began the caption to his Tweeted photo from October 31st, solidifying his chosen theme. He also used the opportunity to extend a heartfelt message: “Happy Halloween!!!!! Melbourne thank you for an incredible 3 shows. You are a wonderful place,” he concluded, punctuating his gratitude with a stream of black and red hearts. This dual message, celebrating both Halloween and his successful concert dates, added a personal touch to his festive post.
View this post on InstagramAlright alright alright…
A post shared by Finn Wolfhard (@finnwolfhardofficial) on
80’s baby !!! Happy Halloween!!!!! 🖤❤️🖤 Melbourne thank you for an incredible 3 shows. You are a wonderful place ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uekg54quWy
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) October 31, 2019
The Great Mustache Debate: Who Mastered Their Faux Facial Hair?
When we compare Finn and Shawn’s Halloween endeavors, it becomes clear they were aiming for completely different aesthetics, characters, and overall inspirations. Finn Wolfhard’s choice to embody David Wooderson from Dazed and Confused was a nod to a specific cultural icon of film. His costume was about capturing a particular mood and era through subtle yet essential details, especially the mustache and the casual rolled sleeve. It showcased his ability to transform into a distinct character, moving beyond his well-known roles as a sci-fi hero. The light brown fake mustache, while not perfectly matching his dark hair, was a deliberate choice to mimic the unkempt, easygoing style of the character, making it an authentic tribute to the film’s aesthetic.
Shawn Mendes, on the other hand, went full throttle into a celebration of the vibrant and unforgettable 1980s, specifically channeling the electric energy of a rock legend like Freddie Mercury. His costume was an explosion of color and bold statements, from the multi-hued windbreaker to the striking bandana and, of course, the distinctive mustache. The Freddie Mercury-esque mustache is instantly recognizable, a powerful symbol of musical prowess and iconic showmanship. Shawn’s decision to embrace this look not only highlighted his appreciation for a legendary artist but also allowed him to explore a more playful and extravagant side of his persona, a departure from his usual polished pop star image. Both stars demonstrated a commendable commitment to their chosen themes, but their interpretations of the “fake mustache” truly set them apart.
The beauty of celebrity Halloween costumes lies in their ability to entertain and inspire, often leading to these fun, informal style competitions. Finn’s costume was a clever, slightly understated homage to a cult classic, demonstrating a keen eye for character detail. Shawn’s look was a loud, proud declaration of love for a beloved musical era and its quintessential icon. Both artists chose mustaches that were integral to their character’s identity, making the facial hair much more than just an accessory; it was a cornerstone of their respective transformations.
Making the Call: A Challenge in Celebrity Halloween Fashion
Choosing between these two fantastic Halloween looks is genuinely challenging, as both Shawn and Finn executed their visions flawlessly. Finn’s Wooderson was a masterclass in nuanced character portrayal, while Shawn’s 80s rockstar was a vibrant, high-energy spectacle. The authenticity of the faux facial hair for Finn was about blending into the character of a 70s slacker, while for Shawn, it was about embodying the powerful, clean-cut yet rebellious look of an 80s music god. Their efforts perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Halloween: to escape into another identity, even if just for one night.
Ultimately, the “winner” of this mustache showdown comes down to personal taste and what one values most in a Halloween costume – subtle character accuracy or bold, iconic statement-making. Both Shawn Mendes and Finn Wolfhard delivered memorable looks that engaged their fans and celebrated the fun of dressing up. We know it’s going to be difficult to choose, but we mustache you a question: who do you think donned the best fake mustache for Halloween, and why?