the buzz log

To plan the proper costume for Halloween, you need to get an early jump. Anyone dude can buy a pirate costume and any chick can throw together a fairy costume by October 31. But not you. You want something trendy, unique, and in tune with the times.

Halloween devotees are already busy searching on the outfits you'll spy around the punch bowl on All Hallow's Eve. In that ghoulish spirit, we checked out the Search data for the hottest new costume ideas. It's only August, but here are the top 20...

Final notes on early costume trends...

—Our list is dominated by movie-inspired get-ups. But "300" rules all. Expect to see half of Sparta marching to your doorstep in search of candy.

—Popular video game World of Warcraft made its presence felt at #16 and #18.

—Disney continues its stranglehold on the hearts and minds of the nation's youth. After last year's frilly princesses and creepy Jack Sparrows are packed away, here come High School Musical and Hannah Montana for even more dress-up inspiration.