The described attire represents a specific type of dress-up, typically worn during a particular autumn holiday. This ensemble commonly incorporates torn or tattered clothing, often stained to simulate decay, and makeup designed to emulate the appearance of reanimated corpses. It is an interpretation of a classic horror trope, adapted for celebratory purposes.
The popularity of this particular style stems from its association with the supernatural and the thrill of embodying a monstrous figure. The appeal may also lie in the creative freedom it allows; interpretations can range from highly realistic and gory to more humorous and cartoonish. Historically, representations of the undead have evolved from folklore and literary sources into prominent figures in film and popular culture, leading to their widespread adoption in festive contexts.