Boo! We are nearing the 31st of October, and we all know what that means: it’s time to evaluate the ins and outs of this year’s Halloween costume selection. Halloween is a unique holiday that allows us to transform into a different character for a night or two. While this is an eccentric opportunity to be adventurous, the stress of finding a costume can overwhelm the excitement of collecting a handful of chocolates.
Don’t be spooked. I am here to help. Here is what I like to call, “The New, the Overdone and the Unprepared.” As I am a victim of participating in each category every year – sometimes twice – it is only appropriate to expose the costume spectrum from iconic to lacking in creativity. Ultimately, Halloween gives people the opportunity to dress how they choose, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.
The New. It’s always exciting to scroll through social media and find the unique, bold and inspirational ideas people have come up with. Consequently, pop culture seems to have a monumental impact on the favorable costumes this year so let’s take a peek.
Carrie Bradshaw: With Sex in the City taking flight on Netflix, Sarah Jessica Parker’s beloved character in the show, Carrie Bradshaw, has taken quite a rise in pop-culture media. The costume resembles Carrie’s classic tutu-look from the show: a pink bodysuit, a white fluffy tutu, white heels and a highlight on her curly, voluminous hair.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Credit to the Netflix documentary America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, replicating this cute cheerleader look has been a mission for many this year.
The Menendez Brothers: A controversial choice, maybe, but also a head-turner. With the television series Monsters bringing the Menendez case to light more than 30 years after the murders, creativity sparked in the spectators’ eyes. While the story is gaining popularity in the media and being released years later, this particular costume, while innovative, is a risky one to pull off.
Sabrina Carpenter: It’s no shock that with her music gaining traction, attempting to embody this rising star is a no-brainer. From Carpenter’s music video to her hit song “Espresso,” one can choose to wear a chic dress, heels and the classic headscarf to top off the look.
The Overdone. Unfortunately, we all know the handful of costumes that are “so last year.” I think we can all agree these costumes are overproduced and have lost their credibility. These choices are all very doable, however if one is motivated they are lacking in originality and must be retired.
Vampires: To clarify, a frightening version of this costume is acceptable.
Barbie: A safe option of course, but also one that you will see upwards of 50 times in the night.
Prisoners: Picture the orange, baggy pants with a white tank top and fake tattoos. Enough said.
Devil and Angel: The classic duo of an outfit in red head-to-toe, a headband with little horns and a mirror image with your partner but in all white and a halo. We all know and love it. But we can do better.
The Unprepared: If you are anything like me, every year you claim that you will coordinate a costume weeks ahead of time, but realistically it turns into a search for accessories and picking through your closet to compile a semi-acceptable get-up. This panic to find a costume allowed me to scroll through several options of quick, easy and inexpensive costume choices for Thursday.
Catwoman: Pair a black romper or mini-dress, a quick cat ear delivery from Amazon, add some whiskers and you have accomplished a simple, yet flattering costume.
Party Animals: Take any animal print piece of clothing you have and add a party hat. Does not get simpler than this. The best part is you can pursue it with as much effort as you would like. Nevertheless, a cheetah print shirt, a black mini skirt and a cone hat will get the job done.
Tom Cruise in Risky Business: A great excuse to wear a pair of boxer pajamas out in public. With a white tee and oversized button-down you can find at a thrift store near you, anyone can achieve this silly costume.
