The scariest thing about Halloween isn't witches or ghosts or the calorie count on all those fun size candies you wind up eating. It's the stress of picking out the proper costume.
Everyone wants to look good on Halloween. For some of us that means choosing a witty, pop-culture savvy ensemble. For others that mean wearing something both eerie and alluring. However, I think we can all agree that the best Halloween costume is one that won't break the bank. Believe it or not, it is possible to pull together a truly terrific costume with limited time, zero money and absolutely no stress.
Make Your Work Clothes Work For You
Even though Halloween is supposed to be a time to go crazy, some of the best costumes come from our more staid personal wardrobe choices. Some people say a good interview suit can land you a job, but it can also transform you into a character from Mad Men, one of the Men in Black or (if it’s a pant suit) Uma Thurman’s jiving femme fatale from Pulp Fiction, Mia Wallace. Wear business casual and be a character from The Office. Blue collar work clothes can also be used to turn yourself into pop culture icons. Pair overalls with heels and you’re Zooey Deschanel’s “sexy farmer’s daughter” from New Girl. A waitress ensemble can turn you into Carey Mulligan’s character in Drive or one of the 2 Broke Girls. Pop on a track suit and you’re Glee’s Sue Sylvester. Even a school uniform—when paired with a stick wand—can change you into a Hogwarts student from Harry Potter. Wigs and accessories can help with these costumes, but with a little imagination, they’re not necessary.
Quick Change Into a Superhero
Superheroes are taking over pop culture right now and becoming a superhero is easier than getting bitten by a radioactive spider. Comb your drawers for leggings, swimsuits, tights (opaque or runner’s), leotards, vests, t-shirts and tank tops. Layer the clothes together and create your own superhero look. If you want, you can color match your favorite superheroes and print out their official logos from the internet. Or, do something really fun and create your own superhero. Endow yourself for one night with the special power you always dreamed of having. If wearing skin tight clothes isn’t your thing, wear (again) a cute work outfit and make a fake press pass that says “Clark Kent”, or “Lois Lane”. Carry a camera with you and your press card can say, “Peter Parker” or “Vicki Vale”. The nerds will get it and you will get to wear comfortable clothes for the evening.
Give Them Good Face
Sometimes you don't need to search your closet for the easiest Halloween costume. Just dig into your make-up bag. Use dark eye shadows and strategically placed lip stain to give yourself a zombie makeover. Even if you don’t own a massive cache of cosmetics, most discount drug stores sell basic costume make-up kits at Halloween. Wear all black and paint your face to look like a classic mime.
Tell Halloween To Rest In Peace
Here’s the thing about hating the pageantry surrounding Halloween: You’re not alone. Pull a fast one on everyone and throw an Anti-Halloween party. No costumes. No gauzy spiderwebs. No playing “Monster Mash” on repeat for five hours. Make sure people know they can wear whatever they want. Serve your favorite snack foods and pop open a couple of bottles of wine. Play music you actually want to listen to. I guarantee that you will be able to find other friends who will be desperate for a reprieve from all the usual ghoulish fanfare. And if the neighborhood kids come Trick or Treating anyways, give them a granola bar or carrot sticks and then send them on their way.
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