Halloween is quickly approaching, and you have no idea what to wear! Have no fear because we’re here to help. Halloween is a spooky, magical time when you can dress in something that screams you or a completely different persona—that’s the beauty of the season! So, how do you know what costume is right for you and how to pick one? Keep reading to learn how to come up with a costume idea (and if you don’t have an idea after reading, we’ve got plenty of those, too).
How do you pick the right Halloween costume?
Think about your interests and style to pick the right Halloween costume for you! You can dress up as your favorite food or movie character or shop your closet and wear a witchy or fairy look that matches your aesthetic. The possibilities are endless!
Steps
Deciding on Your Look
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Determine what type of costume you want to wear based on your style. Ask yourself what you want people to say or think when they see your costume. Do you want them to think you’re sexy, cute, scary, or funny? Knowing this can help you decide what type of costume you want to wear. After all, Halloween is the time of year when you can be yourself or someone entirely different!
- For instance, if you have a bubbly, bright personality and want people to think you’re cute, maybe you could dress up as Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz to match your vibe or maybe a devil to be something unlike yourself.
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Style a costume around or against your usual vibe. Take a look inside your closet. Do you usually wear a lot of dark colors or maybe pastels? Going off of or against your core aesthetic can help you find a costume that’s totally you or a step outside your comfort zone.
- For example, if you generally wear dark, edgy colors, you could be a vampire or witch to match your aesthetic. To go against your normal style, you might be a princess, fairy, or deer.
- This is also a great way to shop your closet! If you know you want to amplify your normal style, see what pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Then, try to build a costume off that. For instance, a pink dress could help you be a princess or fairy. [1] X Research source
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Use inspiration from costumes you once wore. Think back to the styles of costumes you wore in previous years. Are they still something you’d like to wear? Maybe they’re something you could build off of or turn into a different costume. [2] X Research source
- Let’s say you still have a superhero costume from a few years ago. Could you use the cape for a witch costume this year? Maybe you could even repurpose the mask or boots and be a villain!
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Find costume inspiration from your favorite movies or activities. Your interests and hobbies can play a big part in choosing the right costume! Make a list of the things you love, like movies, TV shows, artists, sports, or books. Then take a look at your list—is there any character, motif, or thing you’d love to dress up as?
- For example, if you like soccer, dress like your favorite soccer player or a fan of your favorite team. If you love the Marvel Universe, dress up like Iron Man , Captain America , or Black Widow . If your favorite food is Cheetos, dress as a Cheetos’s bag .
Community Q&A
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QuestionShould I be Alice from Wonderland or Dorothy from Wizard of Oz?Community AnswerThey are both good ideas. Alice seems less common, but you should choose your favorite. You could also go by hair color so you don't have to wear a wig - be Alice if you're blond, be Dorothy if you have dark hair.
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QuestionCan I be a character twice if I want to?Community AnswerOf course! You can be the same character as many times as you'd like. You'll even save money on costumes.
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QuestionShould I be a fox or raccoon?PotatoestoseeCommunity AnswerIf you're elegant, fancy, feminine, or sneaky, choose the fox. They are graceful and tricky. If you're rugged, boyish, thievish, or messy, choose the raccoon. They are rough and tough with a risky lifestyle. If you don't fit into either of the categories, follow your animal instincts!
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Tips
- Try dressing kids up in bright colors so they’re easier to spot in a crowd or can easily be located by authorities if you’re separated.Thanks
- If you're trying to put a costume together at the last minute, check out this article for costumes you can easily make with items you likely already have.Thanks
- Still trying to decide what you want to be for Halloween? Take our “What Should I Be For Halloween?” quiz to find the perfect Halloween costume!Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Sometimes you don't even need a full-on costume—you just need to buy one or two things. For example, for a Pikachu costume, you could wear a yellow shirt, black pants, and makeup, so all you need to buy are ears and a tail.
- Make sure that your costume accessories are safe and appropriate for factors like weather, the time of day, and your location. For example, be sure to have glowsticks or something of that nature, so drivers can see you.
- If you are planning a group costume, be sure to start thinking of ideas a bit early. That way, you and the rest of your group have the time to settle on an idea.
- Try merging two costumes together, like a ballerina witch or an astronaut dinosaur.
- Try a mascot costume—they are warm and a great choice for every year.
Warnings
- Avoid costumes that may be offensive or offend other peoples' race and/or ethnicity.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.thesorrygirls.com/fashion/halloween-costumes-using-basic-items-in-your-closet-1-item-5-different-ways#google_vignette
- ↑ https://gooddayswithkids.com/2018/10/11/halloween-costumes/
- ↑ https://gooddayswithkids.com/2018/10/11/halloween-costumes/
- ↑ https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/2021/10/29/halloween-costumes-and-cultural-appropriation/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g7521450/funny-halloween-costumes/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1422/group-halloween-costumes/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g7521450/funny-halloween-costumes/
- ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g33864467/easy-halloween-costumes-for-couples/
- ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/tips/g1913/pet-halloween-costumes/
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