One of the worst questions I get asked every year is what I’m going to be for Halloween. I mean, it’s such a simple question, yet every single time, I’m frozen and unsure what to say. Am I going as a classic witch? Maybe I’ll dig up my pink crayon costume from fifth grade, or just not go at all. With an infinite possibility of options, the paralyzing feeling that comes with choosing a costume is common, but don’t worry. From the last-minute sheet ghosts to the elaborate group fits, this article will cover it all.
Last-Minute Legends:
It’s probably a rite of passage to put a white sheet over your head and be a ghost at least once, but if that’s your go-to costume every year, maybe it’s time to switch it up. How about walking around and saying you’re dressed up as yourself? A baseball cap and a white hoodie would make a good budget Jake from Subway Surfers, an idea that’s equally low effort and efficient. You could also throw on a pair of blue pants and a matching shirt, and suddenly, you’re the perfect Minecraft Steve. This kind of hasty or even lazy costume is something everyone’s guilty of, so there’s no shame here.
Scratchy, Overpriced Spandex:
Some years, Halloween doesn’t feel complete without a little bit of online shopping. With the average price of a costume being $50, maybe it’s time we question if it’s truly worth it. Chances are, you could probably throw together something better with a few hours and stolen shirts from your roommate. Sure, buying a costume might be the easier and more aesthetically pleasing option, but does it justify the hours of uncomfortable material itching at your skin while sprinting from door to door? If you’re anything like me, that unpleasant feeling will only slow you down from building a mountain of candy.
Pinterest Icons:
After weeks of endless searching and late-night revelations, you’ve finally come up with the perfect costume idea. Whether it’s original or a copy, making your own Halloween outfit is impressive, no matter the result. The biggest caveat, however, is the variability of this strategy — either you end up rocking an elaborately designed costume, or you end up with a trainwreck where people can’t decide if you’re Batman or the demon from their nightmare. When that happens, maybe the safer option is to tape a piece of paper to your shirt and write Harry Potter on it; at least that way, people will know who you are.
Squad Ghouls:
Maybe it’s just me, but coordinated group costumes are usually the most memorable. I know people who’ve gone as Starfire and Raven from Teen Titans Go!, and I’ve done something similar where two of my friends and I went as a robber, thief, and burglar (because those are totally different things). Last year, I remember seeing streaks of blue, red, and green as the Powerpuff Girls dashed through the street from house to house, ringing doorbells for more candy. Group costumes are always a fun way for family or friends to get together, and while it’s certainly chaotic, the result rarely disappoints.
In the end, no matter what costume you wear, the best kind is the one that lets you enjoy the night. The days leading up to Halloween shouldn’t be spent worrying over trivial details or perfecting tiny pieces no one is going to see. They should be about having fun, hanging out with friends and family — and, for some, facing fears with good company. So grab whatever you want, and get out there before all the good candy is gone.
