Need a Halloween Costume? Here’s Where to Start
Written by Ben Weisse
In the face of midterms and endless homework, another difficulty thrown in the mix for college students in October is picking out Halloween costumes. Although fun no matter what, the looming deadline (only a couple weeks left!) can add some unnecessary stress. The goal is to put together a great look without requiring hours of planning or an expensive trip to the costume store. There are so many options, and it can be difficult to settle on an idea, especially if you want something that feels original. If in need of some assistance, hopefully I can help.
One easy starting point is to go to a nearby Goodwill or some other thrift store, with no particular costume in mind, and see what they have. It can be a lot easier to see a piece of clothing and build a costume off that. A certain shirt, a pair of wings, a scarf, or a dress can spark an idea. Then, you’re already halfway there! Plus, thrifting gives you the chance to put together something more unique than a standard, store-bought costume. Don't be afraid to browse sections you normally wouldn't look through—never know what might inspire your next costume.
This concept also applies to looking within your own closet. See what could maybe work, then all that’s needed are some accessories that pull the costume together. Own anything striped? Maybe you could piece together a sailor costume—you’d just need a neckerchief or a captain’s hat to pull it all together. Have a little black dress? You could go as a vampire or a witch. Sometimes, the best costumes start with something you already own. You can also play around with layering, styling your hair differently, or adding jewelry to make an everyday outfit more recognizable.
One underrated but fun possibility is the use of face paint. Add glitter to enhance an already angelic costume, or experiment with a more dramatic look using bold colors and creative designs. You can also use face paint to look like a specific character or animal. Whether you’re going for a butterfly, a cat, or someone from your favorite movie, a little creativity makes even the simplest outfit stand out. The more detailed you try to make it, the better it’ll turn out! You can look up tutorials online for inspiration if you're unsure where to start.
Another exciting possibility is a duo costume. Whether as a couple or with a friend, dressing up together makes the whole night more fun. Think about doing Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, or Wild Kratts, or Ferris Bueller and Cameron from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. You can coordinate as much or as little as you want, whether that means matching outfits or simply choosing characters from the same movie. And if you can convince your whole friend group to join in, why stop at two? A group costume can make for some pretty great photos and an even better night.
Finding a Halloween costume doesn’t have to be another source of stress during an already busy October. Whether you’re thrifting, getting creative with makeup, or coordinating with friends, it’s ultimately all about getting creative and putting together a look that you’ll love.
Edited by Eryn Schoenebeck
