Halloween sparks equal measures of joy and anxiety when deciding on a costume. You might have decided on the character you want to dress up as, but suddenly find the costume out of stock everywhere. You have no choice but to scramble for whatever you can find to go trick-or-treating.
The beauty of Halloween is that you can wear whatever costume you want or adorn a completely different persona; there’s no judgment. Whether you’re looking for a toddler Halloween costume for your little bundle of joy or a zombie costume for yourself, you are never short of options. But then the question remains: how do you pick the right Halloween costume that screams you? It’s simple! Just follow these expert-approved suggestions.
Decide on the Style
Ask yourself what you want to wear for Halloween. Do you want to wear something cute, sexy, funny, or creepy? Knowing the type or the theme will help you decide on the costume faster. For instance, if you like the character of Morticia Addams from the Addams Family, you could dress up as her and have your husband and toddler dress up as Gomez Addams and Wednesday Addams, perfectly mysterious and spooky.
Determine the Vibe
What colors do you usually wear? Do you prefer darker shades, or are you more of a pastel person? Experimenting beyond your typical style can help you step out of your comfort zone. This will also give you the confidence to think out of the box, amplify your style, and build costumes based on whatever you have in your closet. For instance, if you have a green dress, you could be Tinkerbell, or if you have a black dress and red and black stockings, you could dress up as Mavis Dracula.
Find Inspiration From Your Favorites
Your interests and hobbies play a fundamental role in your choice of costume. To gain inspiration, list everything you love: movies, sports, artists, celebrities, books, food, or whatever. Then, think if there’s anything or anyone you would like to dress up as. For instance, if you love Disney movies, you could dress up as Moana, Belle, or Mulan. If your favorite food is pizza and Coke, you and your partner could dress as a pizza slice and a can of Coke.
Consider Your Budget
Yes, it’s Halloween, and you want to wear the best costume to stand out from your friends. But don’t exceed your Halloween budget in striving to do so. It’s vital to decide on a budget and whether you want to buy a costume, make one, or thrift. A standard budget is usually between $20 and $50, and can cost you less than $10 if you DIY a costume. Also, keep an eye out for sales, especially the season-end sales. Many retailers and costume shops run sales during the Halloween season. So you might just find the best costume for a steal.
Prioritize Comfort
Imagine going trick-or-treating on 4” heels? Sure, the first block will be easy. But by the end of the second and third blocks, you will miss your sneakers. That’s why you should consider what you will do in your costume. While planning, ask yourself whether you will just go trick-or-treating or also hang out with your friends and watch a movie. Avoid high heels if you plan to be on your feet all evening. Even if you need to wear heels to complement the costume, go for platform heels. Similarly, if you plan to watch a movie with your friends, wear something comfortable to move about in.
Don’t Be Offensive
When finalizing your costume, consider the audience, such as who will see it and how. The last thing you want is to offend someone by wearing culturally sensitive or inappropriate costumes. For instance, if you are a non-Indigenous person but you decide to go as an “Indian chief,” it may come across as offensive to the Indigenous people. So, be respectful.
Summing Up
Halloween traditions are fun and a great way to escape the monotony of regular life. However, it’s essential to consider a few factors to find the perfect costume. If you are on the search to find the right one, make sure to keep these points in mind.
