Hey collegiettes! We know you're busy, and that sometimes it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse of exactly what's in and what's out this season. And that's where we come in! Here is your complete guide for wearing the freshest costumes this Halloween.
No one wants to be stuck in an outdated pop culture reference on one of the biggest nights of the year. Unless, of course, you're being retro, in which case we are totally with you. But even if you're just dying to parade around in a black tutu, it's been almost two years since Black Swan came out! Try updating your look to include characters from this past year to stay completely in style with these suggestions.
Instead of Black Swan, try Catwoman
I know you're all wracking your brains to figure out what to wear instead of the feathery Natalie Portman/Mila Kunis outfit you'd already decided on, so we won't leave you hanging. Anne Hathaway totally rocked it as Catwoman in this summer's blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises, so try channeling some of your fierce feminine energy into her sleek black outfit.
This costume is great because the Catwoman character is one that everyone will immediately recognize, but it's totally up-to-date in terms of pop culture references. Get a tight black suit, high heels, and of course the cat ears and whiskers! Use a lot of dark makeup (and of course cat-eye!) to make sure you look as dramatic as possible.

Instead of Will and Kate, try Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey
Will and Kate are classic, but let your wild side show by dressing as the pair from the famous Fifty Shades of Grey. It's a much edgier, more scandalous couple costume, but hopefully you can have some fun with it! Think bustier corsets and garters, but be prepared to wear tights underneath to combat that late October chill. And of course, have a guy friend or boyfriend dress in a classy grey suit!

Instead of Lady Gaga, try Nicki Minaj
Gaga is still around of course, but if you're going to dress in a ridiculous outfit, take advantage of Nicki's particular brand of eccentric style. To get her look, dress in a variety of neon colors, and don't forget a lime green or bubblegum pink wig!

Instead of the ‘SATC’ ladies, try ‘Girls’ characters
Hannah and her crew have officially replaced our beloved Sex and the City characters as the NYC women to be this year. They may not have their lives completely together, but that's part of what makes this group so appealing to us collegiettes - it's as if they know exactly what we're going through. The Girls characters are a perfect group-themed costume for you and your three best friends. Their styles range from preppy and classy to disheveled and zany.

Instead of Snooki, try Pregnant Snooki
This one is just too good to pass up. Snooki has been a Halloween favorite for a few years now, but you'll get some laughs when you show up with a poof on your head and a fake pregnant stomach. Dress in her usual outfit: high heels, a short dress, lots of fake tanner, and then just add the baby elements. Go with a baby blanket, or even carry a baby doll around and show the world what you think Snooki's first month of motherhood looks like.

Instead of Taylor Swift, Try Carly Rae Jepsen
It's hard to move on from Taylor Swift, but there's no doubting that Carly Rae Jepsen was the pop sensation of the summer. If you're just dying to wear a cute dress, carry a microphone and sing all night, then this is the look for you. This costume can easily become a couple's outfit, too, if you talk a friend into going as the shirtless boy from the ‘Call Me Maybe’ video!

What other looks are you going to try to freshen up this Halloween? Leave a comment and let us know!
Calling All Collegiettes: Send us your best Halloween costume photos at PR@hercampus.com or tweet them to us at @HerCampus with #HCHalloween to be included in our Halloween slideshow!
Photo Sources:
http://res.mindbodygreen.com/img/ftr/annehathaway-catwoman-vegan-large2.jpg
http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/07/11/287546-fifty-shad...
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/54327131/Nicki+Minaj.png
http://i.lv3.hbo.com/assets/images/series/girls/episodes/1/7/episode-07-...
http://popflyboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Snooki-Pregnant.jpeg
http://images.hitfix.com/photos/1961925/Winner-Carly-Rae-Jepsen_gallery_...






