It’s that time of year again, when the leaves are turning, punch bowls are filling with some combination of vodka and juice, and collegiettes™ nationwide are donning costumes they’ve been working on for weeks, if not months. We all know the famous line from Mean Girls: “Halloween is that one night a year when you can dress like a total sl*t and no one can say anything about it.” But who really wants to be another carbon copy wearing lingerie and mouse ears? Everyone wants to get the most unique costumes for Halloween. If you want to stand out from the crowd with your friends, your boy, or on your own, read on for the best Halloween costume ideas of this year and get inspired!
1. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s songs have long been the soundtrack for long nights out at the club and late night joy rides with your girls. But can you impersonate her? She’s known for her wild fashion choices and hair colors that look they belong on one of those potbellied trolls from the 80’s, so why not give the Nicki Minaj look a try? You’re all serious young professionals-to-be, so there’s a good chance this is the last time you’ll ever be able to pull off neon blue hair and bright pink lipstick at the same time, not to mention a sequin two-piece and 4-inch heels. Now’s the time to pull out some fake nails, one-wash hair dye and plenty of jewelry.
2. Black Swan
We all watched as Natalie Portman pliéed her way to greatness on the big screen last winter. She wowed us with her mad ballet skills, stunning beauty and fabulous costumes. If you’ve ever had dancing aspirations or if you just loved the feathers that sprung up on her arms as she spun around toward the end of the movie, consider giving the Black Swan look a try. You will probably have luck finding a tutu at Goodwill or another thrift store, but if not, check out this simple step-by-step video and make your own! Don’t be shy with the black eyeliner, either. For makeup help, try to find a friend with a steady hand and watch this simple video. Best of luck, collegiettes™! Make Natalie proud.
3. Angry Birds
This one will definitely require a few dedicated friends and plenty of preparation time. For addicts of this viral video game, though, it’ll be worth it. First, pick whether you’ll be the regular red, huge red, yellow, egg or green bird. Or maybe you’ll decide to be one of those weird green pigs with the mustache or the hardhat. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can pretend to launch yourself across the room and bump into your friends in true Angry Birds fashion. Angry Birds costumes can be found at Toys R’ Us and many popular costume shops, but it’d be more fun and original to make your own. Try raiding craft stores for fabric and whip out your basic sewing skills, or employ the skills of a crafty friend or family member.
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4. Beyonce & Baby
Plenty of Beyonce-loving collegiettes™ emulated the no-longer single lady last year with leotards, big hair and bling, but now the lovely triple-threat has gone domestic. This doesn’t mean you can’t imitate her fabulous style and diva standing. First step: go get the loveliest dress you can find on a college-student’s budget. I recommend Goodwill; they almost always have really elaborate evening gowns in stock, often for less than $10! Once you’ve got the dress, find sky-high heels and either work your long hair or add drugstore-brand extensions for an extra glam factor. Put on shiny chandelier earrings and maybe a gold bracelet or two. Keep the makeup simple but sexy, and once you have all of those basic elements, add the baby bump. This can be accomplished with a snug tank top and plenty of padding, using cotton or extra clothing. Wedding and engagement rings would be an added bonus. You’ll get plenty of laughs while representing one of hip-hop’s leading ladies.
5. LMFAO
By now you’ve heard “Party Rock Anthem” one too many times, but you have to admit that it’s pretty darn catchy. Whether you’re shufflin’ every day or only on the weekends, you’ll definitely stand out at your next Halloween party as this wacky duo. You can find them in fur, zebra print, neon, crazy shades or any combination of the above. They always have some crazy expression on their faces and look like they’re having a great time. Who wouldn’t want to impersonate them for a night? Practice the dance from their music video before you head out, because there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to do it when the song comes on. Goodwill, any costume store or your parents’ 80s wardrobe will be goldmines for this getup.
6. Britney Spears Through the Years
You’ve watched her go from sexy schoolgirl to snake-wearing singer to Madonna-kissing star to bald, car-bashing head case. Grab a few of your best girls and represent the evolution of Britney, from her early days in the 90s to now, with kids and car seat in tow. One girl can wear a denim ballgown, one can wear a red catsuit, one a bald-looking wig and a black umbrella (mental breakdown Britney, hello!). If you have a sleazy guy friend who can play the role of Kevin or the 24-hour husband Jason Alexander, all the better. Britney fans and Britney bashers alike will admire the creativity and humor of your group’s costume, and you’ll definitely get a priceless profile picture out of it.
7. Katniss & Peeta
Ever wanted to try your hand at archery while on the arm of your boyfriend? Look no further than Katniss Everdeen, the strong lead character from the hotter-than-fire Hunger Games series, set to become a movie next year. Bonus points if your man happens to be blonde, but if not, you can still pull it off. Keep an eye out for rugged clothes like boots, sporty outerwear and leather jackets. Find an inexpensive bow or, in a pinch, make your own! Be as badass as possible, and pose as if you’re about to shoot an arrow at an opponent. No one will be able to take their eyes off you two.
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8. Toddlers & Tiaras
If you haven’t seen this insane TLC reality show, tune in now, but not long enough for you to want to tear your hair out. If you’re anything like me, that’s probably about 5 minutes. This ridiculous show tells the tale of spray-tanned, big-haired, fake-toothed toddlers struggling to make the big time in the competitive, cutthroat world of preschool pageantry. This costume idea gives you a one-time-only opportunity to wear more makeup than you probably own while wearing ridiculous costumes. Did you hear about the mom who dressed her young daughter up as Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”? Yes, as a prostitute. You and your friends might want to tone it down a few notches for your own take on the idea. Again, rifle through thrift store and Goodwill racks to find outrageous and possibly revealing, brightly-colored clothing, slather on tons of outlandish makeup (think blue eyeshadow and fake lashes) and don’t hold the hairspray. In pageants, the poofier the better.
9. William & Kate
Almost every girl wanted to be a princess when they were growing up. Though most of us have since faced reality and are working retail and restaurant jobs to put ourselves through college, what is Halloween for if not to try out a different personality for the night? Rally your boyfriend or guy friend to dress sharply, either in a preppy sweater-and-khakis combo or suit if he’s feeling fancy. As for you, go classic all the way. Either choose well-fitting pants and a feminine top with simple, pretty pumps or a cocktail dress you could find on the pages of a J.Crew catalogue. Kate Middleton is pure class from head to toe, so be sure to dress the part. Check out HC’s article on how to get Kate’s style. You know that girlfriend who has you convinced she’ll become First Lady someday? No, make that the first female president. It’s time to raid her closet. Don’t forget the huge rock.
10. Charlie Sheen & his goddesses
By now we’ve all heard the phrases “tiger’s blood” and “bi-winning”, but you might not remember the breaking story about Charlie Sheen’s multiple ‘goddesses’. These young women found themselves under the influence of the powerful drug that is Sheen himself, and apparently kept him company at his mansion. For this you’ll need plenty of low-cut, club-style clothing and either a guy who’s not afraid of making a fool of himself or a girlfriend willing to dress as a ridiculous man. The Sheen impersonator of your group will need a t-shirt most often found on teenage boys, dark sunglasses and an open dress shirt. Be sure that you reference “winning” plenty of times and if anyone asks, tell them “I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen.”
So there you have it, the best costume ideas for 2011. Get out there and get crafty, collegiettes™! Any ideas we left out? Sound off in the comments below and have a happy Halloween!