Walking around campus recently has made it abundantly clear that fall is well under way. However, the chill in the air also means that Halloween is right around the corner. The holiday has become a massive part of college culture, and with that always comes the pressure to have the best and most iconic costume.
In my opinion, having a good time is more important than how you look, but it’s undeniable that dressing up is what makes Halloween so fun and special. Here are some hacks to make sure your Halloween night is memorable for the right reasons.
- Start planning early
If you haven’t already picked your costume yet, time is ticking! Shipping times and high demands can make last minute online shopping a gamble. Before breaking the bank on a new costume, take a look through your closet and see what you already have.
You never know what old clothes & accessories you can repurpose to make something completely new. A scarf can become a waist or top accessory, and an old T-shirt can be cropped, cut, or fringed into a new piece altogether.
Starting early also gives you time to try everything, return items that don’t fit, or rearrange your costume idea before Halloween. There’s nothing worse than on the 31st wearing a costume that isn’t comfortable, impossible to get in and out of, or completely impractical for using the bathroom.
- Dress for the environment
When thinking about your costume, it’s important to consider the environment and activities you’re going to throughout the night. A costume that looks great in your bedroom might be miserable at a hot, crowded, and chaotic party.
And if you’ll be outside, wear layers and bundle up to prepare for the cold and wind. You should also check whether your party has a specific theme before committing to a costume.
- When in doubt, lean into the classics
If you’re still not sure which direction to go in with your costume, you can embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up as a cat, witch, or vampire—they’re classics for a reason and you can always make them your own. For something a little more dramatic, try a horror-themed reference like Carrie or Annabelle.
Nostalgia is a reliable pick, too. Minnie Mouse, Care Bears, or Monster High dolls make a fun, easily recognizable costume. Pop culture references are an endless source of inspiration, especially for group costumes.
Remember: Halloween is the one night a year where you can experiment with your style. Decide what statement you want to make and go from there.
Your personality could be bubbly and sweet so lean into something fitting like a unicorn or a teddy bear, or it could be fun to wear the opposite to your natural self too, like a devil or a boxer. Embracing your normal style is an effective way to feel like yourself throughout the night, but don’t be afraid to try something new!
- Think strategically about your look
Club lighting often can completely change the way clothes look. Bright colors can become washed out and distort your costume while dark colors are better at hiding spills, stains, and sweat.
Instead of relying on patterns, consider using texture to make your outfit stand out in the darkness. Sequins, fringe, leather, satin, lace, and mesh can catch light in a beautiful way to emphasize movement while you dance.
Reflective or metal features are amazing for highlighting you on the dance floor. Reflective tape is another good option to ensure you’re visible to crazy Halloween drivers. And if you’re worried about these delicate materials getting damaged in the wash, using lingerie bags is your best bet.
Having a statement piece in your look is important but be careful with chunky props that might get in the way of dancing. Over accessorizing can make your outfit cluttered, so you’re better off keeping some parts of your look balanced and simple without losing any personality.
If the prop you’re looking for references a specific thing, websites like Etsy and Redbubble are perfect for finding niche pop-culture items or commissioning customs.
- Prepare for malfunctions before they happen
Fashion tape, nipple covers, pasties, and breast-lifting tape help secure things in place if you’re wearing tops with high risk of slipping like a backless or strapless. If you’re worried about chafing, investing in anti-chafe cream can make a world of difference for you.
Layering your deodorant with a nice perfume or fabric freshener under the armpits will help mask the inevitable sweat of the night.
Most costumes are not reliable when it comes to pockets, meaning your purse will be one of the most important elements to your outfit. Ditch the heavy shoulder bag for a small but sturdy clutch or crossbody that keeps your valuables close to your body.
In your purse, make sure to pack a portable charger (although you shouldn’t be going out without a charged phone anyways) and an instant stain remover; you don’t want your plans extinguished by a spill or a stain.
A good quality primer, setting powder, and setting spray will lock your makeup into place for the entire night. However, if (and when) you’d rather not have it on your face anymore, carrying single-use makeup wipes is a lifesaver.
When styling your hair, particularly if using heat, use more hairspray than you think you need. This stops your hair from losing all volume halfway through the night and preserves the effort you put in.
- Stay alert, aware, and organized
Your safety should always be your priority above everything else, so don’t be afraid to overprepare. Drink covers are easy to get and protect you from drug spiking. Carrying an easily accessible personal alarm adds some extra security.
It’s crucial to plan your night ahead of time, especially if you’re using public transport. Make sure you share your location with emergency contacts they know where you’re headed.
Temple security officers are available 24/7 within the campus patrol zone to escort students and make sure you get where you’re going safely, no questions asked. Temple Blue Light beacons are located all over the main campus and allow you to alert Temple Police of your location in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Even though it’s fun to dress up, your night should always be focused on feeling happy, comfortable, and in the moment with people you care about. There will always be another Halloween costume to wear, but there won’t always be more Halloween nights as students and young adults, so try not to obsess over finding the “perfect” costume.
At the end of the day, the perfect costume is always whatever makes you feel the best and the most like yourself.