No matter how old you are, you always have to don an amazing Halloween costume. While some collegiettes embrace their originality with an individual ensemble, others choose to coordinate a group costume. As much as you love getting dressed up with friends, planning a cohesive outfit is stressful to say the least, especially when you’re dressing up with a mix of guys and girls. If the various costume budgets aren’t enough to make you anxious, there’s always that one person who hates every single idea. Trust us, even your group’s Debbie Downer will love these group costume ideas!
The Kardashian Kingdom
While dressing up as the Kardashian sisters sounds like an obvious idea, did you ever think about making your whole friend group dress up as the iconic family? Um, what? Though we focus 97 percent of our Kardashian attention on Kourtney, Kim and Khloe, let’s not forget that there are honorable Kardashian men as well. Transform your GBFF into a very dapper Scott Disick witha suit or Rob Kardashian by sporting a snapback and high socks – yes, Rob does have a sock line. You can channel your inner Kourtney with a faux baby bump or pretend to be Kim with a wedding veil. Dressing up as Khloe is as easy as sporting a velour tracksuit and tons of leopard. Complete the Kardashian Klan (see what I did there?) with the rest of the family. Your group’s Kendall and Kylie can rock frilly prom dresses from a consignment shop while Kris Jenner’s doppelganger can don a blazer as well as a sign that says “Momager.” And let’s not forget Kanye West and the latest addition to the Kardashian Klan, baby North!
Mr. and Mrs. One Direction
Deny it all you want, but you’re secretly obsessed with One Direction. Not only do you own their album and concert DVD, but you also dragged one of your best guy friends to One Direction: This Is Us earlier this year. Just me? This is unfortunate. You and your girlfriends can force your boyfriends to be the five adorable Brits. Or perhaps you guys can bribe them with some cake. So if the boys are 1D, what are you supposed to do? It’s quite simple, collegiettes: live out your dream by being Mrs. Zayn Malik – we mean, technically he’s not married yet! All you need is a plain tee, fabric markers and a wedding veil. Don’t forget to keep the partying going by jamming out to “What Makes You Beautiful” all night long.
Saturday Night Live Characters
After almost 40 years of fantastic skits and infamous one-liners, SNL is still one of the funniest shows around. From the Spartan cheerleaders to Drunk Uncle, there’s a favorite character for everyone. Instead of unanimously deciding on one iconic persona, which would take a lot of time and energy, you and your friends can dress up as your personal favorites. That way, each member of the group can decide whether they want to make their own costume or buy the ever-so-convenient $50 package. Turn into your favorite superstar – aka Mary Katherine Gallagher – with a miniskirt and button-down shirt. Just don’t forget to add a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. Or you and your BFF can take on Halloween as Wayne and Garth—all it takes is a simple trip to your local thrift shop. One of you will have the pleasure of buying a blond mullet wig.
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Web Browsers
No matter how cool you are, you secretly have nerdy tendencies. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about—deep down, everyone’s a geek. Unleash your inner nerd this Halloween by dressing up as your favorite web browser. Yes, at Her Campus, we take our inner nerdiness to the extreme. Let’s be real, there are so many options: Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape (if you’re feeling retro) and so many more. Your ensemble can be as easy as taping your chosen browser’s logo on your shirt. If you’re feeling really crafty, add some accessories. Take the term “Firefox” literally with a fox mask or add a jungle-approved hat to your Safari costume. Since you have that massive makeup box in your dorm room, take this opportunity to spice up your beauty regime. Use silver eye shadow and liner as Google Chrome or paint on a theatrical face for Opera. Who knew that unveiling your geeky side could be so much fun?
Gay Icons
It’s always been your dream to overdose on sequins and feathered boas. Thankfully, Halloween gives you an opportunity to make your fantasy a reality. “Last year, my friends and I were ‘gay icons/female drag queens’: Dolly Parton, Cher and Liza Minnelli, for example,” says Maddy Foley, a senior at Kenyon College and HC Contributing Writer. “It was a great excuse to put on as much makeup and glitter as possible.” In the off chance that your closet isn’t filled to the brim with sequins, head to your nearest thrift store immediately. Channel Cher with a sequined top and denim bellbottoms. For a finishing touch, straighten your hair! If Dolly Parton is calling your name, sport denim shorts, a vibrant jacket and cowgirl boots. Make sure to open this costume idea to your guy friends as well. Doesn’t dressing up like Elton John sound like too much fun?
2013’s Biggest Celebrities
From Miley stealing the show at the VMAs to all the Kate and Will announcements, 2013 has been a big year for our favorite celebrities. Take this festive season to pay homage to your favorite actors, singers and icons. Channel your inner Jennifer Lawrence with a Katniss-inspired costume or don a sundress, carry a guitar and be Taylor Swift. Don’t leave your guy friends out of this one! From Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars to Phillip Phillips, there are a million collegent-approved choices to choose from.
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The Seven Deadly Sins
An oldie, but a goodie. Although you’re usually good with keeping your temptations in check, Halloween is the ultimate time to indulge in your guilty pleasures: lust, wrath, sloth, greed, pride, envy and gluttony. Ideally, you and your six BFFs will partake in this outfit, but you can always have more than one person dress up as a certain sin. Since each sin is gender neutral, everyone’s free to dress up however they want. Dress prideful in your favorite bodycon dress—don’t forget to add an “I Heart Me” button to the ensemble. If you have the pleasure of representing gluttony, sport a mini dress and apron. Force your hot guy friend- you know, the one with the amazing body- to wear a pair of boxers for lust. Oh, and don’t forget to take a ton of pictures with him to make your ex-boyfriend jealous!
The Cast of Fox’s New Girl
Fox is really hitting it off this year with its second season of The Mindy Project (with James Franco!) and especially with its third season of the hilarious show New Girl. Every character on New Girl is completely different, which means it’s perfect for a group Halloween costume. Channel your inner Jessica Day with a cute, quirky dress, glasses and flats. There are also a ton of options for your guy friends. For example, your best friend’s boyfriend can rock a button-down and sweater (or “cardi,” as he would say) and dress up as Schmidt. That would make your other female friend the gorgeous and cynical CeCe… or the eccentric Elizabeth – we’ll see! The rest of your guy friends can choose from unlucky Nick, logical Winston or any appearing characters in between!
Favorite Nintendo 64 Characters
Remember when life was so easy and your biggest stress was whether you should be Luigi or Yoshi in Mario Kart? Revisit those lovely times by dressing up as your favorite video game characters. Instead of rocking an evening gown, channel your inner Princess Peach with a sundress. Or unleash your inner tomboy by dressing up as Zelda –it’s as easy as wearing a tunic, leggings and some boots. For the guys, the opportunities are endless: Mario, Donkey Kong, Bowser, etc. The boys can sport a simple shirt with a “W” for Wario, or go all out with an intense outfit.
Social Media Sites
Be honest: most of the time, you’re Facebook stalking, tumbling, tweeting, pinning, instagramming or even checking up on your LinkedIn. Why not celebrate your addiction this Halloween? No, we’re not telling you to live-tweet that frat party (TMI). Instead, dress up as your favorite social media site. Like the web browser idea, your costume can be as simple as a decorated tee and some pants; however, you can go the extra mile with some accessories. If you’re dressing up as Instagram, carry an old-fashioned camera and sport a pair of hipster rims. Or make a sign with your favorite tweet or a faux obnoxious Facebook status. This idea is sure to be an awesome conversation starter.
What are you and your friends planning for Halloween? Sound off below!
Calling all collegiettes: Send your best Halloween costume photos to halloween@hercampus.com or Instagram/tweet them to us at @HerCampus with #HCHalloween to be included in our Halloween slideshow!