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A College Girl’s Guide to Keeping Halloween Classy

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emory chapter.

Halloween is right around the corner! Despite the advice we got from the Plastics, you do not need to dress in lingerie this Halloween to look hot. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to look scary like Cady. There is a happy medium! Instead of wearing a top that cuts so low that it bears everything- just wear something tight to show off your figure that you’ve been imagining every time you go to the WoodPec, but that also covers up what needs to be. Here are some Her Campus-approved suggestions:

Ballerina

Ballerina is a great costume because you can show some skin but also look cute and innocent. Just get a light pink leotard from American Apparel and a Tutu (your old one from when you were 4 might still fit you–mine did. The elastic on those skirts stretch more than you’d think!!) You can also wear leggings/stockings or a tiara if you want to complete the look.

Despicable Me Minions

This is a low-cost adorable costume that does not require major spending! To dress up as a minion, there’s no need for new clothing–you can just put on a pair of jean shorts and a bright yellow tank that you already own. Buy a pair of suspenders and goggles to put over the hat from the Halloween store and you’re good to go!

 

Catwoman

This costume is really easy and flattering, being that it’s all black. If you want to DIY, you can choose a black leotard/any tight black sleeved shirt with black leggings and black heels. If you’re planning on purchasing something new and can get a full black jumpsuit, it looks even better! If you’re going to American Apparel, go for the shiny nylon leggings. Their shine will immediately make you think of a superhero. Last, just stop at any Halloween store and they definitely will have a black mask and cat ears. 

 

The Great Gatsby

I personally love seeing pop culture references in Halloween costumes. They’re my favorite! Specifically, the Great Gatsby’s ‘Daisy’ look is so much fun and you don’t need to empty your wallets. All you need is about $20 on the right accessories and then you have a DIY Gatsby costume! Just get a sparkly headband and wear it over your hair, instead of underneath, like Daisy did. Then just get big, cheap, clunky pearl necklaces and bracelets from any Halloween store. Finally, complete the look with a boa. Ideally, wear a sparkly dress, but if you want to save money, it’s not necessary to go out of your way and get one. Your own LBD will look just as amazing with all the right accessories!

Sandy from Grease

The Sandy costume is great because 1) it’s another pop culture reference and 2) because she is the icon of the whole “good girl goes bad” transformation. All you need is black–preferably shiny and nylon–leggings. You can find these at American Apparel (the same ones mentioned in the Catwoman costume). For the top, you’re going to need something fitted so that it can tuck in underneath your leggings. Again, a black leotard would be ideal. A strapless leotard or one with short sleeves that you can wear off-the-shoulder would look best. Lastly for the finishing touches, you’ll need a black leather jacket, red heels, gold hoops earrings, and most importantly, red lipstick. 

Toddlers and Tiaras

You can look like a princess and make fun of reality TV at the same time! This is a hilarious and trendy costume. Fergie and Chrissy Teigen went with this funny costume to Heidi Klum’s Halloween party in 2011. The dress could really be anything–a princess dress from a Halloween store, a sparkly dress that you own, or a leotard and tutu. Throw a sash over it and put on a tiara. Make sure to wear frilly socks and tie ribbons in your hair! Finally, to go all out, do your make up just as any pageant mom would do it: really cheesy and overdone. To accomplish this, use pink lipstick, pencil on more top liner, and try using blue eye shadow. The more you look like a doll, the better. 

80’s workout girl

Still not over your WOBO look? Go for this 80’s workout girl costume! With this costume whenever you’re in doubt, just think bright and tight! You will need a leotard and leggings. Pick the most obnoxiously bright colors you can think of (like the bold magenta and light blue posted below). For the leggings, you can pick another bright and completely clashing color (like the neon green also posted below). Then, just purchase a pair of leg warmers and a scrunchy–both of which should be a stand-out color. Try to pick two main colors and coordinate your hair tie and leg warmers with them.

 

School girl

The school girl costume is a classic one. Dying to channel your inner old-school Britney from the “Hit Me Baby One More Time” music video? You will probably own everything you need right in your closet. The only purchase you’ll need to make is for the pleated/plaid skirt (unless you went to a really strict private school). To copy Britney’s look, just wear a white blouse and keep it open with a tank top underneath. You can also get a little more nerdy and wear a white tank top with clip on suspenders. To top it all off, throw on some knee high socks and some wide-rimmed, taped glasses. 

Miley Cyrus

As Miley gets more and more untamed, it’s more and more appropriate that she becomes a Halloween costume in 2013. You don’t need to commit to cutting your locks off, but you can mimic her VMA look by putting your hair up in two buns on top of your head. From there, you could go a lot of different ways. The first is her white leotard outfit. You can buy her West Coast crop top at stampdla.com and wear it with a white zipper leotard from American Apparel–that way you have a Miley-inspired look without looking trashy. Another option is her Dope leotard that you can order from missguidedus.com. Just throw on a classic Miley VMA foam finger and you’re good to go! (No joke–Spirit Halloween stores are selling a Miley VMA costume with a foam finger!!)

Harry Potter

Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, so what better time to TBT! TBT this Halloween to the good old days of Harry Potter. This costume is an easy DIY. From your closet, you can wear any white top with a black or maroon skirt. Then, you’ll need a pair of circular glasses and the signature maroon and yellow striped tie. That’s all you need, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create this adorable costume!

 

Halloween doesn’t need to be about looking like a slut–it’s about laughing at and with your besties, looking adorable, and having a crazy time! Whatever you choose as your costume, just embrace it and enjoy every moment of this 3-day Halloween weekend. 

 

Her Campus at Emory University