Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again. Everything is in shades of purple and black and suddenly UT’s burnt orange tower has become a festive reminder that Halloween time is upon us. As we go through our annual “what should I be for Halloween” panic, and as the Target aisles filled with kitten ears give a new meaning to the word “catwalk,” I advise you to put your Pinterest aside for just a moment and look to The Greats. Those celebrities who inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves, or rather, somebody else, on Halloween. As we look through the ghosts of Halloween’s most fabulous past, think of how you yourself can be the star of wherever it is you may be trick or treating.
1) Kathie Lee and Hoda, 2011
Kathie Lee and Hoda, primetime royalties of their own, wowed their mid-morning audiences with their very own take on England’s most evil step-sisters. The costumes matched perfectly to the duo’s Royal Wedding attire and were much like Kathie Lee and Hoda themselves; quirky, fun, and just a tiny bit cringe-worthy.
Collegiate Version: Royal blunders have been of short supply as of late, though with a baby-bib, a onesie purchased at Target, and a plastic crown, one could easily be mistaken for the fourteen month old Royal Highness, Prince George.
2) Cher, 1988
With her own take on a more ancient royalty, Cher perfected the sexy halloween costume that so often goes awry on some college campuses. The bedazzled and very sheer tule combined with a headpiece akin to Kathie Lee’s (see number one) caused 1988 to be a year where everybody wanted to walk like an Egyptian, though with that slit it might be a bit challenging.
Collegiate version: Though Egyptian costumes are easy to find online, the most unique part of this costume I think is the hair ornaments. Create your own golden highlights by bobby pinning strands of gold ribbon underneath an up-do, and maybe exchange Cher’s pumps for some gladiator sandals to transcend the look past the BC era.
3) Ellen Degeneres, 2013
Ellen Degeneres’ Annual Halloween Special is always a surprise, but when she donned her best Niki Minaj outfit last year, she immediately earned her spot on Halloween’s most iconic timeline. The wig, the leather and most importantly, the bodysuit featuring the famous “Minaj Décolletage” made this look one of 2013’s best and most ridiculous.
The Collegiate Version: Niki Minaj has some, how should I say, challenging attributes to recreate at home. However, a blonde wig, a lot of tissue for bra stuffing, and perhaps a fake anaconda to bring this 2013 look into the next year will help any student to become a pop star.
4) Regis and Kelly, 2009
Again, we are lead back to prime time with Regis and Kelly in the year 2009. A time where Kanye had just interrupted Taylor, Kelly Clarkson was number one on Itunes, and Kate Gosselin was going through an ugly and very public divorce with her husband, Jon. However, Regis, appropriately dressed in Ed Harvey, and Kelly, donning Kate’s chic, mother-of-eight haircut, made for a perfect pair.
The Collegiate Version: To avoid being a bit dated, I suggest channeling a more recent celebrity feud. Though the possibilities are endless, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles have been in the limelight as their past relationship is sketched by Taylor’s new album, 1989. A curly-headed wig, a blazer and smirk for Harry, a blonde wig and guitar for Taylor and for both, skinny jeans will do just fine.
Which one would you dare to recreate?