Fall: our favorite time of the year. The leaves are changing, sweaters are emerging from deep within our closets, and most importantly, Halloween is right around the corner. But deciding on a costume isn’t always easy; I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of dressing up in the same staple costumes that people seem to choose every year. Here are some ideas to help you swap out those cat ears and devil horns for some original and creative new looks:
1. When Life Gives You Lemons
This is a great way to embody a well-known quote in a cute and easy way. All you need to do is wear a yellow shirt, label yourself with the word “Life,” and walk around carrying a bag of lemons. I guarantee that you will get a laugh out everyone, and receive praise on your cleverness.
2. American Dream
What’s more ‘American Dream’ than getting to show up to a party in pajamas? This simple costume is super comfortable and adorable: choose any style of red, white and blue pajamas, add a American flag-themed sleeping mask, and you’re good to go!
3. Holy Cow/Oh Deer
Here’s a great pun that you can rock with your bestie: the common expressions “Holy cow,” and “Oh, dear.” Take these basic animal costumes and modify them to create a look that is unique and fun. You decide the extent that you want to go: either buy a cow onesie or black and white-spotted clothes, simply add a halo, and holy cow—you’ll look good. To complete the second look, simply wear an all-brown outfit with some antlers and attach the word, “OH,” to the front.
4. Formal Apology
Are you dying to revive that high school prom dress or have an excuse to wear those 5-inch heels? Then you should definitely consider dressing up as a formal apology this Halloween. Dress up in formal attire and decorate yourself with a ton of “I’m sorry” labels, and it will be impossible for anyone to not forgive you.
5. Cereal Killer
While this costume may sound super scary, it’s actually an ensemble that is sure to get lots of laughs. Perfect for someone who wants to put minimal effort into their Halloween look, all you have to do is attach some ripped up, bloody mini cereal boxes to your clothes and splatter some fake blood on yourself and you will be the spookiest cereal killer at the party!
6. Dunkin’ Donuts
What’s not to love about a costume that involves basketball and donuts? Represent one of America’s favorite fast-food chains by wearing a basketball jersey and inflatable donut. My recommendation is to buy a donut pool floaty that you can wear around your waist— this is a great way to capture the “dunking” concept and make your costume stand out.
7. Smarty Pants
An excuse to wear candy? Yes, please. This costume requires one ingredient: a LOT of smarties. Tape or glue them all over your pants, or buy leggings that are designed to actually look like the candy. Either way, this costume gives you a reason to walk around all night stocked up on sugar, and who doesn’t love that?
8. Social Butterfly
Is there a better way to represent our generation than by wearing a costume completely based on our favorite social media platforms? Throw on some butterfly wings and a tutu with social media logos attached—think Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram— and you’ll have an amazing night as the social butterfly of the party!
9. Dr. Pepper
Add some originality to a basic doctor costume by adding one simple addition: a “Pepper, M.D.” name tag. Although it’s not much, this one subtle difference can transform a common, basic idea into a punny costume that everyone will love.