how-to tuesday

how-to guide for last minute halloween costumes

We’ve all been there. you insist on staying in and tending to the trick ‘r treaters, and at the witching hour (pun intended) have a change of heart.  Is it too late? What will you wear? You’re likely to feel completely unprepared, but don’t fret; some people work better under pressure while others dress better under pressure.  Now’s your chance to take advantage of the five steps below to make the best, last minute Halloween costume yet, and put your friends, who have been prepping for weeks, to shame.  Creative or not, there’s surely something laying around your house/apartment/dorm just waiting to make it’s DIY debut!

1.  Channel your childhood. What did you always want to be when you “grew up?” What was were your favorites (animal, superhero, color, food, drink, etc.)?  You’d be surprised how many ideas can result just from resurfacing a few childhood aspirations and/or quirks!

2. Be recession-chic. Don’t bother heading out to your local mall to hit up the Halloween costume store; you know, the one that fills up an empty storefront one month a the year.  The last thing any bar or party needs is another Elvis, vampire or pirate costume.  Before you go out and drop $50 on an ensemble that’s only acceptable to wear for a couple hours on one night of the year, look around your house!  Chances are that you’ve been to a theme party at one point in your past and have some ridiculous get-up waiting to make its come back.  Even something as simple as a sports jersey, apron or cowboy hat can be the start of any great costume. Accessorize accordingly for that extra ‘oomph!

3. Add some imagination. That empty Amazon box awaiting its recycling-fate could turn into a makeshift box of Franza wine, a television set, or even for you males, the prop for Justin Timberlake’s infamous SNL ‘d in a box’ skit.  That poster tube that once transported dorm art fosters the potential to be turned into a straw or an elephant nose!  It may seem silly, but the most obscure components of a costume make the best conversation pieces.

4. ‘Less is more’ goes out the door. Take advantage of the most outrageously acceptable night/weekend of the year.  Forget fashion faux pas and drop the “less is more” matra–go big or go home this Halloween!  Give yourself an excuse to wear fake eyelashes, tease your hair or wear that hideous outfit you’ve retired to the back of your closet.

5. Designate a driver. If you’re 21 and older, be sure to make arrangements for your means of transportation beforehand.  It’s okay to dress up as a ghost, just don’t become one: If you drink, don’t drive.

If you’re super last minute or plain ‘ol desperate follow the jump for some great DIY costume ideas!

• Facebook; if you’re artistically-inclined, grab a poster board, write up your profile and cut out a rectangular opening for your head.  This one’s sure to get a few friend requests.
• Flamingo; pink leotard/dress, black tights, pink heels/sandals and a pink boa–try to balance on one leg to give the full effect, when possible.  Check out my Polyvore collage at the bottom of the page for a visual!
• Richard Simmons; since we’re on the topic of leotards: you’ll need one of those, colored tights & a sweatband for your head–now you’re ready to start sweatin’ to the oldies!
• Mad Men; channel the 50’s inspired characters by dressing up, putting your hair in rollers and looking nothing short of classy.  If you’re not a fan of the show, Google the characters to get their respective looks.
• Steve Erwin; it’s not too soon anymore, or is it? Deck yourself out in khaki, practice your Austrailian accent and carry around an alligator (or sting ray, if you choose to be morbid) stuffed animal/figurine!
• Kanye; if you’re craving attention, invest in a pair of those slitted-plastic glasses at your local mall kiosk, and interrupt every conversation you enter with “I’ma let you finish, but…” with a mic in hand.
• Freudian Slip; perfect for those psychology majors, or those who just enjoy pointing out an occasional parapraxis … Wear a dress slip and add a beard–voila! Spare partygoers of any of Freud’s psychosexual stages or you’ll probably have some ’splaining to do…
• Waldo of Where’s Waldo; red hat, black framed glasses, red and white striped t-shirt & jeans.  Simple as that! You’re sure to be a crowd pleaser, just like in the books!
• Max of Where the Wild Things Are; white feetie pajamas (or sweats), some pipe-cleaner whiskers and a crown.  Don’t forget to initiate a wild rumpus while you’re at it!

For more ideas, check out American Apparel’s costume builder!