September is almost over and you know what that means? Spooky season! Yes, Halloween is right around the corner. Doorsteps will be guarded by jack-o-lanterns, while witches lurk around every corner. But the one question that is on everyone’s mind perhaps more than anything is, “What costume should I wear?” This age-old dilemma never gets any easier. While you may think the only concern you should have is if the costume you like fits, it is far from the only concern you should have. I’ve been going to Halloween parties for a few years now, and I’ve discovered some tips and tricks that have really improved my overall experience and still helped me find a costume that I loved. Today, I’d like to share those tips with you.
Now, before I get into this, I have to admit a couple of these tips are most applicable to women. I’m sure men can relate, but a few of these tips may sound alienating to them. Please bear in mind that I came up with these tips based on my own personal experience. So, take these tips however you will.
And now, let’s get on with my tips and tricks for picking a great Halloween costume:
- Avoid costumes with hats. While there are a lot of great costumes that incorporate hats, they’re not very party-friendly. That is, if you’re planning on dancing. You’ll constantly be pulling that hat back onto your head. So, unless that hat comes with a chin-strap, it’s better to choose a hatless costume. Don’t waste a single precious second of your Halloween fun worrying about losing your hat. Go hatless!
- Choose a costume with which you can wear comfortable shoes. Ladies, I know you want to wear those heels or those thigh-high boots, but your feet don’t. Not if you plan to be on them for any extended period. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
- Do not pick a costume involving a body suit. There’s nothing wrong with body suits… until you have to go to the bathroom. And then suddenly you’re just in your underwear. And then you have to struggle back into that body suit. It’s a hassle and a nuisance. Don’t waste time wriggling in and out of a body suit just to take a piss. It’s not worth it.
- Be sensitive to other cultures. Remember that certain articles are sacred to certain cultures or are part of rituals specific to their beliefs. Remember that there is often dark or tumultuous history related to such costumes. It feels to people who are from these cultures that you don’t take them seriously. Dressing as a character is fine, but dressing as part of someone’s culture? It’s disrespectful and tone deaf. Please be courteous to others and silence your racial insensitivity now.
- Put some effort into your costume. Don’t just throw on a pumpkin t-shirt and call it a day. Don’t write “clever witticisms” on your clothes and think that qualifies as a costume. If you can’t afford a costume from a Halloween store, make your own! I don’t mean you have to sew an entire costume, but be creative. On a similar note, don’t wear a costume version of your actual job. If you’re a doctor, don’t go as a doctor. If you’re a firefighter, don’t go as a firefighter. Going as a “sexy version” of your occupation doesn’t make it different. Halloween is a chance to be someone else for a change! Don’t squander it.
Remember these tips as you head out to pick this year’s costume and you’ll be sure to have a great time in a great costume. Let’s have a happy Halloween everyone!
Strange Storyteller 