Focus on Fashion

I don’t know how many people know this about me, but I love Halloween.

It’s during my favorite season, I get to eat a lot of unnecessary candy and it gives me a reason to dress up.

Now, I’m bummed because it’s about two weeks until Halloween weekend, and I have no idea what I’m going to wear.

But there are some things that everyone should consider in their search for a costume: comfort and individuality.

Decision time
If you’re having a hard time deciding what to dress as, I recommend Googling “Halloween costume quizzes.” They’ll give you a chuckle and a starting point to decide what you want.

One online test told me to be Catwoman, but one of the best parts of Halloween is the chance to go out with friends and dance the night away. Catwoman is a costume about sexy and tight, two concepts not very cohesive to comfort on the dance floor.
Better Homes and Gardens has a test as well, which is more vague and merely there to provide you a starting point.

For instance, this quiz told me to join the culture club.

“You seem to be up to date on the latest in movies, television and pop culture,” my results read. “So consider spending this Halloween dressed as your favorite celebrity or cartoon character. With so many costume options in this genre, just let your mind wander, and you’ll come up with tons of creative ideas of your own!”

Shoot for individuality
Definitely consider individuality during your search. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen witches and vampires. Heck, I normally am one of them for Halloween.  

But if you have something that catches someone’s eye, you’re more likely to have a conversation starter.

Last year I saw a guy wearing purple clothing and balloons all over him. He was a cluster of grapes.

And at one friend’s get-together, there were two guys dressed up as a plug and socket.

So, do you want wear something funny or cute? Creative or easy?

My friends aren’t having a tricky time deciding. A girlfriend has already called dibs on being a pirate, which stinks because that could be an easy costume with ways to elaborate to improve the individuality. And one of my guy friends is dressing up as Snooki, which I hope I get pictures of.

That’s the thing about Halloween. You can be funny, sexy or just pretend to be someone else for a few hours.

Keep comfort in mind
Another piece of advice I have for girls and guys is to consider your feet before deciding on your costume. Many of you will be walking to parties, so either wear flats or carry your heels in a purse or bag so you can put them on before you reach your destination.

If you plan to dance the night away, I recommend you wear a light jacket that you wouldn’t care about losing. It gets hot on the dance floor, and sometimes you put your jacket down and can’t find it later.

There are about two weeks until Halloween to decide. Good luck with your searches.
Next week I plan to write about more things to consider and what to carry on your ghoul-filled night of Halloween.

— samkirby@indiana.edu