The Perfect Costume Idea

Halloween is often called “Christmas for Freaks.” For this reason, it is unsurprisingly big with Philadelphia, and also with Phillyist. People know this, and ask us for costume advice all the time. For your entertainment and edification, we have written this advice down just for all of you procrastinators, dear readers. Don’t you feel lucky?

• Think of things that have some sort of meaning or resonance for you. Are you into video games? Old movies? Comic books? A particular series of novels? A particular animal? These and many more are endless sources for costume ideas. Sure, you could go to one of those costume stores and buy some popular costume for 60+ bucks, but I guarantee it will not be as memorable for you as picking something that really fits with you. Plus, with an off-the-rack solution, you may well end up having the same costume as someone else. Trust me when I tell you, you’ll have more fun in a costume of your own devising.
• While obscure costumes can be fun, keep in mind that you’re going to be explaining who you are all night. Oftentimes, it can be more enjoyable having something easily recognizable.
• Be creative. “Concept” costumes are an underused, and often really inexpensive idea. They can also be really cheap. As an example, Phillyist once made one involving a simple black outfit, a length of ribbon, a party hat, and several masks. The masks were pinned around the waist of the outfit and switched throughout the day. The curly ribbon was hung festively around the neck. Yes, Phillyist was an entire masquerade party.

  There’s an easy formula to creating a concept costume of this sort. Think of an idea. Then think of simple things that represent it. The ocean? A blue shirt, with plastic fish and seashells glued on it, and a pair of sand-colored pants. You could even get one of those silly hats with the fish sticking out of the front and back. Some creativity and some fabric glue can go a long way.
  

• Don’t get too hung up on details. Can’t find exactly the item you’re looking for to complete your costume? Don’t fret – approximate. The overall effect is the most important thing when creating a costume. No one’s going to think worse of you for having a cat’o’nine instead of a true whip for your Indiana Jones costume. (And if they do, they’re clearly overly uptight, and not worth listening to). Have the important pieces in place, and the rest will fall in line. And never forget that the most important part of any costume is a fun attitude.
  
• Go thrifting!! Take a day or two and scour vintage and second-hand stores. Many a budget costume has been made entirely out of items plundered from their inexpensive depths. One friend of Phillyist bought a cheap, tacky suit, greased his hair back, grabbed a bible, and was a street preacher. He spent the entire party preaching and warning everyone that they were going to hell. Simple, and brilliant.

That’s it – and now you should be well prepared for Drac’s Ball, Henri David, or whatever you intend to get up to this season. Happy haunting!

Image Credit: Star Designs