Halloween has always been one of my favourite holidays because it’s the time of year you are exposed to people’s creativity, humour and artistic dedication to become anyone or anything they want to be.
As a kid, I loved Halloween mainly because it was the only time my parents allowed me to wear makeup.
As an adult, I love it not only because I can dress up in a variety of characters, but because every year I always get amazed at how accurately and creatively people can execute a costume or character.
In my experience going to social events, walking down the street or even waiting for an elevator during Halloween season, you can spontaneously connect with others who share the same interests or humour as you, or admire the darkness they embrace. It creates this strange temporary connection that brings people together, even if it’s just for one night.
With Halloween lurking around the corner, I thought I’d post a short and simple compilation of my favourite solo or couples’ Halloween costumes I’ve dressed up as, and maybe it will inspire you to whip up any last minute ideas.
Most of these costumes were pretty budget-friendly, but the ones I had to spend a little more on (namely, a certain mermaid with flowey red hair) were definitely worth it!
Pin-Up Girl
Inspired by Bettie Page pin-up posters from the 1950s, I threw this costume together last minute with my existing vintage clothes (I went through a Rockabilly phase back in 2010-2012), a pearl necklace and red lips.
Hawaiian Punch
If you’re looking for a punny costume, this one was a fun one. Using my existing boxing gloves from my previous gym years, and easy-and-cheap to find Hawaiian attire, this costume was an easy guess for people, without even looking at at my Hawaiian Punch juice bottle. Proof? Someone actually stole that bottle from me that night when I laid it on the bar for a quick second, but people still understood my costume without it. That’s when you know your punny costume works.
Vintage Bellydancer
I wrote a blog post about this costume, and the photograph that inspired me. This was another last minute costume I put together using my belly dancing gear from my belly dancing days, from years ago.
Ariel and Eric
Without a doubt, dressing up as a mermaid was a must at one point of my Halloween timeline. My boyfriend was the easiest person to turn into Prince Eric. All he needed was a clean shave, a coiffed ‘do and a red belt. As for me, I bought this costume and accessorized wth my red hair and dinglehopper.
Dunkin’ Donut
This was hands down the most comfortable Halloween costume I ever wore. Wanting to tap into the punny costumes again, I went for this basketball-themed Dunkin’ Donut. My original idea was to get a donut shaped pool float around my waist, but I had a lot of trouble finding one last minute. So I settled for a donut pillow. It didn’t translate as well for people to guess, so I would say: get the pool float (ahead of time).
Rose and Jack
This was another comfortable Halloween costume (for me). My boyfriend eventually adapted to wearing a wig and suspenders, but this costume was definitely a huge hit. The moment my boyfriend would flip open his sketchbook to reveal that iconic drawing, the reaction on people’s face was priceless, followed by “You actually have Rose Dawson hair”. Oh, I know. Hence the costume choice – less props to wear!
Cards Against Humanity
This was hands-down the most fun group costume we did. We did this with four of our friends, and literally everyone at this party wanted a photo with us. To make this costume, we selected our favourite Cards Against Humanity template, downloaded it, and I got them printed through Vistaprint. Breaking down the cost between six people, it was about $17 per person.
Dark Moon Empress
This was my first time embracing the dark side, and I loved it. Going back to black hair was certainly a high school flashback. This costume was incredibly easy. I just wore black clothes, lace pantyhose, this sultry dark makeup, and I accessorized my long black hair with with a moon crown I got for $20 from our local Halloween store.
The Little Mermaid
Your mermaid made a solo come back using the same costume from a few years ago…but 30 pounds lighter. I had to use a hair clip and safety pins to hold this costume up for these photos!
Mystical Unicorn
For when I want something easy and magical, this unicorn costume and makeup is my go-to. All that’s needed is a colourful wig, a unicorn horn, the iridescent makeup and a lot of shimmer.
Whatever or whomever you decide to be, let your inner [insert what you connect with the most] lead the way and enjoy being that other part of yourself 🙂
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