More Halloween Costume Inspiration

We've already given tons of tips on choosing a Halloween costume, but Sparkler pestina18 has a few ideas that have been overlooked thus far on SparkLife. Enjoy! —SparkNotes editors

It’s that time of year again: jack-o-lanterns grin from every doorstep, front yards have become graveyards, the supermarket shelves are stocked with candy…and you still don’t know what to be for Halloween. Here are a few tips that will have you looking your best in costume on Halloween night:

Be Cheap
Browse the internet and Halloween stores to get ideas—not necessarily costumes. Store-bought costumes tend to be fairly expensive and cheaply made. A thrift shop is a great place to buy items for costumes. Interview some friends and ask what they’re being for Halloween, but don't steal their ideas—that's a definite no-no! Maybe a costume you see or hear about will spark an idea of your own.

Be Original
Scream masks with black cloaks, princesses, and Batman are so first grade, and so unoriginal. An original costume is one that you wouldn’t find online or in a store. However, you must make sure that your costume is obvious, and if you're being a character, pick someone who's fairly well-known. You don’t want people asking who/what you are all night long.

A big part of being original is being creative. Mixing and matching costumes or being funny and scary at the same time is sure to be a hit. Remember, when people see your costume, you want this reaction: “Wow! Awesome costume!”

Here are some reactions you don’t want: “I was the same thing two years ago!”

“My brother’s going as the same thing!”

“What the heck are you?”

Here’s a test: While you’re out trick-or-treating, count how many Scream masks, princesses, and Batmans you see. Maybe five, ten? Then, count how many other people you see wearing your costume. If it’s truly original, you shouldn’t see any!

Be Scary
People used to dress up on Halloween to scare evil spirits away. If you're looking to continue the tradition, use lots of stage makeup to make it work. We’re talking fake blood oozing from your eyeballs, fake scars on your face, nails running through your head, torn and bloody clothing…you get it.

Or Be Funny
When it comes to being funny, I think clashing holidays is always a hit. No one expects to see the Easter bunny bobbing for apples, or a Christmas present trick-or-treating.

Believe it or not, being a clichéd costume can actually be funny and original, as long as you make it obvious that you're in on the joke. A face painted green, a wart on your nose, and a black witch’s hat has been done by half of your friends. But a white sheet over your head with eyeholes cut out of it is a cliché that no one actually ever does, so it's funny. If you’re going for a funny costume, you want people to be able to look at it, get the joke right away, and laugh. Don't be too complex.

Have Fun
Having fun is the most important aspect of Halloween—besides eating all of your candy, of course. Don’t stress about your costume—an idea is likely to pop into your head when you’re least expecting it. Follow these tips, and this could be the best Halloween yet!

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