The Ultimate Halloween Costume Survival Guide

It’s that time of year again, my fellow Uloop readers. The time where the leaves start turning orange and red, the pumpkins get carved, the flannels come out, and where Starbucks breaks out the pumpkin spice latte’s.

This sounds tempting, but one important event I would say is absolutely critical to the month of October happens, and that is HALLOWEEN!

It’s the one day, or weekend, where you can wear literally anything and no one will throw shade at you. Embrace that. Halloween is that super fun time of the year, where the possibilities are ENDLESS.

Listed down below are some friendly tips and advice to make it through this holiday feeling unscathed.

Tip #1: A ‘Halloween Movie Night’ is just as good as leaving your room.

Here are some of my favorite recommendations:

-Hocus Pocus
-all of the Halloweentown movies
-Any Horror movie in general

Tip #2: If you do go out, be safe.

Halloween is just as dangerous as any other time of the year, if not more. Take a normal college party — alcohol, dancing, and loud music — and then add MASKS. Just be safe. Don’t leave your drink. Take an Uber. Find a friend.

Tip #3: Avoid this year’s trending costumes.

If you want to be a clown, Harambe, Finding Dory, Star Wars, Harley Quinn, Pikachu, Ken Bone, or even Donald Trump, go for it. I’m not the one to tell you that you can’t, but I will be the one to say you might see someone else wearing the same thing. Be bold. Leave 2016 behind. Go all out or be as simple as can be.

Tip #4: Avoid offensive costumes.

Here is the tip where I take back that “no shade” comment I was referring to earlier. Don’t wear these costumes. I promise you that I would much rather see another person wearing a food costume or being a minion.

-Kim Kardashian's Robbery

-Domestic Abuse Victims and Offenders

-Blackface

-Cultural Appropriateness

-Diseases and Eating Disorders

-Trans-phobia

Tip #5: Mix and match.

Have you ever wondered what rain boots, an umbrella, and cat ears look like together? Are you feeling bold enough to combine TWO animal costumes and Greek armor? Go for it. You will end up walking into that party as a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. I saw a couple banana costumes last year, but I can guarantee you that no one else was Banacules: half Banana, half Hercules.

Tip #6: Everyone loves puns on Halloween.

I’m Dunkin’ Donuts this year. Throw on a basketball jersey and attach the word donuts. BOOM! There you go. Other versions also include pool floaties and rubber basketballs.

Here are some other punny costumes to try out for Halloween.

Tip #7: Squad costumes and couple costumes are highly effective if you make sure no one will back out. 

Minnie and Mickey Mouse? Minions everywhere? Spice Girls? Cop and prisoner? Just make sure you communicate effectively, so you don’t end up as Prince Charming and only two Musketeers in Another Cinderella Story.

No matter what you are for Halloween, make sure you have a safe and fun night. I hope you take these tips and implement them towards choosing the perfect costume.