As the weather cools, and Sodexho begins cluttering the meatloaf display with skeleton decorations, it’s time to scramble through closets in search of something to wear to the numerous costume parties this weekend. After hours of scouring their laundry baskets, most students triumphantly pull together an outfit that, well, resembles every other costume: a Playboy Bunny, a “prep” or a skanky CEO. This unfortunate lack of originality has made Halloween, the one day you are allowed to look like whoever or whatever you want, one of the most homogenized days of the year.
Instead of throwing something together the night of the party, start thinking a day or two ahead to create a unique costume. We’ve already told you what not to wear; here are some suggestions for what to wear.
- Stereotypes. Put on your best sense of ironic detachment and go for the “hipster” look. Have your mom send your favorite childhood t-shirt, scour neighboring dorm rooms for skinny jeans and a studded belt, and lace up those Chucks. You will get many laughs and everyone will think you are hilarious — unless, of course, you actually are a hipster. In that case, throw on your least favorite pair of Uggs (you go to Northwestern, so you have a pair) and find sweatpants with a cutesy saying or Greek letters on the ass. Tuck the sweatpants sloppily into the top of your Uggs and you’re set for the evening.
- Pre-made costumes. If you’re lazy, you could just hop online, pick out your favorite outfit, and have it shipped to your room. Whatever your angle, Costume Supercenter has some pretty clever costumes, whether you choose to be a caveman, tacky tourist or the Virgin Mary. Communications sophomore Courtney Horton said a friend purchased a penis costume for last year’s Halloween, and similarly-minded students with a classy streak can also dress as a vagina or a sperm.
- Thrift store masterpieces. But honestly, where’s the fun in ordering a pre-made costume when you can make a run to Wicker Park, hit up some thrift stores and turn Halloween into an art project? A huge picture frame and a false nose could turn you into Picasso’s masterpiece. Trousers, a fake mustache and a red shirt will turn you into Mario. Jacqueline Reyno, a Communications freshman, recommended dressing as gum underneath a chair by wearing all pink, with a chair balanced on your head.
- Campus characters. An over-sized Northwestern sweatshirt, rolling suitcase and a overflowing bag from the Norris bookstore can turn you into one of the thousands of prospies littering campus — and bring back your own memories of feeling small and awkward. You could also go as a construction worker, because there aren’t enough of those on campus.
- Filmspiration. Movies are a fantastic source of costume inspiration — if you aren’t going for the Spartan or Jack Sparrow look. Find the most flamboyant outfit you can and go as Brad Pitt in Fight Club (or boys, go shirtless… as long as you kind of look like Brad Pitt). And although it may take a little more design creativity, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are an excellent group costume choice, because who does not love a mutant turtle?
- Presidential candidates.The 2008 presidential candidates are all good costume sources. Make sure you have a suit and tie, and hold a hairbrush (John Edwards), a Book of Mormon (Mitt Romney) or a purple heart (John McCain). If you are female and are good at acting wooden, you have your Hillary Clinton costume ready to go.
- Mary Desler. If you think the Halloween thing is overrated, but you’re obligated to go to your best friend’s ex-roommates’ boyfriend’s party, grab a cardigan and go as our very own Dean of Student Affairs, Mary Desler. As a bonus, no one will care when you shut down the party as you are “just acting in character.”
- Unstereotypically Slutty. If you’re determined to show off your, erm, best assets, then at least do so creatively. That means no cheerleaders, no maid outfits and definitely no Playboy Bunnies. Other animals are not out of the question, though; I personally would like to see someone attempt a slutty giraffe.
In the wise and true words of the great philosopher Lohan, “Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” But avoid skanking up Sesame Street characters — as McCormick freshman Joe Walkowicz said, “I have a problem with making slutty costumes out of children’s characters, but if the character is already slutty, then it’s fine.”