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Halloween isn’t over yet, kids. But even if it’s too late to throw a party, you can still throw together an awesome costume for tonight’s festivities. Here before you are some ideas on how to assemble replicas from your own wardrobe, so you can look scary, or at least be entertaining, when kids come to your door trick-or-treating tonight. Remember, though – some of these costumes are probably not what you’d want to be in when you open the door and a bunch of seven-year-olds are standing there in front of you. They probably won’t care much what you’re dressed in, but Mom might.
Favorite Cartoon Rip-Off Costume: Quail Man. The most unlikely superhero ever, Quail-Man can easily be assembled from a tan belt, a black tank top, red fabric paint or felt, and a pair of whitey-tighties. But remember: The undies go outside your khaki shorts. Quail Man made quite the fabulous appearance at one of the parties I didn’t go to this weekend, but the pictures are practically a work of art.
Favorite Geeky Costume: Webcomic characters aside, the best geeky costume ever is three guys, all in black, dressed as “Ctrl Alt Del.” Alt and Del were a no-show last year at the University Singers Halloween party, but Mike Robinson was one heck of a dashing Ctrl. This costume is very simple – get a cardboard box and paint it black. Cut away the top and bottom so it will fit over you, or better yet, cut away the entire bottom, but just a person-sized hole in the top, so it doesn’t flop about while you’re wearing it. Paint “Ctrl,” “Alt” or “Del” on the front and attach some form of black straps – strips of fabric, belts, or ties work just fine. Dress yourself all in plain black – think theatre technician – and pull on the box, preferably after the paint has dried. Try to get two other people to do this with you so you don’t look ridiculous and nonsensical.
Favorite Cardboard-Box Costume: I know the last costume was technically of cardboard box construction, but since I put it in a different category this costume deserves a mention on its own. A friend of mine went to a party this year as boxed wine. How deliciously trailer-park-trash is that? Her costume, once again, was simply a painted cardboard box with straps attached. If you like, purchase some boxed wine and use the box as a guide for the costume. I don’t recommend trying to paint after consuming the box of wine, however.
Favorite Couple Costume: Everybody’s seen the costumes where a couple goes as a vampire and their victim, or a knight and princess, or a redneck couple. The most original couple costume encountered this past weekend at a party was the “Old Married Couple” found at Dennis Cox’s home on Saturday night. Complete with frumpy old sweaters, gray hair, too-short dress slacks and sneakers, this couple certainly had the most endearing and amusing costume at the party. Just raid Grandma and Grandpa’s closets if you want this look, or take a trip to Goodwill in Bangor – they have frumpy clothes galore, some straight out of the 1950s.
Favorite Nostalgic Costume: What’s better than a costume that makes you think of rainy afternoons snuggled under a blankie on the couch watching cartoons? Probably a lot of things, but going to a party as Charlie Brown and Snoopy is still a great idea. Grease paint, floppy ears and a white tee-shirt are all you’ll need to duplicate Snoopy, and felt or fabric paint and a yellow shirt are really all it takes to be Charlie Brown. Add shorts and brown sneakers for the full effect. These costumes are easy and cute.
Favorite Inappropriate Costume: This is the last category, not because it’s the least interesting or entertaining, but because this was the best costume I’d seen in years. As you can see from the photo, there is nothing better than king-sized condoms. Because, while it really isn’t the size of the ship, it’s the motion of the ocean, you can’t cross the Atlantic in a rowboat, kids. This costume can’t really be constructed, unless you know how to screenprint, or sew really really well. Head to that Halloween store in the mall for this one, or, keeping it in mind for next year, try to find it online. This time inflation is a good thing
