It's the only time of the year that the run-down strip mall gets any business. Suddenly that empty parking lot is full of minivans and SUVs. Parents, teenagers, college students and kids all on the same battleground rummaging through piles of random things all with the same intent. Starting in late September Halloween stores spring up in all those ghost malls ready to overcharge millions for crappy pieces of fabric that may or may not even make it until October 31.
Every year there's something new. Sure there are always the classic costumes, but to have a real good one you've got to be up to date, hip, cool. A few years ago being a pirate was the big thing, and I saw a lot of Steve Irwins complete with stingray right after the late show host's death. So what's the big thing this year?
Superheroes and Villains
The big blockbuster this year was The Dark Knight. Not only did the movie rock, but there are great costume ideas in there - especially the Joker. My only advice is to not wear a Joker mask. Do the make up yourself. It doesn't really matter if you mess up because the whole point is to look grungy. Also expect to see Batman, and maybe even a few Harvey Dent/Two-Face.
In case you forgot there were other superhero movies this year - Ironman and The Incredible Hulk. While painting yourself green may not be the best thing for your completion, I would expect to see a few Hulks and even some Ironmen. My only advice - don't make your Ironman costume out of iron.
I know he's not a movie superhero, but I'd be on the lookout for some Michael Phelps this year.
Politics
One of my all time favorite costumes is Tricky Dick - going around in a Richard Nixon mask while waving the peace sign. This year's election means that we're bound to have a modern take on this Halloween classic with plenty of Obamas, McCains and Palins running around. Or wait, could there be any more Palins running around?
Scary
Unfortunately there were no major horror movies this year, so we're not gonna see a big scary trend. If you wanna be scary go for the classics. Vampires, werewolves, Jason, Freddy and Dr. Lecter are all classics. Hannibal the Cannibal is a good one. Get one of your friends to wheel you in on a dolly for extra effect. If you want something else that's scary but overlooked dress as Alex from A Clockwork Orange. You're bound to turn some heads.
Be Unique
Don't want to spend a ton of money? Or these other costumes don't fit your style? Do something yourself. Check out Goodwill or other thrift store for some cheap materials. You can also make your costume out of household objects, and hey that's recycling and green is the cool thing to do this year - costume complete.
Another idea is to dress in a group so everyone fits into a common theme. That way costumes can be simple and inexpensive. You could dress as the Blues Brothers or in a Greek/Roman theme. Find easily recognizable movie and TV characters and mimic their outfit. Athletes are easy too. If you don't have a sports jersey I'm sure you know someone who does.
If you really don't know what to be then just put on a bunch of random things and go out. Why not? It's Halloween. Just remember the best costumes are the ones that come from pop culture, and that's why we put this on our website.
