How to Come Up with the Best Halloween Costume

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In a costume rut? This year, dream up a cool outfit that's equal parts trick and treat.

Step 1: Try a play on words
Try a play on words. While puns are usually the territory of the damned, a clever turn of phrase can inspire a witty, unique costume.

Step 2: Pull from current events
Pull from current events. Use celebrity gossip, politics, movies, local news items, or other cultural happenings as your inspiration.

Tip
Make costumes that personify nonhuman events like weather systems, newsworthy animals, and economic trends.

Step 3: Go as a group
A group costume can save you and your friends from the pressure of coming up with your own costumes. Pick a fun, offbeat theme, and revel in the camaraderie.

Step 4: Embody an abstract concept
Pick an abstract concept or emotion, and dress accordingly. Since no one knows what "happy" or "physics" actually looks like, there's no right answer.

Step 5: Make it a challenge
Turn costume creation into a challenge! Set a time or dollar limit. Only use items you find in your basement. Dare yourself to shop in a single store, and make it one that doesn't sell costumes.

Step 6: Incorporate a puppet
Whether you create an elaborate costume around a puppet, or the puppet simply stands on its own, it's always fun to have everyone say hello to your little friend.

Step 7: Keep it simple
Want to be a golfer? Throw on a newsboy cap, and hold a putter. Sometimes simplicity is king.

Did You Know?
In 2007, over five-and-a-half million adults dressed up as a witch for Halloween, making it that year's most popular adult costume.