10 Last-Minute (and Painless) Costume Ideas
by
Phyllis Cambria
With Halloween fast approaching, costume party invitations are likely
to be in your mailbox soon. If you’re like many, the thought of heading to
your costume rental store and squeezing into a superhero costume or a
claustrophobic gorilla suit probably has you trying to come up with
excuses for not attending the celebration. Perhaps you’d prefer not to
spend a small fortune on an elaborate costume rental, or it may be a
last-minute invitation and you’re stumped for something to wear. If any of
these situations sound familiar, relax, here are ten costumes you’ll be
able to slip into at the last minute with clothes readily available in
your closet or needing only a quick trip to your local party store or
thrift store for accessories.
Cowboy or Cowgirl: It’s an old favorite because it’s such an
easy costume to implement. All you need are a pair of jeans or a denim
skirt, cowboy boots, a leather belt, plaid shirt and a cowboy hat. Happy
trails to you!
Prom Queen: In case you’ve been wondering what you should do
with that hideous bridesmaid’s outfit you were forced to buy, here’s the
perfect way to get some use out of your expensive purchase. Simply slip on
the dress, add high heels, an inexpensive tiara and carry a long-stem red
rose. Voila! You’re back in high school as the belle of the ball.
Typical Tourist: Dig through your t-shirt collection and find
one from a favorite amusement park. Or, rummage through the back of your
closet to locate an old Madres shirt. Pair it with a pair of plaid or
khaki shorts, sunglasses, sandals, and a baseball cap or straw hat. Hang a
camera around your neck and stuff an amusement park brochure or an old
airplane boarding pass into your pocket. Best of all, you won’t have to
wait on any long lines to have a good time in this costume.
Gypsy Girl: Peasant skirts are all the rage this year. Team
yours with a peasant-style blouse, lots of bangle bracelets and necklaces,
dangling or hoop earrings and sandals. Then, wrap a wild print scarf
around your head. The crystal ball says that this costume is a winner.
Tool Time: Slip on a white t-shirt, jeans or work pants, white
sports socks, work boots or old sneakers, and a loaded tool belt around
your waist. Butt cracks (and jokes) are optional.
Luau Lad or Lady: Top a pair of white or brightly-colored shorts
with your wildest Hawaiian print shirt. Add sandals, a straw hat and a
real or fake lei and a tropical drink, complete with a little umbrella,
and you’re ready to hula. Aloha!
A Law-suit: This worked for Denzel Washington’s character in the
movie “Philadelphia,” and it can work for you, too. Tape a variety of
legal contracts and forms to a basic business suit. “Your Honor, I give
you my law-suit.”
Super Fan: Have a sports team that you love? Great! Here’s a
chance to show your team spirit by wearing a team shirt, hat, and
color-coordinated pants. Then, carry pom-poms, pennants and any team
accessories you have stuck up on your shelf for when you attend a game.
Go, team, go!
Dancing Dan or Magic Man: Dust off your tux and polish your
shoes. Add white gloves, a top hat and cane. Fred Astaire never looked so
dashing. If you prefer, skip the cane and stuff a fake rabbit in your hat
and, abracadabra, in mere minutes you’ve turned yourself into a magician.
Stepford Housewife or ‘50s Mom: Borrow a shirtwaist dress from
your mother or find one at a thrift store. Add stockings, a pair of
sensible heels, a crisply-ironed apron, a strand of pearls and a rolling
pin. You’ll look like you've stepped out of a ‘50s TV sitcom.
With these simple and affordable ideas, there’s no reason to turn down
your next costume party invitation.
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