FASHION

Smiley Pumpkin by minipixel from Flickr

Each year I struggle with ideas for my Halloween costume.  Infact, I have a bad habit of repeating costumes year over year, especially if I am going to a party with different people.  So, to help my fellow procrastinating Bostonians, here a few of my favorite ideas:

1) Referee — Party fouls can happen to good people, and its up to the referee to call them out.  Head to the nearest Sports Authority (call before you go to make sure they have ’em) and snag a men’s referee jersey for under $30.  A men’s small fit me perfectly.  From there, a black skirt or shorts, plus knee high socks, a whistle, a red or yellow penalty flag (scarf), and sneakers complete the look.

2) Cowgirl — A traditional cowgirl costume isn’t that exciting, so here are two suggestions on how to be racy without actually wearing less.  First, a little personalization can go a long way.  One year I bought iron on letters from AC Moore and spelled out the phrase, “Save a horse, ride a [your name here]” on a plain t-shirt.  It’s a play on Big & Rich’s song, “Save a horse, ride a cowboy,” and I got a lot of laughs that night.

For those really looking to make a statement, what about being a reverse cowgirl?  If you don’t understand what a reverse cowgirl is, then this probably isn’t the costume for you.  All you have to do is wear a traditional cowgirl costume backwards.  A good friend of mine wore this costume one year, and it was very successful.

3) XOXO, Gossip Girl — Have an on-again-off-again BFF?  Want to dress in fabulous outfits for an evening while technically being ‘in costume’?  I’ve always thought that dressing as Serena and Blair from Gossip Girl would be a lot of fun, and super easy.  Serena’s style is more urban/trendy, while Blair’s is more buttoned up/traditional.  If you and your bestie are already blonde and brunette, it may be fun to buy wigs and play against character.

4) 80s Workout Babe — American Apparel seems to be stuck in an 80s moment, making this a top spot to wow your friends with short shorts, sweatbands, knee high socks in a variety of fun colors.  Add over-teased “big hair” and you will be sweatin’ in style all night long.

5) Flapper — This is my costume this year.  I don’t enjoy costume store ensembles, so I struck 1920s gold at 344 on Newbury Street (also in the Pru) with a black on black fringe/sequined dress.  Granted, it was more than I would normally spend on Halloween, but since I tend to wear the same costumes a few years in a row, I’m considering this an investment piece.  Combined with things I already have at home – pearls, red lipstick, tights, and a $2 headband from Forever21, and I’m ready to twirl around all night in my cute dress.

If all else fails, here are a few great stores to shop at for costume inspiration – Forever 21 has a lot of rocker-inspired gear – think shiny black leggings, silver, gold, faux leather biker jackets.  Forever 21 also has lots of flannel, woodswoman style prints.  Sporting good stores are also a great place to cash in on team jerseys.  Army/Navy stores are the place to go for official apparel, and when all else fails, I heart AC Moore for t-shirts and sweaters, puffy paint, iron on letters, in every color of the rainbow.

Happy Halloween!! xoxo, SavvyBostonian