halloween costumes
It’s the last day of September which means I am declaring it officially time to start talking about Halloween. I’ve even changed my header in honor or my favorite holiday.
First order of business is costumes. I always try to plan ahead so I can make my costume but then can’t decide until the last minute where I scramble to make something overly complicated and end up making myself crazy. Yet again, I’m stumped this year.
Looking back at the last few years, I’m really happy with my costumes, in fact, they’ve been some of my favorite.
Last year I was a prairie girl. The coolest thing about this costume was that it was super comfortable and totally re-wearable. I knew I wouldn’t have time to make a costume so I bought a lovely vintage dress on etsy.
In 2009 I had big ambitions that I would make an intricate Marie Antoinette dress, including a corset. I never finished it. It managed to get it to a wearable state but never made the hoop skirt that went along with it. This project nearly broke me. Despite not totally finishing it, I was still really happy to have a fancy and yet really creepy costume.
In 2008 I was a bat. I have wanted to be a bat for many years as I have wings already built in. This costume was a simple, black, shiny dress with an open back. It was easy to make just by draping. I added gloves, thigh highs and mask to finish it off.
Possibly my favorite costume of all time was this dear costume I made in 2007. Knowing in advance that I needed something I could wear on a bike ride, I made a super comfortable cotton jersey dress, spray painted the belly white and added ears and a tail. I also made the cape Shawn wore with his pumpkin head costume. It was one of the best Halloweens ever.
So what’s next? I’d like to go with something traditional and scary. Maybe something with horns? I much prefer things that are creepy than cute or sweet. I also love getting the chance to wear makeup and masks.
What are you going to be for Halloween? Do you make your costume or buy it? Let’s brainstorm ideas together!
I love your new header – and am happy that someone is just as enthusiastic about Halloween as I am! I haven’t decided what I’m going to be – maybe a zombie bride? I loved being a zombie way too much last year.
PS – all of your costumes are great, but I especially love the prairie girl costume.
being a zombie is awesome. two years ago we went to a zombiethon on halloween so much fun. got extra bloody and zombie walked around a reservoir.
hooray for halloween-time!
Horns, yes… always horns.
Yay! I am also extremely excited for Halloween. I decided to be Lydia Deets from Beetlejuice in the end wedding scene. I lucked out in finding a $10 wedding dress! Now I just have to dye it red. Can’t wait!!
that’s fabulous! such a good choice and awesome that you found a $10 dress.
Halloween is the best. I was in the US in October last year and was gutted that I had to be back in NZ before the 31st. I’d love to experience an American halloween.
My favourite costume of mine so far is probably last year’s Wednesday Addams. This year my husband and I are going as Heathcliff and the ghost of Cathy from Wuthering Heights. I love the naffness of couple costumes. It was a toss up between that and Scully and Mulder which I’m really keen on too…
ooh couples costumes are fun, although i’ve never done it. scully and mulder is such a good idea though. you should do that next year!
what’s halloween like in NZ? it’s a huge deal here but i wonder if it is in other places.
It’s much less of a big deal here, very few people or shops would decorate and I haven’t had any trick or treaters come to our door for some years (could be cos I’ve lived in city suburbs) but there’s always a sweet party to go to. Some people aren’t into it since it’s a US holiday and doesn’t have much to do with us, but I love any chance to dress up!
I love the last costume! It looks cute and cozy. I’m not dressing up this year (again) but last year I really wanted to be a widow. Black net veil and everything. Maybe next year…
i’ve been racking my brain with this same question. i make our costumes, but i feel like having the kiddo this year complicates things. we HAVE to do the cheesy family ensemble, and anything that doesn’t play up bebe cuteness is a waste.
for halloween one year friends of mine dressed up their little girl as a garden gnome and the dad was a giant mushroom and the mom a bee. it was by far the cutest family halloween costume i’ve seen.
That neck work is incredible! and what fun to see your different costumes like this! 🙂