Halloween in college: costume ideas

It seems like only a few years ago I was going out with my older sister to trick-or-treat dressed as a gypsy; a nice appropriate outfit that my mom let me pick out from Target that we put with some other costume items from our house.

I wish I could go back to those days. Not only so I could actually go trick-or-treating, but also so I could wear a fun, comfortable, unique costume…not one that makes me look like I forgot my clothes.

Don’t get me wrong, you can go out to parties in college as something cute and appropriate, but you will most likely feel a little out of place.

I have personally felt that way. My freshman year of college I dressed up with my teammates as hippies. Our costumes included white, tie-dyed t-shirts paired with some jean shorts. Wow…we really went all out!

The next year I dressed up as a cat. I wore a black, skin tight dress, tights, ears, a tail, and black boots. I mean, I kind of lived up to everyone’s expectations by wearing a skin tight dress…right?

I ended up not going out my junior year, but I feel like I need to make a comeback my senior year, and go out with a bang, be something I really want to be, and that I will completely own.

I really don’t care what other people think about me when it comes to Halloween costumes.  That’s the last thing I am worried about, but I don’t want to look like a complete outcast.

I enjoy getting dressed up with my friends and having a good time. So this year, I know exactly what I am going to be, and it’s not going to be slutty.

Don’t feel like you need to wear something you’re not comfortable in when you go out this Halloween…be something you really want to be, or do something with a group. Here are some comfortable, classy, costume ideas for this Halloween.

Also, don’t feel like you have to go out and buy an expensive costume when you can make one yourself from things you already own, or go to Goodwill or Walmart for a few small accessories.

• Rosie the Riveter: all you need to do is get a long-sleeved demin or blue top, roll the sleeves up past your elbows and pair it with jean shorts. Put your hair up and add a red bandana and add some 1940’s makeup.
• Nerd: wear a pair of glasses and stick some tape around the bridge to add a geek effect. Wear suspenders and pull your pants or skirt up high and tuck your shirt into it. Putting pens and a calculator in your shirt pocket will help as well.
• Mime: get some cheap white face paint; wear black or striped top and black pants. Wear white gloves if you own them!
• A bath puff: buy some tulle from a fabric store, and bunch it up to pin or sew it on an outfit. You can choose to wear a tube dress, tank top and short, or legging and t-shirts underneath. Also, you can do this with a group and be a bunch of colors.
• Fifty Shades of Grey: get paint chips in all shades of grey. Tack them all on to your outfit and you’re good to go.
• Greek goddess: get a white sheet or dress, gold jewelry, and a gold rope or ribbon for a belt.
• 101 Dalmatians: wear a white outfit and use a black marker to draw dots all over. Then use makeup to draw spots on your face.
• Dora the Explorer: get a pink shirt, orange shorts, backpack and sneakers. Don’t forget a short brown bob…if you have one.
• Audrey Hepburn: wear a black dress with long black gloves, and layer multiple necklaces. Put your hair into a sleep updo, and accessorize with a tiara, big framed sunglasses and a cigarette holder. 
• Scarecrow: wear a flannel shirt and jeans with a big floppy hat. You can use a pink or orange blush on the apples of your cheeks and eyeliner to draw stitches.
• The Little Mermaid: find an inexpensive colored bralette top, and use hot glue to attach pearls, shells and sequins. Pair the top with a green skirt and spray your hair with temporary red hair dye.

When it doubt, look online for last minute costume ideas. Be true to yourself this Halloween and be something you want to be, not what you feel like you have to be now that you’re in college.