Note from the editor: This is a post from a new robot, Chrome Violet, who is going to be bringing some comics reviews to the table from the female perspective, but wanted to get going with this piece on Halloween costume ideas, perfect for the procrastinating streak in all of us.
So, without further ado, we have Apryl Goldstone, aka Chrome Violet:
So it’s a few short days till Halloween – and you may wonder how you’re going to represent the geek girl community and rock your weird and wild self this year. In the quest for the ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN COSTUME you, my bold heroine, may have some obstacles along the path to the party, so let this wily witch of geekery guide you with some advice:
challenge: Low Fundage
response: Do it Freestyle
If you’re short on cash get yourself to Pinterest or Google and search for DIY costume hacks or fashion tutorials – cause you know damn well there’s a million ideas there. You can make tops from old pantyhose, capes out of scarves, horns out of…well probably toilet paper rolls! You can easily supplement by getting supplies and tools at thrift stores for cheap or pick up a couple tools at the craft store. Basically the chances are you can outfit an entire masquerade ball with the stuff you have just lying around the house. It just takes a little infographic “how-to” to get you started!
challenge: Little Time
response: Shop & Slash
If you’ve got more monetary resources but are scrimping for time get yourself something you can modify in a pinch and make your own with a few costume hacks. Again, seek the creative inspiration of the internet here to find how-to’s and tutorials about doing simple “mods” of classic or packaged costumes and the like.
challenge: Uninspired
response: Consult the Spirit World
Hey, it’s Halloween right? So why not ask the otherworld for inspiration on what kind of costume you should create for yourself this year with a ritual or seance. I recently came across this idea while chatting with a mental health therapist friend Machiel Klerk, whose specialty is in depth psychology and dream work. He mentioned involving the assistance of the unseen and unconscious could be a powerful and inspiring way to manifest a creative outfit, and the great thing is it could be a beautiful way to express hidden aspects of your psyche in a fun and healthy way. So consult the tarot, look for patterns of archetypes you notice, ask your dreams before you go to sleep, or try your hand at some bibliomancy and wait for the answers!
challenge: Makeup dork
response: Call a Beauty Fiend…er Friend
Feel a bit out of your depth when it comes to body paint? Don’t know what spirit gum is? Well I’m sure you’ve got some skilled friends or associates that at least dabble in the realm of glamor that you can employ to help you get that fantastic freaky face. Don’t limit yourself to just girlfriends either cause honey those gay guy friends are yours are nothing short of masterful when it comes to makeup design especially if they’ve done any drag. At the very least you can ask about recommended products and glamorizing tips.
challenge: Same Old Same Old
response: Get Twisted
Listen, the Princess Leia slave girl costume while sexy has been done…and done…and done. Why don’t you do a different Leia this year? Cloud City Leia anyone? Or even victory ceremony Leia handing medals for bravery? Or say you want to go the Disney Princess route at a party…why not zombie-fy it? Or steampunk it? Hybrid costumes are fantastic and a great way to freshen up a classic and well recognized character. What ever you do to put a new twist on an icon try to avoid the “sexy” version of it cause it’s just lame and uncreative to take an outfit and minimize the fabric coverage, and trust me thousands and thousands of other uninspired chicks are going to be doing the same thing. Be different my delicious dames!
challenge: Too Many Ideas!
response: Costume Multipass
Who says you need to rock just one Halloween outfit this year? If you have the means, and the parties are plentiful then by all means work that multifaceted personality and style! Let this be your guide and go forth and scare, entrance, and intrigue my dear.
[photo credit: “Scary Clown” by juliet_earth on Flickr.]