ResearchCreative Home Costumes
Throughout the years that we've had a family, I've kept a few containers of Halloween gear just like the Christmas gear. This is assorted bits and pieces of make-up kits, odd clothes, and random junk which can be combined in different ways to make a costume. The accent here is on versatility: a Darth Vader mask is only good for Darth Vader, but an array of face paint, wigs, and hats can make you into a whole range of characters.
I couldn't imagine buying a costume at the store, and if I suggested it by now, the kids would look at me strange. The reality is, that trick or treat getup is only good for one night - they'll have outgrown it next year. And trick or treating is done in the dark; who's really going to get a good look at the costume?
Old clothes are invaluable for turning out tramps, hobos, zombies, and clowns. Uniform elements such as camouflage and old work uniforms can be altered sufficiently for kid's wear. Tights and leotards can be commandeered with some creative sewing or painting. Wigs can make you anything like a witch, troll, barbarian, or wizard. A robe or two can be altered into any Middle Ages getup such as a peasant, monk, or nun. The old bed-sheet with two eyes cut out for an instant ghost is too trite for even young kids to go for anymore, alas.
It helps that we have some creative kids around who love doing their own little art projects. It also helps that their parents have attended a Renaissance Faire or two, and have left-overs from various medieval garbs and get-ups. I might as well donate my alchemist costume elements to the costume trunk, since that one was too esoteric for even anybody at the Renaissance Faire to get.
Be warned that if you pick some character from a movie to go as, you'll be answering the question "Who are you?" from people who haven't seen the movie. Ditto for TV and literature characters who aren't well-known or easily-recognizable. I'll never forget one friend who went as "the Crow" from the movie "the Crow". If you weren't a Goth when that movie was released, you have no chance of pegging that one. The Crow looks like a guy in dark clothes. So did half of his Goth friends. When people from your own demographic and culture guess you wrong, you didn't pick a famous enough character.
With kids, it's always good to have them try it on and wear it for a while before the big night. Check for durability so it isn't falling apart or getting in their eyes. Check for easy on and off for restroom visits. Check that it won't trip them or hinder their movement, keeping those night-time street crossings in mind. Be sure the face make-up is non-toxic and hypo-allergic. And remember to make the costume as visible as possible for night-time safety.
Have a creative and fun Halloween!