My latest for TNGG, as originally posted here.

Halloween is almost here and costume parties have already begun (some are coming just bit TOO early this year…). When we were little, it was always exciting to dress up and go trick-or-treating, but now as we grow up, sometimes Halloween begins to seem more like a chore.

Dressing up for the holiday in a unique way seems to become more and more difficult every year. Whether you are strapped for cash, have no time to go shopping for a costume or simply forgot to get a costume for that party that’s tonight, here are some ideas for costumes you are likely to find in your closet:

80’s Costume:

What you’ll need if you’re a chick:

• Leggings
• Leg warmers (or knee highs that you scrunch instead of extending all the way up your thighs)
• Headband
• Scrunchie (for your side pony tail)
• White sneakers
• Bright colored sports bra
• Sweatshirt with an extra wide neck line
• Blueish eye shadow

What you’ll need if you’re a dude:

• Wig with long hair/mullet
• Tight pants
• Fitted tank top in a bright color
• Lipstick
• Eyeliner

Bat boy/girl or Baseball Player Costume:

What you’ll need whether you’re a chick or a dude:

• Team jersey
• Baseball pants
• Team hat
• Knee high socks
• Cleats or sneakers

Additional accessories to put you over the top:

• Baseball and glove
• Batting helmet
• Cather equipment (if you’re dressing up as a catcher)
• Baseball bat *IMPORTANT NOTE: check that if you are going to a bar/public place, some of these things will not be allowed in as they could be construed as a weapon

College/University Superfan Costume:

What you’ll need whether you’re a chick or a dude:

• T-shirt from your college
• Foam finger
• School hat
• Jeans (or any bottoms you have with your school’s name on them — this could be a perfect reason to have sweats on at the party…)

Additional accessories to put you over the top:

• Face paint
• Temporary tattoos
• Ribbons in your hair
• Anything else you have that matches and shows your school pride

Lifeguard Costume:

What you’ll need if you’re a chick:

• Red, navy or royal blue bathing suit (can be a one piece or bikini, but no drawstrings allowed — bonus points if it’s an actual lifeguard suit)
• Lifeguard t-shirt
• Red or navy shorts
• Flip flops
• Whistle

What you’ll need if you’re a dude:

• Red, navy or royal blue bathing suit (bonus points if it’s an actual lifeguard suit)
• Lifeguard t-shirt (optional if you are going somewhere that does not require shirts as part of the dress code)
• Flip flops
• Whistle

Additional accessories to put you over the top:

• Rescue tube
• Funny looking sun hat
• Sunglasses (remember, b@d@$$e$ wear sunglasses at night)
• Zinc on your nose (any color will do)

Referee Costume:

What you’ll need whether you’re a chick or a dude:

• Black shorts or pants (if you want to be a basketball ref) OR white shorts or pants (if you want to be a football ref)
• Black and white vertically stripped shirt
• Whistle (should be black if you want to be official)
• Sneakers (should also be black if you want to be official)

Additional accessories to put you over the top:

• White or black baseball hat (football only)
• Red and yellow cards if you are a basketball ref
• Yellow flag if you’re a football ref
• Black Under Armor (for layering purposes if you fear being cold)

*Note that all above costumes ideas can be adjusted to your level of sluttiness, if you so desire, though I may recommend you think against that.

If you don’t have any of the above costumes, don’t forget you can always pull out an old costume from a couple years ago that you still have lying around, an old uniform from work (nothing wrong going as a Stop & Shop bagger or cashier) or an outfit from any themed parties (luau, 90’s, etc..) you have been too lately.