The trick to selecting the right Halloween Costume for you is narrowing your preferences to suit your mood, style and comfort. Which will it be? Dark, Gothic or Sinister? Character-themed? Way-out wacky? Comical? Ultra-Over-the-Top Glamorous? Once you choose a theme, selecting the costume that best typifies your signature take on the theme is easier.



If you plan to attend a Halloween party, ask the host or hostess if there is a central theme. That way, you can "connect" your costume to the party theme.

Halloween Impressions

If your costume is simply for Tricks or Treats door-to-door, you still want to create the right impression. That's really what costumes are all about: Creating a lasting impression. Most people remember the "absolutely insane" Sci-Fi costume worn to a Halloween party or the exquisite Marie Antoinette with the mile-high wig. Why go for costuming that's "been there/done that" in style?

It's All About You

Instead, consider your own individuality as your best guide. Are you into astrology? How about a costume that hints at your sign? Are you a pet lover? Choose a costume of your favorite pet or wild animal, such as a polar bear, lion, leopards, tiger...even a baby elephant. Where bears are concerned, you have a choice of familiar iconic bears like Paddington, Smokey and a plethora of others.

Pairing Off in Costume

Don't forget with Halloween costumes, the more the merrier. Meaning, of course, that two people can create one costume as well as five. His and Hers costumes are fun and also add flair. Try Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Mamie and Ike, Jack and Jill, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo or Nelson Eddy and Jeannette MacDonald. Here's quite a cute Halloween "pairs" costume: For the lady, dress as "Mommy". The guy dresses as "The New Years Baby". Use a stroller if weight allows. Imagine the entrance when "Baby" is wheeled in by "Mommy". Don't forget to add one of those giant pacifiers. One other suggestion for a couple might be "Cobra and the Snake Charmer". You'll need a large basket as a prop for this one and a small plastic flute. Pairs can easily do a Magician and Assistant costume.

Don't forget that group costumes are just as much fun. Try a fire-breathing dragon, a horse or a caterpillar. Nothing says a group can't also do a circus clown "act" or for the more agile, a group of circus acrobats tumbling in on cue. A simple group costume is a prison chain gang. Just don't lose the key or the ball and chain may be a problem. There's also Keystone cops and Toy Soldiers for group effect.

Halloween costumes needn't be sedentary. Make them as animated as possible for a better reception by guests and hosts alike. If you plan to do a ballerina, go the whole route. Turn, twirl and even add a swan-like flutter of the arms. If you choose a wrestler's costume, don't be afraid to fake a "choke hold" bear hug. Make like King Kong in a gorilla suit. Just don't leave out the beautiful blonde with the blood curdling scream.

For a more contemporary costume, try "Iron Man", Dora the Explorer, Bat Man, The Joker or Sponge Bob. Think of the most familiar of today's media attractions. Then, select one that most suits your preference. Political costumes are a big hit this year.

Costumes of any kind are more than just masks and material. The most important thing about any costume is its overall effect. Keep this in mind when choosing your spectacular Halloween costume. Have fun!