It’s Halloween weekend, and like most college students you probably haven’t chosen a costume yet.
You’re short on time or are stuck on campus, you might be dreading the upcoming days where you’ll be stuck wearing old bed sheets that you cut up yourself again. Have no fear, or do, as this do-it-yourself guide can help you create the scariest, or most entertaining costumes that will be guaranteed to impress your friends.
SCHOOL
Jock: If you’re an athlete, finding a costume should be no problem. Throw on an old jersey, paint yourself white, and claim your coach killed you after a bad free throw. The classic referee look is great as well, you’ll be able to police all the Edward vs. Jacob fights that are sure to break out over somebody wearing vampire fangs.
Prep/Nerd: Instead of donating all those old Abercrombie polos tuck, them into a pair of khakis and pull over a sweater vest. For the “smart” look, don a pair of taped glasses and suspenders. Don’t forget to hike up your pants; that’s the only way people can tell the two styles apart nowadays.
Goth/Rocker: Black lipstick, black pants, black combat boots, and anything spiked that will fit through your ears or a belt loop. Mess up your hair, or if you’re feeling bold add in some semi-permanent color dye.
Hipster: You’re probably OK.
Faculty: We all have those professors we love. Why not honor them by emulating them for one night this year? But buy a large coffee mug and start from there. If you have an extra uniform lying around, pretend to be DPS for a night. They might let you in the squad car for a ride-along.
CELEBRITIES
Michael Jackson: There’s a reason why “Thriller” was a smash hit. Michael Jackson looked downright gruesome as a werewolf. Grab some red pants, and paint your face green. We know you’ve been waiting forever to break out that Jheri curl.
Charlie Sheen: You know that tacky 90s shirt you’ve been saving? Time to pull it out. Windblown hair and a fedora is all you need to be bi-winning. Don’t forget to act weirdly inappropriate. When people ask you what’s wrong, claim it’s a result of the tiger blood coursing through your veins.
Herman Cain: Carry a pizza box around and make controversial comments about immigration policy.
Lady Gaga: As usual, Gaga’s making headlines with her outrageous attire. Anything goes for this costume, including garbage. Raid your closet for the most ridiculous attire you can find. Add a pair of six-inch heals, and you’re set! It’s amazing how far caution tape can go — no really, try it out.
SCARY
The Zombie: Vampires are so last season. Literally, “True Blood” is on hiatus. This Halloween only one thing rhymes with terrifying, and it’s zombies. Grab a pair of scissors and some red dye and begin cutting up your leggings, jeans, T-shirts, and splattering them with blood — we mean the fake kind. If you’re not a fan of “The Walking Dead” then there are a plethora of other options.
The Evil Scientist: Biology major? Grab a lab coat and become an evil scientist. Give your hair that electrocuted look with your friend’s blow-dryer and borrow some goggles from the chemistry labs.
Skeleton: Grab a white shirt and trace out a rib cage. Paste it on a black shirt and voila! You have a skeleton. Face paint is a must for this costume. Draw the outline of a skull on your face for a much more frightening effect.
The Mummy: Feeling rushed? Grab some toilet paper from your dorm and wrap yourself from head to toe. If your roommate gets upset, just tell them your “mummy” took it.
EVERYTHING ELSE
This year, staying creative is all the rage. Never underestimate the power of what’s in your closet. The suit, for instance can be used to create characters like gangsters, FBI agents, the Men in Black, or the Blues Brothers. The classic bed sheet can be used to create togas, super heroes or even that freaky little girl from “The Ring.” Don’t be the only one of your friends without a costume. If all else fails, you can always be a ghost.