Now that Christmas decorations are arriving at CVS and candy pumpkins are on sale, I bet you are wondering what to do with your left-over costume. Why let your Halloween creations of polyester go to waste? I have some helpful and creative tips to reuse your costumes in your daily life.
Unfortunately, not all costumes can be saved. Some should be donated to your little sister’s dress-up bucket.
According to Google’s list of trending Halloween searches, the top costumes of 2013 were minions from “Despicable Me 2,” the fox from the viral music video by Ylvis, Beetlejuice costumes and Kim Kardashian featuring baby North and Kanye West.
If you were a foxy lady on Halloween who screamed more than any ghost at the party, then your Ylvis inspired fox costume was a success. Although it may seem impossible to wear your fox onesie. After the Halloween festivities are over, it does have other uses. It can double as pajamas that will keep you warm from your head to your toes. If you used a separate headpiece featuring fox ears, use this as you would a beanie for a fun furry alternative.
If you bought a Beetlejuice costume for the sole purpose of being the Robin Thicke to someone else’s Miley Cyrus, then you are stuck, my friend. You will be known as that guy who owns a Robin Thicke suit. No one will be able to look at that suit without thinking of raw chicken, disturbingly sexual teddy bears and Miley’s barely-there wardrobe. But, not all is lost. Use that suit jacket to your advantage, but keep it chic. Don’t try and pair such a loud piece with just jeans and a white tee. It will stick out like Miley’s tongue — not flattering. Try it with a black tee or black button up shirt and white trousers or even black trousers. Don’t try and be bold, let the jacket be bold. If you dressed in Cyrus’s nude bikini, I will pray for your soul.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West look-a-likes were seen all over Facebook. Many featured full volume hair, plump lips, tight skirts and rolled up scarfs, a.k.a. the baby. Fortunately for those Kimmie and Kanye fans, your wardrobe is fine. Ditch the super tight skirt and try a flowy maxi to even out the body-con shirt. To Mr. West, I say just lose the leather pants, no one needs them nor does anyone want them. Keep the graphic tees and chains; they could come in handy when trying to find your own Kardashian.
For those who stuck with the classics, such as vampires, Wonder Woman, any of the Avengers or a crazy chick from the 80s, you are in luck. A red and black corset, or any color, can double as shape wear. Don’t spend money on some sort of Spanx camisole when you already own the original. Tutus can be recycled into an extra layer under an A-line skirt or dress. If you want a little extra volume in your favorite southern belle dress, slip a tutu underneath for an added bounce. Neon tights and fishnet stockings can add a fun flair to a little white dress. Fishnets also look fantastic with pencil skirts. Add some edge to your work wardrobe. No one said suits had to be boring. Remember, stay classy.
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Follow Jacklyn Maza on Twitter: @jbizzmazzz
As published in the Nov. 7 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
