As the leaves start to turn and the mosquitoes begin to die (thank goodness), it can only mean one thing: Halloween is approaching! Here’s some helpful hints for your Halloween costume to help you slay the day away. 

For the girls, some Do’s: 

Everyone loves a good group costume. Gather your friends and find the most iconic trio and head straight to Depop. I want to see Dorothy, The Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch (in honor of Wicked 2), the Three Blind Mice, or Strawberry Shortcake with her best friends. The options are endless. If you are looking to go solo, do something unique! So unique you need to change your screensaver on your phone to show as reference when nobody understands. But I promise I will! I’ll be on the lookout for Brad Pitt (NEED MONEY FOR PORSCHE), Fancy Nancy, Barbie (especially the niche ones like Barbie astronaut or mermaid), and literally anything else I haven’t seen every other year. Halloween is a time to dress up! Be unique! Express yourself in a completely new way and have fun! Embrace it!

Don’ts: 

I have one request. Just one. Please no more fairies. 

For the guys, Do: 

I would love to see some personality and character this year! I feel like too often group costumes are taken too far and out of context and everyone shows up in the exact same thing (flashbacks to last year’s Ferda apocalypse). I’m hoping to see some TV references, like Carmy from The Bear or Maverick and Goose. I can’t decide if this is a Do or Don’t, but if you’re going to be a performative male (if you’re not one already), make it as dramatic as your heart desires. If you’re at a loss, take a trip to Pinterest and do some quick research. I promise the ideas are limitless and your costume will be much more impressive.

Don’t:

Making a last minute trip to Spirit Halloween and grabbing a random mask or raiding your closet to find a shirt you’ve never touched will not cut it. Don’t show up to your halloween events and have people asking what you are because you look like it’s just another day in a polo and khakis. Effort, time, and thought is key! 

While my opinions may be harsh, don’t let them stop you from being whatever your heart desires. Just know, if I see anyone in a costume under the “Don’ts”, there will be subtle shade and the standards will be even higher next year. Happy October and enjoy all the fun that is to come!