Articles & Advice

When couples decide to dress as a pair, the most common problem with costumes becomes recognizing the concept. Word to the wise-stop doing Barbie and Ken! No one recognizes 'you', especially if you already dress well regularly. Some couples like to buy their adult costumes online with titles such as, "the Plug and Socket" or the "Key and Keyhole" which of course puts the males in the costumes with phallic symbols and the females get the costumes with the holes. Corny? Lame? Over-done? Yes to all of the above. Here are some inexpensive ideas to get a good laugh, and a great, recognizable costume:

Celebrity Couples
Some of the best costumes I've seen are the ones that make fun of celebrities and celebrity couples. Everyday celebs continue to grace us with embarrassing moments and mishaps and what better fun then to remind everyone of their faux pas this fall? This year, one couple who continues to make news stands everywhere-John and Kate (plus eight!) Go to the dollar store and pick up eight dolls and argue all night "in front of the kids". Of course if you're single-use the dolls and dress as the 'Octo-Mom'. Lip injections not included.

Edward & Bella
As an avid Twilight fan, it seemed only appropriate that I list this one-especially with the anticipated release of New Moon in late November. Bella should wear loose-fitting jeans, a ratty t-shirt/hoodie combo, tousled hair and Keds. Edward should gel his hair and dress in dark, solid colors. Top it all off with a pound of baby powder for Edward's face and you're good to go!

Adam & Eve
This one works best if you live somewhere warm during Halloween. Eve should wrap a bathing suit or bikini in vines which can be purchased at your local craft store. Although gluing leaves to a Speedo bathing suit would best represent the costume of Adam-it may also be a bit uncomfortable (both to wear...and visually.) Instead, attach leaves/wines to a pair of boxers or flesh-colored shorts. Accessorize with a fake serpent and an apple.

Joe Dirt & Brandy
In my opinion, this costume could never be too repetitive. I absolutely love seeing couples partake as the supermodel girl-next door, and the trailer park janitor. "Why don't you say that into the microphone-I got a back up mike right here." (Yep-that never gets old!) Girls dress in short jean shorts and a cut off flannel top exposing excessive amounts of cleavage and guys-just buy a mullet and a flannel shirt and you're in business. Of course, if you can afford the wagon and meteor-that would help.

Reversed Gender Roles
Maybe you and your significant other already have a costume in mind? Whatever you may have purchased or set up-switch costumes. Yes, you read that right. I once went to a Halloween party and the winners of the costume contest were Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Sebastian (the not so friendly crab). However, the boyfriend was wearing the mermaid tail, shell top bikini and flame-red wig; while she was dressed as the crabby one.

The Men in Black
Regardless of gender, this costume will never go out of style. Dress is black suits, black shades and buy large, inexpensive squirt guns. Spray paint the toy guns silver and fill them will a choice beverage for the evening. It will save time from the punch line and you'll hear everyone say, "Oh my gosh-why didn't I think of that?"

Before you go out and spend money on some elaborate costume that will have people asking you all night, "So what are you supposed to be?", check out what you have and what you can work with-you'll be surprised at some of the hilarious combinations you can develop!