How to Decide What to be for Halloween

This Halloween, prevent that last-minute trip to the costume aisle in your frantic search for a clever disguise. Start your creative process early and decide what you want to be for a party, photo or trick-or-treat session so you'll have plenty of time to design your outfit.

Instructions

1. Browse the selection at Halloween costume websites like CostumeIdeaZone.com. Even if you don't want to order anything, use their ideas as a jumping off point for additional disguises or find a concept you can recreate on your own.

2. Consider characters from your favorite movies, television shows, comic books, cartoons or novels. Get creative to find ways to represent a line from a popular song or famous quote. Look to notable figures in pop culture, history or politics.

3. Remember the reason why you're dressing up. Choose a costume that's appropriate for the event, location, weather and crowd. You don't want to wear an ultra sexy get-up to a party attended by kids, for example.

4. Work with your budget. If the sky's the limit, you'll be able to rent a deluxe costume from a specialty shop. If you're short on cash, however, devising outfits from objects you can borrow or find around the house is a must.

5. Decide how much time you'll have to get ready. If you'll be heading to a party right after work, you probably won't have time to incorporate intricate face painting or a complicated hairstyle into your disguise.

Tips & Warnings

• Never drive or cross busy streets while wearing a costume, particularly if it involves a mask or hood that will impede your vision.

Resources

• Brainstorm ideas by browsing at a costume website.