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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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.