Halloween conjures up all sorts of mental images: ghosts and goblins, jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treaters, (soggy) leaves, brisk temperatures, and candy. For some it also conjures up panic and fear – fear of costume parties and all the incumbent pressure to be clever and not look like a total idiot, while still maintaining enough comfort to raise your glass, and unencumbered enough to strip in enough time to make it to the potty. Have no fear my pretties, there are plenty of quickie classic costume ideas that won’t break the bank and likely can be made with items already in your closet…

Witch – grab that little black dress out of your closet and pair it with black tights and shoes. If you don’t want to be an ugly witch, skip the face paint and paint those fingernails a dark color, go for some heavy black eyeliner and red lips. Don’t forget your broom. Witch hats are plentiful, grab one at Target, Walgreens or Johnny Brock’s for a few bucks.

Princess/Queen/Prom Queen – you’ve been wondering what to do with that bridesmaid dress you’ve had stashed in the back of the closet, now is your chance to get some mileage out of it. Bust out the pearls and blingy-rhinestone jewelry. Don’t forget the royal sash, hit the fabric store and grab a yard or so of extra wide ribbon. Drape across your body diagonally and pin with a sparkly brooch at your hip. If you want a scepter, grab a wooden dowel, small styrofoam ball and silver or gold spray paint. Glue on rhinestones or glitter.  If you’ve got  long  gloves and a tiara – even better.

Pirate – For this get up is a pair of yoga pants, sweat pants or capris in black. If you’re willing to sacrifice them, snip every couple inches across the bottom end and tear for extra piratey flair. You’ll need a blousey white shirt or a stripey one. Grab a big belt to sling across your hip (maybe the hubby’s), put on some black boots and pile on the jewelry. Think Pirates of the Carribean and don’t forget the J-Lo hoops. Use a bandana or a scarf to make a do-rag and you’re all set!

Greek Goddess – Wrap a sheet toga style and cinch at the waist with ribbon or braided cord. Slip on some flip flops in a sparkly color and wrap some artificial flowers in your hair or fashion a wreath out of some. Here’s a link for wrapping a toga.

Flasher – If you have a trench or some sort of semi-long coat, you’re all set. Just make sure whatever you’re wearing underneath is shorter than the coat. I do recommend something more than your undies, like boxer shorts and a tank. Flash away!

We would also like to give a big old, huge arse shout out to Abby, blogger behind SouthCitySTL.com and costume maker extraordinaire. She won the virtual costume contest on our Facebook Fan page (true she was the only entry, but that also means she was guaranteed a prize!) and will be getting a fun prize Girls tee!

Alrighty kids, have a blast, be safe and don’t foget to brush your teeth extra good tomorrow night!

Don’t have plans for Halloween yet? There’s still a chance to get in on the Halloween fun around town:

Haute Halloween

10/31

Mad Art Gallery
7:30 – 12:30
$50 – admission includes drinks and food
Dance music from the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s
Benefit for the Ronald McDonald House

Lemp Mansion Halloween Party

10/31

$45 in advance/$50 at the door – admission includes drinks and food
8:00 – 12:30
Live music and costume contests

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.