Halloween is almost here, which means time is running out to choose a costume. Whether you go the DIY route or choose to buy one, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. Despite having a wide range of choices, there are always people who choose costumes that cross the line, so, there must be reminders for those people to avoid anything offensive or outright ridiculous. Here are a few of the best costumes of 2017, and some to steer clear of:
Star Wars costumes have always been a common choice, but this year a Princess Leia costume would pay tribute to the late great Carrie Fisher, after her untimely death late last year. All you’d need are Leia’s iconic side-buns and a white longsleeve dress. However, if you want to try something out of the ordinary, you could go as “prisoner” Leia, or the older General Leia Organa.
Wonder Woman
“Wonder Woman” was this year’s “Ghostbusters,” in terms of female representation and empowerment, making it perfect for young girls and women alike. The classic route would be a brightly colored red and blue bodysuit or dress with a large yellow “W” emblazoned on the chest. If you want to go for the more modern look shown in the movie, choose a more armor like, dull-colored version of the outfit with a shield and sword.
The Babadook
The Babadook is an LGBT+ icon, and the subject of an excellent horror movie. You’ll need a black top hat, all black clothing, and white and black facepaint. Be careful, though, you don’t want to show up as the Babadook to a party with a different kind of vibe.
Beauty and the Beast
As the highest-grossing movie of 2017, you couldn’t go wrong with a “Beauty and the Beast” costume. For Belle, you could choose her elegant ball gown, or her “village” dress. For the Beast, you could wear a mask or face paint in addition to his fancy blue suit. If you’re looking for something less ordinary, there’s always Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts or Chip.
Worst:
Other Cultures and Races
Please refer to the “We’re A Culture Not A Costume” campaign, if you’re still unclear as to why cultural appropriation is wrong. The problem ranges from wearing sacred and traditional attire, to black/brown/yellow face, and everything in between, “reinforcing current power structures in a negative way.” At DU, it would be particularly ignorant to dress in Native American garb, but that hasn’t stopped students in the past.
Caitlyn Jenner
Dressing up as Caitlyn Jenner, especially if you are a man, is immensely disrespectful, as it would suggest that being transgender is like wearing a costume. What would arguably be more offensive, is dressing as Caitlyn before her transition, which is being advertised by some companies as a “Bruce Gender Costume.” This would invalidate not only her, but the entire trans community as well.
Pennywise
2016 gave us enough killer clowns, and there have already been plenty of people dressing as Pennywise in theaters since the “It” remake premiered last month. Pennywise will be one of, if not the most worn costumes this year, so if you must dress as any “It” character, put on a yellow raincoat, grab a balloon and go as Georgie.
Taylor Swift(s)
This option is tempting simply because there are so many different Taylors to choose from, such as “2009 VMA’s” Taylor, and “‘You Belong With Me’ music video” Taylor. Sadly, her latest musical ventures are more focused on marketing and public image, rather than you know, actual music. Avoid the easiest pop-culture route and go for something more inventive.
