For Halloween, students like to get creative with their costumes, whether they're venturing out to party or for some good old-fashioned trick-or-treating. Some Halloween costumes can be bought at the store, but to be more creative, homemade costumes can be a unique and imaginative way to put a spin on any spooky night.
One of the best ways to find a creative costume is to take a traditional look and add accessories to modify it.
"We all went to a store in Rochester called Athletic Outlet. There, we each got football jerseys made with our names and favorite numbers on them," said Emily Klein, a junior accounting major. "I'm really excited about Halloween this year. My roommates and I are throwing a big party, and I can't wait to show off our costumes."
According to Klein, she and her friends are going with different-colored lettering on their jerseys, and all have matching accessories to go with the costumes. Even adding black lines under the eyes makes costumes look a lot better.
"This costume is more creative than one you can just buy in the store," Klein said. "We made them our own instead of the typical football player costume."
Taking a traditional costume and making it original can make all the difference. It's more exciting to show up at a party where you know no one else will have your costume, Klein said.
Rachel Abt, a senior communication major, said that it is difficult to come up with a creative costume every year.
"My boyfriend and I are dressing up together this year, and coming up with an idea was the hardest part," Abt said. "This year we decided to be cops. I bought the costume, which came with a dress, leather gloves and a belt. To make it more creative, I'm adding handcuffs, fishnet stockings and tall black boots."
According to Abt, one of the most difficult things about costume shopping was finding a look that wouldn't be too expensive.
"I was planning on making my whole costume, but I realized it would cost almost the same amount of money and a lot more of my time," Abt said. "Sometimes buying the costume at the store can be cheaper than making it."
A costume can be more fun and even more unique when you can involve something personal in your look, Abt said. Last year, she dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and used her dog as Toto. Incorporating props into a Halloween costume can give it a little extra something, according to Abt.
"I'm being a mailman for Halloween this year," said Nick Schmidt, a junior physical therapy major. "My creative twist on the costume is that instead of buying (it), I am using the real uniform from a family friend."
Matt Halicki, a junior business major, created one of this year's most creative costumes.
"My costume was very inexpensive and easy to make," Halicki said. "I'm being a present."
Halicki, who is wearing a big brown box around his body covered in wrapping paper, is adding his own finishing touches to this particular costume.
"To make the costume more humorous, I made a big gift tag...that says 'God's gift to women.'"
Above all, creative costumes can set you apart on Halloween night and be a great way to do something memorable.
"I thought it was a very creative idea that will get a lot of laughs," Halicki said. "And it only cost me about $5 to make."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
