When done right, Halloween can be the most fun you can have in an evening. When done wrong, you just end up feeling like a fool. I’ve experienced both.

I have a group of friends for whom Halloween is a serious holiday. Attendance is mandatory and having an imaginative costume is vital. I’ve had some real misses...but year after year I’m compelled to try to create the perfect costume.  

Planning can begin as early as the day after Halloween...this does not necessarily guarantee success. Sometimes, an awesome costume idea comes together just hours before a party. Other times, over thinking your design can produce tragic results.

The six words you never, ever want to hear uttered are: “What are you supposed to be?” Ugh...disaster. The stain of these words is intensified if spoken by someone wearing a “sexy” cat costume.  

My friends and I gravitate towards TV & film characters. Mostly the villains [they have the best wardrobes!] I’ve made the mistake of dressing as a character in a movie that had yet to be released...the result you ask?  Blank stares all around...not a glimmer of recognition. That night I learned to anticipate the crowd.  You want to be identifiable and familiar but not so much that there are three of you dressed alike. When that happens, just smile and try to salvage some pride. Better yet....find another party!

Whatever getup I decide on, my priority is to have some fun with it. Sometimes those “home sewn” costumes end up providing all the laughs and being the most memorable... which is why taking lots of pictures is essential. Good, bad or ugly, I’m always glad I documented everyone’s crazy costume that night.