With the economy down and prices up on Halloween costumes, Wayne State Students are in hot pursuit of unique costume ideas.
Avid Halloween celebrators will tell you that money is no object for such a sacred tradition, but being impoverished college students, most know better.
When a person travels into “Halloween USA” and picks up a costume made from six inches of cheese cloth, and marked for $45, that is when homemade costumes do not sound too bad.
In addition to the advantages of saving a few pennies, traditional costumes can be at times boring and over played. In the 21st century, a person is likely to see a dozen "slutty witches", or "sexy cats", but how many Mary Tyler Moore's will be present this Halloween?
Whether you are rallying against the objectification of women or simply tired of traditional costumes, you can agree that it is time for a change of pace in the Halloween costume scene.
Non-traditional costumes are an interesting twist on Halloween night and can be a great conversation starter, no matter what type of event you attend.
From lavish, extravagant costumes, to simple t-shirts, students around
"I went as an iPod commercial two years ago," WSU junior Nate Dreyfuss, said.
"I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I just wore all black, painted my face, and carried around my iPod."
Dreyfuss, 20, admitted that he did get some confused looks, but ultimately loved the attention.
"I cannot explain to you the feeling of relief that came over me when I entered the party and no one was wearing the same costume as me," he said.
WSU junior Sam Gneiwick said that she usually goes for the traditional look, however she explained that her brother is a different story.
“Last year, he wore a white sweatshirt and sweat pants, and put yellow tape on his back and red tape on his front,” she said.
“He was like ‘I’m a straw!’”
Objects are not the only popular item on the unique costume ballot. Going as an actual person is also an easy concept that is unique in its own right, depending on who you impersonate.
Gandhi, singer/songwriter Damien Rice, and poet Sylvia Plath are just a few famous people that are not usually emulated on Halloween night, but could and should be.
“I’m going as Buddy Holly, before the plane crash,” Laura Lakewood, WSU freshman said.
“I always give into ‘over-sexed’ images of traditional costumes, but this year I decided to be warm and unique. Plus, I love Buddy Holly anyway.”
A well-placed pun can also go a long way in a Halloween costume, depending on how it is executed.
“My friend and I wanted to do something cute this year, so we are going as ‘Peace and Quiet’,” said WSU senior Amanda Peebles.
“’Peace and Quiet’ may not sound like a super interesting idea, but the twist is that I am dressing like a hippie, and she is dressing as a mime,” she said.
Whether a person is accustomed to going above and beyond in a non-traditional style costume, or is trying to go the unique route for the first time, offbeat costumes are addicting and frugal, and are sure to create repeat offenders.
“This year we’re getting a big group together and dressing in all green, green bandanas, green t shirts, green chains, green everything,” Peebles said.
“We’re going as ‘Gang Green.’”
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