Fun Activities for Adults on Halloween

Who says that Halloween is just for kids? They were wrong. Adults love Halloween too and this is one holiday that has a tendency to make grown-ups act, well, not so grown-up. Whether it's revisiting a favorite childhood tradition or simply cutting loose, the following activities top the list of fun ways for adults to celebrate Halloween sans kids.


Dinner Party

Good friends and good conversation are what makes dinner parties a popular pastime. Add some decorations and candlelight and you have the perfect atmosphere for a delightfully scary dinner with a Halloween theme.

Murder Mystery Theater

Ready for some interactive fun? A performance by a group of actors turns everyone in the audience into a present day Sherlock Holmes when they look for ideas and clues to find out whodunit. Make reservations and look for group discounts to save money.

Costume Contests

It's not about the candy. Really! Adults like to dress up and show off their costumes just as much as the little ghouls and goblins trick-or-treating. The difference here is the value of contest prizes. Why settle for a goodie bag when you can win a cool gadget, gift card, or cash prize?

Haunted House

Some grown-ups just aren't satisfied taking a stroll through the local Halloween haunted house or maze, they want to become a monster and participate. One thing is for sure, Halloween is a night where imaginations run wild and devious behavior is rewarded.

Midnight Movie

Midnight showings for Halloween week usually include low-budget cult classics such as Freaks, Night of the Living Dead, Eraserhead or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is the longest running theatrical release in the history of film. Some theaters offer enticing double features that will keep you on the edge of your seat into the wee hours of the morning.

Scary Movie Marathon

If you're in for the long haul, pop some popcorn, dim the lights and invite some friends over for a scary movie marathon. From creepy classics to modern-day horror movies, there's plenty of sources for movies, whether it's network TV, satellite, or DVD's. Better yet, have each friend bring a favorite movies and draw names to determine the schedule.

Halloween Customs and Traditions

Ever wonder how Halloween began and who started the eccentric practices which evolved into our celebrations today? Let's explore local and global customs and traditions that make Halloween what it is today -- and why it's so much fun.

Bonfires

In northern Ireland, it was customary for Druids to perform ritualistic ceremonies and make sacrifices to pacify their gods. The Celts would bring wood and start their Samhain bonfire or, fire festival, on the hilltop. Often, they would throw the bones of slaughtered cattle into the flames.

The word "bonfire" is said to be derived from such "bone fires."  Bonfires and sacrifices guaranteed that the sun would burn brightly after a long, dreary winter. It's common to witness hundreds of traditional bonfires in Ireland every year on Halloween Night.

Costumes

Halloween costumes originated from the Celts when they lit huge bonfires and celebrated Samhain by dressing up in elaborate animal skins and heads to disguise themselves as spirits and demons so that the real ones couldn't distinguish them as being human. Their ceremonies consisted of dancing, telling stories, and reading fortunes.

Jack 'O Lanterns

The traditions of carving jack 'o lanterns originates with the Celts. A miserable man named Jack, tricked the devil. Unable to enter heaven or hell after his death, he was destined to roam the earth listlessly. Jack placed a piece of coal into a carved-out turnip and used it as a lantern to keep the evil spirits away. Today, pumpkins (which are easier to cut) are carved into jack-o-lanterns, lit and placed outside of doorways for the same purpose.

Trick or Treating

The custom of trick or treating evolved in Ireland, centuries ago. In preparation for All Hollow's Eve, the the poor would call upon the rich folks and request money, gifts and food. The food was gathered for a huge feast and celebration.

Rodeo Clown Costume

A rodeo clown is no ordinary clown. Along with the flashy attire comes a dangerous job, that of distracting agitated bulls and horses from the rider when he takes a fall, allowing him to escape safely. You can probably make your own rodeo clown costume, but chances are that you'll have seek out a few things to complete the outfit.


Being realistic is easy because no two rodeo clowns are alike and many take pride in looking original. Two things here are crucial. Bright-colored clothing and clown makeup. Just how funny and elaborate you want to be is up to you.

Clothing and Outfit

To be the star of the show, look for loose, bright clothing that clashes. Anything that attracts attention. A rodeo clown wears loose clothing to allow for protective padding underneath but you can wear some knee or elbow pads on the outside if you wish. Keep this minimal and don't overdo it.

Your shirt can be western or bright and baggy. Fringe adds a nice touch but it's by no means necessary. If you can find a silly pattern such as polka dots, all the better. Keep in mind that a long-sleeved shirt will look more authentic.

If you don't have access to baggy-type clown pants, you can settle on blue jeans. Some clowns will use skirts with wild, knee-high socks or just wear a skirt over their pants. One common factor is suspenders. The brighter the better.

Wearing a bandana is optional. Bandanas are great accessories because they usually have patterns and allow for more diversity and color. Loosely tie one around your neck or let it hang from a pocket in lieu of a scarf.

Hat

If you can't find a large, colorful hat, you can dress your costume up with a western-style felt or straw hat. One in a natural color will work, just add some color by tying some scarves around the brim. Many rodeo clowns also tie scarves around their biceps or let them flow from the waist. A wig is another fun choice, but again, it's optional.

Shoes

This may be the most difficult item to find. Elaborate clown shoes are more for show than practicality and are not mandatory. Boots or tennis shoes will also work. Find an old pair and add a design with acrylic paint. Swap your basic shoe strings with wild ones.

Makeup

You can find clown makeup for your face in most stores that carry Halloween costumes. Rodeo clowns typically have a white base with exaggerated features, just like circus clowns. Use your imagination!

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Punk Rocker Costume

Expose your wild side by being a punk rocker for Halloween! Whether you're and adult or child, you can easily create your own rocker costume and add some funky gothic and grunge accessories, depending on how "mixed" you want to be.

If you don't care to buy a complete costume, you can put together a homemade one that will make you the life of the party! The following lists ideas for a stereotypical punk rocker costume.


Clothing and Outfit

Remember, black is the primary color that most rockers wear. Combine black with other dark colors and you can convince even the most skeptical people that you are really a punk rocker, if only for a night. You can mix 'n match the items below to put together your costume:
* A short, plaid skirt if you're a woman. If you're a guy, look for plaid pants. If you can't find any, you can wear some well-worn jeans. Add rips and holes.
* For a woman, look for a black tank top or sleeveless black shirt. Men can wear the same or choose a band t-shirt.
* Black, fishnet stockings to go with your skirt.
* Shoes can be anything from mid-shin or high boots (preferably black) to army boots to high-top sneakers.
* Arm-warmers are a nice touch but optional. These leave the hands exposed. Or, you can find some black, elbow gloves and cut out the finger areas.

Hair

Think wild on color. Pink, orange, blue, purple, two-tone, or streaked. Much of it depends on how far you want to take it. You can buy a wig or use your natural hair which may leave you with some undesired color and style come November 1st. If you want to spray in color, cans of colored hair spray can be found in the Halloween section in most stores. Punk rockers don't fake it so if you really want to look authentic, use a temporary hair color and dye it the desired color.

Punk Rocker Makeup

You can be very creative with your makeup. You need black, and lots of it. Preferably, choose real makeup as opposed to Halloween makeup because the latter has a tendency to rub off and get on furniture, car seats, etc., and is difficult to wash out. Apply a pale foundation and add black eye-shadow, thick eyeliner, and black lipstick. You can also make your eyebrows darker and/or thicker with the eyeliner pencil. Set your makeup with translucent, loose powder. Don't forget to apply black nail polish to your fingernails whether your male or female.

Accessories

This is the fun part where you can really go all out. Of course you don't need all of them to be a rock star, just wear what you can find:
* Wide choker necklace or studded dog collar
* Belt charms
* Billfold with chain
* Hip chain
* Cuff bracelet or watch
* Wrist bands
* Large belt buckle
* Body jewelry such as large earrings, a nose ring, eyebrow ring, a lip ring
* Tattoos, real or fake

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Marilyn Monroe Costume

When it comes to glamour, Marilyn Monroe is one of the most popular celebrities represented on Halloween. What's interesting is that some guys can pull this off better than the gals. Nonetheless, if you don't want to be super-serious, you can be Marilyn whilst being humorous.

Whatever approach you take, there are several things that make Marilyn Monroe unique. To be recognizable as the sexy starlet, your Halloween costume and mannerisms should reflect her famous traits. From clothing to makeup, here's several ideas to help you portray Marilyn spot on.

Costume and Dress

Wearing a dress may seem simple enough but it may be difficult to find a style that Marilyn wore in one of her movies. For example, the infamous white halter dress worn in the movie "The Seven Year Itch" (which also appears on posters.) Shown above is the hot pink, strapless gown worn in "Gentleman Prefer Blondes."

Of course, there are many others but the two styles listed above are your best bet. If you choose the white one, for gosh sakes, wear a pair of white boy-type shorts underneath! The unforgettable image of Marilyn's dress blowing up may provoke someone into trying to see what's underneath. Alternatively, you could look for an elegant gold or black gown, preferably metallic.

If you lack the patience to make a homemade dress, there is a plethora of costumes that can be found online and perhaps some at a costume rental shop. Otherwise, look for a used prom dress from your local secondhand shop. Keep in mind though, that a used prom dress may cost more than a Marilyn Monroe costume (if sold on consignment) although it will be of much better quality. It's a give and take situation.

Hair and Accessories

Unless you already have shoulder length, platinum blonde hair, a wig will be a necessity. You won't have to fuss with it if you find a pre-styled one specifically for Marilyn Monroe.


The actress didn't always wear jewelry but when she did, it was quite elegant. I would suggest looking for images of Marilyn wearing the dress that it closest to the one you will be wearing and try to match her look. Gold tones were popular back then as were rhinestones and pearls.

You may not be able to find high heels to match your dress but silver metallic or white will go with just about anything. If possible, find a pair that has straps which wrap around the ankles. Panty hose is a no-brainer. Keep it simple.

Gloves are optional. Besides the picture above, most show that Marilyn did not wear gloves the majority of the time. If you have a pair and wish to wear them, they'll probably look fine as long as they match the dress or are a neutral color.

Makeup

Along with the glamour comes the makeup. If you want to look like Marilyn, you will have to wear false eyelashes (or heavy mascara), eyeliner, red lipstick, and a fake mole. Marilyn had a light complexion so wear the appropriate foundation, draw the mole on with a black eyeliner pencil, and set with translucent powder.

Mannerisms

Do your research! If possible, take the time to watch one of her movies before you even begin to compile your costume. This will allow you to get ideas on what to buy and how to act the part. If you want to be a convincing Marilyn Monroe, you will need to not only look like her, you'll need to "walk the talk."

"It's all make believe, isn't it?"

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School Girl

If you want to be a school girl for Halloween, you first need to decide whether you want to be naughty or nice. Most of the costumes available online are overtly sexy and look quite preppy. If you want to tone it down a bit or save some money, consider putting your own costume together and gaining a bit more control.

If you're not a whiz at the sewing machine, the following are suggestions for putting together a "homemade" costume that will make you look like a traditional school girl. Of course, you can alter what you need to look either prim and proper or a bit on the wild side.

Clothing, Outfit, Uniform

The stereotype of a school girl comes from those who wear uniforms, such as those assigned to private and catholic students. As always suggested for saving money, try checking your local Goodwill or second-hand clothing stores for either a uniform (difficult to find an adult size) or separate garments to put together the outfit, consisting of the following:
* A short, pleated skirt (plaid, if possible, for a catholic, private school look.
* A white, button-down shirt, or one that will match the skirt, preferably light in color.
* A necktie adds formality (optional.)
* Stockings (thigh-highs for the sexy look) or ankle socks.
* Saddle shoes, pumps, or platform shoes, preferably in black and/or white.

Hair

Long hair is ideal because you can pull it into side pony tails, one pony tail, or pig tails, which are all typical hairstyles of school girls. Wear visible pony tail holders and pull your hair tight enough just to look strict, but still be comfortable. If your hair is short, use barrettes on each side pulling back short sections.

Makeup

School girls are not adults so it's important to keep your makeup on the light side. Eye shadow should be kept simple. Consider a light shadow, all one shade. For lips, light-colored lipstick topped with lip gloss will add color and a young look. Today's girls often wear glitter gloss which is certainly appropriate for modern look.

Props

If you wish, you can carry a notebook with a pencil or pen. Complete your costume with the ultimate prop, bubble gum. Chomp away!

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Lifeguard Costume

If you're dead-set on being a lifeguard for Halloween, chances are that you will have difficulty finding a pre-made costume in stores or online. After searching, you may discover that you will need to create your own "homemade" lifeguard costume.

Depending on what you can find, you will need to decide if you want to dress in modern or old-time swimwear. If you wish to turn back the clock and portray a certain era, you may need to ask around. Perhaps family and friends have some old swimsuits or trunks in their attics. If not, check out your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or second-hand stores. If you can't find what you need, ask the clerks, they may know where to look or have some ideas to help you suit up.

Portraying a modern lifeguard is much easier as you can already use what you have and add a few accessories. If you need a few more items, get them as soon as possible, before all summer items and swimwear is sold out on clearance sales. Otherwise, you may need to shop online and pay top prices.

Props

Below is a list of props and things you can do to look more authentic/official. Pick and choose:
* Tan - Use sunless tanning lotion or get a professional airbrush tan at the salon.
* Sarong - Lifeguards are in the sun for hours on end and need to take precautions to protect their skin. If you're buff, you can remove it later on.
* Hat - Wear a hat for the same reason as above. If you're a woman, choose a wide-brimmed hat that won't easily slip off.
* Sunglasses - A must-have for any lifeguard. Choose a pair with lighter lenses so that you can see indoors.
* Hand Towel - You can throw it over your shoulder or tuck it into your swimming trunks if you're a man.
* Footwear - Wear something such as sandals or flip-flops that can be removed easily.
* Whistle - What lifeguard doesn't wear a whistle? It's a must-have to complete your costume.

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Hobo Costume

It's hard to imagine the benefits of being a Hobo, but for Halloween, there are several. The homemade costume is cheap because you can use clothing you already have or can find in a thrift store. There's no need to go shopping or worry about what you want not being available (great for a last minute costume idea.) You can also adjust your attire to the weather so that you are more comfortable.

The fun thing about dressing up as a hobo is that the "costume" is androgynous. If you're creative, you will have people guessing whether you're really a guy or gal. Kind of like those old Saturday Night Live skits with "Pat." The ideas below will work great for a hobo, bum, vagrant, or vagabond. You can call it what you want. Add a sign and you can be a beggar. Just remember to "act" the part with your demeanor. You might want to slouch, act miserable, and shuffle when you walk.

Clothing

Old clothes are great because they're probably already worn and faded. A button-up, long-sleeved flannel shirt with faded blue jeans or painter's pants is a good start. You can wear overalls if you wish but then you risk looking like a stereotypical farmer. To look like an authentic hobo, add some tears, patches, and dirt to your attire.

If you plan on adding stuffing to make yourself look heavier, you'll need to find clothing that is roomy -- perhaps one size too big. You can use a pillowcase to hold the stuffing and secure it to the inside of your clothing with safety pins. Small pillows used for camping are great for kids and they're already stuffed.

Shoes and Hat

There's no certain type of shoes that hobos or bums wear. Work boots, an old pair of sneakers, military boots, or any old pair of shoddy shoes will work with your costume. As far as a hat goes, look for an old straw hat (avoid wearing a cowboy hat if you can) or a baseball/bill cap worn backwards (can also be used to contain long hair.) Do what needs to be done to make it look tattered. Run it over with the car if necessary!

Props

Find a long stick and attach a bandana with stuffing with string on the end. This should be carried over the shoulder and represent the few belongings that you have. For a beggar look, carry a sign asking for money. Poster board or cardboard works well. Use a permanent marker or one that will not run if it gets wet. Be humorous with your message and make sure that your sign is a size that is easy to carry and does not obstruct your view.

Use an old pillowcase, small burlap bag, or reinforced brown paper sack (double it for strength) for a treat bag.

Makeup

You can apply makeup to change your appearance. A dark brown or black eyebrow pencil can be used to make your eyebrows bushy or draw in a moustache, beard, and sideburns if desired. Lipstick liner can be used to add a few fake wrinkles and blemishes. Remember, stereotypical hobos look older than their true age, a result of poor nutrition and lifestyle.

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Exorcist Costume

Homemade Exorcist Costume

Regan, the character played by Linda Blair in the movie the exorcist, underwent a grueling exorcism that left her exhausted, malnourished, dirty and battered.
Keeping that in mind, you should portray this in your hair, facial features and clothing. For a homemade costume, you'll need the following:

Hair

Medium to dark, brown hair or a wig is essential. If your hair is not brown and you can't find a wig, use fanciful temporary hair color that will wash off easily whenever you're ready. You can find it at Walgreen's or discount stores such as Wal-mart. (Do not use this if you're going to be in the rain, it can wash off onto your clothing.) Use hair gel to create stringy bangs and strands of hair. The gel will also darken your hair a bit if it is lighter brown. Your goal is to make your hair appear brown, dirty and un-kept.

Makeup

Some stores sell makeup kits that come in handy, especially for the hard-to-find green goo. If you don't have a makeup kit, try using what you have at home. Start with a clean, dry face. Prepare your face with white makeup. If it feels greasy, you can set it with loose, translucent powder or white powder.

Create dark shadows all around the eyes, with a charcoal or black eyeliner pencil. Rub and blend it in so it looks smudged. Accentuate creases in the face and lips by drawing them in and blending, particularly from the nose to the mouth, which will help re-create Linda Blair's puffy cheeks. Follow your own natural creases when making an appalling expression.

Make realistic fingernail slashes with a recipe for fake wounds or draw them on with the eyeliner pencil and red lip liner. Add homemade fake blood or that from a kit sparingly to the slashes and to your clothing if desired.

Costume and Clothing

Visit your local thrift shop or goodwill for a frumpy, light blue housecoat or robe. One with buttons and not a zipper would look more authentic. Depending on where you'll be walking, you can choose to wear slippers or plain brown shoes.

Eyes

The creepy, bloodshot eyes are key, but not completely necessary. Besides wearing contact lenses, not much can be done here. You can try lining the rims of your eyes with reddish or pinkish liner. Do a trial-run to test for irritation.

Ugly Teeth

Look for fake, stained teeth which are depicted in many scenes in the movie. When I last checked, Wal-mart had some that were just perfect, in the party favors & Halloween section. You'd end up buying a few pairs but they were very cheap. I'm sure you can find a set in other stores as well. They sell quickly so if you find some, get them now.

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Dead Prom Queen Costume

If you want to be the dead belle at the ball you're going to have to look the part and identify with the living dead to be believable. Because we all know that dead people just don't get up and walk around unless they're... well... zombies. It's not a flattering part by any stretch of the imagination but it's a popular idea for teenage girls that gets plenty of attention.

What's great about this costume is that it's easy to put together a homemade one. All you need is formalwear, a few accessories, a bit of gore, and the guts to play the part. Some of us gals can be a bit proud and really don't relish the thought of looking not so hot, but October 31st is the perfect time to throw vanity aside and float around with other "undesirables" on Halloween night.

Obituary

Before you get started, you will need to decide how you met your demise and build your costume around it. If you want blood, you should make yourself the victim of a violent crime. Everyone loves a great tragedy on Halloween and yours should be no exception. Perhaps it was a lover's spat or simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The weapon of choice will determine the wounds. Your costume will be much more interesting if you have a story. Obviously you can forgo the gore and be a pale, picture-perfect dead prom queen, but that may not win you the prize in a costume contest.

Prom Dress

You're  going to need a formal prom dress. It doesn't have to be immaculate because you're going to get it dirty. If you want to be convincing, pick one that fits well because what girl would go to her prom wearing an ill-fitting gown? It just doesn't work well. Shoes should be formal and comfortable, just like the dress.

Accessories

Sash - You can make your own get one online.

Tiara - Usually you can find a tiara in the seasonal section at any local store that sells Halloween costumes. If not there, look in the toy department.

Flowers - You'll need to be creative. A bouquet of dead flowers or black silk flowers are quite complimentary to dead prom queens and add a nice gothic touch. Don't want to carry them around? Wear a corsage or wrist corsage.

Dig up some costume jewelry to add glamour. A real prom queen wouldn't be caught dead (no pun intended) without some bling. Got stuff to carry? By all means, carry a small handbag, but make it fancy. Formal gloves add a nice touch too and can come in handy on a cold autumn night.

Hair

Hair should be styled like any prom queen would style her hair but it should be messy to portray a fierce struggle or trip from the grave. Better yet, add a few small sticks and leaves to your tangled tresses for the true dead prom queen look.

Makeup

Pat your face pale with Halloween makeup. A kit will help you create a dramatic, lifeless look. To mimic sunken eyes, choose brown underneath and around the area and blend well. Lips can very pale or covered with black lipstick.

Wounds should be made up on exposed area(s) with plenty of fake blood to go with them. Use common sense here. You should have it dripping from the wounds and onto your dress but you have to place it strategically. You don't want it rubbing off on furniture, car seats, or other people (Cinderella would not appreciate that!)

Paint your fingernails black and your toenails too if they'll be showing. It's okay if the nail polish chips, contrary to a living prom queen, perfection is not your goal.

Finally, find a date to the dance. There's no one more appropriate than a dead prom king. After all, misery loves company.

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Corpse or Zombie Costume for Halloween

Zombie Costume

You wanna be the low-life of the party for Halloween? Being a zombie means that you don't need to favorably impress anyone, but you'll definitely leave an impression. The kind of attention you'll receive will be more along the lines of grossing people out rather than the "ooohs" and "aaahs" given to the beauty queen. But, that's the point, isn't it? After all, a glamorous lifestyle is highly overrated.

Clothing and Shoes

You won't have to dig too deep to find clothing but it might take some effort to get it up to zombie standards. Worn, tattered and downright ugly clothing meets the criteria, so whatever you choose, you'll need to make it look like you've just dug yourself out of a grave. If you don't want to be an ordinary corpse, you can choose a theme such as zombie doctor or cheerleader and dress accordingly. Or, go as a couple and be the bride and groom with obvious regrets. More group ideas include families or an adult and child combo.

The good news is that a homemade zombie costume is cheap if you have clothing and shoes that you're willing to ruin. If not, then ask a buddy or family member if they'll donate to your good cause. If that doesn't work, visit a second-hand clothing store and you'll probably find something not worth keeping.

Before you buy anything, you should consider the circumstances of your death. When given a proper burial, most people will be clothed formally. If you don't wish to wear a suit or dress, you can wear something casual such as jeans and a t-shirt or even pajamas, a bathrobe, and slippers. The movies show plenty of "zombies" who must have met their untimely demise and rose from the dead before burial.

To make your clothing look authentic, it will need to be torn. You'll be wearing it, so place the rips strategically -- in places you'll be comfortable with. You can begin with the scissors and rip the rest manually. Don't get carried away because it may rip further once you put it on. You should soil your clothes and shoes with dirt, grass, and blood stains. Keep in mind that whatever you use may end up on furniture or carpet so think this through carefully.

Wounds and Blood

A zombie costume wouldn't be complete without rotting flesh and bloody wounds. These should be placed on visible areas of the body such as the face, neck, arms and hands. This will probably be the most time-consuming task but can be easier with these fake blood and fake wounds recipes. Also, cheap makeup kits can be found in the seasonal department in most stores around Halloween and can be utilized for soil and wounds with some blending. Start with a pale base to make your wounds really stand out, powder to set, and add some blood and gore. Of course, you could be a "fresh" corpse with few wounds and just go for the pale look.

Ideas for Props

Additional items and props can also used to give your costume real zombie appeal. Hillbilly teeth are unattractive and can double as rotten teeth. If you don't wish to make your hair ratty and dirty, consider a wig that you can use and dispose of. Gauze can be used to "patch" oozing flesh wounds, just make sure they bleed through for the right effect. Contact lenses are pricey but if you're wanting to win a costume contest, they may help you break a tie.

You can really make people's stomach churn if you add bugs. Place them in a flesh wound, in your hair, or glue them to your clothing. Some zombies are not only scary, they're quite aggressive. A natural weapon such as a club or thick tree branch puts you on the offensive... Finally, if you're going to be a zombie, you'll need to walk the talk and exhibit pure zombie behavior. Learn how to stagger like your limbs are giving out and moan like your tongue is rotting. This will surely convince others that you are amongst the living dead.

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Bag Lady Costume

Life on the streets ain't easy, and it shows in the appearance of any bag lady. Most are portrayed as older women but that may be because they lead a hard life with nowhere to turn but the unforgivable elements. If you want to "dress down" and be a bag lady for Halloween, you'll discover that the shabby clothes and dirt are as far from glamorous as you can get.

Of course, you can be a young bag lady, but you may need to add some wrinkles to help portray your homeless status. Whatever the reason is for living on the streets, it's going to take it's toll on your body and make you look poor and dirty. Your demeanor should be subdued, the result of hard luck and an undesirable lifestyle. If you wish to be a beggar, you'll need to be more aggressive to get handouts from others.


Clothes

Unless you already know of something you can wear, you can start with the attic. The best choice for a stereotypical bag lady costume is an old, matronly dress that falls just below the knees. This gives you ample room to show off your tattered pantyhose. Look for a dress with a print, the uglier the pattern, the better. If you don't own anything close to that, you can check out a used clothing store or find someone who may have old clothing in storage.

If the weather's cool, you can wear a shabby jacket or overcoat. Do not match this to the dress. Bag ladies do not have the luxury of matching their clothing and they take what they can get. Whatever your choice, add a few rips and dirt to make your costume look believable. Put on a pair of snagged pantyhose or bobby socks on your feet and you're ready for shoes.


Shoes

Almost anything goes here but some shoes will work better than others. The old, lace-ups will give you the old-fashioned look and are probably the best choice. Find a dark color, perhaps leather. You can wear sneakers but they should be old and worn. Remember though, to pick something seasonal and comfortable or you'll truly be as miserable as a bag lady.

Hair and Makeup

Your hair should be un-kept and messy. Options include a wig or going au-natural. Use a comb with wide teeth to rat it make it look as though you haven't groomed yourself for days or weeks. You can wear a stocking cap to cover your head to add just another accessory that doesn't match.

Makeup should be kept to a minimum. You certainly don't want to cover flaws so makeup should be used only to add them. A few lines and wrinkles, dark circles underneath the eyes, and dirt splotches should do the trick.


The Bag

You gotta have a bag to complete your homemade costume. It's wise to carry a bag with a handle. A traditional, paper shopping bag or large tote is perfect for carrying all your worldly possessions. You can go with a small basket or shopping cart but then you may be identified as simply a shopper.

What should you carry in your bag? All that you need for the evening plus some props such as dirty clothing, food wrappers and perhaps some candy to hand out. You'll be carrying it all, so don't add too much weight.

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