Halloween For Grown-Ups

Dear YOU + ME*,

My boyfriend and I are invited to a Halloween party this year, so it's absolutely imperative that we dress up. However, we're having a difficult time coming up with good costumes. He doesn't have any ideas at all and I feel like all the options for women are sexy _____ (while I'd like to look cute, I was hoping to do so without looking like an extra in an X-rated film). Do you guys have any fun costume ideas that we can put together on a shoestring and wear without looking uninspired or trashy?

Thanks!
J.

Dear J.,

Ugh, you've hit upon a Halloween pet peeve of ours (especially now that we both have daughters!). When there are sexyteenage mutant ninja turtle and sexy cookie monster costumes, you know things have gotten way out of hand. Never fear, there are plenty of ways to partake in dress-up fun without putting on something you'd be embarrassed to be spotted wearing by your mom, dad, or grandparents. All these costumes can be pulled together on the cheap with items from your local thrift store, ebay, or etsy. The key is finding inspiration and here are some good sources:

Your favorite movie or tv show
I've always wanted to dress up as Margot and Richie Tennenbaum with my husband. Is it just because I've secretly always thought he'd look hot with a beard and sweatband? I'll never tell.

source

Don & Betty Draper. There will be loads of Mad Men inspired costumes out there this year, but that's because it's full of droolworthy fashions (that you can only wear for about the length of a Halloween party before becoming intolerably uncomfortable. Girdles anyone?).

source; source

Popeye & Olive Oyl. My sailor of a husband and I dressed as this cartoon couple last year. I found a Navy uniform top in the vintage section of etsy, bought a $4 sailor hat, and drew some anchor tattoos on his arms. I had my dry cleaner sew white ruffles on a red shirt (I would have done it myself if I sewed) and wore it with a black knee length skirt and brown boots that I already had. Easy peasy.

source & Elisabeth's photo

 

History (Time Periods & People)
Have you always thought you were supposed to be an expat in Paris in the 20s? Me too. Maybe your boyfriend would be willing to play Hemingway for the evening.

source

This pair is perfect party fodder: Edie Sedgick & Andy Warhol

source

Your Closet

Do you have a navy blue or chambray shirt? Well, find a polka dot scarf and you're all set to be Rosie the Riveter. I'm sure your boyfriend could dig up some clothes appropriate for a factory worker from the depths of his closet.

source

You both have plaid shirts, don't you? Throw on your favorite jeans, some boots, and maybe a hat and you'd fit right in on the farm or at a ranch.

source

These are just a few ideas for the non-sewing inclined who are ok with some thrift store fun. What about you, clever readers? Any favorite costumes made or thrifted from years past?

Oh, and J., do treat us to a photo of you and your beau all dressed up for the party. Have fun!

xo,
ME*

Comments

[Meg Blocker]

My friend Louisa and her then-boyfriend (now-husband) dressed up as Spike and Drusilla one year. Maybe a bit of out date, but I'd love to see that one again.

[Meg Blocker]

Er, out of date. Oops.

[elisabeth]

I like it! I couldn't place the names at first, but I think I would have recognized them in costume. Someone should show those teenagers that there were vampires before Twilight.