Halloween is around the corner and creeping up on us faster than a ghost in a haunted house. Yes, we are looking forward to all the sugary treats but let’s be real, we all struggle to choose a killer costume. Now that it’s almost time to don your best impersonation of your favourite movie character and get ready to eat copious amounts of sweets and chocolate, we are here to help you come up with the perfect Halloween costume.
A study by NEXT revealed that 38% get stressed about what to wear when Halloween rolls around and 42% always end up leaving planning their outfit until the last minute. And so, to relieve the stress, we teamed up with the team at NEXT and here, they have suggested five costume ideas that can be quickly put together using items you already have in your wardrobe.
Despite the potential stress of finding a costume, dressing up can actually also have hidden mental benefits. We aslo spoke with psychiatrist Dr Sham Singh to share why Halloween costumes can help us feel more creative and improve confidence.
Halloween ‘costumes’ made from wardrobe staples
- Detective
This season trench coats have been having a real moment, so for those who have invested in the staple this autumn, you’re in luck as this will be the base of your detective outfit. Simply pair a hooded trench coat with a dark coloured t-shirt and leggings or trousers, a fedora and a pair of glasses or sunglasses and you’re good to go.
- Cowboy/Cowgirl
Most people will have all the elements of a cowgirl/boy costume in their wardrobe already. For the base of the outfit, all you need is a plain white top and a pair of denim shorts or jeans depending on your preference. To complete the look, throw on a plaid shirt and a pair of boots.
With the cowboy aesthetic having taken over this year, many people might even have a pair of cowboy boots or a cowboy hat lying around which is great for accessorising the look to its full potential.
- Biker
A leather jacket is a wardrobe staple that most people own and is the key element of a biker costume. Pair yours with some high-waisted black jeans or leather trousers and sunglasses and your outfit is pretty much complete. To perfect the look add a bandana to your hair if you happen to have one at home.
- Safari Explorer
The most important piece for this outfit is the bottoms. Opt for some cargo-style shorts or trousers, or alternatively, any khaki-coloured trousers will work. Wear these with a button-up shirt, and a hat of your choice. For the full explorer effect use makeup to add some camo stripes and a satchel-style bag to hold your map and water bottle.
- Cat
A famously universal look that anyone can recreate at home is a cat. All you need is a black pair of leggings, jeans or trousers and a black long-sleeve top or T-shirt to create the foundation of your costume. Draw on some whiskers with an eyeliner and you’re set! Ears and a tail are also easy to fashion out of any scrap black material you have at home if you want to go all out with your costume.
Psychological benefits:
Dr Singh explains that there are several psychological benefits associated with dressing up including reducing stress, boosting confidence and providing a mental reboot.
“Often, within a costume, we find ourselves adopting some kind of character or playing some kind of role that makes us feel powerful or playful and both of those states help abolish inhibitions foisted upon us by society. That confident feeling will bleed into our lives even after Halloween.
“This kind of dressing up is what psychologists call a “positive disguise” and actually decreases stress by providing a temporary break from our stringent routines. Reward systems in the brain can be neurologically activated through this kind of role-playing, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and general well-being.
“In addition, Halloween costumes allow individuals to pleasantly distract themselves from the anxieties that surround them. This role reversal or adoption of character serves as temporary psychological relief. Many positive psychology studies emphasise the benefits of adult play due to its power to foster the reduction of stress, burnout, and mental fatigue.
“Dressing up for Halloween allows adults to reach back to their playful side in a socially accepted way that invites laughter, lightheartedness, and a fresh mental reboot.”
To shop more wardrobe staples, visit the NEXT website.
