The search for the perfect costume leaves us flummoxed every year, but with these handy ideas the stress and strain of Halloween could be a distant memory.
Keep it simple!
Don't spend your whole night explaining to other party goers what you have come dressed up as. Go for something that is both easy to accomplish while being instantly recognisable. If you pick something too complicated, you'll just end up spending a small forture trying to recreate the look.
Channel a fashion era
Raid the nearest charity or vintage shop for clothes from the 50's, 60's and 70's for an easy costume. Make sure to mirror the decade in your hair and make-up for extra wow factor.
Mr Men and Little Miss
Your Mr Men costume may not be as polished as these but give it a try!
With a huge selection of characters to choose from, why not go for a Mr Men or Little Miss? A cardboard box and some face paint could go a long way to recreating your favourite character!
Get your friend along
Mork and Mindy
Why not dress up as a famous couple for extra effect? TV series and films can provide endless inspiration too.
Keep it budget-friendly
Geisha
Why shell out for an expensive ready made costume in a shop when with a bit of imagination you can re-imagine clothes you already have! Wear a kimono dressing gown? With a touch of make-up and a bun in your hair you could be a geisha.
Don't be afraid of a bit of gore
Remember Halloween shouldn't be about trying to dress as sexily as possible (although you could be forgiven for thinking this with the countless 'sexy' outfits on the market). Fake blood and other gory accroutrements can be picked up at a joke shop and add a lot to your costume.
Lady Gaga
With her wild and wacky approach to dressing, Lady Gaga is sure to top the chart of celebrity costumes this year.
The popstar aims to provoke and shock with her outfits, so go for something totally out there.
Get yourself a statement wig, some majorly high heels and oversized accessories and you'll be halfway there. Just don't go for a dress made from meat, you still want to enjoy yourself at the party!
Elvira/Wednesday Addams
With the gothic look becoming so popular, becoming Elvira or Wednesday Addams for a night shouldn't be too much of a jump.
For Elvira, a black wrap dress, fish-net tights and black pumps paired with a massive wig will do the job.
To get the Wednesday Addam's look, a black dress with a white collar, black long plaits and a sullen expression are all you need!
1980's revisited
Some of us may even have some dodgy relics from the 80's lurking in our wardrobes so why not go the whole hog for Halloween? Get the look with: mullets, big hair and lots of frosted makeup, side ponytail, scrunchies, tights, legwarmers or a poofy prom dress.
Flapper Girl
1920's Flapper Girl
Easy, elegant and fun - go for a flapper girl look this Halloween! For the dress, pick a low-waisted, sleeveless dress with a hemline just above or below the knee. For added pzazz get one with fringe detailing. Shoes should be satin, T-strap or Mary Jane styles.
Makeup is out and out glamour with outrageous eye-liner, red lipstick and a pale powdered base. For added points draw a beauty spot on your cheek. Style your hair in a slicked down bun if it's long, in a curly bob if it's short. Accessories come in the form of a feather boa, fish-nets, elbow-length gloves and extra-long pearls.
