The biggest hit of recent years in the couple’s costumes category is by far and away celebrity duos. So if you’re aiming for Hollywood Horror this Halloween, we’ve ideas from Tabloid Trash to TV Twosomes just waiting for you and yours!

~ Brangelina ~

For him: Khaki Fedora, blonde wig/spray painted hair, grown out/drawn on goatee, silver bracelet, sunglasses, tight fitting t-shirt, jeans & slip on shoes

For her: Long dark hair, simple make-up but exaggerated lips, aviator glasses, dark colored maxi dress, miscellaneous tattoos, sandals

Important Accessories: Baby dolls. Go overboard and give yourself each 4. A strap-on carrier is a great addition if you can find one. And if you’re really cool you’ll find race-appropriate babes and shave a Mohawk into one of the boys’ hair.

~Posh & Becks~

For him: A nice bod or muscle suit, white gym shorts, knee-high sports socks, cleats, spiky blonde hair/wig, miscellaneous tattoos (note: NO SHIRT)

For her: Supermini dress (black, white, & zebra are her faves), fluorescent colored bra, square sunglasses, platform heels, platinum “bobbed” wig

Important Accessories: A soccer ball, perfect frowns, pouted lips, and bad British accents

~Dwight & Angela~ (from NBC’s The Office)

For him: Short sleeved yellow collared shirt, tie, square-rimmed eyeglasses, slacks

For her: A preppy button down sweater overtop white turtleneck, slacks or pencil skirt, flats, blonde hair tied in a low pony tail or held back with a headband, nice preppy purse

Important Accessories: Some “beet juice” stains & a jello’d stapler are both awesome for Dwight, and a stuffed cat would work well for Angela. If you don’t get these references, go as someone else (& make a mental note to catch the show; your sense of humor needs it)!

~Marge & Homer~ (from FOX’s The Simpsons)

For him: White polo shirt, fake (or real, if you’ve got it – flaunt it!) beer “belly” (pillow, beach ball, maternity suit), blue jeans, bald cap, and black loafers

For her: Long green tube top dress, red beads, blue hair, ballerina flats. For her hair, look for a beehive, that’s going to be your best bet to a close match to Marge’s vertical ‘do.

Halloween has fast become the best opportunity for hot-legged skinny mini 20-somethings to please the eyes of men everywhere by dressing in as little as possible. If you happen to fall into the aforementioned category, I’ve got some hot stuff for you. If you don’t, please stop reading and choose something appropriate to your age, gender and size. Sexy Little Miss Muffet is far less sexy with a muffin top and no granny should be dressing as Little Red Riding Hood. Use your head and spare your fellow party-goers.

Looking for a charming guise? For a sweet costume that shows off the assets, you can’t go wrong by finding something with wings. Fairies, angels & Tinkerbelle are good picks - all in inappropriately short dress lengths, of course. Heaping masses of glitter are crucial. A shimmering body lotion will also do the trick.

Sexy professionals. Foxy French Maids, Promiscuous Policewomen, and Naughty Nurses are all wildly popular picks that leave little to the imagination.

TV, Movie & Fantasy Characters. From a futuristic Miss Jetson to an old school Jeannie Genie, movie and television characters are fun costumes that are readily recognizable and are usually a one-stop shop. Also check out Storybook characters like Snow White and Alice in Wonderland for other fantastic fantasy pieces.

Lycos.com has released this year’s most popular costumes list, compiled based on the costumes’ popularity spanned across search engines. And the results are… (Drum roll please)….

1) Batman 6) Transformers

2) Indiana Jones 7) Hannah Montana

3) The Joker 8 ) Sharpay (High School Musical)

4) Iron Man           9) Love Guru

5) Hulk 10) Hellboy

Movies and television seem to be the only influence in this year’s Top 10. These costumes will be super saturated at parties across the country, and so recognizable (Lindsey’s favorite rule), but there are still some things to keep in mind. (You didn’t think you were getting off that easy did you?)

a) Comic book characters are characters. They are creatures of an animator’s imagination, so do them justice. Go all out! Muscles suits, capes, face paint, funny accents: all important and imperative!

b) Movie roles need accessories. Do not expect to dress in khakis and brown shoes and become Indy. Whip, fedora, and miscellaneous dirt are not extras: they are essentials. Treat them as such, and apply to any movie costume you plan to don.

c) If you do not regularly watch the Disney channel after school, you should not be dressing as one of its employees. Bringing back the classics is one thing (think: Tinkerbelle, Minnie Mouse), however, it is NOT appropriate to dress as an adult version of anything containing the words “High School,” “Hannah,” or “Montana.” Sorry, kiddo, but you have to be a grown up for a night.

These clever costumes will undoubtedly earn some rolled eyes, but Halloween’s about getting noticed, right!

1. “CEREAL” Killer

Ingredients: plastic knives,  cereal box(es), plain clothes, Velcro or tape/adhesive

To Make: Grab one big empty, or a few small empty cereal boxes. Stab plastic knives through the box(es) and tape/glue/velcro to an old t-shirt.

2. Smarty Pants

Ingredients: SMARTIES Candies, NERDS Candies (optional), Collared Shirt, Pocket Protector, Black Pants, Stapler

To Make: Staple the plastic part of the SMARTIES candy wrapper all over your black pants. Black is imnportant to create contrast between the pants and the whitish candies. Top off with a pocket protector and optionally tape a pack of nerds to further implicate your “Smarty Pants” character

3. Cat Burglar

Ingredients: Black jumpsuit (or long sleeved top and matching black pants), ski mask, pillow case, stuffed cat toys

To Make: This one is pretty self explanatory, but after you get on your jumpsuit (or any version close to one), top off with your ski mask, which you should previously add eye holes to. Carry around a pillow case loaded with stuffed kitties.

4. Black Eyed Pea(s)

Ingredients: Over-sized T-shirt, eye make-up, construction paper or old clothing

To Make: Cut a very large “P” out of the construction paper or old clothing and fasten to your over-sized t-shirt. Add some black eyes with black eye make-up or Halloween make-up kit and viola! Black-eyed Peas!

Halloween is a very social holiday that’s all about knowing your limits. There is an appropriate time for everything, and picking the right costume for the right party can make all the difference.  For most parties, it will be obvious what’s fitting and what’s not by the flyers they are advertised on, or by the people promoting them. Some are themed, some are not, and all are full of frighteningly good fun. But what about the less obvious ones? The increasingly popular “office party” is not always as forthcoming on what’s acceptable, so your judgment needs to keen.

Less is not always more. Look, the 18 year old receptionist can get away with being the naughty nurse in fishnets, but if you have plans of seeing these people on Monday, keep it tasteful. You can show off your assets while leaving something to the imagination. Check out Goddess & Toga costumes instead; They are flattering but still classy and look good on lots of different body types.

One man’s comedy is another man’s taboo. For the fellas: you can pretty much go in whatever you’d like, provided you keep your sense of humor in check. Sexual innuendos, especially in a larger office where you may be seeing strangers, is not appropriate. Instead try a Chick Magnet costume, or Full Moon Repair Man for more tasteful laughs.

Whether you’re throwing a block party or just feeling festive this Hallow’s Eve, decorating is one of the best parts of the holiday. We’ve got scary suggestions that can be hung out to haunt and set up to spook this October 31. 

To create the perfect spooky atmoshpere, rent a fog machine from a local novelty shop. A little dry ice for the scary smoke will usually come with it. If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, paint creepy creative signs on cardboard to hang on the walls and doors and accompany your company with some sounds of the dead. Find some terrifying tunes choc-full of screams, bangs, evil laughs, and other things that go bump in the night.

Speaking of cheap and creepy, fake spiderwebs and bugs are going to be your best friend. They are super affordable and you really can’t over-do it so be generous with the stuff! Stretch it across doorways and stair banisters for an eery look throughout. If you really want to out do yourself, cover your walls (and/or furniture) with black plastic garbage bags. Cut the at the seams and tack or tape into place. Stretch some more of your webs over the bags to finish.

For some last minute final touches, pick up those standard plastic pieces from any dollar or general store. Put in any spots where you think appropriate around the house. Hang some in your webs. Set up a plastic skeleton at the table. Remember, the most important tool to decorating is inside your head. Use your imagination and don’t be scared to get crazy!

To pull off a celebrity costume, you’re going to need five essentials. For my example, I’m using Nicole Richie, but the basics can be applied to any celeb. Pick anyone you’d like, just choose someone you can pull off, and someone who has a distinguished style. (Remember, rule #1 of any costume is to be recognized!)

1. CLOTHES Choose an outfit your celeb has been photgraphed in, or something similar to it. For a typical Nicole look, get a dress. A plain dress that’s not too tight will work best. Simple colors, minimal pattern.
2. PURSE/STYLE BAG Do a little research to find which styles your’ celeb is seen with most often. (If your celeb is, or was pregnant recently, you can change out “bag” for “baby.” Sport a pillow bump or a doll.) Nicole loves long strapped bags that hang below her waist. Keep it casual. Something oversized will work perfectly.
3. SHOES Again, try to match your celeb’s style. If you’re going as Paris, it’s big heels all the way. If you’re going to Britney it up, shoes are not even necessary. But, that’s kinda gross. For Nic, pick simple flats to go with the dress. Anything with earthy tones or a dressier flip-flop will do.
4. ACCESSORIES Check out tabloid shots to see what kind of accessories your character rocks on a regular basis, and don’t forget to take OFF your everyday jewelry. I’m just saying, ditch the name plate BEFORE you try to be famous for a night. Nicole’s very simple with her jewelry. Grab some bangles, a long chain, and super big sunglasses to top it off. (Seriously, they CAN’Tbe too big. Plus, you won’t have to worry about re-applying make-up!)
5. SIGNATURE PIECE This is the most critical ingredient to any costume. This is your “giveaway” accessory, so make it good. Think: pets, bad habits (ie: Starbucks coffee, cigs, booze), microphone. Be creative! Nicole Richie has made the silk scarf something of a phenomenon, and without it, you’re going to look like a hippy. Tie it over the ears and behind the head to finish your unmistakeable NicRich costume!

There are a few basic goals you’ll want to achieve when choosing your costume.

The first goal should be to be recognized. There is nothing worse than having to explain who you are all night. Choose someone or something that people know and can readily identify. EX: Tabloid regulars like Britney and Paris are recognizeable and easy picks to characterize in costume, whereas Jamie-Lynn Spears or Nicole Richie may not be so easy. 

Next: Your costume should FIT. Do NOT (I repeat: DO NOT) buy a costume that is too small for you. You will be talked about the entire evening, and it will not be because you look good.

Make them remember you! Your costume should provoke some kind of emotion — fear, humor, and lust all qualify. If you are picking a popular costume, accessories & make-up are a great way to distinguish yourself. 

And lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative. A homemade or a store-bought costume can be modified. A pair of pliers & a money bag, for example, can turn a simple fairy costume into a hilarious Tooth Fairy. Spray-in hair paint and a bone can change you from basic caveman/woman to BamBam or Pebbles.

So remember:

• Be recognizeable
• Be aware of your actual size 
• Be creative

Keep these tips in mind and you can’t go wrong this Halloween.

If there ever was a go-to for a costume, it’d have to be the Superhero. Countless movie remakes of comic books over the past few years have made superheroes more popular than ever. Here are our top picks for this year.

GUYS:

5. SPIDERMAN - Maybe three full length features was a little over the top, but thanks to the story’s popularity, you’re sure to be able to snag yourself a nice Spiderman costume pretty much anywhere. Eye covers’ll make you incognito all night and if you’re slick maybe you can find an MJ.

4. SUPERMAN - This oldie but goodie classic costume may be a little old fashioned, but is definitely appropriate for any party/venue you plan to visit. For those less-than-Clark-Kent body types, shop for a muscle suit to put under that spandex. Please.

3. THE INCREDIBLE HULK - If you’re a supersized bodybuilder and can scale walls, the only thing you’ll need for this costume is a little body paint. For the rest of you commoners, a muscle suit and some green spray paint should start you out on the right foot.

2. NACHO LIBRE - So he’s not an actual superhero, but let’s face it: neither are you! If you’re the funny guy, the cool guy, or just the guy who’s got a little more to love, this costume is yours. Have fun with it! And most importantly - don’t forget the mustache!

1. BATMAN - Aside from the fact that Christian Bale is my superhero, Batman is going to be a huge hit this year. The Dark Knight sparked interest once again in the hero and powers or not, the suit is awesomel! Now if you could just find a bat-mobile…

 GIRLS:

5. CATWOMAN - This sassy feline jumpsuit will surely get you noticed. Depending on your figure and your wallet, you can go from ultra-conservative to the ultimate-sexy on this one.

4. WONDERWOMAN - Arguably the most famous female superhero of all time, a Wonder Woman costume complete with head band, cape and those oh-so familiar gold stars & knee high boots is a perfect fit for any age.

3. LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER - One of the ultimate vixens of our time is a great recognizeable costume for any girl who can spare to show off some skin.

2. THE INVISIBLE WOMAN - Despite what it sounds like, this is a great way to be seen! Jessica Alba rocked the big screen in the famous blue jumpsuit, and you’ll be just as FANTASTIC in yours.

1. STORM - Ok, so you might not actually be able to control the weather but there’s no reason you can’t dress like you can. Another Halle Berry inspiration, this black jumpsuit needs to be topped off with a grey wig and killer cape for the perfect she-superhero ensemble.

To maximize your costume experience (and be the coolest guy/gal at your party), you HAVE to accessorize! Accessories come in the form of costume add-ons, make-up, props, and more, and are sure to enhance any get-up you plan to don.

1.   WIGS: The greatest thing about a wig is it’s simple, yet drastic. You can change an entire costume by adding some crazy cool hair. Wigs are appropriate for nearly every costume and are available in pretty much any shape, size, color, and texture imaginable.

2.   MAKE-UP: This is important, so listen up: don’t go cheap! Cheap make-up will look cheap — cracking, fading, smearing, turning a perfect costume into a mediocre one. Get quality make-up and TAKE YOUR TIME when applying! Tip: most face paint, fake-blood, pirate “guy-liner,” etc. can be removed with soap and water, but investing in a small bottle of make-up remover will be a lot easier and faster when you decide to be you again.

3.   ACCESSORIES: What a concept — accessorize with accessories! Genius! Seriously, though, little things can add up to a lot for a costume. Depending on your character of course, here are some small accessories that can make a big difference: a boa, a fake tattoo, a petticoat, knee-high stockings, feathers, cane, glitter, gloves, glasses, wings. Accessories are only going to add to your costume & Halloween’s only once a year so feel free to go overboard!

4.   SAFETY PINS: This isn’t so much of an accessory as it is a critical ingredient. While you’re doing your costume shopping, snag a box of safety pins. They’re fairly inexpensive, and every costume can use a couple to secure it in place.

5.  “EMERGENCY” CARRY KIT: Grab a purse, a grocery bag, a pillow case – whatever you want, and put some essentials in there. Throw in some of your make-up so you have it available in case the need arises for touch-ups. (All of your make-up is not necessary – be reasonable.) Also include a few extra safety-pins, and if you have any glued or taped parts to your costume or accessories, include some tape/glue backup too. Oh – and a pack of gum or breath mints is always a good idea. Even Dracula needs good breath!