Costumes for Grown-Ups

1 FRIGHTFUL FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

Victor Frankenstein, Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho,” The Duchess from “Alice in Wonderland,” President Snow from “The Hunger Games”—these are frightening characters, and you’ll score points for your knowledge of literature. Raid your closet or head to the local consignment store to put these costumes together. Then, study up to really get into character.

2 GET POLITICAL

Whether you’re a donkey, elephant, green, or a party of your own making, it’s fun to spoof the political system, past and present, at Halloween. You could stick with the traditional George Washington or Abe Lincoln, or you could get creative. You could be politically incorrect, or fake news, or a political nightmare, or a hanging chad.

3 BE THE NIGHT

Let the nocturnal world inspire you. Cover a solid color t-shirt and pants with feathers, paint your face and become an owl. Seek out some faux fur and a black mask and be a racoon. Wear a black shirt and black pants and wrap yourself in twinkle lights to be the night sky. And of course, there’s that saga between wolves and vampires that happens at night.

4 SUPERHERO STYLE

Here’s a chance to showcase your strengths as a human or to become your favorite superhero. Did you always want to be Superwoman? Go for it! Are you a supermom or superdad? Then it’s time to become your alter ego. It’s fun to create unexpected superheroes such as Superfun or Superboring

5 QUICK LAST-MINUTE CREATIONS

It’s the afternoon of October 31 and you’re scrambling. Whip that white sheet into a ghost costume! Or grab a white painter’s suit from your local hardware store, string lights and toilet paper from the edges of an umbrella, and, viola, you’re a moon jellyfish. Paint a black mask around your eyes, dress in all black and you’re a ninja.

For more help with Halloween costumes, click here.