It’s hard to believe that we are more than halfway through the month of October! Halloween is quickly approaching, and many people are currently right in the middle of putting together the ‘perfect’ Halloween costume for your upcoming party or night out trick-or-treating.

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With all the incredible Halloween displays in your favourite stores, and even the appearance of Halloween specific pop-ups, the search for your costume may seem a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, for many people (myself included) this is one of the most fun and enjoyable parts of Halloween!

Check out these tips before going shopping for your next Halloween costume…

Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast

This is one point that is going to vary significantly depending on where you live. Pay careful attention to the forecasted weather on Halloween night, and prepare accordingly. If you live further north, you may be looking for additional layers, tights under skirts, or even a costume that can fit over a thick sweater or coat. Do you live in a warmer area? Make sure you aren’t going to be contending with rain or a storm that brings heavy winds. Both can be difficult to contend with in certain costumes.

Get Creative

Don’t just limit yourself to the already pieced together, pre-made outfits. If you have a great idea but can’t find a costume, consider the possibility that you could put something together. You’d be surprised how well you can pull a costume together with a little ingenuity. As I mentioned in a previous blog, one of my favourite Halloween costumes was the year I dressed in a red pencil skirt, button-up blouse, heels and red feather boa, carrying around a brass candlestick. What was I? Miss Scarlet from Clue!

Be Sensible

Keep in mind that you are going to have to wear this costume and continue to be mobile. Whether you are walking around trick-or-treating with your friends or family or hitting a Halloween party, take your comfort and function into consideration. Some masks can make it nearly impossible to see, increasing the chances of someone getting hurt. What about footwear? Those sky-high heels may look great, but do you really want to be walking all night in them?

Read the Packaging Carefully

If you have selected an item, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget or are shopping last minute, take the time to read the packaging of your Halloween costume carefully. The picture on the front show items that aren’t included in the costume you are purchasing, so you don’t want to be misled! Accessories like wigs, gloves, etc. can add up really quickly if you’re having to purchase them all in addition to the costume!

Try it On Before Halloween Night

Regardless of how sure you are that the size you purchased is correct, always take the time to try on your costume in advance. You may discover that it is surprisingly complicated to put together, items could be missing or damaged, or it may simply need ironed or steamed to look it’s best. No one needs to be running around stressed at the last minute when it can be avoided.

Practice Your Makeup in Advance

If your costume is dependent on makeup, don’t just assume that you’ll be good to go. Instead, plan on doing a trial run at least a couple days before Halloween night. This will give you the chance to troubleshoot any problems that may arise, or even seek new options if necessary.

When Possible, Shop Early

If you want to ensure that you have the best selection available, don’t wait until the last minute. Start thinking coming up with ideas before the costumes have even hit the shelves so that you aren’t heading in blind. When the stores in your area do start stocking costumes, get right on it. There’s nothing worse than having that ‘perfect idea’ and the items you need are sold out everywhere!

What considerations help you to decide on your perfect Halloween costume? Share your tips in the comments below!