Las Vegas Sun

April 23, 2024

Last-minute costumes: In a pinch, count on your closet and pop culture

Best Halloween Costumes 2010

You’re over the cat ears, the witch hat and broom, the superhero capes — all of it.

A time crunch and tight budget shouldn’t keep you from rocking a fun costume. While crafty folks have an edge in the DIY department, the average closet holds many materials for putting a look together that will not require a glue gun but will be an instant read. Think iconic characters and themes. And remember that one or two accessories from a Halloween store can add serious pop to a basic canvas.

If you have a denim shirt

• Rosie the Riveter: Add a red headband and matching lipstick. Oh, and flex whenever you see a camera.

• Cowboy/cowgirl: A cowboy hat, boots and a bandanna around your neck will get ’er done, but why not bedazzle your own oversized cardboard belt buckle?

If you have round shades and a floral top

• Hippie: With simple bell-bottoms, braids and a peace sign, you’ll be an unmistakable flower child.

• Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness isn’t prone to florals. But if you don’t mind ruining the shirt, tear off the sleeves and pull on some gauzy ones printed with tattoos. Then add a bunch of gaudy costume jewelry (and maybe a bat perched on your shoulder).

If you have an all-black outfit

• "The bomb": A turtleneck is best for this slang term-turned costume. The key is making a recognizable fuse. To a black headband, glue a short piece of rope with some bright orange and gold pipe cleaners twisted through it for sparks.

• Ninja: This is one instance in which wearing socks with flip-flops is advisable. Add a black ski mask and a bit of bright color, whether it’s a belt or a headband, and turn an old mop handle into a traditional bo, or long staff.

If you love ...

• Kelly from "Saved by the Bell": Grab your crop top and neon shorts, and spray up those banana bangs. White tennis shoes with crew socks will tie the look together.

• Zack from "Saved by the Bell": Pastel shorts, a polo and blond wig achieve that prepster look. Bonus? Thrift a clunky old cellphone or make a Bayside High sweatshirt to drape over your shoulders.

• Jess from "New Girl": The adorkable heroine can be mimicked with thick glasses, any ultra-girly dress, tights and flats. Don’t have the signature bangs? Clip-ins are an option, or do a quick YouTube search for fake-bang tutorials.

• Daisy from "The Great Gatsby": You don’t need the fancy flapper dress as long as you have a sequined headband and lots of jewelry. Throw on a faux-fur coat for good measure.

• Jay from "The Great Gatsby": Try any suit with a dress shirt and tie in contrasting colors. And don’t be shy with the hair gel.

• The KarJenners: This is a pop-culturally pointed time to imitate the famous-for-being-famous Kardashian and Jenner sisters, because three of them are reportedly pregnant (Kim, Khloé and Kylie). Differentiate with a wig matched to your fave sister, and go for generous applications of lipstick and fake eyelashes.

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