Brian Maynor October 31, 2013
October 30, 2013
October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween! While trick-or-treating may be just for little kids, wearing costumes is ageless. It might surprise you to learn that more money is spent on adult costumes at Halloween than on children’s costumes, nearly $1.4 billion dollars last year according to the National Retail Federation.
So what are you sharing with the world when you pick out a Halloween costume? Just like everything else you wear, a costume speaks volumes about our personalities. So whether you choose to be a sexy nurse, gruesome monster, fantasy character or fictional icon here are a few insights as to why we gravitate to certain types of costumes:
1. Our Dark Side. According to Psychology Today many psychologists believe costumes allow us to explore alternate versions of ourselves. Whether you choose to go as a superhero or a sexy vampire the underlying feelings, ideas and emotions you are exploring can run much deeper. Not that you need to worry too much. Exploration is not a bad thing or something you should fear manifesting.
2. Ulterior Motives. For years Halloween has been used as an excuse for wearing overtly sexy, provocative and borderline inappropriate costumes. Sex is such a big part of Halloween because it is a social holiday where people feel uninhibited and openly look for dates or partners. While the other 364 days are focused on substance, this one-day focuses on physical assets without shame or guilt.
3. Creative Expression. Orange Is The New Black. Carrie. Miley Cyrus. Whether you choose to be a pop culture icon or clever pun, costumes are conversation starters. Plus you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a hit costume. Pop culture offers a plethora of inspiration. All you need to pull them off is a little imagination.
4. Honor & Fantasy. Everyone wants to be someone else for a day. With fame a currency all its own having people taking your picture, posing with you and calling your name is definitely a rush. Who doesn’t want to be famous, even for a night?
Whether you choose a costume that is scary, funny, sexy, political, famous or fantasy this Halloween can shed a little light on our psyches but try not to take it too seriously. Halloween is for fun, not for psychological analysis.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
