Halloween 2014 – The New Costume Choices

By Brian Maynor

 

Can you believe October is half over and, dare I say it, the holidays are around the corner?  If you’re like me and not ready to deck the halls let’s focus on the most immediate holiday, Halloween.  You still have two weeks to conceptualize and create the perfect costume.

In the past we’ve talked about costumes in all shapes and sizes from the ones you wear every day to those reserved for theme parties, but as I researched this year’s top costumes one theme kept popping up.  Aside from characters from the major movie franchises, the big trends in 2014 Halloween costumes come from celebrities and pop culture.

This trend toward ‘normal’ costumes plays perfectly into the practice of using what you have hanging in your closet and forgoing the splurge of buying a pre-packaged, cookie cutter and uninspired costume for one night.  Save your money and unleash your creativity.  Here’s a little inspiration:

 

1.   Look for iconic statement pieces.  It doesn’t take much or an exact replication to pull together a great costume.  For example if you have a tweed suit in any style pair it with a string of pearls and black kitten heels and you’re suddenly Cocco Chanel.

If you have an oversized pair of black sunglasses snag a dark blonde bob wig with bangs and don a perfect pout to channel fashion editor Anna Wintour.  With the stage set it really won’t matter what else you choose to wear because it will be seen as fashion forward.

2.   Bring out your inner arts and craft skills.  With all of the celebrity weddings recently a white lace dress can go a long way.  Pick up an inexpensive veil and draw childish pictures on it to evoke Angelina’s look or add some colorful faux flowers to create one of Amal Clooney’s Venetian wedding weekend looks.

3.   For the guys it’s all about supporting men.   Whether you’re part of a couple costume or not, easy costume-esque options include pulling out your best navy suit, white shirt, power tie and flag pin to instantly become Fitzgerald Grant.  Reenacting a passionate, volatile and probably doomed affair with your own Olivia Pope is optional.  You could also channel any number of off-duty celebrities like David Beckham or Brad Pitt and break out your leather jacket, gloves and black jeans while carrying a motorcycle helmet.  Wearing it may prove awkward at a party.

4.   True creative genius.  If you want to go a little more artsy, grab some white poster board and create your own Instagram frame or Pinterest border.  Just don’t forget to include the millions of likes and repins.  Another lowcost, crafty option includes making your own Uber sign to carry along with bottles of water.  It doesn’t get much easier than that to create a costume and show you’re penchant for current events at the same time.

 

If the thought of painting yourself green or dressing like a giant tree is unappealing to you take heart.  This year you can be at the apex of Halloween trends with a ‘real-life inspired’ costume.  Think of it as extending the Normcore trend into the holidays with the anti-costume costume.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or 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 at http://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.

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