Halloween used to be an occasion for little children in store-bought costumes, totting plastic jack-o-lantern-shaped buckets. It was all about the trick or treating, candy, and cuteness. That was many moons ago. Today, Halloween is celebrated by every family member, and many adults find it especially fun.

Here, we'll discuss ways to take your costume to the next level and ideas for this year's fright night parties and social get-togethers.

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Why Adults Love Halloween

Halloween is festive and fun for adults because it offers a reprieve from our usual obligations to behave and dress in proper ways. We get to have fun and be who we wish we could be all year long!

Retailers haven't overlooked this increase in adult participation in Halloween, as they have commercialized this day almost as much as Christmas. As soon as they can push the Back to School stock to the back of their shelves, shops begin hanging imitation spider webs, stand wailing ghouls in every corner, and over-stuff every shelf with creative, life-like adult costumes. In many establishments, there are more adult costumes than children's. One reason for that is that adult costumes are far more realistic and high quality than we have ever thought for children.

It's evident that adult dress-up isn't about candy or 'doing it for the kids.' What we're observing is a little deeper. Here are a few reasons many adults are enjoying Halloween more and why you should join us:

It Relieves Stress

This is the most apparent reason adults are celebrating Halloween in such full-on, festive ways. Dressing up and 'being' someone else is like taking a short vacation from your life. No matter how much you enjoy your family and your job, you need some time away. When you fulfill your childhood dream of being a cowboy or a naughty nurse, the related persona comes alive. You can finally liberate your fun side alongside other adults who are doing the same!

It Unlocks Your Creative Side

If you feel creative when you can think of a different lunch idea for more than three days in a row, you really need Halloween. This government-sanctioned day to let loose will free your creativity. You'll surprise yourself. Your first year of adult Halloween may see you as a ghost - white sheet over your head with holes cut out for eyes, but with each consecutive year, you'll shock yourself with how good you get. We give you maybe two years to go from ghost to dominatrix with all the 'right' equipment. You won't even be embarrassed to walk down the street.

It Lets Your Freak Flag Fly

It isn't far into adulthood that we learn to suppress our childlike ways. It's sad, really. Although necessary to function in the world of work, bills, and family obligations, there is still a kid in most of us. You've probably completely lost touch with your inner kid (not inner child because, apparently, that's another whole thing).

Who did you want to be when you were a kid? Wonder Woman? Super Girl? A nun? A zombie? Whoever it is lying just beneath the surface of your adult skin is crying to get out. For one night only, be that weirdo. Eat all the candy you want, hang out at a Halloween party, and drink - responsibly, of course. Have fantastic fun being goofy, scary, historical, or whatever other adjectives can describe the you nobody gets to see.

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Ideas for Fabulous Halloween Costumes

Now that you know why you want to dress up this year, here are a few ways to upscale your ideas. When considering your costume, aim for sophistication.

Be Sexy, Not Childish

There is always a tendency to get silly when hiding behind a mask, but don't fall for it. The idea isn't to end the evening with embarrassing regrets but to have fun. When considering your costume, go for sexy. That means choosing to be a naughty nurse over a Star Wars Yoda. You won't regret being sophisticated and provocative.

Anyone can release the silly, but if you can release the sexy, you might find people see you in a new light the next day.

Colorful Hair

Even if you dress up in an expensive costume but don't change your hair, you'll be surprised how much your appearance doesn't change. It's not just about the clothes you're wearing, you've got to do something with your hair. A wig that's too similar to the color of your hair won't stand out as much as you need. You will have to go for colorful hair.

We don't recommend that you dye your hair, but a massive, colorful wig can be an excellent investment.

If you're on a budget, having colorful hair can create a persona without costing too much. Even if you aren't on a budget, a gorgeously elaborate wig of mermaid colors will change your appearance significantly. You can go more minimal with the rest of your costume.

Head Pieces and Hair Accessories

While we're on the topic of big hair, we should also mention the value and versatility of headpieces and hair accessories. When thinking of costumes, you can become distracted by the outfit but forget about dressing up your head.

Take your costume over the top with an appropriate headpiece or hair accessories.

Think:

Hats
Wigs
Crowns or tiaras
Hair extensions
Hat and wig combinations
Weird ears
False foreheads

The first thing people zero in on is your face and head, so make it something to see - a true feast for the eyes!

The Victorian Era

If you're stumped for costume ideas, consider turning your focus to a historical period. For instance, the Victorian era is marked by its elaborate clothing for men and women. They wore great wigs and hair/head accessories like crowns, tiaras, and fantastic hats. Dressing up from this era will have you feeling fun and free but also elegant. Consider going through books or websites to find inspiration.

Halloween is for Everyone

If you're an adult who hasn't gotten into dressing up for Halloween yet, we hope we've changed your mind. It's a perfect time of year to be a little more relaxed and have the kind of fun you'll look forward to every year.

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Halloween Dress-Up