Ten Of-The-Moment Halloween Costumes to Commemorate 2009
FLYING SOLO:
Lady Gaga: No matter where you celebrate October 31st, we have a feeling you’re going to see a lot of Gagas this year—and that’s not just due to all of the star’s frequent costume changes. The “Paparazzi” singer is a costume party dream. Go as outré as you can, and whatever you decide on—an outfit made of balloons, a wedding veil, a unitard, a dress covered with little Kermit the Frogs—feel free to splash it with fake blood like Gaga did at the MTV Video Music Awards. And don’t forget your Poker Face.
Julia Child: Meryl Streep stole our hearts this summer in Julie and Julia as the 6’2” author of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Find yourself a vintage high-collared floral blouse, a long A-line skirt, pearl earrings, and a dark curly wig. Then grab whatever props your paws can handle: a saucepan, a rubber chicken, a stick of butter. To complete the look start perfecting your beef bourguignon. And for extra credit, pass out hors d’oeuvres. Bon appétit!
A Pyramid Scheme: What a year for screwing folks out of their money! There are so many ways to express our economic woes in dress, from a Bernie Madoff mask and an authentic Madoff securities polo shirt to a green outfit with patches of grass attached. (Get it? It’s a hedge fund!) Or our favorite: find yourself a few three dimensional triangles, and you’re a Pyramid Scheme.
Max from Where the Wild Things Are: Spike Jonze’s extraordinary adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s book is heating up the box office. But being a real “Wild Thing” is maybe a little too ambitious with Halloween just a week or so away. Besides, it’s not all that sexy. So find yourself a onesie and appliqué an adorable tail and ears; bid on one of the many ready-made Max costumes already on Ebay, or venture to cutting edge boutique Opening Ceremony for the $610 (mostly sold out) high fashion version.
DYNAMIC DUOS:
Russell Brand and Katy Perry: Yeah, it surprises us, too, that the British bad boy star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall has only been dating the Waking Up in Vegas singer for a few weeks. They seem so perfect together. To achieve Katy’s pop-style we suggest a cute babydoll dress, preferably with cards or cherries, strawberries or, heck, any kind of fruit on it, chunky red Minnie Mouse heels, and deep, red lipstick. For Brand:a really tight scoop neck t-shirt that preferably shows a whole lot of chest hair paired with super-skinny jeans. And facial hair, definitely facial hair.
Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski: Without a doubt, the Hollywood stylist and her fabulous assistant shut it down on a regular basis on their Bravo show The Rachel Zoe Project. Show up dressed as them at a party? Instant vertigo. And we mean that in the best possible way. To get Rachel’s look, gingerly place a fur vest (maybe even one from her QVC collection) over a long dress that shows off your breastbone. Throw on major jewelry, a pair of John Galliano heels, and really expensive “sunnies.” Brad’s even easier: a bow tie, a seersucker shirt, suspenders, black Prada glasses, and really short shorts that show off your tan legs.
Jon and Kate Gosselin: You should be able to pull off a costume of this, now-separated couple straight out of your closet: Colorful long sleeved t-shirts, jeans, and running shoes will work for both. If you’re dressing as Kate, the only way to achieve the reverse mullet is to buy a wig. If you’re Jon, make sure the t-shirt is Ed Hardy and pile on the pink blush to achieve the ruddy glow. Accessorize with a Radio Flyer wagon filled with eight dolls.
THE BIG GROUP EFFORT:
The Real Housewives of New Jersey: I mean, could you imagine 2009 without Jacqueline, Dina, Danielle, Teresa, Caroline and their big bubbies? We couldn’t either. When approaching these Bravo stars, grab your girlfriends, a lot of bronzer, anything Dolce & Gabbana or Tory Burch, and whatever it is you use to, you know, over-accentuate those curves.
Mad Men: The antithesis of the Real Housewives are these buttoned-up ad executives, their secretaries and their wives. Scurry up a few friends and dole out the roles: slick, superior Don Draper; voluptuous Joan; sophisticated Betty; or poor, badly dressed Peggy. Heck, even good ole’ Conrad Hilton. eBay is a treasure trove of vintage early 60s looks: find an Oleg Cassini or a three-piece suit. We’d be especially excited to see you score a Pucci, tease your hair and take on Betty Draper goes to Rome.
Bella, Edward and the rest of the New Moon Cast: The movie version of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight sequel, due in theaters (breathlessly!) on November 20th, offers a lot to play with. If you’re up for Edward Cullen (Rob Pattinson), go with black jeans, a black t-shirt, white pale makeup, soft lips and foppish hair. (A shiny silver Volvo would be a nice touch too.) Choose a red cape and fangs if you go for evil vampire Jane (Dakota Fanning). Boyish, emo-like clothes from Urban Outfitters will work if you decide on Bella (Kristen Stewart.) If you’re going for Jacob (Taylor Lautner), just grab a weird pair of denim shorts and leave the shirt at home. Unfortunately, his washboard abs aren’t exactly for sale.