2016 Halloween Costume Guide

While Halloween is a fun holiday, coming up with costume ideas can be a challenge. There is always the safe option, like a witch or cat, but if you are looking for something beyond the norm I have you covered.

Pictures all linked to their source.

Eleven from Stranger Things

This popular sci-fi Netflix show has taken the world by storm in 2016 – or shall I say, “to the upside down!” Eleven is a super-power kid on Stranger Things, set in the ’80’s. If going in a group, dress up as other notable Stranger Things characters, like Beth and Dustin. Pull out your favorite ’80’s accessories and games.

What you need: pink dress with white collar, blue windbreaker, Eggo waffles, dried blood, knee high sport socks, white tennis shoes, shoulder-length blonde wig

Netflix and Chill

I have always admired the wittiness of those who turn popular phrases, like “it’s raining men”, into a Halloween costume. The popular social media phrase “Netflix and Chill” can be made into a costume for an individual or a couple. If going solo, empty out a bag of ice and fill with tissue paper. Wear a Netflix shirt and hold the bag of “ice” to create the “Netflix and Chill” costume. If going as a couple, have one person be “Netflix” and the other be “Chill”. The website with the Netflix shirts has several options and colors to choose from, or get a little crafty and create your own t-shirts.

What you need: Netflix shirt, Chill shirt, popcorn bucket, ice bag, leggings, Ugg boots

Mermaid

While mermaids have been making a Halloween appearance for years, their creativity has recently increased with many YouTube makeup tutorials. Use colorful beauty products and sequined attire to make a splash.

What you need: mermaid sequined skirt, sequined tank (or bra top), bracelet, earrings, starfish hair clip, colorful eyeshadow and lipstick, sea salt spray for hair

USA Gymnast

After Rio 2016 Olympics, the USA Women’s Gymnastics team captured the heart of many. Pull out your glue gun to decorate a leotard, and apply glitter to hair and face generously. Crush up chalk and rub on legs. Go as your favorite gymnast, or get a group of friends together to create the entire “Final Five” team.

What you need: long-sleeved leotard or body suit, shorts or athletic pants, rhinestones, medals, flower bouquet, chalk (crushed), glitter for eyelids and hair, bow

Peyton on Sunday Morning

Now that Peyton Manning is retired from the NFL, he is still making an appearance on Sundays with the popular ‘Peyton on Sunday Morning’ commercial, featuring himself and Lionel Richie. Throw together a few items around the house, add a Broncos jersey or an orange t-shirt, and you are ready to make a touchdown appearance on Halloween.

What you need: plaid robe, Manning jersey, loafers, watch, remote in pocket

Sandy from Grease

After the 70’s classic regained popularity from the Grease Live production earlier this year, the black liquid leggings and red lip are back. But let’s be honest, Grease never went out of style. Be sure to apply extra hair spray because, the power you’ll be supplyin’, it’s electrifyin’!

What you need: black liquid leggings, crop top, leather jacket, rollers, red lipstick, red platform sandals, gold hoop earrings

Need more ideas? I like to brainstorm by thinking of notable people and topics over the past year. Who is your favorite athlete? Musician? Character? Celebrity?

Don’t be afraid to add a little twist…like taking the term “French Kiss” and turning it into a costume. Dress up as the band, Kiss, with black and white face make-up. Then add French accessories, like a beret, neck scarf and a baguette by your side. All together, the costume is called French Kiss. It’s all in good pun.

Here are a few more suggestions relevant to 2016.