Halloween is approaching fast and it's time to get your costume together.
As the storm rages outside and the house begins to creak you jump as, at the strike of midnight, you hear a familiar 'bleep-bloop' coming from your bedside table. In the hope that this isn't another Candy Crush invitation you tap the little red symbol that's appeared on your phone and are surprised to see something equally scary:
"You're cordially invited to my spooktacular get together on the 31st. Costumes compulsory, heads are not."
Your hands begin to sweat as you cast your mind back to that awful bat costume you constructed last year from some bin bags and sticks from the garden. Just what will you wear this Halloween?
But there's no need to fear. If you're hopeless at costume making or just need some sensible advice on choosing one, take a look at these top tips:
7 Things To Think About When Picking Your Halloween Costume
1. It's freezing outside.(01 of07)
Open Image ModalIf you're going to an outside party, opt for fur - a werewolf costume will keep you warm and your teeth will make blood run cold.Alternatively, a trusty onesie is also a good choice. They're much cheaper than an elaborate costume and will keep you toasty, but you won't be winning any prizes. (credit:instructables.com)
2. Controversial costumes will get you in trouble(02 of07)
Open Image ModalDoing a 'Harry The Nazi' might be OK if you're already set for life, but the last thing you want is your future employer finding pictures of you making a joke out of something that isn't funny.No doubt there will be more examples of students donning Twin Tower costumes, sterile suits used to treat ebola patients and Jimmy Saville tracksuits, but don't let one night ruin your reputation. (credit:JIM WATSON via Getty Images)
3. Know what kind of party you're going to (03 of07)
Open Image ModalMake sure that what you understand to be a Halloween costume is the same as that of the host. Are you living in the real world or "Girl World" this Halloween? (credit:Mean Girls, Paramount Pictures)
4. Pumpkin costumes are not practical(04 of07)
Open Image ModalSimple tasks like drinking without a straw and passing through a door suddenly become a huge pain. By the end of the night you'll have either deflated yourself and look like you're rotting or have someone try to roll you down a hill: perhaps a skeleton might be a little less high maintenance? (credit:starcostumes.com)
5. Dressing like a kid doesn't mean you can go trick or treating(05 of07)
Open Image ModalYour student loan might not stretch far, but trick or treating for your dinner is not going to make you popular with the locals. Or with your teeth. (credit:halloweencostumes.com)
6. Practicing your make-up(06 of07)
Open Image ModalGood make-up can give the impression that you've risen from the dead. Bad make-up can make you look like you've fallen on a cake. Assuming you're going for the former, get a friend to help you out and practice your make-up in advance. There are plenty of online tutorials to help you achieve monstrous make-up to go with your costume. (credit:Christoffer Askman via Getty Images)
7. Don't compete with animals(07 of07)
Open Image ModalHowever good your costume looks, pets will almost always look better in it. (credit:TIMOTHY CLARY via Getty Images)