Halloween is coming up, judging by the amount of pumpkin spice everything we’ve been having to deal with lately. And you know what? We’re gonna make some Halloween commandments. These are some basic rules and guidelines to take into consideration for your Halloween getups.
Ever wondered why Halloween is so popular among twentysomething year olds? Because it’s an excuse to completely hoe up your outfit, especially if you’re normally not really about that life. So let’s start with the first commandment.
Thou shalt not slutshame
Can we stop with this false narrative that women who dress in a revealing way are anti-feminist? Allow me to clarify. The women’s movement for equality is about women getting to choose to do/wear/work/say what they want, correct? Cool. There’s two ways in which you can look at this. One is that by dressing down like that you’re still catering to the male gaze by dressing up as what your standard heterosexual male would consider to be sexy. Or: you choose to wear whatever makes you feel good and fun and flirty and you go out and have a ridiculous good time.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to make somebody feel bad about their Halloween costume. Unless they haven’t kept to the last commandment, then you can shame the living daylights out of them. But generally speaking: keep your opinions to yourself. “If you don’t have anything nice to say” and all that.
Thou shalt be practical
Costumes and outfits are fun and all, but think about where you’re going. More importantly, think about where you’re going after. Are you going home? Are you going to a friend’s house? Are you going with that zombie-quarterback you might meet at the party? Be prepared. Bring the following:
- makeup remover pads
- leggings
- flats
- refreshment wipes
As for the practicality of your outfit: it’s gotta be cute, but functional. Example: are you going to a house party? Keep the crowd in mind. Are you going to an organized party somewhere outdoors? Make sure your outfit allows for the movement you want/need etc. Like, fairy wings are cute but not practical if it’s a salsa party. Just saying.
Thou shalt not be a shitty person
Lastly, a PSA: I always hope that people have enough common sense to realize when a “costume” is offensive and don’t go through with it, but each and every year I’m proven wrong. Do not, I repeat: DO NOT dress up as (what you think is) an ethnicity. DO NOT wear traditional costumes and turn it into a caricature or something disrespectful. This is someone’s culture, not your costume. I can’t believe it’s 2016 and I still have to put this in here. If you don’t see the harm and do it anyway, congratulations! You are officially a shitty person.