Halloween weekend has finally arrived and you’re still without a costume?! Don’t panic. If you’re NOT interested in being a Hot variation of a house pet or a scantily clad Disney princess (for the third year in a row), then look to the past for inspiration. We’re not knocking these types of costumes, but just pointing out the obvious: they lack imagination. Choose from these unforgettable TV personalities, film characters and music artists of the past for some original options.
All of these costume ideas can be recreated by visiting your own closet or a local thrift store. Don’t worry, we’ll give you a few tips on where to find some of the more specific items. Click through the slideshow to find options whether you’re hitting up a party solo, with your girlfriends, or with your man.
The Girl Group – TLC
Are you crazy, Hot, or cool? Pick one and round up a couple friends to transform into the Grammy award-winning girl group, TLC. T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli were not only talented, but strong black women. Get like them by rocking oversized cargo pants and colorful sports bras. Top the look off with 90s inspired gold jewelry. Check out stores like Forever 21 and JCPenney for cute and cheap jewelry options. If midriff-baring tops make you feel “Unpretty,” then opt for this more covered up look:
Replicate this look with colorful shorts, big bulky tops or men’s shirts and some combat boots. Find the perfect wig for each girl if need be and you’ll be chasing waterfalls in no time.
The Partners in Crime – Shame and Peaches
Grab your man, or the closest guy to you, and dress up as this bickering couple (though they weren’t real boos until the end) from the classic movie, A Low Down Dirty Shame. Peaches is best known for her monochromatic, logo-covered outfit. Recreate this look by wearing a jacket, a jumpsuit with a sweetheart neckline and heels all in the same hue. If you don’t have a jumpsuit, then pants and a tucked-in strapless top will work just as well. Remember, the brighter the color, the better! This look is supposed to be loud and over the top, just like Peaches. If you’re feeling really into the character, write some fake logos all over your top. A gold belt and dark sunglasses will complete the look.
On to Shame. In the beginning of the film, it seems Shame should be ashamed for that drab wardrobe! Your man should have no trouble rummaging through his closet to find a gray hoodie, a black leather jacket, sunglasses and jeans. The other option, if he wants to have Peaches wondering who he’s all dressed up for, is to wear a dark suit and pointed-toe dress shoes. Sport a floor-length overcoat in a wool or cotton fabric because one in leather will have onlookers mistaking Shame for a character from the Matrix.
The Diva – Janet Jackson
“It’s Janet, Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty.” To pay homage to this pop icon, try a military-style jacket, add silver buttons/pins and black slacks. Target would be a good place to look to find a black military hat and try a local craft store (like Michael’s) to locate pins and buttons to get ornate with. Finish the look off with combats boots, throw on some hoop earrings with a key (not your house key though), and you will be stomping in the right direction.
The Funny Girls – Nikki Parker and Kim Parker
The Parkers, a spin-off of Moesha, was hilarious! We tuned in to anticipate what crazy thing Ms. Parker was going to do next, but also to peep what she was going to wear. Shiny fabric seems to be Nikki’s M.O. Copy her look with a satin top and high-water black pants. Hair and makeup is very important with this costume, so whip out the synthetic curly wig and dark lipstick. Oh, and be sure to confuse lots of men with Professor Olgevee at the club! It’s the perfect way to mingle. If Kim Parker is more you’re speed, follow the same formula and do the most with mixed prints and colors. And don’t forget to giggle a lot and say less than intelligent things. Add a micro-braided wig in honey-blonde to really set it off!
The Rockstar – Prince
Choosing to dress in drag as this name-changer will be a game changer. Prince is multitalented and has the androgynous look down, which makes it easy for a woman to become the artist. An exaggerated ruffled blouse is a piece that is always identified with the rockstar. Find that blouse and a bright long sleeve jumpsuit and you’re set.
A bright two piece suit and silk shirt will also give off the “Prince” vibe. Make sure your drawn on skinny mustashe and curly hair stay in place by using a waterproof eyeliner pencil and lots of hair spray (or a stiff wig). Remember, high heels are still allowed, so rock out!
The Comedic Couple- Martin and Gina
Martin and Gina always managed to make us smile with their good chemistry and jokes on jokes on jokes. This twosome was a perfect example of 90’s fashion. Get their look by wearing lots of color. Boxy blazers and oversized button-up shirts are perfect to emulate Martin Payne, as well as wind breaker outfits and Jordans (don’t forget to tell your man to say, WZUP!). Gina loved a good skirt suit when she was professional, but opt for loose trousers, short sleeve shirts and vests for a casual look.
The Boy Band – Dru Hill
We can’t forget about the fellas. Known best for their hit songs like “Beauty” and ” 5 Steps,” Dru Hill is a perfect example of an R&B boy band. Get a group of guy friends together to imitate this leather-loving duo. Matching oversized jackets, shirts and bottoms are key (Don’t be afraid to try their all-orange everything look from “Tell Me”). The outfits don’t have to be identical, but keep the colors the same. Flip a coin to decide who gets the privilege of rocking a short blonde wig in order to imitate Sisqo’s signature locks.
The Princesses – B.A.P.S
Well, Black American Princesses, that is. B.A.P.S is an exaggerated movie full of stereotypes, but it is also extremely entertaining! Choose your favorite character, Nisi or Mickey, or enlist a girlfriend to be your sidekick. For Mickey’s look, use an old plastic rain coat belted at the waist and shiny leggings. If you can find that ridiculous leopard print, then more power to you. For Nisi, her outfit is amusingly similar to Peaches from A Low Down Dirty Shame, so follow those guidelines. You will need lots of hair extensions and harsh makeup to seal the deal (black liner for the lips and press ons are a must!). With a costume like this, you’ll definitely be the “C-E-O” of Halloween night!
That’s it! What do you think of these throwback costumes? What costumes do you have in mind? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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