Choosing a Halloween costume can be one of the most important choices of the year. Maybe you’re dressing up to scare the kids trick or treating and you want them to remember the most fun house on the block. Or maybe you’re looking for first prize in the costume contest at the local VFW. Whatever your reason for looking for that perfect costume, you’ll need some costume ideas. Of course there are a million and one adult Halloween costume ideas so let’s just go over a few in a couple of different categories.

Halloween is supposed to be scary right? It’s funny, so few Halloween costumes are scary anymore. I guess people tend to prefer laughter to screaming so we are drawn to funny Halloween costumes. A few funny adult Halloween costume ideas would be, Special Ed from the Crank Yankers television series, Ron Burgundy from the movie Anchor Man, or maybe a pregnant nun, offensive but funny.

Sexy costumes are also very popular among adults. I guess some people prefer to dress down instead of up for Halloween. That just gives us plenty more adult Halloween costume ideas. Some pigtails and a plaid skirt are sure to please if you want to dress up as Brittany Spears for Halloween, certainly a sexy idea. Or for the guys, grab some Gladiator garb and get all the ladies attention in your Russell Crowe costume. Maybe you could be the perfect couple of the 90s and carry along your video camera while you’re dressed up as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, funny and sexy all in one.

Halloween Costume Ideas For Women

There are many choices for Halloween costumes for women. You could dress as a famous person. If you are going out for Halloween with another person you could have lots of fun planning your costumes together.

You could choose a costume that represents someone from a book or movie. Maybe you have a favorite character that you would enjoy dressing up as. Think of Scarlet O’Hara or Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. One of those spunky women from the musical Chicago would be very exciting!

If you are a sports enthusiast or enjoy dancing or cooking it will be easy to come up with a costume from items you already have. Choose a sports jersey, square dancing skirt or apron; add a few accessories and you’re ready to go.

You may want to dress as something that is really out of character for you. You could be a spy, farmer, or secretary. Maybe you want to choose a costume that no one would ever think you would wear. How about being Big Bird, an artist or a belly dancer?

Why dress as a woman? Halloween is the time to dress up any way you choose. You could wear a costume that looks like a wrestler, one of the Blues Brothers or Liberace.

Halloween Costume Ideas For Men

So you’ve seen the women’s Halloween costumes.. what about the Men’s Halloween Costumes? If you are a man and are looking for some fun ideas and maybe even matching partner costume ideas, then read on. Even if Men’s Halloween Costumes seem scarce. they really are not. You can even pull off being Darth Vader right down to the Grim Reaper in style.

There are so many options, if you look on the Internet for Halloween costumes for males, you will find about what seems to be a million. How about Peter Pan for something really creative? Or maybe even Hook.

Try couple costumes such as Wendy and Peter Pan, Aladin and Jasmine, Tarzan and Jane, Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s wife, Fred and Wilma (The Flinstones), Hermione and Ron or maybe even try being lovers from classic movies. There are so many couple’s out there it could make your head spin.

If you want to go in your own costume, how about trying several many other options such as a dead groom, a knight, a school boy, a fireman, policeman or anything along those lines (or your own unique twist). Maybe go with something that you would never have thought of going as, you’ll probably have a lot more fun and shock all of your friends.

If you are a woman, Halloween costumes are extremely easy to find. So many costumes available are transgender, for men AND women. There is also a fair share of costumes specifically designed for women-especially witches, or fortunetellers.

For a woman, Halloween costumes are all about playing the part. A true drama queen loves portraying characters, and dressing up is one of the highlights of the evening, in addition to her acting skills.

A woman’s must-haves with any costume are usually finger nails, cosmetics, masks, shoes, hairpieces and accessories, and jewelry. With these elements, a woman cannot make a statement in what she is wearing, a vital part to her role.

The top Halloween costumes are a mixture of sultry, whimsical, adventuresome, and practical. Just a few of them include a genie, gypsy, belly-dancer, Egyptian woman, Elvira, princess or queen, farm girl, cow girl, southern belle, popular movie characters, cave woman, Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, Bat Girl, sports stars, and career-oriented costumes such as a ballerina, super model, or lawyer.

Transgender themes include black cats or other animals, ghosts, spiders, goblins, hippies, rock stars, or comical costumes such as candy wrappers, hot dogs, and fuzzy dice.

Halloween costumes usually go on sale at local stores in September; however, they can be ordered from specialty catalogs, year-round. There are many female Hallowen costumes, but here are three of the most popular costumes for the ladies:

The Witch

The witch is perhaps the most recognized female Haloween costume. It is common for both girls, and women, and easily found in stores. The pointy hat is the key accessory. Add a matted wig, a broom, and a tattered, black robe or dress, and you have the basic Halloween witch.

If you want to add a few extras to this costume, paint the face green, attach a fake, hooked nose, and attach fake black finger nails.

The Fairy

Fairy costumes are fun and colorful. They have become one of the most popular female Halloween costumes. A basic costume is composed of gauzy, flowing layers. A leotard, nylons, and ballet slippers are worn beneath. If the weather is cold, wear thick tights or leggings, instead.

Pointy ears look great with this costume. The most important part of the fairy costume is the wings. Buy them, or shape your own out of coat hangers. Cover the coat hangers with colored nylon, and add swirls of paint and glitter to make them unique.

The Princess

Princess costumes are popular with younger girls. She wears either a conical hat, or a sparkling tiara, and is costumed in an elaborate, flowing dress, in the Renaissance or Medieval style. Choose a dress with lots of feminine details, like lace, pearls, sequins, floral designs, etc.

Wear dress shoes, or ballet slippers with this outfit. A glittering scepter makes a great finishing touch for the princess costume.

If you are going to a Halloween party and the same lame costume just will not do, try a sexy costume. A sexy women’s Halloween costumes will definitely turn some heads.

If you are looking for a bad boy to tame, try a corrections officer costume. It comes complete with a bengaline dress with vinyl accents, necktie, hat, and belt with handcuffs, chains, and a billy club. The guys will be ready for their punishment when you wear this one.

If you have the heritage for it try an Indian Beauty costume. The dress for this costume is low cut, laces up the side, and has traditional looking fringe hanging from it. Put your hair in pigtails, add some high heels, and you are ready for the hunt.

For a sexy twist on a traditional costume try the inviting red riding hood costume. This sexy women’s Halloween costume comes with a hooded cape, skirt and thong with lace top. You definitely should not head to grandma’s house in this costume.

For a physically fit sexy costume try the sexy boxer. It includes a blue tank top with a white star, red and white striped hot pants, and boxing gloves. Go from the girl next door to a knock out in this hot outfit.

For a sexy corporate look try the White House Intern costume. This costume includes a sexy stretch tank top with the words `White House Intern’, blue star pattern shorts connected by red suspender, and kneepads. Don’t work too hard in this outfit.

You can also find lingerie and adult shops selling french maid, nurse, and she-devil costumes, and other racy ensembles. You will also come across naughty versions of typical costumes, like the witch, fairy, and vampire.

Keep in mind that many typical women’s Halloween costumes can be altered to make them provocative. Apply your sexy Halloween costume ideas to these. It may take something as simple as swapping a piece of the costume for something more revealing, or it may require some sewing to alter a hemline.

Another costume idea is to dress as a provocative celebrity, like Marilyn Monroe, or Betty Page. Make these costumes work with vintage clothing and signature hair styles. Any star with sex appeal — be they from the past, or present — are options. Take a photo along with you while shopping, and use it as a reference.

For romantic couples planning to attend Halloween events together: Why not dress as history’s famous lovers? Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, Zeus and Hera, Eros and Psyche, and Bonnie and Clyde, are several possibilities. You will definitely make an impression on party guests when you appear together in your themed costumes.

Here are a few more Sexy Halloween Costume ideas

She-Devil

The she-devil dresses in red. Her costume can include a skirt, a dress, or a cat suit, or anything form-fitting. A pair of horns are mandatory, and a pointy tail completes the costume. A cape and a pitch fork make great accessories.

Nurse

The nurse normally wears a white outfit. Accessories for this costume include a prop syringe, surgical mask, stethoscope, etc. Apply fake blood to this costume, and it gives her a sinister, evil look.

Black Cat

This outfit usually features a snug-fitting base, such as a black cat-suit, or a black leotard. The addition of a tail, and pair of ears are a must. Add whiskers, angled eye-liner, and a bow tie to make this costume extra cute.

French Maid

The french maid costume consists of a form-fitting top and skirt. It is commonly made of a soft fabric, like satin, and dark in color. Black or navy blue are popular colors, and the trim is usually made of white lace. She wears an apron, a bonnet, thigh-high stockings or nylons, a garter, and heels. Accessorize this costume further with a feather duster.

Vampiress

The vampiress genrally wears a dark dress, with long layers, sometimes shredded. Dark makeup, long, dark finger nails, and sharp teeth are typical accessories for this costume. Her skin is powdered white to give her that ghastly look, and her hair is usually long, and black.

Although basic wardrobes for pregnant women have come a long way in terms of style and availability, getting dressed can still feel like a challenge with an ever-expanding stomach. Add a little taste of Halloween and the challenge doubles. However, dressing up for Halloween is fun at any age and at any stage, and so Halloween costumes for pregnant women offer creative and comfortable choices.

If you are pregnant, Halloween costumes, and the thought of finding one may leave you feeling clueless. However, finding a costume may not be such a big predicament. In this case, a little creativity goes a long way!

Mothers-to-be have a few options when it comes to finding pregnant Halloween costumes: find a costume that fits, or find a way to work a round belly into the theme of the costume.

Dresses with empire waists look good, and are likely to fit if you are pregnant. Halloween costumes that feature this style are many. Use the empire dress as a base for a medieval princess or maiden costume. Other characters that can wear this dress style are the fairy, the witch, or any ethereal lady.

Any costume style with a great deal of room in the front is an option to consider. Animal costumes are good examples of roomy Halloween outfits. Wear one-piece footed-pajamas, and carry a stuffed animal to create a baby costume. Some Halloween specialty shops may have sumo wrestler costumes, complete with wigs.

If you are a pregnant woman looking for a Halloween costume, and you don’t mind exposing your belly, you can work your pregnancy into the costume. Painting a pumpkin on the belly, and pretending to carry it, is a popular costume idea for a pregnant woman. Any round object can be painted on. Dress in a basketball uniform, and paint your belly as a basketball. This works with baseball, and soccer uniforms, as well.   Think about all the costumes that sport a bulging middle – the chocolate kiss, the bowling ball, the M&M. With a ready-made bulge, you are good to go.

However, when considering Halloween costumes for pregnant women, remember that ventilation is very important. Some women choose the whole body stocking as a base for costumes, and overheating is a concern. To avoid overheating, avoid costumes that are too fitted and cover most of the body, and always drink extra fluids.

It is also very important to hem costumes at a reasonable length so that you don’t trip as you go off trick or treating.  Pregnant women are generally more off-balance than those who are not pregnant, and so stability and safety have to be considered. Homemade costumes are a great way to go because you will have total control over fabric and fit.

Mysterious Fairies

From fairytales to folklore, fairies play an important part in so many of the stories that have entertained people for centuries. There is an intrigue and a mystery to these little winged creatures who sometimes shower their chosen humans with good fortune and at other time wreak havoc and mischief.

Fairy Halloween costumes are a traditional favorite year after year. Whether the costumes emulate specific fairies from literature or popular movies, or whether they simply portray a lovely winged creature, they contribute to that myriad of Halloween expression over and over again.

These fairy Halloween costumes can be as simple and inexpensive or as elaborate as you want. Fairy skirts can be made from sheets or white garbage bags, or they can be transformed from lingerie or hand sewn from silk and lace. Fairy Halloween costumes are available in children’s sizes as well as adult sizes. They are also available in plus sizes and in the deluxe costume category.

If you are making your own fairy costume don’t forget that glitter. Inexpensive shoes can also be painted and covered with glitter to complete the fairy image.

For an interesting adult twist, there are fairy costumes that sport a flirtatious mood. With shorter skirts, the filmy material often associated with the fairy costume, produces new effects. However, one can always find the more traditional look in adult sizes. With a wand and some translucent wings you will be ready to sprinkle your dust and celebrate Halloween in your own mystical way.

Tinkerbell?

The story of Peter Pan is often one that is loved by children and Tinkerbell would be a great costume to make or buy.

You may want to read the story of Peter Pan before you get started on a Tinkerbell costume. A Halloween costume like Tinkerbell can be purchased or made. Reading the story may give you some fantastic ideas!

If you choose to buy a Tinkerbell costume you can look online, at Halloween or costume shops or in children’s specialty stores. The costumes are available in beautiful fabrics and often include accessories.

Maybe your partner could play the part of Peter Pan. This would add to the fun of wearing the Tinkerbell outfit.

Other Fairies?

Your first step will be to choose a fairy. Maybe you don’t want to be a famous fairy, like Tinkerbell or the Blue Fairy. Or maybe you want to come up with your own idea for a fairy, like a Spring or Fall fairy, or even a Halloween fairy. Once you’ve chosen your fairy then you should be able to figure out if you can buy your costume somewhere or if you need to gather materials to make it yourself.

It should be easy to find adult fairy Halloween costumes in a costume shop, probably more along the lines of the famous fairies mentioned though. And if you have to make your own it can be as simple as a leotard and some homemade wings. Or it can be as extravagant as you like, it’s all in your own creativity.

Fairies are only make believe, so we’re told, so you can use your imagination to the fullest extent when you choose to be one for Halloween. You can be a dainty, pretty fairy or even an ugly, frightening fairy, and you are sure to feel like a kid again.

An adult Shrek Halloween costume would just be fun for the whole family. If you have chosen this ogre to dress up as, then you have already made an excellent choice. Remember, while planning your adult Shrek Halloween costume, to play up the details.

Surely you have seen the movie if you are thinking of this character for your costume this year. But if not, then of course you should. I would recommend seeing Shrek 2 as well. Study the mannerisms and detailed characteristics so that you can not only look like Shrek, but act like Shrek too. Your kids will love this.

Add some extra flair to your adult Shrek Halloween costume by carrying some samples of "ogre food" with you, things that only Shrek would eat. Offer them up to the kiddies and it will certainly give you some extra Shrek appeal.

Don’t forget those catch phrases, "better out than in, I always say," "ogres are like onions," and you can’t forget, "shut up donkey!" This will add just that much more to your total package.

Don’t obsess over the details though. Even if your costume is not an exact replica, you could even win a contest with some creative flair. The most important thing is just to make Shrek come alive, especially if you have kids that you are trying to entertain. Step outside of yourself and become Shrek for the evening and your kids will be sure to have a Halloween to remember.

A French Maid Halloween costume is suitable for warm to fair weather, if it is to be worn outdoors. Most styles are somewhat risqué, and intended for women; however, there are subdued styles for young girls. The top is fitted, with lace at the collar, and arms. The skirt is short, pleated, flared and lined with white lace.

You can find maid costumes in Halloween specialty stores. They are also sold at costume stores, year-round.

The French Maid Halloween costume is usually black, with white lace trim. Other popular colors are dark blue and red, trimmed in white lace. You can expect the more expensive costumes to be composed of silk. Less expensive costumes are composed of silk-like blends and synthetics.

A French Maid Halloween costume has several accessories. These accessories are white, and trimmed in lace. A small apron should be worn; tied into a large bow at the back. This is one of the most recognizable elements of the French Maid costume costume. A small bonnet is attached to the crown of the head. Hair should be worn pulled back into a large bow. If it is worn down, style it into ringlets.

Fishnet tights, in white, black, or natural, are commonly worn with the French Maid Halloween costume. Nylons work well, also.

A lot of makeup helps to complete the French Maid Look. Eyes should be smoky, and the lips should be painted in deep shades of red.

A feather duster is a common prop for this costume.