Scrap the expected sultry vixen costumes. Meg Paterson and Erika Sauder are trick-or-treating for UNICEF on Friday and would rather not don mini skirts paired with cleavage-bearing tops when families greet them at their front doors.
“It’s in broad daylight when little kids are out – I don’t want to ask for money dressed as a slutty school girl,” Sauder said.
Instead, the two University students looked to current events and Hollywood nostalgia for their 2008 Halloween costume inspiration. Paterson will dress as the “beat-up” stock market and Sauder will emulate Audrey Hepburn’s iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look. Both have kept their costs at a minimum by recycling costume items they have already worn, borrowing from friends and buying cheap accessories.
After following the economic crisis this fall, Paterson decided she wanted to represent the crash of the stock market by painting her face with bruises and displaying the Dow Jones’ downward spiral on a T-shirt and pants.
Paterson said that while she has received positive feedback about her costume, she was offended that one male friend assumed she would wear something provocative. “What are you going to be?” he asked. “Oh wait, let me guess. Something slutty?”
“I can understand why some women think slutty costumes are degrading and why some women feel happy trying to look attractive,” Paterson said. “But, Halloween is expected to be slutty, and I have never cared to do what is expected.”
Sauder has dressed up as both humorous and seductive characters in the past, including Mary Katherine Gallagher and a naughty nurse. This year she wants to look sexy, but not provocative. Sauder will wear a plain black dress with a pearl necklace, long black gloves, and a little crown.
“More and more it seems like sexy costumes are the only options,” Sauder said. “Thirteen-year-olds are putting them on – it’s inappropriate. Sometimes people who are more conservative think that they can break out. It’s seemingly more socially appropriate that day to wear barely anything.”
According to the National Retail Federation Web site, Paterson and Sauder’s homemade costumes are among the most popular ideas this year. “Hollywood has tremendous influence over what adults, children and even pets wear,” NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin said in a statement. Batman, the Joker, and Hannah Montana outfits are flying off the shelves, as are Sarah Palin hairpieces, glasses, dress suits and lipstick (not to mention baby dolls and fake rifles).
The upcoming presidential election and state of the economy have had a large impact on Oct. 31 costumes and consumer habits.
Halloween spending is strong this year, especially among 18- to 24-year-olds who plan to spend an average of $86.59 on the holiday, according to a BIGresearch poll conducted in early September.
“After months of bleak economic news, consumers are looking for a reason to let loose,” said Phil Rist, vice president of strategy for BIGresearch. “And with Halloween falling on a Friday this year, consumers may plan to celebrate all weekend long.”
When they finish trick-or-treating, Sauder and Paterson plan to attend friends’ parties. They will not be making any sultry transformations, but instead wear the costumes they’ve created.
To find and contribute classy, crazy and cool costume ideas, visit Pulse’s Pizazz blog.
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