If you're anything like me, you simultaneously look forward to Halloween and are surprised at its sudden appearance. Every year, I think I will pull out the stops and do something crazy-wonderful costume (usually Ziggy Stardust is my aim). And every year, I say the weekend before Halloween, "I'm not going to have the time to put that together. What can I be?"
So, dear readers, I've pulled together some emergency costume ideas for you.
The Flapper
This is such an easy costume to create because, chances are, you already have everything you need for it.
What you need:
- Some kind of flappy or flowy dress, preferrably knee- or thigh-length; it doesn't have to be fitted or have the fringe, just something that will jump and twirl around.
- Red lipstick; if you're feeling brave, try the traditional "cupid's bow" look (see Clara Bow for the best examples)
- Fishnet or lace tights; because, I don't know, it's cute?
- Eyeshadow; go for smoky and dramatic
- Bobby pins; this is if you decide to do the finger waves that are synonymous with flappers. Here's my quick method for doing it:
1. Use way too much hair goop, slather it all over, especially at the front.
2. Take a section of your hair at the front and comb it straight down.
3. Hold the piece flat against your head and lay your index and middle fingers across it. Hold it tight.
4. With your other hand, slide the bobby pin toward the back of your head (between the two fingers), while not letting go of the hair. This will cause the bobby-pinned sectioned to be pushed back, while the parts you were holding down will stay in place, creating waves.
5. Blow-dry that motha. Then remove the bobby pins (or leave them in if you'll be partying hard).This sounds strange, but it's the same general process that genuine flappers used, though they had neat gadgets to do the work for them.
Or, if you don't really want to do that, you can just buy a flapper hat:
(Oh, what? You really thought I wouldn't use this opportunity to whore out my goods?)
- Heaps of necklaces; the longer the better, pearls and other "old-timey" necklaces are the best
- Add in some earrings, rings, and bangles for added measure:
The beauty of the flapper costume is you can nail one aspect of it (the hair, the dress, the makeup, or the jewelry) and everyone will go, "Ah, yes, you are a flapper." Because frankly, our version of the flapper is so well-known, despite how historically inaccurate it may be. So have fun with it!
Read about the rest of the easy-peasy costumes by clicking here.
(I know you don't want to hear it, O Faithful Reader, but Blogger kind of blows so I'm sending you to Wordpress in order to read the rest. It's totally worth the journey.)
