Creative scare

Sage Merritt / News Virginian
Published: October 22, 2007

You're not alone. In fact, according to local retailers, swashbuckling buccaneers and Harry Potter look-a-likes might be lost in the crowd, with recent movies and pop culture driving this season's costume trends.

"Pirates are still the big seller," remarked Kimberly Berry, proprietor of Zelma's in downtown Staunton. "People go with what's popular, or with the old standbys. This year- Lots of princesses, pirates, angels, devils, gladiators and Spartans, because of that movie, '300.' "

There's nothing wrong with picking a popular costume this Halloween. However, if you're the type to stand out from the crowd, there are plenty of creative costume ideas - ranging from elegant to edgy - that can make your Halloween ensemble one to remember.

Off-the-wall costumes are often the most memorable, according to Berry.

"I'm particularly fond of dressing as lawn ornaments," Berry said. "There's a lot to work with there. There's also Annie Oakley and a target."

Other ideas include the floor of a movie theater (dress in black and attach popcorn, empty drink cups, gum and a stray cell phone to your clothes), a tornado (dress in gray and attach tiny cows, horses and farm equipment to your clothes) or a Chia Pet (dress in brown and use temporary dye to turn your hair green).

According to Angie Berry, proprietor of Celebrate in Staunton, couple's costumes are also a good opportunity for creativity.

"Flappers and gangsters, cavemen and cavewomen," Angie Berry said. "There is a lot of stuff out there."

A handful of accessories can make a simple but distinctive ensemble, she added.

"The most clever idea I've seen this year was a baloney sandwich," Angie Berry said. "And this morning we made a vulture out of black feather wings and a black boa."

For those who aren't afraid to offend, Kimberly Berry said, the possibilities are endless. Pop culture and American history have provided plenty of costume ideas, ranging from hilarious to morbid.

"Dead Marilyn Monroe, dead JFK," the Zelma's proprietor said. "Jackie O holding fake brains. Janet Leigh from 'Psycho,' with just a shower curtain and fake blood."

For other laugh-inspiring ideas, also consider Nick Nolte's mugshot (Hawaiian shirt, crazy hair, dazed expression), Martha Stewart (high-waisted jeans, sweater set, handcuffs) or Paris Hilton (huge sunglasses, blond wig, handcuffs).

For those who don't mind explaining their costumes, a play-on-words might suit your taste. Consider dressing as The Red "C" (dress in red and affix a "C" to your chest) or a Chick Magnet (attach small birds all over your clothes).

"You want to stand out from the crowd," Kimberly Berry said. "A lot of people do the same thing."

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