Dressed to DISTRess
It's that spooktacular time of year, yet your brain is blank on what to do for costumes and ideas that will get you through multiple Halloweekend celebrations.
The fun and festivities of Halloween bring excitement all fall long for people who enjoy the spooky factor of the season. Yet, each year, there can be stress in planning an outfit or thinking of last-minute ideas if your schedule doesn't allow for much creative brainstorming. What better way to reduce some of the thought than to take influence from New Orleans itself? Read on for 10 unique New Orleans-inspired Halloween costumes to try out. These can be donned individually or as group/couples' costumes. If you try any of these out, be sure to tag us on social media.
Holy Trinity Mix
Where would so many beloved Cajun and Creole dishes be without this necessary base? Pay honor to this component of cooking in a fun, standout way. This is a costume that one could do alone but makes for a great group costume, as well. When building this idea, think whites and variations of green for clothing to showcase the three-ingredient base of onions, peppers, and celery. For representing "the pope" of garlic, go with similar colors and be sure to bump up the accessories. When it comes to accessorizing, go with gold jewelry and religious accessories including crosses or a pope hat to emphasize the true "saving grace" holy factor.
Under Construction and the Potholes of NOLA
You can't swivel your head in this city without seeing some sort of construction or a pothole that may lead to some other dimension. For the "Under Construction" or "pothole" looks, go with caution tape. Orange and yellow attires and neon could be of great use here. As a couples or group costume, go with the standard construction worker outfit of a vest, hard hat, and any accessories that may fit the bill.
Living Museum or Museum Docent
While so many cultural practices create the city to be what it is, the numerous museums in New Orleans help to preserve that history and share how it has come to be what it is today. With so many museums, there are a lot of variations with this idea. Pick a favorite exhibit that has "come to life." A great cop out if you may not like to dress up as much is to grab a name tag and, with a more uniformed, dressier look, go as a docent. For those who already have museum t-shirts, this is a great way to utilize those, too.
1920s French Quarter Renaissance
Think Roaring 20s era dress, yet with more bohemian fits and colors. Perfect for a pregame at an absinthe bar, as well as replicating the writers, artists, and creatives trying to break their own path outside of Paris and New York.
Work in Progress Parade Outfit
There's no doubt there is a countless amount of work that goes into krewes' and residents' Mardi Gras outfits. This same spirit rolls around in a different way each year for Halloween costumes, so use this to get excited for Mardi Gras to come in 2025. In a light hearted manner and to honor all that work, think of a way to create a work in progress costume or half complete look. This can be made flexible or last minute by donning last year's Halloween/Mardi Gras outfit, with revisions. Reducing, reusing, and recycling never hurt anybody.
King (or Queen) Fish
This is an achievable yet unexpected way to look at the sea life in the city and state. Think of a classic fish-esque costume, using scales on clothing items or as makeup. For colors, go with blue variations and with notes of purple for royalty and, of course, the perfect crown as an accessory. For history fans, create a Huey P. Long take by donning a suit, top hat, and perhaps a briefcase or speech notes.
Beadin' Out
Sometimes it's best to keep it simple, sweetheart. While many will already have classic beaded necklaces on hand, think of a shop or attraction to turn to where you can add to your collection, and create your own unique twist by adding beads to basic tops and bottoms. For clothing attire, think of metallics and, of course, purple, green, and gold.
Muffaletta
A sandwich costume may not be what first comes to mind with costumes, but it all lies in the imagination and creativity. Fabric samples and tie dye would be a great fit here, with this being the perfect larger group costume. It also makes a great fit for the idea of a classic sandwich late-night fix after a night of Halloween parties. Speaking from experience of having constructed a fabric edition of Lady Gaga's VMAs meat dress last year, it can be done, y'all.
Stuck in the Swamp, Swamp Tour Guide, or Swamp Creature
Use your imagination here of what appeals to you most, whether it be the classic tour guide look, swampy colors like you've been out wading in a bayou, or a favorite Louisiana animal that dwells in the darkness.
Chef
While it may seem a bit too straightforward, find an out of the box way to pay homage to the many important and celebrated chefs of New Orleans' past or present who have helped uphold the city's culinary legacy. Craft a simple base of an apron and, if desired, a chef's hat, and brainstorm ideas of what makes this chef's look recognizable. Some ideas to build upon this can include accessorizing with a favorite seasoning or focusing on messiness from the kitchen after creating a favorite dish.
