Halloween can be a fun holiday, and that fun is amplified if you have a perfect costume. Costumes come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, and in the fall, costume shops are very prominent. When you're choosing a Halloween costume, there are a number of things to consider, especially if you're paying a lot of money for that costume. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• How hot will the costume be? Depending on where you live, October can be warm or it can be very cold or even snowing. Choose your costume accordingly. Remember that even if you won't be outside most of the time, you won't have much control over open doors or drafts at events. Also keep in mind that crowded parties can be very hot.
• Who will be attending the event? On Halloween, many children will be allowed to stay up later than usual and attend parties with adults. Make sure that your costume is appropriate. Short skirts and cleavage-bearing costumes are commonly sold for women, and men may choose funny costumes with sexual undertones. You may wish to have two costumes for that night-one for family parties and one for adult-only parties.
• How scary do you want your costume to be? For some people, being an undead zombie just isn't a moral option. If your religious values prevent you from choosing supernatural costumes, you can instead choose to be something lighthearted, such as a clown, or even something religious, such as an angel.
• How long will you be wearing this costume? Painting you face may sound like a good idea in the beginning of the night, but after an event that last 5 hours, you may wish that your skin didn't feel sticky or melting! Make sure that you try on your costume before you leave your house so you can be sure that it is comfortable.
• How much are you willing to spend on a costume? If you have money to spare, buying a costume may not be a problem, but keep in mind that Halloween is just one night. If you're on a budget, consider, instead, making a costume. You can do so by browsing for pieces at a thrift store or even raiding your grandfather's closet.

On a final note, if you are choosing a costume for a child, allow him or her to have a bit of a say into what that costume is. You child will have a much better time pretending to be someone or something they really want to be!

Article Written by: Peggy Schmitt