Story and Photos by Kelsey Stewart
 
Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. People plan costumes for months in hopes of attaining the most individualized costume around. But occasionally, our creative landscapes do not reach horizons as far as we’d like, and Halloween thus turns into an evening filled with replicas. Save the embarrassment of running into your carbon copy on the 31st by avoiding these ten Halloween costumes that should remain in 2011:
 
1. Bodysuits 
Come on, no one wants to see that. Instead, those who are fans of body hugging one-pieces could figure out a 2012 costume in light of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics or Swim Teams.
 
2. Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, or Katy Perry 
It is undeniable that these three pop queens can attract a shy eye from any corner of a room they enter, but after seeing repetitive attempts at recreating their awe over the past two years, I think the gig is over. If you are into brilliant color palates or Technicolor dreams, maybe you can be a Lisa Frank rainbow zebra.
 
3. Where’s Waldo 
We get it. Any opportunity that requires a beanie, some fake glasses and acting like a hipster get people going. But in my opinion, I’ve seen one too many—or should I say 20—too many Waldos last Halloween. Mimes wear stripes and a hat—try that. Or if you are too concerned with looking hipster, then by all means, be a hipster. It’s easy.
 
4. Any Halloween Superstore-bought Outfit
 No explanation needed. Be creative with it and make your own!
 
5. Risky Business 
Tom Cruise’s infamous break out scene in Risky Business has solidified a place in the Halloween costume hall of fame, but enough is enough. If you like sunglasses, and wearing them at night, maybe you can be Corey Hart.
 
6. The Banana 
It’s funny, it really is. Get your friends together and be the Fruit of the Loom guys.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. Celebrity ‘Power’ Couples 
Kurt and Courtney. Snooki and Jionni (and baby). Whitney and Bobby. Nick and Mariah. If you and your significant other want to be a team this Halloween, appreciate the famous couples out of the limelight—Roger and Jessica Rabbit, Bananas in Pajamas (if you are intent on remaining a banana this year), Eggs and Bacon, etc.
 
8. Alcohol Bottles 
Ah, one of the most innovative costumes yet! Get all of your friends to wrap themselves in a shiny piece of silver fabric then glue a sign that says ‘Bud Light’ to the front of it. Genius. Instead of being a six-pack, why not ditch one and be the Spice Girls?
 
9. Teletubbies 
The creepiest television show on Earth equals the creepiest Halloween Costume on Earth. But, if you are into that kind of thing, maybe the Yo Gabba Gabba characters are more appropriate for 2012.
 
10. Black Swan 
She’s beautiful, she’s horrifying, and she’s a ballerina—one of the most overdone and easy to accomplish costumes ever. Pamela Anderson’s stint on Dancing with the Stars is spot on for this year’s take on dance.

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