Halloween is fast approaching and I'm sure most college students are rushing to throw together a passable costume with their very limited time and budgets. Being a total hipster (I'm sorry) and fan of all things '90s, I've thrown together a list of the best group, couple, and solo Halloween costumes straight from the '90s (that won't break your budget).
1. (Group) -- The cast of "Friends" (or any other group-based sitcom/drama)
It really isn't that difficult, just find five friends that look enough like the characters, invest in some oversized sweaters, crop tops, dresses, and large quantities of denim, and you will be golden. Bonus points if you bring along a speaker with "I'll Be There For You" set on repeat. Use similar structure for "90210," "Seinfeld," etc.
2. (Solo) -- Bill Nye the Science Guy
Shouldn't be too hard to whip this up for any science majors with access to lab coats and equipment. Find yourself a snazzy bowtie as well and you'll be sure to draw crowds chanting "BILL, BILL, BILL."
3. (Solo) -- Steve Urkel
I'm fairly certain I've seen a few people dress like him as their usual outfit, so this one shouldn't be too hard. Striped shirt, suspenders, mom jeans, and a penchant for quipping, "Did I do that?," will make you shine on Halloween.
4. (Couples/Group) -- "Legends of the Hidden Temple" teams
Anyone else who is familiar with this gem of a '90s game show is instantly my friend. I'm happy to say that my girlfriend and I will actually be going as the Red Jaguars this year. You can find the shirts for dirt cheap online, and easily throw it together with some khaki shorts, biker gloves, helmets, and pads. With this outfit you'll be more than ready to take on the Temple Games.
5. (Solo) -- Wilson from "Home Improvement"
All you really need for this one is a bucket hat and a fence (which you could easily make out of a
variety of cheap materials). Oh, and be sure to greet everyone you see with a happy, "Hey neighbor!"
6. (Group) -- Captain Planet and the Planeteers
Need a group costume for your racially diverse group of friends, and also love the environment? Look no further than the Planeteers. Find yourselves some safari vests and jackets, cargo pants, and sneakers, and you'll be set. The hardest part should be convincing one of your pals to paint himself blue and dye his hair green.
7. (Couples) -- Beavis and Butthead
Guys: do you have a friend that shares your passion for heavy metal, weird voices, and even weirder faces? If so, Beavis and Butthead may be the outfit for you. All you need is a simple outfit of shorts, sneakers, and AC/DC and Metallica shirts. Bonus points if you walk around senselessly giggling the whole time.
8. (Solo) -- Johnny Bravo
Are you a buff guy with a knack for sounding like Elvis who needs to throw together an outfit in 20 minutes? Well Johnny Bravo is just the costume to fit your needs.
9. (Group) -- The Powerpuff Girls
I know a lot of girls would absolutely love this costume given how fun and easy to put together it is. Green, pink, and blue t-shirt dresses with black belts is all it takes to become the "perfect girls."
10. (Solo) -- Doug Funnie/Quailman
This one goes out to all the guys that constantly need to remind people that they write in a journal, not a diary. Pretty simple to put together; khaki shorts, white tee, and a green sweater vest will bring this character to life on Halloween. Add a red cape, draw a red "Q" on the sweater, tie a belt around your head and throw some tighty whities on over your shorts to instantly transform into Quailman.
11. (Couples) -- Ed and Dexter from "Good Burger"
White pants, white and blue striped shirts, and soda-jerk hats are all it takes for you and a friend to transform into the faithful workers of Good Burger, home of the Good Burger.
And that is only a small selection of the vast Halloween costume opportunities that the wonderful decade of the '90s has bestowed upon us. All it takes to become any of these wonderful characters is creativity, ingenuity, a fun personality, and a trip to your local Goodwill.