This election season has already proven to be in interesting one, and there's no doubt that this year's candidates are all very unique characters. With Halloween coming up so soon, why not dress as your favorite (or least favorite) political figure? If you need some inspiration, here are five ideas for easy, last-minute Halloween costumes with a fun political theme.
1. Donald Trump
This one is inevitable, so we might as well get it out of the way first. The base for this costume is, of course, a dark blue suit and white button-up shirt with a red tie. Add an American flag lapel pin, and you're almost there; after that, all that's left to tackle is the infamous Trump hair. If you don't want to spring for a Trump-like wig or toupee don't fret, there are plenty of other options. You can easily substitute some lemon cotton candy, a scrap of wool, or a willing small animal. If you really want to Trump it up, consider throwing in some authentic, "Make America Great Again" swag.
2. Bernie Sanders
The beginning of this one is about the same: swap the red tie for a blue one and you're set. Bonus points for accuracy if the shirt or tie is patterned; Bernie likes to keep it funky. Next, the glasses. Rectangular wire-rimmed specs are pretty easy to find in just about any thrift store or street market, but if you don't want to splurge on those, they're just as easy to make yourself out of some wire. Then, use some baby powder to whiten up your (always slightly disheveled) hair and you're good to go! Throw around the phrase "Damn emails!" a bit to complete the illusion and spice up any Halloween party you attend as Bernie.
3. Retired Obama
After two terms in the presidency, Barack Obama is about to finally be relieved of his duties. So, this Halloween, do your best imagine what the current president will look like in his retirement. Maybe some sweats, a classic polo shirt, and a set of golf clubs? This one is very open-ended, so use your imagination (and whatever you already have in your closet) to build a one-of-a-kind retired Obama costume.
4. Marco Rubio
Once again, this costume isn't too different from the others. Dark blue or black suit, white shirt, and patented baby-blue tie to start, but to really finish this one off, carry around a cute little eight ounce bottle of Poland Springs water to drink when you can't think of anything to say. Walk around looking smug, and you'll be the spitting image of this Florida senator.
5. Lincoln Chafee
Chafee may have dropped out of the presidential race, but he's still a great costume option. Throw on a black suit, white shirt, and fun patterned tie, and you're already almost there. For extra realism, practice Chafee's classic "slightly stunned, but in a really endearing grandfatherly way" half-smile to pull out as a great party trick. As a finishing touch, pick up some metric system rulers to hand out to trick-or-treaters.