The scariest part of Halloween isn't walking through a haunted house or listening to a ghost story or even reading the nutrition label on a bag of Brach's candy corn--it's showing up to a Halloween party wearing the same "creative" costume as someone else. Unintentional outfit matching is embarrassing enough (thanks, picture day episode of Lizzie McGuire), and it's even worse when the offenders had been under the impression that their idea was unique. In an attempt to prevent fashion faux pas this All Hallow's Eve, here's a list of sure-to-be-overdone costumes (aka "obvious" costumes) and their actually creative alternatives.
1. Obvious: Harambe
Creative: Dan Van Coppenolle
Who wants to spend all night in a gorilla costume? Instead of mourning Harambe's death, let's celebrate the man who gave him life (or at least a name).
2. Obvious: Barb from Stranger Things Creative: Hilda Mercado, Stranger Things uncredited camera operator
There are no small parts, only small camera operators.
3. Couple's Obvious: Ryan Lochte and Burglar
Couple's Creative: Two Rio gas station patrons
Because some ghost stories only need to be told once.
4. Obvious: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Creative: Lin-Manual Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda, but with a stick shift! People love puns a Hamil-ton.
5. Obvious: Dog Snapchat filter
Creative: Rewind Snapchat filter
Remember all the twin emoji costumes of 2014? Yawn! That's how you'll feel about the dog Snapchat filter come October 31st. Instead, try the rewind filter! Live your whole night backwards!
6. Obvious: The bear from The Revenant
Creative: The pile of leaves from The Revenant
Remember that part when Leo hides under the piles of leaves? I think that happened. So classic!
7. Obvious: A youth playing Pokemon Go
Creative: A person driving a car hitting a youth playing Pokemon Go
This high-concept costume is not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is definitely there.
Feel free to leave your obvious turned creative costume ideas in the comments!