Halloween. The meaning of it has evolved over time as we have grown up. When we were kids, it was a night for us to travel around the neighborhood and get as much candy as we can in costumes of our favorite characters from movies or TV shows. As we grew up, our costumes grew up as well. While people still dressed up as characters from movies and TV shows, the number of do-it-yourself costumes increased as we learned that a good costume idea doesn’t require one to break the bank at Party City. Some costumes were smart and clever, others not so much, and others were just straight up sexual. So as you head out this October 31 trying to get candy or just having a good time with friends, here’s a breakdown of the types of costumes you’ll see out and about.

The Store-Bought Costume

First, the store-bought costume. This person probably has all the accessories and the overpriced costume of something that will probably be seen 10 to 12 more times at each party you go to. They also probably ran to their local Halloween store within the last week leading up to Halloween that way then they’d have something if they went out on the weekend. There’s nothing wrong with the store-bought costume; some of the best costumes can be bought at the store. Store bought costumes are normally the time-tested fan favorites that are always there when the do-it-yourself costumes just won’t do it for you.

Not too many people will ask you what your costume is, and that’s OK. The problem is when the same costume shows up so often at the party that it becomes unoriginal and overplayed. So if you are going to go store bought, go with something a little bit different, or coordinate something with friends to make it a little different. Don’t be afraid to go store bought, but also don’t be afraid to make it your own.

The Do It Yourself Costume

Here you will come across one of two extremes. The Do-It-Yourself costume that was thrown together 20 minutes before heading out to the party they were dragged to by their friends, consisting of things just lying around the dorm so they at least have a costume of some sort so they can be in the “spirit of Halloween.” They probably don’t want to be there, and will most likely be found in the corner on their phone. Then you have the other extreme, the person that made their costume weeks in advance and will either be the most clever thing at the party or a joke that no one at the party will get.

But don’t worry, if you don’t get it, they’ll be happy to explain it to you, and never let you leave even after they explain it. Approach the DIY costume with caution this Halloween, otherwise, your night will be anything but a treat.

The Couple/Partner Costumes

Going to start this one by saying this isn’t limited to the boyfriend/girlfriend costume combinations, but the just costumes that would require two, and only two, people to make work. This could include Maverick and Goose from "Top Gun" for two guys looking to be each other’s wingmen when flying into the danger zone that is the Halloween house party. There are the peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the friends that were practically made for each other. The possibilities are endless and can be both bought at your local Halloween store, or made at home or in your dorm. Just find your best friend, and show everyone at the party that you’re not only creative but the best of friends.

The Squad Costumes

This is for groups of three or more. And just like the pairs costumes, the possibilities are endless. Take any group of characters; the Minions from "Despicable Me," Darth Vader or Kylo Ren and an army of Stormtroopers, an army of Spartans from "300," the list goes on and on. A giant group costume can be a fun idea for if you've got too many people that all want to do the same thing. The only downside here is to make sure you have a confirmed destination for the evening. Trying to get into a strangers house rolling deep with a large group could definitely hurt your chances of being able to get into a party on Halloween night

So there's your breakdown of the many characters you'll come across this Halloween. Hope it's a fantastic time. Stay safe and have fun everyone.