by Jo Ann Wentzel

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 16, 2009

These costume ideas should always be looked upon as a mere starting point since space does not allow complete costume making details.

When looking for ideas for costumes, why not call upon your own heritage. All of us have some connection with another culture. Your native dress may be the perfect costume. If you climb onto your family tree, you will find ancestors from many cultures. One may be just right for your theme party or Halloween costume. Are you proud of your Irish name? Why not dress traditionally? Maybe you would like to don the tartan kilt of your Scottish ancestors. Once you think of things in this region, ideas may be focused on Leprechauns or possibly the character from Brave heart or maybe Queen of Scots. One idea leads to another. Moving to Italy, you might go traditional r maybe the costume of a gondolier. The Swiss Alps mountain climber or maybe Heidi might come to mind as you travel Europe in your mind. Maybe an Austrian lady or a German yodeler would be the perfect costume. You might want to focus on some famous royalty of any of these countries or military personalities from them. When you think of famous artists with distinct personalities, you may want to try Charles Dickens or Toulouse Lautrec. Marie Antoinette is a recognizable personality as is King Henry the 8th. If you decide to adopt a costume from these categories, use a great illustration for perfect detail and recognizability. Don't ever make a caricature of a national or ethnic costume. Be authentic and respectful.

A good source of ideas will come directly from your own imagination. Start with something like outer space and you will be surprised how many possibilities present themselves. You could start with an astronaut and work up to an alien from outer space. The great thing about aliens is we really are not sure what they might look like so they can be anything. Here you are worried about effects more than authenticity. You sure can go with the short, large headed, bug-eyed gray men, but why not offer the world other options. Add antennae to a normal head or an extra eye. Both can be done simply when fastened to a cap or hood you've made to serve as a mask. Add extra arms, legs, or other appendages. Why not a hump or maybe scales or horns? The fabric and outer 'skin' of the alien could be made from something slippery, furry, snake-like, or mushy. You could use this same idea for a monster. We have all seen and costumed many Draculas, werewolves, Frankensteins, and assorted creatures. Why not create one the world has yet to see - a unique creation whose only purpose is to scare the rest of us.

Don't overlook the costumes of specific time periods like the Roaring 20's flapper or gangster, the Victorian lady, or the whole host of characters from the Renaissance period. The time of the Crusades could be a source for interesting costumes. The reign of King Arthur offers a variety of possibilities. If you are an unbeliever and consider him a myth, then also go into literature to find other fun examples from Tom Sawyer, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White or David Copperfield. The selection is endless and only limited by your imagination. Almost anyone can create a reasonable likeness according to a graphic or photo. You will not be exact perhaps, but the object is for people to know whom the costume represents. If you can achieve that, you will be successful. Use props along with the costume to remind people of part of the story or book.

Have a wonderful costume experience and remember the best part is in the creation of the costume. Let your kids help if they are able to do so, as they will enjoy the process as much as the party or event.

Learn more about this author, Jo Ann Wentzel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.