Halloween is the one day of the year your outfit can be as scary, stupid or revealing as possible, and no one will judge you for it.
There’s just one tricky part: deciding what to be. 
Some people spend weeks coming up with ideas and planning their costumes. Or maybe you’re like me and wait until the last minute to decide. Having to set aside time to think up and then put together a frivolous outfit I’ll only wear for one night is something I constantly push back until the week of Halloween. 
However, planning a costume is easy if you pull your idea from what you already know or have tucked away in your closet.
Pop culture references are easily recognizable and easily recreated. Most costumes that are based on celebrities, television shows and movies can start with items you already have in your wardrobe.
For example, “The Addams Family” is a classic television and movie franchise that’s still relevant today. One of the easiest characters to recreate is Wednesday Addams, whose consistent wardrobe is a black dress with a peter pan collar, tights and black shoes. This can be recreated with items from your closet and paired with simple accessories. Braid your hair in pigtails and make your makeup pale with dark eyeshadow, and you’re Wednesday. 
Other popular television shows like “American Horror Story: Coven,” “Breaking Bad” and “Scandal” are easily recreated because all three show’s wardrobes are made of clothing items people keep handy in their closets. 
While these costume ideas are simple, some are more difficult, but still attainable. For a show like “Game of Thrones,” you can make the base and accessories with what you have, and then go out and get all the extra necessities, like medieval-style clothing and props. 
You don’t necessarily need to get specific with your Halloween costume references. Another easy option is channeling a specific era for your outfit. 
While many people don’t have ’80s prom dresses and ’70s fringed vests in their closets, a quick trip to a local thrift store can buy a whole costume for a little money.
Pick an era that speaks to you, and then do a bit of research. What were the biggest trends? What were popular patterns, colors and silhouettes? Then head to a thrift store or an older relative’s closet and start digging. 
Don’t be afraid to be daring. If you choose an era like the ’70s, there was a large trend of flowy silhouettes and psychedelic patterns. Mix patterns and fabrics to create a costume that shows you’re distinctly channeling another decade. 
One final note: Your worst nightmare on Halloween is showing up to a party where no one can guess what you are. If this is the case, ditch the costume. Go for something a little more obvious. While people will appreciate your hard work and attempt to be different, it’ll still be an awkward conversation.
Meg Ryan is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can reach her on Twitter @The_MegRyan.

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10/26/14 Halloween Costumes