Adults and Their Halloween Costumes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Years ago, I was cornered for my thoughts about the psychological meaning of adults' Halloween costume choices. Creatively misquoted, I think maybe it's time to set the record straight-- you can't diagnosis a person from their Halloween costume-- not officially anyway. Behind every French maid costume or superhero cape is a unique woman or man wearing that outfit. If a costume gave us great insight into understanding someone, mental health professionals, matchmakers, and corporate and political institutions would throw more Halloween parties.

Motivations and behaviors differ. And we've all made a few misguided wardrobe decisions in our lives. Therefore, jumping to conclusions or generalizing based on a good or bad Halloween costume choice, is never a good idea. Instead, let's take a look at a few costume favorites for adults and some possible motivations for choosing that look.

Superman, Batman, or any action hero
Possible motivations:
Want to feel powerful in a comic book kind of way.
Already feel powerful and want to showcase that in a comic book kind of way.
Liked the movie.
Liked the outfit.
Look good in the colors.
Somebody dared me.
It was the only costume in the store/house.

Sexy Witch or Vampire
Possible motivations:
Obsessed with Dark Shadows, Elvira, or Twilight.
Want to step out of that "nice" comfort zone and appear mean, yet attractive.
Have lost weight and decided to wear my old black prom dress or tux with the hat/cape.
No one would expect it.
Somebody dared me.

Zombie
Possible motivations:
Love the film genre and decided to see how long it would take in the makeup chair to get the look.
Wanted to scare my BFFs and this was the best way to do it.
No one would expect it.
Somebody dared me.

Now let's refrain from being too judgmental and focus on the important part of Halloween-- candy. Happy Halloween!

Ever made a bad costume decision? Share your story in the comments.