It will be impossible for me to give you a complete breakdown of costumes that are available for ladies in the halloween theme, as the list is endless. This article is written to give you an idea as to what is available and, the questions you should ask yourself before choosing a costume to wear. It is important that you feel comfortable in your choosen costume or you will not enjoy your function.

• What is your figure like?

  Now you must be honest with yourself. You want to enjoy your party yes? Not worrying about whether your belly is showing. There are plenty of costumes that can look sexy without showing your flesh. Look for a costume that is maybe a little A-line or has rouching down the front. A cape will also make you feel more confident. If you've got great legs, then show them off in a shorter type of costume. If you haven't, then stick to a longer skirt. If you have large bust, double check you will be able to wear your bra without ruining the look. If you have large arms, choose a costume that has some type of sleeve, even if it is a bit of chiffon, it will be enough to take the eye away from your arms.

• How Many People Will You Know At Your Party?I have found that when my customers are going to a party where they do not know many people they will always dress more conservatively. Maybe it is because they want to create the 'right' impression, I am not sure.

• What is the Party For?

  What you would wear to a hen party would probably be more risque than what you would wear to your husband's boss annual do.

• How Much Effort Do You Want To Have To Make?

  I do accept that some people just do not like dressing up. If this applies to you, choose a costume that does not require extreme make up or a wig. I often recommend a nun costume. A nun, I hear you say 'At Halloween?' Well at Halloween, Evil is in the air and any religious outfit will help to ward of evil spirits. The great thing about a nun costume is that you don't even have to do your hair! On the flip side, Halloween allows all you girls who just need an excuse to slap on the makeup and wear a wig to be as vampy as they want.

During the last couple of years the choice of packaged costumes available for men has exploded. Not so long ago, men only really had the choice as going to a halloween costume party as Dracula, a Wizard, a Devil or a Grim Reaper. But this is the case no longer, thank goodness!

Many of the halloween costumes for men will involve wearing a mask. A lot of people find wearing a mask uncomfortable and claustrophobic. It is one thing, just trying it on, it is another keeping it on all night. Also remember that you will not be able to eat or drink without ruining the effect. Alternatively, you can use make up. I would recommend a water based make up such as Snazaroo. As it is water based, it will come off with soap and water. Be warned, it will also come off if you sweat or rub against something, or someone! Do not use grease based face paint as this just will not come of anything and your host will not be very happy!

So what are your choices?

Well, you need to decide if you are keen on dressing up. If you are not, I would suggest a simple wizard costume, or even just a black cloak over dark jeans and dark top. Creating a basic halloween costume is so easy for all of you who just don't do the costume thing. All you need to do is to make 2 red marks (like bite marks) on your neck and wear some vampire teeth.

For those of you who are more adventurous, the new range of zombie costumes are just fantastic. To get the look right, you will need to wear either make up or a mask. Due to the success of Pirates of the Carribean, Jack Sparrow and skull pirate costumes are also very popular with men. The Grave Groom costume (see picture) can also be used as Baron Samedi (character in the Bond film 'Live & Let Die'). Werewolf costumes are very effective, but can get hot. Don't right off the old faithfuls such as Count Dracula, just add some of the fantastic accessories to get a unique look

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